NASCAR: Does Dale Earnhardt Jr. Get Preferential Treatment from TV Networks?

Racin' with Russ - When I first met Dale Earnhardt Jr., he was competing in the big Taco Bell 300 Late Model weekend at Martinsville Speedway, or at least trying to; he didn't make the big show that weekend.

The main event was 200 laps, and there were four qualifying heats to make the race. He crashed his way out of his heat, making an early exit to load the car.

He made $65 that weekend as a non-qualifier.

The big difference between that weekend and any race weekend now is the wild throng of media and/or race fans dogging his every move through the pits.

When I approached Dale Jr. back in 1995, the difference then was I was the only one interested in speaking with Dale Sr.'s son. I didn't wait in line, I didn't have to make an appointment, we just sat in his trailer for about 15 minutes talking about racing and his future aspirations.

He spoke easily and freely, totally unencumbered from any onslaught of media, fans or sponsor obligations.

That brings us to 2011, where the whole scene for race fans' favorite driver has radically changed.

The 36-year-old driver has a tough time going anywhere in public, let alone anywhere near a racetrack without being hounded for an autograph on anything from a race program to a race fan's body.

Endorsements from Dale Jr. are always at a premium, and most advertisers feel anything touched or even mentioned by the sport's favorite son will produce oodles of revenue.

As far as media coverage, not many drivers get more, unless they're in the back of the pack and are named Danica Patrick.

From backing Wrangler Jeans to sharing the spotlight with Danica and series sponsor Nationwide, Dale Jr. is seemingly everywhere on the tube.

Does he get preferential treatment from the press, more specifically the TV networks?

You bet he does. Let's talk facts.

Last year, Dale Jr. finished a lowly 21st in points.

Did it matter to his sponsors or race fans? Nah.

Otherwise he would not have been the highest-paid NASCAR driver with a $29 million payday from winnings, endorsements and souvenir sales.

In comparison, Jeff Gordon earned $25 million, and five-time champion Jimmie Johnson racked up $24 million.

Sponsors are very time-conscious when it comes to how many seconds their product is exposed to the rest of the world, whether it be on the sides of their race cars or how well their name is placed on the drivers' suit while being interviewed. There are companies paid serious money to keep track of all those seconds of exposure to better rate their investments.

Throw in the idea of a fan favorite, son of one of the most revered drivers ever, and yes, Dale Jr. is on the screen as much as they can warrant without being ridiculous.

In between practice sessions, you might catch a glimpse of him scurrying across the pits or down pit lane, but you will catch that glimpse regardless, since the TV cameras are always ready and looking for an opportunity to shoot one of the sport's stars.

You won't see David Gilliland or David Reutimann chatting with their crew chiefs, or Kevin Conway exchanging recipes (or fighting) with his bud Robby Gordon, but you will see Dale Jr. doing just about anything for the TV media to get that extra piece of air time.

Comments? Questions? Drop me a line.