FanIQ News: Dale Earnhardt Jr Leads heading to the last 10 weeks of Most Popular Driver Competition

12	(Edited by 18packabs) Just goes to show people you don't have to be good to be Popular.

9/15/09

10	(Edited by 18packabs) A comment like that, validates the complaints of abuse of Power. I would love for some of these guys who make these comments to get out from behind their keyboards.

9/15/09

Dubya

10	I think a lot of his popularity today is still generated from who his dad was. Dale Sr. was one the best and most popular drivers at the time of his tragic accident that resulted in him leaving us. A lot of his fans instantly became Dale Jr. fans.To insult the intelligence of people for being a fan of anyone or any team is just pathetic.

9/15/09

JrCanuckFan

11

Dubya wrote:

I think a lot of his popularity today is still generated from who his dad was. Dale Sr. was one the best and most popular drivers at the time of his tragic accident that resulted in him leaving us. A lot of his fans instantly became Dale Jr. fans.To insult the intelligence of people for being a fan of anyone or any team is just pathetic.

And Kevin Harvick gained a bunch of those fans as well, because of taking over the car driven by Dale Sr. Doesn't matter if it is a different sponsor, number, or anything else, they became fans of Kevin's because they were fans of Dale Sr's. My daughter is a fan of Kyle Busch because he drives the M&M's car, nothing else, so what drives people to be fans of certain drivers? Who knows. If I did I'd be a millionaire several times over.

9/15/09

5	18packabs wrote: A comment like that, validates the complaints of abuse of Power. I would love for some of these guys who make these comments to get out from behind their keyboards. wher u want me

9/15/09

MrOrangeman

8	He'll be #1 as long as Danica isn't around:

9/15/09

Dubya

4

JrCanuckFan wrote:

And Kevin Harvick gained a bunch of those fans as well, because of taking over the car driven by Dale Sr. Doesn't matter if it is a different sponsor, number, or anything else, they became fans of Kevin's because they were fans of Dale Sr's. My daughter is a fan of Kyle Busch because he drives the M&M's car, nothing else, so what drives people to be fans of certain drivers? Who knows. If I did I'd be a millionaire several times over.

Agreed.

9/15/09

8	sweetnsxg wrote: wher u want me LOL, the possibilities.....

9/15/09

JrCanuckFan

11	(Edited by JrCanuckFan) Doubtful. The female NASCAR Fan population is around 48% and climbing. And not every male out there is going to be voting for her as their favorite "driver" Reply to MrOrangeman...just didn't need another gratuitous Danica picture

9/15/09

6	18packabs wrote: LOL, the possibilities..... aww u want me to rock ur world

9/15/09

5	he is not mediocore...he has won 18 races...he has had a bad year yes i will admit that but everyone does,he hasn't won alot since the car has changed...alot of people haven't won since it changed...once they can do some more stuff to the car you wil see Junior in victory lane more often...mark my words

9/15/09

10	sweetnsxg wrote: aww u want me to rock ur world LMAO, I want everybody to Rock my World......

9/15/09

5	18packabs wrote: LMAO, I want everybody to Rock my World...... and i thought u was straight

9/15/09

10	Jr will stay the most popular driver as long as he is driving. He has the roots of Nascar in his blood. He is a 3rd generation driver and still has that Good 'Ole Boy style about him. He is humble and will be the first to say that he can understand the controversy of his HUGE Fan Base because his driving career doesn't equal such attention. I will always be a JR fan....win or lose!

9/15/09

8	Pat wrote: I believe this is a direct reflection on the intelligence of the average NASCAR fan. You just offended hundred or thousands of people with this comment. It was VERY uncalled for!

9/15/09

6	sweetnsxg wrote: and i thought u was straight ROTFLMnFAO!!!!!!! Straighter than Straight.....

9/15/09

keppieboy

6	MrOrangeman wrote: He'll be #1 as long as Danica isn't around: Oh my

9/15/09

3	18packabs wrote: ROTFLMnFAO!!!!!!! Straighter than Straight..... lol wat I thought you still want everybody to rock your world eheh

9/15/09

Scott

10

Diablorain wrote:

he is not mediocore...he has won 18 races...he has had a bad year yes i will admit that but everyone does,he hasn't won alot since the car has changed...alot of people haven't won since it changed...once they can do some more stuff to the car you wil see Junior in victory lane more often...mark my words

The problem I have with this theory is that alot of Junior fans and experts said that things would be different when he joined Hendrick. Gone were the excuses that he didnt have the best equipment to compete or that he didnt have the resources to have the best of the best helping with setups, etc. Instead, we are two years into this and Junior continues to struggle with inconsistency and the results havent lived up to the hype. In the meantime, his 3 Hendrick teammates and the 2 drivers from Stewart-Haas Racing... also with Hendrick equipment...are all in the chase for the championship. That speaks volumes that everybody else within the organization can get the job done but Junior cant. Yes, Junior is a popular driver but right now on the track, he is mediocore.

9/15/09

dalejarrett4ever

4	MrOrangeman wrote: He'll be #1 as long as Danica isn't around: Is that going to be her suit for racing???? Hmmm, who will be her sponsor???

9/15/09

dalejarrett4ever

7

Scott wrote:

The problem I have with this theory is that alot of Junior fans and experts said that things would be different when he joined Hendrick. Gone were the excuses that he didnt have the best equipment to compete or that he didnt have the resources to have the best of the best helping with setups, etc. Instead, we are two years into this and Junior continues to struggle with inconsistency and the results havent lived up to the hype. In the meantime, his 3 Hendrick teammates and the 2 drivers from Stewart-Haas Racing... also with Hendrick equipment...are all in the chase for the championship. That speaks volumes that everybody else within the organization can get the job done but Junior cant. Yes, Junior is a popular driver but right now on the track, he is mediocore.

I agree with you 100% on your explanation and it is very well put. You have brought up a series of valid points and should make one ponder on just how good is Junior. He may have the sales at the souvenirs and at the track but don't you think some fans would grow tired of this streak of performance? Don't get me wrong, I give all the credit to these guys getting out there behind that wheel and driving with all of their heart but this Most Popular Driver to me is just media hype. I would rather have some wins and a championship under my belt then just being voted Most Popular Driver. I wonder why Jimmie, who has 3 championships, never got the title of Most Popular Driver....oh, I know, because he has the title of being a Sprint Nextel Cup Champion 3 times over.

9/15/09

4	This comment was voted poor quality by FanIQ (Show anyway) JRSFLAME88 wrote: You just offended hundred or thousands of people with this comment. It was VERY uncalled for! How is this offensive?

9/15/09

Pierroth

2	OVER-RATED!!!

9/15/09

8

Dubya wrote:

I think a lot of his popularity today is still generated from who his dad was. Dale Sr. was one the best and most popular drivers at the time of his tragic accident that resulted in him leaving us. A lot of his fans instantly became Dale Jr. fans.To insult the intelligence of people for being a fan of anyone or any team is just pathetic.

I think you are wrong . Sr has been gone going on almost 9 years now. Junyah has built his own fan base.
I am sure there is some sentimentality, but not the overwhelming reason. Most of the fans , know he is capable of winning, just as any driver out there is. Fact of the matter is, he is one of the most identifiable drivers out there, to the average Joe. He has manners, he is down to earth, and is definitely the guy I'd wanna hang out with for a beer or two.

Maybe he'll never win again ( which I sincerely doubt), but there are a lot of drivers out there with fan bases that haven't won in years. Regardless, I will always be a fan!
Besides, he's HOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Racing goes in cycles...his is turning a corner!

9/15/09

5

Scott wrote:

The problem I have with this theory is that alot of Junior fans and experts said that things would be different when he joined Hendrick. Gone were the excuses that he didnt have the best equipment to compete or that he didnt have the resources to have the best of the best helping with setups, etc. Instead, we are two years into this and Junior continues to struggle with inconsistency and the results havent lived up to the hype. In the meantime, his 3 Hendrick teammates and the 2 drivers from Stewart-Haas Racing... also with Hendrick equipment...are all in the chase for the championship. That speaks volumes that everybody else within the organization can get the job done but Junior cant. Yes, Junior is a popular driver but right now on the track, he is mediocore.

Agreed Scott. He is showing mediocre, but it has turned to the higher end of that scale. Just because he got the better equipment, doesn't mean there hasn't been some serious turmoil.He came to Hendricks after the DEI debacle, turmoil! He raced with Tony Jr as his CC the majority of his career, it was something that needed to be fixed. More turmoil Since changing to McGrew, they have been up and down, but IMO more up than down. The turmoil has subsided, the press has laid off, and I believe that team is getting down to business. I look for good things next year, and am betting on at least 1, if not 2 wins before the year is out!.
It takes some people longer than others to come out of life altering experiences, maybe he is just a late bloomer, like me

The bottom line is this, winning or not, he has a fan base that sticks by him.

9/15/09

5	Pat wrote: How is this offensive?

9/15/09

MrOrangeman

3	JrCanuckFan wrote: Doubtful. The female NASCAR Fan population is around 48% and climbing. And not every male out there is going to be voting for her as their favorite "driver" Reply to MrOrangeman...just didn't need another gratuitous Danica picture Well, no one's asking you to look at it then. rofl

9/15/09

MissAJrFan

6

AndiLee0388 wrote:

I think you are wrong . Sr has been gone going on almost 9 years now. Junyah has built his own fan base.
I am sure there is some sentimentality, but not the overwhelming reason. Most of the fans , know he is capable of winning, just as any driver out there is. Fact of the matter is, he is one of the most identifiable drivers out there, to the average Joe. He has manners, he is down to earth, and is definitely the guy I'd wanna hang out with for a beer or two.

Maybe he'll never win again ( which I sincerely doubt), but there are a lot of drivers out there with fan bases that haven't won in years. Regardless, I will always be a fan!
Besides, he's HOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Racing goes in cycles...his is turning a corner!

a billion thumbs up

9/15/09

MissAJrFan

8

I was not a fan of Dale Earnhardt Sr. He was the actually the driver I loved to "hate"...much like Kyle Busch is to me today. I do agree that some of his popularity comes from his name, but its just not true that every fan of Jr.'s is one because of his name. I've had this conversation with people over and over...it never gets anywhere.
Besides....

Dale Jr. me.

...maybe that's why he's so popular

9/15/09

6	Pat wrote: How is this offensive? I forget, YOU are never wrong! What do you think the "average intelligence" of a Nascar fan is?

9/15/09

4	Joonyer is 21st in points. How can you say that is anything but MEDIOCRE. Take off your Amp colored glasses Diablorain. He has one win in the past 2 years since he joined the powerhouse Hendrick Motorsports. I rest my case.

9/15/09

Bashfulblue

8	People get over it....Dale Jr is a very likeable guy...and good-looking....It is most popular..not best in show or how he drives a race car....

9/15/09

2	JRSFLAME88 wrote: I forget, YOU are never wrong! What do you think the "average intelligence" of a Nascar fan is? That's irrelevant. I merely said that this story is a reflection on that. If you think it's smart to like Jr, then perhaps it means that this is reflects intelligence. The only way it could be insulting or offensive is if you believe it's stupid to root for Jr. Is it?

9/15/09

Raven73

4	Poor Ed...just can't get away from the admirers, eh?

9/15/09

Raven73

5	Bashfulblue wrote: People get over it....Dale Jr is a very likeable guy...and good-looking....It is most popular..not best in show or how he drives a race car.... That's the smartest thing I've heard all day!

9/16/09

PJ88Fan

10

This popularity contest isn't about a drivers racing record and even if it was, Junior's record isn't all that bad if you look at the statistics. I happen to be a Cleveland Indians and Browns fan and have been forever. They loose...so what?? Does that put me in a different intelligence class than others too? I'll back Junior till h*ll freezes over. He's voted in because of the man he is. He's pure southern charm, a gentleman, he has manners, he's polite, and he's not the only driver who looses races. Oh, and I'm a Notre Dame fan too. Junior is the most popular because of the person he is.

9/16/09

JrCanuckFan

7

PJ88Fan wrote:

This popularity contest isn't about a drivers racing record and even if it was, Junior's record isn't all that bad if you look at the statistics. I happen to be a Cleveland Indians and Browns fan and have been forever. They loose...so what?? Does that put me in a different intelligence class than others too? I'll back Junior till h*ll freezes over. He's voted in because of the man he is. He's pure southern charm, a gentleman, he has manners, he's polite, and he's not the only driver who looses races. Oh, and I'm a Notre Dame fan too. Junior is the most popular because of the person he is.

9/16/09

Readyfreddiegirl

4

AndiLee0388 wrote:

I think you are wrong . Sr has been gone going on almost 9 years now. Junyah has built his own fan base.
I am sure there is some sentimentality, but not the overwhelming reason. Most of the fans , know he is capable of winning, just as any driver out there is. Fact of the matter is, he is one of the most identifiable drivers out there, to the average Joe. He has manners, he is down to earth, and is definitely the guy I'd wanna hang out with for a beer or two.

Maybe he'll never win again ( which I sincerely doubt), but there are a lot of drivers out there with fan bases that haven't won in years. Regardless, I will always be a fan!
Besides, he's HOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Racing goes in cycles...his is turning a corner!

JR has his own driving style. To me SR was the best watched him since day one. He was a aggresive griver but he was good.

9/16/09

5

PJ88Fan wrote:

This popularity contest isn't about a drivers racing record and even if it was, Junior's record isn't all that bad if you look at the statistics. I happen to be a Cleveland Indians and Browns fan and have been forever. They loose...so what?? Does that put me in a different intelligence class than others too? I'll back Junior till h*ll freezes over. He's voted in because of the man he is. He's pure southern charm, a gentleman, he has manners, he's polite, and he's not the only driver who looses races. Oh, and I'm a Notre Dame fan too. Junior is the most popular because of the person he is.

Great comment PJ!!,But, from one ND fan to another, I might have left that little tidbit out..ROTFL!

9/16/09

5	Smartest comment in response to Pat I have seen in a long time! 100,000

9/16/09

realist1961

10

Pat wrote:

I believe this is a direct reflection on the intelligence of the average NASCAR fan.

dang. i guess my cum laude in business/computer science and my MBA are of no use since i'm a NASCAR fan. to think i'm not very intelligent (did i spell that right?) just because i like dale, jr. to think i would be more stupid (or is that stupider?) if i were patriots fan, or a cubs fan, or a tampa bay bucs fan, or a saints fan... well you get the picture (cause they all sucked at one time or another). perhaps you should go to a race. you'd see that there are many fans of varying socio economic, intelligence, ethnic, and religious (is that with an "i" or an "e"?) backgrounds... much like raiders fans. oh crap. i'm one of those too. sucks to be me.

as for dale, jr. people like him for various reasons. it's similar to fans liking steve grogan. i could also go on about patriot fans being "bandwagon" fans much like people think jr fans like him for his name only. the comparisons are endless. fans are fans of teams and athletes for reasons that are unique to them. if not, we'd all be yankees fans.

9/16/09

0

realist1961 wrote:

dang. i guess my cum laude in business/computer science and my MBA are of no use since i'm a NASCAR fan. to think i'm not very intelligent (did i spell that right?) just because i like dale, jr. to think i would be more stupid (or is that stupider?) if i were patriots fan, or a cubs fan, or a tampa bay bucs fan, or a saints fan... well you get the picture (cause they all sucked at one time or another). perhaps you should go to a race. you'd see that there are many fans of varying socio economic, intelligence, ethnic, and religious (is that with an "i" or an "e"?) backgrounds... much like raiders fans. oh crap. i'm one of those too. sucks to be me.

as for dale, jr. people like him for various reasons. it's similar to fans liking steve grogan. i could also go on about patriot fans being "bandwagon" fans much like people think jr fans like him for his name only. the comparisons are endless. fans are fans of teams and athletes for reasons that are unique to them. if not, we'd all be yankees fans.

Where did I call anyone stupid?

9/16/09

realist1961

8

Pat wrote:

Where did I call anyone stupid?

i agree, you didn't say stupid, but you insinuated it. by saying a NASCAR fan likes jr even though he is not winning is a reflection on their intelligence, is basically saying they are not very smart about who they like as a driver; meaning, they would be smarter to choose another driver, perhaps one who wins races and competes for championships or they should pick better reasons for liking him. any time you use the phrase "a direct reflection on the intelligence" while describing one's choice, is "calling someone out" on how smart they are. if you don't believe this, try an experiment. the next time your wife or girlfriend does something that you find objectionable, say "gee honey, this choice of yours is a direct reflection on your intelligence". see what happens and let's us know how it works out for you.

9/16/09

4

realist1961 wrote:

i agree, you didn't say stupid, but you insinuated it. by saying a NASCAR fan likes jr even though he is not winning is a reflection on their intelligence, is basically saying they are not very smart about who they like as a driver; meaning, they would be smarter to choose another driver, perhaps one who wins races and competes for championships or they should pick better reasons for liking him. any time you use the phrase "a direct reflection on the intelligence" while describing one's choice, is "calling someone out" on how smart they are. if you don't believe this, try an experiment. the next time your wife or girlfriend does something that you find objectionable, say "gee honey, this choice of yours is a direct reflection on your intelligence". see what happens and let's us know how it works out for you.

True, but the people this was probably directed at are the delusional Joonyer fans who claim he is still the "greatest driver out there" even though he is clearly not even remotely close (21st in points). I don't think anybody has a problem with fans cheering for their favorite driver even though he doesn't win. Just admit that he is not all that he is hyped up to be.

9/16/09

marilynw53

1	love earnhart!!!!!!!

9/16/09

realist1961

7

SaintDrew wrote:

True, but the people this was probably directed at are the delusional Joonyer fans who claim he is still the "greatest driver out there" even though he is clearly not even remotely close (21st in points). I don't think anybody has a problem with fans cheering for their favorite driver even though he doesn't win. Just admit that he is not all that he is hyped up to be.

yep. i agree. sometimes the hype is not justified, but that's true in every sport. jr fans are loyal to the end, which unfortunately <sigh> has been my issue with being a raiders fan. jr did win a couple of busch championships, so his popularity is not without some merit. he is not living up to his family name, but most off-spring don't. being loyal is not a sign of not being intelligent and i prefer it to bandwagon or fair weather fans who jump ship when it suits them.

9/16/09

0

Scott wrote:

The problem I have with this theory is that alot of Junior fans and experts said that things would be different when he joined Hendrick. Gone were the excuses that he didnt have the best equipment to compete or that he didnt have the resources to have the best of the best helping with setups, etc. Instead, we are two years into this and Junior continues to struggle with inconsistency and the results havent lived up to the hype. In the meantime, his 3 Hendrick teammates and the 2 drivers from Stewart-Haas Racing... also with Hendrick equipment...are all in the chase for the championship. That speaks volumes that everybody else within the organization can get the job done but Junior cant. Yes, Junior is a popular driver but right now on the track, he is mediocore.

i understand what you are saying but the car needs to be able to have more changes done to it...if NASCAR allows it you will see the races have WAY more competition...so its not just Junior struggling with it...

9/16/09

3

Pat wrote:

That's irrelevant. I merely said that this story is a reflection on that. If you think it's smart to like Jr, then perhaps it means that this is reflects intelligence. The only way it could be insulting or offensive is if you believe it's stupid to root for Jr. Is it?

It definitely is NOT wrong to root for JR! I have been a fan for over 9 years and always will be. BTW....I consider myself a very intelligent person!

9/16/09

2	JRSFLAME88 wrote: It definitely is NOT wrong to root for JR! I have been a fan for over 9 years and always will be. BTW....I consider myself a very intelligent person! Alright, then clearly it's not an insult, nor is it offensive.

9/16/09

PJ88Fan

1	AndiLee0388 wrote: Great comment PJ!!,But, from one ND fan to another, I might have left that little tidbit out..ROTFL! Ah Andi...it's the Irish in me...I figured why not throw that in too. LMBO!! Must of been my "intelligence class" peeking thru! My Bad...;)

9/16/09

PJ88Fan

4	Pat wrote: How is this offensive? I find it hard to believe you have to ask....

9/16/09

cutiepie1262001watso

2	AndiLee0388 wrote: Great comment PJ!!,But, from one ND fan to another, I might have left that little tidbit out..ROTFL! Great Job There Andilee Dale Jr. Is The Tops Thank You Liked Your Comment Rhonda

9/16/09

buckinwoods

0	in your mind he is

9/16/09

2	i could care less if Junior never wins another race....he is my driver and i like him cause he is who he is...he doesn't sugar coat anything and he is respectful(most times)and he frankly will tell you how it is....

9/16/09

1

realist1961 wrote:

dang. i guess my cum laude in business/computer science and my MBA are of no use since i'm a NASCAR fan. to think i'm not very intelligent (did i spell that right?) just because i like dale, jr. to think i would be more stupid (or is that stupider?) if i were patriots fan, or a cubs fan, or a tampa bay bucs fan, or a saints fan... well you get the picture (cause they all sucked at one time or another). perhaps you should go to a race. you'd see that there are many fans of varying socio economic, intelligence, ethnic, and religious (is that with an "i" or an "e"?) backgrounds... much like raiders fans. oh crap. i'm one of those too. sucks to be me.

as for dale, jr. people like him for various reasons. it's similar to fans liking steve grogan. i could also go on about patriot fans being "bandwagon" fans much like people think jr fans like him for his name only. the comparisons are endless. fans are fans of teams and athletes for reasons that are unique to them. if not, we'd all be yankees fans.

WOW...awesome answer. And, danged if you didn't spell it all right

10/28/09

1	Update: Joonyer 24th in points. AJ Allmendinger is coming on strong and only 42 points back. But Diablorain is correct, Joonyer is not mediocre as long as he hangs on to win Most Popular Driver.

10/28/09

0	(Edited by JrCanuckFan) Update Content removed as personal attack ~ JCF

10/29/09