Long Time Coming

Pictures courtesy of Dale Jr's Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/#!/DaleJr

 After what seemed like an eternity, Dale Earnhardt Jr, NASCAR's Most Popular Driver, found victory lane once again on June 17th, Father's Day. After a 4 year winless drought, Junior finally had everything go his way. Not to say he hasn't been close with a great run so far this season and finishing in the Top 10 consistently. But, nothing feels as good as a win, especially after 4 years of waiting. Oddly enough, Junior won at the same track his last win came at in 2008, Michigan International Speedway. It was sort of like a reunion. I'm sure Dale Sr. was looking down on his son, proud as ever.

This win, no doubt, will change Dale Jr's season immensely. He finds himself 2nd in points to Matt Kenseth and only 4 points behind! Just as Logano's win last week boosted Joey's confidence this win for Earnhardt Jr. will do more than give him confidence, it will give him hope. Some didn't believe he would EVER get back in the winner's circle, it just didn't seem like the day would ever come. All we can say now is "Junior's still got it!" No one will even remember the 2 hour rain delay at the beginning of the race.

This marks Hendrick's 4th (including the All-Star Race) win of 2012. We can already see the dominance yet to come for the organization. 4 time champ Jeff Gordon has yet to add to the 2012 win list. The 24 has had terrible luck this season and everything possible has gone wrong for them. On the other side of things, Jimmie Johnson won the All Star Race AND the 200th win at Darlington.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is definitely looking towards the championship and has a possible chance of winning it. I think we will most likely see The Intimidator's son back in VL this season, and many times at that. Until then, Junior Nation is still rejoicing.