Earnhardt learns to tough it out in Busch

CONCORD, N.C. -- Kerry Earnhardt is the first person to admit he’s had a frustrating season so far this year in the NASCAR Busch Series. But he insists that he’s been learning along the way.

“The biggest frustration has been me just not picking it up as fast I would have liked,” said Earnhardt, driver of the No. 12 Fitz-Bradshaw Racing Chevrolet. “The season started out pretty good. I’m just trying to learn as much as I can and get as much experience as possible.

“I haven’t learned the different tracks as quickly as I feel I should have. I shouldn’t beat on myself, because I have improved since the beginning of the year.”

Earnhardt, the eldest son of seven-time champion Dale Earnhardt, began the season with only 10 Busch Series starts to his credit. What was supposed to be a limited schedule with various sponsors has become a full-time ride for this year.

With that in mind, Earnhardt and the Fitz-Bradshaw team tested at Lowe’s Motor Speedway on Tuesday for the upcoming CARQUEST Auto Parts 300 on May 25.

During his limited ARCA schedule in 2001, he found Victory Lane three times in just five starts. Winning is something he can do, but he just hasn’t gotten to that level yet in his Busch Series career.

In the first ten races this year, Earnhardt has one top-10 finish and has needed only one provisional. Four top-20 runs have put him as high as 19th in points, but two bad runs dropped him to his current position of 22nd on the chart.

“The biggest challenge for me has been the difference in tires, wheel base and the weight of a Busch car vs. an ARCA car,” he said. “Tires have been the big thing.

“The team has been behind me and very supportive. They push me to let me know they’re for me and not against me.

“We have gotten better every week in some areas. But, I just feel like I should have done it quicker than now.”