Early-Season Struggles Has Earnhardt’s Team in Precarious 35th Position 
 Dale Earnhardt Jr. has had a rough two weeks to start the season and comes into Las Vegas 35th in points.

That’s territory he wants to leave behind – quickly.

For the first five races of the season, the top 35 teams from the final 2008 car owner points get guaranteed starting spots. After the first five weeks, the guaranteed berths are based on current owner standings.

Earnhardt has NEVER missed a race since becoming a full-time NASCAR Sprint Cup driver in 2000.

So it’s possible, but not likely.

33 Robby Gordon
34 Ryan Newman
35 Dale Earnhardt Jr.
36 Aric Almirola
37 Joey Logano #
38  Jeremy Mayfield