spencer,
Let me tell you how I became a Jr fan. I started watching NASCAR about 10 years ago. I did not have a driver. I tried to like Jarrett, Wallace, Mikey Waltrip, and others. When Jr came on the scene, while I still tried to like these other guys, I was pulling for Jr to get out of his Dad's shadow and win. He was my guy. When Sr dies, I think his strong fan base moved over to Jr, which is nice because most of us like him and pull for him to win. When Gordon wins we toss beer bottles at him! Ha!
I like Jr, but he will never be his dad. His dad had a mean streak, kind of like Stewart, move out of my way or I will do it for you. I honestly think you need to think that way a bit to be successful and wish Jr would find his mean streak. I think he is a very good driver. He is always competetive even in the old TEI #8.