Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Myers Brothers Award is Well-Deserved
Getty Images
Dale Earnhardt Jr. added another award to his trophy case on Thursday and this one is one of the biggest honors of his career. After one of the best seasons of his career in 2014, it’s also one that he more than earned.
Earnhardt was given the prestigious Myers Brothers Award on Thursday, given annually since 1958 for significant contributions to stock car racing. It was given to Jeff Gordon in 2013 and is given in honor of Bobby and Billy Myers, who were involved in the sport in the 1950s.
Junior’s four wins and eighth-place finish in points speak for themselves. The wins are the second-most of any year of his career and the most since he won six times in 2004. All told, he’s now won 23 times in NASCAR‘s premier circuit.
But what Earnhardt does on the track in the Sprint Cup Series is just a small part of his involvement in the sport. By now, Chase Elliott is a household name among racing fans after winning the Nationwide Series championship in his rookie year this season. Elliott drove for JR Motorsports, which is partly owned by Junior along with Rick Hendrick and Earnhardt’s sister Kelley Earnhardt Miller. Elliott’s teammate Regan Smith backed up Elliott’s title by finishing second. Drivers like Brad Keselowski, Danica Patrick, Aric Almirola and Cole Whitt have also driven for the organization.
Earnhardt is also involved in the sport in lesser-known levels as well with drivers Josh Berry and William Byron finishing first and second in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series at historic Hickory Motor Speedway while driving Late Models for Junior. Off the track, Earnhardt is big into charity work, in particular the Dale Jr. Foundation, making Junior the ideal recipient for such an important award.
Ryan Pritt is a NASCAR writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on twitter @RPritt, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
Busch's Success Does Not Transfer to Sprint Cup
Kyle Busch likes to race in all three major NASCAR series, but why doesn't his success in the lower two levels of racing transfer over to the Sprint Cup? Read More
5 Winless Drivers Looking to Rebound in 2015
As the 2015 NASCAR season approaches, check out these five winless drivers who are looking to have a rebound year. Read More
2015 To Reveal If Danica Patrick Will Succeed
Find out how fans will soon find out whether or not Danica Patrick will be successful in NASCAR come 2015. Read More
Larson Can Match Earnhardt Sr.'s Feat
Dale Earnhardt Sr. accomplished one of the greatest NASCAR feats of all time. Kyle Larson has a good chance to match it. Read More
NASCAR Should Get Rid Of Most Popular Driver Award
Dale Earnhardt Jr. won yet another Most Popular Driver Award, but why is the award even given out? Read More
Sprint Cup Series Needs Diversity
Should NASCAR add a dirt track to the schedule? Find out here. Read More
Jeff Gordon Should Retire the Car, Not the Sport
Here's why Jeff Gordon should retire from NASCAR, but not leave the sport altogether. Read More
NASCAR Rule Changes Will Guarantee Better Racing
There have been some rule changes that will take effect in 2015. Read why this will promote better racing in NASCAR. Read More
Joe Gibbs Racing's Crew Changes Will Pay Off
Three of four Joe Gibbs Racing drivers will have new crew chiefs next year, which will lead to positive results. Read More
Sprint Drivers Hold Monopoly On NASCAR Competition
Should Sprint Cup drivers be allowed to compete in lower divisions? Read More
Sam Hornish Jr. Earned His Second Chance
Sam Hornish Jr. will drive the No. 9 car, replacing Marcos Ambrose next year. His story is one of great resiliency. Read More
5 Drivers WIth Crucial Seasons Looming in 2015
These five drivers face crucial seasons in 2015. Read More