This weekend’s race at Pocono could be the turning point for many of today’s top NASCAR drivers in the standings. While looking for the perfect driver for today’s race, I stumbled upon the stats and current standings in the chase and I couldn’t believe my eyes. There is Dale Jr. second in the points. I thought I might still have some morning sleepy in my eyes but no, he really is second in the points going into the race at Pocono. He is only 253 points out of first and is poised to strike for the championship in second place. Outstanding. While this has been sort of a quiet season for Dale, as far as the racing goes, he is showing what his team can do when they are left alone to focus on the task at hand. Racing!

This has got to be one of the strangest seasons going in NASCAR’s history. So many variables that are different from the norm, makes this season one for the junk books as far as this reporter is concerned. However, there is some light at the end of the tunnel. I have said in past articles that I have written about Dale Jr. that I thought he would never be able to procure his championship status while driving under the DEI family flag. As it turns out, I was right. His leaving DEI to make the move over to Hendricks camp was his smartest yet. While this has not been a season of landmark or history breaking wins for Dale, it might very well be his best shot at the championship so far.

(Rogue’s past article)

This season for Dale has been filled with consistency. He has seven top 5’s and twelve top 10’s along with one win so far that came at Michigan. (Dale’s stats) He currently has no DNF’s on his record for this season and is working toward sneaking his way into the championship. Ironically, I haven’t heard much hype about Junior in the media covering this sport. Maybe it is because I can’t stand to listen to the jack-asses who report on this sport nowadays but never the less Junior is there.

I believe this is his best chance at a championship and if all goes right, he will win the final race of the regular season at Richmond and move on into the chase somewhere around second or third in the restarted points standings, based upon the 10 bonus points per win in the regular season. It will be Kyle Busch, Carl Edwards and Dale Jr. starting the 2008 NASCAR Chase for the Championship. At least that is my thought on it.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. has done what he set out to do. He has shown the fans of this sport and his legion of followers that he is ready and able to take on the challenges that NASCAR gives its competitors no matter what team he drives for. He has also shown all the naysayers that his leaving DEI and moving to Hendricks was the best possible scenario for himself and his followed crew and not the wrong decision or demise as many had predicted. He will make it to the top of this sport to become a champion, maybe as soon as this year.

This season for Dale is one that reminds me of another champion in this sport. Matt Kenseth won a championship with only one win under his belt for the entire season. As a matter of fact, that is what made NASCAR change the format of the points and gave us what we have today in the chase for the championship. Kudos’ to Dale Jr and I applaud the fact he is making it in this sport on his terms and not by playing follow the leader or worse, trying to duplicate the same success his family name is synonymous with. That is what makes a great hero and champion in this sport. Doing it your way! Go get-um Dale!

This has been just one racefan’s opinion…

Rogue Reporter Andy