Dale Jr is leaving DEI
05-09-2007, 09:20 PM
#1
Mazda3 and Honda Civic in
Thread Starter
Dale Jr is leaving DEI
http://sports.yahoo.com/nascar/news?...yhoo&type=lgns
I think its a ballsy move, just hope its not a repeat of MWR.
I think its a ballsy move, just hope its not a repeat of MWR.
05-09-2007, 09:27 PM
#2
Senior Moderator
Humm 
05-10-2007, 09:23 AM
#3
Suzuka Master
"Earnhardt Jr. leaving DEI after season"
MOORESVILLE, N.C. - Dale Earnhardt Jr. has parted ways with DEI, the company his father founded in 1980.
In an 8:30 a.m. ET meeting at DEI on Thursday, Earnhardt and his stepmother Teresa jointly announced that he was moving on at the end of the season. Earnhardt is leaving the only organization he has driven for since entering NASCAR as a Busch driver at 21 in 1996. After winning two NBS titles he graduated full-time to Cup in 2000 with Budweiser as his sponsor. He is currently 12th in the Nextel Cup standings.
Budweiser's contract with DEI expires at the same time as Earnhardt's does. Earnhardt was expected to speak with Anheuser Busch officials at 10:30 a.m. ET this morning.
In December, Earnhardt said he hoped to have his contract completed by May. But as the months passed, Earnhardt added he was free to contact other owners on May 1. As that deadline expired, Earnhardt told FOX Sports on Tuesday, "You'll all know soon what my plans are."
Earnhardt has a press conference scheduled for 11:00 a.m. at JR Motorsports.
http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar/story/6796182
To view the press conference go to:
http://www.speedtv.com/
I guess I will be changing my username.
In an 8:30 a.m. ET meeting at DEI on Thursday, Earnhardt and his stepmother Teresa jointly announced that he was moving on at the end of the season. Earnhardt is leaving the only organization he has driven for since entering NASCAR as a Busch driver at 21 in 1996. After winning two NBS titles he graduated full-time to Cup in 2000 with Budweiser as his sponsor. He is currently 12th in the Nextel Cup standings.
Budweiser's contract with DEI expires at the same time as Earnhardt's does. Earnhardt was expected to speak with Anheuser Busch officials at 10:30 a.m. ET this morning.
In December, Earnhardt said he hoped to have his contract completed by May. But as the months passed, Earnhardt added he was free to contact other owners on May 1. As that deadline expired, Earnhardt told FOX Sports on Tuesday, "You'll all know soon what my plans are."
Earnhardt has a press conference scheduled for 11:00 a.m. at JR Motorsports.
http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar/story/6796182
To view the press conference go to:
http://www.speedtv.com/
I guess I will be changing my username.
05-11-2007, 12:18 PM
#5
Senior Moderator
Sounds like bud will follow him where ever he goes.
06-13-2007, 05:59 AM
#7
Suzuka Master
Junior to Hendrick Motorsports???
Five weeks ago, when Dale Earnhardt Jr. declared his highly publicized free agency, NASCAR's Most Popular Driver had just one prerequisite for potential employers: championship-caliber equipment.
On Wednesday, Earnhardt is expected to announce that Rick Hendrick has answered his wish.
Although Hendrick was firm in his reply during the Charlotte Speedweeks that there was "no room at the inn" for a fourth driver, sources told FOXSports.com on Sunday that Kyle Busch was pursuing other options for 2008. Busch's departure would certainly open the door for Earnhardt, 32, to drive a car at HMS.
With six Cup titles and 159 wins since 1984, Hendrick Motorsports is the NASCAR powerhouse. Not only is HMS home to four-time champion Jeff Gordon, but also to Jimmie Johnson, the reigning Nextel Cup champ. There is no doubt that HMS has the depth and resources to provide Earnhardt with what he needs to contend for wins on a weekly basis.
Now the question becomes: What number and sponsor will accompany Earnhardt? Will Bud Nation follow Junior to Hendrick Motorsports? Or could it be sneaker giant Nike or its subsidiary Starter? The possibility of Visa — at least backing Earnhardt — has been denied. But is Sharpie/Rubbermaid ready to step back into the driver game after going through title withdrawal after Kurt Busch?
On Tuesday afternoon, Anheuser-Busch spokesperson Brian Eaton said Budweiser will not be involved in the Earnhardt press conference, nor have there been discussions with Earnhardt or his sister/business manager Kelley Earnhardt Elledge with regard to negotiating a deal with a new team. Budweiser has a personal services agreement with the driver through 2008.
"Budweiser is still one of our corporate partners," said Max Siegel, DEI president of Global Operations. "We're still under contract with them until 2008. We haven't had any discussions with them stating anything different."
Siegel said that Earnhardt has not asked to be released early from his contract. Crew chief Tony Eury Jr. is expected to join Earnhardt, and DEI won't stand in his way as long as "a mutually beneficial transitioning strategy" is in place.
Siegel added DEI had not spoke with Kyle Busch about driving the No. 8 as of Tuesday.
"We've been trading off the same rumor mill as everyone else," Siegel said. "Our list of potential drivers really hasn't changed. If the speculation that he is leaving is true, then we would like to talk to Kyle Busch."
DEI has experienced a resurgence of late and the interested talent pool is increasing following Martin Truex Jr.'s win at Dover on June 4 — breaking a year-long losing drought.
A young driver of Busch's caliber could fit in well at DEI with the proper support, but given Budweiser's high-profile image, a more mature driver with better sponsor-relationship skills would be needed to entice the beer company long-term.
If Bass Pro Shops does not re-commit, Truex could be that guy. Not only does he have hip down to a science, Truex is already part of the DEI family. Earnhardt/Bud Nation accepts Truex as part of Junior's posse and now that he's a proven winner the transition could be seamless.
http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar/story/6916388
On Wednesday, Earnhardt is expected to announce that Rick Hendrick has answered his wish.
Although Hendrick was firm in his reply during the Charlotte Speedweeks that there was "no room at the inn" for a fourth driver, sources told FOXSports.com on Sunday that Kyle Busch was pursuing other options for 2008. Busch's departure would certainly open the door for Earnhardt, 32, to drive a car at HMS.
With six Cup titles and 159 wins since 1984, Hendrick Motorsports is the NASCAR powerhouse. Not only is HMS home to four-time champion Jeff Gordon, but also to Jimmie Johnson, the reigning Nextel Cup champ. There is no doubt that HMS has the depth and resources to provide Earnhardt with what he needs to contend for wins on a weekly basis.
Now the question becomes: What number and sponsor will accompany Earnhardt? Will Bud Nation follow Junior to Hendrick Motorsports? Or could it be sneaker giant Nike or its subsidiary Starter? The possibility of Visa — at least backing Earnhardt — has been denied. But is Sharpie/Rubbermaid ready to step back into the driver game after going through title withdrawal after Kurt Busch?
On Tuesday afternoon, Anheuser-Busch spokesperson Brian Eaton said Budweiser will not be involved in the Earnhardt press conference, nor have there been discussions with Earnhardt or his sister/business manager Kelley Earnhardt Elledge with regard to negotiating a deal with a new team. Budweiser has a personal services agreement with the driver through 2008.
"Budweiser is still one of our corporate partners," said Max Siegel, DEI president of Global Operations. "We're still under contract with them until 2008. We haven't had any discussions with them stating anything different."
Siegel said that Earnhardt has not asked to be released early from his contract. Crew chief Tony Eury Jr. is expected to join Earnhardt, and DEI won't stand in his way as long as "a mutually beneficial transitioning strategy" is in place.
Siegel added DEI had not spoke with Kyle Busch about driving the No. 8 as of Tuesday.
"We've been trading off the same rumor mill as everyone else," Siegel said. "Our list of potential drivers really hasn't changed. If the speculation that he is leaving is true, then we would like to talk to Kyle Busch."
DEI has experienced a resurgence of late and the interested talent pool is increasing following Martin Truex Jr.'s win at Dover on June 4 — breaking a year-long losing drought.
A young driver of Busch's caliber could fit in well at DEI with the proper support, but given Budweiser's high-profile image, a more mature driver with better sponsor-relationship skills would be needed to entice the beer company long-term.
If Bass Pro Shops does not re-commit, Truex could be that guy. Not only does he have hip down to a science, Truex is already part of the DEI family. Earnhardt/Bud Nation accepts Truex as part of Junior's posse and now that he's a proven winner the transition could be seamless.
http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar/story/6916388
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06-13-2007, 02:50 PM
#8
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jr in at HMS kb out later shrubby
06-14-2007, 06:33 AM
#10
Suzuka Master
Originally Posted by gdubb
I think this is good move, I would like to have seen a move to Joe Gibbs as well
I guess Tony and Jr. will remain "unofficial teamates."
06-14-2007, 08:14 AM
#12
Suzuka Master
Originally Posted by dom
Thats quite a driver lineup for Hendrick.
I am looking forward to seeing all four of them drafting together at Daytona next year.
06-14-2007, 08:15 AM
#13
Suzuka Master
06-14-2007, 02:09 PM
#14
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by dom
Thats quite a driver lineup for Hendrick.
06-14-2007, 02:36 PM
#15
Mazda3 and Honda Civic in
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by dom
Thats quite a driver lineup for Hendrick.
yeah it is. They madE a reference that Hendrick is the Yankees of NASCAR, thats something I dont want too see.
06-14-2007, 02:39 PM
#16
Mazda3 and Honda Civic in
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by DEI99662
haha havent seen that one before.
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