His career began inauspiciously, when he and his brother Kerry bought an old Monte Carlo racer for $200. Earnhardt Jr. took his first green flag at the Concord Speedway in the street stock division at the age of 17. However, he only garnered three feature victories from 1994 through 1996.
Just two years later though, Earnhardt Jr. dominated the Busch Series, winning 13 races and two series championships, one in each 1998 and 1999. The first title in 1998 made him the first third-generation NASCAR champion, joining father Dale Sr. and grandfather Ralph. Moving forward, Junior wasted no time making an impact in Cup racing when he entered in the Winston Cup series in 2000 winning at both Texas in his 12th career start and at Richmond in his 16th start. He also became the first rookie to win NASCAR's all-star race at Lowe's Motor Speedway.
With all the early success, it is no wonder it didn't take long for Junior to become the unofficial poster boy of the sport. He has appeared on countless magazine covers, numerous television talk shows and was the focus of two MTV documentaries: “Cribs” and “True Life, I’m a Race Car Driver.”
Junior has had a rough year in 2004. While he has 5 wins including the 2004 Daytona 500, Junior is currently 5th in the Race for the Nextel Cup, 98 points behind Kurt Busch with 3 races to go. While runing in 3rd with 15 laps to go in the Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500, Junior tried to squeeze in front of Carl Edwards, but was bumped and spun into the inside wall of Atlanta Motor Speedway. Junior finished 33rd.
