Dale Earnhardt Jr. wins rainy Daytona 500, boosts spirits of NASCAR

Having struggled since 2006 to get to Victory Lane, Dale Earnhardt. Jr was once again No. 1.

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And it wasn't just the fans who felt this way. A number of people throughout NASCAR, understanding completely that a rising Earnhardt tide has the ability to lift the sport's collective boat, did not hesitate to acknowledge the importance's of his Daytona 500 victory.

He is correct. In fact, all of NASCAR hasn't screamed quite as loud as the noise the sport made Sunday night. For once, NASCAR had a Big One to celebrate.