Read the debate intro, Sports Geek’s argument that Dale Earnhardt Jr. is not good enough to ride in NASCAR, and Loyal Homer’s argument that he is.
In reading these arguments, I’ve come to a realization – Dale Earnhardt Jr. is neither a NASCAR driver nor is he a member of Hendrick Motorsports… at least not primarily. First and foremost, Dale Earnhardt Jr. is a brand.
How that brand came to be is a story all its own. He was blessed with the good fortune to share a name with one of the greatest and most beloved racecar drivers in the history of NASCAR. It’s the equivalent of a soft drink that boasts the name “Coca-Cola” or being a politician with the last name Kennedy. Some people are just born with an advantage.
Dale Jr., son of “The Intimidator,” was a recognizable name before he ever stepped on the gas pedal at a motorway.
When he won the Pepsi 400 on July 7, 2001 – a race that doubled as both the first Cup race at Daytona AND Junior’s first win since his father’s tragic death on that same track earlier that year – his celebrity status was cemented. Just as the sporting world grieved with Dale Jr. when his father died, they cheered for him as the checkered flag waved in a moment of glory and honor for the whole Earnhardt family. He was THE quintessential fan favorite!
Since then, Dale Earnhardt Jr. has had many financial successes. He was named the 11th highest earning athlete of 2008 in Sports Illustrated’s Fortunate 50, for example. But, his success on the track has been elusive. As Sports Geek points out, Junior has yet to win a championship, has had only three victories in the past four seasons, and has not won a race in the last year and a half. Despite those shortcomings, the Dale Earnhardt Jr. brand still races right along!
But, is that enough to warrant Dale Jr.’s continued participation in a sport once ruled by his father? Loyal Homer seems to think so, arguing that sunny days are on the horizon for Junior. Despite a slow start with new crew chief Lance McGrew, Loyal Homer feels confident that Dale Jr. is just a few modifications away from restoring the honor of the Earnhardt name.
I’m not that confident. No matter how much money the Earnhardt brand can generate today, it HAS to be backed up by performance. A name can only carry a brand so far. Eventually, people will turn away from the ‘fashionable’ #88, for a more ‘fashionable’ winner, such as #14 or #24. Imagine if LeBron James or Kobe Bryant suddenly could not shoot better than 20%, and only averaged 8 points per game. You would eventually see a lot less #23’s and #24’s walking around!
Regarding his previous successes, I don’t think that should earn him a bye, either. He has been paid previous money for previous success. If you or I consistently failed to perform in our occupations, we would not be given any forgiveness because of our previous success. NASCAR racing is (or at least should be) no different.
People love a famous face, but they love a winner even more. While Earnhardt Jr. can claim marketing prowess today, he still operates in a pay-for-performance league. If he does not perform, the money will go away, and I just don’t see him performing up to the bar set by his far more successful teammates Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, and Mark Martin.
As such, it is my recommendation to the Hendrick Motorsports team to cut their ties with a sinking ship now. Sometimes the wisest investment is knowing when to cut your losses! Dale Jr. has not demonstrated an ability to compete at the same level his father once did, and should not be racing in NASCAR anymore!
Taking the checkered flag for this debate… Sports Geek!!!!!
At this point, what’s the difference between Dale Jr. and Kerry Earnhardt? Why was Kerry never given the same love by the fans?
I’m not sure Teresa Earnhardt has any place in the sport either. Ya’ll can do that for another debate.
Good point on Teresa!