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Dale Jr.' s fast on track, still limping off
WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. (AP) - Dale Earnhardt Jr. had two solid practice sessions on Saturday but still was limping and grimacing with every step he took afterward as he continues to recover from being burned in a sports car crash last month in California.
"I'm fine," said Earnhardt, who was seventh-quickest in the first practice and will start third on Sunday in the Sirius at the Glen.
If Junior needed a boost to forget his aches and pains, he certainly received one from a young visitor from the Make-A-Wish Foundation. When 3-year-old Connor Poling of West Virginia, who is recovering from heart surgery, sat down for a chat wearing a bright orange No. 8 hat, his favorite driver was beaming.
"Hello partner. Feeling all right?" Earnhardt asked.
Connor's shyness dominated the 15-minute session - he kept his head bowed and held his hands over his eyes, finally relenting once for a photo before departing.
"Take it easy and have a good trip. See yah, buddy," Earnhardt said, prompting Connor to finally break out of his shell and give him a thumbs-up.
