Fearless Forecast: Dale Earnhardt Jr. Will Win In Atlanta
No, I’m not trying to score point with my wife, or with the legions of Junior fans that read this blog. I am convinced the victory drought Dale Earnhardt Jr. has been experiencing will end in Atlanta.
Though he has no points victories so far in 2008, Junior has been running with a purpose. Outside of his accident-related 40th place run in Fontana, Junior has been running at or near the front of the pack in every outing. I take occasion to remind you of Junior’s Bud Shootout win, his Gatorade Duels win, his 9th place run at Daytona, and his 2nd place run in Vegas. His car is good, he’s a smart, yet aggressive racer and I believe Rick Hendrick is keeping his head right.
There’s really only two things that can keep Lil “E” from winning. #1- The competition. Carl Edwards is on a roll and very motivated after being penalized for infractions at Las Vegas. Jimmie Johnson has a great track record here. Matt Kenseth has not won here, but has that reputation for taking care of the car and running a smart race. I also wouldn’t count out other front runners such as Kasey Kahne, Ryan Newman (7 poles at AMS), Tony Stewart or Kyle Busch. A dark horse pick would be Bobby Labonte. With 6 wins here, Labonte is the winningest active driver at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
#2- Track Strategy- At time Junior has a maddening tendency to make the wrong move with his pit strategies. From time to time he’s his own worst enemy.
Junior’s Due. He’s run too well for too long not to get a win.
That may come this week.
