Dale Earnhardt Jr. Is Back On Top – At Least In Crowd Noise Ratings

This is somewhat unbelievable, but it had been since Daytona in July that Dale Earnhardt Jr. got the most crowd noise during pre-race driver introductions – at least in the six races where SB Nation's decibel meter was used.

That seems crazy, but look at who had gotten the loudest reaction since then:

• Indianapolis: Local favorite Jeff Gordon got the most noise.
• Bristol: Brad Keselowski incited the crowd with "Kyle Busch is an ass!"
• Atlanta: Earnhardt Jr. was fifth thanks to a bad starting spot; the crowd wasn't warmed up yet when he was introduced (Busch drew the loudest reaction).
• Richmond: Fans spent more vocal energy booing Busch than cheering for Earnhardt Jr.
• Dover: Drivers were supposed to introduce themselves to the crowd, but Earnhardt Jr. walked right by the microphone and didn't say anything.
• Fontana: Jimmie Johnson got the loudest reception in his native Southern California.