It's Official Dale Jr. Leaving DEI....

Dale Earnhardt Jr. officially will say goodbye to Dale Earnhardt Inc. on Thursday morning, Yahoo! Sports has learned.
A highly placed source within DEI as well as additional sources familiar with the situation told Yahoo! Sports on Wednesday afternoon that both Junior and teammate will announce Thursday morning that they are leaving the DEI camp at the end of this season and will drive for Earnhardt's heretofore Busch Series operation, JR Motorsports.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nascar/news?...yhoo&type=lgns

its not official whether or not Hendrick will supply the team

http://www.thatsracin.com/247/story/4129.html

I'm going to wait until it's officially official. It seems to me that somebody said something to someone else and because it's about Joonyer...the story gets its own legs.

Speed channel will interrupt regularly scheduled programming to go LIVE from the JR Motorsports race shop at 11 a.m. ET for the news conference

:eek:

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dei confirmed that it was talking with robert yates racing about a possible merger and also a switch from chevrolet power plants and chassis to ford engines and chassis.

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No say it's not so!! Dale Sr. will cause an earthquake when turning in his grave.

I don't understand. Does it mean that Jr goes back to Busch Series and leaves Cup? :\

Whoops . . . . there goes DEI. It will soon just be a museum to the memory of Dale, Sr. unless Mrs. Earnhardt sells it.

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Originally Posted by Erki

I don't understand. Does it mean that Jr goes back to Busch Series and leaves Cup? :\

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No, it means that Dale Jr is going to be a moron & try to upgrade his Busch team/company to Cup ... http://www.motorsportforum.com/forum...es/icons/s.gif

Even with connections to Hendrick for engines & chassis, he will see how hard it is for an owner/driver in CUP. http://www.motorsportforum.com/forum.../icons/eek.gif

I think it may not actually happen ...
it could just be a bargaining stragedy in his attempt to wrestle DEI away from Teresa ... http://www.motorsportforum.com/forum...s/rolleyes.gif

If it happens people say it will be the demise of DEI ... I disagree ...
I think DEI will survive & it will suceed but Dale Jr will learn how to really struggle ... http://www.motorsportforum.com/forum...ongue-anim.gif

its funny cause in some articles, Hendrick has said no deal has been made, but we all know how much of a liar Hendrick is

DEI won't suffer with two new drivers until they end up outside of the top 35 in points. Jr. will suffer because he will have to drive his way in. Both will need to find their feet if this happens. I think that the Yates-DEI deal is farther ahead than was reported and they told Jr. that they'll be driving Fords next year, which he already said he wouldn't be doing.

Is Eury jr gonna go with him?

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Originally Posted by Haulin'AssAndTurnin Left

Is Eury jr gonna go with him?

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Seems so if that's what's going on.

I felt all along that Jr & Budweiser would leave DEI. Just wasnt sure where he would go. He has said before that he didnt want to be owner & driver of his ride but looks like the stress at DEI has convinced him that it may not be all that bad afterall. I strongly believe that Jr will be ok. It may take him a couple of yrs to be at the top but I think he has the backing he needs to get there. Dale Jr has a very good rapport within the nascar family.

Im not surprised that Truex is going with him. I think DEI is a sinking ship without Jr & Truex and I predict a majority of crewmembers and people from the engine shop, etc will jump ship and follow Jr. (Im sure the Eury's will go as well.) Truex will probably bring Bass Proshops with him too. I am surprised that Menard is not going with Jr. But that could also change once the "official word is out". Well, its time for the press conference so lets see. :p :

The JR motorsports rumor was false. All the press conference announced is that Dale Jr. is not returning to DEI and is a free agent for 2008 and beyond. JR motorsports was used as the venue because he owns it.

It also looks like DEI will probably merge with Yates and switch to Ford. I wouldn't be surprised if there was some Robby Gordon involvement there was well, but that is another stoy.

So when does Hendrick tell Casey hes out of the No.25 ;)

Not only was the Jr. motorsports rumor false, Kelley said it was their last option. He said that he would entertain offers from the top CHEVROLET teams.

I would "trade" Casey to one of the support Chevrolet teams, like Ginn Racing.

;) Hhmmm... Jow Gibb's racing team has a spot open for another car. Jr. and Tony Stewart get along well and Jr. helped Hamlin when he first entered cup racing.

:D : One thing's for sure... Jr. will be driving a red Chevy with Bud sponorship. Also, GM will be pushing help his way... behind the scenes. Whichever team signs Jr. stands to get a lot of additional support... both financially... and with technical help.

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According to Jayski, Mears and Busch are signed through 2009 however, so a release from a contract (buyout) would be necessary.

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A buyout of Mears would be worth it to get Jr. Busch is a twat but he does win.

I still see Jr going to Childress.

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Originally Posted by trumperZ06

;) Hhmmm... Jow Gibb's racing team has a spot open for another car. Jr. and Tony Stewart get along well and Jr. helped Hamlin when he first entered cup racing.

:D : One thing's for sure... Jr. will be driving a red Chevy with Bud sponorship. Also, GM will be pushing help his way... behind the scenes. Whichever team signs Jr. stands to get a lot of additional support... both financially... and with technical help.

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RCR has room for another team as well. I don't think Jr. would do very well at Hendrick. Gordon and Johnson are used to being the center of attention. I think they need second tier guys like Busch and Mears who won't take the spotlight. RCR already has Harvick, but they also have Burton who is pretty low key and a very good teammate. RCR also has his father's number and I could see GM Goodwrench becoming a major associate sponsor to him as well as Harvick. Mark my words, there will be a black #3 Goodwrench car on the track in 2008 at some point.

I think that it will be Hendrick...

Busch is neither low key, nor second rate. much as he is an asshole, he is extremely talented

The #3 thing came up, and Dale said 'not yet'

Rick will get him at all costs, as the money that comes with him is likely insane. Imagine having DuPont, Lowe's and Budwesier sponsor money.

This is very exciting. If Junior teams up with these top drivers and does not perform. Then it is dangerous move. Or is this move just to get better deal with DEI? If he really leaves DEI then DEI is doomed. Where they can get top drivers? They are already running in better teams.

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Originally Posted by Lee Roy

Whoops . . . . there goes DEI. It will soon just be a museum to the memory of Dale, Sr. unless Mrs. Earnhardt sells it.

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Yup...the Garage-Mahal will be the Museum-Mahal now, no matter how much $$$ John Menard will pony up for it.

I think Jr will eventually field Cup teams at JRM. I can see Truex & Menard there especially if DEI performs poorly in 2008.

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Originally Posted by Cindy_AL

I still see Jr going to Childress.

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I think RC would make a spot for him even if it meant adding a fourth car.

Jr has six months to talk to as many owners who want to talk. From where I sit he's in the catbird seat. I'm still getting over the shock that Teresa is really this stupid.

Reading the transcripts of the press conference as well as Teresa's comments, some of the words were obviously very carefully chosen.

Teresa: "While we are very disappointed that Dale Jr has chosen to leave the family business, we remain excited about our company's future,"

Teresa: "This company has a great legacy and a bright future, built on loyalty, integrity, and commitment."

Jr: "As for the fans, please know this is a career decision. I want to thank my family members who are here to support me."

"Budweiser, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Dale Earnhardt, Inc. have enjoyed a great relationship since 1999. Dale Jr., and his father before him, have been excellent and loyal ambassadors for our company and the sport of NASCAR. Budweiser and JR Motorsports have an agreement in place to ensure Dale Jr. will continue to personally represent Budweiser through 2008, and we look forward to discussing our future with Dale Jr. and DEI in the weeks ahead."
--Tony Ponturo, vice president, global media and sports marketing, Anheuser-Busch, Inc.

Jr: "We have a great relationship with Budweiser and those things will be discussed. I enjoy driving Chevrolets and our relationship is very strong and I think I will be best suited driving a Chevrolet." Yes, Bud will go with Jr and Yes he will end up in a Chevy.

Jr: "I'll be happy with whatever decision we make. It would be awesome to continue driving the No. 8 but those numbers are owned by the car owners and I'm sure Teresa [Earnhardt] would love to keep that number at DEI." Sounds like taking the #8 with him has been discussed and Teresa probably said no. By saying this, alot of the Jr fans will probably resent Teresa for all of the #8 memorabilia they have purchased and will now have to change. (remember the commercial when Jr said he was changing his number?... deja vu) :p : I suppose the ultimate payback to her would be for Childress to let Jr have the #3. :eek:

Jr: "Obviously I feel like his (Dale Sr's) vision -- and he said it himself -- was for me to have a huge role in the company itself. Through the negotiations, Kelley [Earnhardt Elledge] and I felt like that was not in the cards. It may be in the cards 20 years down the road, it may be something that happens."(when Teresa is no longer over the company)

Jr: "My father's vision ... if he was still here I think we would be in a different place right now." Meaning Teresa has not handled the company as Sr would have wanted. ?

Jr: "I think there's not one team that's going to lay a dollar figure out there that's going to be different than anyone else. Money is not the issue. It's not about the biggest paycheck. The person that allows me to accomplish what I want to accomplish on the race track and in this race shop is what I'm looking at." To me, this has Childress written all over it.

Jr:I have a great relationship with Richard [Childress] and I feel like on his behalf he's stepped his programs up." :D

Jr: "I've drove for DEI my entire career, there is something to be said for that. There's a great bond there not only with the employees but with my father's vision. I really wanted to have a larger, more personal interest driving at DEI. Through the contract negotiations we were unable to come to terms that would give me that. We danced around that bush for quite a long time."

Jr: "I don't think that would be wise to put any other individuals in this. Tony [Eury] Jr. will make his decisions and I will support whatever decision he makes. I expect him to do the same. As far as Martin [Truex Jr.], it's the same thing. I will support Martin in whatever he wants to do. It's really up to him and his father. If he wants to stay at DEI and thinks that's best for him then I will support him in that." Jr is showing his loyalty to Eury & Truex. He will support them even if they are stupid enough to stay. ;)

Jr: "I'm going to look at everybody from a competition standpoint but I want to be comfortable with the teammates I have. I want to feel welcome by the employees at that place wherever that my be. And I need to find a way for it to compliment this building here and the employees. Its got to give me the opportunity to take care of my family. I won't allow myself to try and narrow it down because I feel I wouldn't be giving myself the whole opportunity." Still sounds like Childress to me. :p :

A Black and Red #3 for Richard Childress is coming folks......just wait for it......

DEI merging with Yates? Wow, Teresa......Dale is rolling in his grave screaming his head off right about now...... :s hock:

I think Jr will be in a car powered by Hendrick engines next season but not directly owned by Hendrick. Could be a Jr motorsports team - in which case I'm sure NASCAR will quickly change the top 35 rule - or perhaps more likely Ginn motorsports. Jr could then use Sterling Marlin's owner points if he retires. As much as I'd love to see the RCR #3 back on track I just don't think it would be a good move for Jr.

Overall, this is good. I think everyone who grows up in a family business should at some point leave, if only for a little while, and work for someone non-family. It is important to gain a little perspective and see a different way of doing things. I have friends who work in their family's business that were encouraged to go out and do something else for a while, and then came back for the betterment of all. Then there are others (like me) who realize you just shouldn't work for family :D , because they never really realize you're not a 10 year old brat anymore. Even if he comes back in a few years to take over again, I think we will find that Junior is going to blossom with this move.

It's all for the best! Goooo Jooooonyeeeer!!! :p : :) :D

I think the best spot for Jr. is Gibbs with Tony and Hamlin. That way Jr. can take the 18 car (J.J. just isn’t proving to be the driver everyone thought he would be [sorry Cindy]). This leaves a slot(if they go to 4 teams) for Truex if he wants to stay with Jr. and also, it makes for plenty of open slots for any of the 8 and 1 teams that want to change over with the drivers. Considering the COT, especially if that will be the only car run in 2008, it looks like the Gibbs cars are the only ones that can run with the Hendricks cars.

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Originally Posted by Dick Blom

I think the best spot for Jr. is Gibbs with Tony and Hamlin. That way Jr. can take the 18 car (J.J. just isn’t proving to be the driver everyone thought he would be [sorry Cindy]). This leaves a slot(if they go to 4 teams) for Truex if he wants to stay with Jr. and also, it makes for plenty of open slots for any of the 8 and 1 teams that want to change over with the drivers. Considering the COT, especially if that will be the only car run in 2008, it looks like the Gibbs cars are the only ones that can run with the Hendricks cars.

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I would hate to see JJ get bounced but I could see Jr at Coach Gibbs shop. Jr has always had a lot of respect for Joe.

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Originally Posted by Cindy_AL

Reading the transcripts of the press conference as well as Teresa's comments, some of the words were obviously very carefully chosen.

Teresa: "While we are very disappointed that Dale Jr has chosen to leave the family business, we remain excited about our company's future,"

Teresa: "This company has a great legacy and a bright future, built on loyalty, integrity, and commitment."

Jr: "As for the fans, please know this is a career decision. I want to thank my family members who are here to support me."

"Budweiser, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Dale Earnhardt, Inc. have enjoyed a great relationship since 1999. Dale Jr., and his father before him, have been excellent and loyal ambassadors for our company and the sport of NASCAR. Budweiser and JR Motorsports have an agreement in place to ensure Dale Jr. will continue to personally represent Budweiser through 2008, and we look forward to discussing our future with Dale Jr. and DEI in the weeks ahead."
--Tony Ponturo, vice president, global media and sports marketing, Anheuser-Busch, Inc.

Jr: "We have a great relationship with Budweiser and those things will be discussed. I enjoy driving Chevrolets and our relationship is very strong and I think I will be best suited driving a Chevrolet." Yes, Bud will go with Jr and Yes he will end up in a Chevy.

Jr: "I'll be happy with whatever decision we make. It would be awesome to continue driving the No. 8 but those numbers are owned by the car owners and I'm sure Teresa [Earnhardt] would love to keep that number at DEI." Sounds like taking the #8 with him has been discussed and Teresa probably said no. By saying this, alot of the Jr fans will probably resent Teresa for all of the #8 memorabilia they have purchased and will now have to change. (remember the commercial when Jr said he was changing his number?... deja vu) :p : I suppose the ultimate payback to her would be for Childress to let Jr have the #3. :eek:

Jr: "Obviously I feel like his (Dale Sr's) vision -- and he said it himself -- was for me to have a huge role in the company itself. Through the negotiations, Kelley [Earnhardt Elledge] and I felt like that was not in the cards. It may be in the cards 20 years down the road, it may be something that happens."(when Teresa is no longer over the company)

Jr: "My father's vision ... if he was still here I think we would be in a different place right now." Meaning Teresa has not handled the company as Sr would have wanted. ?

Jr: "I think there's not one team that's going to lay a dollar figure out there that's going to be different than anyone else. Money is not the issue. It's not about the biggest paycheck. The person that allows me to accomplish what I want to accomplish on the race track and in this race shop is what I'm looking at." To me, this has Childress written all over it.

Jr:I have a great relationship with Richard [Childress] and I feel like on his behalf he's stepped his programs up." :D

Jr: "I've drove for DEI my entire career, there is something to be said for that. There's a great bond there not only with the employees but with my father's vision. I really wanted to have a larger, more personal interest driving at DEI. Through the contract negotiations we were unable to come to terms that would give me that. We danced around that bush for quite a long time."

Jr: "I don't think that would be wise to put any other individuals in this. Tony [Eury] Jr. will make his decisions and I will support whatever decision he makes. I expect him to do the same. As far as Martin [Truex Jr.], it's the same thing. I will support Martin in whatever he wants to do. It's really up to him and his father. If he wants to stay at DEI and thinks that's best for him then I will support him in that." Jr is showing his loyalty to Eury & Truex. He will support them even if they are stupid enough to stay. ;)

Jr: "I'm going to look at everybody from a competition standpoint but I want to be comfortable with the teammates I have. I want to feel welcome by the employees at that place wherever that my be. And I need to find a way for it to compliment this building here and the employees. Its got to give me the opportunity to take care of my family. I won't allow myself to try and narrow it down because I feel I wouldn't be giving myself the whole opportunity." Still sounds like Childress to me. :p :

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I agree, Cindy. There are a lot of between-the-lines comments there. Jr took great care to say exactly what he wanted to say and Teresa got in a few smacks as well.

Dick...... I had the same bad thoughts about JJ and the 18 ride. Not that I agree that it should happen but more like I was hoping it wouldnt. I can also see Jr at Gibbs. He is a big Redskins fan. I know that Jr, Tony & Denny get along well but that doesnt necessarily mean they would get along as teammates. Could Jr possibly steal some of big Tony's limelight? ;)

This is a nice read:

http://www.nascar.com/2007/news/opin...ure/index.html

Btw...... WTH happened to Jr's hair?? :eek:

so is Jooyner a free agent :confused:

Ok so he says he wants to drive a chevy next year but i wonder if the toyota millions might just change his mind.Wouldnt it be cool to see him driving alongside his old teammate mikey in a toyota,now that would really upset the applecart im sure.We'd get to see then how great a driver jr really is.

I fully expect to see Dale Jr and Truex Jr at JR Motorsports in Nextel Cup in 2008.

Theres a reason the press conference was at JR Motorsports and not at DEI :)

The press conference was at JRM because he could dictate the situation. DEI wouldn't have let him. And by DEI I mean Teresa.

Truex is out of this deal. He's supposedly staying at DEI.

I can see Jr. driving his own cars next year but I doubt that will happen. Someone will give him enough reason to sign. It's going to be Gibbs or RCR. Hendrick doesn't have the room and he seems pretty adamant to not drive for any other manufacturer.