August 6, 2012
By Matthew Pizzolato
Matthew Pizzolato
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When Dale Earnhardt Jr. joined Hendrick Motorsports in 2007 and replaced Kyle Busch, the critics claimed it was one of the biggest mistakes Hendrick had ever made.
Some were saying at the time that Earnhardt would never win another race. While Kyle Busch is certainly a talented racecar driver, he has been overrated by the critics. He's even been called one of the greatest drivers ever. Busch is good, but he's not that good. Greatest is measured in championships, not race wins.
So far, a championship in Cup is something neither driver has earned. Yet, which one has a better chance this season?
Week before last at Indianapolis, Dale Earnhardt Jr., assumed the point lead for the first time in eight years. Busch on the other hand isn't even in the top-ten in points.
Since joining Hendrick in 2007, Earnhardt has faced just about every form of diversity imaginable and persevered. He's handled the critics and turned his fortune around on the race track. He doesn’t let what people say affect him.
"It didn't really bother me. I was worried about my own situation more than anything probably. What I needed to do to get it turned around," Earnhardt was quoted as saying this weekend at a press conference at Pocono. "But, I do feel a little bit vindicated to the people that considered I wouldn't ever be competitive again. Aside from winning a few more races I don't know how much more of a statement I could have made then what we made this year."
Regardless of being able to feel a little vindication, he is still focused on the task at hand.
"That's not quite as important to me as just trying to make the best of this year with the final result being more wins and a championship. The closer we get to the Chase, the more real the opportunity seems," Earnhardt said. "So, all that stuff comes to the forefront. I know what I need to be focusing on and it's not whether I got back at somebody or vindicated myself as much as just focusing on what we are trying to do today, this weekend, next weekend and so forth."
Earnhardt's results this season are remarkable. He leads the series with 15 top-ten finishes with nine of those being top-fives's. He's been consistent all season.
While Kyle Busch also has won this year, he hasn't been consistent. As a matter of fact, he never has been which is why he has all those race wins, but no championship to show for his efforts.
What happens when Kyle Busch faces adversity? He becomes a sponsor's worst nightmare, melts down on the track and intentionally wrecks other drivers.
Sure, Busch has won more races since 2007 than Earnhardt, in fact, a lot more. But what has that gotten him? When has he ever been in contention to compete for a championship?
So, who would an owner rather have on their team? A driver who never quits trying and constantly strives to improve and who also happens to be the most popular driver in the sport, or one who, while he may win a race every once in a while, has an unpredictable temper and may on occasion endanger other drivers on the track?
If you would like to learn more about Matthew, please check out his web site at matthew-pizzolato.com.
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