Dale Earnhardt Jr. History
Pre-1998

The Early Days
Earnhardt Jr.. began his professional driving career at the age of 17, competing in the Street Stock division at Concord (N.C.) Motorsport Park. His first race car was a 1978 Monte Carlo that he co-owned with Kerry. Within two seasons, the young Earnhardt had honed his driving abilities to the point of joining the Late Model Stock Car division, where he developed an in-depth knowledge of chassis setup and car preparation while at times racing against Kerry Earnhardt and their sister Kelley. With his father's guidance and his own experience on the short tracks throughout the Carolinas, he was ready to take a bold step forward. In his inaugural Busch Series event at Myrtle Beach, S.C., in 1996, Earnhardt Jr.. posted a seventh place starting position and a respectable 14th place finish.

Earnhardt Jr.. says he's never worried about living up to his surname and his success in NASCAR racing didn't really come as a surprise to the third generation driver. "I don't really think about carrying on the family racing name," Earnhardt Jr.. said of his grandfather, NASCAR national Sportsman champion Ralph Earnhardt and his seven-time Winston Cup champion father. "I'm just so proud of my family and real proud to be involved with my father in racing. It's a good relationship. I'm proud of my father and grandfather and what they've done."