Jr. Hangs With Team in Daytona

Earnhardt Jr. eager to get new NASCAR season rolling

By Doug Sweeney, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 8, 2008 6:13 AM CST

(Newser) – Dale Earnhardt Jr. is itching to get racing. The newest member of Hendrick Motorsports made an unusal visit a week before his scheduled test date for next month’s Daytona 500, just to schmooze with new team members, reports the Virginian-Pilot. "It's painful watching other cars go around the track. For him to come down says a lot to his teammates,” said new teammate Jimmie Johnson.

The new No. 88 said he was bored sitting around at home waiting for the action to start, and wanted to see how his new teammates work together during their testing for Daytona. "Hopefully, they'll learn a lot today and I can hear some of the conversations and pick up on some of the stuff," Earnhardt said.

Dale Earnhardt, Jr. accepts the Chex Cereal Most Popular Driver Award during the National Motorsports Press Association Myers Brothers media luncheon Thursday, Nov. 29, 2007 in New York. (AP Photo/Mary... (Associated Press)

Driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. checks out damage to the rear of his car after completing the Ford 400 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup series auto race at the Homestead-Miami Speedway in Homestead, Fla., Sunday, Nov. 18,... (Associated Press)

NASCAR drivers Dale Earnhardt Jr., left, and Jeff Gordon talk in the garages during auto racing testing at the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., Monday, Jan. 7, 2008.(AP Photo/John... (Associated Press)

Dale Earnhardt Jr drives his car into a turn during the NASCAR Ford 400 Nextel Cup Series auto race in Homestead, Fla., Sunday, Nov. 18, 2007. (AP Photo/Glenn Smith) (Associated Press)

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Jr. Hangs With Team in Daytona

Earnhardt Jr. eager to get new NASCAR season rolling

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MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Earnhardt Takes Qualifier, Poised for Daytona

Can make history by adding 500 win to Shootout and qualifying wins

Gamble Nets Johnson 1st Win of '08

No. 48 Chevrolet stays on track while everyone else pits down stretch

Johnson Grabs Daytona 500 Pole

Michael Waltrip, looking to rebound from tough '07, starts up front as well

This Bud—and No. 8—Is Not for Earnhardt

Contract with new team strips racer of number with 'tremendous history'

Trevor Bayne, 20, Wins Daytona 500

He's the youngest champ in race history

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Newser By Users

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