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Former NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. is regarded as one of NASCAR’s most popular and celebrated drivers. Dale Jr. has left an incredible mark on the sport with his common-sense charisma, fan loyalty, and racing pedigree.
Despite his huge popularity and undeniable talent, the prestigious NASCAR Cup Series title always remained just out of reach. However, he managed to clinch the championship in the Xfinity Series in 1998 and 1999.
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Dale Earnhardt Jr. has competed in 18 full-time NASCAR Cup seasons and came close to winning the Cup championship on a few occasions during his career but ultimately fell short.
On that note, let’s take a look at three instances when Dale Jr. came close to clinching the Bill France Cup:
Three times Dale Earnhardt Jr. came close to winning the Cup Series title
#1 2003 NASCAR Cup Series season
The 2003 NASCAR Cup Series marked a breakout season for Dale Earnhardt Jr. as he established himself as a force to be reckoned with at the Cup level. He finished third in the championship standings, and while he didn’t win the title, it was one of his closest seasons.
Heading into the final stretch of that season, Dale Jr. was in contention for the championship. Driving the #8 Chevrolet for Dale Earnhardt, Inc. (DEI), he scored two wins and an impressive 13 top-five finishes. He had a strong shot at the title but was ultimately edged out by Matt Kenseth, who won the 2003 championship.
#2 2004 NASCAR Cup Series season
Dale Earnhardt Jr. continued the last season’s momentum in the 2004 season and won a total of six races. He again had a shot to win the title, but a 23rd finish in the finale race at Homestead-Miami Speedway kept him out of reach from the elusive NASCAR title. He finished the 2004 season in fifth place in the championship standings.
The 2004 Cup season marked the introduction of the ‘Chase for the Cup,’ a playoff-style format designed to intensify the championship battle. When the Chase progressed, Dale Jr. was in a tight battle for the title with the likes of Kurt Busch, Jimmie Johnson, and Jeff Gordon. However, his championship bid unraveled late in the season. Still, 2004 will be remembered as one of the most dominant and competitive seasons for Dale Jr.
#3 2013 NASCAR Cup Series season
After several seasons of topsy-turvy finishes following his move to Hendrick Motorsports in 2008, the 50-year-old Kannapolis, North Carolina, native experienced a resurgence in the 2013 Cup season.
Though he didn’t win a race that season, he remained consistent, racking up 10 top-five finishes and 22 top-10 finishes. He wrapped that season with a strong third-place finish at Homestead and fifth in the final championship standings. Unfortunately, his championship bid fell short yet again as Jimmie Johnson, his HMS teammate, clinched his sixth Cup championship that year.
