Mechanic Earnhardt? That’s what he said he wanted to be before being a driver

By Anthony Caruso III
Posted: June 16th, 2014 at 2:19 am EST

Dale Earnhardt Jr. is the most popular NASCAR driver. Each year, it is indicated when fans vote him the most popular for over the past decade.

Earnhardt Jr. has two wins this season, which is the most in years, and finished seventh at the Quicken Loans 400. He won the Daytona 500 and the Pocono 400.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. (Getty Images)

He has made 15 starts this season with 10 Top 10 finishes, and seven Top 5 finishes. His average finish is 10.9 this season.

Yet, Earnhardt Jr. grew up in an iconic racing family. According to his interaction with a fan, he wanted to go in a different direction.

He has made $3.5 million this season, and has won over $73 million in career earnings since 1999. According to the US News & World Report, the annual salary for a mechanic is $39,060 per year.

“@BigNick5253: @DaleJr when did you realize you wanted to become a NASCAR Driver?” When I realized dealership mechanic didn’t pay as much.

— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) June 16, 2014