ESPN

In terms of timing, Dale Earnhardt Jr. talking about an interest in squeezing into the driver's seat of an IRL car and racing in the Indianapolis 500 is a little like Indians pitcher Carl Pavano saying he'd love to take a crack at the National League All-Star lineup. You might want to get your own house in order first, Junior.

Arguably the most recognizable name in NASCAR, Earnhardt Jr. hasn't won in his last 39 races and is already on his second crew chief this season. He does have more career wins than Hersehl McGriff and Tiny Lund. And on the plus side for his sponsors, he's not Jeremy Mayfield.

Anyway, no wonder a hefty majority of SportsNation is more interested in seeing Danica Patrick turn left at Daytona than Junior doing the same at the Brickyard (with at least one notable exception in one of the states involved).

• Vote: Cast your vote on how Dale Earnhardt Jr. would fare in the Indianapolis 500
• Chat: How would Junior fare at the Brickyard? Ask IRL anchor Marty Reid at 3 ET
• Groups: Junior Nation | Fans of the Indianapolis 500 | Nascar Fans

“

What a jerk. He's actually trying to pitch the idea of either NASCAR or the IRL to change their schedules for him? Please. His last name is not strong enough to hold his deteriorating NASCAR career. Do what John Andretti did this year...pick one and be quiet about it. If you choose the Indy 500, fine. Your NASCAR team won't miss you.

” -- Captain59

“

Junior is planting seeds in the media to try & drum up interest. This is a bizarre thing to say though sitting outside the top 20 in points.

” -- Dale_Jr_Is_Crap