NASCAR BGN: Lajoie glad Earnhardt Jr. is 'wearing out' the Cup drivers this season
13 April 2000
Posted By Terry
Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
HOT TOPICWhat do you think of Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s early success in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series?
Randy LaJoie: "I'm glad Little E is starting to wear those guys out over there in Winston Cup. He spent two years wearing us out in the Busch Series, and he made us look bad. Now at least we know it wasn't a fluke."
Event: Touchstone Energy 300
Track: Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway
Track Specs: Length -- 2.66-mile oval, 33? banking
LaJoie Looks Ahead to the Touchstone Energy 300:
"Talladega is a lot like Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway. It's a horsepower and aerodynamics track.
"I like running that track for some reason. The first time I ever ran there, I ran second to (Dale) Earnhardt. I'm not sure why I run well there, but I've always enjoyed the speedways. Plus, it helps when you're in good equipment like I've got. I learned to draft from Buddy Baker and I've taken to the speedways pretty well.
"Last year, we had a car capable of winning the race at Talladega, but we had an incident on pit road while we were leading. We've tested there several times this year. I'm not sure what car we're bringing, but I can assure you that whatever car it is, we'll be in contention for the win. I wouldn't mind being in victory lane for my 200th start and for the second time this year."
Text provided by DeLana Linville
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