Dale Jr. Takes the Wheel

There were saddened hearts in Mooresville for weeks or more.
There were muttered oaths and curses—every fan in town was sore.
“Just think,” said one, “How it used to be.
Our boy was happy and so were we.”

But things had changed and Junior’s discontent
Spread through the Nation, his heart now rent.
He greeted the media and fans without smiles
Frustration haunted his steps, mile after mile

A friend reached out a hand, offering a chance
Junior took it up, leaving home without a glance
Many wondered, speaking aloud,
“Was this the right thing? Should we be proud?”

Change is never easy—the results hard to predict.
So much was said, often in bitter conflict.
Would he find himself in a better place?
Was there a chance for him to make the Chase?

Much to our surprise, rivals became teammates
Many were in dismay over the fate of the eight.
The world beneath us shook
A chasm opened, Junior jumped and didn’t look

In Daytona, this week, the flags now flew
Anticipation filled our hearts. The crowds grew
His car rolled through inspection and minutes ticked by
He climbed in his seat. His fans gave a sigh

Now we would find out.
Now we would see.
The end to the story
The effects of this grand prix

It didn’t take long,
There wasn’t much of a wait
Dale Jr. put down the pedal
He didn’t want to be late

His car looked fine out in front
Spinning through the turns and eager in the hunt
They didn’t have much for him:
Tony, Jeff, Clint and Jim

They did give an effort, the rest of the field
Bumper to bumper, hands up on the wheel
But drafting or no, one thing was clear
Earnhardt was back, grinning from ear to ear

He came out of Turn Four, riding high on the wall
The drivers behind him knew he had it all
The fans stood and sent up a cheer
Life was looking good, relieving their fears

Dale Jr. burned up the pavement, taking his victory lap
Stopped to shake hands, listened to everybody clap
His new boss met him and asked if he had fun
Our boy laughed, giving the details of the run

Perhaps those left in Mooresville have decided to move on
But over in Charlotte, they are celebrating a new dawn
Multitudes now dress in blue, red and green
There’s a new man arrived on this successful scene

One thing is for sure, our hearts are light
We get to share with Junior something so right
Through days and nights filled with distress
This Victory, those worries addressed

What of the future, we now wonder
Only time will tell, amidst the season’s thunder
But Joy did return, to our NASCAR Nation
For now, we have only to enjoy the elation.


**Author’s Note: Nods to Ernest L. Thayer, author of “Casey at the Bat” and Grantland Rice, author of “Casey’s Revenge”, the inspirations for this piece.**