Family Tradition

Many people have mixed feelings about Dale Earnhardt Jr. driving the 3. Some are happy and can’t wait to see it in action, while some aren’t happy and still feel the 3 is Dale Earnhardt’s number and that no one else but Dale should race it.

For me, it will be something amazing to see. Growing up, I only heard stories and saw pictures of the Wrangler 3 car. To see it back on the track this weekend will be something special.


On April 29, the Wrangler car was unveiled. It was breathtaking to say the least: with the yellow and blue paint along with all the sponsors, the car almost looked just like Dale Earnhardt’s car, but a newer, updated version. April 29 was also Dale Earnhardt’s 59th birthday, and seeing everyone gathered around the Wrangler car was special. It only made me want to see it on the track even more.

I’ve been counting down the days for the Wrangler car to race. I have my 3 gear on its way as we speak. It would mean the world to me to see this race in person, but I won’t be able to. However, the experience and emotions I will have come July 2 will be the same as if I were there. I know I am going to cry watching this race; I am not ashamed to say that. To me it’s a family thing. Seeing Junior honoring his dad by racing his number and old sponsor will be bittersweet.

Seeing the 3 based on the 1982 paint scheme gives me chills of excitement. It’s Daytona, to say the least, and it'll be Dale Earnhardt’s son racing that car. It gives me goosebumps just thinking of the 3 back at Daytona. I still can’t believe that this weekend, July 2, the 3 will be racing again.

July 2 ... seems like just yesterday it was May. My feelings on this race are quite emotional. For other NASCAR fans, some are pumped, some are still not happy, and some don't care whatsoever - let’s just race. For me it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience: I finally get to see the Wrangler car race. This is going to be one heck of a race, I have a strong feeling.

Seeing the Wrangler car back on the track is going to be amazing. I will be there on my bed with all my Wrangler 3 gear cheering it on. I don’t care if my emotions get the best of me. For July 2 will be an amazing day for me, seeing a family tradition racing at Daytona.

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Photo: Mary Ann Chastain /Getty Images for NASCAR

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Amp Man

The Daytona 500 lived up to its hype. Even though we had a hole in the track which wasted a few hours or so of racing, we came out strong and had a great race - until the second hole problem. But finally the problem was fixed and the final moments were well worth it.

During the last laps, I held my breath. I was jumping for Jamie McMurray, but another driver had my eyes following his every move.

That day, Feb. 14, was my uncle’s birthday, and like me he is a huge NASCAR fan. However, he is a fan of Jeff Gordon and for his birthday, he was dead set Jeff was going to win. The last time a race was on his birthday was 1999; I was 7 and Jeff did win. It was a great birthday for my uncle, so you can somewhat understand why my uncle would want and hope for his favorite driver to win.

After the second red flag, I had to leave and head for the birthday dinner, hoping we would make it in time for the race, but I had my handy dandy Sprint phone which had my scanner on. Luck was on my side - or was it just the Amp? I will never know, but the race hadn’t started yet. We got our food and sat down and watched. My uncle was sure Jeff was going to take it; I wasn’t. The race was intense getting to those final laps.

Eating the birthday cake, I nearly dropped it watching Kasey Kahne spin and end his night. Two laps were remaining, sending us to the second green-white-checker. My eyes were wide. I took a drink of my Amp, but the taste of Amp and cake was not a good mix - leaves a bad taste!

My eyes were focused on Kevin Harvick, Greg Biffle and Jamie. I was watching what Kevin had up his sleeve. I was so into this when I heard my uncle yell out “Junior to the middle!” My eyes shot open, my mouth gaping wide - there was my Amp Man, Dale Earnhardt Jr., heading toward the front.

From starting all the way back in 10th, I was shocked to say the least. But then I remembered this is Daytona and he is an Earnhardt. I stood up and dropped my cake; my eyes focused as the double Zero aka David Reutimann gives Junior a huge push. I watch as Junior shoots through the middle coming up on Jamie Mac. I was screaming, jumping yelling! My eyes were bulging out of my sockets I think.

I held in my breath and fell to my knees as the white checker flag waved. Jamie McMurray had won his first race with new team Earnhardt-Ganassi. I was happy for him and excited, but my eyes were following that 88 who made me the happiest teen in the world. To see my driver go from the crappy season we had in '09 to second in the Daytona 500 was a big sigh of relief and a good feeling.

I felt bad for my uncle. I knew he wanted Jeff to win, but I think seeing the smile on my face made up for it. I was told I hadn’t worn that smile in a while.

To all Jamie McMurray fans: what a race and what a great and proud feeling you are all feeling right now, the feeling of your driver's win.

To all my fellow Junior fans: it paid off. We kept strong for him; we stayed there through thick and thin. I don’t know about you, but I could have sworn I saw that black 3 racing tonight.

The 500 was everything I wanted: it was well worth the wait and well worth the two red flags we had.

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The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer.

Photo: Dale Earnhardt Jr. moved from 22nd to second during two attempts at a green-white-checkered finish, but could not catch Jamie McMurray for the Daytona 500 victory. (Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images for NASCAR)

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