Dale Earnhardt Jr has a lot to prove next year. To himself, his fans, and to DEI. I don't think he will roll over and just give up. Jr is a race car driver. period.

And he does have talent. Does he have talent enough to win a championship? Yes,  I really believe that.  Two back to back Busch titles are testiment to the fact that he can drive.  Heck, this year he just missed the chase and had 5 dnf's due to engine failure.  He runs consistently in the top 15. 

Next year will be a big one for Dale Jr.  He will have a lot of pressure on him to perform well.  He knows that the whole world will be watching and waiting for the first chance to criticize him for his actions.

He will have the best resources there is in the Nascar series.  It is time to "shut up and drive". 

If he makes the chase next year, if he wins the championship, what is next?  What will the world think then?  Will everyone just leave him alone and let him race or do you think that they will find a reason to bitch?  Hey, did you know that Dale Jr had a zit on his ass?

What does this guy have to do to prove to the world that he deserves to be where he is?  I'd like to hear from all you Jr-haters.  What would make you happy?  What will make you stop bashing him every chance you get?

I am a fanatic about Jr.  I love anything Earnhardt.  If he wins I am ecstatic, If he loses I feel bad (not because I am mad at him, I feel bad because he wasn't able to do what he is capable of).  I think that Dale is a great person on and off the track.  He is who he is, take it or leave it.  He isn't trying to be someone he isn't. 

In 2008 we will have some of our answers.  I know that if he actually wins the cup in his first year at HMS, all the haters will say he got lucky or it was a fluke.  What does Jr have to do in order to get a break?  It is a sorry state of affairs that there are so many Nascar "fans" (and I use that term lightly) that use their energy talking crap about all drivers but their own.  In a site like this we should be enjoying talking to others and learning what their opinions are.  I can respect a fan who says Kyle Busch is their favorite driver, even though he is my least favorite.  So why is it that so many people can't respect Jr's fans?  Is it because there are so many?

I know, this blog has been a rambling, crazy one.  I have had a long week.  I've just spent the last hour catching up on some of the posts and seeing so many people dog Jr just set me off. 

To those of you who don't like Dale Jr but still respect my opinion, thank you.  You are a valuable part of my Fox sports experience.  To those of you who love to insult me, you suck.

And here's to the weekend!  I hope all of you have a great one and a safe one.  I'll chat back at ya soon!

PS.  If Jayhawk67 or Photog read this- I'd like to say that I've always liked reading your posts, even when they say things I don't agree with.  You are always respectful of everyone and you usually have something of real value to add.