Tag Archives: Dale Earnhardt Jr

There’s Irony in Gordon Driving the No. 88 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway

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Photo - Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

Photo – Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

Long time NASCAR fans will recall the intense rivalry between those supporting Dale Earnhardt Jr and those supporting Jeff Gordon during the early first decade of this century. And the word ‘intense’ is exactly what it was, as fans literally hated each other on race day, often chiding one another at the track.

Actually, the rivalry dates back to the mid 90’s in the last century, when Jeff Gordon began his NASCAR Sprint Cup Series career. Gordon was the polished, young, up-and-coming star, up-staging NASCAR’s seven-time Cup series champion, Dale Earnhardt. The rivalry continued past the super star’s death in 2001 at Daytona with his son’s up-and-coming career just beginning.  Continue reading →

Alex Bowman Delighted with his Run in Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s car

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Photo - Chris Trotman/Getty Images

Photo – Chris Trotman/Getty Images

Even though his dreams of a career-first top-ten finish in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series ended in a wreck against the frontstretch wall, Alex Bowman couldn’t conceal his elation.

Alex Bowman, 23, was subbing for Dale Earnhardt Jr., who was sidelined for Sunday’s New Hampshire 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway after experiencing concussion-like symptoms earlier in the week.

And though Bowman had 71 Cup starts to his credit before Sunday’s race, none of them came in equipment remotely comparable to the No. 88 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet he drove in Earnhardt’s stead. Continue reading →

Jeff Gordon Ready to Step into Dale Earnhardt’s No. 88 Chevrolet

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Photo - Bob Leverone/Getty Images

Photo – Bob Leverone/Getty Images

Despite turning in a praiseworthy performance at New Hampshire, Alex Bowman won’t be in the No. 88 car if Earnhardt isn’t cleared to drive next weekend at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

That duty will fall to Jeff Gordon, who is ready to interrupt his retirement, if need be. The four-time champion was on vacation in the south of France when team owner Rick Hendrick called. Continue reading →

Kenseth Battles to Front for Win at New Hampshire

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In a race that saw many of the usual suspects go into hiding in the closing laps, Matt Kenseth battled to the front of the field from the 18th starting position and pulled away after a late restart to win Sunday’s New Hampshire 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.

Winning for the second time this season and for the third time at the Magic Mile, Kenseth crossed the finish line 1.982 seconds ahead of Tony Stewart, who solidified his position in the top-30 in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series standings – and in the Chase – with the runner-up finish.  Continue reading →

Johnson Says Victory at Indy for Gordon is Possible

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Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe's Chevrolet, stands in the garage area during practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series New Hampshire 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on July 16, 2016 in Loudon, New Hampshire. Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images

Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe’s Chevrolet, stands in the garage area during practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series New Hampshire 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on July 16, 2016 in Loudon, New Hampshire.
Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images

Don’t put anything past Jeff Gordon.

That advice comes from someone who ought to know, Gordon’s former teammate and six-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson.

Gordon will be pressed into service next weekend at Indianapolis Motor Speedway if Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s concussion-like symptoms persist past this Sunday’s New Hampshire 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway (1:30 p.m. ET on NBCSN), where Alex Bowman is driving the No. 88 Chevrolet in Earnhardt’s absence. Continue reading →