×

Good for Junior; Gordon is this week’s winner

Every NASCAR fan knew it was bound to happen.

How long do you think the talent-ladened Dale Earnhardt Jr. would go without a win in the 2008 Sprint Cup Series?

And, as if poetic justice, it was Junior picked up his first checkered flag for HMS last Sunday at Michigan International Speedway, which is located in Brooklyn, MI.

It couldn’t have come on a better day either — Father’s Day. I was so glad that Junior finally got that monkey (or maybe, gorilla) off his back after 76 consecutive races without a victory, and what a better way to do it than on the day dedicated to dads.

The 33-year-old has been under the microscope ever since he he broke onto the NASCAR scene back in 2000, but even more so after his beloved father — Dale Sr. — succumbed during a last-lap wreck in the 2001 Daytona 500.

Not many athletes, let alone race car drivers, would be able to do what Junior did. (Golf’s Tiger Woods almost duplicated the feat, but had to wait one more day).

Good job Junior. After all you’ve been through in your career, it was good to see you spinnin’ those tires after your much-deserved, and hard-earned victory.

Don’t look for back-to-back victories this week, however, as Sonoma Raceway isn’t one of Junior’s favorite tracks (see related story on this page).

???

Not to be outdone, teammate Gordon will make it two in a row for HMS as he loves Sonoma Raceway (see related story on this page).

The “Rainbow Warrior” will take the checkered flag after the Toyota/Save Mart 350 which will take place on a road course, and not the conventional track that NASCAR drivers are used to navigating.

North can be reached at knorth@timesleaderonline.com

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.73/week.

Subscribe Today