Dale Jr to race his own Cup team!!!!

[NIKAL]

Per Jayski and Sirius radio
Dale Jr. & Truex to JR Motorsports? Dave Moody reported on Wednesday afternoon's Sirius Speedway that Dale Earnhardt Jr. will announce tomorrow at JR Motorsports, that both he and #1-Martin Truex, Jr. will drive in the Nextel Cup Series for JR Motorsports in 2008. Hendrick Motorsports will provide engines for the team. A press conference is reportedly planned for 11:00am/et at JR Motorsports headquarters.(5-9-2007)

[dezertranger1600]

WOW!
didnt see that coming at ALL!
Good to hear that..best of luck Jr:D

[Offspring]

DEI to Ford? Will Paul Menard, RG DEI and Yates end up together somehow?

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Per Jayski and Sirius radio
Dale Jr. & Truex to JR Motorsports? Dave Moody reported on Wednesday afternoon's Sirius Speedway that Dale Earnhardt Jr. will announce tomorrow at JR Motorsports, that both he and #1-Martin Truex, Jr. will drive in the Nextel Cup Series for JR Motorsports in 2008. Hendrick Motorsports will provide engines for the team. A press conference is reportedly planned for 11:00am/et at JR Motorsports headquarters.(5-9-2007)


Good For Him!!!!

[stuckthrottle]

Good For Him!!!!
My thoughts exactly.

[dezerts10]

that means im gonna have to root for something that Jeff Gordon is a part of damn that SUCKS.

I wish Dale Jr would run and RCR engine. Does DEI own the #8 and #1? MAybe Dale jr will run #3?

Gregg

[AZracin]

DEI to Ford? Will Paul Menard, RG DEI and Yates end up together somehow?

Hendrick=Chevy thank God!

[Cadwell]

I am surprised to that hes not going with RCR for his stuff! I don't think the 8 will be going with him and I have heard that he doesn't want to race a number 3!

[mark@PhotoAhead]

It just seems crazy that DEI wouldn't let JR have the ownership role he wanted in the company his dad started for the kids.

Jr has always been his own man and this is just another example of that.

There is a big hole at DEI now, maybe Waltrip can get his job back.

[KB]

rumors of rg and junior getting together this morning. press conference 11 am.

[Chris Tobin]

rumors of rg and junior getting together this morning. press conference 11 am.

Wow, I would like to see RG teamed with JR again!!! He did very good in the Busch races he ran for JR if I remember correctly.

That would be very cool. I am someone who would be happy to see JR on his own, but he could also go to RCR, or JGR and would be a good fit with either of those teams!!!

Can't wait until 11.

[Total Loss]

Not an easy task- ask Pos and RG (and Ricky Rudd)
If he is complaining now of not having any free time-Good luck.

[REEVESRacing]

Very interesting, Speed TV is featuring a series of fotos of Jr's. wins on their Fickr page (http://flickr.com/photos/speedtv/) today...

Good luck to Jr.!

[movindirt]

Jr. announces live on Speed that he will not be with DEI in 2008. He is not sure of car # and Tony Jr. and Truex Jr. are not part of this deal.

1st choice is to drive for an already successful Cup team and last choice is to start up a new Cup team.

[b-makk]

On November 18, 2007 about 500 gazillion #8 souveniers become obsolete! Set up a giant fire-pit in the infield at Miami.

[spalind]

On November 18, 2007 about 500 gazillion #8 souveniers become obsolete! Set up a giant fire-pit in the infield at Miami.

Anyone else seen that commercial where Jr. announces a change to his # and how it affects people like cutting their shrubs into "8"'s and getting tatoos of "8"'s?? How prophetic!!

[woundedyak]

Wow,in his press conference,he said he's looking for a team that will give him the best chance at a championship. Casey Mears out Jr in?RCR brings the #3 back? He also said he wants to go JR motorsports. Dale become a full time busch wacker?

[RGFan]

ESPN, Fox Sports along with Speed all carried the announcement.......Pretty huge. Now that it is official, it will be interesting where he ends up. JR, Hendricks, RCR, Joe Gibbs, Evernham, Roush........Granted, he will most likely stay with Chevy, he is a Chevy guy. The following teams have room team wise, RCR(3 cars), Joe Gibbs(3 cars), JR, 0 cars. I wonder how John Story is feeling right about now..........I bet RGM is looking pretty damned good right about now.

[RGFan]

Wow,in his press conference,he said he's looking for a team that will give him the best chance at a championship. Casey Mears out Jr in?RCR brings the #3 back? He also said he wants to go JR motorsports. Dale become a full time busch wacker?

He means stepping up their Busch program to Cup. There are alot of rumors circulating that he will race for JR with Hendrick engine and tech support. There is another rumor that Martin Truex will leave as well and race with Jr at JRM, 2008 is an option year for him on his contract, and the same goes for Bass Pro Shops, his sponsor. Bass Pro Shops has also been rumored to be fishing around on where else they can go in Cup. Silly Season is up and running

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Well JR didn't confirm a place to go... Maybe JR is playing hardball with DEI right now so they feel the pressure and JR actually stays with 51% ownership. Could just be a power play.

[RGFan]

Well JR didn't confirm a place to go... Maybe JR is playing hardball with DEI right now so they feel the pressure and JR actually stays with 51% ownership. Could just be a power play.


I thought that also Fly, but he did confirm he was leaving DEI. He has been a pretty straight shooter for his career. If it was anyone else, I would think absolutely. But, when he and Theresa notified the employees in person at DEI this morning, she told them that while DEI is sad to see him go, DEI will thrive without him and all of the things about how DEI was built to be a champion and they will acheive as much........Would you want to go back to that????I know what my answer would be.

[Offspring]

Well JR didn't confirm a place to go... Maybe JR is playing hardball with DEI right now so they feel the pressure and JR actually stays with 51% ownership. Could just be a power play.

I don't know, it all seemed very straight forward and matter-of-fact. I think the power play was the media leaks about ownership and such the last month or so. It is funny how RG's name came up though in the press conference:D. It was only a mention of JRM' busch program and how RG enjoyed driving for him and how well the team worked.

[DEZERTBOUND]

Typical NOL.....one of their biggest news days and the message board is still down. A lot of "juiced up" fans with no one too talk with.

Thank you RDC....:cool:

[movindirt]

The Jimmie Johnson punt of Casey at Talladega may not have been an accident. I am going to say that is a clue to where Jr will end up in 08.

Don't think this was a power play on Jr's part at all. What Theresa said about DEI thriving without JR is a joke. She is going to be sadly mistaken.

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Evil Step Monster... She has some Gall. The only money that place makes is from Dale Jr. Bass Pro wouldn't even be there If Truex wasn't Jr's teammate. I think the Menard Money has her tweaked in the head.

[RGFan]

I do not think Casey would be the one going, he is new and a personal family friend of the Hendricks, including Ricky.........We saw how much loyalty being a friend of Ricky will get you, look at Brian Vickers, 3 or 4 years of mediocrity and he is the one who left, they had no intentions of firing him. Now Kyle Busch on the other hand, he is a prick, just like his brother, he does not fit the mold in any way shape or form as to what Rick Hendrick wants from his drivers personality wise. His mouthing off, along with his many on track issues with other drivers and him leaving the track early a few weeks ago did not help him. Yes he is talented, but no more talented than the 35 other drivers in the series......(I did not say 43 because there are a few who do not belong IMO) Kyle just does not fit the mold, he and Kurt remind me of that kid that was just kicked off of the show "Set up", the one who turned down the sponsorship, becasue he was a commodity....... Casey does fit the mold. If Junior did go to Hendrick, I believe he would be in the 5.....Just my opinion.

[RGFan]

Evil Step Monster... She has some Gall. The only money that place makes is from Dale Jr. Bass Pro wouldn't even be there If Truex wasn't Jr's teammate. I think the Menard Money has her tweaked in the head.

Now what is the deal exactly with John Menard and Theresa, are they humping?:D

Man, is this the Race Dezert Forums or Star Magazine

[Offspring]

I do not think Casey would be the one going, he is new and a personal family friend of the Hendricks, including Ricky.........We saw how much loyalty being a friend of Ricky will get you, look at Brian Vickers, 3 or 4 years of mediocrity and he is the one who left, they had no intentions of firing him. Now Kyle Busch on the other hand, he is a prick, just like his brother, he does not fit the mold in any way shape or form as to what Rick Hendrick wants from his drivers personality wise. His mouthing off, along with his many on track issues with other drivers and him leaving the track early a few weeks ago did not help him. Yes he is talented, but no more talented than the 35 other drivers in the series......(I did not say 43 because there are a few who do not belong IMO) Kyle just does not fit the mold, he and Kurt remind me of that kid that was just kicked off of the show "Set up", the one who turned down the sponsorship, becasue he was a commodity....... Casey does fit the mold. If Junior did go to Hendrick, I believe he would be in the 5.....Just my opinion.

You might be right, and I can find a lot of reasons not to like Kyle Busch, but that guys fire to win burns much hotter than Mears'. Mears has shown nothing to-date, this is his make or break year.

[b-makk]

Bobby Ginn has about 500 gazillion dollars, he could sign Jr and have enough money left over to buy 100% of DEI and fire Teresa (just for spite)

[RGFan]

You might be right, and I can find a lot of reasons not to like Kyle Busch, but that guys fire to win burns much hotter than Mears'. Mears has shown nothing to-date, this is his make or break year.

I think next year is make or break for Casey, this is his first year with Hendrick, the year to work the bugs out and learn the systems within Hendrick, you are right though he has been very unimpressive to date.I see what you are saying with the passion argument, I sure does seem that way. Hendrick seems to be a patient man though, he can be, he has 2 guys fighting for the championship. That buys Casey some time, I think anyways. Casey is best friends with Jimmie and very good friends with Jeff, Jeff is the one who pushed to bring Casey to Hendrick, Kyle is the outcast of the group, and his actions speak louder then words. Regardless, it will be interesting to see what they do.

[b-makk]

Kyle can join his big brother at the Penske group of outcasts

[Chris Tobin]

Bobby Ginn has about 500 gazillion dollars, he could sign Jr and have enough money left over to buy 100% of DEI and fire Teresa (just for spite)

I thought about GINN racing too... Look how good Mark Martin is doing in their cars I see that one as a serious option. The 01 will likely still be in the top 35 in points and with Martin finally in full retirement they could put Jr. in the 01 no matter what number they put on the side of the car the owners points could still be put on that car!!!

It's a possibility...

I rank the likelyhood in this order...

1 RCR
2 JGR
3 HMS
4 GINN
5 JRM

It will be interesting to see where he ends up!

[movindirt]

I hope your right about Kyle going instead of Casey and agree Casey is more a Hendrick type. I could also see Jr fitting real nice at Hendrick. Would be cool to see Jr kick KB to the curb after what happen between them and Jr getting in the #5.. Now do you see how stupid you are Kyle Busch? Probably not...

And Theresa, well she just Can't Understand Normal Thinking!

[b-makk]

DEI will probably chase Biffle.

I think you can kiss the top 35 goodbye iff Jr signs with a team that gives him a car without owner points. Dega would be banning 200,000 fans if he failed to qualify.

[movindirt]

DEI will probably chase Biffle.

I think you can kiss the top 35 goodbye iff Jr signs with a team that gives him a car without owner points. Dega would be banning 200,000 fans if he failed to qualify.

Jr is not just a name but a very talented driver. He could throw just about any car into the show. He nows how and when to let'r all hang out and has a cool head. Jr is also the only driver in Nascar that will never be talked to as Tony Stewart was recently. Nascar is not about to loose that fan base. At least not if they want to stay the 800 gorilla in motorsports.

[dezertranger1600]

Wouldnt that be something if he went to RCR & drove the #3?


Realisticly,what are his chances of being signed with HMS?

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Do you really think Jiffy wants Jr stealing his thunder?

[kaw500]

Man step away from the NET and SIRIUS for about 20 hours and all heck breaks loose but in just 10 minutes on this board I'm back up to speed. Thanks guys.

As I understand it the #8 is not owned by JR what number he drives let alone who he drives for will be interesting. Just for me I'd like to see RCR in the #3.

[kaw500]

Do you really think Jiffy wants Jr stealing his thunder?

Some how I just can not see JR going to HMS. Way too many egos if that happens.

[RGFan]

Some how I just can not see JR going to HMS. Way too many egos if that happens.

That is a great point. But he stated he wants to go to a contender. IMO, these are the A-grade Teams.............

1. Hendrick Motorpsorts
2. Joe Gibbs Racing
3. Richard Childress Racing
4. Roush-Fenway Motorpsorts


This is just my opinion of where he would go, other than his own team...

1. Joe Gibbs Racing
2. Richard Childress Racing (a tie between Joe Gibbs and RCR)
3. Hendrick
4. Roush (Not happening)

From the way he sounds and talks, I do not think he wants the drama associated with going to RCR, but he trusts Richard Childress like no other. Honestly I do not think Dale Jr wants to drive the number 3, atleast until the last couple of years of his driving career. There is enough drama with him leaving DEI. I think he respects the hell out of Tony Stewart and he also sees how well they have gotten Denny Hamlin up to speed so quickly. I think if he runs his own team, he will use Hendrick Tech and Engines.....But I also thinks he sees what RG is going thru and will want no part of it in the end. Just my opinions formed from alot of reading on the topics going on in this series.

[NIKAL]

Here's my thought, Jr will not race for Hendrick, it would not work. NASCAR says you can only have 4 teams. Hendrick would have to let one of his drivers go and we know Jeff is a lifer and Jimmy is to hot to let go. Now those 2 are big names in the sport and if Jr was to go there then there would be the biggest 3 drivers under one roof. That would be to many "Roosters" in the hen house. Where ever Jr goes he is going to want to know that he is getting everything he can and he is not going to be satisfied knowing that maybe one of the other teams has something better then what he's getting.

Now my thoughts about Jr going to RCR. This is very possible as RCR could add a 4th team and Jr brings all the finacial support any team could need. He already gets his Busch motors there and he made it clear that were ever he goes that Jr Motorsports will continue to be involved in his decision. RCR already has a similer deal for Harvicks team. Jr is 32 the same age his dad was when he went to RCR. Jr also said the he would like to stay in the #8 and Bud would obviously like to see him stay in the #8, but that DEI has the rights to that number. Dale also said that he is not considering running the #3 until the end of his carrier. What could happen is if he goes to RCR he could run the #30 and then later drop the 0 to finish his carrier with the #3. Or RCR and DEI could come to an agreement where RCR hands over the #3 to Teressa/DEI
and DEI gives the #8 to RCR for Jr and Bud. Then when Jr wants to end his carrier he goes home to DEI and runs the #3.

Now if Jr does start his own team then that would make since for Truex to leave DEI and go with Jr. Both are friends, Martins dad is close with Dale and Jr Motorsports could be a legitimate force with two teams. Also if Jr did race under Jr Motorsports he would need to join either Hendrick or RCR for their motor program, which Chevy would pick up the tab for. I would think for the first year or two he would also get his chassies from whome ever he his is partnered with. Then once established they could build their cars inhouse.
Also I dont know if anyone caught Jr saying that Eary Jr and Truex are not part of his leaving DEI. Then later he said that DEI would have to look at rebuilding for the future as they will be looking for drivers and sponsors, not driver and sponsor. So to me it looks as if he starts his own team that Truex would come over and maybe Bass Pro would look to follow. Also I dont think Truex would want to be in a Ford.

Now with Jr gone from DEI this gives DEI a clean break and a better possiblity for Yates to partner with DEI and DEI becoming a Ford team. If this is the case then I think you will see some sort of deal made between Yates, DEI and John Menard will pull RGM into the fold. Maybe some sort of deal like RCR had years ago RCR, Andy Petree and DEI. They called it "RAD". They were seperate teams that worked together with GM and they shared all technical information and support with each other. Also remember that John Story and John Menard are currently at DEI and are both part of this Yates merger deal and they were both with Robby and were both involved in Yates partnering up with Robby.

My guess is with Jr announcing he's leaving DEI will have major effects on other teams and what we see next year might be totally differant then they way we see several of these teams today. This move could effect 5 or 6 differant teams.

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Man step away from the NET and SIRIUS for about 20 hours and all heck breaks loose but in just 10 minutes on this board I'm back up to speed. Thanks guys.

As I understand it the #8 is not owned by JR what number he drives let alone who he drives for will be interesting. Just for me I'd like to see RCR in the #3.


The Teams do not OWN the numbers. NASCAR does. If NASCAR wanted to take the #8 from DEI at the end of the year and give to JR's owner with BUD. They could in a New York minute. Don't forget this is NASCAR they can do what they want.
Here is the rule:
NASCAR reserves the right to revoke or transfer car numbers to another owner/team at any time. Car numbers are non-assignable and non-transferable, except by NASCAR.

[b-makk]

But the teams can agree to swap numbers with Nascar's permission. I don't think nascar cares who has the number but they have the final say if they ever need it.

Jr didn't get majority ownership so maybe he'll get the #8 as consolation from his stepmudder. She doesn't want him to drive the 3 so he can threaten her with that.

[kaw500]

The Teams do not OWN the numbers. NASCAR does. If NASCAR wanted to take the #8 from DEI at the end of the year and give to JR's owner with BUD. They could in a New York minute. Don't forget this is NASCAR they can do what they want.
Here is the rule:
NASCAR reserves the right to revoke or transfer car numbers to another owner/team at any time. Car numbers are non-assignable and non-transferable, except by NASCAR.

Thanks for clearing that up I'd have think based upon the rule the #8 will move right along with JR. NASCAR's playground.

[b-makk]

I hope he signs with a team soon or we'll have to listen to Fox & Speed speculate for hours on end. It will dominate every race and race show.

Anybody notice Jr has grown a similar beard to Vickers? I noticed he started mixing his Bud with Red Bull too...

[movindirt]

The Teams do not OWN the numbers. NASCAR does. If NASCAR wanted to take the #8 from DEI at the end of the year and give to JR's owner with BUD. They could in a New York minute. Don't forget this is NASCAR they can do what they want.
Here is the rule:
NASCAR reserves the right to revoke or transfer car numbers to another owner/team at any time. Car numbers are non-assignable and non-transferable, except by NASCAR.

Hope Jr's fans didn't rush into making changes as in the commercial. Yeah with that rule I see Jr still in #8 in 2008.

[woundedyak]

Drivers change #'s every year. I've never heard of Nascar stripping #'s away from team owners for the drivers. Plus,I don't think DEI is going to let the #8 go with Jr. It seems like Jr is leaving on really bad terms. Anyways, I would like to see JR motorsports Merge with RCR.They are pretty dominate in the busch series.

[kaw500]

[QUOTE=b-makk;282400]I hope he signs with a team soon or we'll have to listen to Fox & Speed speculate for hours on end. It will dominate every race and race show./QUOTE]

For that matter every caller on SIRIUS I probably will still clear of the call in segments until a decision has been annouced,

[movindirt]

Drivers change #'s every year. I've never heard of Nascar stripping #'s away from team owners for the drivers. Plus,I don't think DEI is going to let the #8 go with Jr. It seems like Jr is leaving on really bad terms. Anyways, I would like to see JR motorsports Merge with RCR.They are pretty dominate in the busch series.

Get ready to hear about it!!! :D :)

[dezertranger1600]

That is a great point. But he stated he wants to go to a contender. IMO, these are the A-grade Teams.............

1. Hendrick Motorpsorts
2. Joe Gibbs Racing
3. Richard Childress Racing
4. Roush-Fenway Motorpsorts


This is just my opinion of where he would go, other than his own team...

1. Joe Gibbs Racing
2. Richard Childress Racing (a tie between Joe Gibbs and RCR)
3. Hendrick
4. Roush (Not happening)

From the way he sounds and talks, I do not think he wants the drama associated with going to RCR, but he trusts Richard Childress like no other. Honestly I do not think Dale Jr wants to drive the number 3, atleast until the last couple of years of his driving career. There is enough drama with him leaving DEI. I think he respects the hell out of Tony Stewart and he also sees how well they have gotten Denny Hamlin up to speed so quickly. I think if he runs his own team, he will use Hendrick Tech and Engines.....But I also thinks he sees what RG is going thru and will want no part of it in the end. Just my opinions formed from alot of reading on the topics going on in this series.



I agree about him not driving for Roush..unless they were to scrap biffle?

I just hope he ends up somewhere he can contend for a title...say HMS?:D

[Bricoop]

UPDATE 3: Dale Earnhardt Jr. is expected to put himself on the open market as a free agent today, opening the way for a break with his stepmother and Dale Earnhardt Inc. NASCAR's most popular driver has scheduled a news conference for 11 a.m. today at his own race shop, JR Motorsports, and not at DEI -- an indication he may be going his own way. Indications were strong Wednesday night that Earnhardt would not announce he's moving anywhere specifically, or even that he will definitely break with DEI. A report that Earnhardt will field his own Cup team under the JR roof, with engines and chassis supplied by powerful Hendrick Motorsports, was flatly denied by sources close to both organizations. Another report that Earnhardt is leaning toward signing with Hendrick outright was denied from within the Hendrick organization.(Orlando Sentinel)
AND Contrary to published reports, hearing that Hendrick Motorsports is not involved in the Thursday press conference at JR Motorsports.(5-10-2007)

[Soylent_Green]

Any team would take Jr.
And any owner in his right mind would even fire a top 10 driver (except maybe Tony Stewart or Jeff Gordon) to have a piece of the most popular and marketable driver in Nascar. Having Jr. drive your car is like hitting the redkneck lottery.

[FlyHiFlyLo]

DEI has another thing coming, They will find out just how hard getting sponsor really is. Up till now all they had to do is ask.... That is over with now.

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Q. You said earlier that you want your new deal to be something that compliments what you're doing here. Might that also include you starting to drive cars out of JR Motorsports, yourself?

Dale Earnhardt, Jr.: I've always been interested in the opportunity to race my own Busch cars. And I will look into it. I'm definitely going to look into that being an opportunity and becoming a reality. I haven't, you know, we've just been concentrating so hard on trying to work the negotiations with DEI to see what opportunities those are, but there's a lot of interest there, a whole lot, for me to drive some Busch races here. I have to hire some more people, which is something I'm against. But my sister seems to have no problem with it. We'd have to get a couple extra cars. There's a few things I'd have to do, and we're that small of a company to where those are pretty big decisions. So we'll have to sit down and decide what's best for the company. Obviously, if I drove a couple cars here, that might help the company. But I want to make sure that everybody understands I don't want to confuse the focus of what this company's really about. But at the same time, I would like to know what kind of cars we're preparing here. I know Martin's drove them, and Robby Gordon drove them, and they ran well and enjoyed the cars and enjoyed the employees and the guys at the track and what not. I, myself, would like to have that same experience.

[RGFan]

Here is some info I read on Jayski tonight

Dale Jr. to RCR? done deal? FOX25 is reporting.......Dale Earnhardt Jr. will soon be racing under the same legendary #3 Chevy that his dad used to race in. A source with direct knowledge of negotiations tells FOX25 that Dale Earnhardt Jr. has finalized a deal with Richard Childress Racing Thursday night and an official announcement will be coming soon. At a press conference today to announce that he was leaving the company his late dad built, Dale Jr. said he would have mixed emotions about driving his dad's #3 Chevy, but again, FOX25 has learned that this is a done deal.(FOX25)(5-10-2007)


.

[RGFan]

Second report, looks like RCR will be his new home. We may find out in the morning.....



After announcing Thursday that he would leave Dale Earnhardt Inc. at the end of the year, Dale Earnhardt Jr. could announce Friday that he will join Richard Childress Racing in 2008, according to FOX8 WGHP in Greensboro/High Point, N.C.

Childress has scheduled a news conference Friday at Darlington Raceway, site of the Nextel Cup Dodge Avenger 500 (Saturday, 7 p.m. ET on FOX).

Rather than drive the No. 3 car that his father, Dale Earnhardt, made famous for RCR, Earnhardt Jr. would drive the No. 33 car, according to the report. Budweiser would follow Junior from DEI to the new team.

Another FOX affiliate, FOX25 in Boston, reported that Earnhardt Jr. finalized a deal with RCR on Thursday night and that an announcement would come soon.

If the reports are accurate, NASCAR's most popular driver will partner up with Richard Childress, the same man for whom Dale Earnhardt Sr. starting driving in 1981.

Childress and Earnhardt Sr. won six Nextel Cup championships before Earnhardt was killed on the last lap of the 2001 Daytona 500.

[OffroadExit]

No deal was signed last night. According to reports Earnhardt is going to wait on making any announcements or any decisions if he hasn't secretly already made a decision somewhere. Richard Childress is reportedly giving Jr. time to "calm" down from the attention and the major decision. So basically the media speculation continues... We most likely won't hear anything this weekend and mabye even the next couple of weekends for that matter.

[Bricoop]

No deal was signed last night. According to reports Earnhardt is going to wait on making any announcements or any decisions if he hasn't secretly already made a decision somewhere. Richard Childress is reportedly giving Jr. time to "calm" down from the attention and the major decision. So basically the media speculation continues... We most likely won't hear anything this weekend and mabye even the next couple of weekends for that matter.

Great Marketing Ploy. Keep up the tension, the interest, and the wonder for the next few weeks. Sponsors(Bud) love the attention and it will keep fans "wondering" about what will happen.(He will drive the 33 in '08 guaranteed).

[RGFan]

No deal was signed last night. According to reports Earnhardt is going to wait on making any announcements or any decisions if he hasn't secretly already made a decision somewhere. Richard Childress is reportedly giving Jr. time to "calm" down from the attention and the major decision. So basically the media speculation continues... We most likely won't hear anything this weekend and mabye even the next couple of weekends for that matter.

Yeah, I posted this on another thread. I would not be suprised one bit if it was done last night and they are just keeping it on the low down. Richard said he wanted to wait out of respect for Theresa and Jr. I think that is more towards Theresa. There was just to many agencies coming out with that info, from a "reputable source" involved with the negotiations.

[Ryno]

Why the #33? He can't take #8 with him? Seems to me like bringing Jr to RCR would be one too many Roosters in the hen house. On the other note, Childress was very good to Sr, and Jr has a good memory.

[FlyHiFlyLo]

NASCAR can and will give Jr the 8 is my guess. The big problem with Jr and RCR is they already have Jack Danials in their stable and booze companies won't join a competitors team. Unlessssssssss Jr takes NAPA from MWR and put's it on the 07.

[OffroadExit]

At this point the way MWR POS is running Napa might be dropping him at the end of the season. He's pretty much failed to qualify for every race this season. This trend continues and he loses his sponsorship! That would open the doors wide open for them to move to any car that can at least qualify. Clint Bowyer has been doing better in the 07 at least staying in the top 20 lately, better than last season. My money says Jr. starts his own team. He said the other day he wanted to wait until later in his career to drive a car w/ his dad's number. The question is can he get the information he needs on the car and the right kind of guys together to finish at the top each week? Does he really need the major teams like Hendrick and RCR and Gibbs?

[RGFan]

At this point the way MWR POS is running Napa might be dropping him at the end of the season. He's pretty much failed to qualify for every race this season. This trend continues and he loses his sponsorship! That would open the doors wide open for them to move to any car that can at least qualify. Clint Bowyer has been doing better in the 07 at least staying in the top 20 lately, better than last season. My money says Jr. starts his own team. He said the other day he wanted to wait until later in his career to drive a car w/ his dad's number. The question is can he get the information he needs on the car and the right kind of guys together to finish at the top each week? Does he really need the major teams like Hendrick and RCR and Gibbs?

While financially, I am sure he is capable, As far as generating sponsorship, He is more then capable, the question is more then that. Does he really want the headache? If he wanted to do it under his own flag well I just do not agree. He is tight with RG, that is no secret, everyone knows how talented RG is and then they all see him do his own thing and shake their heads, wondering why. The idea in theory is nice, but money does not fix everything.......Just look at MWR, that is a nightmare what they have going on over there, and they are set financially. What RG has is quickly turning into a nightmare.....All of the contenders.....Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Tony Stewart, Matt Kenseth, they want no part of owning their own team, on the Cup level anyways......Driver Owners just do not succeed......It does not happen, call it a curse, lack of testing, what ever, but it does not work. Name me one person it has worked for, and I can name you 20 to 30 it has not, some twice. Anyways, while it may happen, I doubt it. It would be a huge undertaking, would take several years to get up to speed, and Jr was clear in stating that he wanted to contend now for Championships. ANd if he did go to Childress, which I still think is all but done from the blitz that happened a few days ago, why does he have to race the 3????? He can race with question marks for numbers if he really wanted. CHildress wants to add a 4th car, they are competetive and Jr is available....Regardless, it sure will be interesting to see what goes down.

[dezertranger1600]

just heard JR will be docked 100 driver points,and teresa will be docked 100 owner points.

[michael_loomis]

why would Jr's new car owner (childress) want him to bring the number 8 with him? Id for sure want him to have a new number (33) and sell a heck of alot of new stuff ! just cause a few tatted jack offs get pissed.. 99.8% would love to support JR and his new team/number.

[NIKAL]

NASCAR announced today that the #8 Chevy team has been penalized and fined for rule violations committed last week at Darlington. The #8 team was found to have violated Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing), 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used do not conform to NASCAR rules), and 20-3.1.3B (the NASCAR-approved upper and lower rear wing mounting brackets must not be modified to obtain a rear-wing angle of less than zero degrees or more than 16 degrees) of the 2007 NASCAR rule book. Crew chief Tony Eury Jr., has been fined $100,000 and suspended from NASCAR until July 4, 2007 which includes this weekend’s NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge and the next six NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series events. He has also been placed on probation until Dec. 31, 2007. Driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., has been penalized with the loss of 100 Championship Driver points. Car owner Teresa Earnhardt has been penalized with the loss of 100 Championship Owner points. The violations were found during pre-race inspection on May 12.(NASCAR PR) AND: Dale Earnhardt, Inc. issued the following statement:“The car in question was a brand new car for the #8 team and the brackets that were found to be nonconforming were built as test pieces before the final design was established by NASCAR. They should not have been on the car and with Tony Eury Jr. away from the track Thursday during inspection, the error was not caught. We do not question the infraction which is clearly spelled out in the NASCAR rule book. However, we have appealed the severity of the penalty.”(DEI PR)(5-15-2007)

[FlyHiFlyLo]

I would be willing to bet, who ever Jr. signs with, Jr. will be listed as the car owner.

[REEVESRacing]

Here is an interesting perspective on nascar, and Jr. "dug" by Tony T.

http://www.capitolhillblue.com/cont/node/2503

[FlyHiFlyLo]

I'm not a big fan of all the free hype Jr gets. But he can drive better than 70% of the guys on the track on any Cup weekend.

[NIKAL]

I heard a rumor last night that the DEI/RYR deal is not going to happen and that RCR and DEI are going to do a merger for there engine programs. Kinda like how Yates and Roush did it. Both teams will stay in their own shops except for there engine shops will merge into one new building.

So now there might be some hope for a RGM and RYR partnership. RYR say's they still want to partner up with another team.

[FlyHiFlyLo]

So will the new powerplants be know as Teresa/Dick Power... Since there is no longer a Dale at DEI.

[RGFan]

I'm not a big fan of all the free hype Jr gets. But he can drive better than 70% of the guys on the track on any Cup weekend.

I do not think that Dale Jr is much of a fan of all the hype either. From the way he talks, one would think it is a blessing financially, but more of a curse socially.

[NIKAL]

Its been confermed!! Notice they talk about building Off-Road engines also! It sounds like a off road team could lease a motor package from ECRT.

DEI and RCR team up to build engines: One of NASCAR's greatest partnerships - Childress and Earnhardt - has been expanded with the creation of Earnhardt-Childress Racing Technologies. Richard Childress and Teresa Earnhardt announced today that the joint venture partnership will combine the Chevrolet engine departments of Richard Childress Racing (RCR) and Dale Earnhardt, Inc. (DEI), with engine development work to begin immediately. Construction of a permanent stand-alone facility located between RCR and DEI will begin later this summer with completion expected by mid 2008. A specific site has not been announced, although a location has been identified pending zoning approval. Until that facility is complete, all work will be divided between the RCR's engine shop in Welcome, N.C. and DEI's shop in Mooresville, N.C. It is anticipated that all six RCR and DEI cars will run the first common engine at Daytona in July. Earnhardt-Childress Racing Technologies will develop and build engines for the Chevrolet Nextel Cup Series and Busch Series teams campaigned by the two companies. A long-term goal of the joint venture will include an engine leasing program for teams in NASCAR's top three divisions. The partnership also has long-term plans to diversify and expand beyond NASCAR by providing race engines to teams competing in series such as the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series, various off-road and stock car series, sports car series, etc. This is not the first time RCR and DEI have worked together in a technology partnership. RAD, an acronym for the three teams owned by Richard Childress, Andy Petree and Dale Earnhardt, was formed in the late 90's as an aerodynamic consortium between the programs. The partnership was considered wildly successful with the three teams dominating the aerodynamically sensitive restrictor plate tracks Daytona and Talladega for the next few years.(RCR-DEI PR)(5-18-2007)

[RGFan]

They know they have a good Off Road package, Robby was running RCR engines in the trophy truck while he was with RCR. I think he was running RCR power for the Baja 500 win, I can find out.

[bajafox]

Here's the article I just read on Yahoo Sports

http://sports.yahoo.com/nascar/news;_ylt=AvCZ8QCtLqS4jPpcT40lcb3ov7YF?slug=ap-nascar-dei-rcrmerger&prov=ap&type=lgns

Do you think Jr will join RCR now?

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Jr will be with Gibbs... That is what I thought all along.

[michael_loomis]

didnt Terry Labonte drive a #11 bud car ?

[RGFan]

Well, I think that just about ends the DEI/RYR partnership rumors

[bajafox]

Well, I think that just about ends the DEI/RYR partnership rumors

Maybe it was a typo, RYR should have been RCR...

[REEVESRacing]

I do not think that Dale Jr is much of a fan of all the hype either. From the way he talks, one would think it is a blessing financially, but more of a curse socially.

That's why we like Jr.

Fly, the article posted: http://www.capitolhillblue.com/cont/node/2503 was simply an interesting perspective. Hype and media / TV do have BIG impact on sports and can add to the "circus effect." In Sal's comments on TORR radio this week he mentioned the Nascar yellows and I think WWF, and his desire to keep offroad as grassroots and traditional as possible.

Can't disagree w/ NBD here:


I always fear, after a career in television, that television might well corrupt off road racing like it has so many other professional sports. Yeah, I'm a cynic. But wrestling is not alone in the void, either.

Was speaking with a Baja 1000 legend, an overall winner in the last decade, who was pretty frustrated w/ all the hype and the internet, felt that "hype becomes reality" in the "new" media world.

Back to JR., amazing the DEI / Childress deal...wow. All along have just been hoping that Jr's move would somehow help our guy out...

[FlyHiFlyLo]

Wait till DEI finds out the crap inside the RCR engines. DEI is running 6MM intake valves and RCR is still running 5/16 stems.... Nothing crazy inside those RCR engines to offer.

[TorrHost]

Has any of this stuff actually happened yet?

[Dezert Edge Racing]

Has any of this stuff actually happened yet?

All that has happened with DEI is Jr. is leaving, and they are merging engine programs with RCR


NICK

[RGFan]

Well, Jr's sister, Kelly, said that running a pair of cars out of JR Motorsports is a last resort. They have talked to Rick Hendrick about tech and motor support in the event of that happening, but she said it would be as a last resort, not a first, second or third resort.

[RGFan]

All that has happened with DEI is Jr. is leaving, and they are merging engine programs with RCR


NICK

I would not be suprised if RCR and DEI merged in some way shape or form, let me re phrase that, partnered in some way shape or form. Maybe with motors and chasis technology, a 6 car team without being a 6 car team. A little tidbit.......Kevin Harvick has raced the same exact COT in every single COT race this season......pretty impressive