HOMESTEAD, FL - OCTOBER 20: Dale Earnhardt Jr 88 JR Motorsports Bass Pro Shops/Tracker Boats Chevrolet waits on pit road prior to practice for the NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Xfinity Contender Boats 300 on October 20, 2023, at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Homestead, FL. Photo by Michael Bush/Icon Sportswire AUTO: OCT 20 NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoff Contender Boats 300 EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon231020028
HOMESTEAD, FL - OCTOBER 20: Dale Earnhardt Jr 88 JR Motorsports Bass Pro Shops/Tracker Boats Chevrolet waits on pit road prior to practice for the NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Xfinity Contender Boats 300 on October 20, 2023, at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Homestead, FL. Photo by Michael Bush/Icon Sportswire AUTO: OCT 20 NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoff Contender Boats 300 EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon231020028
The year was 2000, and a 25-year-old rookie was preparing for the DirecTV 500 at Texas Motor Speedway. He was none other than Dale Earnhardt Jr, who had a torrid start to what was his full-time debut season.
He arrived in Texas at a very low point, as he faced DNFs in his last two races before it. His best finish was a 10th place at Las Vegas. And to add to that pressure, he was driving for his father and NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Sr.'s team. But in Texas, he turned things around and how.
Out of the 334 laps, Junior drove and dominated the final stages and went on to not just win the first race of the season but also his debut Cup Series win.
What aided this turnaround was Junior’s familiarity with the track. Two years before winning in the Cup Series, he won the Busch Series race (now NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series). In addition to this, his crew chief, Tony Eury Sr., prepared a fast car for him.
“They dropped the green, (flag) and that thing was just crazy fast,” Dale Jr. said after the race.
During the race, Junior went on to dominate the event, leading 106 of the 334 laps, including the final 53. He crossed the finish line 5.92 seconds ahead of Jeff Burton.
Dale Sr. got emotional after his son's maiden Cup Series victory
Dale Earnhardt Sr., who was also participating in the race, parked his car in seventh place and jumped out to celebrate with his son. The 'intimidator' was seen getting teary-eyed.
When the media questioned him about how he felt about his son's first win, he said, "I'll tell you, he’s something else.”
“He was talking about coming to Texas and winning his first Cup race. He won his first Busch race here. We knew the kid could do it," Earnhardt, Sr. said in victory lane after congratulating his son.
"Tony Eury and all the guys worked really hard. I’ve got to thank Budweiser, Chevrolet, and everybody. This kid, he worked hard. Tony Jr., Tony Sr., Richie Gilmore and all them guys in that engine shop. Got a good race car, good engine, and the boy drove a good race.” he added.
May 21, 1998 - Concord, NC, USA - Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Dale Earnhardt Sr., sit on the back of a transporter discussing Earnhardt Jr. s preparation for Carquest 300 Grand National qualifications on May 21, 1998 in Concord, N.C. Dale Earnhardt Jr. to retire - ZUMAm67_ 19980521_zaf_m67_001 Copyright: xJeffxSinerx
May 21, 1998 - Concord, NC, USA - Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Dale Earnhardt Sr., sit on the back of a transporter discussing Earnhardt Jr. s preparation for Carquest 300 Grand National qualifications on May 21, 1998 in Concord, N.C. Dale Earnhardt Jr. to retire - ZUMAm67_ 19980521_zaf_m67_001 Copyright: xJeffxSinerx
The win at Texas Motor Speedway was just the beginning for Dale Jr.'s lengthy, celebrated career as he went on to win two more races that season.
Read more on the Daytona Racing Digest!
Written by
Chionia Libania Colaco
Edited by
Suyashdeep Sason