---

The Hard Way: Dale Earnhardt, Jr.

3 October 1997

CONCORD, NC -- Dale Earnhardt Jr. wadded up his #31 Wrangler Chevrolet during morning practice today at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The team, after looking at the wrecked heap, decided to load it up on the trailer and take it back to the local Mooresville shop and affect repairs rather than try to get the back-up ride prepared.

The team, though missing first round Busch series qualifying, will attempt to make the show via the 'hooligans' race that will be run tomorrow.

The field for this race will be comprised of those who did not make it to the show via time trials or provisionals and were entered in the race.

If Dale Jr. is to make it to the big race on Saturday he'll have to finish fourth or higher in the hooligans race. This will be a mean a feat as he'll be starting shotgun on the field. If this isn't bad enough, the race typically involves several massive wrecks for a driver to pick their way through.

Mike Snow -- The Auto Channel