2011 Daytona 500: 10 Reasons Pole-Sitter Dale Earnhardt Jr. Can't Be Counted Out

Dale Earnhardt Jr. has had a tough go of things lately, losing over 85 races in a row in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and struggling to be competitive in the Cup standings. 

But will this year's Daytona 500 break the streak?  Follow along as I go through some reasons why "Little E" can't be counted out in this year's race.

Reason No. 1: Super Speedway

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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 13: Pole award winner Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the #88 National Guard/AMP Energy Chevrolet, poses in victory lane after qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on Februar

Most of Junior's major success has happened on the Super Speedways.  Put him on a track like Talladega or Daytona and he can fly.  He's one driver you can never count out when it comes to these types of tracks.

Reason No. 2: A New Team

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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 11: (L-R) Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the #88 National Guard Chevrolet, stands in the garage area with crew chief Steve Letarte during practice for the NASCAR Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway on February

Junior's team has been revamped (as have two other teams at HMS) and he seemed happier at the track last weekend.  Like RCR's changes last year, this adjustment can have major positive effects on the No. 88 car.

Reason No. 3: The 10th Anniversary of His Father's Death

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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - JULY 02: Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the #3 Wrangler Chevrolet celebrates after winning the NASCAR Nationwide Series Subway Jalapeno 250 at Daytona International Speedway on July 2, 2010 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Chris G

Junior always seems to drive just a little bit harder when there's a major Dale Earnhardt Sr. event happening.  Sunday will be the 10th anniversary of Senior's death and we may see a different Junior on the track than normal.

Reason No. 4: It's Daytona

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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - JULY 03: A crash takes place on lap 148 during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway on July 3, 2010 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by John Harrelson/Getty Images for NASCAR)

Anything can, and will, happen at Daytona.  If you can survive the wrecks, you have a good chance to win.  If Junior keeps himself up front the whole race, he may be one of the lone survivors.

Reason No. 5: It's a New Season

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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 11: Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the #88 National Guard Chevrolet, sits in his car in the garage during practice for the NASCAR Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway on February 11, 2011 in Daytona Beach, Flor

If anyone is as frustrated about their last few seasons as Dale, please stand up...yea, that's what I thought. 

Junior will do anything to avoid another unsuccessful year and his team owner is standing by him to make sure that happens.

Reason No. 6: Michael Waltrip

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BRISTOL, TN - AUGUST 25: Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the #8 Budweiser Chevrolet, talks with Michael Waltrip, driver of the #55 NAPA Auto Parts Toyota, during the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series Sharpie 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway on August 25, 2007 in Brist

While Mikey isn't in the race yet, he has a good shot.  If he gets in, he'll be supporting Junior every step of the way and we may even see the old teammates hook up.

Reason No. 7: Even the Drivers Will Be Rooting for Him

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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 12: Jeff Burton, driver of the #31 Caterpilliar Chevrolet, leads Kevin Harvick, driver of the #29 Budweiser Chevrolet, Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the #88 National Guard/AMP Energy Chevrolet, and Kyle Busch, driver of the #

Yes, everyone wants to win the Daytona 500, but who wouldn't want to see the son of The Legend win the race on the 10th anniversary of his father's death?

Heck, even Kyle Busch was working with Junior in the race last weekend.

Reason No. 8: Everyone Is a Teammate

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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 12: Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe's Chevrolet, leads Greg Biffle, driver of the #16 3M Ford, during the NASCAR Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway on February 12, 2011 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (P

Daytona is one of the few places where you can make teammates out of everyone.  Just like every other driver, Junior will be hooking up with people we'd never imagine him working with.

Reason No. 9: The Front of the Car Is More Durable

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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 12: Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the #88 National Guard/AMP Energy Chevrolet, practices for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 12, 2011 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo b

Unlike last year's model, these cars can stand a lot happening to the grill area before they give in.  Denny Hamlin's run through the grass in qualifying barely did any damage and they had the car fixed in no time.

So, a wrong tap or a ride through the grass won't hurt near as bad as it used to.

Reason No. 10: The Front Row

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DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 12: Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the #88 National Guard/AMP Energy Chevrolet, leads the field at the start of the NASCAR Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway on February 12, 2011 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (

While the pole usually seems to be a curse, the closer you are to the front at Daytona, the better you are, so the front row is a golden spot.

If Junior can stay up front, he should be able to miss most of the action in the back.