| Earlier this month, Dale Earnhardt Jr. announced | | | | with the Associated Press, Hendrick has this to |
| that he will be leaving Dale Earnhardt Inc., the | | | | say about Dale Jr.: "We're good friends and I've |
| team that his legendary father started. The most | | | | talked to him, because I really want him to make |
| popular NASCAR driver today said that he will be | | | | the best decision and do the best thing for |
| racing for a new team when the new season | | | | himself. But right now, I'm full." |
| starts next year. His decision came after failing to | | | | Meanwhile, another team which is seen by some |
| take control of DEI from stepmother Teresa | | | | as a good choice for the popular driver is Richard |
| Earnhardt. | | | | Childress Racing. This is the team his late father |
| After the initial stunned reaction of the NASCAR | | | | raced for and won championships. But up to now, |
| nation, the industry was filled with speculations and | | | | it seems that Dale Junior is avoiding falling into the |
| expectations where the young Earnhardt would | | | | shadow of his father as he has not yet entered |
| go after the current season. While he has his own | | | | into talks with RCR. Recently, Richard Childress, |
| team competing at the Busch Series, experts | | | | the owner of the team commented about the |
| expect him to find an established team which will | | | | plight of the most popular NASCAR driver today. |
| be competing at the Nextel Cup Series. This is | | | | "Dale is like family to me," said Childress. "I |
| because of the fact that running a team at this | | | | remember him from a kid growing up. He knows |
| level needs a lot of financing and while Earnhardt | | | | I'm always there for him. I want to give him the |
| Jr. gains a lot of money from his sponsor, it is not | | | | best advice and I'll support him wherever he goes. |
| as large as the budget of major racing teams. | | | | I'll support whatever he wants to do. We haven't |
| Recently there have been talks that Earnhardt | | | | talked since he made his decision. I just want him |
| may be talking with Joe Gibbs Racing, or JGR, | | | | to take some time and look at whatever is out |
| that is owned by the Hall of Fame American | | | | there. The time will come right when we'll talk. |
| football coach Joe Gibbs. Recently, the | | | | And if it's in the cards, whatever will be, will be." |
| distinguished team owner took a break from the | | | | He added that: "Anyone would love to have Dale |
| Redskins training camp to enjoy the All-Star | | | | Jr. drive for them. I know that he would fit in our |
| Challenge. During the said event, Joe Gibbs | | | | organization. Our drivers, I've talked to them. I |
| commented about the talks saying that Dale | | | | know they would fit with him and the crew chiefs. |
| Junior is on his way to joining JGR. Although he | | | | It has to mix. It has to be positive not only for |
| spoke about Dale Jr., he did not point out whether | | | | Dale Jr. to come over but for all our sponsors, all |
| they will be taking in Earnhardt for the next | | | | of our race teams, for everyone involved. And |
| season or not. "We talked a lot about it last week | | | | that's the same wherever he goes." If ever Junior |
| and were pretty forthright about it," says Gibbs. | | | | joined RCR, there are talks that the team might |
| "Right now we're not going to comment about it | | | | revive the Number 3 car that his father drove for |
| and let the thing run its course. We think we've | | | | the team and tragically died on. Although Junior |
| said what's important about it. Right now it's not | | | | admitted that he is not comfortable driving the |
| going to do any good to talk any more about it." | | | | No. 3 car. Indeed, there are those who would |
| He added that: "Junior needs to go through the | | | | want to see Dale Jr. follow in his father's step by |
| normal deal and we'll see what happens. The | | | | joining Richard Childress Racing but there are |
| things we do at (Joe Gibbs Racing) effects a lot | | | | those who disagree saying that Junior needs to |
| of people and I don't think it's something that we | | | | make a name for his own and that means |
| need to talk about it." | | | | staying away from RCR and the No. 3 car. |
| Meanwhile, for his part, Earnhardt said that he is | | | | But one thing is for sure though, Junior needs to |
| "very pleased" with the developments in his | | | | concentrate on racing especially that he was |
| search for a new team. "Things are good," says | | | | recently docked 100 points which puts him outside |
| Earnhardt. "We haven't hit any speed bumps or | | | | the top twelve in the driver's standings. He is |
| obstacles, and the temperature of the | | | | currently ranked 14th with 1160 points, 721 points |
| conversations that we've had up to this point | | | | behind leader Jeff Gordon. So far, he only has |
| have been very good." Although the popular | | | | recorded one top-five finish and four top-ten |
| driver may be confident in his search for a new | | | | finishes. Although he is driving a Chevrolet Impala |
| team, many of his fans are eagerly waiting for | | | | which currently dominates the current Nextel Cup |
| news that would tell them where Earnhardt will | | | | Series like a high-powered sports car equipped |
| race for come the next season. | | | | with the Dynomax exhaust dominates an entry |
| While JGR has not committed to taking in Dale | | | | level sedan, Dale Junior seems to be struggling. |
| Earnhardt Jr. for the next season, Rick Hendrick | | | | For now, Earnhardt must focus on racing for DEI, |
| of Hendrick Motorsports said that there is no | | | | after all, this might be the last year he will be |
| room in their team for Dale Junior. In an interview | | | | driving for his father's team. |