Earnhardt Jr. and Fellow Rookies Anticipate Season Debut in Daytona 500

Dale Earnhardt Jr., the 25-year-old driver of the brand new No. 8 Budweiser Monte Carlo, is among the most anticipated first-year drivers to ever race in the Daytona 500. He joins a group of talented rookies, including Matt Kenseth, Dave Blaney, Mike Bliss, and others, who have collectively won 22 Busch, 9 Craftsman Truck, and 2 CART events. Tony Stewart, last year's NASCAR Rookie of the Year, has high praise for this rookie class, citing Earnhardt Jr., Kenseth, and Blaney as proven drivers who have been quick in what they've driven.

Key Takeaways:

• Dale Earnhardt Jr. is the best-backed and most well-known of his generation, with a pedigree that includes his grandfather Ralph Earnhardt and seven-time Winston Cup champ father Dale.
• He has earned his ride with back-to-back NASCAR Busch Series championships and 13 wins in a pair of Busch seasons.
• The patriarch of the clan, Dale Earnhardt, has never pushed his namesake but has provided the best for his son, including a long-term, $50 million contract with Budweiser as its driver.
• Earnhardt Jr. has been waiting for this moment, likening it to opening a big Christmas present, and is excited to get started and learn from his sister team, DEI.
• Tony Stewart warns that the key to success is being patient and not getting too caught up in the hype, citing his own experience of learning the tracks, car, and other drivers.

Statistics:

• Dale Earnhardt Jr. has won 13 times in a pair of Busch seasons.
• He has averaged a 16th place finish in his final four Cup runs.
• The Daytona 500 will feature a unique qualifying format where the two front row positions are determined by speed, followed by two 125-mile qualifying races to fill positions 3-30.
• 14 drivers will advance from each race, with the rest of the field filled by virtue of last year's car owner points.
• Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s Budweiser car has a reported $50 million contract with DEI.

Sources:

• " Earnhardt Jr. ready to shine in Daytona 500", Dale Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR, February 8, 2000.
• "Two Healthy Crowds", Daytona Beach News, January 31, 2000.
• "In the garage", Daytona Beach News, January 31, 2000.