Dale Earnhardt Jr. Disappoints in All-Star Race with Contract Extension Looming

More than two million fans voted for the driver they wanted to see in the Sprint All-Star race should a CUP driver fail to be eligible. Dale Earnhardt Jr. no longer had a secure spot in the race, and assured all that he wanted to race his way into the overhyped non-points race.

Junior was not the least bit in contention for a win or runner-up slot in the qualifying Showdown race.

It was no surprise when the Miss Sprint Cup girls—Paige Duke, Monica Palumbo and Kim Coons—made the announcement among the fireworks, music and sparkling lights that Earnhardt Jr. was the chosen driver.

It seemed the Hendrick Motorsports drivers were doing a practice session for next weeks 600 mile race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

None of the four teams ever appeared in contention for a win. Jimmie Johnson finished 11th in the Lowe's No. 5 car. Junior finished 14th, followed by Jeff Gordon and Mark Martin was 19th in his No. 25 car. Yes, car numbers were a bit different.

The promise of action and controversy in the Sprint All-Star race never came to fruition. Perhaps the only fans that truly enjoyed the race were the followers of Carl Edwards, who was the top dog of the segmented race and claimed a total of some $1.2 million dollars.

According to ESPN.com, Rick Hendrick is close to finalizing a multiyear extension to the contract that expires in 2012 with Dale Earnhardt Jr.

It more than likely will keep the sport's most popular driver at Hendrick Motorsports for another three to five year period.

Hendrick was quoted as saying to ESPN.com, "We know we want to be together and we just want to get this over with."

Confidence continues to abound with Earnhardt and his new support system. ESPN.com reported that Earnhardt said, "I am excited to be where I am."

Earnhardt Jr. continued, "From my heart, it's an amazing organization. There are some great, great people there. I've learned a lot being around there. It's made me a better person."

It is obvious Hendrick wants to see the driver of the No. 88 Amp Energy/National Guard Chevrolet win a championship or two before he leaves Hendrick Motorsports.

The revenue that Dale Jr. continues to bring to HMS, despite the extended winless streak of 104 races, certainly enhances the eagerness to secure a new contract deal.

Junior Nation has stood strong in the worst of times with their driver. Now hope springs eternal with Earnhardt Jr. fourth in the NASCAR Sprint Cup point standings.

There is still a ways to go for the No. 88 team led by crew chief, Steve Letarte. They still can't seem to qualify well or come out of the gate strong.

Earnhardt continues to say he doesn't feel the pressure to win, but NASCAR really needs to see this driver capture some wins and make the Chase. The fans continue to expect it.

Even with a contract extension, one has to wonder just how long fans will stand behind Junior should he slip from grace in the points and disappoint with on-track performance.

Should he not be eligible for the Sprint All-Star race next year, fans just may not have his back based on the less than sincere effort put forth this year.

Recently at the promotion of the new HD video screen at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Earnhardt implied in conversation with the media that a win might not be close.

How long can Junior Nation hold their collective breath awaiting a breakthrough win if the driver doesn't even feel it is close despite the improvement shown with his new team?

Will we one day measure the drop out rate of Junior Nation or can Junior live up to the expectations of Rick Hendrick and all will be right in the land of NASCAR?