Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s NASCAR victory Sunday at Michigan on “fuel strategy” — fuel strategy!!! – ended a 76-race-win drought for the wildly popular Hendrick Motorsports driver, and perhaps it will calm down his rabid fans at least for a day or two.

But please refrain from saying “Kyle Busch,” “Jeff Gordon” or “Jimmie Johnson” around the 88 people lest you get an earful back. You should especially hold your tongue if you’re tempted to say any of the following: “But Kyle Busch has more wins this year than Junior and is first in points,” or “Jeff Gordon has four titles,” or “Jimmie Johnson has won back-to-back titles.” 

Also point out at your own risk that Jeremy Mayfield also picked up his last race win by using “fuel strategy” at Michigan, on Aug. 21, 2005. Same circumstances, but Mayfield souvenirs are not, and have never been, hot-selling items. Plus, F.S. seems to be the way races are won at Michigan.

And in all seriousness, a good win for Earnhardt II. Dude actually has a chance to win the title this year.

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