Opposites attract good business
Some are describing Hendrick Motorsports’ Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr. as the ying and yang of the NASCAR Sprint Cup. Asian philosophy defines ying and yang as two great opposites who are also complimentary forces at work in the cosmos, and must be in harmony to achieve chi.
Both Johnson and Earnhardt Jr. are contracted under Hendrick, but couldn’t be more opposite. The dichotomy is an interesting one to dissect.
Slick "Superman" soars high
Johnson, nicknamed “Superman” by teammate Mart Martin, has lived up to this title working with crew chief Chad Knaus and has four consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup Championships on his resume. Currently ranked third in the points standings, Johnson has five wins so far this season and many are expecting the Lowe’s No. 48 team to make it through this year’s Chase in at least fifth place.
Since joining with Hendricks Motorsports in 2002 Johnson has yet to rank below fifth in the year-end seasons points. He has a very large public image, perhaps in part on behalf of his clean-cut dark-haired good looks. The family man has been on several magazine covers and is always friendly towards the crowds – even when they cannot reciprocate the feelings.
Johnson has been booed by fans when he does well and cheered by them when he careens through the infield or is hooked on a wrecker. It is tough being at the top, and apparently wealth, good looks and a being whiz on the tracks isn’t enough credentials to win him the popularity contest. But his skilled driving might just be enough to win him another championship, whether the spectators like it or not.
Dale Jr. plays the everyman
Huge fan favourite and “most popular driver” Earnhardt Jr. is the striking opposite of Johnson. Unlike Johnson’s clean shaven and chiselled good looks, Earnhardt’ unshaven scruff is often an identifying feature. Usually adorned in t-shirts and a known party-goer, Earnhardt Jr. is single man who enjoys racing games on the computer as much as he does the real thing.
Earnhardt Jr. has not won a race this season, or any since June 15th 2008 for that matter when he took first at the LifeLock 400. In his 2009 season he averaged a 23.2 finish, his worst year to date. This year he ranks in 13th place for points standings and holds six top 10 finishes. He has bounced in and out of the top 12 for the past could of races, and still has seven more races to cement his place in the top 12.
Fans love to remember the good ol' days when Earnhardt was winning, and still relish at the sight of his No. 8 Budweiser Chevrolet on the track. His marketability was pumped up when Earnhardt left DEI, his father’s company, to drive for Rick Hendrick. Everyone was excited for the much anticipated child of legendary Dale Earnhardt to live up to his father’s career. Expected to have many wins and top finishes, Earnhardt Jr has had a disappointing stint so far with Hendrick.
But NASCAR needs Earnhardt Jr.; he is a legacy and he knows how to rile up the fans and has them standing on their feet every time he leaves the Hendrick shop.
Two different drivers, one unique success
So there you have it. Two very opposite drivers cruising the track in some of the best equipment money can buy. Johnson’s record and good relationship with Knaus clashes with Earnhardt Jr.’s win-less season and turbulent relationship with cousin/crew chief Tony Eury Jr.
The dichotomy of their affects on fans and their stats under the Hendrick Motorsports banner is a true representation of a ying and yang in NASCAR. Between the two of them, they fill the stands and bring glory to the sport, NASCAR’s chi. They are destined to be together.
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