Dale Earnhardt Jr. led at Martinsville until the rain showers came, causing a 33-minute red flag period on lap 357. Dale Jr. climbed back into his car as the leader, but was showered in debris from a stationary jet track dryer. Some of the debris became lodged in Dale Jr’s left eye, but he was able to continue.
Following the stoppage, the changed track seemed to negate the speed advantage of the Bud car, and Dale Jr. fought back from 11th place after his final pit stop to gain his first top-five tally of 2007.
“I got something in my eye when I got back in the car after the rain. The jet dryer was moving really, really slow - and I was helpless just sitting there while it blew (stuff) inside my car for what must have been 15 to 20 seconds. I mean, that’s ridiculous. I was sitting there thinking ‘Go! Move on! Let me out! Help!’ It was crazy. They need to be better about that. Either dry the track before we get in - or keep those dryers moving.”
[fingerprint/Budweiser PR]
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That may have cost him the race!
I think this is one of the reasons why it is required to have a full face helmet with a shield. If the thing was there for 15-20 seconds his brain should of told him to put the visor down. I don’t know, maybe I am thinking with too much common sense here.
He probably didnt have his helmet on yet.
Yeah, im thinkin he didnt have his helmet on yet. Definetaly a factor that cost him the race…
or maybe you are all stupid!
Thank God he’s alright!! What would we do with a one-eyed Little E? Could NASCAR survive?
of course nascar could survive with their hendrick lap dogs
with all the BJ’s nascar is getting from hendrick motorsports they will survive for a long time
Hey Ben, read it a little better. He was sitting in his car. Waiting for the ok to start the cars. He didnt have his helmet on yet. AND HE DOES have a full face helmet. In case you dont watch, the cameras in the cars show what the helmets look like. They are all that way now!!! Had he even had his helmet on, maybe his visor was up. HELLO!!!!!
Woopty DOOOOOOO!!!! maybe next time he will close his eyes when the track blower is near. didn’t he learn from the last time someone got debris in the eye? I think it was Dale Jarret, a few weeks ago.