The 2010 NASCAR season began for many fans on Friday at the Preseason Thunder Fan Fest at Daytona. With driver interviews featured throughout the weekend, it gives the fans a first look at the upcoming season and sets the stage for the Budweiser Shootout and the Daytona 500.

Dale Earnhardt Jr., sporting a full beard, seemed relaxed and confident as he talked about the disappointment of 2009 and his expectations for this year.

This is a completely different Dale Jr. than the one we saw at the end of 2009. His words towards the end of the season reflected his frustration and self doubt.

“I’m about to the end of my rope on it,” he said. “I’ve been riding it out, but there comes a point where you don’t want to ride it out no more. You’ve just had enough.”

On Friday, he spoke with a renewed passion and a quiet confidence. Continue reading →