Look for Junior to break out at Talladega

ShareThis

A reader who calls in frequently about NASCAR topics bent my ear last week with some concerns about his favorite driver, Dale Earnhardt Jr."When's he gonna win?" he asked. "I'm starting to get a little antsy.""A week from Sunday," I answered."Do you really think so?""Yes I do."After a week off, the Sprint Cup guys converge on Talladega Superspeedway. Like his daddy, Junior loves Talladega and Talladega -- more often than not -- loves him right back. He is the only pilot to win four consecutive Cup races there, something even Dale Sr. never did.And while any number of things can happen, from blown engines to getting caught up in someone else's wreck, go ahead and pencil Driver 88 in for the win at the 2.66-mile oval.Let's face it -- the stars are aligned in his favor.While there are some folks who want to see Earnhardt Jr. in victory lane immediately, look what he has already accomplished since joining the ranks of Hendrick Motorsports.The 2008 season is shaping up to be one in which parity becomes a reality instead of just a buzzword, and yet Junior has already worked his way up to third in the points standings. And in eight Cup events so far, he has guided his Chevrolet to a top-10 finish six times.Jimmie Johnson's win earlier this month notwithstanding, Earnhardt Jr. has been the bell cow of Hendrick Motorsports this year.Certainly the name of the game is to win, and the thousands and thousands of people who have invested all that money in Dale Jr. caps, tee shirts, die cast model cars, etc., are ready for their hero to be in front when the final flag waves.But more important than victories is consistency, and once a driver becomes a consistent top finisher the wins will come. I'm sure Earnhardt Jr. would be the first to tell you he's disappointed that he hasn't gotten to jump on top of his car and spew a sports drink in 2008, but I'm also pretty sure he heads to every race with a smile on his face.He's smiling because he knows he's on the right track, and he knows sooner than later his good runs will translate into top finishes.Although he has never won a Cup championship, Earnhardt Jr. is clearly the most popular driver in the sport -- there isn't even a close second. Certainly drivers like Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart have their share of diehard supporters, but Junior is able to hit on virtually every demographic.I'm guessing it probably pains him to know that he carries the mantle for NASCAR but still has no trophy to display on his mantle.But it's coming, just like that first victory.So on Sunday sit back, relax, try to tune out the incessant banter of the announcers and the constant commercial interruptions and watch the man in the 88 car tame Talladega.And even if Junior has to wait another week or two before picking up the winner's purse in a Cup event, don't get antsy.He's well on his way.Consistency has its rewards, and Dale Earnhardt Jr. might just prove it come November.(Scott Adamson writes for the Anderson Independent-Mail in Anderson, S.C.)