Junior finds peace of mind with new team and owner (cont'd)

Earnhardt said he is well aware of the high expectations of his new team. Eury Jr. said on Monday that he would be disappointed if they don't win "at least four races." Television analyst Darrell Waltrip has said repeatedly that he expects Earnhardt to win the Daytona 500 and "at least six races."

Yet Earnhardt contended Tuesday that in some ways, he is under less pressure heading into this season than he was going into last season -- when his future was up in the air as contract negotiations with DEI were deteriorating.

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Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Great start

Dale Earnhardt Jr. started his Preseason Thunder test session off right in Daytona with top-five runs in the morning and afternoon. Joe Menzer says that exactly how he needed the first day to go.

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"It's been pretty nice to be able to concentrate on things that are important right now, like testing and working and getting to know the guys [on the team]," Earnhardt said. "There is a little bit less pressure in certain areas and more pressure in other areas.

"I didn't have to worry about job security when I was over at my other job, but I've got to worry about that now. I think if I do what I've been doing, I should be fine. But it's not like before. Being the son of the guy who built the place, you can get away with a few more things than most guys could."

Not that anyone expects him to encounter any difficulties getting along with the affable Hendrick, including Earnhardt himself. Plus he's armed with a five-year contract, so it's not like his job in on the line every week in the truest sense.

"I've got a really good owner who makes me feel comfortable," Earnhardt said. "Talking to him and hearing from him and listening to his thoughts on what we're doing, it takes away some pressure from that side of it.

"But I don't know the rest of the guys [on the team] that well, so I'm just nervous in getting to know them. I'm hoping that they like me and like the kind of driver I am and that they're happy to have me as their driver. That's what you want from the guys working on your cars -- for them to be glad you're there, that you are 'the one' driving it."

So his nervousness comes these days more from getting to know his new teammates when he's outside of the car, rather than at any time when he's in the car behind the wheel. And that, he added, is a good thing as he is coming off the first winless season of his Cup career.

He also said that the tests this week at Daytona are going a long way to helping him settle nerves all the way around -- his and those of his new teammates. These days mark the first hopeful baby steps toward their ultimate and common goal of getting Earnhardt back to Victory Lane.

"I don't want to sit here and guess how many races we'll win," he said. "We'll win some races, and I expect to win soon. I'm a good driver with a good team -- and if we don't make mistakes on Sunday, we should have great finishes and win some races."