davatron said:
Labonte hasn't even won a race in the past few years (since 2003 I think). If it weren't for his 2000 Championship, I would have to say he is equally as dismal as Dale Jr.
1. Labonte is one of only 6 active drivers with championships (stewart, gordon, kurt busch, johnson, and kenseth are the others). Hamlin, Burton, Martin, Harvick, Kyle Busch, Bowyer, Edwards, Biffle, etc. have never won a championship.
2. You can't compare Labonte's equipment over the last few years with Earnhardt's.
3. Labonte is not recognized as one of the top 5 or 10 drivers by the fans. I will agree Labonte isn't a top 5 driver, probably not even top 10. If you ran a public fan poll of best drivers, Labonte would not be in the top 10, therefore I don't consider him overrated.
4. But if you ran a public fan survey, Earnhardt would be near the top.
My point is that Earnhardt is extremely overrated. If you got the consensus of crew chiefs, drivers, etc. (and I have) you will find that I am correct. Pretty much every driver on the circuit (Labonte included) has been hired or fired based on production, potential, etc.. Earnhardt is the exception. He has done nothing to deserve a Hendrick seat other than being named Earnhardt.
When the time comes that Labonte sucks while being named the most popular driver, selling the most merchandise, getting the most commercials, driving the best equipment for the best team, and getting constant blowjobs from the tv announcers, then your post will have merit.