Earnhardt vs. DEI

bbristol · 05-10-2007, 12:46 PM

What do you think about this split? I have to say that I am with JR on this one. There obviously is a problem at DEI, they were never a dominant force but there was a time when DEI was winning most of restrictor plate races. There are only a few of these each year, but it was something to build on.

Reports about his step mother (controlling stakeholder) do not sound that good. It sounds like she is a transient owner that takes a lazy approach to running a race team, and worst yet she seems to have no intentions or drive to build on the team that Dale SR built, other than driving it into the ground.

I would be very interested to see what JR could do with a Hendricks powerplant!!!!!!!

todd s · 05-10-2007, 12:57 PM

I am surprised Theresa is being this stubborn about this. She makes a ton of dough of the Dale Sr name. And Jr really holds all the cards. The only thing she can keep is the number "8". And its not like most other race teams (like Hendricks) that have more than one good driver. Without Jr DEI is really nothing. And I can almost guarantee that both Eury's, a good part of the pit crew and Martin Truex might leave with him.
I am surprised by Theresa's handling of this. She was one of the people who made DEI so big. But, like I said before. Jr is holding the cards and she should have been smart and given him what he wanted.

I wouldn't be surprised to see him go to RCR (his Dad's old team). They own the number "3" and I heard that Jr wants to drive with that number.

bbristol · 05-10-2007, 01:39 PM

That would really be something to see Jr in #3.

I agree with you completley, Dale Jr is DEI without him I dont know how they will make it. Possibly merge with another one or two car team. Jr absolutley held all the card and to me Theresa made no real attempt to come to an agreement. I came across one quote of hers made after this anouncement where it sounded like she was really trying to put the blame on Jr, and his actions. She said something about her surprise about him leaving the "Family Buisness" and stated that DEI will win championiships without Jr because DEI was founded on commitment and Loyalty. \

Comments like that,to me, show her true character. And have to feel like salt in Jr's wounds. It had to be a hard decision in the firstplace without this.

Ray Chuang · 05-11-2007, 11:45 PM

I'm surprised that nobody here mentioned the possibility that "Junior" might go to Joe Gibbs Racing. The reason is simple: Gibbs Racing can field competitive cars, and "Junior" is close friends with both Joe Gibbs and Tony Stewart.

Kirk Gunn · 05-12-2007, 06:40 AM

Is Theresa nuts or just power mad ? I think this will be a VERY good move for Jr, though I'm no gearhead and have no technical basis for the opinion. Just think a change-of-scenery away from the apparent "family tension" is what Jr needs to concentrate on RACING/WINNING.

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MikeH · 05-12-2007, 05:35 PM

Ray, I think I read that Joe Gibbs Racing has a no alcohol policy and Juniors relationship with Budweiser would be a stumbling block.

Ray Chuang · 05-12-2007, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeH

Ray, I think I read that Joe Gibbs Racing has a no alcohol policy and Juniors relationship with Budweiser would be a stumbling block.

However, given the level of sponsorship money Anheuser-Busch could throw at Joe Gibbs Racing if "Junior" signs with JGR, Gibbs could change his mind in no time flat.

But seriously, I think "Junior" could work on a buyout from Anheuser-Busch to go to JGR with a new sponsor. I think Richard Childress Racing will get "Junior" if he decides to keep the Budweiser sponsorship.

Nathan_F · 05-14-2007, 08:35 AM

Junior's contract with Bud is over at this time as well. There's a story on ESPN about how he does not plan on renegotiating with them until he signs with a team. It at least keeps JGR in the running, but may just be a plan to put more pressure on RCR and Hendrick with their offers, knowing JGR is still a possibility.