Note to ESPN: Enough already

ESPN is turning its NASCAR Nationwide Series coverage into nothing more than a daily promotion of its new show about Dale Earnhardt Jr., "Shifting Gears," a 5-part epic detailing Earnhardt's move from Dale Earnhardt Inc. to Hendrick Motorsports.

The final few questions asked of Earnhardt after he finished 3rd in the Camping World 300 at Daytona all had to do with what Earnhardt thought of the program and how it was produced. This came on the heels of Friday's qualifying session for that race, after Earnhardt's disappointing effort in time trials.

In fact, ESPN garage reporter Mike Massaro spent more time Friday asking Earnhardt about the show than he did about how the No. 5 team was caught before qualifying with an illegally-modified rear spoiler.

Earnhardt produced the show with his own entertainment company, and said it was "an atta-boy" for his loyal fans.

"I know it's hard to sit through all the Dale Jarrett commercials, but that's what we had to do to get it on (ESPN)," Earnhardt said. "I know I have a hard time sitting through them all."

Junior is NASCAR's biggest star. He's had the best week at Daytona of anybody, already winning the Bud Shootout and one of the Gatorade Duels. But race coverage should be race coverage -- if you want to plug your own programming, don't disguise it as a post-'race' interview on pit road.