NASCAR SPRINT CUP AND NATIONWIDE SERIES NEWS, VIEWS AND COMMENTARY

it's just my opinion

consistency is the word

By Sue Kellogg

At the beginning of the season all eyes were on Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and the impact that he would have on the track and at Hendrick Motorsports. 

In speed weeks Junior and the #88 Amp/National Guard team were able to win the BUD shootout and the Gatorade duel but, as this has been pointed out numerous times these were both non-point events. While they were wins they were not considered as important as a points race. 

Yesterday’s race at Martinsville was the sixth race of the 2008 season and with the exception of California, Junior and his team has found the word that every team is looking to say at any stage of the season; Consistency!  While he may not have visited victory circle yet this season, he has already amassed five top tens and three top fives in just six races. At this rate, it is only a matter of time before a trip to victory lane will come.  

It gets even better than that.  This season we are seeing a Junior who seems to be enjoying what he is doing.  There is a sense of security knowing that he has teammates and an owner who are all working together and will be there to help each other out. The only pressure that is put on Junior is to go out on races days and compete for a win.  

Yesterday’s race also showed how strong Hendrick Motorsports are in the Sprint Cup Series.  While the media seems to be focusing on the fact that no Hendrick driver has not yet been in victory circle this season, we saw today; Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson and Dale Jr. all take their turns running at the head of the field, leading 371 laps between them. Those three, along with Casey Mears all finished in the top ten. 

The media is reminding all of us every week how many races it has been since Junior has won a race and that Hendrick has yet to win this season.  Enough already, we know as fans when it was that Junior won his last race and yes we also know that no Hendrick team has yet to be in victory circle.  

Until we see that happen, what you want to see the most from your driver and team is to be consistent and be solidly in the top twelve drivers. Take a look at the points after the Martinsville race, Dale Jr. is now up to fourth with Jeff Gordon in ninth and Jimmie Johnson is now in tenth. 

How much better can that get?

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