NASCAR: 7 Reasons Why Dale Earnhardt Jr. Could Be the Chase Favorite in 2012

Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s previous forays in the Chase for the Sprint Cup have ended with mixed results.In the first eight editions of the Chase, Junior has made the 10-race playoff just four times, finishing fifth in the inaugural campaign in 2004, fifth in 2006, 12th in 2008 and seventh in 2001.The other four seasons, he missed the Chase, ultimately finishing 19th (2005), 16th (2007), a career-worst 25th (2009) and 21st (2010).But 2012 has been a completely different story thus far. Earnhardt not only clinched a spot in the Chase early—two weeks ago at Bristol—but, much like the political campaign for U.S. president that is currently underway, many observers are starting to jump on the Junior bandwagon.Many of those members of Juni...

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