Dale Earnhardt Jr.

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Although Dale Earnhardt Jr. hasn’t won since the Daytona 500, he’s done the next best thing – finished second in both races. That’s three top-two finishes in the first three races – a feat that’s only been accomplished six previous times. Richard Petty (1974), Cale Yarborough (1977) and Jimmie Johnson (2006) were all able to parlay their early-season success into titles. Prior to 2014, Earnhardt never led the standings for three consecutive weeks to open a season, which is his second longest streak. In 2004, he led for seven straight weeks, mid-season.

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If there’s something different about Dale Earnhardt Jr. this season that might have been lacking in years past, it’s his confidence. He admits that his strong performance during last season’s Chase has provided him with more self-assurance through the first two races of 2014, and it shows with a victory in the Daytona 500 and a runner-up finish at Phoenix. Although he has never won at Las Vegas – the site of Sunday’s KOBALT 400 – he’s finished second there twice. So, fans should expect his confidence to continue.

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dale_earnhardtjr_2014_daytonaOn Sunday night, when Dale Earnhardt Jr. crossed the finish line first in the 56th running of the Daytona 500 after more than a six-hour rain delay, fans everywhere celebrated. Backing up a promise he made earlier, Earnhardt joined Twitter and, more importantly, became the first driver to all but throw his name in for a spot in the reformatted Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Earnhardt held off Denny Hamlin as the field approached the checkers before a wreck ended the race under caution. The victory was Earnhardt’s second in the season opener and his 20th overall.