It’s been a couple of days since the Miracle in the Irish Hills and while members of Junior Nation are likely to stay intoxicated for some time, the buzz from the bong water being drunk by some members of the media is apparently lingering far longer than I expected.
OK, so those first few “Junior a Contender for the Championship” columns were worthy of a hearty chuckle. But, they just kept showing up in the strangest of places — like in legitimate sports news sites. I expected that there would be a few debates on the NASCAR-oriented television shows (read:SPEED Channel) since there’s little else to talk about in NASCAR these days, right? But this Junior/championship talk is just getting downright ridiculous.
Let me get this right…After a four year winless drought, NASCAR’s most popular driver finally scores a win and some have called him a “serious contender” for the championship?
I agree, Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s victory was the best thing to happen to NASCAR since a certain Indy Car driver announced she was coming to stock cars full time. But, I’m sure Mr. Earnhardt would be the first to admit that it’s a long, hard road between now and standing on the stage in Homestead and a singular, admittedly outstanding performance doesn’t mean a whole lot unless you can keep it going.
Just ask Trevor Bayne.
So how about we all take a deep breath, open up the windows, let in some fresh air, come back down to earth and give up on this Timothy Leary inspired NASCAR dream within a dream.
Now, if the 88 team happens to win again this weekend in Sonoma and they can back it up with another win, let’s say the Brickyard next month…certainly an attainable feat by this talented Hendrick Motorsports squad, then maybe, just maybe there’ll be something to talk about.
Do you think Hendricks will give Junior a raise now that he’s finally won a race?!?! I’m just “a plain fan” who is hoping after 4 years of “Junior watch” we can finally get back to the idea there are 42 other cars on the track. I guess that’s not going to happen! The sad thing here is as “just plain fans” all we have to look forward to is “Junior watch to the Chase” then “Junior watch to the Championship”! Then IF he wins…may God help us…and if he doesn’t we start the “Junior watch” all over in 2013! Oh well…what’s a girl to do?!!
It is Hendrick. Hendrick. And it is Sunday, July 1, as I type this and Joonyer is second in points. If that is not in the hunt for a championship, WTH is? I know I’m nuts. When will everyone acknowledge they are as well?