Age 17 Dale Earnhardt Jr began his racing career
competing in the Street Stock division at Concord
Motorsports Park in Concord, NC
Age 21 Competes in 1st Busch Series race in the
Carolina Pride / Red Dog 250 at Myrtle Beach Speedway,
in South Carolina on June 22, 1996. Finished 14th after
qualifying 7th
Age 22 Led his 1st race in the Busch Series, for 22
laps. at Bristol driving for car owner Ed Whitaker
Age 22 Becomes best-selling author after writing his
autobiography, Driver 8
Age 23 Begins 1st full season in the Busch Series
Age 23 1st Busch Series win in the Coca Cola 300 at
Texas Motor Speedway on April 4, 1998, going on to win 7
times in the Busch Series this year
Age 24 Wins 1st Busch Series Championship by 48
points over Matt Kenseth
Age 24 Competes in 1st Winston Cup Series race in
Coca Cola 600 in Charlotte. Finishes 16th after starting
8th. He would make 5 starts that first season.
Age 25 Wins 2nd Busch Series Championship by 280
points over Jeff Green
Age 25 1st Full season in Cup