The Greatest News Story Of The Year

Without a doubt, this is the greatest news story I've heard this year. Granted, it's just in the rumor stages, but apparently Dale Earnhardt Jr will sign a contract to drive for Hendrick Motorsports next year. As I mentioned before, Junior had already announced he was leaving DEI next year, but he didn't have a plan in place. Now, he does. Actually, I'm kind of surprised that Hendrick is taking him since they have four drivers (maximum allowed for one owner) in place, but word is that they are dropkicking Kyle Busch to make room for Earnhardt. Busch is kind of a dick, so small loss for Hendrick.

It's a great move for Earnhardt. He showed in 2003 and 2004 that he could drive with the best of them as he finished third both years. The best was 2004 when he won six times and finished in the top five in 16 out of 36 races. Now he's going to the top team in NASCAR. Hendrick has won 10 of the 14 races this year with all four drivers getting at least one. So, he's not going to struggle because of equipment. I'm not so sure that it's that good for Hendrick even if Earnhardt is successful. Sure, he brings a ton of fans, money, and endorsements. The problem is that Hendrick already has a little rivalry between its top two drivers, Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson, about the pecking order. Throw in another alpha male who brings a larger following than either of the two, and there is more friction. Of course, teams from the same owner are pretty autonomous (as long as they aren't wrecking a teammate), and Gordon and Johnson have combined to win 57% of the races this year, so maybe it won't be a problem.

The reason I think it's funny is because of the effect it will have on Earnhardt's fans. As I mentioned before, I was never a Dale Earnhardt Sr fan so I'm not in the Earnhardt Jr inherited fanbase. Junior is a likable fellow so he did pick up some fans of his own to become the most popular driver in NASCAR, but my guess is the vast majority of his base came after his very popular father died on the track. And that inherited fanbase is insane. They make UK basketball fans seem rational. Okay, somewhat rational. Earnhardt Sr's fans were a bunch of crazed, redneck nutsacks when he was alive and degenerated after his death. And in their eyes, who is NASCAR's Anti-christ? Dale Jr's newest teammate Jeff Gordon. I have yet to meet a longtime Earnhardt fan who doesn't absolutely hate Gordon. Now, their crown prince will be sharing a garage with him. That is too funny.