[MikeRaceDayTek]

What is NA__AR thinking? They are comparing Kenseth to Jr? Ok, they have the same number of wins. Shouldn't that be about where the comparison ends?

Though there is one really valid point that is brought up. Seeing as how he is a previous Champion, why don't we hear more about Kenseth fans? The Onion did a pretty funny strong side v weak side on Kenseth and brings up this point somewhat. How does Jr, with no championship, have the huge fan base he does? Compare that to Champs like Kenseth, Kurt, Tony, and even Jimmie. Do any of them pull in the fans like Jr?

Jr has done appearances here in Mooresville, and you are lucky to get anywhere close. Most of the other drivers do appearances and you have maybe 25 - 30 die-hard people show up. That's about it.

I've never hidden the fact that I'm not someone who roots for Jr, but seriously, can someone explain all the hype. Most Jr fans get uptight if you accuse Jr of racing on his last name, but what other reason would there be for him to be the most popular driver?

Does anyone see the logic in the comparison, or can anyone else answer some of my questions?

[oncea3fan]

first off jr. was the second coming of earnhardt, then when dale died, jr. got the pitty vote or fan, I think most jr. fan are not die hard fan but fan that are cool to be cool, it was real cool to root for him, now I think we are stating to see that go away. as he isn't doing well.
I think jr. has 3-4 more years of milk then he will have to start proving him self. new fan will start to see him like the new fans in the late 90's saw DW. they did know DW in the late 70's thur the 80's where he was a major threat every week. as will the newer fans won't know how jr. was a threat at every plate track early in his career.

[OregonSHRFan]

Kenseth and Jr were big time rivals..... back in the Busch series. Kenseth won the Busch Championship and came to Cup, Jr stayed another year and won his Championship in Busch.
NASCAR likes to "manufacturer" racing. Maybe they think (oh my gosh, the actual use of a brain??) they can "recreate" a rival between Kenseth and Jr. I don't see either driver going for that.
Kenseth is all about what he is doing on the track and when he isn't doing well, he isn't afraid to say so. He is a racer.
Jr could be a racer if he didn't have so many other "celebrity" type things going on in his world. Big Sis Kelly needs to kick his butt back into the drivers seat and make him stay there. She has always been a strong influence on him, I hope she will step up to the plate and SOON.

[nascaraddict]

I don't see the thing coming to fist-a-cuffs, but I think that these two will race eachother just like they would race anyother driver on the track. I don't see a highened scence of rivialry.

Matt has a championship. Dale Jr. does'nt. But what's the big deal. I think you're making a mountain out of a mole hill.

[Motorsports One]

Originally Posted by OregonSHRFan

Kenseth and Jr were big time rivals..... back in the Busch series. Kenseth won the Busch Championship and came to Cup, Jr stayed another year and won his Championship in Busch.

Matt Kenseth never won the Busch Series championship. In 1998, Dale Jr. won the championship and Matt ended the season 2nd in points. In 1999, Dale Jr. won it again and Matt finished 3rd. They both moved to Cup in 2000.

[OregonSHRFan]

Originally Posted by Motorsports One

Matt Kenseth never won the Busch Series championship. In 1998, Dale Jr. won the championship and Matt ended the season 2nd in points. In 1999, Dale Jr. won it again and Matt finished 3rd. They both moved to Cup in 2000.

Thanks for correcting me. My head is too stuffed up to be quoting facts without looking them up... sorry