In the latest episode of his podcast, “Dale Jr. Download,” NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. provided his insights into the upcoming playoff carnage at Bristol Motor Speedway. Earnhardt Jr., known for his blunt analysis, particularly highlighted Martin Truex Jr. and Denny Hamlin as drivers facing uphill battles.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. did not mince words when discussing the challenges ahead for several key drivers. Harrison Burton, currently needing to make up a 20-point deficit, was singled out as having a particularly tough road ahead.
“Harrison Burton will have a hard time going in and making up 20 points,” Earnhardt stated bluntly. This gap makes Burton’s progression highly unlikely in Earnhardt’s view.
On the other hand, Martin Truex Jr., only 14 points below the playoff cut line, also found himself in Earnhardt’s line of fire.
Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FexEx Toyota, drives a damaged car during the NASCAR Cup Series Go Bowling at The Glen at Watkins Glen International on September 15, 2024 in Watkins Glen, New York. Dale Earnhardt Jr. predicts potential playoff eliminations for Truex Jr. and Hamlin at Bristol.
Chris Graythen/Getty Images
“I honestly don’t think [Martin] Truex gets it done. Minus 14, that’s a bit of a tall order,” said Earnhardt. Truex’s position, though not as severe as Burton’s, still places him in a precarious spot.
The battle between Chase Briscoe and Denny Hamlin is another focal point of Earnhardt’s predictions. Briscoe currently holds a slim lead over Hamlin, who needs to make up just six points. Earnhardt is skeptic about Briscoe’s chances:
“I believe Chase Briscoe will struggle to not get kicked out by a Denny Hamlin. Can Denny go in there and make the six points up on Chase Briscoe? Yes.” This tight margin leaves little room for error, placing immense pressure on Briscoe.
He continued:
“I don’t think Brad beats Denny, but Brad could possibly outpoint Ty Gibbs,” he noted. Gibbs, in particular, needs to perform strongly in the initial stages to maintain his edge. “Ty’s gonna have to struggle. It’ll be important Ty does not do well in Stage 1 and 2 to give Brad that shot.”
Going into the Bristol race, tire wear is going to be a big factor for teams to consider as they shape their campaign.
“We just don’t know what the tire wear is going to be and whether that’ll be as much of a challenge. If that’s a challenge, then who the hell knows what happens?” he said.
Joey Logano, on the other hand, has already secured his place in the next playoff round, thanks to his win in Atlanta.
“This is not a new thing, this is exactly how his seasons have gone,” he said. Reflecting on Logano’s championship win despite generally being “like a 12th-place driver all year,” Earnhardt knows Logano has the ability to deliver under playoff pressure.
It’s all to play for.
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