"When we first started the race our car was terribly
loose I was just trying to get out of the way from
everybody and not make a fool of myself," said Earnhardt
Jr. "I was surprised what those guys can do with those
cars and how well they drive them."
Junior started his career in the No.8 Chevrolet owned
by Dale Earnhardt Inc. He finished the race in 16th
position, 3 laps down, but running at the finish.
After the race Dale Jr sought out his father to ask
how he did.
"He said, 'You did good and stayed out of trouble,' "
Earnhardt Jr. said. "I wanted to know he was happy as a
car owner and a father."
Although the elder Earnhardt seemed to indicate his
son needed to work on his strength and stamina.
"Right now, my program is calling a pizza joint and
drinking a Budweiser," Junior quipped. "But my daddy is
right, I need to be on the treadmill and working out."
The biggest mistake Dale Jr made during the race
occurred on pit road. He was having trouble finding his
pit, and nearly pulled into teammate Steve Parks pit
stall.