If there’s one thing to savor about the current 2023 season, it’s the degree of competition on offer. With the point leaders constantly changing in the point table, last year’s championship runner-up, Ross Chastain is yet to join the party as the Trackhouse Racing Team star is still chasing his first win of the season. Not only is the #1 Chevy caught up in the rut, but Hendrick Motorsports has not been having the best of seasons. Probably because of their accidents, Chase Elliott and Alex Bowman are still looking for their first win, much like the #1 driver. Seeing this, fans were quick to draw a parallel from the past.

They recalled Dale Earnhardt Jr ending his 143-race winless slump 11 years ago. He did it in the most exciting fashion. And fans, even today, are reminiscent of the way the #88 HMS Chevy joined the celebrations in the victory lane.

When Dale Earnhardt Jr Made a Heroic Return to the Podium

June 17th, 2012, was the date when Dale Earnhardt Jr redeemed himself, ending his grueling 143-race winless streak that spanned over 4 years with his last victory coming in 2008. Not only did he end his agonizing streak, but Dale Jr also did this on the exact same track where he had his last win—Michigan.

The packed stands reverberated in cheers as Dale Jr rid himself of previous years’ demons with a stellar win, edging out the 3-time champ, Tony Stewart to the second spot. Steve Letarte, crew chief of the #88 team, even had his own record cleaned off as Dale Jr clinched the race, ending Letarte’s 115-race winless streak.

While at present, even though Elliott, Bowman, and Chastain are still very much in contention, the three are actually chasing their first wins of the season. This prompted fans to go back 11 years to Michigan where their favorite driver got back to glory.

WATCH THIS STORY: Shaquille O’Neal left Sonoma winner dumbfounded after recalling his famous race with Dale Earnhardt Jr 

Fans Put Forth Their Wholesome Thoughts Looking Back at Dale Jr’s Big Day

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Often, fans have to be content with throwback incidents of the past. However, such old gems not only satisfy the hunger but also give numerous parallels to the current season—one such parallel being the above-mentioned one.

After Junior’s video from Michigan was uploaded on Reddit, fellow Redditors joined the banter as they recalled Dale Jr’s victory in joy.

Some fans recalled the ecstatic environment on the track, “I was at this race, and the TV doesn’t do Justice the crowd going NUTS!”

“I wish I could’ve been there. I was in the crowd with Dale Jr gear on when he won the first Pocono race in 2014 and man… that crowd was going crazy. I was jumping around in the stands and hugging random strangers in the crowd. It was crazy LOL.”

Pointing out Amy Earnhardt’s presence in the victory lane, one fan wrote, “I’m just here remembering the first appearance of Amy……”

Moreover, ardent Junior fans wrote down their thoughts in the comment section, “As a Jr. fan during this time, this was beyond a great day.” 

“Junior was pretty good with Letarte from 2011-2013, really consistent just couldn’t find victory lane kinda like Blaney now”

READ MORE: Dale Earnhardt Jr’s Emulator Joey Logano Earns His Applauds as the Reigning Champion Comes to the Aid of a Local Track

With the veteran now taking his time off the track after his retirement from the promotion in 2017, Dale Jr is still a popular NASCAR name as his Dale Jr Download podcasts are adored by the community.