CONCORD, N.C. - Speedway Motorsports Inc. Chairman Bruton Smith has his own take on the impact of a sub-par season so far for NASCARs most popular driver, Dale Earnhardt Jr.
It personally affects the sale of souvenirs, which you know we are in that business. I guess that means that Dale Jr. is losing fans rapidly and I dont like that because hes great for the sport, Smith said.
Ive talked to Rick (Hendrick) and Rick is working with him. Ive got to believe you will see a change. Dale Jr. is improving. He is tired of some of the bad press hes been getting.
I think you will see Dale will start to win some races.
Earnhardt Jr. is 18th in series points this season with three top-10 finishes in 11 starts. He has one win - last June at Michigan - since May 2006.