Blk3GM's Busch Series News - Earnhardt Jr 3rd at the Milwaukee Mile

Blk3GM's NASCAR Busch Series News

Earnhardt Jr 3rd at the Milwaukee Mile
July 4, 1999

Dale Earnhardt Jr, often referred to a chip-off-the-block of his father, proved it on Sunday at the Milwaukee Mile. In a Saturday morning practice session Earnhardt Jr hit the wall when an engine blew. He was taken to the hospital where it was discovered he suffered a chipped right shoulder blade and bruised ribs. But he didn't let that stop his championship efforts.

Ron Hornaday had to qualify the #3 AC Delco Monte Carlo, but Earnhardt returned from the hospital to run Happy Hour Practice for the DieHard 250. Although Hornaday gained a 15th starting position, Earnhardt had to go to the back of the pack for the race since he was unable to qualify the car.

So from dead last Dale Earnhardt Jr began his charge steadily moving forward, fighting traffic and pain. He finished third behind Casey Atwood, the youngest driver to win a Busch Series race and Jeff Green.

Dale Jr was a little hard on himself during the post race interview in an almost apologetic tone said he wish he could have done better for his crew. Dale Jr was trying to tie a four-race win streak. He said maybe, because of his injuries, Hornaday could have won the race but I just could get out of the car. (Sound familiar...just like Dad!)

Dale Jr's pre-race comments were another "Earnhardt Classic", when he was asked if he'd be using a relief driver, he said he was going for the Championship, and "I ain't gonna lose it cause I laid down."

Earnhardt Jr. maintains the lead in total points with 2,609, 139 ahead of Matt Kenseth, who finished fifth Sunday.

1999 Busch Series Schedule

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Blk3GM's Dale Earnhardt Site was born on July 26, 1998 and is owned and maintained by Gary Harris. This site is a tribute to "NASCAR's Greatest Driver" and his up and coming son. We are not affiliated with any official Team, Sponsors, Media Group or NASCAR. This site is solely for entertainment purposes. Information and statistic's on this site have been collected from various NASCAR related sites on the internet, from Winston Cup Scene, Newspapers, Television and our personal experience at Winston Cup and Busch Grand National races. All statistics are believed to be accurate at the time they are updated but cannot be guaranteed.