Junior achievement

Dale Earnhardt Jr. announced Wednesday that he will drive for Hendrick Motorsports starting in 2008, and I couldn't help notice how comfortable he appeared to be during his press conference. He was at ease, or even relieved – that might be a better description. It seemed as though he truly was at peace now that he had found a new place to showcase his talent.

I am left with this opinion: Good for Dale Earnhardt Jr.!

I have listened and read for months of the ridiculous debate around Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s ability as a NASCAR Nextel Cup driver. I recently heard someone claim that Dale Earnhardt Jr. was not worthy of this type opportunity or the attention he has received in his career, and would not have received either if his last name were not Earnhardt.

I was tuned to a call-in show. The one thing the caller appeared to be missing is that any athlete or performer is judged based on expectations. Previous accomplishments, circumstance and even relationships help determine those expectations. In Dale Earnhardt Jr.‘s case, the lofty expectations are a product of being the son of one of the best our sport has ever seen. That certainly can be an advantage, but how many people consider the burden? A driver could have a phenomenal career but still never measure up to the greatness of a legend.

Let me say that anyone questioning Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s legitimacy as a top Nextel Cup driver and free agent is foolish.

The advantage I have, and the basis for my authority on the subject, is that I spent many Saturdays and Sundays competing against Dale Jr. The three to four hours we spend on the track competing together is an advantage most in this debate can not recognize. It is here we measure one another.

Each driver has a distinct personality on the track, part of his driving DNA, so to speak. When you compete together over an extended period of time, you study and learn about one another. Where does this driver run the best? Where is he most vulnerable? Is he predictable? Can I trust him?

You learn the answers to these questions and more about everyone you compete against. It adds up to experience and it enables you to prepare for each lap and each pass, as well as how you go about defending your position, with each particular driver.

Dale Earnhardt Jr., in my opinion, is an exceptional race car driver, the type of driver you feel comfortable racing side-by-side, lap after lap. He has demonstrated the ability to win at NASCAR's highest level on 17 occasions and is certainly capable, and worthy, of his own Nextel Cup championship trophy.

It appears as though his time has arrived, as well as his opportunity. His signing with Hendrick Motorsports for five years could serve as the end of this debate.

I believe Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s primary benefit to racing with Hendrick Motorsports will be Rick Hendrick himself. What Rick has to offer goes far beyond cars and engines. He is a master at managing personalities and getting the most out of his employees. The regard Rick receives in the garage area is only exceeded by that of his employees at the shops. Dale Jr. will benefit from the coaching and support he appears to need and desire from the boss.

This will help Dale Jr. return to the form that carried him to consecutive Busch championships, and to regain the level of confidence he brought with him to Nextel Cup. This was a period when he had the support and presence of his father. He also will benefit from having two teammates who have captured the championship he desires. They will be tremendous assets, both in terms of support and measure. Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon have brought the best out in one another this year. The two will be a resource that Dale Earnhardt Jr. has not yet had in his career.

I believe in the potential of this combination, in large part because of my confidence in both Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s and Rick Hendrick's abilities. But this is, by no means, a slam dunk.

History shows that teams and manufacturers have cycles. No team is dominant forever, and the risk associated with the allure of a Hendrick Motorsports is that you might arrive at or near the end of its peak. I'm not suggesting that the team goes winless in 2008. I am only bringing to light the reality that other teams will catch up to Hendrick Motorsports, and expecting Hendrick to maintain its current average of winning 10 of 14 races is unreasonable.

Domination in this form has a way of putting the competition back to work, as well as exposing a company's talent. Roush Fenway Racing serves as a perfect example, winning the title in 2003 and 2004 before placing all five teams in the Chase in 2005. But in 2006, only two Roush drivers made the Chase and their momentum diminished.

I believe Dale Earnhardt Jr. will win races and certainly challenge for titles at Hendrick Motorsports. I also believe he needs to remain galvanized to criticism, as the expectations have only grown higher. He will now be measured against Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon.

The good news is he might have fewer people unfairly comparing him with his dad.

Ricky Craven is Yahoo! Sports' NASCAR analyst. Send Ricky a question or comment for potential use in a future column or webcast.

Updated on Wednesday, Jun 13, 2007 7:36 pm, EDT

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