2007 Preseason No. 6: Dale Earnhardt Jr.

No. 8 Budweiser Chevy

2007 Spin
Dale Earnhardt Jr. and the Budweiser crew got back on track in 2006 after an ’05 season plagued by mismanagement. The team on the whole looked pretty racy, only falling out of the top 10 for one week on two separate occasions.

We’ve seen quite a growth from Earnhardt since the ill-fated crew-swap of 2005. During his time away from cousin/crew chief Tony Eury Jr., Earnhardt learned how to handle and how to talk to his crew when things weren’t going his way. On numerous occasions last year, Junior was the voice of reason, not the source of discontent. This maturity as a racecar driver helped him salvage decent finishes on days when the car was not at its best. It is also a necessary step on any driver’s road to a championship.

Unfortunately for this team, we don’t see a title in the cards for 2007. Although the driver is performing at a high level, the equipment remains a notch or two below that of Hendrick Motorsports and Roush Racing. Even Richard Childress and Ray Evernham have caught and passed DEI. For a Cup to grace the trophy cabinet in Mooresville, some changes need to be made in the management department. Couple that with what we’re sure will be annoying rumors — whether true or unfounded — regarding Junior’s contract that expires at the end of ’07, and it’s clear that there are more issues at play here than on-track performance.

Look for Earnhardt and Eury to at least replicate last season’s one win and 10 top 5s. DEI is working hard on the COT, and Junior is an able-enough wheelman to adapt. He may even be good for upwards of three victories. His short track skills are among the best in the business and, as always, he’ll be dangerous anytime the circuit bolts on the restrictor plates.

Fantasy Stall
Looking at Checkers: Junior has become quite the short track ace.
Pretty Solid Pick: Can’t go wrong at Daytona or Talladega.
Good Sleeper Pick: Atlanta.
Runs on Seven Cylinders: Not many places, but the road courses might be avoided.
Insider Tip: He’s stout across the board, as his fifth-place points finish can attest. He even runs well on the intermediates these days.

2006 Performance Rankings
Flat Track Ranking: 19th — Best Finish: 6th, Indianapolis
Intermediate Track Ranking: 3rd — Best Finish: 2nd, California
Plate Track Ranking: 13th — Best Finish: 8th, Daytona
Road Course Ranking: 24th — Best Finish: 18th, Watkins Glen
Short Track Ranking: 3rd — Best Finish: 1st, Richmond

Get Junior's complete preview in the 2007 Athlon Sports Racing Magazine with the Dale Earnhardt Jr. cover.