Junior

Wonder why we love Junior so much?

If you're a NASCAR fan then you know who Dale Jr is, the man we call 'Junior' or 'Little E'. The third generation driver. The man behind the wheel of the number 8 Budweiser Chevy. The younger son of 7 Time Winston Cup Champion, Dale Earnhardt. Dale Earnhardt, Inc's top driver and 4-time Most Popular Driver, of course.

Are you not a NASCAR fan, or just not a Junior fan? I have often been asked why I so passionately follow this man and for me, I could go on and on for hours on why I love cheering for him and can't wait to watch him race every weekend. All you have to do is look into his beautiful blue eyes and see just how big of a heart this man has.

He donates to charities and loves helping out with the Make A Wish Foundation, Kyle Petty's Victory Junction Gang Camp - that was started in honor of Adam Petty - Kyle's late son and many other charities. He has the passion to race and the will to win. He gives so much of himself, yet he really doesn't seem to mind. He has a TV show called, 'Back In The Day', an XM radio show he does once a week, he started a 'myspace' type of place for all NASCAR fans, InfieldParking.com - he even writes blogs there and responds to fans when time permits - he does many meet and greets, yet he still has time to enjoy his life.

He always has so much going on in his life, so much on his plate, and there are times that the media rips him apart. In the whole time I have been a fan of his there's not one time I can remember him saying a cross word to anyone, even to the people who deserve it the most at certain times. He's a very family oriented man, if you've watched the sport for very long, it's obvious.

During race day he's always so pumped up and ready to go or he's in his zone anxious to go racing. If you're a friend of his, then you have found a lifetime buddy. He's always so willing to help them, no matter what it is. He's always out to have fun and enjoy every single minute of it.

Growing up in a NASCAR family, we've seen a lot of changes over the years. Such as our favorite drivers leaving the sport, new drivers coming in, sponsor changes, rule changes and so much more. The main thing I think about though, when I think about the past, is how much Dale Jr has changed. How fast he grew up and the wonderful man he has become.

He had to grow up fast in the past couple of years and in doing that he has gained a lot of respect from his competitors and the NASCAR family as a whole. He has gained the respect of his fellow competitors because of how much respect he has for them. He races them clean week in and week out, he may bump you out of the way but only if he feels his car is better then yours - then again rubbin' is racin'.

He has even started his own company and in turn is giving several guys a jumpstart on making their dreams come true. He is so involved in his company, helping his drivers any way he can and according to Shane Huffman is one of the best bosses. I don't doubt it. When Shane wrecked at Texas, Junior was already off the pit box and in the garage before Shane had made it down pit road. While they were talking to Shane, Junior was standing right there, helping make repairs and telling the crew what to do. He loves what he does and it's so evident!

Another thing that sets him apart from most of the competitors in our sport today, is the fact that if he makes a mistake, wrecks himself or another car, he is the first one to own up to the situation. Sometimes there will be wrecks and he'll ask if it was his fault and be apologizing before they even tell him he had nothing to do with it. He thinks before he says anything and most of the time doesn't have much to say at all.

This man has an amazing heart and I really could go on and on but I think I'll stop and let you read why others love cheering for him.

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Dee8NY -

When people ask me why I am a Jr fan, I tell them its about the person he is on and off the track. How he respects other drivers out there, races them as they race him, respects the past and the roots of the sport, his commitment to charities such as Make A Wish and Victory Junction, the appreciation he has for his fans and how he is always willing to help out other drivers and even give those a chance to follow their dreams through his company. It's the love he has for his family and friends and the unbridled honesty. He is genuine. He tells it like he see it. It's refreshing to have someone who is not, as I call it, corporate. He's definitely not afraid to make some waves when the situation calls for it.

PaJrFan-

I couldn't have said it any better, Dee!

That's it in a nutshell! He's who he is and he's OK with that! I always tell my sons..."you have to like who you are before anyone else can like you!" I also always say..." take me as I am, or not at all!" That's Junior! He's REAL!!!

Becky8 -

Because he's Dale He's lovable, kind, and caring, sweet, shy, easy to get to know, has purdy eyes.

Idahodalejrfan -

I have a son who is the same age as Junior - same hair, same eyes, same build except my son is a little bit taller. When I started watching NASCAR races, I had to cheer for Junior because it's like cheering for family. My son travels and has been mistaken for Junior several times, especially by the ladies! I threatened him with his life if he tried to fool them, but he says he'd blow it anyway once he opened his mouth. Doesn't have the cute North Carolina drawl. Anyway, now that I know more about Junior, I'm convinced I made the right choice. Good son material!!!!

Love That Jr-

I love Dale jr cause hes one heck of a racer, hes down to earth, willing to help a friend in need even if hes on a opposing team, stayed true to himself even with all the media attention and is a honest man. Ill be there for him no matter what

driver8girl-

Oh boy, I could go on and on and on. It really started when he was racing on Fridays at Florence and on Saturdays at Myrtle Beach. I wasn't gonna like him cause I thought he might use his Daddy's influence to get places. After not very long I so saw that wasn't true. He earned every single thing he's ever gotten. He only won at MB three times (I think) in three years, and those other locals really made it hard on him too. He earned my respect, and by the time he moved up to Busch I was completely smitten. Been avid and unwavering. Through thick and thin. He's the same now as then, except I think he really cares about doing it right now that he's in his 30's. I love him because he's real, pure and simple. He didn't ask for all of this, but he's handled it magnificently.

CrispCrease-

...I love rooting for him for a lot of reasons. I'll try to put them into words, lol.
I love his sincerity and how he's just a real guy. He's not one of those untouchable celebrities that you worship from afar. He's one of those guys who you could actually see yourself sharing a beer with or talking to or hanging out with. If he wasn't The King of NASCAR, he'd be the same dude.

What you see is what you get with Dale Jr. and I admire that. I don't see myself rooting for anyone else in NASCAR as much as I root for him. In 10 or 15 years, when he retires, I know that I'll be able to say then the same things I say about him now. He's a guy who cares about his friends, his competitors, his fans, his family and everyone in between.

Not to mention he's a heck of a racer and a racer who knows about his sport's past. I remember Mike Davis saying awhile back that he was a dictionary for car numbers. Name a number and a year Dale Jr. could tell you who drove the car, who the sponsor was and who he drove for. He's a sports nut just like us. He roots for the Redskins like we root for him. He gets upset when they lose just like we get upset when he loses.

In 20 years, he will be considered the Mark Martin of the sport, only he'll have a championship or two. Like Mark, Dale Jr. is amicable, fair, races guys like they race him, he doesn't get into any squabbles with many drivers, he accepts responsibility when needed and is a friend and cheerleader to his crew.
To sum this all up, he's...just the coolest dude in NASCAR and he'll always have me as a fan.

Lovingthat8and1-

He's himself hasn't tried to be anyone else has this attiude of either love me or not its up to you. I loved him before we lost his daddy but watching him get in that car the next week i feel complete in love with him. realized i was a junior fan and wasn't go to walk away i love how his friends/family mean so much to him. I love the amount of respect his gives his fellow drivers, he loves to race and i think people realized this this past weekend.
And besides all that good stuff?

He is some awesome EYE CANDY! so sweet blue eyes that just melt your heart and you can feel his soul when you look in his eyes in person you realized he's just a awesome person!

JrBeliever-

I agree with the posts from all the other PBers. May I add my thoughts too. Dale Jr's eyes are truly the window to his soul. When I look into his eyes, I see sorrow for all the pain he has borne, patience with all those who think he is living off his father's name, pride in all he has accomplished, shyness, mischief, joy of life (especially when his car is good), goodness of heart for his fellowman and especially for children or those less fortunate than himself.....but most of all, I see love....deep, fierce love...for his family, friends, fans and Nascar. I also see intelligence, tolerance, loyalty, and the inability to hate. I know I've missed a lot, but my brain is swirling now with the magnitude of this young man (whom I call my adopted son).