Why’s Dale Earnhardt Jr. running better ????

Before the start of the season there was plenty of Dale Earnhardt Jr. fantasy hate going around. I’m sure in your fantasy league you noticed the exact same thing. I would like to point out that ifantasyrace.com is pro Junior. I drafted him in KFFL.com’s NASCAR draft and Jordan drafted him in “THE DRAFT”.

So far in 2011 Dale Earnhardt Jr. is tenth in points and is coming off two straight top ten finishes. You’re probably now wondering where did that come from? I say some pretty prophetic stuff here from time to time. However, I didn’t say anything prophetic here about Dale Earnhardt Jr. I try to stay away from that subject for the most part because I fear Junior nation wrath.

In KFFL.com’s draft here was a question about Dale Earnhardt Jr. to me and here’s my answer:

Q: Everyone seemed to be avoiding Dale Jr. like the plague. How much value do you think he offers in the final round?

A: Earnhardt in the final round is well worth the risk. His performances in recent years have been mediocre, at best, but there are reasons for optimism in 2011. He’ll have Steve Letarte calling the shots from the 88 pit box; he has the skills to rebuild Earnhardt’s confidence. Junior will also be sharing a garage with Johnson, rather than Jeff Gordon. (KFFL.com draft)

Now that I sit back and think about it in the off week the answer came to me. When was the last time Dale Earnhardt Jr. really performed good in a Hendrick car? It was when he first started racing in Hendrick equipment. When he first started racing in Hendrick equipment he was in Jimmie Johnson cars. Now he’s in Jimmie Johnson’s garage!!!! I think there’s a connection here and it could be a big positive for Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s chances.

My reasons for his turnaround thus far are:

1. Sharing shop with the 48 team

2. Steve Letarte helping improve his confidence. This was a huge problem for him.

3. Now he’s racing in Jeff Gordon cars. They were good for the second best driver rating in the series last year.

Photo Credit: Getty Images for NASCAR/NASCARMedia.com