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AVONDALE, AZ – JANUARY 31: Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. reacts in the garage during testing at Phoenix International Raceway on January 31, 2017 in Avondale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
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AVONDALE, AZ – JANUARY 31: Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. reacts in the garage during testing at Phoenix International Raceway on January 31, 2017 in Avondale, Arizona. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
The Earnhardts mastered the craft of drafting, making them dominate superspeedways. And Dale Earnhardt Jr. carried their legacy as he took his fifth win at the Talladega Superspeedway in 2004. However, his victory didn’t keep him happy for too long, as reality hit him soon after.
Dale Jr.’s goal took away the joy of winning five times at NASCAR’s fastest track.
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DAYTONA BEACH, FL – FEBRUARY 13: (EDITOR’S NOTE: Image was processed using digital filters.) Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the #88 Nationwide Chevrolet, looks on in the garage area during practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 13, 2016 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
3rd October 2004, Dale Earnhardt Jr. took his fifth win at Talladega. Of course, he was thrilled, but not for long, as his emotional goal to pay respect to his father brought the harsh reality back. Although Junior has multiple wins, it’s still not enough for him.
Naturally, Earnhardt Jr. was delighted, appreciating his car and the team behind him, applauding their strategy. However, the important question came when the reporter asked, “What does it mean to win here, not only once, but to win here five times?”
To which, junior replied, “Well, it don’t mean sh*t right now dude, daddy’s won ten times here. So, I gotta do a little more winning.”
Read More: Dale Earnhardt Jr. Explains How His Honesty Makes Him a “Good Ally” To NASCAR
Dale Jr. had one goal, which is to match his father’s record, who is on a pedestal for him. And his fifth win means he’s only halfway there.
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Performance In The 2004 NASCAR Cup Series
So, did Dale Earnhardt Jr. win the Cup Series Championship? How did he perform that entire season? Let’s find out.
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JOLIET, IL – JULY 15: Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the #88 Nationwide Insurance/Diet Mountain Dew Chevrolet, puts in his earpiece in the garage area during NASCAR Sprint Cup Series testing at Chicagoland Speedway on July 15, 2015 in Joliet, Illinois. (Photo by Jon Durr/Getty Images)
Junior finished the season as the 2nd most winning driver with 6 wins, putting him right behind Jimmie Johnson‘s 8. However, Dale Jr. was edged out of the round of four by Mark Martin, as he finished 5th in the season standings.
Eventually, Kurt Busch took his first, and so far, only Cup Series Championship in 2004.
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In the end, it’s unfortunate that Dale Jr. couldn’t take the Championship despite all his efforts. Do you think he should’ve won the Cup Series Championship? Let us know in the comments.
Written by
Edited by
Ranvijay Singh