If there’s a track Dale Earnhardt Jr. can snap his long losing streak on, it’s Talladega Superspeedway. He has won five Cup races there, third-most behind his dad, Dale (10), and Jeff Gordon (six).

Earnhardt’s last Cup win came at Richmond in May 2006, and Sunday’s Aaron’s 499, the ninth of 36 NASCAR Sprint Cup events this year, could be the race in which he returns to victory lane. He is third in points for Hendrick Motorsports and driving the wheels off the No. 88 Mountain Dew AMP/National Guard Chevrolet.

Earlier this week, Earnhardt, 33, spoke, among other things, about Talladega, his fans and the drought.

Q: Do you see Talladega as your best opportunity, the best place you’re most likely to break the losing streak?

A: I guess … you could say that. We obviously had a lot of success at Talladega, there’s no denying that. And, I feel, you know, that we’re going to have a good chance this weekend, and I’m motivated by that. Before, there were four or five years … I definitely went into these races with a little more confidence than I would carry into other events. But this season, I’ve felt like we’ve had a shot every time we show up. But I definitely like Talladega. We’ve won a lot of races there … got a really big fan base there, and that means a lot to me to be able to go there and run good.

Q: What kind of reaction do you expect going back there for the first time as a member of Hendrick Motorsports?

A: I think the reaction will be the same.

It’s been a little bit more … overwhelming this year than I anticipated it to be. So hopefully, when we go to Talladega, it will follow that path. We’ll have just as many people, if not more (there), excited about what we’re doing.

The fans have been so good to us and so dedicated and so supportive that you go into that race feeling like you owe them to put the car out front.

They came there to get on their feet, and they want to cheer and they want to see that car take the lead. And, really, that’s all you think about, and that’s what your main goal is once the green flag drops.

Q: Do you know why you are good on big tracks?

A: I’ve been in some great race cars. I’ve had some race cars that did everything I asked them to do. That’s real important, you know. If your car isn’t strong, you’re just going to get overpowered eventually on the plate tracks.

Q: What has been the reaction from your legion of fans about how you’re running this year and coming up on almost two years without a win?

A: Well, coming up on two years without a win, you know, it’s definitely something you recognize. It’s definitely a stat that you are aware of and reminded of. (But) it’s not a whole lot of pressure. I still drive for a good team. I still have a great opportunity to win every time I show. But I feel like a win is around the corner. I feel like the fans want to win. They’re ready for a win. From what I can tell, they’re pretty happy that we’re running well and we’re up front and stuff. They have to remind themselves to be patient for that win, but they want it just as bad as we do. You just have to wait. When it happens, it will happen.

Q: Last year, Jeff Gordon led only one lap in the fall race to win at Tallad

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