WOW! You guys are vicious!
Anyway here's my rationale...
First, I don't think Junior will ever accomplish anywhere near what his Dad did, nor do I expect him to BE his Dad like some fans do.
Second, I think he CAN and WILL win a championship.
Thirdly, while watching everything unfold that fateful day in February 2001, I remember asking myself, "OK, so who am I going to root for now?", and the only logical answer I had was "Well, I guess his son".
I grew up in the land where NASCAR doesn't exist and got into it by seeing Sr. on ABC and TNN. Junior didn't get to pick his last name, nor did he have any say in what happened to his father.
I admit that there are many more talented drivers out there, but I know there are several fans who cheer for guys who haven't done much of anything either. You cheer for who you want.
And for all you guys saying "Mark Martin", I like the guy, but how many championships does HE have? Uhh 0.0?
Enjoy Texas folks.