Earnhardt Takes Qualifier, Poised for Daytona

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

By Lev Weinstein, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 15, 2008 12:07 AM CST

(Newser) – Dale Earnhardt Jr. continued his newfound success with Hendrick Motorsports yesterday, winning the first qualifying race for Sunday's Daytona 500. Coupled with his win in last Saturday's Shootout, Earnhardt must now be considered the favorite at the 500, and is on the cusp of a sweep no driver has yet managed to complete, according to ESPN.

"Nobody is boastful enough...to come in here and claim that," Said Earnhardt, when asked if he believed he could run the table, adding "But I think we've got a great shot." Junior came extremely close to accomplishing a sweep of Speedweek in 2004, when he won the 500, but placed second in the Shootout. His reinvention with HMS may prove the difference this year.

NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., takes the checkered flag ahead of Reed Sorenson to win the first of two qualifying races for the Daytona 500 auto race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach,... (Associated Press)

Dale Earnhardt Jr celebrates in victory lane after winning the first of two NASCAR Sprint Cup Gatorage 150 qualifying auto races at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., Thursday, Feb.... (Associated Press)

NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., celebrates in victory lane after winning the first of two Gatorade 150 qualifying auto races for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla.,... (Associated Press)

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Earnhardt Takes Qualifier, Poised for Daytona

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

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Earnhardt Takes Qualifier, Poised for Daytona

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

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

NASCAR • Daytona 500 • Dale Earnhardt Jr. • Dale Earnhardt Incorporated • Hendrick Motorsports

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Jr. Hangs With Team in Daytona

Earnhardt Jr. eager to get new NASCAR season rolling

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

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

Dale Jr.'s Struggle to Grow Up

His father cast a long shadow for racing star

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

About Us

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Newser By Users

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What is Newser?