Dale Earnhardt Jr. has experienced numerous disappointments at Talladega.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. (Via IMAGO)
Recently, Talladega hosted its first Cup race of the 2024 season, which was filled with multiple chaotic moments. All of the crashes occurred during the final stage, including a major one that ultimately determined the race outcome. The race leader caused a massive wreck while attempting a risky double block, allowing another driver to seize the victory.
When discussing the race, Hall of Famer, who has won at the track six times, recalled two of his most devastating losses at Talladega. Junior, who is the second most successful driver at the track, alongside Seven times Cup champion, and his father, holds the record for the most victories at the track with 10.
Junior shared that his first heartbreaking loss at Dega occurred in 2004. He was defeated by Jeff Gordon after Brian Vickers spun out late in the race. The second loss took place at the same track in 2015 when Joey Logano snatched the win away from him following a late race crash that resulted in a caution flag. Junior was on the verge of taking the lead when the accident happened.
“The two that stand out immediately are losing Talladega to Jeff Gordon when Vickers spun in the middle of the corner… The other one is the loss to Joey Logano. The same thing. Get the restart, I’m going by Joey… Talladega, 2015. I’m going by Joey, I’ve got him, and there’s a wreck behind me, and they’re like, ‘Feel frozen,'” Junior explained.
For the fans of Junior, Gordon’s victory was difficult to accept, and they expressed their frustration by throwing beer cans at the Hendrick Motorsports No:24 Chevy in turns 3 and 4. Junior had to navigate through the two turns to avoid the cans, and he found solace in the fact that his fans were showing their support despite the loss.
Talladega has always been known for controversial finishes, and Junior, being the most consistent driver there, was often at the forefront. Over the years, there have been instances where Junior was fortunate enough to be on the winning side of things.
In case you missed it: