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#8 Team News Archive

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2008 News

Steak-umm adds 2nd race to DEI sponsorship: Steak-umm has added an additional NASCAR race sponsorship to its 2008 campaign with an agreement to serve as the primary sponsor of the #8 Chevy driven by Mark Martin in this weekend's Pocono 500 Sprint Cup Race at Pocono Raceway. Steak-umm previously sponsored rookie-of-the-year leader Regan Smith's #01 car in the May Richmond Sprint Cup race, and will again serve as the primary sponsor of Martin's #8 Chevy in the Pennsylvania 500 at Pocono in August. Steak-umm also serves as an associate sponsor on the #8 car for the full 2008 season.(Yahoo Biz), see images of the scheme on my #8 Team Schemes page of #01 Team Schemes page.(6-5-2008)
Decorated NC Soldier to be Guest of #8 U.S. Army NASCAR Team: Staff Sgt. Michael Gainey, a decorated war hero from Albemarle, N.C., will be a guest of the #8 U.S. Army/Dale Earnhardt Inc. team for Sunday's running of the Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Gainey, who currently serves in the Army Reserve, was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star with Valor for his actions Oct. 22, 2007 in Iraq. Gainey was a gunner in a Humvee when his unit was under attack from sniper fire near Baghdad. Though he was injured with a burned neck from shrapnel, Gainey continued to fight by repelling the enemy and getting his fellow soldiers to safety. He was awarded the Purple Heart for being wounded in combat and the Bronze Star with Valor for his courageous actions under fire. Gainey is now a policeman in Mint Hill, NC. Attending the race with Gainey will be his wife Anne Marie.(US Army Racing PR)(5-25-2008) Comment here
Martin Ready to Salute the Troops in More Ways Than One: In the true spirit of Sunday's Memorial Day weekend classic at Lowe's Motor Speedway -- the Coca-Cola 600 -- Mark Martin’s #8 U.S. Army Chevy will feature photos of eight soldiers on the outside of the car. The unique paint scheme is part of the USO Salute the Troops Memorial Day tribute to the armed forces. Despite his limited schedule in 2008 and having missed three of 11 events, Martin’s two top fives are as many or more than 21 drivers who have competed in all 11 races. His four top-10 finishes are more than 19 drivers who have taken part in every event this season.(U.S. Army Racing PR), see an image of the scheme on my #01 Team Schemes page.(5-22-2008)
#8 scheme to pay tribute to U.S. Army Reserve at Phoenix: Mark Martin's #8 Dale Earnhardt Inc. Chevy will pay tribute to the 100th anniversary of the United States Army Reserve in this weekend's Sprint Cup race at Phoenix International Raceway. The hood on Martin's Impala SS will be covered with the Army Reserve's 100th anniversary logo and tag line -- Army Reserve, 100 Years Strong. The history of the Army Reserve dates back to April 23, 1908 when Congress established the Army's first federal reserve force. The Army Reserve began as a small force of approximately 160 medical professionals. Today, the Army Reserve consists of 205,000 soldiers and is an operational, expeditionary and domestic force that is an essential piece of the U.S. Army. Joining the Army Reserve contingent for Saturday night's Cup race will be a local hero -- Staff Sgt. Christopher Cruse, a Phoenix native who received multiple honors for his service in Iraq, including the Purple Heart, Combat Action Badge and the Army Commendation Medal. Cruse was severely injured when his humvee was struck by an anti-tank mine on July 25, 2004. He is currently back in Phoenix, serving as an Army Recruiter in the Glendale area. Taking into account how Martin has performed in Phoenix, there's a good chance the Army Reserve car will run up front. In 22 races at the one-mile oval, Martin has one win, eight top fives and 14 top 10s. In addition, the veteran has led a track-high 608 laps, including 137 in the last three races.(DEI), see an image of the scheme on my #8 Team Schemes page.(4-9-2008) Comment here
Special Salute the troops scheme at LMS in May: Memorial Day Weekend is always thrilling for race fans at Lowe's Motor Speedway. This year, a special celebration of America's military personnel takes place with the Salute the Troops program. Dale Earnhardt Jr and Hendrick Motorsports join the celebration of America's heroes with a special National Guard paint scheme on the #88 Chevy. This special paint scheme features the Salute the Troops logo on the hood, as well as the lower side panels. Salute the Troops will be an on-track program based around strength, patriotism and philanthropy. By positioning this program around Memorial Day, Motorsports Authentics and the teams involved will look to celebrate and honor one of the greatest federal holidays for Americans all year long. The program calls for teams to carry the "Salute the Troops" insignia and/or showcase a special paint out featuring a branch of the United States military. The Salute the Troops program will be on track in May for the Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. This program will celebrate the history and tradition of the military branches on this Memorial Day weekend. The pre-race show for Memorial Day will include a military demonstration for the fans and then followed by a concert for the troops. In support of this program, Motorsports Authentics will create a unique and collectible line of Salute the Troops merchandise. Motorsports Authentics will create a line of Salute the Troops die-cast and collectables that will raise money for military families. In addition, MA will work with corporate sponsors to raise money and awareness for the men and women of the armed forces.
Scheduled Participating Sprint Cup Drivers:
#88-Dale Earnhardt, Jr. - Carrying the logo on hood and rear quarter panels
#24-Jeff Gordon - Carrying the logo on the decklid
#8-Mark Martin - Full military paint out with program logos
#21-Jon Wood - Full military paint out with program logos
#07-Clint Bowyer - Carrying the logo on the rear spoiler, along with Toast the Troops logo on the deck lid
Scheduled Participating Nationwide Seires Drivers:
#88-Brad Keselowski - Full military paint out
See the schemes on my #88 Team schemes page, #24 Team schemes page, #8 Team schemes page, #21 Team schemes page and #07 Team schemes page and on the Nationwide Series schemes Gallery.(4-8-2008)
Almirola, Menard to Test at Infineon: Sprint Cup Series drivers #8-Aric Almirola and #15-Paul Menard will come to Infineon Raceway on Wednesday, April 9, for a one-day test session. Almirola, who shares driving duties with veteran Mark Martin in the #8 U.S. Army Chevy, has never competed on the Sonoma Valley road course in the Sprint Cup Series. Neither has Menard, who drives the #15 Menards Chevy. Almirola and Menard are expected to test the challenging 10-turn, 1.99-mile road course in late-model stock cars provided by a Northern California-based race team. They will be coached by road-course veteran Chris Cook, who has also worked with NASCAR drivers David Reutimann, Johnny Sauter and AJ Allmendinger. Both will return for the Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR weekend, June 20-22, at Infineon Raceway. For tickets, call 800-870-RACE or visit www.infineonraceway.com.(Infineon Raceway)(4-7-2008) Comment here
Only four drivers left: only four Sprint Cup drivers have ran all fifteen Sprint Cup races at Texas Motor Speedway including the race Sunday: #8-Mark Martin, #31-Jeff Burton, #24-Jeff Gordon and #43-Bobby Labonte. Martin and Burton have won at the track.(4-5-2008)
Texas Soldier Honored for Heroism: Mark Martin and the United States Army NASCAR team will have an added incentive at this weekend's Sprint Cup race at Texas Motor Speedway. Along with the Army's prerace pageantry for Sunday's Samsung 500, the #8 team will be introduced to a special guest - Staff Sergeant Kenneth Thomas -- a hometown hero from Utopia, Texas, located approximately 85 miles northwest of San Antonio. Thomas, 23, a member of the Army's 1st Cavalry Division out of Ft. Hood, Texas, was awarded the Silver Star, a decoration for gallantry in combat. Thomas' heroic action on Feb. 16, 2007 resulted in a number of his comrades’ lives being saved while his boat patrol platoon was under attack by heavy enemy fire on the Tigris River -- 20 miles north of Baghdad. Thomas will be accompanied to Sunday's race by his platoon sergeant in Iraq -- Sgt. 1st Class Allen Johns. The Army will also have a visible presence during Sunday's national anthem. The 36th Infantry Division Band out of Austin, Texas will play The Star Spangled Banner while 50 Army Reserve and Army National Guard soldiers from Ft. Worth will hold the 30-by-60-foot flags of the United States and Texas. The 1st Cavalry Division from Ft. Hood will provide the color guard for the national anthem along with 56 soldiers, who will hold the state and territory flags.(DMF Communications/US Army PR)(4-3-2008)
Almirola Soldiers to Impressive 8th-Place Finish in Bristol: #8-Aric Almirola sure didn't look like a driver who had not competed in more than four months. In only his seventh career Sprint Cup start the 24-year-old U.S. Army driver took on one of NASCAR's toughest tracks Sunday and psoted an eighth-place finish at Bristol Motor Speedway. "Awesome, just awesome," said crew chief Tony Gibson. "Aric drove the wheels off that Army Chevrolet. We had a decent car, not a great one. But Aric drove both patiently and hard. He has talent. The team believes in him and he believes in us. He is in the future and we're just happy that he is driving our stuff." Almirola's last Cup race was in November in Phoenix. "These guys on this Army team deserve the credit," said Almirola, who celebrated his 24th birthday on Friday. "I had a good car with a lot of speed and didn't have to hustle it. It was a lot of fun out there and I want to thank the U.S. Army, DEI, Tony (Gibson) and all the guys on this team for believing in me. The pit stops were excellent all day." Almirola will also drive the #8 Chevy in the next Cup race at Martinsville Speedway (March 30) as part of his 12-race schedule with Dale Earnhardt Inc. He is sharing the ride with veteran Mark Martin. Almirola started the race from the 16th position and drove in the top 15 for nearly the entire race. Almirola's previous best finish in a Cup race was 26th in Phoenix last fall.(DEI PR)(3-17-2008) Comment here
Almirola to make season debut: When asked of what it's been like to have not competed in a race in more than four months, Aric Almirola gave a succinct response. "Painful," stated Almirola, who will turn 24 on Friday (March 14). Well, Almirola's wait to jump into the #8 U.S. Army Chevy that Mark Martin has driven in the first four Sprint Cup races of the season will soon be over. As part of his 12-race Cup schedule in 2008, Almirola will drive the Dale Earnhardt Inc. entry at the next two races -- this weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway and March 30 at Martinsville Speedway. “The guys on the Army team are great and they are just as excited as I am,” added Almirola. “That makes me happy.” The last time Almirola competed in a NASCAR race (Cup, Nationwide or Truck) was last fall in the Nov. 11th Cup event at Phoenix International Raceway. The only driving he has done since then was some testing in the #8 Chevy at Daytona, California and Phoenix. "I'm appreciative of the opportunity I have with DEI and learning from Mark Martin," explained Almirola. "But it's been very hard for me to watch the races on top of the pit box. It's not any fun being a spectator. I want to be in the action as a driver and mix it up." Almirola's finish (26th) in Phoenix last fall was his best in six career Cup starts. The Bristol event will be Almirola's second Cup race at the half-mile bullring. His first race there -- August 2007 -- was also his maiden ride with DEI and the U.S. Army. He started 35th and finished 36th.(DEI PR)(3-14-2008)
#700 career start for Martin: Mark Martin will make his 700th career Sprint Cup start this weekend when the green flag drops at California Speedway, becoming only the 13th driver in NASCAR history to reach the milestone. The Principal Financial Group will serve as the sponsor of the #8 Chevrolet and will feature a paint scheme that showcases a special 700th-start logo in tribute to Martin's accomplishments. Martin started his first Cup race on April 5, 1981 at North Wilkesboro Speedway. He started fifth and finished 27th. During pre-race ceremonies at California Speedway, the Principal Financial Group and DEI will present Martin with a commemorative green flag emblazoned with the same 700th start logo that will appear on DEI's #8 Principal Financial Group Chevy. Following the race, this same green flag will be signed by Martin and auctioned on e-bay with proceeds benefitting the Dale Earnhardt Foundation. If Martin, who is running a partial schedule of 24 point races in 2008, stays on schedule he will end the year with 722 Cup starts.(DEI PR)(2-20-2008)
Principal Financial Group expands sponsorship of DEI: The Principal Financial Group, the nation's 401 and employee benefits leader, announced its expanded relationship with Dale Earnhardt, Inc. (DEI). The Principal has agreed to a multi-race primary sponsorship involving DEI's #8 Chevy, co-driven by Mark Martin and Aric Almirola and the #01 Chevy driven by Regan Smith during the 2008 Sprint Cup Series. The Principal will also serve as an associate sponsor on both cars for the entire Sprint Cup season. "Rookie-of-the-year" candidate #01-Regan Smith will drive the Principal Financial Group Chevrolet Feb. 17 at the Daytona 500 and again July 27 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway during the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard. Mark Martin will represent The Principal in the #8 Chevrolet at California Speedway February 24 in what will be Martin's 700th career Cup Series start. This marks the third season for The Principal as Sprint Cup Series team sponsor, and the second year that Mark Martin and Regan Smith will race in the Principal Financial Group colors. The Principal first joined NASCAR in Aug. 2006 with MB2 Motorsports [Ginn Racing then DEI].. For more information, visit www.principal.com.(DEI PR)(2-15-2008) Comment here
New sponsors for DEI: Dale Earnhardt Inc. has secured two new sponsors for the 2008 season, Steak-umm and Cub Cadet. Both deals are for mostly associate positions on DEI cars but also involve primary positions in select Sprint Cup races. Terms of the deals were not available. Steak-umm's sponsorship will involve a full season of associate sponsorship on Mark Martin's #8 Chevy, as well as a primary for the June Pocono race. In May, Steak-umm will be the primary sponsor on DEI's #01 Chevy driven by Regan Smith at Richmond. Cub Cadet, which also has status as NASCAR's official outdoor power equipment, has bought associate space on Martin Truex Jr.'s #1 Chevy with a primary planned for the Chicagoland race in July. Charlotte-based Camp Strategy represented Cub Cadet. There's also a business-to-business component, which involves Bass Pro Shops, the yearlong primary on Truex's car, possibly selling Cub Cadet equipment in its stores. .(Sporting News/Street & Smith's SportsBusiness Journal)(1-15-2008)
UPDATE: Dale Earnhardt Inc. announced that they have secured Steak-umm Company LLC as a primary sponsor on the #8 and #01 Chevys for select races during the 2008 season, including the May Richmond Sprint Cup race with Regan Smith and the June Pocono Sprint Cup race with Mark Martin. Steak-umm will also serve as an associate sponsor on the #8 car for the full 2008 season. Steak-umm’s entry into the NASCAR sponsorship arena coincides with the company's introduction of Steak-umm Burgers, a new line of frozen burgers available in Original, Sweet Onion and Real Cheese varieties. It is also part of a broad new Steak-umm marketing initiative that began last year with national TV ads for the company's thinly sliced, portion-controlled frozen sandwich steaks.(DEI PR)(1-18-2008) Comment
Carmichael could drive for DEI in 2008: Mark Martin said DEI is negotiating to sign motocross star Ricky Carmichael to drive a full Camping World East Series (formerly Busch East) schedule this year. "Ricky has the fire, desire and talent to do this stuff,'' said Martin, who worked with Carmichael at Ginn Racing before the merger with DEI last season.(ESPN.com)(1-8-2008)
Martin: First day of testing a waste of time: #8-Mark Martin said it was "idiotic" for NASCAR to only allow drivers to do single-car runs on the first day of testing at Daytona International Speedway. NASCAR does not permit drivers to practice drafting in packs - and thus race conditions - on the first day, meaning Monday is a long day of cars running by themselves around the mammoth 2.5-mile speedway. Drivers expect that NASCAR will allow drafting beginning on Tuesday afternoon. "I feel that we're wasting our time with single-car runs," Martin said during the lunch break on Monday. "We should be drafting already, but it is what it is. We do get to start drafting tomorrow afternoon, so that's half a day sooner than we might have. Once we start drafting, we're really working on racing. The rest of this stuff is idiotic, with the [questions between driver and team]: 'Does this help? Not help? Is that faster? Is it not faster? Can you tell anything?' That's what we're doing right now."(SceneDaily.com)(1-8-2008)
Mark Martin and DEI announce 2008 Cup Schedule: Mark Martin will race in 26 Sprint Cup events in 2008, including 24 point races and two non-point events. Martin will kick off the 2008 season and his tenure in the #8 U.S. Army/Dale Earnhardt Inc. Chevy with his record-extending 20th-consecutive Budweiser Shootout. Highlights of Martin's 2008 schedule include the 50th running of the Daytona 500, the Coca-Cola 600, Brickyard 400 and Sprint Cup All-Star event. Martin will share the #8 ride with rookie Aric Almirola, who will run the remaining 12 events in the car. Martin will enter in the first four point races of the season before handing the wheel over to Almirola at Bristol (March 16) and Martinsville (March 30). "I think it's going to be an exciting season," said Martin, who will enter his 26th year of Cup racing. "I'm so excited to be behind the wheel of the #8 U.S. Army Chevrolet and to be working with Tony Gibson (crew chief) and the #8 Team. It's an incredible honor to drive the #8 car for Dale Earnhardt Inc. and we are excited about moving into the season. Martin will compete in both the Budweiser Shootout and Daytona 500 before making his 700th career start at California Speedway in February.(DEI PR)(1-7-2008)

2007 News
Richert to crew chief at DEI UPDATE: Crew chief Ryan Pemberton has left Dale Earnhardt Inc., and the team said Doug Richert will replace him beginning Wednesday. Pemberton was scheduled to lead the #8 Chevy that will be co-driven next season by Mark Martin and Aric Almirola.(Associated Press/ESPN.com)(12-12-2007)
UPDATE: Doug Richert told Sirius Speedway host Dave Moody Friday that he will serve as crewchief for Regan Smith's #01 Chevrolet at Dale Earnhardt, Inc. in 2008, and not for the Mark Martin/Aric Almirola driven #8 US Army Chevy, as has been widely reported.(Sirius Speedway), Tony Gibson was scheduled to crew chief the #01 Chevy, looks like he will stay as the #8 crew chief.(12-14-2007)
Pemberton leaves DEI? UPDATE 4 MWR names 3 new crew chiefs: hearing that Dale Earnhardt Inc #8 crew chief, Ryan Pemberton [#01 in 2007 with DEI/Ginn Racing], could be heading to Penske Racing as the crew chief for #77 Sam Hornish Jr.(12-5-2007)
UPDATE: Crew chief Ryan Pemberton has left Dale Earnhardt Inc., and the team said Doug Richert will replace him beginning Wednesday. Pemberton was scheduled to lead the #8 Chevy that will be co-driven next season by Mark Martin and Aric Almirola.(Associated Press/ESPN.com)(12-12-2007)
UPDATE 2: hearing Pemberton has not spoken to Penske Racing about a job, but he is speaking with other teams and will make a quick decision.(12-13-2007)
UPDATE 3: A reliable inside source tells Rowdy.com that Ryan Pemberton is headed to Michael Waltrip Racing to become the crew chief for driver David Reutimann. Reutimann will start the year in the #00 before moving to the #44 car vacated by Dale Jarrett [when he retires] after the first five races of 2008.(Rowdy.com)(12-13-2007)
UPDATE 4: Michael Waltrip Racing announced its 2008 Sprint Cup Series crew chief lineup with the recent hiring of Paul Andrews, Bill Pappas and Ryan Pemberton. Andrews will serve as crew chief for Michael Waltrip and the #55 Napa Auto Parts Toyota Camry team. Pappas is assigned to the team, which will field the #44 UPS Ccmry for Dale Jarrett then become the #00 team at Martinsville when David Reutimann takes over the #44 UPS ride. Pemberton is the crew chief for David Reutimann, who will race the #00 Aaron’s Toyota Camry for five races before switching to the driver of the #44 UPS team. Pemberton and Reutimann will remain together through the transition. Jerry Baxter remains as crew chief of the #99 Aaron’s Dream Machine Toyota Camry driven by David Reutimann in the Nationwide [was Busch] Series. Michael Waltrip comments on 2008 crew chief lineup: “My vision of Michael Waltrip Racing becoming one of the elite organizations in NASCAR has not changed since the day I started this team. Over the past four months we have made significant moves to position ourselves for success with the addition of my new business partner Rob Kauffman, our Technical Director, Dr. Eric Warren, and EVP of Business Operations Cal Wells. Our logical next phase was to bring in race and championship winning crew chiefs to lead our teams. And we have done that with the addition of Paul Andrews, Bill Pappas and Ryan Pemberton. The degree of difficulty in our monumental start up in 2007 was evident and standing flat-footed heading into 2008 was not an option for us. I could not be more proud of the recent developments. MWR is here to stay and I think these moves show our commitment to long-term success.”(MWR PR)(12-14-2007)
Richie Gilmore Back at Work: Richie Gilmore has returned to work and to his new job full time. Gilmore, Dale Earnhardt Inc.'s former vice president of competition, had suffered a mild stroke in early October. He is back at work as chief operating officer of Earnhardt-Childress Racing Technologies.(SceneDaily.com)(12-11-2007)
Some changes at DEI? New crew chief for Menard? UPDATE confirmed: hearing that Dave Charpentier, current Paul Menard's crew chief on the #15 Menards/Dale Earnhardt Inc Chevy, will become DEI's Technical Director, overseeing the engineering support of the four Cup Teams [#01,#1,#8,#15] and development of DEI's race cars going forward. Also, hearing that Doug Randolph, current crew chief of Petty Enterprises #43 Dodge team that Bobby Labonte drives for, will become Paul Menard's crew chief of the #15 in 2008.(11-6-2007)
UPDATE: Dale Earnhardt Inc. continued to strengthen its motorsports operation with the promotion of several key industry experts and the addition of a veteran crew chief to its roster. Dave Charpentier, current crew chief of the #15 Menards Chevy, has been promoted to technical director, and Doug Randolph, current crew chief of the #43 Petty Enterprises car driven by Bobby Labonte, will take over as crew chief for Paul Menard and the #15. Charpentier, a long-time Dale Earnhardt Inc. employee, will oversee all aspects of engineering for the four-car Nextel Cup Series operation. He was trained as a nuclear engineer during a seven-year career in the United States Navy, and since 1989 has served in an engineering capacity with multiple NASCAR teams. He is a graduate of the University of Maryland with a degree in nuclear science. Randolph is a University of Tennessee graduate and served as a crew chief at MB2 Motorsports/Ginn Racing for the previous four seasons. He will join the team on November 26. Walter Giles, current race engineer on the #1 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet, was named Director of Race Engineering and Jason Anderson was named Director of Design and Project Engineering. Giles and Anderson will report to Charpentier. In addition, Rex Garrett has been promoted to Director of Motorsports Operations. The nine-year Dale Earnhardt Inc. veteran will oversee the day-to-day activities of the race shop.(DEI PR)(11-8-2007)
Four court cases against Ginn dismissed, settled? Former Ginn Racing drivers Joe Nemechek and Sterling Marlin as well as former crew chiefs Peter Sospenzo and Richard "Slugger" Labbe apparently have reached settlements with former team owner Bobby Ginn. All four cases - filed in North Carolina Superior Court in Concord, N.C. - have been dismissed, indicating that settlements have been reached. The drivers and crew chiefs were asking for the fulfillment of their contracts. The case files do not indicate how much they were paid, only that the drivers and crew chiefs have dismissed their claims. Ginn Racing merged with Dale Earnhardt Inc. in July, leaving Nemechek, Marlin, Sospenzo and Labbe as well as several other crew members without jobs. There are still two lawsuits involving other crew members pending against Ginn.(SceneDaily.com)(11-6-2007)
DEI's Gilmore back in hospital: Richie Gilmore, vice president of competition for Dale Earnhardt, Inc., is back in the hospital, four weeks after suffering a brain aneurysm, said DEI’s Vice President of Motorsports Operations, John Story. According to Story, Gilmore was scheduled to return to work at DEI on Monday, but after a medical examination was checked into a hospital in the Winston-Salem, N.C., area on Saturday. Sunday morning at Texas Motor Speedway, Story said he had no update on Gilmore’s condition or prognosis for when he might return to work. Gilmore suffered the aneurysm four weeks ago, prior to the Talladega race weekend. He was hospitalized briefly in Birmingham and then returned to his home in North Carolina.(SPEEDtv.com)(11-5-2007)
Chevy Renews with DEI: Chevy will continue its partnership with Dale Earnhardt, Inc. in 2008 and beyond. "Chevy enjoyed a successful relationship, including six NASCAR Cup championships, with the legendary Dale Earnhardt behind the wheel of his Richard Childress Racing Chevy, and we're proud of our longstanding relationship with Dale Earnhardt, Inc. which extends all the way back to when Dale and Teresa Earnhardt founded the business," said Ed Peper, Chevy general manager. "We're pleased to be a part of the DEI family and look forward to continued success with one of racing's leading organizations."(Chevy PR)(10-26-2007)
DEI workers blamed for airborne shot at Bobby Ginn: Three DEI employees who allegedly planned and paid for a derogatory banner to fly over Lowe’s Motor Speedway last weekend have been fired. The banner, which read, “How much does Bobby Ginn owe you?” was pulled by a plane and flown over Lowe’s before the start of last Saturday night’s race. The banner was directed at the former NASCAR team owner, who allowed his organization to be acquired by DEI after just one year of ownership, leaving about 100 people out of a job. But Kasey Brooks, Mike Clark and Greg Price were hired by DEI after the merger, and are believed to be responsible for the banner. Clark and Price were fabricators at DEI, and Brooks worked in the parts department. “We addressed the situation internally, dealt with it appropriately and we’re quite frankly embarrassed that this situation ever arose,” DEI general manager John Story said. There have been grumblings throughout the garage that Ginn owes former employees back salaries, and drivers Sterling Marlin and Joe Nemechek and two crew chiefs have sued him for payment. That lawsuit is in the final stages of being settled, and Ginn sent a Sept. 27 letter to most of his former employees that promised back-owed team bonuses would be paid in full via an Oct. 3 direct deposit.(AP/Thatsracin)(10-20-2007)
Dale Earnhardt Inc. and Steve Hmiel Part Ways: UPDATE: Dale Earnhardt Inc. and director of competition Steve Hmiel have parted company. Hmiel’s responsibilities have been redistributed throughout the organization and his replacement will be named soon. “I have enjoyed a wonderful association with Dale Earnhardt Inc. over the past nine years,” said Hmiel. “It is time for me to pursue other endeavors and reestablish new goals for myself.”(DEI PR)(10-18-2007)
UPDATE: Steve Hmiel says it was a difference in opinion that led to his departure from Dale Earnhardt Inc. "Just a difference in philosophy," Hmiel said of the split Friday at Martinsville Speedway. "It was a job I grew into, so there wasn't really ever a definition [of the position]. I started out doing one thing, then added things along the way and pretty soon, you find yourself doing a lot of different stuff. But I really enjoyed it. It's a different world now, a different time. Some of the things I saw chaffed against me, and some of the things I did chaffed against them. So we sat down and talked about it and thought we might ought to just go do this."(SceneDaily.com)(10-19-2007)
DEI to unveil #8 for 2008: Dale Earnhardt, Inc. (DEI) to Unveil #8 U. S. Army Chevy this afternoon at Lowe´s Motor Speedway. Mark Martin and Aric Almirola will co-drive the #8 Chevy in 2008.(DEI PR)(10-12-2007)
IMAGES: added a few images to the 2008 Sprint Cup Schemes Page of the #8 US Army Chevy.(10-13-2007)
MORE: The U.S. Army Chevrolet, owned by Dale Earnhardt Inc., will carry the #8 during the 2008 Sprint Cup season. Veteran Mark Martin and rookie Aric Almirola will co-drive the #8 Chevy with Ryan Pemberton handling the crew chief duties. The #8 car was unveiled Friday, Oct. 12 at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C. "We are thrilled to be associated with the United States Army and representing our men and women in uniform," said Max Siegel, president of global operations for Dale Earnhardt Inc. "The #8 has a long tradition in the Earnhardt family and it is only fitting that it will be showcased on the soldiers' car that will be driven by Mark Martin, one of the most revered drivers in NASCAR history, and a young talent in Aric Almirola."
"As a proud partner of Dale Earnhardt Inc., the U.S. Army is honored to have the soldiers' car carry the # 8, which has a rich tradition and a remarkable Earnhardt family legacy," said Michael J. Sullivan, U.S. Army deputy director of marketing and advertising. “We are excited about continuing the Army spirit in NASCAR and having Mark Martin and Aric Almirola driving the #8 Chevrolet." Along with Martin and Almirola, DEI's driver lineup for the 2008 Cup season includes #1-Martin Truex Jr., #15-Paul Menard and #01-Regan Smith.(DEI PR)(10-15-2007)
Same Schedule for Martin in 2008:Mark Martin enjoyed his first season of part-time racing so much that he’s repeating it race for race in 2008 – Martin will enter both Sprint Cup all-star events and 24 points races. Aric Almirola will drive the #8 Dale Earnhardt, Inc. Chevy in the remaining 12 points races next season.(SPEEDtv.com)(10-12-2007)
Gilmore falls ill, hospitalized, released UPDATE 2: SPEED qualifying coverage reported that DEI's VP of Competition Richie Gilmore, was taken to a Birmingham, AL hospital for a possible stroke, but was later diagnosed as an aneurysm. Gilmore was released and is headed in NC.(SPEED qualifying coverage)(10-6-2007)
UPDATE: Dale Earnhardt, Inc. vice president Richie Gilmore has been treated and released from a Birmingham, Ala. hospital after suffering what has been diagnosed as a minor aneurysm. Gilmore suffered stroke-like symptoms on Friday and was taken to Birmingham for evaluation. He is currently back home in Mooresville, NC. “I spoke with both Richie and his wife Lisa on a couple of different occasions today and Richie is doing well,” said Max Siegel, president of global operations for Dale Earnhardt, Inc. “He was released today from the hospital and he’s back home getting some rest. He will undergo further evaluation and precautionary testing next week.”(DEI PR)(10-7-2007)
UPDATE 2: Richie Gilmore is expected to be out at least a month after suffering a brain aneurysm last weekend at Talladega Superspeedway. Gilmore was released from a Birmingham, Ala., hospital on Saturday and returned to Charlotte by plane. He was hospitalized again on Monday for tests, but his blood was too thick to do a proper dye test. He underwent the dye test on Wednesday and was scheduled for two MRI's on Thursday. Hmiel said Robbie Benson has taken over Gilmore's duties heading up DEI's side of the engine program with Richard Childress Racing.(ESPN.com)(10-11-2007)
Gibson takes over at Dale Jr.'s crew chief: Tony Gibson will be the crew chief for the #8 Budweiser team for the remainder of the season. He was the interim crew chief for six races earlier in the season after Tony Eury Jr. was suspended. In the six races with Gibson at the helm, the team recorded an eighth-place finish at Charlotte and two top-five finishes. Gibson, a native of Daytona, joined Dale Earnhardt Inc. in 2003. He was crew chief for Steve Park and Michael Waltrip at DEI before becoming the car chief for the #8 Bud team in 2005. He spent six seasons and won two championships as the car chief for Jeff Gordon and Hendrick Motorsports before coming to DEI. In his long NASCAR career, he also won a Cup title with driver/owner Alan Kulwicki and has worked with drivers including Bill Elliott, Cale Yarborough, Lake Speed and Rob Moroso. His goal is to win a fourth championship with a third organization.(Bud Racing/fingerprintinc PR)(10-9-2007)
DEI West to house Cup cars; #01 stays: Max Siegel, president of Global Operations for Dale Earnhardt Inc., said the facility DEI inherited in the merger with Ginn Racing has been renamed DEI West. Siegel said Sunday that the #15 Chevrolet team and the #01 Chevy operation already have moved to the DEI West building. The #8 team and the #1 operation will stay at DEI headquarters until the end of the season. "We don't want to do anything to disrupt the 1 [Martin Truex Jr.] or the 8 [Dale Earnhardt Jr.] right now," Siegel said. "Those teams work really well together." Truex is DEI's one driver in the Chase. After all the Cup teams move to the new facility, current DEI headquarters will house all the administrative offices, along with the Busch Series team and Busch East operation. Siegel also said he hopes to make an announcement within two weeks on a new sponsor for the #01 Chevy. Siegel confirmed that DEI has decided to continue to use 01 as the number.(ESPN.com)(10-1-2007)
Coors Light to replace Bud as official beer of NASCAR UPDATE 2: Coors Light may become the official beer of NASCAR, replacing Budweiser, according to sources, and Coors may also become the new sponsor of what is now the Busch series tour.(Winston Salem Journal)
AND also hearing Coors could be the sponsor of the #01 DEI team in 2008.(9-9-2007)
UPDATE: Coors Light will announce Tuesday a $20 million deal over five years to become the official beer of NASCAR starting in January. Coors replaces Anheuser-Busch as the official sponsor. The new deal includes renaming the pole award to the Coors Light Pole Award from the Bud Pole Award. For Coors, the NASCAR deal also replaces its sponsorship of the #40 Dodge in the Nextel Cup Series. "Our deal was up with those guys, and this opportunity came up," says Andy England, chief marketer for Coors. "It feels like we are elevating our game." For consumer product marketers, a league deal opens up greater opportunity for strong retail display — especially in and around cities when races occur.(USA Today)
Coors Shootout? no word on what happens to what is known as the Budweiser Shootout BUT, per Florida Today: From Daytona International Speedway: NASCAR’s agreement with Coors does not include the Bud Shootout race, which is a separate entitlement with DIS. There will be a Bud Shootout event in 2008.(9-25-2007)
UPDATE 2: Coors Brewing Company and NASCAR today announced a multi-year partnership, making Coors Light the official beer of NASCAR. The five-year sponsorship agreement gives Coors Brewing Company category exclusivity starting with the 2008 NASCAR season. “We’re proud that Coors Light, the World’s Most Refreshing Beer, is now the official beer of NASCAR – refreshing race fans every weekend from the start of the season to the Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup,” said Andy England, Chief Marketing Officer, Coors Brewing Company. “This partnership allows us to deliver exciting and relevant programs to our distributors and retailers – all centered around the number-one spectator sport in the country.” The sponsorship agreement gives Coors Light exclusive rights to NASCAR logos in advertising, packaging and promotions, as well as the right to brand the Pole Award. In addition, Coors Light will build distributor and consumer promotions giving fans exclusive access to one-of-a-kind NASCAR experiences.(Business Wire)(9-25-2007)
Latest on Dale Jr. testing for Hendrick: Dale Earnhardt Jr. wants to test a car for Hendrick Motorsports at the upcoming Atlanta car of tomorrow test, but said he would only do so if Dale Earnhardt Inc. allowed it. DEI's answer? Go ahead. "We're talking about it and we don't necessarily have a problem with it," DEI vice president John Story said. "We recognize that Dale Jr. and Tony [Eury] Jr. both need to get going with their new program and we're not going to stand in their way." DEI had already planned to put Regan Smith in the #8 car during the two-day Atlanta test, which will take place in the two days following the Nextel Cup race at the track. Tony Gibson will be the crew chief at the test for DEI, as Eury will already have left for Hendrick. "It would be positive for everybody," Story said. "It would give Regan a chance to work with our team and give Tony Jr. and Dale Jr. an opportunity to go work with their new guys. In the spirit of cooperation, I don't think there's anything wrong with that."(SceneDaily.com)(9-24-2007)
Eury Jr. to leave DEI after Talladega: Tony Eury Jr. will leave Dale Earnhardt Inc. for Hendrick Motorsports earlier than expected, team officials confirmed on Thursday. Eury, who has been Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s car or crew chief for all but one season since the two broke into the Nextel Cup Series in 2000, will step down after the Oct. 7 race at Talladega Superspeedway. He will be allowed to take four members of Earnhardt's #8 team with him under a deal made by DEI when it agreed to free him contractually to join Earnhardt at HMS in 2008. DEI vice president John Story said he met with Eury's crew this week and only one person has mentioned leaving thus far. Eury and Earnhardt could work together for HMS as early as the Car of Tomorrow test at Atlanta Motor Speedway following the Oct. 28 race. Tony Gibson, who replaced Eury during Eury's six-race suspension earlier this year, will complete the season with Earnhardt Jr. Mark Martin will step into Earnhardt's #8 next year, bringing crew chief Ryan Pemberton and his entire crew with him from the #01 team. Gibson is a candidate to move to the #01 car that will be driven by Regan Smith. "Tony Gibson needs an opportunity to get his team together,'' said Max Siegel, the president of global operations at DEI.(ESPN.com)(9-20-2007)
Dale Earnhardt Candy from Hershey: If you're a Dale Earnhardt fan and you like chocolate, you'll likely love the new "collector edition" Hershey bars that will hit the market in January. Hershey Co. unveiled four bars featuring different images of Earnhardt, two Hershey's Milk Chocolate bar designs, one Hershey's Milk Chocolate with Almonds bar design and one Kit Kat wafer bar design. The images span the career of the seven-time NASCAR champion, including an image of the #3 Chevrolet with which Earnhardt won the 1998 Daytona 500. Also, the candy bars will feature a design that include Earnhardt's signature and the stylized #3. Hershey will invite consumers to make a donation to the Dale Earnhardt Foundation through an online charity event. The bars will be available in January at retail outlets nationwide, Hershey said. The promotion will run through May 2008.(SceneDaily)(9-19-2007)
More Earnhardt candy with Dale Jr.: Dale Earnhardt Jr. is bringing his heavy-hitting brand and high-profile name to the candy business, announcing the launch of his new candy bar, “Dale Jr.’s Big Mo’ ” through R.M. Palmer Company. Earnhardt Jr. introduced Big Mo’ to buyers and industry media today at the 2007 Candy Expo at McCormick Place. The name Big Mo’ is a play off Earnhardt Jr.’s hometown of Mooresville, NC., and the longtime moniker used for he and his closest friends, the Dirty Mo’ Posse. The milk chocolate candy bar will come in two flavors – creamy caramel and peanut butter. It is scheduled to hit stores nationwide in January 2008. Known for its seasonal novelty candies, R.M. Palmer Co. has been specializing in traditional holiday candies since 1948, but this is the first of its product line to be a milk chocolate everyday candy bar. To coincide the announcement of the Big Mo’ bar, R.M. Palmer Company is launching the “Big Mo’ment with Dale Jr.” sweepstakes [more info on my Contest Page](JR Motorpsorts PR)(9-19-2007)
Budweiser to sponsor Kahne and #9 in 2008: Budweiser announced Gillett Evernham Motorsports driver Kasey Kahne will become the next world-class racer to take the wheel of the iconic red Budweiser car when the 2008 Sprint Cup season kicks off in February. "Budweiser has a long and storied history with NASCAR and some of its most successful drivers. We're excited about Kasey's ability to add to that outstanding lineage," said Tony Ponturo, vice president, global media and sports marketing, Anheuser-Busch, Inc. "Along with team owners George Gillett and Ray Evernham, we feel the pieces are in place for the #9 Budweiser Dodge to contend for NASCAR Sprint Cup championships for years to come."
"The fan in me is thrilled because driving for Budweiser is the kind of opportunity you dream of when you break into this sport. I'm excited about getting behind the wheel of a car that's been driven by some of the best this sport has seen," said Kahne, who has seven wins, 31 top-fives and 46 top-10s in three and a half years on the Cup circuit. "We'll be out to win races and championships, and everyone involved with our organization feels we can do that."
"If Kasey's proven anything in his young career it's that he has the talent to be one of our sport's most consistent winners," said Gillett Evernham Motorsports co-owner Evernham.
"He's already one of the most popular drivers on the circuit and only stands to benefit more from Budweiser's track record for helping develop drivers with sponsorship activation that's second to none," added Gillett.
Budweiser first sponsored a team on the NASCAR Winston Cup Series circuit in 1983, and in 1998, Budweiser became the "Official Beer of NASCAR," cementing the brand's place among stock car racing's elite sponsors. Budweiser is also the sponsor of the Bud Pole Award in all NASCAR divisions, the title sponsor of the annual Budweiser Shootout at Daytona, the exclusive beer and malt beverage advertiser of the Daytona 500, and the "Official Beer Sponsor" of Daytona International Speedway, the Daytona 500 and the Pepsi 400.(GEM PR)(9-18-2007)
Drivers May Test with New Teams at Atlanta: Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and J.J. Yeley both know they'll be with new teams next year, and both know where they're headed, but they can't escape their contracts until season's end. There's a possibility they could get a chance to at least test with their future teams in a few weeks, when there's an open trial at Atlanta, though a series of dominos would have to fall if that's to happen. Yeley hopes to test the #96 car that Tony Raines currently rides, which would allow his eventual replacement, Kyle Busch, to steer the Interstate Batteries Chevy, but in order for that to take place Earnhardt would have to be allowed to take Busch's seat in a Hendrick Motorsports machine. Whether that'll happen, however, remains in question. Dale Earnhardt, Inc. president Teresa Earnhardt has already said Regan Smith will test with Junior's current team at Atlanta, but hasn't yet released her stepson to test with Hendrick, so the whole equation may break down and leave the lame ducks with their soon-to-be defunct teams. "The biggest domino is if Teresa will let Dale Jr. go drive for Hendrick," Yeley said. "If that'll happen, I think you're going to see next year's lineup four months in advance, but that comes down to Teresa." (Concord Monitor)(9-16-2007)
Marlin, Nemechek file lawsuit against Ginn Racing, DEI Sterling Marlin and Joe Nemechek have sued Ginn Racing and Dale Earnhardt Inc. for alleged breaches of their contracts, which included a base salary of $1.2 million apiece. The separate suits, filed Sept. 7 in Cabarrus County, N.C., do not specify how much they have been paid or what they exactly are owed. Also suing Ginn and DEI are crew chiefs Richard "Slugger" Labbe and Peter Sospenzo. Ginn and DEI merged prior to the Indianapolis race in July, and Marlin and Nemechek found themselves without a place in the organization. The points of the #14 of Marlin ended up moving to the #15 of DEI with Paul Menard as the driver, while the #13 Nemechek team was eliminated. "Demand for payment has been made ..., but [Ginn and DEI] have failed and/or refused to pay all or any part," the complaints state. The contracts of both drivers and both crew chiefs were filed as part of the complaints and give an insight to what the current rate is for drivers. Both drivers joined the organization when it was MB2 Motorsports. Marlin began in 2006 with a base salary of $1.1 million, and that increased to $1.2 million for 2007. Nemechek started with MB2 in 2004 and received $900,000 for 2004, $1 million for 2005, $1.1 million for 2006 and $1.2 million for 2007. Both drivers got to keep 45% of their race winnings (Nemechek, who was 27th in points in 2006, had $4,099,914 million total in race winnings last year, while Marlin, 34th in points, had $3,248,034 million) and 33% of souvenir sales. Their bonus schedules were $50,000 per win, $25,000 for a top-five, $10,000 for a top-10 and $5,000 per pole. Winning a Cup title was worth a $500,000 bonus, while second through fifth in the final standings were worth $250,000; sixth through 10th were $150,000; 11th through 15th were $100,000 and 16th through 20th were $50,000. Each received a $500 per race travel allowance, a seat on the team plane and a hotel room for each race. They also got a personal car. They agreed to 50 hours of personal appearances for a sponsor plus two days for commercials or media events as well as unlimited track hospitality visits not to exceed 30 minutes in length. They were both responsible for their own insurance. There is a morals clause in each contract stating they "shall not associate with gamblers or other notorious characters; shall not use illegal drugs; and shall not consume alcoholic beverages except in moderation but in no event within eight hours prior to driving in a race or practice."
As far as the crew chiefs, Labbe, hired as the crew chief for Marlin in August 2006, and Sospenzo, hired as crew chief for Nemechek in October 2006, were earning $450,000 annual salaries. Labbe was guaranteed another $50,000 if his bonus money didn't reach that amount, while Sospenzo was guaranteed $25,000. Their bonuses were $20,000 for a win, $10,000 for second-fifth, $5,000 for sixth-10th, $2,500 for 11th-15th and $1,000 for a pole. A season championship was worth $100,000, second-fifth ($75,000) and sixth-10th were $50,000 for Labbe and sixth-12th were $50,000 for Sospenzo. They also got a personal vehicle as well as reimbursement for motorhome expenses. They agreed to make 10 away-from-the-track appearances. They also signed confidentiality agreements related to technical data and car setups. They also agreed that if they left they company, they would not attempt to hire any crew members for a year.(SceneDaily.com)(9-10-2007)
Gibson to be #01 crew chief in 2008: Tony Gibson, who substituted as the crew chief for #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. earlier this year and was crew chief for Michael Waltrip at the end of the 2005 season at Dale Earnhardt Inc., will be the crew chief for Regan Smith next year. Gibson replaced Tony Eury Jr., who is heading to Hendrick Motorsports with Earnhardt Jr. DEI Vice President John Story expects the #8 team to become the #01 team next year with Smith while the #01 crew moves to the #8 along with drivers Mark Martin and Aric Almirola. All of the other crew chiefs remain the same for their drivers - Kevin Manion with #1-Martin Truex Jr., Dave Charpentier with #15-Paul Menard and Ryan Pemberton with the #8-Martin/Almirola team.(SceneDaily.com)(9-9-2007)
Martin and Almirola will drive the #8 in 2008: Dale Earnhardt Inc. announced on Friday that Mark Martin and Aric Almirola will split next season in the car that has become famous with Dale Earnhardt Jr. Earnhardt had hoped to carry the number with him to Hendrick Motorsports next season, but was unwilling to agree to the terms of DEI owner Teresa Earnhardt, his stepmother. Martin will drive in 23 to 26 races with Almirola taking the rest. Sponsor U.S. Army and most of the #01 crew that has worked with Martin this season as he's split the year with Regan Smith will move to the #8. Smith will drive the #01 [team, could be a different car number] next season. DEI officials have described next year as a transition year for the car, hoping to land one of the high profile free agents that will become available to run a full schedule in 2009.(ESPN.com)
AND: The team said the number [#01?, #14?] and sponsor [Coors?] for Smith would be announced at a later date.(SceneDaily.com)(9-7-2007)
Dale Jr. to open a nightclub: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. plans to open Whisky River, a bar and live-music venue, in uptown's new EpiCentre development this December. "It's going to be a cool hangout," said Chris Epstein, a nightclub veteran in Charlotte who is partnering with Earnhardt, the majority owner. But don't expect Whisky River -- named for the bar at Earnhardt's house -- to look like a racing watering hole with NASCAR memorabilia strewn about. Rather, it will resemble a basement bar that anyone would enjoy hanging out in -- including Junior when he's in town, Epstein said. Think lots of wood and metal decorations, multiple TVs and a mechanical bull "with rides a bit rougher than those in a race car," according to a news release. As for food, think bar staples, such as chicken wings. "He really wants it to be a cool place he can take his friends and not be a shrine to anyone," said Epstein, who owned the former Liquid Lounge in Charlotte. He and Earnhardt worked with Charlotte's Bar Management Group, which operates Dixie's Tavern uptown and bars in 21 other cities, to land the EpiCentre location. Earnhardt, who has been sponsored by Budweiser, looked at other markets across the country and closer to home, including Mooresville, before choosing Charlotte. Unavailable Thursday for comment, Earnhardt said in a news release: "Charlotte is where I'm at the most and it's home." Whisky River will open in a 10,000-square-foot space facing East Trade Street across from the Bobcat Arena's main entrance. When asked how much Earnhardt was investing in the entertainment venture, spokesman John Rhodes left it at "a lot." Earnhardt and Epstein expect Whisky River to be popular with Charlotte residents looking for uptown entertainment as well as visitors, especially those checking out the NASCAR Hall of Fame, slated to open in 2010 at Stonewall and Caldwell streets.(Charlotte Observer)(9-7-2007)
How Dale Jr. can make the Chase: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. still has a shot to qualify for the Chase for the Nextel Cup. A longshot, granted. “I want [our fans and sponsors] to know that no matter what, me and the team are giving everything we got,” Earnhardt said. “We're not going to lose focus or give up or pack it in.” Earnhardt is 13th in series points coming into Saturday night’s Chevy Rock & Roll 400, 128 behind 12th-place #29-Kevin Harvick. The top eight drivers in the current points have clinched Chase spots. Drivers in ninth and 10th place must only start on Saturday night to clinch. The lowest Earnhardt can finish at Richmond is fifth to still have a chance at making the Chase. The two caveats to that scenario: He must also lead the most laps and Harvick has to finish 43rd. He can also finish fourth and lead one lap, or finish third and lead no laps and still qualify – as long as Harvick finishes last. On the other end of the spectrum, if Earnhardt wins Saturday night and leads the most laps, he’ll clinch a spot if Harvick finishes 33rd or worse OR if Kurt Busch finishes 37th or worse. If Earnhardt wins but doesn’t lead the most laps, he’ll need a Harvick finish of 34th or lower OR a Busch finish of 39th or lower.(NASCAR PR)(9-5-2007)
Eury Jr. to Hendrick Motorsports in 2008: When driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. joins Hendrick Motorsports for the 2008 Sprint Cup Series season, Tony Eury Jr. will be his crew chief. Eury, who has been Earnhardt's crew chief for the past two seasons, signed a multi-year agreement with the organization this week. "Tony Jr. and Dale have a successful history working together," Hendrick said. "They have trust in each other, which is the biggest part of the relationship between driver and crew chief. We have the utmost confidence in their ability to win races and compete for titles at Hendrick Motorsports." A Kannapolis, N.C., native, Eury will move to Hendrick Motorsports immediately following the current NASCAR season. He will continue the work of Darian Grubb, who will finish the 2007 schedule as crew chief of the #25 Chevrolets before moving into a senior competition role with Hendrick Motorsports. "Dale Jr. and I are both excited to continue working together," said Eury, 34, who has been Earnhardt's crew chief or car chief for the majority of the driver's NASCAR career. "With the resources we'll have at Hendrick Motorsports, it's an opportunity to consistently run up front and be in title contention every year. The goals are winning races and winning championships." Grubb, 31, who hails from Floyd, Va., will coordinate the at-track engineering efforts of the Earnhardt and Mears teams with emphasis on supporting Eury's transition to Hendrick Motorsports and Mears' switch to the #5 Cup Series program. The personnel moves will give Hendrick Motorsports additional depth with the Earnhardt and Mears teams. Grubb, who earned a championship as an engineer with the #48 Chevrolets and has won three times in 29 races as a crew chief, will work hand-in-hand with veteran team manager Brian Whitesell. Hendrick Motorsports is evaluating alternative numbers for the Earnhardt team, which currently uses the #25 on its Chevy race cars. A timetable for that announcement has not been set.(Hendrick Motorsports PR)(9-4-2007)
Martin/Almirola in the #8 in 2008? UPDATE 2: Serious discussions are underway at Dale Earnhardt Inc. to place Mark Martin and Aric Almirola in a split role in an Army-sponsored No. 8 Chevrolet in 2008, sources close to DEI told ESPN.com on Thursday. DEI president Max Siegel said nothing has been finalized. "If there's anyone that would represent Dale Earnhardt Inc. and what the #8 means to this company it would be Mark Martin," Siegel said. "But there has been no official decision made on this yet." Sources explained that Army ran the #01 at Ginn in conjunction with its "An Army of One" marketing initiative, but given that that program has since been abandoned in favor of the new "Army Strong" slogan, the number change doesn't overtly affect Army's marketing focus. A Martin/Almirola split schedule in 2008 would leave the door open for another driver, possibly Greg Biffle, to join DEI full-time in 2009. Biffle currently has a contract with Roush Fenway Racing through the end of the 2008 season but has been speculated to be a candidate as Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s permanent replacement in the #8. It is uncertain at this point what this would mean for the #01, though sources say DEI "has several options" for that team.(ESPN.com)(8-23-2007)
UPDATE: Dale Earnhardt Inc. Vice President John Story says he's not going to put a timetable on naming the new drivers for the team. Story said that despite reports to the contrary, he would not confirm that Mark Martin will move over to the #8 and share that Chevy with rookie Aric Almirola next season. In addressing that, Story said that "anything's possible and nothing's definite."(SceneDaily.com)(8-25-2007)
UPDATE 2: Mark Martin and Aric Almirola will be introduced as next season's drivers for the #8 at Dale Earnhardt Inc. in two weeks at Richmond International Speedway barring a last-minute objection from sponsors, a source close to the situation told ESPN.com. Regan Smith is the leading candidate to step into the #01 that he has split with Martin and Almirola this season. Sources said a deal could be reached by Friday. Jeremy Mayfield, who recently announced he would not drive for Bill Davis Racing in '08, also has been under consideration. Max Siegel, the president of global operations at DEI, acknowledged that Martin is a possibility for the #8. But he would only confirm that DEI should have its five-driver lineup in place by the end of the week and would announce it at Richmond. Without identifying the car, Siegel said Martin will drive in 24 to 26 Nextel Cup races next season and that Almirola will take the remaining events. He added that Almirola would be in a Busch and/or Truck Series event every weekend in '08. Siegel added that all the sponsors are set for next year and also will be announced at Richmond, but would not elaborate. U.S. Army, which has been the sponsor of the #01, and the entire #01 crew are expected to move to the #8 with Martin and Almirola. Martin has made it clear that he wants to remain with crew chief Ryan Pemberton. Although DEI has a year left on its deal with Budweiser, the beer company will not be on a DEI car in '08 unless there is a last-minute breakdown in negotiations with other teams. Budweiser has been working on a deal to be on the #9 of Kasey Kahne. Siegel said '08 will be a transition year for the entire organization, acknowledging the driver lineup could be quite different in '09. Greg Biffle, who has had talks with DEI about driving the #8, has a year left on his deal with Roush Fenway Racing. Biffle told ESPN.com he will not make a decision on '09 until probably this time next season, and that it will be based on performance.(ESPN.com)(8-26-2007)
Dale Jr: People should give Teresa a break: Dale Earnhardt, Jr. met with media members Bristol Motor Speedway and discussed the new Bristol surface, tomorrow night's race and resolution to not running #8 in 2008 and beyond. Select quotes from driver interview:
ON FEELING BAD FOR FANS OVER SITUATION OF NOT BEING ABLE TO TAKE #8 TO NEW TEAM FOR 2008 AT AND BEYOND: "I feel pretty bad. There isn't much I can do about it. It was pretty much out of my control. I do want to say while I have a couple of media members here that it is about time to give Teresa a break. She makes the decision on the number because she owns it. And as much as I am disappointed and frustrated over the fact that I don't get to keep driving the #8, the stuff I read that I read on Internet and the stuff that I am hearing that is going on, the remarks about her, directed toward her, I don't think anybody deserves that. If people just take a step back and look, she hasn't done anything intentionally that is detrimental to me. I have a good future, I have a good opportunity in my hands, she is doing what she needs to do, what she feels like she needs to do. I think everybody needs to lay off a little bit because she was married to my Daddy and I know he wouldn't be too happy about it what is going on and what is being said about her. It bothers me a little bit. NASCAR needs Dale Earnhardt, Inc. to be healthy and to be around. I never thought it would fall apart. I think the company will be active and productive. I always thought that. It has never crossed my mind nor have I ever pondered what if DEI doesn't make it out because it will. It is going to be fine. I am not worried about DEI's future. Because I think it is right. I hate to see somebody be crucified on the Internet and whatnot like Teresa has. She has a daughter that goes to school, that has friends. She has to put up with that stuff. It is just hard-core man. People have just been really really rude and really over the line, way over the line, on some of the things that have been said. I know Teresa doesn't know half of it because won't read it and she won't put up with it. If anybody in their right mind knew that was going on, they wouldn't be around it and deal with it. It still gets back to Taylor, maybe it does, I don't know, but nobody deserves that and it just isn't fair.(GM Racing PR)(8-25-2007)
Dale Jr and Sharpie help kids win back-to-school: It's back to Bristol - which can only mean it's back to school for hundreds of thousands of students across the country. To commemorate the official start of the school year, NASCAR's Dale Earnhardt Jr and Sharpie are teaming up with Speedway Children's Charities to help a special group of kids cross their own finish line this school year. Dale Jr will step into Victory Lane on the afternoon of Friday, August 24 to present members of the Boys & Girls Club of Bristol, Virginia with a win of their own - $10,000 in backpacks full of much-needed school supplies, along with a check to help further the Club's mission to provide tutoring, computer training, sports education, homework help, and mentoring to area youth. The donation is part of Sharpie's Autographs for Action program, which annually collects one-million autographs in exchange for $1 million in funds and school supplies for schools, community groups and charitable organizations nationwide. Dale Jr also will join Club members in signing Sharpie's giant autograph wall, contributing his much-coveted signature to Sharpie's collection drive for charity.(Sharpie PR)(8-23-2007)
DEI close to naming 2008 driver lineup: Dale Earnhardt Inc. could announce its full driver lineup within a week or two, the company's president of global operations said Sunday afternoon at Michigan International Speedway. Max Siegel said DEI still had plenty of options as to who could drive the #8 car next season. "We're trying to figure out who will fit in our driver lineup that complements the entire team and where we want to go as a company," Siegel said. "Right now, I want to put the most competent driver in the car. Anyone that's going to drive for Dale Earnhardt Inc. has to fit in with the drivers that we have on our staff right now." It remains a possibility that Mark Martin could split the #8 car driving duties with Aric Almirola while Regan Smith takes over the #01, though drivers as David Reutimann, J.J. Yeley and David Stremme have also been rumored to be in the mix for the #8 ride. Regardless of who drives the car and who sponsors it - Siegel reiterated that the team has contingency plans in case Budweiser leaves - DEI will have four fully-funded cars next season, he said. Those cars will likely be Chevrolets, he said. Richard Childress Racing was the first of the Chevy teams to re-sign with the manufacturer, and RCR shares an engine program with DEI. "We have had very positive discussions and are well down the road to being with Chevrolet," Siegel said.(SceneDaily.com)(8-20-2007)
History of the #8: in part from an ESPN.com article: 82 drivers have run the #8, beginning with Billy Carden, from Mableton, Ga., started third and finished 15th in NASCAR's second-ever Strictly Stock (now Nextel Cup) race, run on the grueling 4.15-mile beach and road course in Daytona. The #8 has run a total of 1,264 Cup races, steered by two Jacks, three Joes, six Dicks, and guys named Possum, Pop, Tiny, Skip, Banjo, Elmo, Bud, L.D., J.D., E.J. and D.K. Earnhardt is the third Junior to drive the car and isn't even the first Dale Earnhardt. Senior made one start at Charlotte in '75. Dale Jr. is not the racer responsible for the majority of the #8's visits to Victory Lane. That distinction belongs to Little Joe Weatherly, considered by some to be the most talented driver ever to own a NASCAR license and by most to be among the greatest partyers in American history. Weatherly slipped into the #8 in 1961, having already won four races with other teams and numbers as he bounced from team to team. But it was in car owner Bud Moore's Pontiac that Weatherly became a legend. From 1961 to '63, he started 109 races in the #8, earning 20 wins, 16 poles, and back-to-back championships in '62 and '63. For those of you scoring at home, that means Little Joe tops Little E in wins, poles, championships. Unfortunately, Weatherly died behind the wheel of #8 at the Riverside, Calif., road course only five races into the '64 season and the numeral went into a nosedive. For the next 35 years, the number won only one race despite having some all-time all-stars behind the wheel. However, between Weatherly's last win on Oct. 27, 1963, and Dale Jr.'s first on April 2, 2000, one other man was able to celebrate a victory as Driver #8. On July 27, 1986, at Talladega Superspeedway, Hillin was the original, check that, only young gun in the Winston Cup Series. On a wild day that saw 26 different leaders and an epic multicar crash on the final lap, the pride of Midland, Texas, became the third-youngest driver to win a Cup race. Of the 82 men who have driven the #8, his win is one more win than 79 of them. Totals (as of Watkins Glen, Aug. 17): 1,264 starts, 38 wins, 300,817 laps run, 8,465 laps led $41,227,649 won. (see full article and list of drivers who have driven the #8 at ESPN.com)(8-20-2007)
Dale Jr.: Teresa Earnhardt made 'ridiculous' requests for #8: Dale Earnhardt Jr. blames his step-mother Teresa Earnhardt, the owner of Dale Earnhardt Inc., for not allowing the #8 to move with him to Hendrick Motorsports next season. "She either feels too personal about the number, or the rift between me and her is too personal," Earnhardt Jr. said Saturday. "I'm not going to sit here and get personal about this. It's upsetting as hell and unfortunate, but that's just what happens sometimes." Earnhardt Jr. said he never believed he would get the number when he made the decision to leave DEI at the end of this season. "I'm not really all that surprised," he said. "I knew I wasn't going to get the number a long time ago." But Earnhardt Jr. praised DEI president Max Siegel for his efforts in trying to make it happen. Earnhardt Jr. said Siegel worked closely with Kelley Earnhardt Elledge, Junior's sister and business manager. "Max tried his butt off to make it work," Earnhardt Jr. said. "He was trying to talk to Teresa and get some sense into her." Siegel said he had nothing to say about Earnhardt Jr.'s comments on Saturday, but added he might address them Sunday. Teresa Earnhardt was not at Michigan International Speedway on Saturday. She rarely talks to the media. Earnhardt Jr. said negotiations broke down when Teresa asked for part of the licensing revenue, along with wanting the number back after he retired. "Just ridiculous kind of requests," Earnhardt Jr. said. "We just wanted the number, but I was willing to give the number back when I was done driving. I wouldn't have any use for it personally." Earnhardt Jr. said he wanted the number to carry on a family legacy. "I feel like it's an Earnhardt tradition because my grandfather and my dad used it a little bit, too," he said. "I'm using it right now, and I figured that we would be able to keep using it. But unfortunately we're not going to be able to." Earnhardt Jr. is looking forward now. He said he is considering a number in the 80s for his new ride at Hendrick next season. "That's just common sense," he said. "I want a number that I'm going to like. I'll design the shape and the look. We'll build a new identity with that." Earnhardt is trying to look at the bright side. "Maybe it's for the best," he said. "Maybe it's sort of a blessing in disguise to really make a clean break. If I was to get the 8 and allow Teresa to still have control over it, I would still have to deal with it. That is not what I wanted. I have to let it go."(ESPN.com)(8-18-2007)
No #8 for Earnhardt Jr at Hendrick: Hendrick Motorsports will not have the ability to field #8 entries for Dale Earnhardt Jr. when the Sprint Cup Series driver joins the organization in 2008. "We've been working hard to secure the #8 for Dale Jr.'s car number next season," said Marshall Carlson, general manager of Hendrick Motorsports. "Obviously, he has a tremendous history with that number, and we know how important it is to his fans. Unfortunately, we couldn't reach a point where the terms made sense, and now we have to move forward with other options. "We appreciate the efforts of Max Siegel and his team (at Dale Earnhardt Inc.), and are excited about unveiling our plans for 2008 in the near future." No timetable has been set for an announcement of Earnhardt's car number or team sponsor.(Hendrick Motorsports PR)(8-15-2007)
Dale Jr. at Graceland tonight: Dale Earnhardt Jr. will make a special appearance this evening (Monday, August 13th) at Graceland in Memphis, TN, hosting a special night in honor of Elvis Presley. Junior and Bud's NHRA star Brandon Bernstein will get a private tour of the mansion before an on-stage question-and-answer session. Then Dale Jr. will introduce a special performance of his 10 favorite Elvis songs and the debut of a digitally remastered version of the Elvis' film 'Viva Las Vegas...' more info below a few spots.(fingerprint inc./Budweiser PR)(8-13-2007)
Drivers to the #8 team? MORE on ESPN's NASCAR Now on Sunday, it was reported that David Reutimann's name [#00 Waltrip racing Toyota] has popped up as a driver who could end up at DEI and in the #8 Chevy, but that he cannot talk to other teams until Oct when his contract with MWR is up. Other drivers DEI are interested in include J.J. Yeley who will leave the #18 Joe Gibbs Racing ride at the end of the season, #01-Regan Smith, currently part time at DEI and without a ride, could stay. Plus, the team could switch Mark Martin and Aric Almirola from the #01 Army Chevy to the #8 next season.(8-12-2007)
MORE: Greg Biffle, Regan Smith, J.J. Yeley and David Reutimann are among the drivers being considered for the #8 car at Dale Earnhardt Inc., a source close to the situation told ESPN.com. Don't count Mark Martin out, either. Biffle is under contract through 2008 at Roush Fenway Racing, so he's a long-shot for next season. But should he opt to sign with DEI for 2009 and not be released by Roush, there's a scenario in which Martin and Aric Almirola split the #8 next season and Smith moves into the #01 currently shared by those drivers. Then in 2009 Biffle would move into the #8 that Dale Earnhardt Jr. is vacating after this season.(ESPN.com)(8-13-2007)
Stremme to DEI? DENIED: Hearing #40-David Stremme is one of the candidates for the #8 seat at DEI. In the midst of all the buzz about who will take the #8 ride at Dale Earnhardt, Inc., since the merger with Ginn Racing, David Stremme has emerged as one of the frontrunners.(7-31-2007)
UPDATE: on Wednesday's NASCAR Now [ESPN2] Angelique Chengelis reported that DEI's Max Siegel said Stremme was not a candidate [no way] and Stremme's agent, Jeff Dickerson said Stremme is signed with Ganassi Racing thru 2008.(8-9-2007)
Dale Jr. to race Elvis scheme at Richmond: The King of Rock 'n' Roll will roll with the King of Beers when NASCAR's most popular driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. and NHRA young gun Brandon Bernstein pilot commemorative Elvis Presley's 30th Anniversary paint schemes on the #8 Budweiser Chevy and Bud King Racing Top Fuel dragster in September. Earnhardt's #8 Budweiser Chevy is a predominantly white scheme with black and red highlights and features Elvis' image on the hood and rear quarter panels, plus the King's image and "Elvis 30th" on the deck lid for the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 at Richmond International Raceway on Sept. 8. A custom Elvis themed helmet and black driver firesuit includes the young Elvis' silhouette on the torso with Budweiser in red down each leg. The car will be unveiled Monday, Aug. 13 on the front steps of Elvis' Graceland home, and be on public display during Elvis Week in the Elvis Auto Museum, Aug. 14-18. Earnhardt and Bernstein will rev up the 30th Anniversary Elvis Week celebration by hosting the first night of the "Elvis Music & Movies" series on the front lawn of Graceland on Aug. 13. "Elvis Music & Movies" marks the first ever Elvis Week entertainment event inside the gates of Presley's famed home in Memphis. In addition, Budweiser will honor Elvis' passion for horses with a visit by the Budweiser Clydesdales, which will be stabled in Graceland's main tour center area for public viewing Aug. 14-18. For additional information on Elvis Week events and to buy tickets, visit ElvisWeek.com.(fingerprint inc./Budweiser PR), see images of tjhe car on my #8 Team Schemes page.(8-3-2007)
Eury Sr. talks about HMS/JRM merger: Tony Eury Sr, Director of Competition at JR Motorsports, talked with Claire B. Lang on XM Satellite Radio Tuesday about the developments in the JR Motorsports Busch operation this week. He told her that he and the JR Motorsports team visited the team at Hendrick Motorsports yesterday. JR Motorsports and Hendrick Motorsports have merged their Busch operations and Eury told CBL he was amazed by what he saw. Eury Sr. said: "I had not actually been through Hendrick Motorsports until yesterday and I took my first tour through there yesterday and we all sat down and kind of tried to address this thing out how it's going to happen you know how it's going to work. Kelly (Earnhardt Elledge) and myself and Dale Junior and Rick (Hendrick) and Marshall (Carlson) and Doug Duchardt you know and Ken House and everybody thats involved in this deal we all just trying to figure out how we're going to make this thing work and no bumps in the road. And I actually took my first tour yesterday with Kelley through Hendrick Motorsports and I really was amazed at what I seen you know. I actually made a phone call to Tony Jr last night after I got back and told him we need to pat ourselves on the back if we ever outran a Hendrick Motorsports because it's one heck of a race shop no doubt about it.
Claire B. : What was it that they had that you were so impressed with or that you saw?
"They are just swarmed with engineering help I mean every building you go in is engineered very well they just have the seven post rig and they have just all kinds of engineering stuff to work with. They have the...the engine shop is just amazing the machine and equipment the CNC stuff thats running in there. You know it's it's just really amazing to walk in there and see so much stuff going on and they build a lot of carbon fiber seats for a lot of the drivers over there, they have a carbon shop. It was really just amazing to walk through there and see how much he has accomplished, you know, in his racing career because he has really built a really nice place over there.(XM Radio)(8-1-2007)
Pepsi? National Guard? #81? for Dale Jr.? No final decision has been made regarding #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s future team sponsor at Hendrick Motorsports, but one is expected within the month and possibly within the next two weeks, multiple sources close to the negotiations said Monday. It is widely speculated that PepsiCo. is the leading candidate to sponsor Earnhardt through its Mountain Dew brand, but sources with knowledge of negotiations say National Guard is also a top candidate as part of a split sponsorship package. National Guard currently sponsors Hendrick's #25 Chevy, driven by Casey Mears. Sources say the combined deal will be the richest team sponsorship in NASCAR history, somewhere between $25 million and $30 million annually. Earnhardt said last week that Navy will continue its sponsorship of JR Motorsports' #88 Busch Series entry in 2008, but sources said that would not conflict with a potential National Guard association in the Sprint Cup Series. As for the other key piece of the Junior puzzle -- his car number -- DEI and Hendrick are actively negotiating. Hendrick has submitted a proposal to DEI. This is an intricate proposal that carries obvious emotions. NASCAR owns the car numbers and leases them to the teams each year, and gives the team that ran a respective number the previous season last right of refusal on running it again the following year. Therefore, DEI holds the rights to the #8. NASCAR said it won't stand in the way of any potential transaction. Earnhardt last week reiterated his want to drive the #8 in 2008, but said if the deal ultimately doesn't pan out he'd like #81, which he has run at times in the Busch Series.(ESPN.com), so how would this effect the #25 and Mears? Kellogg's and Carquest are supposedly signed with Hendrick thru 2009, so they could sponsor Mears, who would drive the #25 or #5 if Earnhardt Jr. gets the #8 or #81.(7-30-2007)
No crew chief changes at the new DEI: There will be no immediate crew chief changes as a result of the Dale Earnhardt Inc.-Ginn Racing merger, but not all the crew chiefs will work out of the same shop. Paul Menard's #15 team will move immediately into the Ginn Racing building, where the former Ginn #01 team also will be housed, DEI Vice President John Story said Thursday. The DEI teams of #1-Martin Truex Jr. and #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. will remain at the current DEI shop until the end of the season. As far as drivers, Mark Martin and Aric Almirola will complete the season co-driving the #01 car. That leaves Regan Smith, who was named last week to drive the now-defunct #14 Ginn car, without a Cup ride. Having started the year as Martin's co-driver, Smith will compete in the Craftsman Truck Series race Friday night in Indianapolis. The rest of the schedule for Smith is still being evaluated. As far as crew chiefs, Dave Charpentier, who became Menard's crew chief in June, will remain as his crew chief, and Ryan Pemberton remains with Mark Martin. Former Ginn crew chiefs Richard "Slugger" Labbe and Peter Sospenzo (who worked with the now-defunct #14 and #13 Ginn teams) are in the pool of employees who are waiting to see what happens.
Crew chiefs aren't the only ones in limbo: DEI already had two development drivers - Jeffrey Earnhardt and Trevor Bayne - in its fold. With the merger, it also now has Kraig Kinser, Jesus Hernandez and Ricky Carmichael. Story said Carmichael's program is fairly solid because it has sponsorship from Monster energy drink, and DEI currently has Earnhardt's and Bayne's cars sold for the rest of this season. As far as executives, it still is to be determined what role former Ginn Racing Chief Executive Officer Jay Frye will play in the company. "We've only just begun to discuss it," Story said. "Jay has put his heart and soul and blood and guts into this company over the years, and we really want to know what Jay wants to do. We haven't gotten to that point where we've drawn a new [organizational] chart."
Workers in the fabrication shop know where they're headed. As part of the transition, DEI will move all of its fabrication work all to the Ginn shop, which has a seven-post shaker rig, a million-dollar piece of machinery that evaluates how a car handles. The Ginn shop has 180,000 square feet in one large room, which will allow all four Cup teams to be on the same floor and should improve communications among the teams, Story said. The two shops are at most 10 minutes apart. Story said the existing DEI shop will house two Busch Series teams in the future, as well as possibly a Craftsman Truck Series program and a two-car Busch East program.(SceneDaily.com)(7-26-2007)
Dale Earnhardt Inc. and Ginn Racing Merge; Official Announcement: Dale Earnhardt Inc. has become even stronger through a merger with Ginn Racing. Effective immediately, the team will feature the Chevys of #15-Paul Menard, #1-Martin Truex Jr., #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr., #01-Mark Martin and #01-Aric Almirola. Martin and Almirola will combine to drive the #01 Army Chevy for the remainder of the 2007 season as well as the entire 2008 season. Menard drives the Menards Chevy, Truex drives the Bass Pro Shops Chevy and Earnhardt handles driving duties of the Budweiser Chevy. All four entries are inside the top 35 in Nextel Cup points heading into this weekend's Brickyard 400. Regan Smith, who was originally slated to drive the Ginn Clubs and Resorts Chevy in the Brickyard 400, will instead compete in the Craftsman Truck Series race at Indianapolis Raceway Park Friday night in the Ginn Resorts Chevy Silverado. Specific schedules for Martin, Smith and Almirola will be announced later. In addition to Nextel Cup Series competition, the company will continue to field entries in the Busch Series, the Busch East Series and will analyze its future involvement in the Craftsman Truck Series. The numerous teams of Dale Earnhardt Inc. will operate from both the original facility built by Dale and Teresa Earnhardt as well as the nearly 180,000-square-foot facility currently housing Ginn Racing's teams. The buildings are less than five miles apart in Mooresville, N.C. Dale Earnhardt Inc.'s current management team will be responsible for all day-to- day activities and transition plans have already begun to develop. John Story, vice president of motorsports operations for DEI will oversee the expansion of the company's racing efforts. In completing this merger, points on Ginn Racing's #13 car, which was 34th in Nextel Cup owner's points, have been eliminated.(Dale Earnhardt Inc PR), been told the #78 team will NOT be allowed to buy the points for the #13 car, so the #21 Ford supposedly will move up into the top 35 of owners pts and get the guaranteed spot. Bill Elliott will run the #21 car at Indy with Ken Schrader in the #49, no word yet if Schrader will return to the #21 at Pocono next week.(7-25-2007)
DEI, Ginn Merger to Be Announced Wednesday: Dale Earnhardt Inc. will announce on Wednesday that it is merging with Ginn Racing, effective immediately, and will acquire all Ginn assets, including its massive headquarters. Sources said the company will be known as Dale Earnhardt Inc., but that Ginn owner Bobby Ginn will remain a partner in the business. DEI president Max Siegel will oversee the operation, and Ginn CEO Jay Frye will assist DEI executives John Story, Steve Hmiel and Richie Gilmore in sorting out personnel details, sources said. DEI will field four fully-funded racecars in the Allstate 400 this weekend at Indianapolis Motor Speedway -- the #1 Chevy driven by Martin Truex Jr., the #8 driven by Dale Earnhardt Jr., the #15 driven by Paul Menard and the #01 driven by Mark Martin. One of Ginn's other two former cars, the #13 or 14, essentially becomes Menard's #15 team, and the other team will simply discontinue operation [rumors still say that the #78 team will get the owner points from the team]. Menard will pick up the owner's points held by Ginn's # 13 car that was 34th. DEI plans to move its entire operation to Ginn's Mooresville, N.C., facility. The organization begun by the late Dale Earnhardt has been looking for land for almost a year because there is no room to expand at the current facility. #13-Joe Nemechek and #14-Sterling Marlin were given their release last week, with rookie Regan Smith moving into Marlin's car for the remainder of the year before the merger. Smith likely will finish the season splitting the #01 with Martin. Sources said Martin is committed to running at least 22 races for DEI next season and working long-term with the developmental driver program as he was at Ginn.(ESPN.com)(7-25-2007)
DEI buying Ginn? UPDATE 3: hearing a deal could be announced in the next week or so, where Dale Earnhardt Inc. would buy into or outright Ginn Racing. Ginn Racing currently fields the #01-Mark Martin/Regan Smith, #13-Joe Nemechek and #14-Sterling Marlin teams.(7-16-2007)
UPDATE: Dale Earnhardt, Inc. [#s 1, 8, 15] and Ginn Racing [#s 01, 13, 14] are working on a merger agreement that, if finalized, would meld the two organizations into a single company, multiple sources close to negotiations told ESPN.com on Monday. The deal is not done, but a decision will be made soon. Both organizations hope, sources said, to firm up outstanding details and announce a partnership immediately. This deal is an elaborate proposition that entails several obstacles, including how best to reduce from six Nextel Cup teams to the maximum four. The obvious answer, sources said, would be to eliminate Ginn's financially-strapped #13 and #14 teams.(ESPN.com)(7-16-2007)
UPDATE 2: Tim Packman talked with Dave Moody on Sirius Speedway Tuesday afternoon and stated that Dale Earnhardt, Inc. has entered into a meger/acquisition of Ginn Racing. Reportedly, the #14 team's points will go to #15-Paul Menard and he will be locked into the field. #01-Mark Martin will drive at Indianapolis under the DEI banner, and the #13 team points will possibly be sold to Furniture Row Racing and #78-Kenny Wallace to lock him into the field. It is unknown what will happen to Regan Smith, who was scheduled to drive the #14 this weekend.(7-24-2007)
UPDATE 3: ESPN's David Newton reported on NASCAR Now Tuesday that #01-Mark Martin, #1-Martin Truex, Jr., #8-Dale Earnhardt, Jr, and #15-Paul Menard will drive for DEI this weekend at the Brickyard. Menard will be locked into the race using the #14 team's points. Ginn Racing CEO Jay Frye will stay with DEI. DEI will move it's motorsports operations to the Ginn facilities in Mooresville, NC. A determination has not been made on Regan Smith's future with the team. An announcment should come sometime Wednesday.(7-24-2007)
#78 to get #13 owners points? UPDATE: hearing the #78 Furniture Row Racing team will 'buy' the owners points of the #13 Ginn Racing team unless a sponsorship deal can be put together for the #13 team to run at Indy. A deal could be announced for the owners pts early this week. Joe Nemechek was driving the #13 Chevy for Ginn Racing and was recently told he was free to look for another ride by Ginn Racing. Kenny Wallace drives the #78 Chevy for Furniture Row Racing. The #78 is 43rd in owners pts and out of a guaranteed starting spot; the #13 is 34th in owners pts and has a guaranteed spot in the starting lineup.(7-24-2007)
UPDATE: Ginn Racing hopes to have a decision on the future of the #13 car before Friday's Nextel Cup qualifying at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a source close to the situation told ESPN.com. The financially strapped organization has been in discussions with Dale Earnhardt Inc. about possibly selling the #13 team for its owner's points or merging with the company formed by the late Dale Earnhardt. There have also been discussions with selling the points to the #78 car of Kenny Wallace in time for Sunday's race at Indianapolis. The Barney Visser-owned team is 42nd in points and has made only nine races this season. Ginn could also race the car with Joe Nemechek if a sponsor can be lined up at the last minute for the high-profile race. But sources said it is clear the car, 34th in owner's points and comfortably inside the top 35 guaranteed a spot in each race with a 244-point lead over 36th, will not be idle this weekend.(ESPN.com)(7-24-2007)
Budweiser to Evernham? UPDATE: hearing that Budweiser could sponsor one of the Evernham Motorsports teams in 2008, leaving DEI and Dale Earnhardt Jr. it could be the sponsor for Kasey Kahne if Dodge lets him out of their sponsor deal of the #9 and if Bud feels Kahne meets their demographics, or even #19-Elliott Sadler team. Supposedly DEI could still be in play for the Bud sponsor, but looks like Bud will not follow Dale Earnhardt Jr. to Hendrick Motorsports and that Pepsi/Mountain Dew will sponsor Dale Jr. in 2008.(7-10-2007)
UPDATE: Budweiser officials are shopping around for their best sponsorship option in NASCAR, a clear indication that the beer company will not sponsor Dale Earnhardt Jr. at Hendrick Motorsports next season, sources confirmed Tuesday. It's expected that PepsiCo Inc., possibly with the Mountain Dew brand or a combination of Pepsi products, will sponsor Earnhardt next season in the #5 Chevy [or possibly the #8] for Hendrick. And Anheuser-Busch is negotiating with Evernham Motorsports to possibly move the Bud sponsorship to Kasey Kahne's #9 Dodge next season. Budweiser officials also have contacted officials at Lowe's Motor Speedway about the possibility of holding a news conference at the Lowe's Speedway Club next week if a new team sponsorship agreement is reached. An Evernham Motorsports official said Tuesday that no agreement has been reached with Budweiser and that the Evernham marketing department was talking to several other companies about potential sponsorships for 2008. Team owner Ray Evernham has an agreement with Dodge, through the Dodge Dealers, to sponsor both Kahne's car and the #19 Dodge of Elliott Sadler through 2010. The Dodge dealers would have to sign off on any deal to allow Budweiser to move to Kahne's car.
One source close to the negotiations told ESPN.com that it's still possible Budweiser could stay at Dale Earnhardt Inc., depending on whom DEI signs to replace Earnhardt. Budweiser officials now have targeted four other drivers they would consider sponsoring next season, including Kahne. The other three drivers are not known.(more at ESPN.com)(7-11-2007)
DEI interested in adding existing Nextel Cup team: Dale Earnhardt Inc. is looking to expand its Nextel Cup operation and has inquired about acquiring an existing team [#13 Ginn Racing?]. DEI vice president John Story said Monday the purchase of a team in the top 35 of car owner points would be used to shore up DEI's #15 team driven by Paul Menard. Menard is 39th in owner points and has failed to qualify for six races.(Fort Worth Star Telegram/AP)(7-11-2007)
DEI News, Dale Jr replacement; Menards to return: Max Siegel, president of global operations for DEI said that he hopes to have a replacement for Dale Earnhardt Jr. hired by the end of the month. He would not discuss possible drivers for that seat. Siegel also said that despite some speculation Paul Menard and sponsor Menards will return for next season. DEI hired Kevin Buskirk to lead its test team. Buskirk, who had been an engineer and crew chief at Robert Yates Racing, replaces Tony Eury Sr., who left to join JR. Motorsports.(Roanoke Times)(7-8-2007)
RCR-DEI Engine Debut at Daytona: Earnhardt-Childress Racing Technologies will debut the new common engine package this weekend at Daytona International Speedway. All six Richard Chiledress Racing [#07,#29,#31] and Dale Earnhardt, Inc. (DEI) cars [#1,#8,#15] will run the new engine.(RCR PR)(7-4-2007)
New York Investors Looking for Cup Teams: The buzz in the garage in New Hampshire is that at least two New York-based investment banking firms have been making the rounds among Nextel Cup teams, looking to invest in one or more teams, eventually taking a race team public with a stock offering. So far, there have been no takers among the NASCAR team owners. At least one of the investment firms has talked with multiple teams in the garage, including Robert Yates Racing [#38 & #88], Dale Earnhardt, Inc. [#1, #8, #15] and Roush Fenway Racing [#6, #16, #17, #26, #99], multiple sources said. The idea has been for the companies to make cash investments of upwards of $50 million in a team and then at some point sell their interests, perhaps by public stock offering. “We looked at their business plan and it didn’t make sense to us,” said Roush Fenway Racing President Geoff Smith, who confirmed his team had been contacted by a New York-based investment fund that he did not identify by name. Robert Yates talked extensively with the potential investors and reached the same conclusion. “You sit in a room with about 20 bankers and you spend about 18 hours in there with them and you realize that they didn’t contribute anything to the gross national product except maybe going to the bathroom,” said Yates, who also has entertained merger and/or partnership offers from Dale Earnhardt, Inc., Robby Gordon Motorsports and Hall of Fame Racing, among others, before deciding to go it alone. Another team principal who spoke on condition of anonymity Sunday morning at New Hampshire, said the team he works with was approached by investors, but chose not to get involved with them, either. “They had a ton of money, but they didn’t know anything at all about racing,” he said, adding the team was not in need of a cash infusion and would only consider an outside investor if that investor could add significant value to the team.(SPEEDtv.com)(7-2-2007)
Hendrick wants to buy the #8 from DEI UPDATE 2: Car owner Rick Hendrick has let it be known to officials at Dale Earnhardt Inc. that he'd like to purchase the #8 for Dale Earnhardt Jr. when he begins driving for his organization in 2008. "I'm not sure what their position is or what they want for it," Hendrick said Saturday between practices at Infineon Raceway. Earnhardt said last week he would like to stay in the #8 if a deal can be reached with DEI owner Teresa Earnhardt, who has the rights to the number [NASCAR owns the number and leases them to a team to use and market] and his long-time sponsor, Budweiser. Max Siegel, the president of global operations at DEI, said he will not act until there is a formal proposal. Hendrick doesn't expect any sort of announcement for at least a few weeks. "Honestly, we're leaving everything open," he said. "It's just so early. If you say you're going to do something and you really think you are, six weeks from now we might change our mind again. We're working through our sponsors and everything."(ESPN.com)(6-24-2007)
UPDATE: Hendrick Motorsports wants to buy the #8 so that Dale Earnhardt Jr. can race it next season. But it's not for sale, according to a report in the Charlotte Observer. The story quoted NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston, who said NASCAR owns and issues the numbers and that teams can't sell them. He said a team can allow another to use the number for a year as long as NASCAR approves. The report said Dale Earnhardt Inc., which uses the number, was aware of NASCAR's policy on selling numbers. Hendrick Motorsports officials weren't available for comment.(Dallas Morning News)(6-26-2007)
UPDATE 2:There is nothing keeping Hendrick Motorsports from buying the #8 from Dale Earnhardt Inc. as long as NASCAR approves the transfer of the number. While NASCAR owns all numbers and issues them to organizations on an annual basis, teams sell numbers all the time. NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston said it is unlikely the governing body would prevent such a transfer, adding the financial terms are not a concern.(ESPN.com)(7-2-2007)
DEI Still Talking to Budweiser; Working on Fourth Team: Max Siegel, president of worldwide operations for Dale Earnhardt, Inc., said Saturday that the team is still talking with Budweiser, still hoping to add a fourth Nextel Cup car in 2008 and is still looking for a replacement for Dale Earnhardt, Jr. in the #8 next year. “We still have our existing commercial relationship with Bud, talking about what’s best with everybody, still engaged in conversations with potential drivers,” Siegel said Saturday at New Hampshire. “Hopefully in the next four weeks we’ll get something wrapped up here.” Of the team’s car count next year, that’s still up in the air, too. “We have a couple of unique situations that could give us a fourth (car in 2008),” Siegel said. “Realistically, by ’09, definitely we’ll be a four-car team.”(SPEEDtv.com)(7-1-2007)
Eury Sr. leaving DEI...to JR Motorsports? UPDATE: Claire B. Lang reported on XM Radio Tuesday that Tony Eury Sr. [former #8 and #15 crew chief] has resigned from Dale Earnhardt Inc.'s research and development team and will be named Director of Competition at JR Motorsports today.(XM Radio)
AND David Poole reported on Sirius' Morning Drive that Tony Eury Sr is expected to announce this afternoon that he is leaving DEI to become the team director at #88-JR Motorsports. Early in June, Eury reportedly accepted a Research and Development position with DEI after stepping down as Paul Menard's Nextel Cup crew chief.(6-27-2007)
UPDATE: Dale Earnhardt Jr. has turned to a familiar face and proven winner to help lead the competition efforts of his race team, announcing today that his uncle and longtime NASCAR crew chief, Tony Eury Sr., has been named Director of Competition at JR Motorsports. Commonly referred to as “Pops” around the NASCAR garage, Eury Sr. will oversee competition and technical support for all of JR Motorsports, which includes a full-time Busch Series program, a USAR Hooters Pro Cup Series entry, and three late model teams. His new role at JRM will begin immediately, as he will work closely with crew chief Wes Ward, motorsports director Steve Crisp, and driver Shane Huffman in preparation for Saturday’s Camping World 200 Busch Series race at New Hampshire International Speedway. “Tony Sr. brings wins, championships, and an immeasurable amount of knowledge to JR Motorsports,” Earnhardt Jr. said. “He also brings a sense of trust that you only have in family. This company needs his expertise, and I’m glad he sees the potential at JR Motorsports to want to work here. I hope I can provide him the same amount of success here that he has achieved over the years, and I hope he enjoys working here as much as I know he enjoyed working at DEI (Dale Earnhardt Inc.).”(JR Motorsports PR)(6-27-2007)
Dale Jr. ranked 6th in Poll: For the fourth consecutive year, Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the #8 Budweiser Chevy in the Nextel Cup Series, has been named among "America's Favorite Sports Stars" in a national poll by Harris Interactive. Earnhardt Jr. is ranked sixth overall this year, and has ranked no worse than eighth place since 2004. He is again the only race car driver among the top-10 athletes.
This year's top-10, according to the Harris Interactive Poll:
1.) Tiger Woods
2.) Derek Jeter
3.) Michael Jordan
4.) Brett Favre
5.) LeBron James
6.) Dale Earnhardt Jr.
7.) Tim Duncan
8.) Peyton Manning
9.) Kobe Bryant
10.) Tom Brady
For more details and methodology, click to the Harris Interactive site.(fingerprint inc./Bud PR)(6-26-2007)
Eury Jr. to Hendrick? #8 crew chiefTony Eury, Jr. is likely to join Dale Earnhardt Jr. at Hendrick Motorsports next season sources said.(Ford Racing)(6-24-2007)
Sony and Dale Jr. and more on Adidas UPDATE: Sony will announce Thursday [6/21] that Dale Earnhardt Jr. has signed a personal endorsement contract with the high-end consumer electronics company. Adidas is set to announce another deal with Earnhardt next month. Sony was an easy choice for Earnhardt, an avid online racing gamer who likes high-tech gadgets and computers. He primarily will hawk high-definition products (such as TVs, camcorders, cameras and Blu-ray disc players) for Sony, joining Peyton Manning and Michelle Wie as its high-profile endorsers.(USA Today)(6-21-2007)
UPDATE: Sony Electronics announced a personal endorsement deal with #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. of Jr Motorsports to participate in the company's upcoming marketing efforts. The multi-year deal provides Sony the use of Earnhardt's name, likeness, image, voice and endorsement for use in advertising, promotions and merchandising for consumer marketing campaigns aimed at driving sales of Sony Electronics products. Among the products Earnhardt will promote are Sony's high definition BRAVIA televisions in which he will appear in Sony's new HD ad campaign. In addition, Earnhardt will participate in major electronics industry events and trade shows and will make personal appearances each year on behalf of Sony as part of the agreement. Sony Electronics is an active supporter of NASCAR for the past seven years and is the official high-definition TV partner of NASCAR.(Paine PR)(6-22-2007)
Gordon Knew Hendrick was Negotiating with Earnhardt: #24-Jeff Gordon was in on the secret all along. Privately he listened to team owner Rick Hendrick agonize over the arduous, closed-door maneuvering to sign #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. "Rick was going back and forth, back and forth," Gordon said. "He was like, 'Man, I would love to do this,' and at the same time, 'I don't know how I'm going to do it.' And, 'Should we do it?' " Gordon didn't waver. "I was very supportive of it from the beginning," he said, sitting in the lounge of his team transporter during preparations for the Citizens Bank 400. "Because I've been at Hendrick for 15 years and I have equity in the company, I probably got let into it a little bit sooner," Gordon said. "I actually told Rick, 'Don't give me too many details because I know I'm going to get asked.' But I knew they were in talks."(Orlando Sentinel)(6-18-2007)
Some teams looking to add 4th team: The season is not even half over and several teams say they want to expand for next season. Officials from Dale Earnhardt Inc., Evernham Motorsports, Richard Childress Racing have said they'd like to expand to four cars next year. There have been hints other teams might look add a team. How many actually do will depend on what kind of sponsorship they can find.(Greensboro News and Record)(6-16-2007)
Dale Jr. to host Elvis event at Graceland; scheme at RIR: Lifelong Elvis fan, #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr., will rev up the 30th Anniversary Elvis Week celebration by hosting the first night of the "Elvis Music & Movies" series on the front lawn of Graceland on Monday, Aug. 13. "Elvis Music & Movies" marks the first ever Elvis Week entertainment event inside the gates of Presley's famed home in Memphis. The 30th Anniversary Elvis Week, anticipated to be the largest Elvis event ever, runs Aug. 11-19. Earnhardt will be joined on stage by NHRA driver Brandon Bernstein. Earnhardt will discuss racing, his love of Elvis music, introduce his favorite songs, and interact with the evening's entertainers, Andy Childs and the rockabilly trio, The Dempseys. Following the live performances, Earnhardt will introduce the Elvis movie Viva Las Vegas which has been restored and digitally remastered as part of a new release of Elvis movies from Warner Bros. For additional information on Elvis Week events and to buy tickets visit ElvisWeek.com.(fingerprint inc./Budweiser PR), plus Earnhardt Jr. is scheduled to run a special Elvis scheme at Richmond in September.(6-21-2007)
Chevy unveils paint schemes to commemorate 50 Years of the '57 Chevy: One of the most recognizable cars in American motoring history reaches a notable milestone this year, a milestone which NASCAR, Chevy and Motorsports Authentics proudly celebrate. The 1957 Chevrolet, a car which turns 50 years old this year, will be commemorated at August 19’s 3M Performance 400 Nextel Cup race at Michigan International Speedway by at least 11 Team Chevy drivers. Unveiled by Jimmie Johnson at MIS today, a Monte Carlo SS race car featuring decals with cues from the iconic 1957 design is similar to the ones Johnson and other Team Chevy drivers will race during the August event. On August 18, ’57 Chevys along with many other historic vehicles will hit the streets during Metro Detroit’s Woodward Dream Cruise. That same weekend, Team Chevy Nextel Cup Series drivers #4-Ward Burton, #8-Dale Earnhardt, Jr., #24-Jeff Gordon, #48-Jimmie Johnson, #14-Sterling Marlin, #01-Mark Martin, #15-Paul Menard, #96-Tony Raines, #1-Martin Truex, Jr., #78-Kenny Wallace and #18-J.J. Yeley will take to the track at MIS with their cars wearing special ’57 Chevy paint schemes. To commemorate this special event, Motorsports Authentics will replicate their cars with die-cast models and offer apparel and novelty items related to the event.(GM Racing PR), see an image of the #48 Scheme on my #48 Team Schemes page.(6-16-2007)
DEI Willing to Discuss Transfer of #8: Now that Dale Earnhardt Jr. has sealed his future for the next five years with Hendrick Motorsports beginning next season, there are other issues on the table. For instance, will he be able to take the #8 with him from Dale Earnnhardt Inc.? Earnhardt said Friday after qualifying at Michigan that there has not yet been any communication with DEI about obtaining the #8. "Obviously, we'll see if there's any interest from [team owner] Teresa [Earnhardt] and [DEI president of global operations] Max [Siegel] to do that, but they've probably got to answer a couple more questions of their own to be able to have a good idea how they feel about that," Earnhardt said. "Whether they feel like they have any interest in talking about it, I'm sure that's something Rick [Hendrick] and my sister [Kelley Earnhardt Elledge] would be interested in doing." Siegel said Friday that he would be willing to discuss a transfer of the number. "We're open to talk about anything," Siegel said. "But in order to consider it, there has to be some formal proposal. No one has contacted me. Other than knowing his desire to have the number, no one has approached me with a formal proposal. I'm not going to talk about it until I get one."(ESPN.com)(6-16-2007)
Anheuser-Busch Statement Regarding Dale Earnhardt Jr.: Tony Ponturo, Vice President, Global Media and Sports Marketing Anheuser-Busch, Inc.: "Anheuser-Busch has enjoyed a remarkable relationship with Dale Earnhardt Jr. since our sponsorship commenced back in 1999. Dale Jr. is an excellent ambassador for the sport and our company, and we look forward to exploring options with Hendrick Motorsports and JR Motorsports to continue Budweiser’s relationship with him as he enters this new stage of his racing career." Per Anheuser-Busch policy, there will not be any additional public comments, nor interview requests granted regarding on-going negotiations or contracts.(fingerprint inc./Budwesier PR)(6-13-2007)
Dale Earnhardt Jr. to drive for Hendrick in 2008: announced via live on TV, Dale Earnhardt Jr., current driver of the #8 Budweiser Chevy for DEI, will drive for Hendrick Motorsports starting in 2008. Dale Jr. started the press conference with a short speach/explanation, then introduced his new team owner Rick Hendrick and unveiled the Hendrick Motorsports logo. One thing noticed...the biggest smile ever seen on Dale Jr.'s face.
Hendrick was asked about having a full stable of drivers, Hendrick immediately brought up Kyle Busch and working on a contract extension, that Busch was talking to other teams, Hendrick said conversations with Busch led both to realize it would be better for Busch to look at his other opportunities and part ways, but that Busch would run the #5 Chevy for the remainder of the season.
As for a car number and sponsor for Dale Earnhardt Jr., Hendrick said none of that has been finalized as of yet.
Dale Jr. said concerning Budweiser that sponsorship has not been talked about, before the press conference, SPEED reported that Budweiser is talking to other teams, including Kasey Kahne.
As for the #8, Dale Jr. mentioned he would like to keep the #8 and would talk to Teresa Earnhardt [owner of DEI #8] and that drew a large laugh from the media, but said he is looking for a number and car design that would look 'cool'.
Asked about crew members and current crew chief Tony Eury Jr., Dale Jr. said it would have to be discussed down the road.
Dale Jr. said all the other rumors to other teams [Gibbs/VISA, RCR] came out of thin air.
Hendrick said Kyle Busch would finish the season in the #5 Chevy and run for the championship
Hendrick said he would be open to swapping the #5 for the #8 if DEI is interested, but no discussions so far. But said the #24 and #48 are locked up and nodded his head when said the number Dale Jr would use was between the #5 and #25.
The deal is a five-year deal 2008-2012
The press conference ended at 12:05pm/et....let the speculation begin
(TV Coverage of the Dale Earnhardt Jr. Press Conference, transcript will be available later and posted)(6-13-2007)
Dale Jr. to make announcement Wed. UPDATE 3 looks like to Hendrick #25? #5?; Kyle Busch to DEI?: could this be the big announcement of where Dale Earnhardt Jr. will go and who he will drive for in 2008 and the future? NASCAR Nextel Cup driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. has scheduled a news conference for Wednesday at 11:00a,/et at his JR Motorsports race shop. [This is NOT open to the public] A full transcript will be released shortly after the news conference.(JR Motorsports PR)
UPDATE NEWS: Officials with Ginn Racing and Joe Gibbs Racing each said their teams were not involved in the news conference while a spokesperson for Richard Childress Racing said the team owner is out of the country [New Zealand] on a hunting trip and that he is not expected to be back in the country tomorrow. A Hendrick Motorsports spokesman had no comment. A call to Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s spokesman was not immediately returned.(SceneDaily.com)
UPDATE 2: ESPN.com's Marty Smith reports: Dale Earnhardt Jr. on Wednesday will announce his intent to drive the #5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevy in 2008, multiple sources with intimate knowledge of negotiations told ESPN.com Tuesday on condition of anonymity. Hendrick Motorsports declined comment Tuesday, and e-mails and calls sent to Earnhardt's representation were not returned. Kelley Earnhardt Elledge, who has handled contract negotiations for her brother, declined to comment on the report. There was some speculation that the wheels are already in motion to plant Earnhardt in the #5 now driven by Kyle Busch before season's end, but Dale Earnhardt, Inc. president Max Siegel, contacted by phone Tuesday, discounted that scenario, saying Earnhardt would remain in the #8 through season's end. Sources said there are indications that Busch may not finish the year in the #5. Busch is under contract with HMS through the end of next season, and Hendrick had been working to sign the 22-year old driver to an extension. Jeff Dickerson, an attorney for Busch, told ESPN.com that "a lot of things may or may not occur. Out of respect for Hendrick Motorsports, we're not really sure what's going on yet. But we're trying. I don't think anything's changed yet. I can not tell you that Kyle is out of the #5 for 2008." Meanwhile, one potential scenario would be Casey Mears moving to the #5 and Earnhardt moving to the #25 currently being driven by Mears [Budweiser sponsored Hendrick and the #25 for many years]. It is unknown whether sponsor Budweiser will follow Earnhardt to Hendrick. Budweiser officials are expected to release a statement Wednesday saying the company wishes Earnhardt well and that it will begin exploring its relationship with Earnhardt after the announcement. Hendrick Motorsports does have a history with Budweiser as a sponsor in the 1990s with [Ken Schrader] Ricky Craven and Wally Dallenbach Jr.(ESPN.com), the Associated Press is reporting similar news/speculation.(6-12-2007)
UPDATE 3: Hearing that Dale Earnhardt, Jr. will end up at Hendrick Motorsports, taking Kyle Busch's roster spot. As to what happens to Busch, he'll take Junior's place at Dale Earnhardt, Incorporated.(6-12-2007)
UPDATE 4: also heaing another scenerio: Jr will be in the #5 in 2008, Kyle Busch to Ginn [#01] and Mark Martin will finish out 2007 in the #5. No word on who would be in the #8 in 2008....if this happens.(6-13-2007)
TV & RADIO COVERAGE of the Dale Jr. Press Conference: The pre preconference show advertised, is not on at 10:00am/et, so I guess tune in to SPEED, ESPN2, ESPNews at 11:00am/et for LIVE coverage of the press conference. SIRIUS NASCAR Radio Channel 128 and XM Radio Chennel 144 will also carry live coverage via Satellite Radio.
Viewer's can also watch the event via LIVE Streaming Video see SPEEDtv.com Press Conference coverage link at SPEEDtv.com [been told they may remove the link] and also at FoxSports.com.
France funeral slows Earnhardt Jr. talks: Dale Earnhardt Jr. said that with most people in the industry juggling schedules to attend the funeral of NASCAR executive Bill France Jr. on Thursday, little was done as far as where he will drive in 2008 this past week. Earnhardt Jr. was one of many drivers who attended the funeral in Daytona Beach, Fla. of the man who guided the sport from 1972 to 2003. Earnhardt Jr. said there would not be much done over the Pocono race weekend. "We don't really get a whole lot going on during the weekend because I like to be around when we're talking and discussing." Earnhardt Jr. said.(SceneDaily.com)(6-10-2007)
VISA Says No Truth To Reports Of Deal With Dale Jr. A Visa spokesperson today refuted reports that the payment card company was close to a deal to become Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s new primary sponsor. “We haven’t even had conversations," said Visa spokesperson J.J. Carter.(SportsBusinessDaily.com - need subscription)(6-6-2007)
Latest Dale Jr. to 'news' UPDATE 2: Depending on who one believes in the Nextel Cup garage, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. is headed either to Ginn Racing with sponsorship from Budweiser or Joe Gibbs Racing with backing from credit card giant Visa. Either way, expect an announcement next month. “We're trying not to comment too much on how things are going or what's going on until we can really have something to say, but I can tell you that things are positive,” Earnhardt said after qualifying on Friday. “I've just been overwhelmed with the personalities that I've met, with the owners and the individuals working at each company. There are certainly a lot of great people out there with good morals and good values and with great attitudes about the sport and about what they want to accomplish. It makes me feel good about where the sport's going to be in the next 5-10 years with some of these individuals I've met.”(SPEEDtv.com)
UPDATE: on FoxSports NASCAR pre-race from Dover, Jeff Hammond said sources tell him that Dale Earnhardt Jr, would sign with Joe Gibbs Racing and have sponsorship from VISA, with the announcement coming within the next 10-14 days.(6-3-2007)
UPDATE 2: PRN's Steve Richard's talked to Joe Gibbs Racing President J.D. Gibbs, who chose not to address specifically comments made by Fox TV’s Jeff Hammond during the rain delay at Dover that Dale Earnhardt Jr. would sign with JGR. Gibbs chuckled, “Its news to me we’re getting our news from Jeff Hammond. We don’t have anything new to say than we said several weeks ago at Darlington (and that is) we’re going to give them time. Anyone would love to talk with him and see the possibilities but for us we’re just gonna give them their time and sort through how they need to do it, he and Kelley, and if the time is right great, if not we understand that too.” Gibbs went onto say, “No sense really talking about it. It’s just speculation so it just fuels the fire. Right now let’s just focus on our three deals and let the rest lay where it may. Gibbs also confirmed they have no plans to expand their operation to four teams in 2008 but will aim to do so in 2009.
Richard's also talked to Dale Earnhardt Jr. Media Relations Representative Jade Gurss who said this rumor is no different from the rest. “We hear three or four each weekend so it does us no good to deny every single fact or confirm…we’re just doing what we did before…we’re gonna keep our heads down and when Dale Jr is ready to decide he’ll let us all know together.” As far as a set timetable Gurss doesn’t know of one. “I don't know that it's ever been in stone. The last I heard someone theorized because the merchandise people needed to get to working on the diecast they would like it to be done by the end of this month. My gut feeling is he and Kelley are going to make a decision on what’s right for them, not in a timeframe based on getting a diecast car to Daytona. He says he wants this to be the last move he makes so I don’t see them being pressured by that.”(PRN's Garage Pass Radio Show)(6-3-2007)
Dale Jr plans to stay with Chevy, comments on plans: some comments from a Dale Earnhardt Jr./GM Racing press release: HAS IT BEEN AN EYE-OPENER TO SEE OTHER SHOPS? HAVE YOU GOTTEN ANY MORE CLARITY ABOUT NEXT YEAR?
"I have never had the opportunity to see any shops outside DEI in my driving career. That was a big surprise for me. I didn't see anything out of the ordinary or didn't see any golden eggs laying around. But there were basically, you know, I was surprised at how on par in some places DEI really is. And there's . I never really felt like me and Tony, Jr. (crew chief Eury) had any trouble competing and being competitive at DEI. The reasons why I left were truly personal and not competition related. But you look at these other teams that win more races and there's an obvious difference between the two companies or three or four companies. So you look at that and you say, 'What are we not doing?' Well, I got a chance to look around these shops and see some of the areas where teams are sort of branching out and growing."
"When I can really get down to business and tell you guys what's going on, we'll definitely do that. I'll be as excited as heck to be able to tell everybody what I'm going to do and where I'm going to be. And I'm looking forward to that. And I think that's going to happen within the time schedule that my sister has expressed over the last several weeks. It's looking good."
"As I have said, I want to continue driving Chevrolets. That spells it out pretty good for a lot of people. Chevrolet has been good to me. They have complimented my Busch Series program. They have supported me and complimented me in my career. And just for a couple of extra bucks, I wouldn't want to go drive for another manufacturer. I don't have those relationships with those other manufacturers although I am sure there are great people working there."(GM Racing PR)(6-2-2007)
More on Dale Jr to Ginn; Martin back full-time in 2008? Marlin part-time? UPDATE Martin denies: Many drivers seem convinced that Dale Earnhardt Jr. will accept an offer to drive for Bobby Ginn [Racing #01,#13,#14], even though Ginn, a Florida real- estate developer, is new to the sport, with less than a year on the circuit. Ginn has been spending lavishly to turn the Jay Frye-run Chevy team into a top-flight operation. Driver Mark Martin led the Nextel Cup standings early this season and even after missing three of the year’s 12 races he’s still 15th in the points. Martin may return to the Nextel Cup tour full-time in 2008, according to sources. But Martin’s teammate #14-Sterling Marlin is planning to cut back to a partial schedule, and Ginn said that would open the 14 car and its top-35 exemption for Earnhardt.(Winston Salem Journal)(6-1-2007)
UPDATE: Mark Martin said Friday at Dover International Speedway that he has no intention of increasing his schedule with Ginn Racing next year. If anything, Martin will run fewer races next year, he said. "The schedule laid out here with seven races in a row right through this stretch here has really been a challenge," Martin said. "It's been a challenge for everyone, all the guys who work on the cars and everything else, with all the testing that's been going on. I'm just going to learn from 2007 and look at 2008, and I'll either do the same number of races or maybe a little bit more like what I had planned originally, which was more like 20 points races instead of 24."(SceneDaily.com)(6-2-2007)
Dale Jr. on DEI dropping the penalty appeal: from Dale Earnhardt, Jr.'s XM Satellite Radio Show, "Dale Jr. - Unrestricted" (Channel 144/XM Sports Nation/7:30pm ET) regarding Dale Jr.'s thoughts on DEI dropping their penalty appeal.
Dale Jr. - "DEI decided to drop their appeal of that penalty that we got for the wing in Darlington, which was a wise choice."
Josh Snider - "Why?"
Dale Jr. - "Well sometimes you can go get your appeal and actually get a worse penalty and there was a possibility, there were some discussions about forcing the eight car to have to qualify into every event...Taking away our top 35 exempt deal where we were automatically locked in the field, so we were worried that if we went to appeal and it didn't go, you know somebody said a cross word and upset somebody or something didn't go right it could become a worse penalty and decided to drop it and just take our lickings."(6-1-2007)
Tryson close to a deal with DEI: Pat Tryson, who was fired by Roush Fenway Racing last week, is close to a deal with Dale Earnhardt Inc. Richie Gilmore, the director of motorsports at DEI, hopes to have Tryson signed within the next two weeks. "He's looking at a couple of other options, but right now we're at the top of his list,'' Gilmore said before Sunday's Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. DEI officials also are narrowing their search for a driver to replace Dale Earnhardt Jr., who is leaving the company his father built after this season. They have a list of five candidates and could have that narrowed even further by the end of this week. They are looking not only at drivers currently inside the Nextel Cup garage but drivers who have been champions of other series. "The testament to this organization and what the company stands for is reflected by the high level of interest from people across this entire sport,'' said Max Siegel, the president of global operations at DEI.(ESPN.com)(5-27-2007)
Junior Can't Bring Budweiser to Gibbs Team: If Dale Earnhardt Jr. ends up at Joe Gibbs Racing, team officials are adamant it won't be with sponsor Budweiser. Bobby Ginn, however, has no problem with a beer sponsorship and is still hotly pursuing NASCAR's most coveted free agent. And Richard Childress? He had nothing to say on the subject Saturday at Lowe's Motor Speedway. With Hendrick Motorsports apparently out of the Earnhardt sweepstakes - Hendrick has four drivers under contract and claims he isn't looking to drop any of them - three other Chevrolet teams have emerged as the front-runners to sign NASCAR's most popular driver. JGR could be the leading candidate, but owner Joe Gibbs insisted Saturday night he won't accept a beer sponsorship at his family business. Earnhardt is closely associated with Budweiser, his longtime sponsor, and the company can leave Dale Earnhardt Inc. with him at the end of the season. "For me personally, and my background and everything that has happened to me, it wouldn't fit me," Gibbs said. "It doesn't mean it's not fine for everybody else." Gibbs officials also said they won't be expanding to four teams in 2008. That means they'd have to dump a driver to sign Earnhardt, and #18-J.J. Yeley could be on the hot seat. Ginn, meanwhile, has room for Earnhardt and has planned to expand to four teams since taking over majority ownership of the team known as MB2 Motorsports last season. Ginn said Saturday he's had "exploratory conversations" with Kelley Earnhardt Elledge, but has yet to speak to Earnhardt himself. He said he never would have taken it this far if he didn't think his organization was a perfect fit. Childress, who said Friday he had yet to speak to the Earnhardts, wouldn't give an update Saturday on any discussions. With three cars under the RCR roof, he said he'll be at four in 2008 with or without Earnhardt behind the wheel.(Associated Press)(5-27-2007)
Earnhardt hopes to solidify new team, sponsorship details soon: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. wants to solidify his future in very short order. Earnhardt's sister and chief negotiator, Kelley Earnhardt Elledge, told ESPN.com Friday that they hope to finalize Earnhardt's future professional address within the next 30 days and then solidify sponsorship details before announcing his decision to the public sometime in late July. Elledge said Earnhardt has "visited a few race shops and had a few meetings alongside myself, with team owners" in the weeks since he announced he would leave the company his father founded, Dale Earnhardt Inc., at season's end. Elledge said she has personally spoken with "about seven" existing Nextel Cup teams and "about 10 investment groups who are on the verge of starting teams or buying a team." But the top three candidates all have slight issues that could slow the process.(ESPN.com)(5-26-2007)
Earnhardt's will left 100 percent of DEI to Teresa: When #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. demanded 51 percent ownership of Dale Earnhardt Inc., it might have seemed logical that the son of the team founder would already own part of the company. So why doesn't he? Because the will of his father, the seven-time Cup champion killed on the final lap of the 2001 Daytona 500, didn't give him an ownership stake in the team. Earnhardt's will, signed in December 1992, awards 100 percent of DEI to his widow, Teresa, Dale Jr.'s stepmother. The estate filings, which were probated in Iredell County, N.C., show that Teresa Earnhardt owns the race team.(SceneDaily.com)(5-24-2007)
No deals done, no teams out, Elledge says: People already trying to rule things in or out about where Dale Earnhardt Jr. might drive in the 2008 Nextel Cup season are getting ahead of themselves, Kelley Earnhardt Elledge said Wednesday. “I think a lot of people are drawing conclusions,” said Elledge, the driver’s sister who is also helping to negotiate his next deal in the sport. Most of the speculation, it seems, has been in trying to figure out which teams - for various reasons - might not be in a position to add Earnhardt Jr. But Elledge said Wednesday that no bets are off. “The process has not reached a point where we have eliminated options,” she said. “All of our options remain viable until we have 100% decided on one.” Elledge, who also is vice president and general manager of JR Motorsports, which fields Earnhardt Jr.-owned cars in the Busch Series and other developmental racing series, said that since that announcement she has fielded even more calls than she expected to get. “We have gotten tons of support from the industry and more importantly our fans since we have made the announcement to leave DEI as a driver,” she said. “I have received more calls that expected, but the more options the better." Elledge said she and Earnhardt Jr. have put together what they’re looking for in the next deal for him as a driver, and that conversations with various owners have started. “We communicated that by mid to late summer we would definitely have our position solidified,” Elledge said. “Obviously, if we want to make the most out of this change, a date no later than August 1 would be best, due to sponsor point of sale, advertising, licensed products and other things that need time to be developed and produced."(Thatsracin)(5-24-2007)
DEI Drops Appeal of Penalties: UPDATE: Dale Earnhardt Inc. dropped its appeal of penalties levied against #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his crew chief for illegal modifications made to the Car of Tomorrow. The appeal was scheduled to be heard Wednesday, but the team informed NASCAR on Tuesday it will not fight the penalties. Earnhardt was docked 100 points and crew chief Tony Eury Jr. was fined $100,000 and suspended six races after NASCAR discovered illegal brackets on the rear wing of the #8 Chevy at Darlington.(Associated Press), see more information about the penalty on my #8 Team Page.(5-22-2007)
UPDATE: DEI issued the following statement: “The rules are black and white,” said Richie Gilmore, DEI’s Vice President of Motorsports. “We were clearly in violation of those rules and accept the penalties handed down by NASCAR. Going forward, we’ve reviewed our internal processes and procedures to insure something like this doesn’t happen again.”(DEI PR)(5-22-2007)
Budweiser Desert Camo Car To Honor Troops This Weekend: You may need to look a little closer to find the #8 Budweiser machine during the Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway this Sunday. The iconic red paint scheme is being replaced this Memorial Day weekend with a special desert camouflage look, honoring our troops around the globe. Budweiser will donate proceeds from the sale of the collectible diecast camo cars to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation (SOWF), which provides full-ride college scholarships to surviving dependents of Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps special operations personnel killed in combat or training missions, and immediate financial assistance to special operations personnel severely wounded in the global war on terror. More than 700 dependents currently benefit from the efforts of the SOWF. For more information, visit www.specialops.org. The Budweiser team will also carry a special red, white and blue paint scheme during the July 4 weekend at Daytona International Speedway. Budweiser will also donate proceeds from the sales of collectible merchandise of that car to SOWF.(fingerprint inc./Budweiser PR), see images on the #8 Team Schemes page.(5-22-2007)
DEI looking for #8 replacement, sponsor, may keep Bud: Dale Earnhardt Inc. (DEI) is working on finding a replacement to Dale Earnhardt Jr. for the #8 Nextel Cup car. "It's hard to say how far along we are," DEI executive board member John Story said Saturday prior to the Nextel All-Star Challenge. "We've had a lot of interest. We've obviously made a few phone calls ourselves. We've had a lot of unsolicited phone calls from some top athletes that are interested in it, but clearly I can't discuss any names. We don't have a template in mind for a driver other than we need a winner, we need another driver to complement our group, somebody that is capable of winning championships, winning races. Whether he's young or old is less important than making sure he's a top athlete that is a winner." DEI would likely need to either extend its current deal with Budweiser (which said it is reviewing its options in light of Earnhardt Jr.'s departure) or find a new sponsor to lock in a top-tier driver. "There will be a sponsor of that car, that's no doubt," Story said. "We won't be able to get a top-name, championship-caliber driver without a solid commitment from a sponsor."(SceneDaily.com)(5-21-2007)
No Dale Jr. to Hendrick: Cross Hendrick Motorsports off the list of teams interested in signing Dale Earnhardt Jr. Although he's spoken to Earnhardt, car owner Rick Hendrick said Saturday "there's no room at the inn" for NASCAR's most popular driver. Earnhardt is leaving Dale Earnhardt Inc. (DEI) at the end of the season. He wants to stay with one of the top Chevrolet teams so he can contend for championships, and Hendrick is the best in NASCAR right now with eight wins in the past nine Nextel Cup races. Richard Childress Racing and Joe Gibbs Racing are the next best Chevy teams, and both owners have indicated they are interested in speaking with Earnhardt. Only Hendrick had been silent on the issue, but as he walked toward pit road before Saturday night's Nextel All-Star Challenge, he said he was maxed out with four drivers right now and couldn't fit Earnhardt in his stable. "We're good friends and I've talked to him, because I really want him to make the best decision and do the best thing for himself," Hendrick told The Associated Press. "But right now, I'm full." Hendrick fields Cup cars for four-time series champion #24-Jeff Gordon, defending Cup champion #48-Jimmie Johnson, #5-Kyle Busch and #25-Casey Mears. All are under contract through at least 2008, and Hendrick is currently trying to extend Busch's deal. Hendrick said he's offered to help Earnhardt if he elects to field his own Cup team.(Associated Press)(5-20-2007)
Dale Jr. talking to owners/teams: The car owners are calling and #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. is ready to listen. In fact, NASCAR's most popular driver is enjoying the courtship part of free agency. Earnhardt said Friday he's had preliminary talks with potential employers, and his sister has been prioritizing all of his options. He announced last week that he was leaving DEI, his late father's company, at the end of the season. "It's really neat to get down to the core of some of these guys and understand 'em more," Earnhardt said. "It's a big new world out there. I'm really excited about my opportunities and the possibilities and what's going to be on the table and I'm excited about how the response has been from some of the owners. Their excitement really makes you feel appreciated and makes you feel necessary and like you'd be an asset - which is a great feeling." Earnhardt wouldn't reveal who he has spoken to so far, and said early discussions had yet to produce a clear favorite. But he's been surprised at how nice the owners have been. His sister, Kelley Earnhardt Elledge, also has spoken to several teams and has scheduled meetings with others as she negotiates her brother through the biggest free agency period in NASCAR history.(Associated Press)(5-19-2007)
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.(DEI PR)(5-18-2007)
Andrews tests for DEI been told and confirmed that Tim Andrews, son of #43 crew chief Paul Andrews, tested a DEI Chevy at Kentucky Speedway on Tuesday, May 15th. Andrews is running a part-time ARCA and Busch East schedule in 2007.(5-17-2007)
Dale Jr. Merchandise Still Selling Well: Sales of Dale Earnhardt Jr. merchandise has skyrocketed 107 percent in the week since NASCAR's most popular driver said he was leaving his late father's company at the end of the season. The surge surprised industry experts, who believed sales of Earnhardt's red #8 Budweiser Chevrolet merchandise would dip while he searches for a new team, number and maybe even a new sponsor.(Associated Press)(5-17-2007)
Illegal wing brackets on #8 car could mean penalty UPDATES: During pre-race inspection Saturday at Darlington Raceway, the #8 Budweiser Chevy of Dale Earnhardt Jr. was found to have illegal brackets used to mount the rear wing on the Nextel Cup Series' new Car of Tomorrow, an infraction series director John Darby said could result in the first COT penalty. Officials forced the team to remove the brackets, then reattach the wing with a proper set. "We have specific blueprints for all the parts on the car," Darby said. "[Series officials] are a little sensitive to those parameters." Asked if doctoring the rear wing on the COT is a substantial no-no, Darby responded, "Yes." The infraction will not affect Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s starting position for the rain-delayed Dodge Avenger 500, Darby said. Darby said he plans to speak with #8 crew chief Tony Eury Jr. further next week.(ESPN.com)(5-13-2007)
UPDATE: Tony Eury Jr. fully expects a penalty from NASCAR this week and #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. is prepared to help his crew chief pay it. NASCAR confiscated the rear wing mounts from Earnhardt Jr.'s car on Saturday before the Nextel Cup race at Darlington Raceway was postponed until Sunday due to rain. Eury called it an "interpretation." "It was a bad deal," he said. "It was a part that got put on there that shouldn't have. We've done a lot of offseason testing for NASCAR. There's been three different styles of brackets on there and it just happened to be one of those old-style brackets." Eury said the brackets were the same ones that weren't discovered during pre- or post-qualifying inspections. "It fit all of their templates," he said. "It just had a problem when you put [the angle] to where you should have." Eury said he tried to explain how to fix the problem to series director John Darby. "I was definitely not trying to get away with nothing, so you can take it for what it is," he said. "There's nothing I can do about it. Whatever they hand down, it certainly wasn't on purpose."(ESPN.com)(5-14-2007)
UPDATE 2: Hearing from sources that the Tony Eury Jr. will be fined $100,000 and be suspended for 6 weeks. In addition, the team will lose 100 owner and driver points. Eury is expected to appeal only the severity of the monetary fine. Tony Gibson will take Eury Jr's place as crew chief during the suspesion.(5-15-2007)
UDPATE 3: 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)
Comments from Eury: Tony Eury, Jr. spoke with PRN's Garage Pass concerning the punishment NASCAR hit him and the DEI #8 team with.
What is your reaction to the penalties?
“It was not a performance deal, we documented wind tunnel reports to show that, but the fact of the matter is it was not a NASCAR approved part. It was an honest mistake, but it was a big mistake. From my standpoint, I think it’s pretty crazy if you compare it to some of the other things that have happened over the year.
Will you appeal?
“Yeah I’m going to appeal it, just for the severity of the penalty. I know the part was wrong, but six weeks and a hundred grand that’s kind of ridiculous. Three years ago it would have a two thousand dollar fine.”
What about the team?
I’m perfectly happy with my team. I left them with 10 races to go and they did fine. I’m a 100-percent behind them. Tony Gibson will be the crew chief and I’m just one piece of the team. I’ve got a great group of guys and they’ll do just fine.”
Did you expect the penalty to be so harsh?
“They’ve been headed that way but where do they draw the line, where do they stop? But, like I told John Darby it was an honest mistake, but it’s a big one, so whatever he wanted to throw out, throw it.”
“They’re going to set an example out of somebody. People think we get away with more than anybody so I kind of expected it. I expected the worse.”(PRNs Garage Pass)(5-15-2007)
Gibbs: Dale Jr. yes; Budweiser...probably not: J.D. Gibbs, president of Joe Gibbs Racing [#11,#18,#20], answered questions from members of the media at Darlington Raceway on Saturday afternoon:
ON HIS REACTION TO DALE EARNHARDT, JR.'S ANNOUNCEMENT: "Really from our standpoint we're kind of watching stuff unfold as you guys were. I thought they did a great job on their press conference. I know that was hard for him. I think for us really we're just really focused on what we're doing now, our three cars. Would everyone want a chance to talk to Dale Jr.? Sure. Who wouldn't want a chance to talk to Dale Jr.? Right now it sounds like he and Kelley, whatever decision they come up with will be a good one. They just want a little time to think about it. When the time is right we'd love to sit down and talk to him and see what their plans are but right now we're just focusing on what we're doing."
WOULD YOU HAVE BUDWEISER AS A SPONSOR? "For us it would be hard. It'd be hard. They've been a great partner of the sport and do a lot for us but personally that would be a hard deal for us to do."
WOULD IT BE DEAL BREAKER HARD? "I'll just leave it at that right now. I'm not sure if that would fit for us. Even though we really appreciate what they're doing and they're a great group, it'd be hard for us to do."
WILL TONY STEWART AND DENNY HAMLIN'S CLOSE FRIENDSHIP WITH DALE EARNHARDT JR. PLAY INTO THAT AT ALL?
"You know I really don't know. Just from what I heard him say that might but for the most part he just wants to go and run well. I think he'll have a ton of opportunities and when the time is right, hey if the opportunity is there we'd love to sit down and talk to him but right now I think he's just focused on his deal and just we're focused on our deal."
SO YOU DON'T PLAN ON PROACTIVELY SEEKING HIM OUT AND TALKING ABOUT IT?
"I feel like right now he's got enough stuff going on and we'll just let stuff roll where it is. The best thing we can do in any situation is if we run the best we can week in and week out, no matter what happens down the road, I think that's our best plan. There's nothing really interesting. all I have to say is that I'm kind of watching it unfold like you guys are. Sounds like if he and Kelley, they're on the same page they'll make a good decision. I think they'll have a ton of opportunities. If the time is right, we could talk to them about that but right now, I think we're just going to focus on what we're focusing on and let that fall where it may."(in part from a GM Racing PR)(5-13-2007)
Earnhardt Jr. Will Wait to Sign Deal: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. went back to work Friday, climbing into his race car at Darlington Raceway to escape the frenzy surrounding his free-agent status. As his late father's boss threw his name into the race to sign NASCAR's most popular driver, Junior made it clear he needs a little time to figure out his future. He said Thursday he'll leave Dale Earnhardt Inc. at the end of the season. "I would like to take a week or two to clear my mind a little bit, drink some beers and have some fun," he said after practice. "I have felt about as un-normal as I possibly could the past few days. Lost a lot of sleep. So I want to relax and just clear my head and get in a good football stance to go after this new deal that we're seeking." Richard Childress, who fielded cars for six of Dale Earnhardt's seven championships, indicated he'll make a run at adding Junior to his three-car team as soon as the time is right.(Associated Press)(5-12-2007)
DEI/RYR possible merger 'different' now: Doug Yates, co-owner of Robert Yates Racing, said talks about a merger or partnership with Dale Earnhardt Inc. are part of just once scenario his team is considering. “We’re trying to do whatever we can do to get our team as strong as we can get it, so we’ve looked at a lot of situations, DEI being one of them,” Yates said. “They’ve talked to us and we’ve talked to them, plus there is other stuff. We haven’t gotten anywhere with that in particular. Actually, we’re getting really close to some things that we think are going to help our team take that next step and make it strong for a long time to come. Hopefully, we can put some of that stuff together.” Yates said this week’s announcement that Dale Earnhardt Jr. will leave DEI at season’s end changes that potential equation. “I think looking at DEI without Dale Jr. is a different situation,” Yates said. “It doesn’t mean that it’s any better or any worse, it’s just different. ...I think it’s going to take a little while for everybody to realize how big a move that was for the sport and what that means to the sport and what that means to DEI and Dale Jr. going forward.” Yates said that his team is committed to running Fords and he does not see that changing. If DEI would not shift from Chevrolets, he said that “is a deal breaker, I would guess.”(Thatsracin)(5-12-2007)
Penske would like to talk to Dale Jr. Roger Penske said Friday that he has an interest in adding Dale Earnhardt Jr. to his Nextel Cup team, but he realizes it isn't likely to happen. "Certainly we'd like to talk to him," Penske said. "Obviously, he's one of the top drivers in the sport. But from everything I've heard, he wants to say in a Chevrolet. We have a contract with Dodge and we're loyal to that." Even at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the day before Indy 500 pole day, Earnhardt Jr. is a big topic. Penske is hoping to win his 15th Indianapolis 500 as a team owner. He has a two-car IndyCar Series team with Sam Hornish Jr., last year's winner, and Helio Castroneves, a two-time Indy 500 winner. But Penske also has a two-car Cup team with #2-Kurt Busch and #12-Ryan Newman. Cup team owners are allowed to have four cars, so Penske has the space to add Earnhardt. Penske also is a team owner with the money to make a serious bid for Earnhardt's services. Forbes magazine recently listed Penske's net worth at $2.2 billion.(ESPN.com)(5-12-2007)
Eury Jr. comments about Dale Jr./DEI: Tony Eury Jr., crew chief for #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr at DEI was on "Dialed In with Claire B. Lang", XM Satellite Radio Thursday, some comments: "I´m not one way or another on the deal. I know how our situation stands as far as the company right now, but also I´ve got a big piece of my heart because I felt like I helped Pops and Dale Sr. build a big part of it."
Q) So will you have a decision to make and how will you make that decision?
A) "Is it like deciding between two children? It´s kinda like that. Dale Jr., when he started the deal, I told him, "Do what´s best for Dale Jr. Look down your road and whatever´s best for you, that´s what you need to do. You know, my biggest concern is with my team, honestly. I mean, I want to do whatever´s best for them. I´ve expressed interest, you know, if he went somewhere and I could take my guys with me, or take a few of them, then that would be a possibility. When Dale Jr. left in 2004 we all bonded together and stayed together, and when he come back we done the same thing. So there´s a lot of camaraderie between all of us that work there. We´re racers, we work as hard as we can with what we have and just try to make the best of it week in and week out, and I think we do a real good job. The biggest thing is, I think my whole group, that we´re happy to work with one another, you know, we´ll do whatever it takes."
"I haven´t really sat down and talked to Max or Dale Jr about it. You know, I told Dale Jr I really want to be his crew chief. That´s one of the reasons I stayed at DEI, and you know, if I can do it somewhere else, I´m all for it. But my biggest thing is, I want to make sure my guys is took care of, or maybe I can take `em with me, maybe I can´t, but the biggest thing is where those guys stand. They mean the world to me, and they´ve done a lot for me in general. They stuck by my side when we took on Michael´s deal, they right beside me and said "We´re wiling to take on a challenge", and those guys mean the world to me. I´ve worked at DEI 14 years, so I know every one of them. We´ve been together for 8 years, so....You know, I´ve got a decision to make, too. But I also want to do the right thing. I want to make sure Dale Jr´s kosher with it. I want to make sure Teresa´s kosher with it.
Q) Are you under a contract? Are you bound to do something for a certain amount of time?
A) "Well, I mean...my contract, when I signed up with DEI, I made it real clear that if Dale Jr wasn´t my driver, I wanted to have an open contract to whether, you know...not saying that if Dale Jr. leaves, I´m outta here, you know? I just wanted to have it open where I could weigh my options, you know? The worst thing you can do is be standing there with a driver like Dale Earnhardt Jr...everybody knows he´s one of the best...then they come and they stick somebody in that´s just gonna be a ride-around. You know, you don´t want to be stuck in one of those situations. So I tried to make it real clear that that´s what I didn´t want to do. And you know, my heart....I want to be with Dale Jr, but I also want to take care of the guys that have took care of me so long."(5-11-2007)
DW interviews Dale Jr. during the rain delay at Darlington Saturday night, FOX aired a interview by Darrell Waltrip of Dale Earnhardt Jr., see it at FoxSports.com: Dale Jr. Q&A: 'Ain't no turning back' by Darrell Waltrip.(5-12-2007)
Dale Jr. to RCR? done deal? #33? UPDATE 2 RCR denies: FOX25(Boston's FOX affiliate) 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)
UPDATE: FOX8 News has confirmed Junior is negotiating late Thursday night with Richard Childress to join Richard Childress Racing. An announcement could come as early as Friday. Childress has scheduled a news conference Friday at Darlington Raceway, the site of Saturday's Nextel Nextel Cup race. Sports Director Rich Brenner has also confirmed the talks between Junior and Childress include plans for Earnhardt driving the #33 Chevrolet for RCR. Budweiser, the primary sponsor for Junior's #8 car with DEI, will follow him to his new race team. (FOX8 News)(5-11-2007)
UPDATE 2: been told by sources at the track that Richard Childress addressed the media at Darlington this morning and denies signing Earnhardt, details as I find any.(5-11-2007)
UPDATE 3: Richard Childress said Friday morning at Darlington Raceway that he has not signed Dale Earnhardt, Jr., to drive for Richard Childress Racing and is giving the driver time and space to weigh his options. Along with Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing, RCR is considered one of three front-runners to sign Earnhardt, Jr. for 2008 and beyond, but the car owner emphatically denied that a deal already had been struck, has reported by at least three television stations Thursday. "Dale, Jr. just made a major decision in his career and in his life yesterday," Childress said Friday morning at Darlington. "And out of respect for Teresa (Dale Earnhardt, Inc. team owner Earnhardt), Dale, Jr. and this situation, let´s all give him some time to make the decisions that he needs to make and be fair. He´s got a lot of tough decisions to make coming up with the direction he´s going, and I just think it´s fair if we all let him have some space and some time to kind of think about what he wants to do in the future." Childress said that while he would welcome Earnhardt on his team, the two sides have not yet begun negotiations. "We will sit and talk, I´m sure," Childress said. "I´m hoping he´s considering us, but I think right now, we just give him some time and space to do is own due diligence on the race teams he´s looking at. I´ve been friends with the family for many years and I´m sure we´ll talk." As for television reports that a deal was already struck, Childress was categorical in his denials. "There´s nothing to it ... it´s way too soon to even talk about it," Childress said.(SPEEDtv.com)(5-11-2007)
GM Statement on Dale Jr./DEI: Statement from Brent Dewar; General Motors North America Vice President of Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing Regarding the Dale Earnhardt, Jr. announcement to leave Dale Earnhardt, Inc. at the end of the 2007 Nextel Cup Series season: "Chevrolet and General Motors are proud of our long-standing relationship with Dale Earnhardt, Inc. and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. For more than 20 years, the Earnhardt family has relied on Chevrolet products to achieve their legendary on-track success. As the winningest nameplate in NASCAR, Chevrolet shares the individual goals of Dale Earnhardt, Inc. and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. to win races and championships. We look forward to discussing future opportunities with DEI and Dale, Jr."(GM Racing PR)(5-11-2007)
TRANSCRIPT view the full transcript from Thursday's news conference, in which Nextel Cup driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. announced his plans to drive for a new team in 2008 on the Dale Jr. Transcript page.(5-10-2007)
ESPN.com: Vote: Where will Dale Jr. land in '08?
Earnhardt Jr. To Drive for New Team in 2008 Four-time NASCAR Most Popular Driver, Dale Earnhardt Jr., announced today at a news conference at JR Motorsports that negotiations to extend his driving contract with Dale Earnhardt Inc. have come to an amicable end. Earnhardt Jr. will continue driving the #8 Budweiser Chevrolet through the remainder of the season, while his sister, Vice President and General Manager of JR Motorsports, Kelley Earnhardt Elledge, will begin exploring new opportunities for 2008. Earnhardt Jr. said Thursday he would look at his options in the coming months and hopefully announce a decision mid to late summer. “What team I drive for next season, I don’t know,” Earnhardt Jr. said. “But what I do want to say is that it’s been a privilege to drive for DEI. After a year of intense negotiations and concerted efforts to extend my contract there, it became evident that while we want to get to the same place, we simply have different visions on how to get there.” Earnhardt Jr. made the announcement with his sister, Earnhardt Elledge, by his side, and many of the Earnhardt family in attendance. “DEI will always be a special place for me and my family,” Earnhardt Jr. said. “(Owner) Teresa (Earnhardt) and (Vice President of Global Operations) Max Seigel are taking the necessary steps to bring DEI back to one of the front-running NASCAR teams. However I am 32 years old – the same age as my father when he made his final and most important career decision – and the time for me to compete on a consistent basis and contend for championships is now. Since that is what I plan to do, I feel strongly that I would have my father’s blessing.” Earnhardt Jr. said JR Motorsports will continue to work with DEI on many projects that will benefit both companies and protect the legacy of his father. A full transcript of today’s news conference will be released later this afternoon.(JR Motorsports PR)(5-10-2007)
Budweiser Statement: Statement from Tony Ponturo, Vice President, Global Media and Sports Marketing, Anheuser-Busch, Inc. Regarding Dale Earnhardt Jr's decision to leave Dale Earnhardt Inc. at the end of the 2007 Nextel Cup season: "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."(fingerprint inc./Bud Racing PR)(5-10-2007)
Dale Jr. to leave DEI after 2007 season UPDATE: Statement from Teresa Earnhardt/DEI: In response to today's announcement by Dale Earnhardt, Jr., that he will be leaving DEI, Teresa Earnhardt, CEO of Dale Earnhardt, Inc. issued the following statement. "While we are very disappointed that Dale Jr. has chosen to leave the family business, we remain excited about our company's future. Our aggressive expansion and diversification plans have not changed. This company has continued to thrive since Dale left us in 2001, and it will thrive following today's announcement. Dale and I built this company to be a championship-contender, and those principles still apply. Dale Earnhardt, Inc. will win, and we have other extremely talented drivers and hundreds of employees that are dedicated to the programs we founded. This company has a great legacy and a bright future, built on loyalty, integrity, and commitment."(DEI)
UPDATE: some highlights from the Dale Earnhardt Jr. press conference:
Dale Jr. will leave DEI at the end of the season
Sponsor/Budweiser? will be discussed in a timely manner
Car #8: No decision, but Dale Jr. expects DEI to keep the car number 8. Note: NASCAR owns and assigns car numbers to an owner(s). 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. NASCAR works with teams and sponsors when a specific number is requested. Team have been known to 'sell' car numbers, like when DEI got the number from the Stovala Brothers in 2000, #15 from Bud Moore, etc.
Crew Chief Tony Eury Jr.: no decision on if crew chief Eury Jr. will go with DaleJr, Dale Jr. said he can't speak for Eury Jr.
DEI Teammate Truex Jr.: is not part of this situation or discussion
Possible Plans:
1) sign with a top tier Nextel Cup team [one that wins and runs for the championship
2) sign with a second tier team
3) and the last choice, would be to run Nextel Cup with Dale Jr's own team, JR Motorsports, but no plans for that to happen at this points, Dale Jr. does hope he can drive a few Busch Series [or whatever it will be called in 2008] out of the JR Motorsports shop.
Why leave DEI? Dale Jr. said he negotiations were never close, and he knows fans are disappointed, but so is he.
More on this and hopefully a transcript will be posted in a bit.(5-10-2007)
Dale Jr. & Truex to JR Motorsports? press conference at 11am/et UPDATE 3: Dave Moody reported on Wednesday afternoon's Sirius Speedway that rumor has it that Dale Earnhardt Jr. will announce tomorrow [Thurs, May 10th] 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 planned for 11:00am/et at JR Motorsports headquarters per a PR from the team and SPEED will interrupt regularly scheduled programming to go LIVE from the JR Motorsports race shop at 11:00am/et for a news conference with NASCAR Nextel Cup Series driver Dale Earnhardt Jr.(5-9-2007)
UPDATE: Earnhardt Jr., NASCAR's biggest star, has been in contract negotiations with his current employer, Dale Earnhardt Inc., and is asking for 51% ownership of the team. But the location of the press conference, at JR Motorsports, which Earnhardt Jr. owns separately from DEI, indicates his future plans might not include DEI. Earnhardt Jr., who was at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Wednesday evening for a sponsor appearance, told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that he planned to talk about "some ideas I've got for the future" but would not elaborate. Officials from DEI did not return phone calls seeking comment. But Earnhardt Jr., answering questions from fans at an event held by his sponsor Budweiser, indicated that his plans for JR Motorsports might not include adding two Nextel Cup cars. He said his main goal in being a team owner is to be able to help young drivers and mechanics advance their careers. "I don't want the company to get too big," he said. "I've got about 70 employees now, and I don't want to get too many more." He also seemed to squelch another persistent rumor — that he was headed to Richard Childress Racing to drive the #3 Chevrolet made famous by his late father. "'I'd like to do it for a year or two at the end of my career, when I'm 50 or 55," he said.(Atlanta Journal-Constitution)(5-9-2007)
UPDATE 2: Dale Earnhardt Jr. officially will say goodbye to Dale Earnhardt Inc. on Thursday morning. 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 Martin Truex Jr. 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. Sources at Hendrick Motorsports reportedly disavowed knowledge of a pending partnership. Also, various reports have indicated that Earnhardt Jr. will announce his plans to leave DEI, but that he won't necessarily be driving for a JR Motorsports team in association with Hendrick. Sources tell Yahoo! Sports that Earnhardt Jr.'s primary sponsor, Budweiser, will follow Junior to JR Motorsports or wherever he lands. Budweiser's contract with DEI is due to expire at the end of 2008, but Yahoo! Sports sources believe there are provisions within the contract for an early exit if Earnhardt Jr. does not drive the #8 Chevrolet for DEI. There has been no comment thus far from either DEI president Teresa Earnhardt (Dale Jr.'s stepmother) or company director of global operations Max Siegel. Truex's contract with DEI reportedly runs through 2008, though '08 might be only an option year on his deal with the team. It also is possible Truex has an out tied to primary sponsor Bass Pro Shops' future with the DEI. Sources have told Yahoo! Sports that the sponsor has explored moving to a different team after this season.(Yahoo!Sports)
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)
Dale Jr. leans toward Hendrick? UPDATE denied: The efforts to sign #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. to a NASCAR driving contract for 2008 and beyond has reached a critical point, and the top two teams on Earnhardt’s list are the Chevrolet teams owned by Richard Childress and Rick Hendrick, according to men familiar with the negotiations. Earnhardt today is leaning toward a deal with Hendrick [NOTE: where would Earnhardt go? HMS has four Cup teams and all three drivers signed for a couple more years, unless some sort of deal with Haas CNC Racing or Ginn Racing would be worked out], largely because of Hendrick’s very strong engine program, sources here said yesterday. Earnhardt and veteran crew chief Tony Eury Jr., his cousin and close confidante as well as the man who has led him to many of his 17 Cup victories, have talked with both the Hendrick and Childress camps in recent weeks about the positives and negatives each team owner would have to offer, sources said yesterday. And Eury will have a major voice in the decision, because Earnhardt’s primary goal now, at age 32, is to win a championship.(Winston Salem Journal)(5-9-2007)
UPDATE: Hendrick Motorsports General Manager Marshall Carlson told Sirius NASCAR Radio's Sirius Speedway Tuesday that his team is fully stocked with drivers for 2008 and beyond, and that he has not spoken with Dale Earnhardt, Jr., about the possibility of joining the Hendrick stable.(Sirius NASCAR Radio's Sirius Speedway)(5-9-2007)
RIR Prez responds to Dale Jr. commnets about track surface: Richmond International Raceway president Doug Fritz was surprised as anyone to hear the comments from Dale Earnhardt, Jr. yesterday regarding his concerns about the track surface. "This is completely out of left field," said Fritz. "All of the comments I have heard about our track surface from the drivers have been overwhelmingly positive since we repaved it before the 2004 season. Between our two-day test session in early April and our races this past weekend, I did not hear one comment or concern regarding our track surface from Dale Earnhardt, Jr. or any other driver," said Fritz. "I'm always available and accessible to the drivers and I have received feedback from many of them over the years on a number of issues. I was in the garage frequently this past weekend and talked to many of the drivers, and there was no mention of any issues with the track surface. In fact, we've made numerous changes and enhancements at the drivers' request over the years, including concreting our pit stalls, taking out a kink in the backstretch wall, relocating the spotters' stand to a better location and many other improvements related to the competition side," continued Fritz. "Certainly, if there is a consensus among the drivers and NASCAR that we need to do something with this issue or any other, we will certainly take a look at it. Obviously, the drivers are busy today testing, but we have reached out to a number of them, including Dale Earnhardt, Jr. to talk about this." During testing Monday at Lowe's Motor Speedway Earnhardt told reporters, "The thing about Richmond, now honestly-they need to start sealing that track again. You ain't gonna have a second and third groove at Richmond if the sealer ain't up there to use. I don't know why that ain't registered in anybody's brain. I mean, when that track was good is when they were sealing it ever year...You know-hello?" Track officials have not applied any sealer to the asphalt after it was resurfaced prior to the 2004 season. Since it was repaved, the track has received rave reviews from the drivers-including Earnhardt-on the quality of the repaving job and the quality of the racing. "Considering his positive comments about our track and the repaving job during our test session last month and after his victory in last May's Crown Royal 400, I'm even more surprised at his statement," said Fritz. NASCAR has also not heard any complaints from any of the drivers. "Neither (Vice President, Competition) Robin Pemberton or (NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Director) John Darby has heard anything from any of the drivers on this," said Kerry Tharp, Director of Communications, Competition, for NASCAR. This past weekend's Crown Royal Presents the Jim Stewart 400 featured more of the great side-by-side action Richmond International Raceway is known for. The race tied the track record for the most lead drivers (12) and fell one short of the record for the most lead changes (25), which has happened twice, most recently in March 1996.(RIR PR)(5-9-2007)
Rusty/Dale Jr. rank among top-20 in Athlete Biz Index: Although former NASCAR champion, ABC / ESPN Lead Auto Racing Analyst and Busch Series [#66-Steve Wallace] team owner Rusty Wallace has retired from driving, his well-known commitment to corporate partners and sponsors undoubtedly remains as solid as ever. This was proven recently, as New York-based TSE Sports and Entertainment released the April 2007 edition of the Athlete Business Index. The index, highlighted in Sports Business Daily, ranked Wallace 16th among all athletes. Other athletes appearing in the top-20 of the index included Michael Jordan [3], Tiger Woods [4] and Lance Armstrong [6] - (Magic Johnson was 1st). Danica Patrick [15th] and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. [11th] were the only other auto racing-related personalities to appear in the top-20. The rankings were based upon the results of surveys completed by 213 Fortune 500 marketing executives who make use of athletes for corporate purposes. In explaining the rankings, TSE notes that the executives surveyed were asked to score athletes' ability to succeed in ten specific corporate categories or functions. These categories included trade show appearance, keynote speech, sales promotion, clinic / demonstration, meet and greet and others. Athletes are graded on a point system in each category and are given a score for both local market presence and national marketability.(RWI PR)(5-8-2007)
Earnhardt Jr.: 'We'll be driving Chevys' UPDATE 2: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. nearly started laughing Friday and said, 'Nah,' when asked if it was really possible he could drive a Ford next season. Dale Earnarhdt Inc., which is in negotiations with Earnhardt Jr. for a contract extension and also must sign a new dale with Chevrolet, has had preliminary talks with other manufacturers and also has talked about a possible merger with Robert Yates Racing. But Earnhardt Jr. couldn't see himself driving anything but a Chevy. As part of his negotiations with DEI, he wants majority ownership of the team. "We'll be driving Chevys, I'll promise you that," Earnhardt Jr. said following qualifying Friday for the Crown Royal/Jim Stewart 400.(SceneDaily.com)(5-5-2007)
UPDATE: The latest on the Dale Earnhardt Jr. saga: The “Robert Yates” NASCAR brand will remain a Ford brand, even in any merger with Dale Earnhardt Inc., according to sources familiar with the Yates-DEI negotiations. However Earnhardt, who has been the heart of DEI, insisted he will be in Chevrolets again next season, no matter what. Those two facts make the DEI-Yates negotiations peculiar, particularly since Earnhardt has been negotiating a new contract with DEI owner Teresa Earnhardt, with Dale Earnhardt Jr. demanding controlling interest in DEI. If DEI officials are negotiating a possible switch to Ford, then Earnhardt would clearly appear to be not involved with those talks. Which would mean if Yates and DEI do come to terms, it would almost certainly be a Yates-DEI merger without Earnhardt in the mix. There has been rampant speculation the past few days that Earnhardt may be moving to either Richard Childress’ Chevy team or Rick Hendrick’s Chevy team.(Winston Salem Journal)(5-7-2007)
UPDATE 2: Before he hit the track for the official test at the Lowes Motor Speedway, #Dale Earnhardt, Jr. told PRN's Garage Pass there was no news on his contract talks with Dale Earnhardt, Incorporated. As for DEI talking with Robert Yates about a possible merger with him and Ford, Junior had this to say, “I haven’t been asked about it. I haven’t been asked if I would or wouldn’t. I haven’t been part of those discussions with Yates and I don’t even know what those entail or when those happened or what they’re about or what the mechanical parts and pieces are that they’re discussing. But I like Chevys and I’ve got a great relationship and rapport with all the guys over there. Obviously that’s where I’m staying.”,BR> Q: What would it take for your to drive a Ford?
A: “Take a big ‘ol, big ‘ol pile of money! But I don’t think that’s out there.”
Q: So, are you saying everyone has his price?
A: “There’s a price on everything but I don’t think that pile of money…I don’t think that kind of money is out there,” he joked.(PRN's Garage Pass)(5-7-2007)
Ford Racing Aware of DEI-RYR Merger Talk: In response to media reports from this past weekend, Ford Racing confirmed it is fully aware of merger talks that have taken place between Dale Earnhardt Inc. (DEI) and Robert Yates Racing (RYR) officials. “Ford is fully committed to Robert Yates Racing for the long-term, and they have assured us that are similarly committed to Ford,” said Kevin Kennedy, Ford Racing Technology Communications Manager. “Robert and Doug have been in contact with Ford about the nature of the discussions. We have a valued partnership with them, and they are keeping us informed of those discussions like a true partner would. We fully expect they will remain with Ford for many, many years.” Robert Yates Racing and Ford have a relationship that goes back to the formation of the race team in the late 1980s, and Dan Davis, director of Ford Racing Technology, has repeatedly stated that the manufacturer is fully committed to bringing RYR back to the top of the field. Media reports this past weekend also stated that Ford had been in discussions with DEI about a switch from Chevrolet to Ford for the 2008 season. Davis has repeatedly said that Ford is interested in adding championship-level teams to its Cup roster. “We definitely have been talking with DEI. Truthfully, we’ve been having informal talks with them for several years,” said Kennedy. “We have not yet made a formal offer to them, but we know that their GM contract is up at the end of the year. We had some discussions with them, and we’ve made it clear that we’d love to have them in our program.”(Ford Racing)(5-1-2007)
DEI to buy RYR? UPDATE 4: It was reported on SPEED's NASCAR Raceday that Dale Earnhardt Inc (DEI) is interested in buying Robert Yates Racing (RYR) and RYR is interested in joining forces with DEI. It was also reported that the teams would end up being in the Chevy camp.(4-29-2007)
UPDATE: In attempts to strengthen its teams and expand to four cars, Dale Earnhardt Inc. [#'s 1,8,15] has had preliminary discussions with Robert Yates Racing [#38, #88] about a partnership, as well as Ford Motor Company and another manufacturer, DEI executive team member John Story confirmed Sunday morning. While the company also is in the midst of contract negotiations with NASCAR's most popular driver, Dale Earnhardt Jr., DEI is working toward trying to solidify its future. That means getting the finances and the technological support it needs from a manufacturer and working toward fielding a fourth team by 2008 or 2009, said Story, who oversees sales, marketing and communications activities at DEI. What would be more startling would be the potential move to Ford or another manufacturer considering Chevrolet's long relationship with team founder Dale Earnhardt. The Chevrolet deal is not contingent on Earnhardt Jr. remaining at DEI, Story said. Yates said his team would remain Ford. Story said that talks with Yates could continue even if DEI remains with Chevrolet.(in part from SceneDaily.com)(4-29-2007)
UPDATE 2: With Robert Yates Racing and Dale Earnhardt, Inc. discussing a potential merger, how would that affect Yates-Roush Engines, which makes the motors that power all of the Ford NASCAR Nextel Cup teams? RYR co-owner Doug Yates was adamant that his team will not switch to Chevrolet power no matter what, and Roush Fenway Racing President Geoff Smith said he hopes any deal will build up the Ford NASCAR Nextel Cup effort. “We’re aware that he’s marketing his teams,” Smith said of Robert Yates prior to Sunday’s Talladega race. “We have a joint engine business that’s affected by the number of customers that we have. We want to see the Ford number of teams remain at least at its current level for the benefit of the engine business and for the competitive benefit for Ford Motor Co.”(SPEEDtv.com)(4-30-2007)
UPDATE 3: Dale Earnhardt, Inc., [DEI] will move to four Nextel Cup Series teams by 2009, be it through the acquisition of another team or the addition of a fourth team in-house, team executive John Story said Sunday at Talladega Superspeedway. Story said DEI has been in discussions with Robert Yates Racing for four-to-six weeks about a partnership, but cautioned that those talks are preliminary and that no documentation has been exchanged between the teams. If DEI were to acquire Yates, one of the two teams would have to forsake its manufacturer. Yates, a Ford flagship team for nearly two decades, would move to Chevrolet; or DEI, whose founder, Dale Earnhardt, won seven championships in Chevrolets, would move to Ford. "The only proposal we have right now for a manufacturer next year is from Chevrolet," Story said. "Teresa [Earnhardt] has been tremendously loyal to Chevrolet for a lot of years. We've had some conversation with a couple other manufacturers. They've called to inquire what our contract situation was. We told them, in fairness, we are going to sit down and exhaust our options with Chevrolet first, and if the opportunity came up we'd talk to somebody else. We haven't seen anything in writing from anybody else." RYR president Doug Yates said they'd rather stay in Fords, and that Ford Racing officials see a DEI merger as a way to get Ford back to prominence in Nextel Cup. But he didn't rule out a manufacturer switch. How this impacts Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s contract negotiations isn't known, but Story said a deal with Ford and RYR isn't contingent on Earnhardt Jr. staying at DEI. Earnhardt Jr. wants controlling interest in DEI, but Chevrolet officials want to keep him.(ESPN.com)(4-30-2007)
UPDATE 4 Toyota denies talks: Toyota’s Lee White says his company was not involved in any talks with DEI: “We have not had any conversations with Dale Earnhardt Jr. “There is a tremendous amount of both equity and liability involved with Dale Earnhardt Incorporated and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Chevrolet has such equity built into Dale Earnhardt Jr. and that particular race team - that equity is great for the bigger picture and the health of our sport. Right now Toyota is not ready to take on the liability that would come with that scenario.”(Winston Salem Journal)(4-30-2007)
Dale Jr.:Gordon's tribute to Dale Sr - Cool: Q. There seems to be a split in your fan base where the smaller number of fans who might have gotten upset with #24-Jeff Gordon, thinking he's the Intimidator, not understanding the move last week, is being kind of overwritten about as compared to the fan base that doesn't feel that way. You have a certain aspect of your fan base that wouldn't throw a beer can, that understands this whole thing. Do you hear from them, too?
DALE EARNHARDT, JR.: Yeah, I mean, not all my fans are going to throw a beer can at Jeff Gordon every time they see him. I don't really know. I didn't really see a replay as far as the amount of trash that got thrown on the track last week. I was pretty surprised to hear that it even happened. I was blown away that anybody would even take what Jeff did wrong and be offended. Hello, I mean, he was waving a 3 flag. Just seems like to me he was trying to do the right thing and trying to say this guy was really good and I'm honored to have met one of his accomplishments. Every time I meet one, I'm pretty dang happy about it. I was pretty happy that Jeff – I like to beat Jeff. I don't like seeing Jeff win. I like to win. But when he honored my father, that was really cool. That was a lot of class. I wanted to make that known.(NASCAR teleconference Transcript in part)(4-25-2007)
Dale Jr. talks contract...nothing new..but feels it will get done..with DEI: from a NASCAR teleconference Transcript)
Q. An update on where you're at right now as far as the contract negotiations go.
DALE EARNHARDT, JR.: We're basically where we've been over the past couple weeks. Not much has changed. Unfortunately, I know you guys want to know more than that, and I want to tell you more than that, but there's not more to tell. Whenever we get the information, when I have what I have, know what I know, believe me, I won't hold it out for long. Really nothing to report at this time.
Q. It's been the main story around you. Has it served as a distraction at all?
DALE EARNHARDT, JR.: No, it's not a distraction at all because really there's nothing been going on. I get worried really that it's being run into the ground. When we find out what we want to do and we decide what to do, how it goes down, what the plan is, we will tell the press. We'll be ready to tell the press. We'll be happy to make those announcements. I get worried that the story is just going to become stale, old, it's going to wear people out. They're going to get tired of hearing it. One of my favorite shows is Around the Horn on ESPN. They were talking about it on there. I know it's getting old when Around the Horn is debating whether it's getting old 'cause they were debating whether it was an old story, we were hearing too much about it, whatever.
Q. I know you don't want to talk about the contract. I'm not asking you to belie any confidences. Would you say it's fair to say now or all along that this has been, how we can get a deal done, not whether we can get a deal done? Has it progressed at all in that direction or has it ever been anything different than that?
DALE EARNHARDT, JR.: It's not been "if" at all. We've both worked together and it's all been positive. We've just made an agreement between ourselves to try not to talk about it in the media or insinuate anything until we're ready to release the details. Both sides have made that agreement. We had to make it a little bit firmer obviously after this weekend.
Q. Dale, with all due respect to what you already said about your contract this morning, can you at least say whether you're hopeful or confident of staying with DEI?
DALE EARNHARDT, JR.: Yeah, I am. I'm pretty excited that things are going to be fine, things are going to work out with our negotiations.(NASCAR teleconference Transcript in part)(4-25-2007)
51% of DEI = $55 million? Taking control of DEI, his late father's company, might come at too high a price for #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. Last week, it was reported DEI offered Dale Earnhardt Jr. 51% ownership, which NASCAR's most popular driver quickly denied. That's not to say there weren't informal discussions, rather it could be Junior simply stopped listening once he heard the asking price. Several people familiar with the contract negotiations told The Associated Press that DEI has not made a formal offer and that any discussions centered around the 51% ownership share came with a steep asking price - $55 million or more - that the Earnhardt Jr. camp didn't take seriously. That number would be in line with the going rate for a stake in a NASCAR team. Boston Red Sox owner John Henry is believed to have spent about $60 million in February for a minority stake in Roush Fenway Racing. Those familiar with the negotiations requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak. When reached Monday, Junior's sister Kelley Earnhardt Elledge declined comment, citing the reporting of inaccurate information over the weekend in her desire to refrain from commenting until a formal announcement.(Associated Press)(4-24-2007)
DEI Announces the Earnhardt Entertainment Division: Max Siegel, President of Global Operations for Dale Earnhardt, Inc., announced the formation of the Earnhardt Entertainment Division, a new entertainment division within DEI that will merge the various aspects of the entertainment industry with NASCAR. The Earnhardt Entertainment Division will develop, produce and distribute music, film and television, visual imaging and digital content, as well as special event projects. The company will announce its plans to collaborate with major entertainment partners on several exciting projects in the upcoming months.(DEI PR)(4-20-2007)
Teresa already has agreed to 51% of DEI for Dale Jr.? UPDATE: The Dale [Earnhardt] Jr. / DEI contract negotiations continue and the influence of ace negotiator Max Siegel may be bearing success. One contact told me [MaxChevy's Glen Grissom] on the down-low that the 51% (or majority ownership) that Dale Jr. requires to stay with DEI has essentially been negotiated – agreed to by Teresa Earnhardt. But that she, in turn, is requesting that an independent, impartial review board be set up within DEI that would take into consideration and review any major operational changes that Dale Jr. would want to take place – acting like a board of directors it seems to me [MaxChevy's Glen Grissom], with Dale Jr. basically reporting to it. So far, this has been balked at – but stranger management structures have survived in the business world. All parties say they want to have the contract resolved by May, so with April half-over, it’s crunch time.(MaxChevy.com)(4-19-2007)
UPDATE: Dale Earnhardt Jr. said an online report that he has been offered ownership in DEI is "news to me." After qualifying, he was asked about the story that he has been offered 51% ownership of the company started by his late father. "I don't know anything about that," Junior said, raising his eyebrows. "As far as I know, there's been nothing new in the last week or more." Earnhardt, in the final year of his current contract with DEI, said he isn't worried about the negotiations. "I just want to get some wins and some good finishes and concentrate of what we're doing on the track," he said. A story on ESPN.com Thursday said Max Siegel, president of global operations at DEI and the team's chief negotiator, said Earnhardt has been offered ownership in the company but would not say what percentage. Siegel could not be reached Thursday for comment.(Associated Press)(4-20-2007)
Why did Dale Jr. get in the #5 car after he was out of the race? For much of the day, it looked like the first two-time Texas titlist would be Dale Earnhardt Jr. and the #8 Budweiser team, as they led 96 laps, and repeatedly opened leads of three seconds or more before a strange incident ended any chance of victory. On lap 252, while running second, Dale Jr. was behind the lapped car of Tony Stewart rounding turn four when the aptly-nicknamed "Smoke" spun out, creating a giant wall of thick tire smoke. As Dale Jr. slowed down in the midst of the murky mess, #5-Kyle Busch, who was running third, slammed hard into the Bud car from behind. Despite the damage, the Bud crew went to work on the red #8 machine, making repairs and keeping Dale Jr. on the lead lap despite multiple pit stops under the caution flag. The race ended for the Bud car on lap 288 when the engine imploded, resulting in a 36th-place finish.
However, Dale Jr's day was not done, as a crewmember from Kyle Busch's crew interrupted Dale Jr's media session to ask if Driver #8 would step into the #5 car (the car that had smashed into his ownonly 30 minutes before) to finish the race after Busch had left the premises. Soon, Dale Jr. was being strapped into the Hendrick Motorsports car, and he completed the final 10 laps of the race, improving Busch's finishing position one spot ahead of Hendrick teammate #48-Jimmie Johnson. At the conclusion of the afternoon, Dale Jr. found his own car in 36th, and - for the first time ever - had driven a car other than the #8 Budweiser machine in a Nextel Cup event. Dale Jr. dropped to 18th place in the Nextel Cup standings, but is only 43 points out of the top-12.
Dale Jr. was soon pulled from the media swarm to climb into the #5 car. After the race, the media throng again clamored for comments. What did the car drive like?: "Like it was wrecked." Why would you get in another car? "Because they asked me. I have some friends on that team - and I'll always jump at a chance to climb into someone else's car to see what it's like. They used to do that all the time back in the day. You'd have relief drivers getting into someone's car almost every week, so it was kinda like a step back into NASCAR history or something. Old school! It was cool."(fingerprintinc/Budweiser PR)(4-16-2007)
Siegel: DEI 'working hard' to meet Earnhardt Jr. deadline: With #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s sister and chief negotiator reiterating last week that the a new contract with Dale Earnhardt Inc. [DEI] needs to be completed in the next 45 days, Dale Earnhardt Inc. President Max Siegel says that's a possibility. "We've been working hard with the goal to meet that deadline," Siegel said Sunday before the Samsung 500 at Texas Motor Speedway. "We have had really productive conversations. ... We are looking at every single issue in great detail. We've got a great group of people, we have a great foundation. We've been running pretty good. We can always do better. What we're doing is we're looking to see how we can improve every area of competition. We're addressing it right away. Things are happening to take it up a notch. I've never given any thought or much thought at all to anything other than having a healthy, long-term relationship with those guys, what I feel now that is different than when I got there, as we build a relationship, I think Kelley and Dale would make really, really great partners."(SceneDaily.com)(4-16-2007)
Dale Jr.'s sister not yet convinced deal will happen [with DEI]: Kelley Earnhardt Elledge, sister, business manager and chief negotiator for #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr., isn't yet convinced a contract extension with the company their father founded is on the horizon for NASCAR's biggest star. It's not that talks are going badly. But many variables exist -- and time is precious. "I don't know if we'll get there," Elledge said of an extension. "It's hard. When you start talking about the piece of ownership for Dale in [Dale Earnhardt, Inc.], that's part of my business, too. That's part of [half-brother] Kerry's business. That's part of [half-sister] Taylor's business. "There's a whole lot of dynamics that play into it all." Two variables, in particular, are crucial to Earnhardt's desire for a majority stake in ownership of DEI. "One is the family piece," Elledge explained. "Obviously our dad started [DEI] to field race cars, and all intentions of [Dale Jr.] being a part of that, and the rest of us being a part of it, in terms of my other brothers and sisters. But I think the biggest reason we want a piece of DEI is for control of [Dale Jr.'s] brand, and where it's going. They can all coexist -- the whole Earnahrdt family -- as one big brand. And there's several brands underneath it." Elledge said she and Dale Jr. feel DEI has done a good job maintaining their father's brand, but that Dale Jr. has an entirely different brand that they want to control and mesh into the overall Earnhardt brand. She said the entrance of new DEI President Max Siegel into the equation has helped tremendously, and is a bright spot that makes her believe an extension is indeed feasible. "With Max coming onboard, that's something I can foresee in the long run," Elledge said. "At this point, we don't have a lot of time so we're trying to work really hard to make something of it. We met last week. I usually talk to Max at least once a day, if only to say 'Hi.' We're keeping in touch and bouncing ideas off each other, because we really are trying to discuss all options." Elledge admitted, though, that this is not an easy time to be renegotiating. "You've got a new guy on board who's trying to get the ship turned in the right direction, and you still have Teresa there who's trusting this new person, and she's not had anybody in there for a while and things have kind of fell down. So there's a rebuilding going on. It's a bad time to try to renegotiate a contract. You've got the old still sticking there, and this new on the horizon that could be really good, and you're trying to make sense of it all. We'll see if we can get there."(ESPN.com)(4-14-2007)
Special Paint Scheme for Dale Jr. at Daytona/LMS UPDATE:: Hearing that #8-Dale Jr. will run a special red white and blue Budweiser paint scheme in the Pepsi 400 at Daytona. See an image of the car on my #8 Paint Schemes Page.(4-10-2007)
Special Paint Scheme for Dale Jr. at Lowes Too: Hearing that #8-Dale Jr. will run a special camouflage Budweiser paint scheme in the Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. See an image of the car on my #8 Paint Schemes Page.(4-11-2007)
UPDATE: Budweiser and NASCAR's four-time Most Popular Driver, Dale Earnhardt Jr., are saluting the troops this NASCAR season with two military-themed paint schemes and collectible diecasts, the proceeds from which will provide college educations for surviving dependents of fallen Special Operations soldiers. The cars debuted during a special "One Night Stand with Dale Earnhardt Jr." event held for more than 1000 fans and many area-based troops last night at the Nokia Theatre at Grand Prairie. Budweiser's brown and beige Desert Camo #8 Chevy will race Memorial Day weekend during the Coca-Cola 600 on May 27 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. The red, white and blue Stars & Stripes car will run in honor of Independence Day at the Pepsi 400 on July 7 at Daytona International Speedway. Budweiser will donate proceeds from the sale of the two collectible diecast car models to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation (SOWF), which provides full-ride college scholarships to surviving dependents of Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps special operations personnel killed in combat or training missions, and immediate financial assistance to special operations personnel severely wounded in the global war on terror. More than 700 dependents currently benefit from the efforts of the SOWF. For more information, visit www.specialops.org.(fingerprint inc./Budweiser Racing PR)(4-13-2007)
Earnhardt Still Wants Majority Ownership of DEI: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. has not backed down from his demand for majority ownership in his late father's company, his sister said Tuesday. "Fifty-one (percent) is the right number because that gives us control," said Kelley Earnhardt Elledge, Junior's sister and business manager. "We'll take 75 or 95 or whatever we work out. At the end of the day, 51 gives you control. "And we want control." Earnhardt is in the final year of his contract with Dale Earnhardt Inc. and has made owning a share of the company a major issue of his negotiations. He raised the stakes even higher in February when he said he actually wanted 51 percent of DEI - not just a piece of the team. Earnhardt Elledge said the ownership stake was not the breaking point of negotiations, but that time could run out for a new agreement to be reached. [DEI President Max] Siegel has said he believes a decision can be made by May, and Earnhardt Elledge said the next two months are crucial.(Associated Press)(4-11-2007)
JR Motorsports signs Motorcycler Jeremy McGrath: JR Motorsports introduced seven-time Supercross champion Jeremy McGrath as its newest late model driver on Tuesday, pairing one of the most popular Supercross stars of all time with NASCAR’s four-time most popular driver, Dale Earnhardt Jr. The announcement was made at the grand opening of the team’s new 66,000-square foot shop. McGrath will compete in a limited 10-race schedule in a Chevrolet late model stock car sponsored by Monster Energy Drink, with R&B Auto Body Transport Refinishing as an associate sponsor. His first race is slated for April 21 at Southern National Raceway Park in Kenly, N.C. “This is something I’ve always wanted to try, and I’m really grateful that Dale Jr. is giving me this opportunity to drive one of his race cars,” McGrath said. “We are going to test this week, weather permitting. I’ve got a lot to learn when it comes to racing something with four wheels, but I’m confident I can pick it up pretty quick.” The addition of McGrath and the Monster Energy car gives JRM its third late model entry. Scott Young and Curtis Truex Jr. currently compete in full-season touring schedules in late model cars sponsored by R&B. JR Motorsports also fields a full-time NASCAR Busch Series team with driver Shane Huffman and full-time USAR Hooters Pro Cup team with driver Richard Boswell. All of these teams operate out of the new JR Motorsports facility located in Mooresville, N.C. “I’m proud to have Jeremy here, and it’s cool to see how excited he is about getting into one of these late models,” Earnhardt Jr. said. “I like his approach, his mentality, and the energy he brings to this shop. I know this isn’t just some fleeting interest on his part. He is as serious about this as anyone I’ve ever been around.” McGrath is easily one of the most recognizable motorcycle racers of all time, as he dominated Supercross from 1993-2004, compiling 74 main event victories and seven titles. He also won the gold medal in the 2004 X-Games Step-Up competition, and earned silver in the 2005 X-Games Supermoto. “I’ve been fortunate to have a lot of success in Supercross, but this is a new type of racing for me,” McGrath said. “I want to succeed at this. It’s not like I’m coming in here and saying that I’m going to be a Nextel Cup driver or anything like that. I want to focus on this chance.”(JR Motorsports PR)(4-11-2007)
Earnhardt Says JR Motorsports Could Move to Cup at Some Point: Dale Earnhardt Jr. indicated in the past that he didn't envision his JR Motorsports team going Nextel Cup racing. But now that he's unveiled a new shop for his Busch and Late Model teams, well, he could envision it "years down the road." "It was just so, so far down the road, it was ridiculous to even think about [Cup racing] or dream about it," Earnhardt Jr. said Tuesday during an open house of the new shop. "Being closer and closer to something like that being a reality, it's always a possibility." Kelley Earnhardt Elledge, who handles Earnhardt Jr.'s business affairs, was asked if Earnhardt Jr. could be the team's driver in Nextel Cup. Her answer: "No way." But Earnhardt Jr. says ... "With any company like ours, the sky's the limit," he said. "You just have to maximize your opportunities and make sure you're picking the right ones, working with the right people."(SceneDaily.com)(4-11-2007)
Dale Jr. Say DEI Exceeding Expectations in COT: Dale Earnhardt Jr. never doubted whether or not his team could rally back into championship form. But he does recognize that some other organizations are ahead of his when it comes to the car of tomorrow - and that could be key this season. Earnhardt Jr. quickly points out that a lot of teams suffered setbacks at some point in the opening series of six races. He had DNFs in the first two, but has since rallied back to 11th in the standings. The top 12 qualify for the Chase For The Nextel Cup 10-race title-determining segment of the season. Even when his Dale Earnhardt Inc. team endured setbacks, Earnhardt Jr. felt confident with their strength and ability to come back into the elite group. Still, he looks at the Hendrick Motorsports cars and sees a group that will be tough. "They're at the top of the charts right now, winning every week and running up front every week, and they'll be hard to challenge going into the Chase at this point," he said. "But if we can just continue to finish good and take good cars to the race track, we should be able to make that top 12."(SceneDaily.com)(4-7-2007)
Earnhardt Elledge to 'get back to work' soon: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. says his sister and business manager, Kelley Earnhardt Elledge, continues to recuperate from recent surgery and should be back to form soon. Earnhardt Jr. has put his contract negotiations on hold until his sister is once more well enough to participate in the process. She underwent surgery March 23. "She's doing a whole lot better," he said Tuesday during testing at Richmond International Raceway. "She's going to be sore and she can't lift anything for several weeks but she's doing really, really good. She's out of the woods, so to speak, and we're all really, really happy about that. She'll start carrying out here typical duties and she's starting to phase back in to what's been going on over the last six to eight months and get back to work."(SceneDaily.com)(4-5-2007)
Dale Jr, gets debris in eye, is ok: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. led at Martinsville until the rain showers came, causing a 33-minute red flag period on lap 357. Dale Jr. climbed back into his car as the leader, but was showered in debris from a stationary jet track dryer. Some of the debris became lodged in Dale Jr's left eye, but he was able to continue. Following the stoppage, the changed track seemed to negate the speed advantage of the Bud car, and Dale Jr. fought back from 11th place after his final pit stop to gain his first top-five tally of 2007. "I got something in my eye when I got back in the car after the rain. The jet dryer was moving really, really slow - and I was helpless just sitting there while it blew (stuff) inside my car for what must have been 15 to 20 seconds. I mean, that's ridiculous. I was sitting there thinking 'Go! Move on! Let me out! Help!' It was crazy. They need to be better about that. Either dry the track before we get in - or keep those dryers moving."(fingerprint inc./Budweiser PR)(4-2-2007)
New DEI deal for Dale Jr. by May a 'realistic goal': Although negotiations are on hold, that shouldn't prevent #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. from having a new deal with Dale Earnhardt Inc. by May. "Absolutely," Max Siegel, the president of Global Operations for DEI, said before Sunday's Nextel Cup race at Bristol Motor Speedway. "All of the issues are properly framed. That's a realistic goal." Negotiations were put on hold when Earnhardt Jr.'s sister and business partner, Kelley Earnhardt Elledge, underwent surgery on Friday to remove tumors from her pancreas. She is expected to stay in the hospital for four or five days. "She's at a critical part of this process," Siegel said. "I don't want the focus to be on her recovery for the contract negotiation. "Every day we're checking in with her and making sure that the first priority is her getting healthy. As soon as they're ready to resume any kind of discussions we're ready." Siegel doesn't foresee any situation in which negotiations would continue without Kelley. But Siegel sees no reason why a new deal can't still be done by May while DEI still has exclusive negotiating rights. "You can't really rush the process," he said. "We're all headed in the right direction, so just as soon as it makes sense for us to sit back down we will. But none of us want to do anything that is going to interfere with her recovery or frame of mind." Earnhardt Jr. is in the last year of his contract with the company his father built. He said earlier this year he wanted majority ownership to be a part of his new deal.(ESPN.com)(3-25-2007)
Dale Jr./DEI conracts on hold while sister is in hospital UPDATE: Negotiations to re-sign with the company his father built isn't #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s top concern at the moment. The health of his sister is. Kelley Earnhardt Elledge, who has been negotiating the new deal at Dale Earnhardt Inc. (DEI) with her brother, is scheduled to undergo surgery Friday. "My sister is in the hospital right now, so we're going to have to put everything on hold for a while," Earnhardt Jr. said Thursday at Bristol Motor Speedway. "She's going to be in the hospital for a couple of days. We'll be watching that pretty closely. Everything in life is on hold until that gets better." Representatives of DEI would not discuss specifics of the surgery, only to say that the family was concerned. A source close to the situation said a benign cyst was discovered on Elledge's pancreas last week. Elledge's situation has forced the postponement of several negotiation meetings the past week and a half. But sources close to the situation said the meetings prior to that had gone well and that Teresa Earnhardt, Earnhardt Jr.'s stepmother and the owner of DEI, was actively involved. "Our No. 1 priority right now is for Kelley to have a speedy recovery," said Max Siegel, the vice president for Global Operations at DEI.(ESPN.com)(3-22-2007)
UPDATE: Kelley Earnhardt Elledge, who handles brother Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s business affairs and is general manager of JR Motorsports, is resting comfortably after surgery earlier today, said JR Motorsports Director of Motorsports Steve Crisp. Crisp would not disclose the exact nature of the surgery. "She's good," Crisp said. "Everything went as expected. She's resting right now. ... Everything was a success. All indications are that everything is all taken care of." Earnhardt Jr. said Thursday that his contract negotiations with Dale Earnhardt Inc. were on hold until Earnhardt Elledge could return to the negotiating table. Earnhardt Elledge is married to Jimmy Elledge, crew chief for #41-Reed Sorenson in the Nextel Cup Series at Chip Ganassi Racing. Jimmy Elledge was not at the track Friday, with Busch Series crew chief Brian Pattie helping fill that role. Jimmy Elledge is expected to be at the track Sunday to call the shots.(SceneDaily.com)(3-23-2007)
Sharpie Introduces #8 Marker, Sharpie Scheme and more: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr, is making a bold statement on and off the track as he prepares for the Sharpie MINI 300 Busch Series race this weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway (BMS). The new Sharpie/Dale Earnhardt, Inc. relationship will officially kick off Saturday when Dale Jr steps behind the wheel of the new DEI #8 Chevy, co-sponsored by Sharpie and Budweiser. Race fans will get a glimpse of the race when Sharpie introduces the first-ever Dale Jr #8 Sharpie marker, rolling out in stores now. Dale Jr will unveil the marker and new paint scheme Thursday, March 22, at 5 pm at the track's Tower 8, where he will also sign Sharpie's giant autograph wall. Dozens of children representing Speedway Children's Charities will join him, lending their signatures and support to the Sharpie "Autographs for Action" campaign to benefit Speedway Children's Charities with $10,000 in funds and supplies. The Sharpie MINI 300 is Dale Jr's second Busch race this season. Dale Jr is a former winner at Bristol, going to Victory Lane in the 2004 Sharpie 500 Nextel Cup Series race. DEI and Dale Jr's new Sharpie partnership also includes a bold new addition to the BMS landscape - a giant three-story billboard covering Tower 8 and featuring Dale Jr's larger-than-life likeness. The banner, which also includes an image of the Sharpie #8 paint scheme and the new #8 marker, will be unveiled Thursday along with the #8 marker. It will become a permanent fixture at BMS throughout the 2007 race season. The Dale Earnhardt Jr #8 Sharpie marker is the only marker endorsed by Dale Jr. Available in black fine point and imprinted with his autograph and #8, it is rolling out now in select stores nationwide where office products are sold. Autographs for Action annually seeks one million autographs as part of its program to give away $1 million in funds and supplies for community groups, charitable organizations and schools nationwide (go to www.sharpie.com). Sharpie will donate $10,000 in funds and supplies to Speedway Children's Charities as part of the Bristol autograph drive. Visit sharpie.com for more information.(Sanford PR)(3-21-2007)
DEI Engine problems appear to be solved UPDATE: Teammates #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. and #1-Martin Truex Jr. both suffered blown engines last Sunday at California, and it appears the engine department has solved the problem. Earnhardt Jr. said “The unleaded fuel lubricates the valve train less so we’re going to have to address that by applying more oil in the left front side of the motor in the valve train. The right side of the valve train looked really, really good. Centrifugal force pushed all the oil over so we have to somehow pump more oil over to the left side of the valve train and give that more durability. That’s what our company has done this past week and we should have no problems.”(PRN's Garage Pass Radio Show)(3-9-2007)
UPDATE: However, the issue might have been deeper than just lubrication. A source inside the DEI organization said a broken valve spring and a spun bearing caused the engine to fail. Neither issue was directly related to running unleaded fuels. "We tossed away a bunch of defective valve springs to solve on of the issues," said the source. As for the bearing, the failure was the result of an oiling failure no previously seen by the engine department. We looked at our process of building engines and it wasn't an issue with construction."(Circletrackplus.com)(3-10-2007)
Dale Jr. not worried about points standing: Headed into Sunday’s UAW-Daimler-Chrysler 400, #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. isn’t concerned about his 40th place point standings. “I’m not really worry about it”; said Earnhardt Jr. “I’m upset we’ve finished how we have but there’s nothing we can really do about it. If I was 40th in points with the chase two races way I’d be really upset…very upset…but it’s early in the season and we’ve got time to remedy it.” Nobody is panicking on the Bud Chevy team and that includes the driver. According to Earnhardt Jr.; “I think getting worried or panicky won’t improve the situation; it’ll only spread through my team like a virus. Panic is very contagious so you really have to have a positive outlook and try to propose that on the team that they work hard to try and come out of it.” The team has had no luck the first two races of the season suffering a blown motor at California and getting swept up in a crash at Daytona. “I can only do what I can do” said Dale Jr. “We’ll try and come back the best we can and get the best finishes we can to get out of that hole. I think we’ll be able to do that.”(PRN's Garage Pass Radio Show)(3-9-2007)
Can Dale Jr, still make the chase? after two races, #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. is 40th in Nextel Cup Drivers Points, the highest finishing drivers who stood at 40th after 2 races in the past 15 seasons?
2001: Kevin Harvick finished 9th [was 8th after 26 races, The Chase starts race #27], Harvick stepped into the #3 car at Rockingham, renumbered to #29 after the death of Dale Earnhardt, so after two races he had only run one race.
1996: Geoff Bodine 17th; 2006 [was 18th after 26 races]: Scott Riggs 20th [failed to make the Daytona 500, was 18th after 26 races]; 1998: Johnny Benson 20th [was 19th after 26 races].(from ESPN's NASCAR Now with some facts added by yours truely)
ALSO: in 1996 Jeff Gordon was out of the top-40 after 2 races and came back to finish 2nd to Terry Labonte and was leading after 26 races [the Series only ran 31 races in 1996](3-7-2007)
Siegel says DEI, Junior still working on deal: Max Siegel, president of global operations for Dale Earnhardt Inc., said business dictates that contract negotiations with Dale Earnhardt Jr. be resolved soon. And what exactly does that mean in terms of a timetable? "If I had a goal, it would be by May," Siegel said in a telephone interview. "That's probably what makes sense." Siegel said dialogue among DEI owner Teresa Earnhardt (who founded the company with her late husband, Dale Earnhardt) and her stepchildren (Kelley Earnhardt Elledge and Dale Earnhardt Jr.) has been open and candid. Elledge is business manager of her brother's JR Motorsports and his negotiating partner. "I wanted to cut through all of the clutter to see what needed to be addressed," Siegel said. "We've done that. The tone of the conversation last week between me and their team was very positive. Everyone is working on a solution to keep Dale Jr. at DEI. Everyone would argue the continuation of this business is a top priority. If not, [Dale Earnhardt Jr.] could have walked away and driven for anyone else." He said Elledge and Dale Jr. have been very much involved with infrastructure issues at DEI the past few weeks, so much so that Siegel described their involvement as "diligent" and "refreshing." It is that future that Siegel is eager to begin expanding. He comes from a music and entertainment background and sees the potential in digital entertainment and developing original programming, to name a few things on the to-do list he intends to explore.(see full story at ESPN.com)(3-7-2007)
DEI's Max Siegal to be honored: The Foundation for Ethnic Understanding will honor Max Siegel, President of Global Operations for Dale Earnhardt Inc., on Thursday, March 8th, 2007 during their annual New York Spring Benefit at the home of Denise Rich. During the ceremony, President Rabbi Marc Shcneier and Chairman Russell Simmons will award Max Siegel the Joseph Papp Racial Harmony Award in recognition of his efforts to promote better relations between African-American and Jewish communities. "These awards mark outstanding achievement by corporate leaders who have advanced the cause of diversity and race relations," says Rabbi Marc Schneier. Max Siegel was recently appointed to President of Global Operations of Dale Earnhardt Inc., the top motor sports franchise in NASCAR. Siegel oversees the entire organization including competition, marketing, sales, sponsorship and distribution for all DEI¹s properties including motor sports teams, licensing, promotion, business development, and the Dale Earnhardt Foundation. The Foundation for Ethnic Understanding, under the leadership of Rabbi Marc Schneier, President, and Russell Simmons, Chairman, is a national non-profit organization dedicated to promoting racial harmony and strengthening inter-group relations. The organization is committed to the belief that direct, face-to-face dialogue between ethnic communities is the most effective path towards the reduction of bigotry and the promotion of reconciliation and understanding.(Susan Blond PR)(3-7-2007)
Dale Jr./DEI find what caused engine problem: Quotes from #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. about starting the season with two Did-Not-Finish (DNF) results: "We're not happy about it, but we're keeping our heads up. We've had some rough starts before and came back strong. We were 38th in the points after two races in 2003, and we came back to finish third. It seems like we always get better as the year goes on. Don't forget, we had back-to-back last-place finishes in the middle of the summer last year and dropped out of the top-10 in points, but we fought back into the Chase when we needed to. As a team, you can't let it be a distraction - we have to go out and run every lap as hard as possible and not worry about it. This team has always performed well when the pressure is on, and I expect nothing less this week. We found out what caused the engine failure at California, and our guys have been busting their (butts) to make sure we don't have that problem again. The most positive thing we took from California is that we had a car that was really fast. We had a flat tire, but then we came back out and passed Matt Kenseth even with a loose wheel that caused a bad vibration. That shows we have a really good set-up and we're taking that same chassis to Las Vegas."(Budweiser Racing PR)(3-5-2007)
Dale Jr. has good races after 2 DNF's in row: when #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. didn't finish the Auto Club 500 at California Speedway on Sunday, it was the 4th time in his career that he had two straight races with DNF's [did not finish]. At Texas in 2000 after two straight DNF's Earnhardt won; At Phoenix in 2004, he won; At Indy in 2006 he finished 6th; and at Las Vegas in 2007.....? (ESPN's NASCAR Now)(2-27-2007)
Teresa at Daytona: The start of the Daytona 500 was 20 minutes away when Teresa Earnhardt strolled down pit road toward the No. 8 Chevrolet of Dale Earnhardt Jr. She was laughing and smiling, enjoying the pageantry the way she always did before the last lap of this race in 2001. She had a glow about her as bright and warm as the Florida sunshine that kept this stock car racing shrine from feeling like Lambeau Field during the NFL playoffs. It didn't fade as she made her way to the side of Earnhardt Jr., whose soap opera relationship with his stepmother and car owner has been the center of attention as NASCAR's most popular driver attempts to negotiate a new deal. They posed for pictures. They hugged. See full story at ESPN.com.(2-19-2007)
Eury Jr. would leave DEI if Dale Jr. bolts: If #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. opts to leave Dale Earnhardt, Inc. at the conclusion of the 2007 Nextel Cup season, his crew chief will follow suit. Tony Eury Jr., Earnhardt's crew chief and first cousin, told ESPN.com on Sunday that if Junior goes, he'll go, too. "Yes, [I'd go]," Eury responded when asked if he'd follow Earnhardt to a new race team. "That's the way I based my feelings when I decided to stay there and sign a long-term contract. I made it very specific to them that if 2007 comes and Dale Jr. decided to do something else, I'd like to have my options open to do whatever I want to do." Ultimately, though, Eury hopes Dale Jr. stays put. "The best thing is to stay at DEI," Eury said. "DEI is his Dad's deal. [Junior] should be running the company. That's what Dale Sr. built the company for, was for those kids to have something later on in life. However it turns out, it turns out. I really don't want to get into the politics side of it with them, so I just let them handle it and we'll figure it out from there." Earnhardt said on Feb. 8 he must get majority ownership of DEI in order to remain with the company his father founded. Eury said he's uncertain where the contract negotiation stands. He's staying out of it. "I just told Junior for him and Kelley [Earnhardt Elledge] to figure out whatever they want to do -- stay or go," Eury said. "I hope he stays, but if they can't get things worked out, that's fine, we'll just figure out what's best for all of us."(ESPN.com)(2-18-2007)
Dale Jr. commercial to debut during Daytona 500: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr., fends off a posse of post-apocalyptic mutant warriors in Budweiser's newest ad titled "Apocalypse," set to debut during Sunday's Daytona 500 on Fox-TV. Dale Jr.'s pursuers chase the red #8 Chevy across a barren desert landscape, flinging fire bombs and wielding chainsaws, in pursuit of the last Budweiser on Earth. Just when he seems surrounded, Dale Jr. emerges from the Budweiser #8 car to confront his pursuers, exuding the same Southern moxie that has made him one of the most liked athletes in America. In addition to the Dale Jr. ad premiere, Budweiser is utilizing its position as the Official Beer of the Daytona 500 to introduce special Budweiser aluminum bottles featuring a checkered flag neck and the Daytona 500 logo. The bottles are on sale now in NASCAR race markets nationwide. Fans can get a look at the making of the ad at Budweiser.com, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video, and interviews with Dale Jr. and the production team. The 60-second ad, filmed near Lancaster, Calif. in mid-November, was directed by DDB Worldwide, Chicago. Dale Jr. has appeared in more than a dozen ads for Budweiser since 1999.(fingerprint inc./Budweiser PR)(2-14-2007)
DEI Prez happy with Dale Jr. contract negotiations: Dale Earnhardt Inc. President of Global Operations Max Siegel said Saturday he is pleased with the way negotiations are going with driver #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. but would not talk about specifics. "The lines of communication are open," Siegel said Saturday night prior to the Budweiser Shootout at Daytona International Speedway. "It's not prudent to talk about the substance of the negotiations. Everything is moving in a positive direction." Earnhardt Jr., son of the late Dale Earnhardt and stepson of owner Teresa Earnhardt, is under contract through the 2007 season. "It's a top priority for us," said Siegel, who started Feb. 1. "Things have a natural rhythm to it. So as long as we continue to talk about [it] and as long as we continue to focus on it, I think it will resolve itself when it is supposed to." On Thursday, Earnhardt Jr. said he wanted to own a majority of the team. "I try not to read the press, so I can focus on making sure that we can reach an agreement that is mutually beneficial and keeping him part of the family forever," Siegel said. Siegel, a former gospel music executive, met Wednesday with Earnhardt Jr. and his sister, Kelley Earnhardt Elledge, who handles Earnhardt Jr.'s business affairs. "I have a tremendous amount of respect for Dale Jr.," Siegel said. "I have a tremendous amount of respect for Kelley and Teresa Earnhardt. I just want to focus on the issues we need to focus on to have a long-term relationship."( SceneDaily.com)(2-11-2007)
Miller challenges Budweiser: Miller Brewing Co. today issued a NASCAR challenge to competitor Anheuser-Busch Cos. Inc., and the temporary naming rights to Milwaukee's Miller Park would be stake. The long-standing "battle of the beer cars" on NASCAR tracks would take on added significance during the 2007 Nextel Cup season if Anheuser-Busch accepts Miller's challenge to the Budweiser team. Miller is putting the naming rights to Miller Park on the line for a weekend series between the Milwaukee Brewers and the St. Louis Cardinals in 2008. If the Miller Lite #2 Dodge, driven by Kurt Busch, finishes ahead of the #8 Budweiser Chevy, driven by Dale Earnhardt Jr., in the 2007 season standings, Busch Stadium would be renamed Miller Lite Stadium for a yet-to-be-determined 2008 series in St. Louis. If the Budweiser car finishes the season ahead of the Miller Lite car in 2007, Milwaukee's Miller Park would be renamed Budweiser Park for a 2008 series in Milwaukee. "We're more confident than ever that Kurt Busch and the #2 Miller Lite team are going to be regular contenders for the Nextel Cup championship," said Tom Long, Miller's president and chief executive officer. "It's too bad for Anheuser-Busch that they didn't take us up on our challenge last year, when Kurt and the team were dealing with the first-year 'new team' transition. Kurt already has one title, and now he and the whole Penske Racing garage are focused on adding to that total. We expect to see plenty of Miller Lite flowing in victory lane this year." The new wager was officially proposed via certified letter from Long to Anheuser-Busch president and CEO August Busch IV, and delivered this morning. Busch had not yet responded.(Small Business Times)(2-9-2007)
Dale Jr's Reps to meet with DEI Reps UPDATE 2 Jr. wants majority ownership? Representatives of DEI and Dale Earnhardt Jr. will meet on Wednesday to discuss Dale Jr.'s contract and ownership stake in the team. Earnhardt Jr., his sister, Kelley Earnhardt Elledge, who serves as his business manager, DEI competition director Richie Gilmore, and DEI's new president, Max Siegel are expected in the meeting. Teresa Earnhardt, the owner of DEI who also is Earnhardt Jr.'s stepmother, will not be at the meeting, by design. Gilmore said the parties wanted to try to keep the emotions to a minimum, and they wanted to keep Teresa Earnhardt and Dale Jr. separate. Dale Jr.'s contract with DEI expires in 2007, and he said during testing at Daytona that he wanted a greater stake in DEI, the company that his father started. Gilmore says the ownership stake in the team is still the major determining factor in the contract negotiation process for Dale Jr.(ESPN.com)(2-7-2007)
UPDATE: it was reported in ESPN's NASCAR Now that Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s representatives met with some DEI execs, including new president Max Siegel on Wednesday, basically just a meet-and-greet and there is nothing else to report.
UPDATE 2: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. didn't mince words on Thursday when asked what it would take to get him to re-sign with the Nextel Cup organization his father built. "I want majority ownership, basically," Earnhardt Jr. said for the first time during media day at Daytona International Speedway. As in more than 50%? "Absolutely," Earnhardt Jr. said emphatically. Earnhardt Jr.'s contract with Dale Earnhardt Inc. expires at the end of the 2007 season. Negotiation on a new deal began in the middle of 2006, with ownership of the company a major sticking point. Asked if stepmother Teresa Earnhardt, who inherited sole ownership of the company when Dale Earnhardt was killed on the last lap of the 2001 Daytona 500, was willing to budge, Earnhardt Jr. said, "We'll see." Earnhardt Jr. and his sister, Kelley, met with Max Siegel, DEI's new president of Global Operations, on Wednesday along with director of motorsports Richie Gilmore. Earnhardt Jr. said it was more of a get-to-know-you meeting with Siegel than a contract negotiation, but added Siegel could expedite the process he initially hoped would be concluded by April or May. "He's a great guy to talk to and a great guy to work with," Earnhardt Jr. said of Siegel. "He's going to speed things up. He's going to improve negotiations and help those things make it a little bit easier." Not in the meeting was Teresa, who has been asked to step aside in negotiations because of her somewhat tumultuous relationship with Earnhardt Jr.(ESPN.com)(2-8-2007)
DEI signs development driver? UPDATE 2: hearing that Jeff Earnhardt, son of Kerry Earnhardt, has signed a development deal with DEI that will have him driving a second car owned by Andy Santerre to team up with Sean Caisse in the NASCAR Busch East Series, with a few potential Busch Series races with DEI.(1-14-2007)
UPDATE: Dale Earnhardt Inc. didn't have to look very far to find its soon-to-be newest driver. He shares a last name with organization's founder. Jeffrey Earnhardt, the 17-year-old grandson of Dale Earnhardt, will compete in the NASCAR Busch East Series next season in a Chevrolet prepared by DEI, said Tam Topham, who fielded cars for Earnhardt last year at Motor Mile Speedway. An official announcement about the fourth-generation driver's future should come next week at the NASCAR preseason media tour in Charlotte, N.C, his stepmother, Rene, confirmed. The son of Kerry Earnhardt and nephew of Dale Earnhardt Jr. will share time between Busch East, the UARA Late Model touring series and the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series (formerly the Dodge Weekly Series). A handful of Late Model dirt track starts could also be in the cards. "This week or next week, they're going to try to have everything finalized," Topham said. "His mom and dad and DEI and himself -- they're all working out the particulars." DEI will field the Busch East entry exclusively; Topham will be under contract with Kerry Earnhardt to oversee the Late Model and UARA operations out of his Wytheville-based TAMCO Motorsports shop. Jeffrey Earnhardt's 2007 schedule will include up to eight races in a Late Model at Motor Mile as well as the Bailey's 300 at Martinsville Speedway in late September. Busch East, along with the NASCAR AutoZone West Series, is a regional feeder division for NASCAR's three national series -- Nextel Cup, Busch and Craftsman Truck. Jeffrey Earnhardt's Late Model Stock car will have #01. The news of Earnhardt's deal with DEI comes just days after Kerry Earnhardt took a full-time position with the company. The elder Earnhardt will serve as a liaison between the organization's Cup and Busch programs and make cameo driving appearances.(Roanoke Times)(1-20-2007)
UPDATE 2: Teresa Earnhardt announced that Dale Earnhardt, Inc. has officially signed Jeffrey Earnhardt, grandson of Dale Earnhardt and son of Kerry Earnhardt, to a long-term driving services contract. "In his young career to date, Jeffrey has displayed many of the attributes we are looking for in a driver," said Mrs. Earnhardt. "Experience will be key to developing and preparing Jeffrey to progress to and compete at higher levels." Earnhardt, 17, has competed on the Late Model series, and most recently took part in the General Motors Developmental Program where he performed impressively. "Signing with DEI is a dream come true," said Earnhardt. "To progress as a driver at the premier organization that Dale and Teresa built means a lot to me. I know I'll be surrounded with the right equipment to take me to the next level, so now it's up to me to prove myself." Initially, Earnhardt will be a DEI developmental driver, driving Chevrolets fielded by Andy Santerre Motorsports in the NASCAR Busch East Series. Earnhardt will also drive Chevrolets in the UARA Late Model Touring Series.(DEI PR)(2-7-2007)
Dale Jr. sponsors a Bull Rider Clash: Charlotte, N.C., hosts the high octane excitement of the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) this weekend at the Charlotte Bobcats Arena for the Dale Jr. PBR Clash on January 26-28. The world’s top 45 bull riders will clash against the best bulls in the industry in this three-day event. It couldn’t be the Dale Jr PBR Clash without the host of the weekend, Dale Earnhardt Jr. The four-time most popular driver in NASCAR will be at Bobcats Arena on Saturday and Sunday waiting to see who will be crowned the Dale Jr. PBR Clash Champion. “I can’t wait to see all the action,” said Earnhardt Jr. “It’s been a while since the PBR has come to Charlotte and I’m glad to be included in their return to the area. It’ll be fun to see J. B. represent his home town, along with some of my other friends like Ross Coleman and Sean Willingham go for some wild rides. I’m looking forward to spending the weekend with the PBR and watching to see who I’ll be giving the big check to on Sunday." Tickets start at $20 and guarantee you more than two hours of bull riding action including rock & roll music, pyrotechnics and an up close and personal view of the fastest growing sport in the U.S. Tickets are available at the Charlotte Bobcats Arena Box Office, online at charlottebobcatsarena.com, by phone at 800-495-2295, or at your local Lebo’s retail store.(PR)(1-26-2007)
Chevy offering Free Premiers of 'Dale' to race fans: Chevrolet and GM Goodwrench will support the premier of the highly anticipated documentary "DALE" as presenting sponsors and by hosting exclusive screenings in 40 markets across the U.S. mirroring the Nextel Cup schedule. Chevrolet and GM Goodwrench dealers will hold over 100 premiers of "DALE," a documentary showcasing the life of Dale Earnhardt. The first Chevrolet/GM Goodwrench showing will take place in Clearwater, Fla. on Jan. 28 with 23 additional Florida screenings to be held throughout Daytona, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and West Palm Beach prior to the Daytona 500. Go to www.dalethemovie.com or see your local Chevy Dealer for details? Race fans can find a list of participating dealers, relive their favorite memories of Earnhardt, express their relationship with the #3 team, view exclusive interviews and fresh content on the film, as well as Earnhardt's racing career at www.Goodwrench.com.(GM Racing PR)(1-25-2007)
DEI hires two more executives: Teresa Earnhardt, President and CEO of Dale Earnhardt, Inc. has announced the appointment of John Story to the DEI executive team. Story, a sports marketing veteran who has served as CEO and General Manager of Robby Gordon Motorsports since the company's inception in 2003, will manage sales, marketing and communication's activities at Dale Earnhardt, Inc., and will assist and report to recently appointed company president, Max Siegel, in strategic development of the company. In addition to his role with Robby Gordon Motorsports, Story has held marketing and/or communications positions with Greg Norman's Great White Shark Enterprises, International Speedway Corporation, Walt Disney World and the PGA of America. Mrs. Earnhardt also announced the appointment of Andrew Campagnone to Director of Sales. Campagnone has a long and varied sports sales career, and comes to DEI from Ganassi Racing where he served a similar role.(DEI Site)(1-24-2007)
Wrangler re-ups with Dale Jr: As the 2007 NASCAR season begins, the Wrangler brand is strapping in with Dale Earnhardt Jr. and DEI's #8 Budweiser Chevy once again. Earnhardt Jr. has re-signed as an endorsee for Wrangler and its Wrangler Jeans Co. TM line. The relationship extends Wrangler’s high-profile sponsorship of the #8 team and continues to build on a historic NASCAR partnership. Wrangler Jeans Co. reigns as the official jean of Dale Jr. and the #8 DEI racing team.(DEI Site)(1-24-2007)
Dale Earnhardt Jr. is the Co-Founder of the New Social-Networking Site: Infield Parking (www.infieldparking.com), a new social-networking website targeting NASCAR's more than 75 million fans, has chosen ABC Regional Sports Sales, a division of ABC National Television Sales, as its exclusive national sales representative. Dale Earnhardt Jr. is President and Co-Founder of Infield Parking. Currently available as a Beta launch and gearing up for its formal debut prior to the February's start of the 2007 NASCAR season, Infield Parking allows website users to create a personal profile ("Infield Parking Space"); exchange messages; and post photos, blogs, podcasts and video clips.(ABC PR)(1-24-2007)
Teresa a 'deadbeat' owner per Harvick; Dale Jr. says "That's ridiculous": #29-Kevin Harvick knows the odds of #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. leaving the company his father built for the company his father raced for are very long. But Harvick would understand if NASCAR's most popular driver left Dale Earnhardt Inc. for Richard Childress Racing after the 2007 season if contract negotiations broke down. He can't imagine how difficult it is for Earnhardt Jr. to work in a company where the owner, stepmother Teresa Earnhardt, seldom comes to the track. "It's hard when you have what I call a deadbeat owner that doesn't come to the racetrack," Harvick said during Tuesday's visit to RCR on the second day of NASCAR's 2007 media tour. "Richard [Childress] is one of the best owners in the garage. You always see Richard Childress. You always see Chip Ganassi. All these owners, they all come to the racetrack. It's not just a money pit that somebody says, 'Well, I can make money off of Dale Jr. I can make money off of Dale Earnhardt.' " Harvick, who owns a Busch Series team, said race teams can't be run from home. "You have to be at the racetrack and you have to play the politics of the sport and you have to be a part of your team and you have to understand what's going on," he said. "To me, from the outside looking in, it doesn't look like that's happening."
Earnhardt Jr., at a dinner Monday night in Concord, said, "You're killing me. That's ridiculous," Earnhardt Jr. said. "I don't think there is a comment for that remark." Earnhardt Jr. said with everything his stepmother has dealt with since the death of his father in 2001 on the last lap of the Daytona 500, "she had a full plate. We're successful on the racetrack, the people are in the right place." Earnhardt Jr. said negotiations are ongoing for a contract beyond 2007, and he expects to settle in the next couple of months.(ESPN.com)(1-24-2007)
Sharpie Signs Dale Jr., to run spring Bristol Busch Race: Sharpie, a Newell Rubbermaid brand, announced it has inked an agreement with Dale Earnhardt, Inc. to sponsor Dale Earnhardt Jr. in 2007. The first time associate sponsorship will feature Dale Jr. driving the #8 Sharpie car in the Sharpie MINI 300, the Busch series race at Bristol Motor Speedway in March. In celebration of the partnership, a line of "#8" Sharpie markers also will debut in stores nationwide in April. Sharpie is planning a series of on and off track activities throughout the year, including brand advertising and in-store merchandising support for its new line of #8 Sharpie markers, a special #8 appearance at Bristol Motor Speedway for the Sharpie MINI 300 March 24 and a nationwide show car program. Dale Jr. will also lend a hand to Sharpie's Autographs for Action program, a national cause-related marketing platform benefiting charities with $1 million in both funds and supplies. For more information, visit sharpie.com.(DEI PR)(1-19-2007)
Teresa wants Junior at DEI: Teresa Earnhardt is willing to discuss a larger role at Dale Earnhardt Inc. with stepson #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. as part of the ongoing contract negotiations to keep him at his late father's company. "We are moving full speed ahead with negotiations, moving ahead as we normally would," Teresa Earnhardt said Thursday night in a telephone interview from Los Angeles, where she was promoting the documentary "Dale." Asked if she was committed to keeping Junior behind the wheel of the #8 Chevrolet, she didn't waver: "Absolutely." Junior's contract expires at the end of this season, and his status with the company has been in question since Teresa Earnhardt seemingly questioned his commitment in a December article in The Wall Street Journal. Teresa Earnhardt indicated the two have since spoken but seemed fuzzy on when the conversation occurred. "I don't know, it has just been a short while ago," she said. "We talk." Teresa Earnhardt said Thursday there's been nothing unusual about these extension talks. "It's all been very typical," she said. "We're moving forward, discussing everything and trying to get this done."(in part from the Associated Press)(1-19-2007)
DEI Using Hoosier at Lakeland UPDATE 2 more testing at Lakeland: A top DEI official stated Monday afternoon that the company would be using Hoosier tires on at least one car they will test at Lakeland Speedway later this week. One of the burning questions since Goodyear started leasing, instead of selling, tires to race teams was where would the teams to get tires to test with away from the seven official NASCAR test sessions. While it was widely speculated teams would turn to Hoosier for the tires needed to test, most teams had a sufficient stockpile to get them through the 2006 season. A DEI executive confirmed Monday that organization's stockpile was almost gone. In fact, it was low enough that at least one of the their teams testing at Lakeland Speedway later this week would do so on Hoosier tires. "It's working," said the executive of NASCAR's desire to reduce the amount of testing teams could do away from the official tests. "The lack of tires has forced us to rethink how we test and what we test. At Lakeland we won't be able to compare one car against another. We'll look more to establish a baseline and then gauge our improvement based on the incremental speeds after each change. How that will relate to a race set-up we just don't know yet."(Circletrackplus.com)(1-15-2007)
UPDATE: hearing that #25-Casey Mears, an Hendrick Motorsports unmarked Chevy COT, the #20 Home Depot team [no idea on driver] and an unmarked Joe Gibbs Racing Chevy COT tested at USA Speedway/Lakeland on Wednesday and were running Hoosier Tires.
AND #5-Kyle Busch will test Hendrick Motorsports' COT today at Lakeland.(St Petersburg Times)(1-18-2007)
UPDATE 2: #5-Busch was joined at Lakeland Thursday by #24-Jeff Gordon...both COT testing.(PRN's Garage Pass Radio Show); AND hearing all three DEI teams were there testing COT with the Dale Earnhardt Jr, Martin Truex Jr. and Paul Menard. Bill Davis Racing's #36-Jeremy Mayfield tested a Toyota COT and will be back on Friday. Hendrick Motorsports tested with #25-Mears, #5-Busch and Gordon in an un-numbered Hendrick Chevy Impala.(1-19-2007)
Kerry Earnhardt to work at DEI, as test driver and more: Kerry Earnhardt will join Dale Earnhardt Inc. as a full-time employee next week, serving as a liaison between the Nextel Cup and Busch programs and driving in a handful of races. "Teresa and Richie have been talking to me about coming there for several years," Kerry said of team owner/stepmother Teresa Earnhardt and director of motorsports Richie Gilmore. "I've been thinking about the company a lot in my head. It's hard to give up driving. Now I've come to a point where I realize that doing the things I'm doing is not doing me any good, just riding around and not having any decent finishes." Kerry, 37, has asked to drive in at least five Busch races and a couple of Cup races for DEI, but said his future with the company doesn't hinge on that. "I always wish I had the opportunity to be in equipment like this," said Kerry, who was 20th-fastest in the morning practice while Earnhardt Jr. honored previous commitments. "Now if I run three to five Busch races and can be successful with that maybe more things can come to me." Kerry hopes to fill part of the role of Tony Eury Sr., who has moved from team liaison to crew chief for DEI's third Cup team with Paul Menard.(ESPN.com)(1-11-2007)
Kerry to take over testing for Dale Jr. at Daytona: Dale Earnhardt Jr. said he plans on leaving the rest of the testing of the #8 Dale Earnhardt Inc. Chevy to sibling Kerry Earnhardt. Speaking at the NASCAR Jackson Hewitt Preseason Thunder Fan Fest, Earnhardt Jr. seemed satisfied with his two days of testing, which wound up with him on top of the drafting chart Tuesday night. Kerry Earnhardt will test Wednesday. The teams also can stay and do single-car runs during a four-hour session Thursday.(SceneDaily.com)(1-10-2007)
Gilmore Expects Dale Jr to sign with DEI soon AND Dale Jr comments, quarrel slowing deal?: Dale Earnhardt Jr. likely isn't going anywhere. Negotiations to re-sign the signature driver of Dale Earnhardt Inc. are on the fast track and likely will be finalized by May if not sooner, DEI director of motorsports Richie Gilmore said on Monday. "Before we come back here in February [for the Daytona 500] would be my wish [to have a deal done] so we wouldn't have the distraction of that every week," Gilmore said during the first day of preseason testing at Daytona International Speedway. "I would say, realistically, probably May." Gilmore said losing the most popular driver on the Nextel Cup Series and the son of seven-time Cup champion Dale Earnhardt never has been a consideration for anybody at DEI, including owner Teresa Earnhardt. Gilmore discounted comments in the Dec. 14 edition of The Wall Street Journal in which Teresa said: "Right now the ball's in [Earnhardt's] court to decide on whether he wants to be a NASCAR driver or whether he wants to be a public personality. I'm around Teresa pretty much every day and I've never heard her comment that way," Gilmore said. "Teresa doesn't get out there a lot to the media, but when I talk to her, it's never negative against Junior that way." Gilmore said every conversation he's had with Teresa involved re-signing her stepson. Gilmore said Teresa has tried to remove herself from negotiations as much as possible "because she thinks it will happen faster maybe if she takes the personal side out of it." Gilmore doesn't find it unusual that Teresa and Earnhardt haven't discussed the comments to the WSJ, noting the two sometimes go two or three months without talking. But he wouldn't describe their relationship as tumultuous as it often is made to sound. "A lot of stuff does get blown out of proportion that makes for good stories," Gilmore said. Gilmore said Earnhardt has become DEI and he can't imagine the company without him, although Earnhardt does talk of driving his father's black #3 for Richard Childress Racing late in his career. "I've never even thought that far down the road," Gilmore said. "Being in the circle with [Earnhardt] and Teresa I don't believe any of us have thought that way."
AND Dale Earnhardt Jr. made it clear on Monday that the tumultuous relationship with his stepmother would be a factor in negotiations to return to the Nextel Cup organization his father built after the 2007 season. He also made it clear he wants to return. Ownership appears to be the biggest stumbling block. "That's the obvious," Earnhardt said during the first day of preseason testing at Daytona International Speedway. "I want to be very involved in the company. Aside from [DEI], I have no interest in ownership." To own a part of DEI, Teresa Earnhardt would have to relinquish at least partial control of an organization she has run since Dale Earnhardt was killed on the last lap of the 2001 Daytona 500. That means comments such as the one she made in the Dec. 14 Wall Street Journal about how Earnhardt needs to decide whether he wants to be a driver or a celebrity will make negotiations more emotional than most. "My relationship with the car owner is definitely going to be a factor in my decision to drive there," Earnhardt said. "I haven't talked to Teresa about what she said in [the Journal]. I figured if anything needed to be said she'd call me up and say it. But you know, my and her relationship definitely factor into my decision." Earnhardt became increasingly pointed in remarks about the contract and his stepmother during a break between practices, at one point saying the relationship with Teresa "ain't a bed [of] roses." He took several shots at her, indirectly referring to her absence from the track. He admitted the uncertainty of having the contract issue settled is the most frustrating part about approaching this season. He also said it is the goal of him and his sister, JR Motorsports executive Kelley Earnhardt Elledge, to get a deal done.(much more at ESPN.com)(1-8-2007)
Kelley expects Dale Jr. to re-sign with DEI, talks about Teresa's comments: Thursday [Jan 4th] on "The Morning Drive" on SIRIUS NASCAR Radio / channel 128, hosts Marty Snider and David Poole spoke with Kelley Earnhardt Elledge, Dale Jr.'s sister and JR Motorsports executive.
On Dale Jr.s' contract:
Host, David Poole: "Where does [Dale's] contract stand? What's the situation? Obviously he's got one more year [signed thru 2007] with DEI and beyond that where do we stand?"
Kelley Earnhardt Elledge: "Well, we are continuing to negotiate with DEI and it is our hope and intent that we can remain a driver there for Dale Earnhardt Incorporated and to carry on what my dad has started in the late 90s but we haven't come to terms on anything yet. It's our hope that we have something about mid-year that we can announce our direction and maybe even sooner if we can get things worked out. It's just a very lengthy process. There are a lot of variables for all of us to contemplate. Obviously they've added new staff over there so as the new people come on board, maybe they have some new ideas and changes as we continue down the path and try to negotiate with them. We've been negotiating for about four months, I would say, and there's just a lot to think about on both sides of the plate. So, to date we haven't come to terms on any kind of agreement but we're working diligently at it and we hope to be able to announce something in probably mid-year of 2007."
Host, Marty Snider: "Have other car owners called you just to say, 'Hey, just in case, just want to let you know we're here and if you're interested we would be interested?'"
Earnhardt Elledge: "It's actually pretty interesting. We haven't had a lot of calls in that regard. I think most everyone in the sport believes and would like to see Dale continue at DEI. It's obviously the perfect fit in terms of family, in terms of the fans, in terms of the sport and what all that means to the sport. So I think the reason that people haven't called is because of that, because they automatically think, 'Hey, that's the best place for him.' So if we can work out all the things on the side of competition and our endorsements and sponsors and how we work together and partner with them, that is the best scenario. So it's just a matter of whether we can come to terms with that."
On Teresa's comments on Dale Jr. in the Wall Street Journal:
In the December 14 article on new DEI executive Max Siegal, Teresa Earnhardt was quoted as saying about Dale Jr., "Right now the ball's in his court to decide on whether he wants to be a NASCAR driver or whether he wants to be a public personality."
Earnhardt Elledge: "I was surprised at the comment. I think Dale was surprised at the comment. But I think most everybody in the industry knows that Dale's focus has been at its highest. His number one desire and his passion is driving that race car and that'll never change. He's not interested in the business and the personality in the way that he is with the race car. And I don't think any of the drivers are. When you're a race car driver your passion is the excitement and what you get out of the feel of that race car. I've been in the race car and I know how that feels. We have a strong staff here at JR Motorsports that handles the business side so he can concentrate on driving."
"Being a public personality comes with the territory of being a public sports figure and Dale is the most popular driver, voted by the fans for the fourth year in a row. He's the son of Dale Earnhardt. That, in itself, lends it to being a public personality and it just comes with who he is. He is extremely marketable. He's extremely popular. He's very true to himself. He's very authentic and that's why the fans, that's why other entertainers, other music entertainers, that's why they like him and want him to be a part of things."
"We haven't been able to speak to Teresa about exactly what she meant with the statement but it is part of who he is and who he is as a race car driver but his number one focus is being competitive in that race car. If he's not doing that he's not having fun and the rest of it doesn't matter to him." "The Morning Drive" airs weekdays (7-11am/et) exclusively on SIRIUS NASCAR Radio / Channel 128.(Sirius PR)(1-5-2007)

2006 News
Teresa Earnhardt questioning Earnhardt Jr.'s commitment?: Dale Earnhardt Inc. team owner Teresa Earnhardt appears to be questioning stepson #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s commitment to racing in an interview with the Wall Street Journal. The story in Thursday's edition [subscription only] says Earnhardt Jr.'s contract with the team founded by his father expires after the 2007 season, but Teresa Earnhardt expressed uncertainty about his future. "Right now the ball's in his court to decided on whether he wants to be a NASCAR driver or whether he wants to be a public personality." Earnhardt Jr. "was not available for comment" on the statement, the story said.(SceneDaily.com)(12-15-2006)
DEI hires a new president: Dale Earnhardt, Inc., announced the appointment of Max Siegel as President of Global Operations. In what will be an unprecedented move for the motor sports industry, the Zomba Label Group/Sony/BMG executive will oversee marketing, promotion, sales, sponsorship and distribution for all Dale Earnhardt, Inc. properties including the company's top-rated motorsports teams, airlines, licensing and auto dealership, as well as the Dale Earnhardt Foundation. Siegel brings over 15 years of deal brokering and project management experience to the company established by Dale and Teresa Earnhardt in 1980.(DEI PR)(12-14-2006)
Martin talked to Dale Jr about Busch ride: Mark Martin told Sirius Speedway (MRN/Sirius Satellite Radio) Monday that he spoke to Dale Earnhardt, Jr., about a possible, part-time Busch Series ride with Earnhardt’s JR Motorsports in 2007. Martin, who has already inked deals to drive the Ginn Racing/US Army Nextel Cup Chevrolet next season, as well as a Craftsman Truck for Wood Brothers/JTG Racing, said sponsor conflicts prevented the deal with Earnhardt from coming to fruition. “I talked to Dale Junior about sharing a Busch car with him and a couple of other guys next season,” said Martin. “We both wanted to do it, but we couldn’t get the details figured out. The Army and the Navy (sponsors of Earnhardt’s #88 Busch car) were kinda like oil and water, and we couldn’t figure out a way to make it work.” Martin said he could run for as many as four different teams next season on the Cup, Busch and Truck Series.(MRN/Sirius Satellite Radio)(11-28-2006)
Dale Jr. tapes PSA: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. has taped a public service announcement about Internet safety for children. It will be aired on NBC. He becomes just the third sports figure to appear in one of the PSA ads, joining Pat Riley and John Madden.(Tennessean)(11-8-2006)
Boxing Decklid on the #8 at Phoenix: Budweiser is sponsoring the HBO Pay-Per-View battle royale Saturday night, November 18, and to promote the fight, the #8 Budweiser Chevrolet will carry a special decklid this weekend at Phoenix International Raceway as Dale Earnhardt Jr. and the Bud team fight for their own title in the Chase for the Nextel Cup.(fingerprintonline.com)(11-8-2006)
Dale Jr. Opts out of Young Guns Program; Kahne In?: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. won't renew his membership in the Gillette Young Guns program next year as he seeks to refine his endorsement strategy, Street & Smith's SportsBusiness Daily reports. The razor company is in the process of formulating plans for 2007 and is not expected to make an announcement on changes until February at Daytona International Speedway, staff writer Michael Smith reports. The Young Gun program this year included Earnhardt Jr., Jimmie Johnson, Kurt Busch, Ryan Newman, Jamie McMurray and Carl Edwards.(SceneDaily.com), hearing Kasey Kahne is in line to replace Earnhardt Jr.(11-8-2006)
Dale Jr. under the weather at Texas: #8-Dale Earnhardt, Jr. is under the weather going into day one [Friday] at the Texas Motor Speedway. He's got a bad sore throat, but said it was better than it was yesterday. When asked if he had gone to the infield medical center to gain some relief Dale Jr. replied, "No, I just took some Tylenol." [sponsor plug](PRN's Garage Pass Radio Show)(11-3-2006)
Dale Jr. and 60 minutes video: Dale Earnhardt Jr. is now featured on the new Yahoo News/60 Minutes site. You can see more than 15 video segments from Junior's interviews with the legendary Mike Wallace, including some new footage not included in the original segment. You can see a series of new photos and vote on "Why is Junior So Popular?" The original story ran in September 2004, with the interviews taking place in Daytona and Mooresville, NC. The Mooresville segments were taped soon after Junior's fiery Corvette crash and immediately before he went to Bristol for a weekend clean sweep, winning the Busch and Cup races on successive nights.(fingerspintonline.com)(10-18-2006)
Dale Jr's "Back in the Day" show to return in 2007: SPEED is bringing back Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s Back in the Day for another season, signing a deal with the Nextel Cup Series star's production company, Hammerhead Entertainment, for another 13 episodes of the 30-minute homage to NASCAR races of the 1960s and '70s. New shows will debut during Daytona Speedweeks in 2007. "I think it's important to show our history of the sport and to have a platform like Back in the Day to share them with everybody is cool," Earnhardt Jr., said. "We're going through the library of shows for another season and will add a few surprises along the way. I'm looking forward to get it started." Season One DVDs of Back in the Day, a modern adaptation of the vintage race program Car and Track with Bud Lindemann, will be available in November. "We've had a lot of fun with this show," said Hunter Nickell, SPEED EVP & General Manager. "It's cool to work on a project with one of the most popular and talented drivers in motor sports. Dale really knows the history of the sport ... he literally grew up surrounded by the legends of NASCAR. So, teaming for a second season of Back in the Day is great news for Earnhardt fans and SPEED viewers."(SpeedTV.com)(9-26-2006)
Alabama Track Complex Bears Name of Dale Earnhardt Jr.: Gulf Coast Entertainment announced plans to construct a major motorsports and entertainment park in southern Alabama. The investor group has narrowed its site choices to a location in Mobile County in the area across from the University of Mobile and two potential sites in adjacent Baldwin County--one on the Foley Beach Express and the other in central Baldwin County. The project - which is to include an asphalt speedway, a road course, a drag strip and a dirt track - will be named "Alabama Motorsports Park, A Dale Earnhardt Jr. Speedway." Joining the motorsports star and a diverse group of investors from various southern states in participation in the project are Kelley Earnhardt Elledge and Kerry Earnhardt, marking the siblings' first professional collaboration. "Our family business is racing and it's been our business for three generations," said Dale Earnhardt Jr. "Kelley, Kerry and I want to continue the family business with hopes that the next generation of Earnhardts will want to be involved in the sport. This new venture with the Alabama Motorsports Park provides yet another avenue in which the Earnhardt family can participate. The site plan developed by HOK Sport of Kansas City includes parking, a significant RV resort, multiple music theaters and an arena and reserves land for commercial, residential and light industrial activities. The schedule calls for the project to be completed in the fall of 2009. Dale Earnhardt Jr. has provided input on the lighted, 75,000-seat, 7/10-mile oval. Features will include pedestrian/vehicle tunnels and banking and multiple grooves to promote close racing with extensive passing opportunities. Kerry Earnhardt has provided input on both the track and on a freshwater lake that investors believe will attract national fishing events. The 3.5-mile road course will feature two distinct but connected segments to enhance testing on the track. The 1/4-mile drag strip and 3/8-mile dirt track will be designed to attract national events. The park's website, alabamamotorsportspark.com, will provide future project and construction updates.(PSE-3 PR)(9-12-2006)
No 4th DEI team in 2007..but: In July, officials from Dale Earnhardt, Inc. said that not only would they had a third Nextel Cup team next year, they were seriously contemplating a fourth Cup team as well. But Saturday at Bristol Motor Speedway, DEI Vice President of Motorsports Richie Gilmore said the fourth Cup car won’t happen until 2008. Next year, the team will expand from two cars to three, with #15-Paul Menard joining forces with #8-Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and #1-Martin Truex, Jr. “Right now, we’re focusing on the three (teams) and trying to get the fourth for ’08,” Gilmore said. “We didn’t get the driver and everything put together. We’ve got some sponsor stuff that we’re close on, but right now we want to focus on getting three where they need to be.” Gilmore said a new building for Menard’s team on the DEI campus in Mooresville, NC, will be complete in four weeks.(Speed Channel)(8-27-2006)
Dale Jr's XM Radio show doing well: Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and XM Satellite Radio proved to be a lethal combination for XM's phone lines last Tuesday night. Earnhardt, Jr., who hosts his own show on XM, "Dale Jr's Unrestricted," featured a call-in show this week. From 8:00 - 9:00pm/et, 13,496 attempts were made to dial into the show, which eventually blew out XM's NASCAR call-in lines. "Dale Jr's Unrestricted" airs Thursdays, 7:30-8:00pm/et on NASCAR XM, channel 144.(XM Radio PR)(8-20-2006)
Dale Jr. featured on ESPN.com From the Comedy Central studios to the Budweiser One Night Stand music event, ESPN.com tagged along last Thursday with Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the #8 Budweiser Chevrolet, as he made his rounds in New York. The end result is an ESPN eTicket feature piece that gives an upclose and personal account of NASCAR's most popular driver as he deals with fame, ownership, and transition. To read "The Son Also Rises" by Wright Thompson, go to ESPN.com or click here.(fingerprint, inc. / Budweiser Racing PR)(8-18-2006)
DEI and Dale Jr casually working on a new contract UPDATE: With #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. set to become a free agent at the end of next season, constant but casual negotiations are under way to [at Dale Earnhardt Inc.] re-sign NASCAR's most popular driver. "We talk about it all the time," director of motorsports Richie Gilmore said. "It's different when you work on his contract because it's business, it's family. It's very complicated when you work with Dale Jr. and (stepmother/team owner) Teresa because there's so many different parts to it. It's his dad's business and it's complicated. I know Teresa wants it to be Dale Jr.'s and Kelley's and Kerry's (also Dale Earnhardt's children) someday because that's what Dale built it for and that's in the long-term plans." Gilmore said he personally avoids the talks though he is the team's highest-ranking executive in the racing operation. Earnhardt Jr. is signed to a typical driver contract, he said. "Never mix business and family and when you do, you let the family handle it," he said. Earnhardt has several times entertained the idea of driving the #3 Chevrolet made legendary by his late father [he has been quoted as saying he'd like to drive the #3 towards the end of his career], but that number is owned by Richard Childress Racing. Still, Gilmore thinks Earnhardt Jr. will remain at DEI. At least, he hopes so. "It's tough to tell," he said. "You never know how things are going to happen, but you would think so, with the name on the building and the billboard."(St Petersburg Times)(8-9-2006)
UPDATE: Dale Earnhardt Jr. says negotiations concerning his new contract with DEI are "coming along alright." Junior says "I haven't really messed with it here in the last month but we've got plenty of time to sort that out. They're showing what they want and we're showing what we want and we'll all have to kind of continue to compromise and I think that's going really well."(PRN's Garage Pass Radio Show)(8-12-2006)
Dale Jr. to star in Payback, thank his sister Kelley: #8-Dale Earnhardt, Jr., will surprise sister Kelley Earnhardt Elledge with a new custom Chevrolet Tahoe SS in the Speed reality series, Payback on Aug. 9 at 10:00pm/et. Kelley, who handles much of Earnhardt, Jr.'s personal business dealings, is the oft overlooked hero behind the driver's successful marketing, licensing and promotional machine. Bud Brutsman, producer of Payback, talked about this episode: "As a NASCAR fan, it was great to see Junior outside his element. I think he had a lot of fun putting this together with us. You can tell how much Kelley means to him and it's really cool to see a brother and sister that close together."(Speed Channel PR)(8-3-2006)
Budweiser to Feature Dale Jr on 12-Ounce Cans, Aluminum Bottles and Packaging: Though Dale Jr.'s image has appeared on Budweiser plastic and shrink wrapped bottles, and 16-ounce cans in the past, the move to Budweiser's primary package and the aluminum bottle will be a first for NASCAR's most popular driver. The metallic red Budweiser aluminum bottle will feature a white #8 logo, racing and checkered-flag silhouettes, and Dale Jr.'s signature, wrapped in a unique red four-pack carrier or 15-pack loose box featuring the #8 Budweiser car. The Budweiser-Dale Jr. aluminum bottles will roll out nationally on July 24. Dale Jr.'s image, car and red #8 will grace the main panel of Budweiser's 12-ounce cans and will be distributed only in race markets within 30 days of the final 16 races of the Nextel Cup season. The program begins July 10 in Indianapolis in advance of the Allstate 400 on Aug. 6.(fingerprint inc./Budweiser PR)(7-7-2006)
DEI to 4 Cars in 2007? UPDATE: Dale Earnhardt, Inc. Vice President of Competition Richie Gilmore said Friday morning that the team is mulling an expansion to four Nextel Cup cars in 2007, up from two cars now. DEI already has committed to a third Cup car in 2007 for its full-time Busch Series regular driver, Paul Menard [#15 Chevy], but Gilmore said a fourth car is an option, possibly in concert with MB2 Motorsports. “We do want to make some determinations by the end of July about how many teams we will have next year,” Gilmore said. “Right now, we know we’re locked in on three Cup teams … next year. Moving that to four is a possibility for us right now. We hope to have that locked in by the end of July. We’re looking at all our options right now. Space is an issue with us right now, and that’s why we’re looking at MB2. That was one of the biggest reasons we were looking at MB2. We could help with resources and they could help with space.”(Speed Channel)(7-1-2006)
UPDATE: DEI has asked Tony Eury, Sr., to become crew chief of DEI's fourth Cup team next season, if it happens.(Ford Racing)(7-2-2006)
Dale Jr on TV Guide Cover: As NASCAR approaches the midpoint of its 2006 Nextel Cup season, TV Guide magazine roars into newsstands with the annual mid-season special issue, featuring Dale Earnhardt Jr., (June 26 issue, on sale June 22). In an exclusive interview with TV Guide's resident NASCAR expert Robert Edelstein, Earnhardt speaks candidly about his reemergence at the head of the pack--after enduring his worst season ever last year, finishing 19th-and how adopting a new attitude has made all the difference. Also on Friday night there will be a Dale Jr webcast at budweiser.com[over 21].(6-22-2006)
Dale Jr. - DEI agree on name trademark rights: #8-Dale Earnhardt told NASCAR.COM on Saturday that he and Dale Earnhardt, Inc. had agreed to terms Friday evening that awarded him sole ownership of the trademark rights to his lucrative name. Amazingly, it won't affect the earning potential of an asset estimated at some $5 million annually. Earnhardt said the current agreements between he and DEI won't change.(NASCAR,com)(6-18-2006)
Budweiser / Earnhardt Legacy Ad Debuts Sunday: Budweiser honors the Earnhardt family’s three generations of NASCAR success this Father’s Day with a “NASCAR History” ad showcasing imagery representing more than 50 years of the family’s racing legacy and Budweiser’s long-time support for auto racing. The 60-second ad will debut Friday on Budweiser.com, and will premiere on national television during Sunday’s broadcast of the 3M Performance 400 from Michigan International Speedway at 1pm/et on FOX. The spot melds black and white images of six-time NASCAR Sportsman Series champion Ralph Earnhardt racing a cream-colored 1955 Chevrolet, followed by the contrasting black #3 Goodwrench car of “The Intimidator,” Dale Earnhardt, a seven-time NASCAR series champion. Finally, the ad brings into the fold the #8 Budweiser car driven by NASCAR’s only third generation champion, Dale Earnhardt Jr., seamlessly relating how the Earnhardts, NASCAR and Budweiser have come a long way together over the past 50 years. In addition to the legacy ad, Dale Earnhardt Inc., Dale Jr. and Budweiser will honor Ralph and Dale with a commemorative Father’s Day paint scheme for the #8 Budweiser car. The predominantly cream-colored paint scheme is based upon the #8 cars driven by Ralph and Dale during their NASCAR careers, while the Budweiser bow-tie logos are vintage 1974 marks commemorating Dale’s NASCAR debut and the year Dale Jr. was born. The car is the second DEI paint scheme this season to honor the legacy of a member of the Earnhardt family. Previously, Dale Jr. raced a black and silver #8 Budweiser car at Talladega on April 30 to celebrate his late father’s induction into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame.(Budweiser/fingerprint inc PR)(6-16-2006)
DEI and MB2? UPDATE 3 merge denied: There's speculation that Teresa Earnhardt [who own's DEI, #1,#8,#15] is planning to buy MB2 Motorsports, with drivers #01-Joe Nemechek and #14-Sterling Marlin, in addition to the ongoing speculation that she may be planning to sell DEI to John Menard, a home-improvements czar who has long been involved in racing. Marlin, who drives for the Jay Frye-run MB2 Chevy operation, said he has heard the sale talk, but that he doesn't know what's going on. Ryan Pemberton, the crew chief for Nemechek, said he has talked with Frye about it, but he's not sure, either, what might be going on behind the scenes. Earnhardt doesn't grant interviews, and Frye isn't due here until today. So yesterday it was up to Richie Gilmore, the general manager at DEI, to try to explain the situation. "We're not selling out," Gilmore said. "Our plans right now are to go to a three-car operation next year with Paul Menard (John's son). John is a great sponsor for us, and we do a lot with Menard's, engines, and he's at our company a lot, and I guess people speculate when they see him around."(Winston Salem Journal)(6-3-2006)
UPDATE: According to sources in the NASCAR garage MB2 Motorsports could merge with, or be sold to Dale Earnhardt Inc. MB2 still has unsold sponsorship inventory available for Sterling Marlin's #14 car, and the team's other driver, #01-Joe Nemechek, is said to be on Toyota's short list for 2007.(Ford Racing)(6-4-2006)
UPDATE 2: Jay Frye, the general manager and part-owner of the MB2 team, said that much of the speculation about a DEI-MB2 merger is just that, speculation. "Everyone's got this four-team program idea, but we're like two and they're like two.... so how do we both do things more efficiently together," Frye said. "That's how this all got started. Our buildings are four minutes apart. So we're trying to work together on this car of tomorrow. It's not about engines; it's about car-building. Everything beyond that is purely speculation."(Winston Salem Journal)(6-5-2006)
UPDATE 3: MB2 Motorsports officials say the team isn't for sale, but minority owner Jay Frye has had discussions with Dale Earnhardt Inc. about working together on the competition side. "Becoming more efficient is what we've talked about going into next year," Frye said Sunday. "... There's lots of different programs that are starting next year with the 'car of tomorrow' and things like that. We've talked to them about how maybe, as a group, we can do things [like build transmissions, gears or even cars] more efficiently together. It's all just ideas at this point. Nothing [concrete]. It's, 'How can we work together to make things more efficient.' Everything else has just blown out from that." Frye said the team, controlled by majority owner Nelson Bowers, is not for sale. But the fact that Frye has been to DEI's shop and Richie Gilmore, DEI's vice president of competition, has been to MB2 has sparked talk that DEI would buy MB2, with John Menard then buying DEI. Gilmore agreed that nothing is for sale. DEI has previously said that it would field a third full-time team for Paul Menard (John Menard's son) starting in 2007. DEI would like to expand, but Gilmore said there are no plans to purchase MB2. Frye said talks are still exploratory, sparked by the car of tomorrow. Teams will not only have to build versions of their current cars for 2007, but the newer car as well. Frye said the two organizations would need to form an alliance within the next two months to get a start on next season.(SceneDaily.com)(6-5-2006)
Dale Jr. limited to races outside of Cup: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. comments why he doesn't do many races outside of Nextel Cup:
Q). Did Budweiser tell you that you can't run any other races"
A) "They done it. I got a deal where I can only run "X" amount of Busch races and blah, blah, blah. That's the sponsor's decision more for continuity with me driving the red car every week. They want consistency for the fans seeing me in a red car. They really don't want to see me in a Taco Bell or KFC car. Bud would rather have me in a red Bud car. That's why I don't really get the opportunity to run more."
Q). Did they do that after your accident?
A) "#We've had that contract."(GM PR)(6-4-2006)
DEI executive urges GM to unify its engine program: Richie Gilmore, the general manager at Dale Earnhardt Inc., said that General Motors' racing executives may have to change the way they do business in order to compete against Toyota next season on the Nextel Cup tour. Toyota, a newcomer to the Nextel Cup, will be centralizing many of its key operations. Gilmore said that Chevrolet may have to do likewise, or at least make some major changes in the way that it approaches the sport. Gilmore said that Chevrolet's four independent engine-building operations may have to unify. "I really think that's something GM will have to do," Gilmore said. "We (Chevy teams) all work closely on engines, but it needs to go up another step (in centralization). We each spend a lot of money on engines, dynos and people. We have 78 people (building engines), and Hendrick has 120. I think GM is looking at that and trying to figure out the best thing to do ... because when Toyota comes in the sport, it will be strong."(Winston Salem Journal)(6-3-2006)
Dale Jr to run special scheme on Father's Day: Dale Earnhardt Inc. and Budweiser will honor three generations of racing success with a commemorative Father’s Day paint scheme for the #8 Budweiser car that Dale Earnhardt Jr. will race at Michigan International Raceway on Father’s Day, June 18. The paint scheme is based upon the #8 cars driven by Ralph Earnhardt and Dale Earnhardt during their NASCAR careers. The predominantly cream-colored car will feature vintage Budweiser bow-tie logos which were introduced in 1956 – the same year Ralph Earnhardt won the NASCAR National Sportsman title, a series that eventually became the modern-day NASCAR Busch Series. The car is the second DEI paint scheme this season to honor the legacy of a member of the Earnhardt family. Previously, Dale Jr. raced a black and silver #8 Budweiser car at Talladega on April 30 to celebrate his father’s induction into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame. While Dale Earnhardt, a seven-time NASCAR champ, is most famous for driving the black #3 car with Richard Childress Racing, he raced much of his early career with the #8 on his cars. Earnhardt raced the #8 during his 1974 debut season in a NASCAR series, the same year Dale Jr. was born. Driving a cream-colored #8 car, Ralph Earnhardt finished in the top 10 of the NASCAR National Sportsman point standings six times, won more than 350 NASCAR races, and was selected as one NASCAR’s Top-50 all-time best drivers in 1999. He passed away in 1973.(fingerprint inc/Bud/DEI PR), image of the scheme added to my Paint Scheme Gallery.(5-31-2006)
Earnhardt Jr. wins at Richmond: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. took the lead with 43 laps to go and held on to win the Crown Royal 400 at Richmond International Raceway, for his first win of 2006, 1st in 28 races [last year at Chicago in July] and 17th of his career. #11-Denny Hamlin finished 2nd for his career best finish, followed by #29-Kevin Harvick [who led the most laps], #16-Greg Biffle and #5-Kyle Busch. The rest of top-10 were #20-Tony Stewart, #99-Carl Edwards, #12-Ryan Newman, #14-Sterling Marlin and #07-Clint Bowyer. Points leader #48-Jimmie Johnson fell a lap down, got the lucky dog pass and finished 12th to maintain the points lead by 55 over Stewart. #17-Matt Kenseth, who came into the race 2nd in points, had a brake rotor break and ruptured the oil tank, Kenseth finished 38th. #24-Jeff Gordon had an engine problem, made up some laps and finished out of the race in 40th. There were 11 cautions for 61 laps and 6 leaders with 12 lead changes.
Race Results on my Richmond Race Results/Awards Page.
Points Standings on my Drivers/Owners Points after Richmond page.
Race Rundown: see my Richmond Race Info/Rundown Page for my race rundown page, laps led, top 10, race notes, lucky dogs and more.(5-6-2006)
Dale Jr. scheme at Talladega? UPDATE OFFICIAL, IMAGES #1 also: hearing Dale Earnhardt Jr. will drive a black #8 Budweiser Chevy at Talladega in the Aaron's 499 in honor of Dale Earnhardt's induction into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame this week.(4-23-2006)
UPDATE: ESPN's Mike Massaro reported on ESPNEWS 4Qtrs tonight that DEI is expected to make an announcement later this week that Dale Jr. will run a black #8 Budweiser Chevy in honor of his father, 10 time Talladega winner, Dale Earnhardt. There is also a rumor that Dale Jr. would run the #3 also, but have not heard that and the image clearly shows the #8.(4-24-2006)
UPDATE 2: Dale Earnhardt Jr. is expected to announce that he will pilot a black Budweiser Chevy during the "three days" of on track action this weekend at Talladega Superspeedway in honor of his father's induction into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame. More details of this special paint scheme that will resemble the famous #3 could come in Tuesday's NASCAR NEXTEL Teleconference where Earnhardt Jr. will be the guest. Earnhardt Jr. is also scheduled to appear live on QVC’s For Race Fans Only from Talladega on Friday at 8:00pm/et. This could be the first time we see a die-cast version of the car.(RacingOne)(4-25-2006)
UPDATE 3: In a unified effort, the primary sponsors of Dale Earnhardt, Inc. will pay tribute to Dale Earnhardt with special paint schemes at Talladega Superspeedway this weekend. The schemes will salute Dale Earnhardt Day (April 29th), his induction into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame and his accomplishments at Talladega. Earnhardt, a seven-time NASCAR champion is the winningest driver at Talladega with 10 trips to Victory Lane. Fittingly, his 76th Nextel Cup victory occurred at the track in October of 2000. And, he did it in Earnhardt fashion by coming from 17th to first in the closing laps. The #1 Bass Pro Shops, #8 Budweiser and #11 Menards Chevys will carry paint schemes reminiscent of the familiar black theme Dale Earnhardt ran while driving for DEI in the Busch Series. Additionally, Bass Pro Shops will sponsor Martin Truex, Jr. in Saturday's Busch Series race. Truex, a two-time Busch Series champion and two-time winner of the NBS race at Talladega, will drive the #8 black Bass Pro Shops Chevy.
"I think this is a great tribute to Dale on such a special weekend," said Teresa Earnhardt, President and CEO of Dale Earnhardt, Inc. "To have all of our sponsors come together with this tribute and want to be a part of it says a lot about the respect they have for Dale's accomplishments." In addition to the black paint schemes, Dale Earnhardt Day and the International Motorsports Hall of Fame induction, all Busch Series teams are being asked to carry a Dale Earnhardt Legacy Logo on their cars. Fans are asked to participate from the grandstands, or wherever they are watching the race, by raising three fingers in the air on Lap 3 of Saturday's Busch Series race.(DEI PR / fingerprintinc PR), see images on the #8 Team Schemes page and the #1 Team Schemes page.(4-25-2006)
Dale Jr. on ESPN: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. will appear on the Budweiser Hot Seat segment of ESPN's SportsCenter tonight [May 17th] at 6pm/et, then get additional exposure when a one-hour ESPN SportsCentury documentary on the driver is shown Monday, May 22 on ESPN2 at 2:00pm/et, then again on ESPN Classic at 8:00pm/et and 12midnight/et.(5-17-2006)
Eury Jr. Wins WypAll Wipers Crew Chief of the Race at Richmond: Tony Eury Jr. helped Dale Earnhardt Jr. snap a 27 race winless streak this weekend at Richmond International Raceway. The pivotal moment of the event came when Earnhardt Jr. relinquished his second-place position to pit for fresh tires during the closing stages of the Crown Royal 400. The strategy allowed Earnhardt Jr. to track down the leader and fend off the advances of a hard charging Denny Hamlin before capturing the checkered flag. Eury's winning call earned him the WypAll Wipers Crew Chief of the Race award. A panel of voters; including a member of the local media, Robbie Reiser and a WypAll Wipers representative; all cast their vote for Eury Jr. as the Crew Chief of the Race. For winning the Crew Chief of the Race award, WypAll Wipers presented Eury Jr. $1,000. At the end of the season, the Nextel Cup crew chief with the most weekly wins will receive $20,000 and be crowned the WypAll Wipers Crew Chief of the Year. This was Eury's second Crew Chief of the Race award in 2006, which ties him for the lead with Robbie Reiser and Kenny Francis in the standings. Darian Grubb, Todd Berrier Chad Knaus and Roy McCauley are tied for second-place, each with one win.(Wypall PR)(5-8-2006)
Fifth Annual Dale Earnhardt Day Celebration April 29th: Organizers at Dale Earnhardt, Inc. have confirmed that celebrations honoring the life and legacy of Dale Earnhardt will take place at Dale Earnhardt, Inc., on Saturday, April 29, 2006 from 9:00am - 4:00pm. Dale Earnhardt will be honored and inducted into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame on April 27 in Talladega, Ala. The Busch Series race will be held on Dale's birthday, April 29th. In honor of both events, this year's theme will highlight Dale's incredible track record at Talladega International Speedway. Dale Earnhardt is the winningest driver at Talladega with 10 trips to Victory Lane during his illustrious career. His 76th, and final, victory occurred at the 2.66-mile superspeedway on October 15, 2000 when he roared from 17th to first in the final laps.
Fans attending the Dale Earnhardt Day festivities at Dale Earnhardt, Inc. on Saturday, April 29 are in for a special day. Aside from all the functions and activities that surround the birthday of our co-founder and seven-time NASCAR champion, they will also get to hear from a major network news anchor. Brian Williams, lead anchor of NBC Nightly News, will be the Grand Marshall. A fan of NASCAR and friend of Dale Earnhardt, Williams will preside over the 3:00pm/et ceremony to officially mark Dale's birthday. He will share stories of his relationship with Dale and assist the Dale Earnhardt Foundation in recognizing achievements from the past year. He will join Teresa Earnhardt, President and CEO of DEI, at the 3:00pm/et. ceremony, as well. They will sign a special Dale Earnhardt Day flag which will be auctioned during the day. Later in the afternoon, Williams will be honored during a VIP guest reception. And, just like last year, there will be some autographed sheet metal and other exclusive items up for auction throughout the day. The first silent auction is from 9:00am - 12:00pm/et and the second one will run from 1:00 - 3:00pm/et. The main silent auction will begin at 9:00pm/et and end at 3:00pm/et featuring 10 items of very exclusive nature. For more information of times and events, activities, places to stay and things to do while in town for Dale Earnhardt Day, check out www.DaleEarnhardtInc.com under the Legacy Section..(4-24-2006)
DE Foundation logo to appear on all DEI cars: The logo of The Dale Earnhardt Foundation is making the rounds, literally, at NASCAR races this season one lap at a time. The familiar "victory" silhouette of racing legend Dale Earnhardt is now part of the official paint scheme on all Dale Earnhardt, Inc. race cars in both the Busch and Nextel Cup series races. The logo made its debut this past week during races at Texas Motor Speedway. The Dale Earnhardt Foundation logo will be visible on the right rear "taillight" of all DEI cars, just above the car number decal. "We're very pleased that the DEI race teams are showing their support for the Foundation and its charitable efforts in such a visible manner," said Dick Baker, Executive Director of The Dale Earnhardt Foundation. "This is a creative idea that will help us to expand awareness and recognition for the Foundation with race fans and the general public alike." Dale Earnhardt, Inc. races the #11 Menard's Chevy driven by Paul Menard in the Busch Series. In the Nextel Cup Series, the team races the #1 Bass Pro Shops Chevy driven by Martin Truex, Jr. and the #8 Budweiser Chevy driven by Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Founded in 2002 by Teresa Earnhardt, The Dale Earnhardt Foundation was established to carry on Dale's name and good works through charitable causes that support Children, Education and Wildlife Preservation. For more information please visit www.thedaleearnhardtfoundation.org.(DEI PR)(4-14-2006)
Eury Jr. Wins WypAll Wipers Crew Chief of the Race Award: Martinsville Speedway delivered 500 laps of incensed racing excitement in this weekend's DIRECTV 500. Pushing, bumping and shoving were the norm at the half-mile bull ring, leaving the garage littered with numerous torn up vehicles by the event's end. Dale Earnhardt Jr. and crew chief Tony Eury Jr. weren't exempt from the action, as the #8 Budweiser Chevy was involved in two separate incidents on the race track, forcing lengthy pit stops to fix the damage after each episode. Still, with Eury Jr.'s guidance, Earnhardt Jr. was able to climb back and finish inside the top-five. Eury Jr.'s comeback earned him the WypAll Wipers Crew Chief of the Race. Earnhardt Jr. suffered extensive damage to the right side of his Monte Carlo after getting collected in a multi-car accident during the opening stages of the DIRECTV 500. Eury Jr. ordered vast repairs to the #8 Chevy and worked his driver inside the top-10 following the maintenance, but contact wit the #12 car on lap 318 forced another unscheduled stop. Despite the two setbacks, the Earnhardt Jr. and Eury Jr. combination fought to a fourth-place finish. A panel of voters; including Robbie Reiser, Mike Mulhern of the Winston-Salem Journal and a WypAll Wipers representative; unanimously agreed that Eury Jr.'s comeback deserved Crew Chief of the Race accolades. For winning the Crew Chief of the Race award, WypAll Wipers gave Eury Jr. $1,000. At the end of the season, the crew chief with the most weekly wins will receive $20,000 and be crowned the WypAll Wipers Crew Chief of the Year. This was Eury Jr.'s first Crew Chief of the Race award in 2006, which ties him with Darian Grubb, Kenny Francis and Roy McCauley for second-place in the standings. Robbie Reiser is in the lead with two wins.(Wypall PR)(4-5-2006)
DEI Graphic Artist's work wins EVIE Award: In a recent competition, Dale Earnhardt, Inc. was nominated in four categories at the EVIE Award ceremony in nearby Charlotte. Kellie A. Schmidlin, our Graphic Artist, created the only award winner for Dale Earnhardt, Inc. when her work won Best Invitation. The award-winning creation was used for the 2005 Dale Earnhardt, Inc. Holiday Party last December. Schmidlin, 27, has been with Dale Earnhardt, Inc. since June of 2001 as a graphic artist. Originally from Bristol, Va., she's a 2000 graduate of Emory & Henry College in Emory, Va. where she studied Mass Communications and Art. This was the second nomination in this category, but first award for her work from EVIE (Events in Excellence). The award and invitation are currently on display in the company's Trophy Room where employees dine.(DEI)(44-2006)
Dale Jr. testing at Greenville: Dale Earnhardt Inc. officials say Dale Earnhardt Jr. is testing the team's #8 Budweiser Chevy at Greenville-Pickens Speedway in South Carolina today. The team is testing a new short-track car that will likely be the primary car for this weekend's race at Martinsville Speedway. Earnhardt Jr. finished 11th in yesterday's race on another half-mile oval, Bristol Motor Speedway.(SceneDaily.com), plus Dale Jr, Truex Jr. and others are scheduled to race online at simracingnetwork.com.(3-27-2006)
Dale Earnhardt Foundation rides with Andy Pilgrim into "The Driving Zone" The Dale Earnhardt Foundation has partnered with four-time road racing champion Andy Pilgrim in the release of "The Driving Zone" DVD for new drivers. The 30-minute presentation has an introduction by Teresa Earnhardt, President and CEO of Dale Earnhardt, Inc. and her daughter, Taylor. They are joined by Dale Earnhardt, Jr. as he assists Pilgrim in the instructional portions. Pilgrim discusses issues pertinent to new drivers throughout the DVD. He addresses everything from "internal distractions" to his "3-2-1-Go" method utilized before getting behind the wheel of a vehicle. The catalyst for Pilgrim to host and produce this presentation came from events he witnessed and heard of during his travels around the country. Pilgrim started to receive immediate feedback from students and parents. They said there was so much good information in his talks and they couldn't have said it better to their own children. As a champion race driver, Dale Earnhardt knew daily the risks we all face behind the wheel. As a father, he made sure his children exercised good judgment and had proper training before getting behind the wheel - whether it be a race car or personal vehicle.
The Dale Earnhardt Foundation is proud to help make this video possible, both as a valuable teaching and training aid for today's young driver; but also in the hope that the lessons taught will reduce highway accidents involving young drivers and ultimately save lives. The Foundation supports charitable causes regarding children and their education. A portion of the proceeds will directly fund the continuation of those efforts through the Foundation. During an upcoming appearance on QVC Friday, Aug. 19 at 10:00pm/et, Earnhardt, Jr. will talk a little more about "The Driving Zone" during a segment of the show. It will be available for purchase ($14.95 plus shipping) through TheDaleEarnhardtFoundation.org, the E Store Online at DaleEarnhardtInc.com , DaleJr.com, and AndyPilgrim.com. You can also order one by calling 1-800-220-5711 beginning on Friday, August 19. This is NOT the toll free number for the Retail Store at Dale Earnhardt, Inc. in Mooresville, NC.(DEI PR)(8-19-2005)
Born to Win Print..by Garry Hill: Dale Earnhardt Jr. In The #8 Dale Earnhardt Inc.
Chevy Takes The Checkered Flag In The
46th Running Of The Daytona 500
“The Great American Race” February 15, 2004
It is with great excitement that we [Garry Hill] present “Born To Win”. The artwork captures Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s historic victory in the 2004 Daytona 500,“The Great American Race”. 500 prints and 50 artist’s proof prints have been produced, each signed and numbered by NASCAR licensed artist Garry Hill. 100 Prints And 50 Artist’s Proof Prints are Being Hand Signed By Winner Dale Earnhardt Jr. More info and to see the print, goto garryhill.com.(2-16-2005)
Snap-On Tools extends with DEI: Snap-on announced they have extended their sponsorship commitment with Dale Earnhardt, Inc. With this multi-year contract renewal, Snap-on will serve as an associate sponsor to DEI. "Snap-on has played an important role in our team's success through the years," said Teresa Earnhardt, president and CEO of Dale Earnhardt, Inc. "This long-term renewal reaffirms the strong relationship that Snap-on and DEI enjoy. We look forward to our continued partnership with Snap-on and its quality tools."
"Snap-on Tools has been a part of the DEI family since my father began racing," said Dale Earnhardt, Jr. "Their products have been in our shops for decades and we rely on them to help us win races. They've been a solid partner through the years, and it's great we can continue working with them well into the future." DEI is currently comprised of four teams - the #1 Bass Pro Shops, #8 Budweiser and the #15 Menard's Chevy teams which compete in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series. They also field the #11 Menard's Chevy in the NASCAR Busch Series. Snap-on franchisees build relationships and distribute products directly to technicians via the Snap-on van, which has remained an icon for the company since the mid 1940s. In addition, products are sold directly to consumers via snapon.com.(Ogilvy PR)(3-9-2006)
Dale Jr. gets to fly: Mark McFarland, driver of the #88 Navy Chevy in the Busch Series and his team owner, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. have a new perspective on the word. On Monday the two flew with the Navy's Flight Demonstration Crew, the famous Blue Angels [F/A 18 Hornet], in El Centro, Cal. There they were introduced to speeds in excess of mach 1.2, or 890 mph, and G-forces seven times that of their body weight. "That is the roller coaster that they can't build," sounded Earnhardt, Jr. "I thought we pulled a lot of G's at places like Bristol and Atlanta, but riding with these guys gives you a new perspective. This is a testament to the condition they are in." Lt. Kevin Davis, Blue Angel #7, put the two through roughly an hour each of twists, turns and rolls over the mountains that border NAF El Centro, which is the winter home of the Blue Angels. Pensacola, Fla., The Cradle of Naval Aviation, is their home during the "flight season." A "season" can be made up of 35 locations, the same as a NASCAR Busch season The Blue Angels are celebrating their 60th anniversary this year. By comparison, NASCAR is 58-years-old. (see more and images at the Jr Motorsports site)(2-28-2006)
Dale Jr.'s show gets 8 more episodes: Speed Channel has picked up an option for eight additional episodes of "Back in the Day" with Dale Earnhardt Jr. The 30-minute program, which airs Mondays at 9:00pm/et on the Charlotte-based network, is a journey through the history of NASCAR with an emphasis on the 1970s. "This is the right show on the right network at the right time," Speed vice president of programming Robert Ecker said in an e-mail. "The decision to place the full-season order was a virtual no-brainer. Dale Jr.'s obvious affection for the material and his clever approach to presenting it instantly and understandably struck a responsive chord with the audience. We are eager to respond to the demand for additional episodes as quickly as we can."(Atlanta Journal-Constitution)(2-26-2006)
Miller Challenges Bud UPDATE: Miller Brewing Company is kicking off a new era in its 35-year history of motorsports sponsorship by boldly declaring its confidence in Kurt Busch's ability to drive the #2 Miller Lite Dodge to victory lane. Miller's chief marketing officer Tom Long today sent a letter to Anheuser-Busch vice president of brand management Marlene Coulis, betting the beer-market leader that Miller Lite driver Kurt Busch will finish ahead of Budweiser driver #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. in the final 2006 Nextel Cup Series season standings. The terms of the friendly wager: The losing sponsor must change the paint scheme on its car to match the winning brand's car for one Nextel Cup Series points-paying race next year. Budweiser has until the start of Sunday's season-opening race to accept the Miller challenge.
Fans can win BEER: Earlier this week, Miller Lite announced that legal-drinking-age consumers can register to win its "When Kurt Wins, You Could Win" sweepstakes online at www.millerbeer.com until 11:59am/et Sunday, Feb. 19. If Busch takes the checkered flag in Daytona Beach, then 500 randomly selected registered fans will win a year's supply of Miller Lite. (See the official contest rules online.)(Tom Roberts PR)(2-17-2006)
UPDATE: Anheuser-Busch's response came quickly: "I sincerely doubt we're considering it," said Brian Eaton of Busch's Public Affairs Office. Though Anheuser-Busch didn't formally say no, that's only because they don't want to entertain the idea. Better to leave their race car driver to speak for the company, though he was caught by surprise. "You're joking, right?" the Bud driver said when asked. "No … That's something dreamed up by the guys in Milwaukee."(ESPN.com)(2-18-2006)
Miller Challenges Bud: Miller Brewing Company is kicking off a new era in its 35-year history of motorsports sponsorship by boldly declaring its confidence in Kurt Busch's ability to drive the #2 Miller Lite Dodge to victory lane. Miller's chief marketing officer Tom Long today sent a letter to Anheuser-Busch vice president of brand management Marlene Coulis, betting the beer-market leader that Miller Lite driver Kurt Busch will finish ahead of Budweiser driver #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. in the final 2006 Nextel Cup Series season standings. The terms of the friendly wager: The losing sponsor must change the paint scheme on its car to match the winning brand's car for one Nextel Cup Series points-paying race next year. Budweiser has until the start of Sunday's season-opening race to accept the Miller challenge.
Fans can win BEER: Earlier this week, Miller Lite announced that legal-drinking-age consumers can register to win its "When Kurt Wins, You Could Win" sweepstakes online at www.millerbeer.com until 11:59am/et Sunday, Feb. 19. If Busch takes the checkered flag in Daytona Beach, then 500 randomly selected registered fans will win a year's supply of Miller Lite. (See the official contest rules online.)(Tom Roberts PR)(2-17-2006)
Teresa doesn't expect to see #3 run again: [DEI Team owner] Teresa Earnhardt doesn't believe anyone -- including her stepson, #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. -- will bring the #3 the late Dale Earnhardt made famous back to Cup racing."Contrary to popular belief, everyone cannot be replaced," Teresa Earnhardt said. "Legends live on forever. I don't think the #3 will ever be driven by anyone else." The rare public comment from Teresa Earnhardt comes from a one-hour television show, "NASCAR Five Years Later," that will air tonight on Speed Channel at 8:00pm/et. The #3 has not been used in the Cup series since Earnhardt's death. NASCAR controls car numbers and assigns them to team owners on an annual basis. Richard Childress has maintained control of the #3 since Earnhardt's fatal crash. Earnhardt Jr., who drives the #8 Chevy for Dale Earnhardt Inc., the company his father formed and his stepmother now runs, said again recently he would like to drive the #3 before the end of his Cup career. "I really think that'll happen," Earnhardt Jr. told NASCAR.com. Earnhardt Jr. said his desire to drive the #3 does not mean he has any short-term plans to leave DEI. At the Speedweeks media day on Thursday, Earnhardt Jr. said he'd like to run DEI one day. "I'd love to take over at DEI," he said. "Teresa and I will talk about that when the time comes, but that's not in the near future." Earnhardt Jr. started JR Motorsports, which owns a team that plans to run in the Busch Series this year.(Thatsracin)(2-14-2006)
Daytona 500 Media Day, An interview with Dale Earnhardt Jr: some of the interview..in parts:
Q. Do you think people underestimate your commitment to making the company that your daddy built [DEI] into what he dreamed it could be?
A. Dale Jr: Yeah, I think so. I think people see -- you know, know what I want to do. I know I want to win a championship. I know I have sort of a vision of where I want to be at a certain age. But I don't look that far into the future and get specific. You know, I drive right off the hood. I look at where I'm at right now. I would love to drive the 3 on down the road, and Richard [Childress] knows that. I hate him talking about it, because I don't want to put it off on him, put any pressure on him or disrupt what he's trying to do with RCR to date. But he knows that. That's the extent of it. There's nothing more to it conversation-wise between me and him or anything. We've just made that clear to each other and dropped it.
Q. Would you like to take over at DEI? A. Dale Jr: I'd love to take over at DEI. Me and Teresa will talk about that when the time comes. We'll talk about that before the time comes obviously. That's not in the near future. I think JR Motorsports is a natural process of a company growing from one rank to the next, and it can go as far as it wants to go. I am not going to stop it at this level or that level. We'll just see however profitable. It don't even have to be profitable. If it breaks even, we'll keep on racing.
Q. Do you want to win a championship in the #3 car?
A. Dale Jr: I mean, I could do it. We could do it now, but that would be just kind -- that would be a phoney tribute if we did it now. It just wouldn't feel right. I think it's something we can do whenever we want. I really seriously got to take my career -- I got to take my career seriously right now. I can't be fooling around with tributes and feel-good stories all the time. You know, we got to get down to business and race. When that opportunity comes to have that chance, we'll do that. I think -- I don't think a lot of people are ready for it. It's not even than a option. When the time comes, we want to do it, we'll do it, have a little fun with it. No, I just want to be -- I want to win a race with Budweiser as my sponsor, with that 8 on the side, with Tony, Jr. as my crew chief.(GM Racing PR)(2-10-2006)
New Speed Show featuring Dale Jr.: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. is putting his newly formed production company to work, as Hammerhead Entertainment has reached a deal with Speed Channel to deliver up to 13 30-minute episodes of Back in the Day, a modern adaptation of the vintage race program Car and Track with Bud Lindemann. Back in the Day will make a Prime Time premiere during Daytona Speedweeks on Feb. 13 at 9:30pm/et. Car and Track, a collection of American racing footage from the 1960s and early 1970s, ran in replays on Speed from 1996-2000. Earnhardt Jr., a longtime fan of the series, will host the updated version, which will revisit NASCAR in its infancy, touching on not only what was going on at the race track, but what was going on in America. "I've always been a big fan of Car and Track," Earnhardt said. "Bud Lindemann had the vision to bring auto racing to television over 30 years ago. I watched every episode as a kid and still watch them today. We're going to show everyone the grassroots of our sport and bring the past to the present in a fun and entertaining way."(Speed Channel PR)(1-19-2006)
Dale Jr. to do XM Radio show: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. will join XM Satellite Radio for a weekly show to be broadcast exclusively to XM's six-million-plus subscribers from coast to coast. Dale Jr.'s show will debut during the week of February 13 on XM's NASCAR Radio (XM Channel 144) during Daytona Speedweeks. XM is the nation's leading provider of satellite radio and the official satellite radio network of NASCAR. Dale Jr. will discuss the latest happenings on the NASCAR circuit, as well as music, video games and other personal interests on the wide-ranging show. Dale Jr. will also play a key role in various XM promotions as part of a multi-year agreement with XM.(Yahoo Biz)(1-19-2006)

2005 News
Rusty and Dale Jr. well liked in poll - Genius Insight’s 25 Most-Liked Athletes Of ’05: The following presents recently released data from Genius Insight report, detailing the top 25 most-liked active athletes in ’05. The report includes 1,988 stars, approximately 400 of which are athletes, rated by U.S. respondents aged 13-49. Stars are ranked by the percentage of people who say they “like the star a lot.” Data was compiled during a six-month period, ending October 1. Fan base figures are rounded to the nearest whole (Genius Insight StarPower Report). The top five most well-liked were: Lance Armstrong (27%), Tiger Woods (15%), Shaquille O’Neal (14%), Brett Favre (14%), Serena Williams (14%). NASCAR's Rusty Wallace and Dale Earnhardt Jr were 8th with 12%, no other drivers were mentioned in the top 25.(Sports Business Daily(need sub/or Rustywallace.com)(12-22-2005)
DEI gearing up for 2006: It's full steam ahead for Dale Earnhardt Jr. and the improved #8 brew crew. The team's fabrication shop is refurbishing the stable and has two intermediate cars, a new Bristol car and two speedway rides ready to roll. The engine department tested earlier this month at Nashville and tested restrictor-plate engines with ARCA journeyman Mark Gibson last week at Daytona. #15-Paul Menard will test at Daytona the next week to prepare for his first of seven Cup races. Dan Stillman will be his crew chief.(Sporting News)(12-19-2005)
Sleigh Ride preferred over Dale Jr. Hoping to help "drive home" the message of responsible celebrating this holiday season, Anheuser-Busch today released the results of its annual Designated Driver survey to kick off National Designated Driver Awareness Week. The survey found that most Americans (41%) would prefer to be driven home in a Hummer by their designated drivers of choice Katie Couric and George Clooney. In addition, according to the poll, respondents favor a sleigh ride (45%) over a speedy ride in Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s #8 Chevy (27%) as their favorite mode of transportation. For the last 20 years, Anheuser-Busch has made it a goal to educate the public about its Designated Driver program through advertising, server training programs and its 'free cab ride home' offer, which since 1989 has provided more than half a million rides home. For more information on designated drivers and responsible drinking programs visit www.designateddriver.com.(G.S. Schwartz PR)(12-16-2005)
Earnhardt Jr. OK to test: Dale Earnhardt Jr. says the Dec. 9 surgery he had on his left wrist will not keep him from preseason testing at Daytona. This week's edition of NASCAR Scene reports that Earnhardt Jr. said he would be able test a car approximately 10 days after the surgery, if necessary.(NASCAR Scene Daily Newsletter)(12-15-2005)
Dale Jr. has minor surgery: Despite some panicked e-mails claiming otherwise, Dale Earnhardt Jr. does not have any fractures of his right or left arm. He had a minor procedure done to remove calcium build-up in his wrist. It's a chronic condition he's had for several years, and apparently decided to have it taken care of Friday morning. That is why folks are seeing picturs of Dale Jr. at the Busch Series banquet wearing a cast in a sling on his left arm.(fingerprint inc)(12-12-2005)
Cousin of Earnhardt dies: Orange County [FL] Deputies tased a man on the West side, who later died. They say he was likely high on drugs and running into traffic early this morning. Barbara Miller with the Sheriff's Office says the first deputy on scene couldn't calm him down, so he tased Jeff Dean Eanhardt. "He tried it a second time and again it had no effect on the subject. Unfortunately when more deputies arrived, they were able to restrain the subject and he was taken to the hospital by ambulance, but he died at around 7:25 this morning." WDBO confirmed Jeff is the first cousin of Dale Earnhardt.(580wdbo.com)(12-1-2005)
More Changes at DEI: Dale Earnhardt Inc. [#1,#8,#15] is expanding and reorganizing its current campus to 160,000 square feet. DEI will house the #8 team with Dale Earnhardt Jr. and crew chief Tony Eury Jr. in the same building with rookie Martin Truex and crew chief Kevin Manion. The #15 Cup team will be combined with the Busch program and used for research and development with Paul Menard driving. Earnhardt and Truex will split Busch Daytona driving duties, Earnhardt driving the season opener, Truex the July race.(Sporting News)(11-28-2005)
Dale Jr. to buy track with Schrader? UPDATE Official: A Kenny Schrader/Dale Earnhardt Junior owned Paducah Raceway would certainly focus a lot of attention on the area racing scene. Not only for PIR, but for Kentucky Lake Motor Speedway as well. Both run dirt track races and would be in direct competition. Eddie Jarvis, Tony Stewart's manager, says Kenny Schrader approached Stewart to purchase the Raceway. Stewart declined and Dale Earnhardt Jr. expressed interest. "Dale Jr went out this morning before he left town. Hopefully he'll own something around here and that he'll have a chance to come back to Paducah quite a bit," Jarvis said.(News Channel 6)(10-7-2005)
UPDATE: Dale Earnhardt, Jr., and Ken Schrader along with well known Midwestern promoter Bob Sargent are now the proud owners of Paducah International Raceway. The trio recently finalized their purchase of the popular McCracken County, KY, venue that boasts a 3/8-mile high-banked clay oval, 1/5-mile race track and a Motocross/TT run with grandstands that accommodate 5,000 spectators. In addition to PIR, Schrader is the co-owner of another dirt track - I-55 Raceway in Pevely, MO. Located off of I-24 in Paducah, the track hosts the most popular touring sanctions from the AMA motorcycles to various 700+ horsepower super late model series. Paducah International Raceway will also host prominent special events including the Tri-Track Challenge, U.M.P. Summernationals and the track's annual banner event - "The Wayne Coakley/Bob Memmer Memorial 'World 50'". Racing action will take place at PIR every Friday night during a seven-month season from March through September and will feature U.M.P. Super Late Models, U.M.P. Modifieds, Crate Late Models and Pure Street Stocks. Additional divisions including quads, 4-cylinder hornets and mini-sprints will also compete on a limited schedule.(Paducah International Raceway site)(11-28-2005)
First Trees Planted in Dale Earnhardt Forest: The first 50 of 77,000 trees that will honor the memory of NASCAR champion Dale Earnhardt were planted recently by the national nonprofit American Forests and The Dale Earnhardt Foundation. The trees were planted in Sloan Park outside Mooresville, NC home of The Dale Earnhardt Foundation and Dale Earnhardt Incorporated. A total of 77,000 trees are planned for the 15-county region surrounding Charlotte. The goal of the Dale Earnhardt Forest is to restore trees to the city of Charlotte and to restore wildlife habitat, expand greenways, and return trees to riparian areas. The project was announced last year with the planting of seven trees-symbolizing Earnhardt's seven NASCAR Championships -at Dale Earnhardt Day, which coincides with Arbor Day and the late racing legend's birthday. The former Mooresville resident and NASCAR legend was an avid outdoorsman and conservationist who championed environmental causes and environmental education. The Dale Earnhardt Foundation is also supporting American Forests' efforts to bring high tech environmental education program to 120 middle and high school classes in 2006. The program combines computer technology and math, science and geography with tree care and hands-on activities to teach students to value trees in their local areas. The saucer magnolias, willow oaks, and red maples in the Dale Earnhardt Grove at Sloan Park will be part of the Park's Historic Tree Trail. The Historic Tree Trail consists of numerous trees propagated from trees found at various national landmarks, historic sites, and locations related to significant historical figures. Those wishing to find out more about the Dale Earnhardt Forest or contribute to planting trees can do so by visiting www.americanforests.org and clicking on campaigns or by visiting the Dale Earnhardt Foundation at www.thedaleearnhardtfoundation.org.(DEI PR)(11-27-2005)
Dale Jr wins Wix Award: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the WIX Filters Lap Leader Award at Atlanta Motor Speedway for his first award of the 2005 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series season. The WIX Filters Lap Leader Award is presented to the driver who leads the most laps during each race in NASCAR's NEXTEL Cup, Busch and Craftsman Truck racing series. The award includes a cash prize presented to the winning driver during a ceremony before the next race and an end-of-year payout and trophy for the driver who earns the most WIX Filters Lap Leader awards over the course of the entire season. Cash awards for the end-of-year honor are: $75,000 for the NEXTEL Cup Series; $20,000 for the Busch Series; and, $10,000 for the Craftsman Truck Series. In order to be eligible for the WIX Filters Lap Leader Award for a single event, drivers and teams in each series must run the WIX Filters decal on the front fender and use WIX oil or air filters in their vehicles. Additionally, for any year-end payout, teams must run the decal on the front fender for every race they participate in, with an allowance for one race, and they must always use WIX oil or air filters. Fans can sign up for the WIX Filters Lap Leader Award contest, make picks and try to beat Speed's John Roberts by visiting www.wixlapleader.com. WIX Filters' Internet address is www.wixfilters.com.(11-3-2005)
Wind Tunnel Q & A: Dale Earnhardt, Jr. one of the quotes from Sunday's Wind Tunnel with Dave Despain on SPEED Channel. Sunday Wind Tunnel guest was Dale Earnhardt Jr. Earnhardt talked bout DEI crew shuffles, his desire to be a car owner and the possibility of teaming with Richard Childress in the future.
Despain: Is there ever a time that RCR could get you to drive the #3 car?
Earnhardt: Richard Childress is a great friend of mine. How he has treated me since my father passed away has amazed me. How that whole company looks at me and my family amazes me. It would be an honor for me to drive for Richard. I look at that way into the future. That is something that is an opportunity for us and I think it would be fun for me and Richard to do something like that in the future. We haven't sat down and decided that is what we will do, but maybe the last one or two years in my career, that's a possibility. I look forward to it. That is something we just leave laying out there it out there and joke about it, but if it is something that we want to do, we will do it.(see more quotes at Speedtv.com)(11-2-2005)
Live Dale Jr. appearance on Bud site: Budweiser.com will host a live webcast of Dale Earnhardt Jr's "One Night Stand" appearance from Atlanta this Thursday evening, October 27 at 8:00pm/et. You must be 21 years of age or older to enter the Budweiser site.(fingerprint inc. PR)(10-26-2005)
DEI pays tribute to the loss of an employee: On Thursday, October 13, Dale Earnhardt, Inc. lost a friend and co-worker. Angie M. Safrit, 33, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. She started with the company in 1994. This weekend, her teammates will pay tribute to her life by placing a memorial decal on their race cars. The decal will be displayed on the "C" posts of the #8 Budweiser and #15 NAPA Chevys in the Nextel Cup Series. They will also be on the #8 Bass Pro Shops, #11 Menards and #81 Menards Chevy in the Busch Series race. The flags in front of DEI's corporate headquarters are flying at half mast in Angie's honor, as well. "Angie was an integral part of Dale Earnhardt, Inc. for the last decade," said Judy Queen, Vice President of Operations. "She started out in the brick building with Dale and Teresa and was a major part of DEI's growth." Angie is survived by her husband, Scott Safrit, and a three-year old daughter, Rachel. She is also survived by her parents, Jimmy and Phyllis Miller of Kannapolis and grandmother, Clara Kidd.(DEI)(10-14-2005)
Dale Jr. to buy track with Schrader? A Kenny Schrader/Dale Earnhardt Junior owned Paducah Raceway would certainly focus a lot of attention on the area racing scene. Not only for PIR, but for Kentucky Lake Motor Speedway as well. Both run dirt track races and would be in direct competition. Eddie Jarvis, Tony Stewart's manager, says Kenny Schrader approached Stewart to purchase the Raceway. Stewart declined and Dale Earnhardt Jr. expressed interest. "Dale Jr went out this morning before he left town. Hopefully he'll own something around here and that he'll have a chance to come back to Paducah quite a bit," Jarvis said.(News Channel 6)(10-7-2005)
Ride with Ride with Dale Jr. Auction Fetches $42,100: After spending seven days at the top of eBay's "Most Watched" list, the opportunity to ride shotgun with Dale Earnhardt, Jr., sponsored by the Wrangle* brand, went for $42,100 with 100% of the winning bid benefiting the American Red Cross. NASCAR superstar Dale Earnhardt, Jr., The Dale Earnhardt Foundation, and the Wrangler* brand conceived the auction to raise funds for relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Rita and subsequent hurricanes during the 2005 season. The winning bidder will ride with Dale Jr. on Oct. 26, 2005, at the Wrangler brand's "Take a Test Drive with Dale Jr." event at Lowe's Motor Speedway. A check ceremony will be held that same day recognizing the donation with officials from the American Red Cross. The winning bidder was Don Crawford of Ocala, Fla. Mr. Crawford bid on the auction as a gift for his wife Debbie, who is a Dale Jr. fan. Having felt the impact on Florida from last year's hurricanes, Don wanted to do something to help the people along the Gulf Coast.(DEI)(10-7-2005)
Dale Jr. buys Busch shop? Dale Earnhardt Jr is rumored to have purchased a building in the South Iredell Industrial Park in Mooresville, NC for Jr. Motorsports. The building used to be owned by a financial securities company (and a race shop before that) is down the street from Joe Nemechek's NEMCO Motorsports. The building is not extremely large, but is a comfortable size to house a Busch Series team, which is what Dale Earnhardt Jr is apparantly going to use it for. The South Iredell Industrial Park is located a few miles north of the Hwy 150 and 115 intersection in Mooresville, NC.(Motorsports Lounge PR)(9-15-2005)
More on Dale Jr./Eury Jr. reuniting UPDATE 2 Official: Dale Earnhardt Jr. and former crew chief Tony Eury Jr. will be reunited in time for Sunday's race at New Hampshire. Eury has been Michael Waltrip's crew chief this season. Tony Gibson, Waltrip's car chief, is likely to succeed Eury as crew chief and stay with the #15 team for the remainder of the season. Waltrip is leaving with NAPA at the end of the year to drive the #23 car for Bill Davis Racing[not announced yet, still speculated and expected]. With Tony Eury Jr. moving back to the #8 team, Steve Hmiel will return to his previous post as head of DEI's research-and-development operation and concentrate on building the intermediate-track version of "the car of tomorrow (COT)" for 2007. Hmiel says that several organizations are participating in the process, but it was important for DEI to get a head start, "since this will be the biggest change to come along in Cup since NASCAR moved to smaller cars in '81."(Sporting News)(9-12-2005)
UPDATE: Tony Eury Jr. will take over crew chief duties for #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. beginning this week in New Hampshire, ESPN's Mike Massaro confirmed with sources at Dale Earnhardt Incorporated [DEI]. Eury had been the crew chief for Michael Waltrip throughout the 2005 season but was a key member of Earnhardt's team up until the infamous personnel swap this past offseason with DEI teammate Waltrip. Earnhardt has had a sub-par 2005 season, already missing out on the Nextel Cup's 10-race playoffs. It already seemed in recent weeks as if Earnhardt is looking to next season, anyway. Eury Jr. stopped by his car at Michigan and helped his crew make some adjustments that Earnhardt said improved his #8 Budweiser Chevy. The two were separated at the end of last season because of their constant bickering -- the two are cousins -- and both have said the year apart helped strengthen the relationship.(ESPN.com)(9-13-2005)
OFFICAL: Dale Earnhardt Incorporated announced Wednesday that, starting this weekend at New Hampshire International Speedway, Tony Eury Jr., will take over as crew chief for the #8 Budweiser Chevy. Eury Jr., who has been crew chief for DEI’s #15 Chevy this season, will be reunited with Dale Earnhardt, Jr. who Eury Jr. worked with for eight seasons prior. The two will be paired for the remaining races of the 2005 NASCAR Nextel Cup season in preparation for 2006 where they will compete together for the NASCAR championship. “This is the best plan for us as a company,” Eury Jr. said. “We haven’t been in the same pit box this year, but we’ve been working closely as a team. Looking at where we want to be for 2006, it made sense to switch now and get that much further ahead.” With the 2005 chase contenders decided, Richie Gilmore, DEI’s Vice-President of Motorsports, knew now was the best time for the restructuring. “After evaluating our programs for next season, we went back and looked at all the resources at our disposal,” Gilmore said. “By putting Tony Jr. back with Dale Jr. now, it enables us to start working towards our goals for next season. Those two can start finding their rhythm for next year, while Steve Hmiel can return his full focus on the technical aspect of our programs.” Hmiel, who has been the interim crew chief for the #8 team since May, will return to his position as Technical Director for Dale Earnhardt Inc. Tony Gibson, car chief for the #15 team, will serve as the #15 NAPA Auto Parts Chevy crew chief for the remainder of this season. DEI’s line-up of teams will be stronger than ever for 2006 with three Nextel Cup teams and two Busch Series teams. Chance 2, which is co-owned by Teresa Earnhardt and Dale Earnhardt Jr., is the defending Busch Series champions and currently leads in the series point standings.(DEI PR/Site)(9-14-2005)
Dale Jr. and Eury Jr. back together this year? Next week? Transcript: Dale Earnhardt Jr. Media Conference on Thurs. Sept 8th:
Q) Are you going to make changes to the team for next year?
Dale Earnhardt Jr. driver of the #8 Bud Chevy: "Yeah, we'll make changes. I really can't talk about the changes we're gonna make. I'm not gonna announce the changes this time, so y'all will just have to wait or ask somebody else."
Q) Do you want to be back with Tony Eury Jr. this season if you're going to work together next season?
Dale Jr: "If me and Tony Jr. are going to work together next year, that'd be a good idea to begin work on that relationship. With the few races left, use it to kind of work on... (the 8 and 15 teams) they've been working a lot together the last couple of weeks as far as set-ups and stuff, and moving some of their stuff over to my car. But it's not the whole thing. It'd be good to get on track with (Tony) Jr. if that's what we're gonna do next year. See full Q&A at fingerprintonline.com.
AND MORE Richie Gilmore, vice president of motorsports at Dale Earnhardt Inc., hinted Friday that Dale Earnhardt Jr. and crew chief Tony Eury Jr. could be reunited as soon as next week at New Hampshire International Speedway. "If me and Tony Jr. are going to work together next year, that'd be a good idea to begin working on that relationship,'' Earnhardt said. Gilmore said the team announced all its changes for next year to its employees but is waiting to make those decisions public. "We don't really feel like we need to take away from anybody in the chase,'' Gilmore said. "Maybe at Loudon, we'll go there and we'll announce our plans there.'' Gilmore said the team plans to use the last 10 races preparing for next season. "I feel we can go to Daytona and run great again with our plate program, but I want to focus on ... California and Las Vegas,'' Gilmore said of the second and third race next season. "Coming out of the box those have never been great race tracks for us and we can work on that the rest of the year. Looking at the season as one big test.''(Roanoke Times)(9-10-2005)
DEI and RCR...merge? a merger between RCR and Dale Earnhardt Inc. is rumored to be in the works. Although DEI vice president Richie Gilmore says the partnership will involve nothing more than promotional plans, the two organizations enjoyed a beneficial aerodynamic alliance several years ago. Considering the strength of powerhouses Roush and Hendrick Motorsports, a marriage between RCR and DEI would move their programs up a level. Another benefit? Dale Earnhardt Jr. could follow in his late father's footsteps in an RCR car.(Sporting News)(9-5-2005)
Eury Dr. signs with DEI too: Tony Eury Sr., affectionately known as Pops, has signed his first contract with DEI. Eury led Earnhardt Jr. to two Busch titles and stepped down at the end of last season as Junior's Cup crew chief. Eury, who's under contract through 2008, is working in research and development.(Sporting News), his son, Tony Jr. recently signed thru 2008 to stay at DEI and supposedly will be Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s crew chief in 2006.(9-5-2005)
Earnhardt Jr. Participates In Pursuit Training With Roanoke PD: Dale Earnhardt Jr. was chased by two police cars Wednesday - and when the chase ended he got a pack on the back and a handshake from the officers instead of a ticket. Earnhardt Jr. participated in a pursuit training exercise with the Roanoke Police Department on the Texas Motor Speedway infield road course. Earnhardt Jr., wheeling a silver 2005 Chevy Corvette, was the chase subject as Roanoke's finest were in hot pursuit in fully loaded squad cars with the sirens blaring and lights flashing. Roanoke Lt. Robert Crawford, Officer James Johnson and Traffic Officer Gary Stroud joined Earnhardt Jr. during the simulation with Lt. Crawford and Officer Johnson driving the squad cars. Traffic Officer Stroud helped end the pursuit by pulling his vehicle across the road course to block Earnhardt Jr.'s path as well as throw down a "spike" strip to simulate an actual highway situation. Earnhardt Jr. admitted that this was the first time he has been involved in a police "chase." Earnhardt Jr.'s pursuit ended with Traffic Officer Stroud blocking the road, and the NASCAR star then broke into a series of doughnuts in the 'Vette, filling the speedway infield with tire smoke. "Doing doughnuts is always a good time," Earnhardt Jr. said with a smile.(TMS PR)(9-1-2005)
Dale Jr. in a Mag: You can find a fun article starring #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. in the September issue of ESQUIRE Magazine, now on a newsstand near you.(fingerprint inc)(8-25-2005)
McFarland up to Busch with Dale Jr/ team? UPDATE 5 The Navy: BGNRacing.com is hearing hearing that Mark McFarland, current driver for the Dale Earnhardt, Jr. owned team, JR Motorsports in the Hooters ProCup Series, will venture into Busch next season with possible backing from the NAVY.
UPDATE: Director of motorsports for the NAVY, Senior Chief Jeff Priest, said Saturday at The Glen,"We think it's awesome to have our name linked to such a good organization like that. I will tell you we are currently evaluating our situations and we should know within the next few weeks."
AND I am hearing that the NAVY may be the sponsor of the #5 Hendrick Motorsports team in 2006, and that Lowe's would not be back to sponsor the car.(8-13-2005)
UPDATE 2: Lowe's and a number of its vendor partners will continue to sponsor the #5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevy in the Busch Series in 2006.(8-17-2005)
UPDATE 3: JR Motorsports, the USAR Pro Cup team owned by Dale Earnhardt, Jr., will be making an announcement today concerning their future plans. Speculation revolves around moving the team to the NASCAR Busch Series in 2006 with driver Mark McFarland. An existing NBS sponsor may be making the move to this new team.(BGNRacing.com)
UPDATE 4: hearing the U.S. Navy will be the sponsor.(8-23-2005)
UPDATE 5: Dale Earnhardt Jr. is expanding his role as a car owner, announcing plans Tuesday to field a team in the Busch Series next season. JR Motorsports, the business Earnhardt owns independently of all his other ventures, will run Mark McFarland in the #88 Chevy. The U.S. Navy will sponsor the team. "When I started JR Motorsports, I didn't have a vision or a dream or a five-year plan," Earnhardt said. "We have basically let this thing grow legs on its own." The team debuted in the Hooters Pro Cup Series this season, with McFarland earning one win and 10 top 10 finishes in 13 starts. It's a separate entity from Dale Earnhardt Inc., the team Earnhardt drives for but is owned by his stepmother, Teresa. It also has no relation to Chance 2 Motorsports, a Busch Series team Earnhardt co-owns with his stepmother. Martin Truex Jr. won the Busch Series title in that car last season and is currently first in the points standings this year. Earnhardt said he wants DEI involved with his new team, but currently has no firm agreement. He was also vague on whether or not DEI will provide him with engines for his Busch car. "It is very important that DEI is incorporated," he said. "This isn't separate. It's my own company, but I want it to benefit DEI. They can be a big part of this and they can support us and we can be successful." Sponsorship from the Navy is not a huge stretch for Earnhardt, a driver with a hard-partying reputation. On the Navy side, there is no bigger driver it could have chosen to use in recruitment campaign. And Earnhardt points to his experiences as a high schooler attending military school for his appreciation of the armed services. "I look at my experience in military school as a big change in my life," he said. "It got rid of the rough edges and put me on a straighter path." Earnhardt said he has approached Tony Eury Sr., currently director of competition at DEI, to run his new Busch program. Eury, who is also Earnhardt's uncle, was Earnhardt's crew chief when he won his two Busch titles and for the first four seasons of his Cup career. "Pops won't decide," Earnhardt said. "He's been at DEI a long time so it's hard for him to just up and leave. But at the same time he wants me to succeed with this, so it's hard for him to decide what he wants to do." Meanwhile, Earnhardt said that since Truex is moving to the Cup series next season, Chance 2 will likely scale back to a part-time Busch schedule next year. "We just haven't found anything that has captured our heart the way Martin did," he said.(ESPN.com/AP)(8-23-2005)
More Eury Jr./Dale Jr. stuff: This morning on ESPN's SportsCenter, Mike Massaro reported that Tony Eury Jr. Said that he is committed to the 15 team for the remainder of the year and that he will likely reunite with Dale Jr. next season. Eury said he and Jr. Have talked about their previous issuses and have agreed to put them behind them in an effort to compete for a championship.(ESPN's SportsCenter/Mike Massaro)(8-21-2005)
Dale Jr. comments: from a GM Racing PR: Q) WHAT WAS YOUR REACTION TO THE NEWS THIS WEEK ABOUT TONY EURY, JR. SIGNING A LONG-TERM CONTRACT WITH DEI?
A) Just, you know, I wanted him to sign on. I was glad that he was able to talk to other people to find out where he is in this business and I think that's fair for him and fair for everybody to really know where they stand. And, it helped him in what his decision was going to be and so he could make the right decision for himself. And, I'm real glad for the decision he made. And I think that puts me and him with an opportunity to work together in the future. You know, aside from my own motives, he's a huge asset to the company. He's one of the most important people at the company as far as knowledge of the sport, knowledge of the cars, where the sport is headed from mechanically and technically. He's a huge asset.
Q) WOULD HE BE YOUR FIRST CHOICE FOR A CREW CHIEF NEXT YEAR?
A) Not quite ready to talk about that.(GM Racing PR)(8-21-2005)
Eury Jr. to sign with DEI back with #8 UPDATE signed...but which car?: Dale Earnhardt Inc. is negotiating a contract for #15 Crew Chief [was Dale Jr's car chief in 2004] Tony Eury Jr. to become Earnhardt's crew chief [for 2006]. The deal could get signed this week.(Sporting News)(8-15-2005)
MORE: Tony Eury Jr. was scheduled to meet with Teresa Earnhardt Monday to talk about signing a contract with DEI. Eury said has had talks with several other teams although he would not name names. “Yeah, I probably got about four or five teams and there have been some pretty impressive offers but like I told Dale Jr. I don’t really have a desire to leave this company. It’s just a matter of I want what the going rate is for Tony Jr. I’ve been there for 14 years and I’ve never really asked for a raise so I’m just listening and seeing what people have to say.” Eury Jr. has never had a formal contract with DEI saying “Dale Sr. wanted me to sign a contract about seven years ago and me and him left on a handshake. We had that kind of trust in each other…and like I told him…you don’t ever screw me around and take care of me and I’m always here. I have the same attitude toward Dale Jr.”(PRN's Garage Pass Radio Show)(8-15-2005)
UPDATE: Teresa Earnhardt, President and CEO of Dale Earnhardt, Inc., and crew chief, Tony Eury, Jr., a 14-year employee of DEI, have announced that Eury Jr. will remain part of the organization for many years to come via a long-term contract that was inked today. "Having such a loyal employee and talented crew chief like Tony as part of DEI on a long-term basis was an important objective for the continuity of our program," said Ms. Earnhardt. "I couldn't be happier," Eury, Jr. said. "I've spent many years with DEI and always planned to be for a long time to come. With all the outside distractions now behind us, we can focus on winning races." For 2006 NASCAR competition, DEI plans to field the #1, #8, and #15 cars on the Nextel Cup Series circuit; and the #8 and #11 cars on the Busch Series circuit.(DEI PR), doesn't say which team/car/driver Eury Jr. will work with.(8-18-2005)
Dale Jr. Sorry about DJ: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr., even after a 10th place finish, was still a bit bummed out after the race at Watkins Glen. "I'm just real disappointed I got into Dale Jarrett in the race there, spun him around, he got in the wall," Earnhardt said of a lap 26 mishap, in which he got into the back of the #88 coming off the carousel. "That's bothering me right now more than anything, because we're pretty good friends. It's hard going out there and racing people you've got so much respect for. I should've been thinking about that when he was in front of me I guess."(Corning Leader)(8-15-2005)
100 Wins for DEI/Chance2: For the 100th time since Dale Earnhardt, Inc. [counting Chance2] was formed 25 years ago, there is a checkered flag flying outside their corporate headquarters. When the #8 Bass Pro Shops Chevy of Martin Truex, Jr. pulled into Victory Lane at Indianapolis Raceway Park on Saturday night, it was his sixth of the season. But, for DEI it marked a milestone in their history. The team Dale and Teresa Earnhardt co-founded made its first visit to a Victory Lane in March 1985 with Dale winning a Busch Series race at Rockingham Speedway. There are only six drivers who can claim they contributed to the team’s 100 wins earned at 33 different NASCAR venues. Dale Earnhardt [17 wins], Dale Earnhardt, Jr. [35], Ron Hornaday [27], Martin Truex, Jr. [12], Steve Park [5] and Michael Waltrip [4]. Truex, Jr. delivered a championship to the team winning the 2004 NASCAR Busch Series crown [and currently leads the points there in 2005], Earnhardt Jr. won the Busch crown in 1998 amd 1999 and Hornaday delivered two Craftsman Truck Series championships during his tenure with the team.(DEI PR)(8-11-2005)
DEI close to signing Eury Jr.: DEI director of motorsports Richie Gilmore said he is close to signing Tony Eury Jr., an employee of 15 years who is currently crew chief for the #15 for Michael Waltrip. "The Eurys have never had contracts; they've always just been there," Gilmore said. "It's always been an agreement and a year-to-year deal and Tony Jr. has told me he's not going anywhere. We're working on a deal and it would be his first contract ever."(St Petersburg Times)(8-7-2005)
Dale Jr. and Eury Jr....back together in 2006? UPDATE 2: DEI Director of Motorsports Richie Gilmore pooh-poohed the idea of reuniting Earnhardt Jr. with Tony Eury Jr. if the #8 Chevy were to qualify for the Chase for the Nextel Cup. Earnhardt won a career-high six races last year with Eury as car chief. An offseason shake-up moved Eury to Waltrip's team as crew chief this year. "I would say that scenario would take away from both teams, so we wouldn't even look at that," Gilmore said. "That would affect both teams in a negative [way]." Gilmore said the possibility of naming Eury as Earnhardt's crew chief for next season hadn't been discussed much. "It's still too early," he said. "There's been a lot of talk outside of DEI but not at our company."(Richmond Times Dispatch)(8-5-2005)
UPDATE: Earnhardt said his own team is facing a post-season shakeup, with crew chief Steve Hmiel expected to return to technical director and with a new boss coming in. But Earnhardt said he's trying not to upset his own team right now: "For example, if we said Tony Eury Jr. was coming back to run our team, then our team right now might implode the rest of the year. "We definitely have to make some changes at the end of the season. But I don't have an answer to what we're going to do. I do want to work with Tony Jr. again. But personally I think we're both immature for our age... and the more mature we get, the easier it will be for us to work together."(Winston Salem Journal)(8-6-2005)
UPDATE 2: Dale Earnhardt Jr. and former car chief Tony Eury Jr. are making plans to reunite in 2006, with Eury taking over as the crew chief for NASCAR’s most popular driver. “Me and Dale Jr. are pushing pretty hard for it,” Eury said Friday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where practice for Sunday’s AllState 400 was washed out. “The people upstairs are the ones that have a problem with it. We’re trying to sort through that now. Me and him are gung-ho ready to go.” Eury, who was moved from car chief of Earnhardt’s car to crew chief of Michael Waltrip’s #15 car during the offseason after helping Earnhardt to six wins and a fifth-place finish in the championship chase, said a decision could be finalized in the next few weeks. Waltrip has announced he will leave Dale Earnhardt Inc. after this season because the organization would not assure him that Eury would be his crew chief next year. Earnhardt has been looking for a full-time crew chief since Pete Rondeau, who began the season with him, was replaced by interim crew chief Steve Hmiel in May. “We’re supposed to have several meetings this week,” Eury said. “I’d say the next few weeks they ought to really know something about who is going where. We’re kind of waiting on NAPA (sponsor for Waltrip’s car) to tell us what they want to do, whether they want us to have a third car at our place.”(The State)(8-6-2005)
Dale Jr. speaks about crew chief changes: Brandon Mudd of 590 the Fan, KFNS, (www.kfns.com), spoke with Dale Earnhardt, Jr. who was in the St. Louis area yesterday for a Victory Junction Gang Camp function at Kenny Schrader's dirt track in Pevely, MO. Earnhardt said there is a good chance Tony Eury, Jr. could be the crew chief of the #8-Budweiser team next season. "Absolutely. Anything in this sport is a possibility. We've talked about that and no decision has been made. We've got to concentrate on making the Chase; we won't make a decision before that. I don't think I can sit here and honestly tell you who will be my crew chief next year. I really like working with Steve Hmiel and in a way, I think that we make a great team. Me and him together have a good way of...I don't know, we just have a good way of working together that seems to want to build success. I think if me and Steve Hmiel stuck together, we'd win some races. The only problem with that is he's been in this sport so long, he's overqualified. The things he was doing for the company before, those areas are now starting to suffer because of him having to come down and do the crew-chiefing side of it. So we need to figure it out. And I'm not sure if he wants to do it full-time or not, honestly, whether or not he wants to go back to that grind. We'll all have to just sit down and talk about it and see what everyone wants to do, but yeah, you have to consider that a possibility, me and Tony Jr. getting back together. Right now, though, we just don't know."(Brandon W. Mudd/590 The Fan, KFNS)(8-5-2005)
NASCAR Talk (Audio Files)
Interviews with Ty Norris/Carl Edwards and others by Terry Mason
Rondeau finds a new home: Pete Rondeau has negotiated his release from Dale Earnhardt Inc. and joined Evernham Motorsports [#9, #19, #91]. Rondeau started the season as #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s crew chief but was removed from that position after 11 points races. He joined Evernham on July 18 as director of research and development.(Sporting News)(8-1-2005)
Jr Motorsports gets first win: Mark McFarland won the Merchant's Tire and Auto Center 250 presented by BF Goodrich USAR Hooters Pro Cup Series race at Southern National Speedway (SNS) in Kenly, NC. The win is not only the first for McFarland, but it is the first for the Dale Earnhardt, Jr.-owned JR Motorsports team in a touring series. "I can't thank Dale Jr. and everyone at JR Motorsports enough for giving me the opportunity to drive this awesome car. WINFUEL has been just a super sponsor and Federal Mogul, Draco Springs and Enders shocks have been very good to us," said McFarland. You can catch the excitement of Mark McFarland's first Hooters Pro Cup win on Saturday, July 30 at 10:00pm/et on the Speed Channel.(Jr. Motorsports PR)(7-28-2005)
Dale J. called to the NASCAR Trailer: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. was called into the NASCAR trailer after the race to be reprimanded for exceeding the pit road speed on lap 53 when he raced out of the pits in an attempt to stay on the lead lap. He was penalized with a drive-through. His pit road exit speed was clocked at 143 mph. The pit road speed limit was 55 mph. Junior was told by NASCAR officials that they understood his desire to remain on the lead lap, but that they wouldn't tolerate his methods.(Yahoo Sports)(7-25-2005)
Dale Jr. wins at Chicago: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the USG Sheetrock 400 at Chicagoland Speedway, taking the lead on lap 256 and leading the last 11 laps, held off dominant #17-Matt Kenseth [176 laps led] at the end, winning by 0.407 seconds. The win is Dale Jr.'s first in 19 races, Phoenix in November 2004 and the 16th win of his 201 race career. Earnhardt has now won at least one race in each of the last 6 seasons [all six season's he has been full time] only Jeff Gordon [12 years] and Tony Stewart [7] have longer streaks. On the final pit stop, #8 crew chief, Steve Hmiel went with two right side tires for track position and the crew go Earnhardt out 2nd, behind #22-Scott Wimmer, who didn't pit. It took a few laps, but Dale Jr. caught Wimmer [who finished 17th]. Kenseth finished 2nd, followed by #48-Jimmie Johnson, #25-Brian Vickers and #20-Tony Stewart. Johnson increases his points lead to 108 and now only the top-10 are under 400 points. #24-Jeff Gordon, who ran poorly all day, got wrecked by #0-Mike Bliss [who bottomed out on the apron and came up] and finished with another DNF, 33rd. Gordon is now 102 points out of 400 points to make the chase. Dale Jr. is now 91 points out. Kenseth led 176 of 267 laps, a new track record. There were 10 cautions for 47 laps and 17 lead changed by 12 drivers.
For race results see Jayski's Chicago Race Results/Awards page.(7-10-2005)
MLB and Dale Jr. team up again - image UPDATE: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. is scheduled to run a MLB [Major League Baseball] scheme at the Chicagoland Speedway race in July, see an image of the scheme on my #8 Team Schemes page.(5-26-2005)
UPDATE: The once-a-year Budweiser / Major League Baseball promotion returns to the race track this weekend at Chicago. Dale Jr. will also attend All-Star festivities (this year in Detroit) on Monday following the race. Expect his visit to include a ride to the ballpark via the Clydesdales for the on-field media event preceding the MLB Home Run Derby.(Budweiser PR/fingeprint inc)(7-6-2005)
DEI up for awards: The nominees have been released and Dale Earnhardt, Inc. is once again up for two awards by Charlotte Trip magazine. And, just like last year, they’ll need some help from our dedicated fans to assist in the voting process. DEI is once again up for Best of Charlotte and Best Day Trip in the annual Visitor’s Choice Gold Awards put together by the magazine. With your help, they won both categories last year. You can vote for DEI [or other nominee] by logging onto www.CharlotteTrip.com, voting ends on August 15 and then the final three nominees in each category are announced. The actual awards ceremony is on September 7 in Charlotte.(DEI)(7-6-2005)
As for Dale Jr. in the #3 and about the #3: If Junior [Dale Earnhardt Jr.] is gonna drive the No. 3 car someday, could it happen under the DEI roof? If so, Childress would have to give up ownership of the number -- and all the potential business opportunities that accompany it. "He's always said, ever since his daddy got killed, one of these days he's gonna drive a 3 car," [Tony Sr.] Eury said of Junior. "Just a remark he made a long time ago. Someday Richard [Childress] might give us the number and we'll run it out of DEI. Depends on how long Richard wants to keep doing it, you know." Richard? Any chance of giving up the No. 3? "No. As far as the 3, it's registered," Childress elaborated. "It's one of those deals . . . we're gonna keep doing what we've been doing, what Dale and I talked about years ago. We knew it was our number, and we had plans of doing things with it after he retired. We're gonna put those plans in effect soon."(Daytona Beach News Journal)(7-1-2005)
Eury Sr. thinks swap could had been a mistake at DEI: Cup Scene at the track and at an interview DEI's Tony Eury Sr. gave: "We got a lot of bad press at the beginning at the first of the year on why it was running bad. I guess we made a bad move over the winter and our cars down there in the 8 shop weren't as good as we thought they were. When you get behind like that, it takes time to catch up. We're getting him a fleet of cars now and getting them better. When you got something good, I guess you should leave it alone. You know we won six races with him last year maybe it should have been left alone. But that's past and we got to get him in that Chase now, so everything's behind us and we're going forward from here and building (Dale Jr.) good cars and trying to get in that chase." As for the third team: "We're still debating on a driver. We don't real know what's going to happen yet. We had a deadline and we extended it with a couple of sponsors and drivers, right now we're just kind of in the middle of everything." BUT "Martin [Truex Jr.] will be in the #1 (Cup)car (next year).(Cup Scene Report from DIS)(6-30-2005)
Childress would welcome Dale Jr....if....UPDATE 2 denied: Richard Childress does not see Dale Earnhardt Jr. leaving Dale Earnhardt Inc., after the season, but if that happens, his door is open. “Junior has his own deal working good at DEI, and I hope it all works out for him,” said Childress, who won six Nextel Cup championship with the late Dale Earnhardt. “I think it will (work out), ’cause it’s a really good organization. I also would say if he ever left there, I’d sure hope he’d come this way. I know what Dale Sr.’s vision and dream was with DEI,” Childress said. “It was to build that operation for Dale Jr., (sister) Kelly and his family. Dale Jr. has done a great job of representing DEI and what they want to do, so it’s a good deal.”(The State)(6-24-2005)
MORE......Does "Little E" ever wonder if it might be better if he had moved on out of the DEI team his father founded and went to the Childress team his father drove for? "Yeah!" he says, cheer suddenly rising in his hoarse voice, his eyes brightening. "And I think about that. And that's still -- that's always an option." As the only man alive who could carry "3" on his door panels with public approval and indeed celebration, and with his Bud sponsorship willing to follow him wherever he goes, it would seem he could pick up the phone and virtually be there. "Right," he confirmed. "Yeah. Richard and I haven't really sat down at a desk to talk about it, but he owns the number '3' and I want to drive the No. 3 race car before I retire. I've told Richard I want to finish my career in his race car, or in a No. 3 car if he and Teresa [Earnhardt] can come to some agreement or whatever." He means a transfer of ownership of the number. His stepmother, Dale's widow Teresa, owns Dale Earnhardt Inc. and has the ultimate say, although Richie Gilmore runs the company for her. She rarely comes to races or appears in public and doesn't speak with the media. Earnhardt Jr. is under contract to her through 2007. But could something be worked out? And how long would it take? "Oh, if everybody was for it, less than 24 hours, I would assume," Earnhardt said. "But I don't see that happening. I mean, not everybody's going to be cool about it. I don't think Teresa would want me to leave, in the first place."(See very large and interesting column at the Orlando Sentinel)(6-25-2005)
UPDATE 2: DEI, founded by Earnhardt Sr. when he was driving for Richard Childress, is now run by Earnhardt's widow, Teresa. Earnhardt Jr. and his stepmother have had a rocky relationship. In an interview in Saturday's Orlando Sentinel, Earnhardt reiterated the notion that he might someday leave DEI. Reached Saturday at the track, Earnhardt said he was simply restating his desire to drive for Childress "years and years" down the road. "Nothing's going on, I promise you that," he said.(USA Today)(6-27-2005)
Menard and DEI? UPDATE 2 engines? been hearing that John Menard, who's son Paul, runs for DEI in the Busch Series [#11 Menard Chevy] may be buying into ownership of DEI...not sure if in part or whole....or at all.(5-20-2005)
UPDATE: Richie Gilmore, Director of Motorsports at Dale Earnhardt Inc., strongly disputed rumors that millionaire businessman John Menard is attempting to buy the team. Talk of a potential sale was prevalent in the garage area at Pocono Raceway, where several drivers and owners from other teams confirmed that they had heard the rumor. “There is no truth to it at all,” Gilmore said. “John (Menard) is a great sponsor of ours, but that’s all it is. Over the years, many ‘players’ have tried to buy DEI. We’ve been contacted by owners of NFL and NBA teams about it. Teresa (Earnhardt) has no interest.” Menard’s son Paul drives the #11 DEI Chevy in the Busch Series.(Gaston Gazette)(6-11-2005)
UPDATE 2: Dale Earnhardt Jr. has been complaining about horsepower much of the season, and now it appears that DEI will be building a new engine shop, perhaps with Menard Engineering help. Owner John Menard's son Paul drives Busch cars for DEI. Menard Engineering also provides motors for Robby Gordon.(Winston Salem Journal)(6-27-2005)
Earnhardt Squares Off Against 11-Year-Old Karter at Infineon: Not only did 11-year-old Andrew Wolocatiuk get to zip around the 16-turn, three-quarter karting Infineon Raceway track on Wednesday at speeds in excess of 50 mph, he did so against NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. The two drivers staged a five-lap challenge race as a promotion for this weekend's Dodge/Save Mart 350 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup weekend at Infineon Raceway. Earnhardt posted the victory in the five-lap race against young Wolocatiuk, but the Petaluma resident had a great time. "It was really cool. I didn't realize what a cool guy he was but he was great," said Wolocatiuk, a regular competitor in the Jim Russell Karting Series at Infineon Raceway. It was the first time Earnhardt Jr. had seen the twisting kart track at Infineon Raceway and he came away impressed. "I just had a really good time," he said. "I think if Andrew had a better kart he would have given me a run for my money. Maybe we can come out and do this again some time." Earnhardt Jr. competed in a corporate kart, featuring 15 horsepower and a top speed of 60 mph. Wolocatiuk drove a cadet kart, featuring 12 horsepower with a top speed of 55 mph. When the weight differential was factored in, the karts were equally prepared. Earnhardt Jr. gave Wolocatiuk his racing gloves as a souvenir following the challenge race. The two drivers staged four warm-up laps before the five-lap challenge race. Earnhardt took the lead on the second lap and won by three seconds.(Infineon Raceway)(6-23-2005)
Dale Jr. has the flu: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr., 16th in points and winless this season, has declined numerous interview requests this week. Earnhardt has had the flu, and team officials say he would rather let his performance on the track do the talking. He ran a fast lap Friday of 186.047, 35th-best in the first practice at Michigan International Speedway for the Batman Begins 400, then went 185.610, 42nd-best in the final practice in his #8 Budweiser Chevy.(Detroit Free Press)(6-18-2005)
DEI Teams Now Sharing: Dale Earnhardt Jr. is not pleased with the state of his team, which fell to 16th in the standings after last week’s 33rd-place finish at Pocono. However, he is happy with the communication between his #8 Budweiser team and the #15 NAPA team of Michael Waltrip since Steve Hmiel was named his crew chief last month. “It’s better than I ever remember it being,” he said. “We want both DEI teams to make the (championship) chase.” Waltrip’s team moved up two spots to #15 with a fifth-place finish at Pocono. “We’re struggling, but I know how hard we’re working,” Earnhardt said. “And seeing the 15 team have success gives me confidence that we’ll be able to pull out of this.”(The State)(6-17-2005)
Rondeau sticking with DEI thru 2005, Menard to run some Cup races: Dale Earnhardt Inc. director of racing Richie Gilmore Saturday said #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s former crew chief Pete Rondeau has made a commitment to the organization for the rest of 2005. Gilmore said he was not aware if Rondeau was seeking other crew chief opportunities outside DEI. Gilmore confirmed plans to place DEI's other Busch Series driver, Paul Menard, in several Nextel Cup races later this season and said Rondeau would be involved.(NASCAR.com)(6-12-2005)
Dale Jr. discusses Hmiel: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. says he won’t turn his back on his friend Shane Hmiel in lieu of NASCAR suspending Hmiel for testing positive for a banned substance. The Bud Chevy driver said "It’s disappointing, but I won’t turn my back on my friend. I’ll help him however he needs to be helped. Just thinking about him this weekend, I know he’s probably down but that’s a tough one...that’s tough you know. It’s a mistake that you hate to see somebody make twice but he could still turn his life around so whatever I can do to help."(PRN's Garage Pass)(6-5-2005)
Dale Jr. and Mikey Talk: from a GM Racing PR - Saturday morning practice quotes at Dover International Speedway, Richie Gilmore, Director of Motorsports if DEI explained the accident between #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. and #15-Michale Waltrip in the Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway: "(Junior) got into him. That's how the wreck started. Junior apologized the Michael on Monday. They talked a couple of times during the week and we don't think we have any problems and it was definitely not intentional." Did Junior say anything more about why he made the mistake? "Just a mistake. He caught him faster than he thought he was. I think he was excited that.that car hasn't run in contention to win for while. That was probably the best that car's been all year.(GM Racing PR)(6-4-2005)
New Chassis on the way for DEI: While some teams use chassis built in-house to incorporate details that make them more suitable to their driver's styles, DEI is taking a chassis it bought from a manufacturer and modifying it in an attempt to develop a feel that works best for Earnhardt Jr., Waltrip and Martin Truex Jr. The chassis has been tested at Kentucky Speedway, but DEI has yet to try it in a race just yet. Truex almost drove the chassis at Charlotte, but went with a more proven car. Earnhardt thinks it will make a big difference once the refined car becomes part of his arsenal.(ESPN.com)(6-2-2005)
Eury Sr. not happy with Dale Jr. UPDATE There were a record 22 cautions (one turned into red) during the Coca-Cola 600 last Sunday. One flew after Dale Earnhardt Jr. tagged teammate Michael Waltrip from behind. Tony Eury Sr., Dale Earnhardt Inc.'s director of competition, was not happy. Clearly. "I don't know what his (Junior's) problem is with Michael," Eury said, "but it will be fixed tomorrow--I guarantee it. He acts like he's friends with him, but every time he gets near him on the racetrack, he ends up wrecking him. DEI has enough problems. We don't need that."(Sporting News)(5-30-2005)
UPDATE - comments from Dale Jr.: "There's no problem between me and Michael," he said. "There's no problem between me and Michael and I think Michael understands that. He’s definitely not the person I wanted to run into tonight. It’s unfortunate. Hopefully everybody can come to terms with it one way or another. I know some guys on Michael’s team are probably upset and don’t really know. I mean, if you’re not in the race car, you don’t know what the hell’s going on out there, so I can’t expect anyone to understand what exactly was going on at that moment and time, and how we all came together and wrecked. The people that understand, they’ll move on and we’ll try to get better next week. … (Me and Michael) don’t get into the habit of running into each other. And we don’t really race each other that hard. We actually try to work together most of the time. It’s just unfortunate. We’re out there racing, and he happened to be the guy. It could’ve been anybody else. He’s the last person I wanted to run into, but we were all going for the same piece of real estate.”(Dale Jr Pitstop/Budweiser PR)(5-31-2005)
Rondeau comments....contract issue? no sharing? Pete Rondeau said he signed a three-year contract when he agreed to be #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s crew chief before the Nextel Cup season that never was signed by owner Teresa Earnhardt. In the contract, according to Rondeau, there was a clause that stated he was to be given six weeks notice if performance was in question. “I just show up on Monday, and I’m out of a job,” he said on Saturday. Richie Gilmore, the director of motorsports for Dale Earnhardt Incorporated, declined to comment on the contract or the clause. Rondeau, who was replaced on an interim basis by Steve Hmiel, said that wasn’t the only promise the company failed to keep. He said Earnhardt’s former team, which is now with #15-Michael Waltrip, never shared information. “There was probably a little bit of a sore spot between the old eight team and us,” said Rondeau, who was Waltrip’s crew chief last season. “Tony Eury Sr. (Earnhardt’s former crew chief), was supposed to be working amongst the two teams. I probably saw him once at Daytona and never saw him again after that. When you’re a single-car team in a multi-car organization, that’s not going to work.” Rondeau said he wasn’t aware of the communication problem Gilmore and Earnhardt cited as the reason for his dismissal. He reminded that the team was 11th in points and had five top-10s after a slow start. “What he got during the race was what he asked for,” said Rondeau, who does not plan to bring legal action against DEI. “During the first two races I was giving too much, but he didn’t want to know the changes (to the car). He just wanted to be the driver and let me be the crew chief, so I backed off. The latest thing I heard was he wasn’t getting enough. I’m not sure he knew what he wanted. Maybe he just wanted somebody to argue with on the radio, and I wasn’t interested.” Rondeau said Gilmore offered him a part-time job as the car chief for the #1 car the remainder of the season. Rondeau is supposed to make a decision by Monday, but because the car is scheduled for only four more races, he is leaning toward not accepting. Rondeau said he has talked to several other teams about a crew-chief job.(The State)(5-29-2005)
#8 Crew Chief Candidates UPDATE: The two men most prominently mentioned yesterday as candidates [to be #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s new crew chief] were Jimmy Elledge, who is Earnhardt's brother-in-law [married to Kelley] and also crew chief for Chip Ganassi and #41-Casey Mears, and Robbie Reiser, crew chief for 2003 champion #17-Matt Kenseth and owner Jack Roush.(Winston Salem Journal)(5-27-2005)
UPDATE: Jimmy Elledge, crew chief on Casey Mears' #41 Target Dodge, has risen to the top of the rumor-mill list of candidates to become Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s permanent crew chief. But the same family conflicts that many blamed for the split between Earnhardt and his uncle and long-time crew chief, Tony Eury Sr., would be an issue again because Elledge is married to Kelley Earnhardt, Dale Jr.'s sister. "It can be a good thing, but I could have brother-in-law, my mother-in-law and my wife all mad at me at the same time," Elledge said, emphasizing that his comments shouldn't be construed as proof that he's seeking the job. But, he said, he's up to the challenge of leading a high-profile team like Earnhardt's #8 Budweiser crew. "I feel I'm ready for it and could handle it," he said, adding that the job of preparing a car for NASCAR's highest-profile driver comes pressure-packed. You've got to be ready for all the challenges," he said. "You've got a sponsorship sitting there that obviously the sky's the limit as far as money. You have a driver sitting there that everybody knows can contend to win the championship. So you'd better have your gun loaded when you walk in the door and know that if you're going to do it you've got to step up to that level and be able to produce. Otherwise it's not going to be a fun ride." He also said that Earnhardt is very much like his father and requires a special touch as a crew chief. "He's a strong personality," Elledge said. "I watched Kirk [Shelmerdine] and Andy Petree have to hit [Dale Earnhardt Sr.] with a ball bat every once in a while to keep him straight," he said. "[Earnhardt Jr.] is the same way."(Atlanta Journal-Constitution)(5-29-2005)
So...who is Dale Jr's spotter? Since Steve Hmiel will now be the crew chief and was #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr's spotter, who will spot for Dale Jr. now? been told ot will be part-time Busch Series driver Jimmy Kitchens.(5-25-2005)
#99 Crew chief to #8? #88? One man currently on everyone's want list is Bob Osborne, crew chief for Roush Racing's #99, with driver Carl Edwards. Having two plum positions [#8 and #88] open should open up the market considerably.(Speed Channel)(5-25-2005)
Changes at the #8? Crew Chief? UPDATE 2 Hmiel in: Teresa Earnhardt made a surprise visit to Lowe's Motor Speedway last Saturday night, and some Dale Earnhardt Inc. insiders say it was a move to rally the troops. Several DEI sources expect changes to Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s #8 team this week. Pete Rondeau has performed admirably as crew chief, but the front office feels a stronger hand is needed to motivate the brew crew. Jimmy Elledge, crew chief for #41-Casey Mears, and Ford were mentioned as possible replacements. Tony Eury Jr., #15-Michael Waltrip's DEI crew chief and Earnhardt Jr.'s cousin, says he gave his word to his men that under no circumstances would he abandon them during the season.(Sporting News/PRN's Garage Pass Radio Show)(5-23-2005)
UPDATE: Effective immediately, Steve Hmiel will serve as interim crew chief on the #8 Budweiser Chevrolet driven by Dale Earnhardt, Jr. in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series, replacing Pete Rondeau. Richie Gilmore, Vice President of Motorsports at Dale Earnhardt Inc. stated, "We are capable of consistently winning and are focused on that as a company. We are going to concentrate our efforts on improved results with the number 8 car." Steve Hmiel, Technical Director at Dale Earnhardt Inc., will replace Rondeau commencing with this weekend's Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte. "Pete is a valuable asset and has brought a number of innovations to our organization. He will continue to do that in a different capacity and we're happy that Pete is so strongly dedicated to Dale Earnhardt Incorporated and its success," Gilmore said. He concluded, "We have high expectations of how our teams are to perform and we will utilize every resource we have to win races. Our primary objective is to get the 8 and the 15 solidly into the Chase for the Championship and as a company, we're focusing everything we have at that goal."(DEI PR)(5-24-2005)
UPDATE 2: DEI Vice President of Motorsports Richie Gilmore says he has a short list of possible crew chiefs for Dale Earnhardt Jr. and the Bud Chevy team. This after DEI Technical Director Steve Hmiel was named as the interim replacement for Pete Rondeau who will stay with the company. Gilmore, who wouldn’t name names, says "There are some people under contract and if we can’t get the right guy Steve is prepared to do it for the rest of the year…and if it goes well it might be longer than that." Gilmore doesn’t characterize the move as driven by panic. "We had a plan in the off-season where we needed to get to and we’ve felt like we’ve seen a lot of results that we’ve been happy with…with the #15 and Michael Waltrip and Tony Eury Jr. The #8 was probably three-quarters of the way where we want it to be, but everything seems to be chemistry and the chemistry wasn’t there on race day. Communication from the pit box to the race car was something that we felt needed to get better." Gilmore still thinks Rondeau has a bright future as a Nextel Cup Crew Chief. “We hope we can get him in a position to be a cup crew chief here down the road and to succeed because we think he is one of the top crew chiefs in the business. He was in a position where the chemistry wasn’t right."(PRN's Garage Pass Radio Show)(5-25-2005)
Dale Jr. and Stewart on the Today Show, May 17th: Tony Stewart and Dale Earnhardt Jr. are expected to be featured on Tuesday morning's broadcast of the "Today" show making a NASCAR "dream" come true for Miechel Bassett of Evansville, Ind., a Home Depot press release says. The two Nextel Cup drivers took Bassett around Richmond International Raceway in a Richard Petty Driving Experience car as part of the show's "Live for Today" segment. The segment, taped with NBC "Nightly News" anchor and longtime NASCAR fan Brian Williams, is scheduled to air between 8 and 8:30 a.m. Tuesday.(NASCAR Scene Daily Newsletter)(5-16-2005)
Johnson has spoken to Dale Jr.: Jimmie Johnson says he’s talked with Dale Earnhardt Jr. and everything is okay between them. This after Junior on Tuesday during testing at Lowe’s Motor Speedway called Johnson an “idiot” and blamed him for causing both major crashes last Sunday at Talladega. "Yeah it (Dale’s comments) defiantly caught me off guard, said Johnson, and from what I understand he (Dale Jr.) was put in a bad position during the interview…was put on the spot and some allegations of a comment that came out of my mouth…so looking at that I don’t blame him for saying what he did and I spoke to him and everything’s fine there. We’ll just move on. It’s racing and this Lowe’s team is very strong…I believe in my team and they believe in me and I know everybody in the garage area respects me. Everybody’s given their opinion, right or wrong everyone can point fingers in every direction but in my opinion it’s a racing incident."(PRN's Garage Pass Radio Show)(5-6-2005)
Dale Jr. still leads Popular Vote: With more than 1 million votes cast, Dale Earnhardt Jr. holds the lead in the yearlong Chex NMPA NASCAR Most Popular Driver Award. Actual numbers were not announced, but Earnhardt, who has won the award each of the past two years, is followed in the balloting at www.mostpopulardriver.com by Jeff Gordon, Kasey Kahne, Kevin Harvick, Rusty Wallace, Tony Stewart, Michael Waltrip, Dale Jarrett, Mark Martin and series points leader Jimmie Johnson. The voting continues until Nov. 21, the day after the season-ending race at Homestead.(ESPN.com/AP)(4-23-2005)
Dale Jr. isn't concerned about Truex bolting; Expects Mikey back in the #15: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. isn’t concerned teammate Martin Truex Jr. will be driving for any team other than DEI. Truex, who is in contract negotiations with car owner Teresa Earnhardt said at Texas rumors of him looking to go elsewhere are false. Dale Jr. said “I feel real confident he (Truex) means what he says and he wants to be with us. I don’t want Martin to feel slighted in any way or feel unhappy with it (his contract) so I told him to just take your time and it’ll get done.” Junior pointed out it took six months to get his current contract worked out. Could Truex be headed for the #15 car replacing Michael Waltrip? Dale Jr. doesn’t think so. “I like working with Michael. If Teresa and Ritchie Gilmore are happy with the way he runs this year I don’t see why we can’t have him back. It isn’t his last year I don’t think…he hasn’t announced his retirement to me. They’ve had good cars…they’ve had some accidents and stuff but I wouldn’t be surprised at all if he’d win races aside from plate races. They should win every plate race they run and they should have a couple of more here and there because they’re that good a team and I think Michael can get the job done."(PRN's Garage Pass Radio Show/Sporting News)(4-22-2005)
Dale Jr. the only rookie winner at Texas: Only once in eight races at Texas has a Raybestos Rookie won the race. Dale Earnhardt Jr. scored his first career NEXTEL Cup Series win by 5.920 seconds over Jeff Burton in 2000. More Rookie Notes and stats on my Rookie of the Year page.(4-13-2005)
An Odd Award for Jr.: The Thomas Jefferson Center for the Protection of Free Expression has awarded NASCAR a "Jefferson Muzzle" for what it calls an "out of proportion" punishment to driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. for swearing in a live television interview last October. NASCAR docked Earnhardt 25 points and fined him $10,000 for saying in an NBC interview that his victory at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway "don't mean (expletive) right now" because his late father had won there several more times. NASCAR officials came down hard on Earnhardt in response to increased Federal Communications Commission scrutiny of broadcast indecency last year. The FCC apparently has not yet ruled on whether NBC or its affiliates will be punished; FCC spokeswoman Janice Wise said if no ruling has been posted on the commission's Web site, it should be considered an "open item." While acknowledging that NASCAR is not a government entity and is entitled to punish drivers for using profanity, the Jefferson Center's Web site said "to punish Earnhardt in a manner so out of proportion to the offense sends a message far more dangerous than anything conveyed by the spontaneous expression of a relatively mild four-letter word."(USA Today)(4-13-2005)
Dickerson may have a new gig UPDATE RCR? DEI?: Chassis and body guru Eddie Dickerson, who was released by Hendrick Motorsports after being arrested in the early-morning hours at Daytona in February (disorderly intoxication), could land at Richard Childress Racing, sources in the garage said.(Speed Channel)(4-11-2005)
UPDATE: Former Hendrick Motorsports chassis director Eddie Dickerson will interview with Dale Earnhardt Inc. this week. DEI is starting an in-house chassis program, and Dickerson could use his magic to develop better-handling cars for Dale Earnhardt Jr., who complains about the drivability of his cars.(FoxSports/Sporting News)(4-13-2005)
3 Doors Down scheme for Dale Jr. #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. will run a #8 Chevy Rock & Roll - 3 Doors Down scheme at Richmond in September. See an image of the scheme on my #8 Team Schemes page.(4-5-2005)
No Crew Flip-Flop at DEI: For those who wondered if conditions at Dale Earnhardt Inc. were dire enough to swap the Nos. 15 and 8 crews and cars back to the original drivers--think again. "There will never be a flip back," says a DEI source, who adds that the 15 crew, formerly the No. 8, was disappointed with Earnhardt. "I don't think they would take him back. We said we would work with Michael (Waltrip) this year for us to get a young gun for next year. What's happened is fate, and we're going to make the most of it." Earnhardt echoed similar sentiments and reiterated his confidence in crew chief Pete Rondeau. "The way Pete has hung in there further constitutes my belief in him," he says. Earnhardt and Waltrip are 17th and 27th, respectively, in points.(Sporting News)(4-4-2005)
Eury Jr. to bolt DEI? Crew chief Tony Eury Jr., the key car chief in Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s title runs the past two years, is reported to be one of hottest items in the garage, with several rival teams interested in hiring him away from Dale Earnhardt Inc., where he now runs Michael Waltrip's #15 team. It is unclear if rival Chevy teams are interested in Eury or Ford or Dodge team owners.(Winston Salem Journal)(4-4-2005)
Dale Jr. Comments: Even though he pulled off the Bristol sweep last fall, Dale Earnhardt Jr. says winning the Busch and Nextel Cup races like Carl Edwards did at Atlanta will be a tough act to follow. He said "I don’t know man, the way Carl did it at Atlanta I thought he topped me there so that was pretty impressive. The passes that he made to win in both races I think he topped all of us. It’ll be a while before anybody can do it like he did it."(PRN's Garagepass Radio Show)(3-31-2005)
Dale Jr. comments on troubles: A lot of people want to know the reason behind Dale Earnhardt Jr’s. poor start to the 2005 season. Taking time out from testing at Martinsville Junior said he doesn't blame his new pit crew but claims DEI is playing catch up. Dale Jr said "There’s a lot of other stuff and variables going on in the sport right now to where DEI is a company that’s found itself behind in a lot of areas. We've got great race cars but there are guys who have better ones now and we've got to work hard and gain on some areas." So, Dale was asked, how do you do that? He said "Gotta hire some people, steal some people, get rid of the dead weight...that’s the only way you can do it. I heard somebody say that (Junior joked)...that’s a quote...(smiling)...not my own.(PRN's Garage Pass Radio Show)(3-29-2005)
Dale Jr. Flashlight to promote safety: Duracell and Dale Jr. show race fans the light. Duracell is partnering with NASCAR's most popular to driver to introduce an important safety tool for race fans during the upcoming busy traveling season. Duracell is introducing a Dale Earnhardt Jr. branded flashlight to coincide with the brand's launch of a safety campaign to education drivers on the importance of being prepared on the road. The Dale Earnhardt Jr. Focus Grip Max flashlight will have an ergonomic, rubberized grip and adjustable light beam that easily shifts from spot to flood mode. This unique flashlight features a sleek red and black race design emblazoned with Earnhardt Jr.'s car number and signature, and allows race fans to follow driver #8, whether at trackside, traveling in the car or using it around the house. It's currently available in retail outlets nationwide. The flashlight introduction comes as Duracell launches a safety campaign to educate drivers on the importance of being prepared on the road. The Company will use automotive experts to share advice on automotive preparedness and safe driving throughout the year. Road safety tips, developed in conjunction with the Car Care Council, will also be made available to consumers via www.duracell.com beginning in mid-March. Like Duracell's other Focus Grip Max flashlights, the Dale Earnhardt Jr. Focus Grip Max will have an ergonomic, rubberized grip and adjustable light beam that easily shifts from spot to flood mode. This unique flashlight features a sleek red and black race design emblazoned with Earnhardt Jr.'s car number and signature. The flashlight will be bundled with Duracell alkaline batteries, and has a suggested retail price of $9.99-10.99 at retail outlets nationwide. Duracell is a status sponsor of NASCAR and the "Official Alkaline Battery" of the sport.(Alan Taylor Communications)(3-24-2005)
Teresa Earnhardt to be honored: The Greater Charlotte Chapter of the International Special Events Society (ISES) is holding its annual Events in Excellence Awards (EVIES) Saturday, March 19, 2005 at The Extravaganza Depot located at 1610 N. Tryon St., Charlotte, NC. A highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Teresa Earnhardt, a lifelong resident of North Carolina who serves as the President and CEO of Dale Earnhardt, Inc., a motorsports company located in Mooresville, NC. Ms. Earnhardt and her seven-time NASCAR champion husband, Dale Earnhardt, began operation of Dale Earnhardt, Inc. in 1980. Ms. Earnhardt is a leader in the branding and licensing of the now billion dollar industry of sports licensing. In the 1980s, she introduced trade marking to the NASCAR community by positioning Dale's image and signature with corporations world wide. Her meticulous attention to detail has become the staple by which Dale Earnhardt, Inc. operates today. In 2002, Ms. Earnhardt took on an impassioned endeavor with her creation of The Dale Earnhardt Foundation. This initiative continues to perpetuate her late husband’s ideals in wildlife conservation, education and children’s charities. The EVIE Awards evening will begin at 6 p.m. Proceeds from the live auction will benefit the International Special Events Foundation, educational programs offered by the Greater Charlotte Chapter of ISES and The Dale Earnhardt Foundation. Tickets are $90 per person for ISES members ($125 non ISES members); table sponsorships range from $500 to $5,000. Latin attire is encouraged! For more information about the 2005 EVIE Awards or to purchase tickets to the event, call 704-332-5819 or visit www.ises-charlotte.com.(DEI Site)(3-11-2005)
Seven Drivers in Tylenol Spots: Johnson & Johnson has signed endorsement deals with seven Nextel Cup drivers to promote the launch of Tylenol's Extra Strength Rapid Release Gels, Street & Smiths's SportsBusiness Journal reports. Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Dale Jarrett, Kevin Harvick, Matt Kenseth and Elliott Sadler make up Team Tylenol. The campaign will include television ads during race broadcasts and sponsorship at 11 tracks. Earnhardt Jr. and Gordon are scheduled to be featured on packages of the product sold during the third quarter of the year. Exact financial terms of the deal were not reported, but the story by Terry Lefton says the entire campaign is "an eight-figure investment."(NASCAR Scene Daily Newsletter)(3-8-2005)
Dale Jr's Streak Ends: The poor finish [32nd, tire problems] drops #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. to the 14th position in Nextel Cup points, breaking a string of 70 consecutive races in the Top-10. It had been the longest active streak and one of the 10 best all-time streaks in the modern era. The 40th starting position at California Speedway for Earnhardt was his worse since the final race in 2000.(fingerprintinc/Budweiser PR)(2-28-2005)
Jr's Sunglasses: Orange 21 Inc., a newly public company out of Carlsbad, Calif., unveiled Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s signature sunglasses. The signature style, deemed “E Eyewear,” is actually the brainchild of Earnhardt himself. The driver of the No. 8 Budweiser Chevrolet worked throughout the entire design process to dream up even the most minor details of the glasses. “I’ve worked with companies in the past a little bit on design,” Earnhardt Jr. said. “I wanted kind of like a Steve McQueen style, retro. The glass itself is inset a little bit, kind of like the headlight of a ‘70s-era hot rod. There’s some sharp corners and angles. They wrap a little bit too because I like sunglasses that wrap tight to your face. My head’s not quite as big as Boris (Said)’s. I didn’t know exactly how much input I was going to have, but it was more than I expected. I was able to basically build the sunglasses from the ground up. It was a lot of fun to do, and to see it come to a head and here it is in my hands, it’s pretty amazing. It’s a really good feeling.”
On the process of designing his signature sunglasses: “We made revisions. They would get a mold to me, and me and Boris would kind of talk about it, and then would take back the things we’d like to see different. That took about two or three times. It’s always kind of a work in progress up until the final version. What I wanted was something that you could wear with a suit to the banquet if you wanted to, or here at the racetrack in jeans and a t-shirt. It’s kind of versatile. It kind of transcended from if you’re on the lake in shorts and a t-shirt or if you’ve got a formal engagement. We’re going to come out with a pair each year, keep designing different pairs, different styles. Not necessarily just a revision of this, we’re going to build from the ground up each year.”(California Speedway site)(2-26-2005)
NASCAR announces fines for Daytona infractions: NASCAR announced Wednesday that 15 penalties - including 11 fines totaling $102,000 - have been issued to NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series teams, resulting from rule violations during the Budweiser Shootout and Daytona 500 race weeks at Daytona International Speedway.
Two of those penalties were issued to Robby Gordon Motorsports, including the most severe fine – $50,000 for crew chief Bob Temple – because of an unapproved intake manifold on the #7 Chevrolet discovered during the initial Daytona 500 inspection process on Feb. 11. Robby Gordon’s car owner Jim Smith was penalized 25 car owner championship points. The #7 was in violation of Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and Section 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components, and/or equipment that do not conform to NASCAR rules). Gordon currently has no driver championship points, because the #7 failed to make the Daytona 500 field. Smith, however, earned 31 owner points at Daytona. Per the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series rule book, a car owner receives points based on qualifying results, if their car fails to actually qualify for a starting field.
Four penalties were issued to Wood Brothers Racing, because of an unapproved spoiler adjustment on the #21 Ford that took place after pre-race inspection for the Gatorade Duel at Daytona (Daytona 500 qualifying races) on Feb. 17. Ricky Rudd was penalized 25 driver points; Glen Wood was penalized 25 owner points; and crew chief Michael McSwain was fined $25,000. Also, crew member Marc Smith was suspended from NASCAR competition until March 31. The #21 also was in violation of Sections 12-4-A and 12-4-Q.
Pete Rondeau, crew chief on the #8 Chevrolet driven by Dale Earnhardt Jr., was fined $10,000 for an unapproved third gear transmission ratio. The violation was discovered during the initial inspection for the Budweiser Shootout on Feb. 10. The #8 was in violation of Section 12-4-A and 12-4-CC (unapproved rear end gear or transmission gear ratio).
David Charpentier, crew chief for the #14 Ford driven by John Andretti, was fined $10,000 because of improperly attached weight, a violation of 12-4-A and 12-4-W (improperly attached weight) determined during pre-race inspection for the Daytona 500 on Feb. 20.
Also, the following NASCAR NEXTEL Cup crew chiefs were issued $1,000 fines:
* Harold Holly (#32 Chevrolet driven by Bobby Hamilton Jr.), because of an unapproved fuel cell well (violating Section 12-4-U) found during the initial Daytona 500 inspection on Feb. 11. There were false panels inside the well.
* Jimmy Elledge (#41 Dodge driven by Casey Mears), because of an unapproved window net (12-4-Q) found during initial Budweiser Shootout inspection on Feb. 10.
* Jim Penland (#23 Dodge driven by Mike Skinner), because of an unapproved window net (12-4-Q) found during initial Daytona 500 inspection on Feb. 11.
* Robert Leslie (#33 Chevrolet driven by Kerry Earnhardt), because of an unapproved window net (12-4-Q) found during initial inspection for the Daytona 500 on Feb. 11.
* Beau Tiffany (#52 Ford driven by Larry Gunselman), because of an unapproved fire suppression agent (12-4-Q) found during initial Daytona 500 inspection on Feb. 11.
* Stanton Hover Jr. (#80 Ford driven by Andy Belmont), because of an unapproved side window (12-4-Q) found during initial Daytona 500 inspection on Feb. 11.
* Hover, because of an unapproved fire bottle (12-4-Q) found during the 500’s initial inspection process on Feb. 11.(NASCAR PR)
The penalties drop Rudd from 24th to 33rd in Drivers Points and the team to 33rd in 2005 Owners Points.
Drops Gordon's team from 44th to 52nd in 2005 Owners Points
Owners points don't come into play until race #6 for starting spots.(2-23-2005)
Polaris Program to Benefit Victory Junction: Polaris Industries Inc. today announced plans to sponsor a child for a week at the Victory Junction Gang Camp for each Nextel Cup finish in the top eight that Dale Earnhardt Jr. collects in Dale Earnhardt Inc.'s # 8 Budweiser Chevrolet in 2005.(NASCAR Scene Daily Newsletter)(2-24-2005)
Rondeau Wins WYPALL Wipers Crew Chief of the Race: Pete Rondeau had the weight of the racing world on his shoulders this weekend. After an unbelievably dominant feat by the #8 Budweiser team in last year's Daytona 500, everyone was expecting Rondeau's debut as crew chief to bring Dale Earnhardt Jr. a repeat performance. Although it looked bleak for Rondeau in the beginning stages of the race, he took a car that was barely running in the top-20 and transformed it into a top-five finisher. For his efforts, Rodeau was voted the WYPALL Wipers Crew Chief of the Race. The panel voting for the WYPALL Wipers Crew Chief of the Race consisted of Buddy Shacklette of the Daytona Beach News-Journal, Robbie Resier and a WYPALL Wipers Representative. All three members of the panel agreed Rondeau was the top pick. With his win, Pete Rondeau is in first place in the WYPALL Wipers Crew Chief Challenge. The crew chief with the most weekly wins at the end of the season will be named WYPALL Wipers Crew Chief of the Year and receive $20,000.00. For more information, visit www.wypall.com.(Wypall Wipers PR)(2-22-2005)
Dale Jr. says he is staying at DEI: Dale Earnhardt Jr. announced Friday he is forming a lower-level race team, but the big news was a statement about his status at Dale Earnhardt Inc. "I'm never going to sever ties with DEI," Earnhardt said. "I'm always going to be a part of that organization." For more than a year, there has been speculation that Earnhardt might leave DEI when his contract expires in 2007. Rumors persisted of him possibly joining Richard Childress Racing, where his legendary father won six of his seven NASCAR driving championships. Earnhardt's words Friday might put those rumors to rest, at least for a while. His statement came when he was asked if he might eventually leave DEI to race for his own team.(Dallas Morning News)(2-12-2005)
Dale Jr. commercials to debut tonight: Anheuser-Busch will unveil two new Budweiser commercials featuring NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. during the national broadcast of the Budweiser Shootout at Daytona on FOX on Saturday night [Feb 12th]. Below are brief details for each spot:
Title: “Horsepower”
Description: Dale Jr. takes a spin in a vehicle with different “horses” under the hood – the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales
Agency: DDB Chicago; First airdate: Feb. 12, 2005
Title: “Aerodynamic”
Description: While the Budweiser #8 Chevrolet is in the wind tunnel for aerodynamic testing, Dale Jr. decides to take a walk inside for some fresh air
Agency: DDB Chicago; First airdate: Feb. 12, 2005.(fingerprintinc.com)(2-12-2005)
Dale Jr.'s Late Model Team: Dale Earnhardt Jr. is continuing to grow his JR Motorsports operation and will field a car for Mark McFarland in the USAR Hooters Pro Cup Series. McFarland will also drive a limited late model schedule for the team. "It's a fun effort, yet it's a serious effort,'' said Earnhardt, who is using it as a springboard for even more opportunities. "As far as moving on into other series, the sky's the limit." The late Dale Earnhardt began his empire with a Busch Series team before expanding it to three Nextel Cup cars. Junior called his father's start his "blueprint.'' In a company called Chance 2 Motorsports, co-owned with his stepmother, Teresa, Earnhardt fields a car in the Busch Series for reigning series champion Martin Truex Jr. The McFarland entry is his first sole ownership venture. "For JR Motorsports, there's no limit or reins, except for the budget side of it. As it is successful, we will proceed and my roots with DEI will continue to grow. Who says you can't have it all?'' he said. "I'm definitely determined to build a team that could compete full-time in the Busch Series or, God willing, the Cup series, some day. It's just an egg we've hatched and, hopefully, it will grow and be successful.''(ESPN.com/AP)
AND Winfuel announced its full season primary sponsorship of JR Motorsports #32 Chevrolet, with driver Mark McFarland in the Southern Division of the USAR Hooters’ Pro Cup Series. Everything is in place for JR Motorsports to be contending for wins at every event, with driver Mark McFarland and crew chief Jefferson Hodges having over 100 wins combined. The most notable of Mark’s many racing accomplishments is his 2003 NASCAR Dodge Weekly Racing Series national championship. Winfuel will soon be available at fine retail locations, at every race in the WINFUEL merchandise trailer, and at www.winfuel.com. The product launch will be supported by national television advertising campaign.(Winfuel site)(2-12-2005)
Born on Date Scheme returns at Daytona for Dale Jr.: Dale Earnhardt Jr. will drive a special paint scheme for Saturday night's Budweiser Shootout at Daytona, as well as next Sunday's Daytona 500. The candy-apple red and white paint scheme was unveiled at Daytona before the starting line-up was drawn for the Budweiser Shootout. The "Born on Date" will read "12 FEB 2005" for the Shootout and "20 FEB 2005" for the Daytona 500. To see an image of the car before it hits the race track for practice Friday, click to the Budweiser Shootout site. Two of Earnhardt Jr.'s most memorable victories at the Daytona International Speedway have come in specially-painted versions of the #8 Budweiser Chevrolet. The first took place in July 2001, when Dale Jr. won the Pepsi 400 in a white-and-red Bud car commemorating baseball's all-star game. The second was last February, when Dale Jr. won the Daytona 500 in a paint scheme promoting Budweiser's "Born on Date" theme.(fingerprintinc/Budweiser PR), for an image of the scheme, see my #8 Team Schemes page.(2-11-2005)
Young Guns back: After a highly successful 2004 season, the Gillette Young Guns are kicking the 2005 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series into high gear with new sweepstakes and consumer promotions that will give fans and the National Prostate Cancer Coalition (NPCC) the chance to win prizes ranging from $1,000 to $1 million. The Gillette Young Guns - #97-Kurt Busch, #8-Dale Earnhardt, Jr., #29-Kevin Harvick, #48-Jimmie Johnson, #17-Matt Kenseth and #12-Ryan Newman - dominated their inaugural 2004 season, winning over 50 percent of the 36 Cup races. Busch won the 2004 championship, followed by fellow Young Guns Johnson and Earnhardt Jr., who finished second and fifth in the final points standings, respectively. Newman and Kenseth finished in seventh and eighth place, respectively, and Harvick finished 14th overall for the season. Collectively the Young Guns won 22 of the 36 races in 2004, claimed 70 top-fives and 109 top-10 finishes along the way. Gillette will again leverage these drivers and its NASCAR sponsorship with a comprehensive marketing communications program on several levels throughout the 2005 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup season. The program includes consumer promotions and retail events, a national "Watch & Win" consumer sweepstakes, dedicated NASCAR print and broadcasting advertising, licensing, interactive on-line consumer promotions, charitable contributions and hospitality. Consumers can celebrate the beginning of the 2005 NASCAR Nextel Cup season with the Gillette Young Guns $1 Million Watch & Win Sweepstakes. If the year end Chase for the NEXTEL Cup isn't exciting enough, consumers will have the opportunity to win big by following the Gillette Young Guns over six of the last seven races of the season. By correctly predicting the finishing order of the six Young Guns for each race, fans will automatically be entered into a points race of their own. One lucky fan that wins this unique points race will win a trip for two to the final race of the season at Homestead-Miami and the chance to win up to $1 million. Cnsumers also will be able to register online to predict the highest finishing Gillette Young Gun prior to each of this season's 36 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup events. Each week, all correct entrants will be automatically entered in a drawing for a $5,000 prize. More info on my Racing Contests page or at www.gilletteyoungguns.com.(Alan Taylor Communications PR)(2-11-2005)
Dale Jr. wins RACER award: RACER magazine’s 10th annual survey of its readers’ views of the outstanding auto racing performers of the season produced a number of firsts. Chief among them was the selection of Dale Earnhardt Jr. as the overall Racer of the Year for the first time. The Daytona 500 champ, who also topped the “RACER’s Dozen” list of the most powerful and influential people in racing compiled by the editors of the magazine last June, edged Michael Schumacher for the top award by three percentage points, 24-21, in balloting conducted online at SpeedTV.com throughout the month of December.(Speed Magazine)(2-7-2005)
Lunch at DEI with Teresa: Teresa Earnhardt is donating her time to the Communities in Schools Networks to help raise funds through their Lunch with a Leader auction. People can bid to have lunch with celebrities and leaders in the entertainment, sports and business worlds. Teresa is listed in the Business Leaders section and you place your bid via www.lunchwithaleader.com starting on January 18 – February 11. The winning bidder will not only get to have lunch with Teresa in the renowned Trophy Room here at DEI, but it will also include a tour of the DEI race shops.(DEI Site), for more info to bid on lunch with Teresa or with Bill Elliott, Rusty Wallace, Richard Petty....... see www.lunchwithaleader.com.(1-20-2005)
Dale Jr. in DC UPDATE 2 DW too: Dale Earnhardt Jr. listed among the celebs and entertainers for the "A Celebration of Freedom" event on the inaugural event list announced today by the 55th Presidential Inaugural Committee. PIC director Greg Jenkins announced the list which includes Dale Junior, Kenny Chesney, Buzz Aldrin & Others under the astronaut category. The Gatlin Brothers, The Temptations, Singer Daniel Rodriquez, the Radio City Rockettes, Boxkar, Kristen Chenoweth, Yolanda Adams and others will also be a part of the "Clebration of Freedom" event which is part of inaugural week events in Washington, DC. The Celebration of Freedom event is Wed., Jan 19th at 4:00pm/et in Washington, DC.(Claire B. Lang - XM Satellite NASCAR Radio)(1-13-2005)
UPDATE: Dale Earnhardt Jr. doesn’t expect to attend the inauguration later this month of President George W. Bush; however the Bud Chevy driver will join NASCAR President Mike Helton in several pre-inaugural celebrations. Junior told PRN’s Garagepass he was invited to the concert hosted by twins Jenna and Barbara Bush, however he cannot attend due to a prior commitment. Still, Dale hopes to visit the President’s daughters in person to thank them for the invitation and said “If I get a chance to talk with George that would be awesome!” He went on to say, “When you’re in the racing business they bring the President around every once in a while and you get to meet him. I met George Bush more than, of course, than I ever saw Bill Clinton, but probably met him (Bush) face-to-face shaking hands three or four times…talked to him on my cell phone once…that was a highlight of my life.” While in Washington DC, “I’m just hanging out with Mike Helton and he’s going to show me where we’re supposed to be and hopefully we’ll get to give George a shout out.”(PRN's Garagepass Radio Show)(1-15-2005)
UPDATE 2: Darrell Waltrip will be attending the Inauguration, Parade and Presidential Ball on Thursday, Jan 20th.(1-18-2005)
Dale Jr. gets a jet: Dale Earnhardt Jr. won't have to bum a plane ride from his racing pals anymore. Notoriously frugal, Earnhardt has joined the ranks of drivers with his own plane, having purchased a Lear 60 twin-engine jet. ``I've been trying to avoid getting a plane because it's really expensive, but we got to looking at them and talking about it and it seemed like there were a couple of places where we got stuck and hung up,'' Earnhardt said Wednesday. ``With your own plane you don't have to wait on everybody to show up to take off.'' Earnhardt always had the option of riding on the Dale Earnhardt Inc. company plane, but because that plane transported team members for both his car and teammate Michael Waltrip, he would have to leave earlier and stay longer. Having his own jet will allow Earnhardt to spend at least another week at home over the course of the season. Last summer, while suffering with burns suffered in a sports car crash in Sonoma, Calif., Earnhardt accepted plane or helicopter rides from some of his driver friends, including Dale Jarrett and Tony Stewart. The Lear 60 seats six passengers comfortably, plus two pilots, and travels at about 520 mph. Earnhardt wouldn't give specifics on his purchase but said they cost between $5 1/2 million and $8 1/2 million. And that doesn't include the cost of pilots and fuel.(Tampa Tribune)(1-13-2005)
You will see Dale Jr. on TV in 2005: It's an incredibly busy month for Dale Jr... Between test sessions, he is becoming tan from all of the klieg lights and flashbulbs. At last count, Junior will appear in 891 different TV commercials in 2005 [actually told this is a 'tongue-in-cheek' statement. just meaning Dale Jr. will be in many commercials, no exact count has been made].(fingerprint inc)(1-10-2005)
Some Crew Changes: Chief engineer Chad Walters is the latest to defect from Dale Earnhardt Inc. Walters, who worked with former Hendrick Motorsports crew chief Gary DeHart on Terry Labonte's #5, will bring his expertise back to Hendrick and the #5, which will be driven by Kyle Busch. Ed Young, who was the shop foreman for Matt Kenseth's #17 team, has left Roush Racing for Joe Gibbs Racing. Justin Nottestad, who also is Kenseth's front tire changer, will take over Young's duties.(FoxSports)(1-10-2005)
DEI Sends Young Drivers for road testing: Dale Earnhardt Inc. (DEI) is trying to stay a step ahead of the competition. With the 2005 racing season rapidly approaching and a new road race in Mexico City slated for the NASCAR Busch Series schedule, DEI recently enrolled members of its driver development program into the Advanced Road Racing two-day session at the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving near Phoenix. The goal was to sharpen the drivers’ road-race skills under the supervision of some serious road-course masters. The students included Shane Hmiel, who has shown great promise since joining the Busch Series at the end of 2001, and Ryan Moore, a 21-year-old upstart who only recently signed with DEI after earning Busch North Series rookie-of-the-year honors in 2003. Driver Paul Menard, another DEI hopeful, was also on hand for a day of instruction. To help accelerate the learning curve, GM Racing called upon veteran Corvette driver Ron Fellows. Fellows’ role was to assist Bondurant’s expert team in teaching advanced road-racing skills to the DEI drivers in both the classroom and on the track. Hmiel will run a full Busch schedule this year, and to be successful he will have to apply what he learned from Fellows and the Bondurant instructors. Moore will again compete in the Busch North Series and is standing by for the rest of his upcoming duties for DEI. Fellows, who will be back behind the wheel of a Corvette in the American Le Mans Series this year, says he will be “very surprised” if he doesn’t compete in the Busch Series race in Mexico City.(Autoweek)(1-4-2005)
Dale Jr. Special on CMT, the 60 Minutes Interview: CMT presents a night of NASCAR with two thrilling premieres including CMT 40 Greatest NASCAR Moments on Friday, Jan. 28 at 8:00-10:00pm/et/pt, followed by Dale Earnhardt Jr. Uncut: 60 Minutes Special at 10:00-11:00pm/et/pt. A new two-hour original special, CMT 40 Greatest NASCAR Moments when CMT counts down 40 of the most memorable wins, wrecks and rivalries in NASCAR history. Narrated by veteran race announcer Ken Squier, CMT 40 GREATEST NASCAR MOMENTS drives fans through more than 50 years of their favorite moments, from the first “Strictly Stock” race in 1949 to Dale Earnhardt’s first Daytona 500 win, and features new interviews with Robert “Junior” Johnson, Richard Petty, Bobby Allison, Richard Childress, Jeff Gordon, Donnie Allison, Darrell Waltrip, NASCAR President Mike Helton and more.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Uncut: 60 Minutes Special with Mike Wallace premieres exclusively on CMT with never-before-seen footage of one of NASCAR’s elite, Dale Earnhardt Jr. In the in-depth special, Earnhardt Jr. discusses everything from his fiery crash in Sonoma, Calif. to his legendary father, Dale, to Dating for Dummies. Champion driver and friend Tony Stewart guests.(Arizona Racing Times)(1-4-2005)

2004 News
Dale Jr. Donates Most Popular Winnings: Dale Earnhardt Jr. has donated the $10,000 he won in the Pillsbury Grands! Biscuits Most Popular Driver contest to two animal welfare organizations. The Animal Adoption League and the Lake Norman Lucky Cats organization in North Carolina received the money Earnhardt Jr. won from the contest run by the National Motorsports Press Association.(NASCAR Scene Daily Newsletter)(12-18-2004)
Labbe turned down #8 crew chief gig: Richard "Slugger" Labbe told Sirius Speedway - Sirius Satellite Radio/MRN Radio host Dave Moody (Sirius Satellite Radio/MRN) that he was offered the crew chief position with Dale Earnhardt, Jr.'s Budweiser Chevrolet Team, but turned it down. "They offered me five or six different things, including the crewchief job on the 8 car," he said. "But I didn't like some of the things that were happening there. I've been in this business for 18 years, and I'm in it because I love it. I want to go to work, have fun and be challenged. I didn't see myself being happy in any of the jobs they offered me."(Sirius Speedway - Sirius Satellite Radio/MRN Radio)(12-15-2004)
Buy a Tree for Dale: If you’re looking for a truly unique gift for that special someone this holiday season, you can now give them their very own Sycamore or Tulip Poplar tree growing kit from Dale Earnhardt’s North Carolina farm, or you can plant trees in their honor in the Dale Earnhardt Forest. In April 2004, The Dale Earnhardt Foundation and American Forests announced a partnership under which the Foundation will provide American Forests with an initial grant in support of plans to establish the Dale Earnhardt Forest . The initial phase of this national project will be the planting of 77,000 trees to restore Charlotte-Mecklenburg County area forests damaged by storm, disease and development. The new trees will provide substantial environmental benefits such as cleaner air, erosion control and wildlife habitat. More info at the DEI Site.(I placed my order to do both and will plant my new tree/seeds on my property.(12-8-2004)
Born on Date Scheme returns at Daytona UPDATE: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. will return with another Bud Born on Date paint scheme at Daytona in February.(RacingOne)(12-7-2004)
UPDATE: been told that the scheme will not be at Daytona?(12-8-2004)
A Hint of the future? [just a rumor....] While there were only a few mistakes made on stage during the nearly three-hour event, one very glaring error raised more than a few eyebrows. During a video montage of comments by drivers and team owners discussing Nextel's impact upon the sport as series sponsor in 2004, a three-second clip showed Richard Childress on the left side of the screen with a split-screen of identical images of Dale Earnhardt Jr. on top of each other on the right. Rumors continue to build – and especially in light of this past week's shakeup at Dale Earnhardt Inc. – that Dale Earnhardt Jr. may jump ship after his contract with DEI expires following the 2006 season and join RCR, perhaps replacing Kevin Harvick.(Yahoo Sports)(12-5-2004)
Most Popular to be announced on Friday AND the Winner is........: The winner of the 2004 Pillsbury Grands! Biscuits National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA) NASCAR Most Popular Driver Award will be announced Friday, Dec. 3, 2004, at 10:30am/et during the NMPA Myers Brothers Awards Breakfast at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, New York City. One guess who it will be???? The Most Popular Driver Award dates back to 1956. It began as a simple poll of the drivers and grew to incorporate all NASCAR Cup competitors. Later, it included all NASCAR members. Today, it's a prestigious award voted on by racing fans nationwide. This year, nearly four million votes were cast by thousands of fans at www.mostpopulardriver.com.(12-2-2004)
WINNER - Dale Jr: Dale Earnhardt, Jr. continued to set standards among NASCAR fans nationwide in 2004. For the second straight year, fans voted Earnhardt, Jr. the Pillsbury Grands! Biscuits NMPA NASCAR Most Popular Driver. The announcement was made today during the National Motorsports Press Association's (NMPA) Myers Brothers Awards Breakfast at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City. Earnhardt, Jr. becomes just the fifth driver in the award's history to have won in consecutive years, joining Bobby Allison, Richard Petty, Bill Elliott and Darrell Waltrip. A year ago, his selection by race fans made Earnhardt, Jr. and his father, Dale Earnhardt, the only father-son combination to have won NASCAR's oldest and most traditional off-track honor.
"It was fun to win it last year, but to get two in a row really means a lot to me," said Earnhardt, Jr. "I've learned this year about how loyal and supportive my fans are. My team had our best season ever, but we also had a lot of trouble along the way, including my injuries. I used to worry about losing my fans after a bad race or two, but I found out this year the fans really got behind me when I needed it the most. It's a big compliment to have that many fans voting for me and letting me know they're supportive and loyal no matter what."
Earnhardt, Jr. has led the voting since the start of the 2004 season, and easily captured enough votes in the record-setting 2004 year to again win the award. He finished with 1,487,512 votes, which exceeds the combined vote totals of the next six most popular drivers. "Dale Jr. is obviously a fan favorite, and this just confirms that," said Kenny Bruce, president of the National Motorsports Press Association. "All of the drivers in NASCAR racing have fans who support them wholeheartedly, and I think it's great what the Earnhardt fans have done. We are grateful to all of the NASCAR fans who were part of the voting process, and we feel they made a good choice."
A record 3.8 million votes were cast in 2004, marking the third straight year more than 3 million votes were cast via the Web site, www.mostpopulardriver.com. Pillsbury Grands! Biscuits, the third-year sponsor of the award which is administered by the NMPA, has worked to reach fans since voting launched with the season-opening Daytona 500.
"It's been a great honor for us to bring this award to the fans and recognize Dale as their favorite driver," said Annie Zipfel, marketing manager for Pillsbury Grands! Biscuits at General Mills. "We'll continue to share the excitement of this announcement with fans by posting award ceremony highlights on www.mostpopulardriver.com. After all, the fans are really what this award is all about."
Following Earnhardt Jr. in the 2004 Most Popular Driver Award final standings were:
#24-Jeff Gordon (496,362)
#29-Kevin Harvick (249,228)
#15-Michael Waltrip (225,011)
#20-Tony Stewart (185,486)
#9-Kasey Kahne (178,280)
#88-Dale Jarrett (127,423)
#6-Mark Martin (98,461)
#48-Jimmie Johnson (92,828)
#18-Bobby Labonte (80,680)
More than 40 drivers received votes
NASCAR's Most Popular Driver Award dates back to 1956. It began as a simple poll of the drivers and grew to incorporate all NASCAR Cup competitors. Later, it included all NASCAR members. Today, it is a prestigious award voted on by racing fans nationwide. Through the years, the voters' choices have ranged from the obvious to the surprising. Bill Elliott won the award 16 times before retiring his name from the Most Popular Driver Award voting at the beginning of the 2003 season. Richard Petty won the award nine times.(fingerprint inc./DEI)(12-3-2004)
Shakeup at DEI? UPDATE 2 Rondeau to #8, Eury Jr. to #15: hearing there could be some crew/crew chief changes/swapping within the DEI teams, nothing concrete yet, but they could come between the #8 Budweiser team of driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. and #15 NAPA team of driver Michael Waltrip.(11-30-2004)
UPDATE: A restructuring of Dale Earnhardt Inc. is underway, the immediate result of which will include a new crew chief next season for Nextel Cup Series driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. Tony Eury Sr., who has served as Earnhardt Jr.'s crew chief since his debut in the series in the 2000 season, will step down and take a less prominent role at DEI, likely overseeing next year's part-time Cup program [#1 Bass Pro Shops Chevy] of 2004 Busch Series championship Martin Truex Jr., multiple sources confirmed Tuesday. Although final details have not been worked out, two scenarios remain regarding a replacement for Eury Sr. on Earnhardt Jr.'s #8 Budweiser Chevy. The most likely is Pete Rondeau, most recently crew chief for DEI teammate Michael Waltrip, taking the same role with Earnhardt Jr.'s team, sources said. A less likely possibility is Tony Eury Jr., currently Earnhardt Jr's car chief, moving to crew chief, with Tony Gibson - currently crew chief of DEI Busch driver Paul Menard - moving into the car chief position., sources said. Should Rondeau move to Earnhardt Jr.'s team, Eury Jr. would likely take over as crew chief of Waltrip's #15 NAPA Chevys, sources said.(ThatsRacin)(12-1-2004)
UPDATE 2: Dale Earnhardt, Inc. has announced various internal motorsports promotions effective for the 2005 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series season. Tony Eury, Sr. has been promoted from Crew Chief of the #8 Chevrolet to Director of Competition. Steve Hmiel, previous Director of Competition, will now be the Technical Director for Dale Earnhardt, Inc.
Pete Rondeau has been moved to the Crew Chief position of the #8 Budweiser Chevrolet. He took over as Crew Chief on the #15 NAPA Chevrolet during the latter portion of the 2004 Nextel Cup Series season. Rondeau led Earnhardt, Jr. to a Busch Series win at Bristol Motor Speedway this year and Ron Fellows to a second-place finish at Watkins Glen International.
Tony Eury, Jr. will Crew Chief the #15 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet of Michael Waltrip. Eury, Jr. was the Car Chief on the #8 Chevrolet for the past five seasons and was also instrumental in Earnhardt, Jr’s two Busch Series championships. The #8 and #15 core members of the teams will collectively transfer intact with the promotions of Eury Jr. and Rondeau, as well. Richie Gilmore, Vice-President of Motorsports for DEI, said the moves come on the heels of a successful season and the teams wanted to improve and achieve even greater success. “We all sat down and talked because we want all of our teams to produce even better results,” Gilmore said. “Everyone is excited about this and we’re already getting ready for Daytona testing. We think the results will show up immediately.”(DEI Site), the 2005 Team Chart has been updated accordingly.(12-1-2004)
Hmiel loses hard card, will NOT spot for Dale Jr. Sunday MORE II: NASCAR officials confiscated Dale Earnhardt Inc. Steve Hmiel's hard card on Saturday and escorted him from the garage at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Hmiel was reprimanded in the trailer for inappropriate language over the radio during the Craftsman Truck race on Friday. In addition to Hmiel's position of technical director for DEI, he is also Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s spotter. Earnhardt is currently fourth in the Chase, 72 points behind Kurt Busch. Tony Eury Jr., car chief for the #8 Budweiser Chevrolet, says Hmiel's absence is indefinite, and he will not return on Sunday. When asked who will spot for Junior, Eury Jr., replied, "Some guy named Danny." The Sporting News has learned that Danny Culler, who used to spot for the late Dale Earnhardt, will spot for Earnhardt Jr. in Sunday's Ford 400.(FoxSports)(11-20-2004)
UPDATE: Steve Hmiel, technical director for Dale Earnhardt Inc. and the usual weekend spotter for Dale Earnhardt Jr., was told to leave Homestead-Miami Speedway for the remainder of the weekend Saturday morning by NASCAR President Mike Helton. The move is a suspension in fact, if not in name. Hmiel was not allowed to spot for Earnhardt Jr. during two Saturday Nextel Cup practice sessions, or for his son, Shane, in Saturday's Busch Series race. Hmiel is also prohibited from spotting for Earnhardt Jr. in Sunday's Ford 400. Earnhardt Jr. is one of five drivers eligible to win the Chase for the Nextel Cup in the race. Officials with Dale Earnhardt Inc. could not be immediately reached for comment late Saturday. Hmiel was asked to leave for making several "inappropriate remarks" – directed at NASCAR officials – over a team radio during Friday's Truck series race, in which he was spotting for his son. "The comments showed a total lack of respect for NASCAR officials. They were totally inappropriate," said Jim Hunter, NASCAR vice president of corporate communications. At the time of the incident the race was under caution and NASCAR had awarded Shane Hmiel the "free pass" for the first driver not on the lead lap. However, after a review of the circumstances, which included Hmiel crossing the pit road commitment line, NASCAR took back the free pass. Steve Hmiel then lit into NASCAR officials repeatedly over the team radio, including at one point declaring, "NASCAR (expletive) it up." Hmiel reported to the spotter's stand Saturday morning for the first Cup practice session, but was called into a meeting with Helton, during which he was told to leave the track, Hunter said.(ThatsRacin.com)
AND NASCAR said Hmiel, director of motorsports at Dale Earnhardt Inc., made disparaging remarks about series officials over the radio during Friday's Truck Series race at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Hmiel was spotting for his son, Shane, when he became angry about a ruling against him. He was called in for a meeting with NASCAR president Mike Helton Saturday morning and was sent home. "It showed complete disrespect for NASCAR and its officials, so after a meeting with Mike Helton, he was sent home for the weekend," said NASCAR spokesman Mike Zizzo.(AP/ESPN.com)(11-21-2004)
UPDATE: Danny Culler, who used to spot for Dale Earnhardt Jr's father, replaced Hmiel on the spotter's stand Sunday. Halfway through the race, Earnhardt praised Culler on the team radio: "Hey Danny, I know you been doing this a while, but I really like the way you spot. You've done a good job."(Dallas Morning News)(11-22-2004)
Dale Jr. wrecks in practice..goes to backup: from a GM PR
TONY EURY JR., CAR CHIEF, #8 BUDWEISER CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO
- Note - Dale Earnhardt Jr. hit the wall during practice and goes to a back-up car. The crew put the motor from the primary car into the back-up: "We run a support bar on the right side so when they ride the wall during the race, it supports it. It knocked the cage out pretty good. It kind of kinked the main roll cage. Instead of taking a risk of something happening during the race, we decided to change. It really doesn't cost us anything. We don't have to go to the back for no reason. Why take the chance? We got the other car out and we've got another one on the way."
(IS JUNIOR COMFORTABLE WITH THE BACK-UP CAR?) "That car actually ran about two-tenths faster than the other one. We haven't run the car all year. It's been a back-up all year. Everything we've got is good, so we're looking forward to it."(GM PR)(11-12-2004)
Dale Earnhardt Theme Park? Is a Dale Earnhardt Theme Park in the planning stages for Iredell County, near the DEI shops? Something big like that could be in the works, apparently, with the possibility that the city of Mooresville could annex DEI country. A new interchange off I-77 could help.(Winston Salem Journal). Jayski Note: there are plans for an interchage off I-77 at Langtree, near me, scheduled to open in 2006. DEI is almost straight East of Langtree, but via back roads. There has been talk of a road at the east end of Langtree at 115 to cut accross to 3. Have seen nothing about this in any local papers.(11-13-2004)
Dale Jr.'s Pit Crew wins at Phoenix: The pit crew for Dale Earnhardt Jr. captured the Phoenix competition of the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade. The victory lifted the No. 8 team into first place in the pit crew standings with two races remaining in the 2004 NASCAR Nextel Cup schedule. It was the fourth McDonald's/POWERade win for the #8 crew and in three of those victories Earnhardt also won the race - Richmond (May 15), Talladega (Oct. 3) and Phoenix (Nov. 7). The McDonald's/POWERade point standings got shuffled following the Phoenix race. Earnhardt's team moved from third to first while Elliott Sadler's team dropped from first to third. Tony Stewart's team remained in second, three points out of the lead. The top four crews heading into Darlington (Nov. 14) are: Earnhardt's (1194 points), Stewart's (1191), Sadler's (1181) and Kurt Busch's (1179). Earnhardt's crew is the reigning McDonald's/POWERade champion. Earnhardt's Budweiser Chevrolet spent the least amount of time on Phoenix International Raceway's pit road with a time of 285.50 seconds. Biffle's National Guard Ford was second at 325.98 and Jeff Burton's AOL Chevy was third at 329.87. "Great team, great car, great pit stops," said Earnhardt following his Phoenix victory. "What else can you say? I'm really proud of these guys for not giving up this year. We had awesome pit stops all day, and Tony (Eury) Sr. did a great job making the calls from the pits. Whether it was the decision to take four (tires), or the decision to stay out when I was hollerin' on the radio to pit, Tony Sr. and Tony Jr. and the whole team earned their stripes." The #8 over-the-wall crew consists of: Jeff Clarke (gasman), Kevin Pennell (jackman), Phil Drye (front tire changer), Danny Earnhardt (front tire carrier), Greg Burkhart (rear tire changer), Troy Prince (rear tire carrier), Craig Lund (catch can). Tony Eury Sr. is the crew chief and the car chief is Tony Eury Jr. The pit crew coach is Walt Smith.(DMF Comminications PR), see top-10 at Atlanta with time, season standings and more on my Pit Crew page.(11-11-2004)
Earnhardt's Windshield too thin UPDATE 2 Penalty: NASCAR officials confiscated the windshield from Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s #8 Budweiser Chevy over the weekend. According to spokesman Mike Zizzo, the windshield was too thin and not approved. A penalty is likely, but to what extent will be determined by Nextel Cup series director John Darby, Zizzo said. The penalty should be announced this week.(ThatsRacin)(11-7-2004)
UPDATE: the windshield was NOT run in the race, it was taken 'over the weekend'. Minimum thickness is 1/4".(11-9-2004)
UPDATE 2: Tony Eury Sr., crew chief for the #8 Chevrolet of driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., was fined $2,500 for violating Section 12-4-A (Actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 12-4-Q (Any determination by NASCAR Officials that the car, car parts, components and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform to NASCAR rules) for having a windshield on the car that was not an approved part and also did not meet the minimum required thickness of one-quarter inch. The infraction was discovered by NASCAR officials during opening-day inspection.(NASCAR PR)(11-10-2004)
Dale Jr's teams: Dale Earnhardt Jr. is going to be running Mark McFarland out of JR Motorsports in the 2005 Hooters Pro Cup Series. Mark McFarland recently replaced TJ Majors in Dale Jr's #17 late model stock car. Wednesday on NASCAR.com, Leilani sits down with Dale Jr and his new hot shoe, Mark McFarland. Catch "Leilani Reports" every Wednesday on NASCAR.com, her weekly featured video is FREE- no TrackPass subscription required.(11-10-2004)
Eury, Sr. Wins WYPALL Wipers Crew Chief of the Race: Tony Eury, Sr. brought his A-game to Phoenix International Raceway. His racecar dominated the action up front, leading an impressive 118 of 315 laps in the Checker Auto Parts 500. Even when an untimely caution period threatened to keep the #8 Monte Carlo out of Victory Lane, Eury, Sr. made the smart choice not to pit under the yellow. Eury's decision gave Dale Earnhardt, Jr. the track position he needed to get the job done, bringing him a repeat win at Phoenix and his sixth victory of the season. For his combination of savvy strategy and on-track supremacy, Eury Sr. was voted by the FANS the WYPALL Wipers Crew Chief of the Race. Ninety percent of the fans who logged onto www.WYPALL.com voted for Eury, Sr., noting his unmatched setup. Tony Eury, Sr. remains in first place with ten wins.(S.M.C. 500 PR)(11-9-2004)
Drivers not happy with garage security: NASCAR's garage security has been terrible this season on the Nextel Cup tour, forcing drivers back into hiding in their motor coaches, to avoid being mobbed by the hundreds of fans swarming through the working areas. Yesterday, Dale Earnhardt Jr. finally had enough, and to make a point with lackadaisical NASCAR officials, Earnhardt took a page from his late father's book. He sat down on the rear deck of the NASCAR trailer and signed autographs for the crowd that quickly packed the area, making it impossible for officials to enter or leave.(Winston Salem Journal)(11-7-2004)
Dale Jr. repeats at Phoenix: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the Checker Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway, his 2nd win in a row at the track, his 6th of 2004 and 15th of his career. Earnhardt Jr. also led the most laps with 118 as the race ran three laps long with a Green-White-Checker finish as there was a late caution and debris and oil on the track after #41-Mear wrecked and #31-Gordon lost an engine in unrelated incidents. #12-Ryan Newman finished 2nd, followed by #24-Gordon, #29-Harvick and #9-Kahne. Harvick and Kahne beat and banged a bit on the last few laps going for 4th, then had words on pit road after Kahne tapped Harvicks car on pitroad. #97-Busch finished 10th and maintains the points lead, now down from 96 to 41 with #24-Gordon 2nd and Earnhardt Jr. up to 3rd, only 47 points back.
See race results at:
JAYSKI's Phoenix Race Results/Awards Page
Motorsports One
NASCAR.com.(11-7-2004)
Dale Jr. Awaits Release of '3': An ESPN movie about Dale Earnhardt, who died in a crash on the final lap of the 2001 Daytona 500, is scheduled for airing early next month. Dale Earnhardt Jr. is eagerly awaiting its release. "From day one, I've been pretty excited about it," said Earnhardt Jr., last year's Checker Auto Parts 500 champion at Phoenix International Raceway. "I really, really hope they did a good job. You know, the stuff that they've done in the past on that network has been pretty good. I've been pretty surprised actually by the quality of the films that they've had. I think there obviously will be a little bit of a Hollywood twist to a few things. I'm sure you can't expect somebody to tell the most accurate story unless you're going to write a book. You know, every film has a twist, a Hollywood flair to it. I'm sure this one will, too." The movie, titled 3, stars Barry Pepper, who also played New York Yankees outfielder Roger Maris in 61*.(Arizona Republic), info on this movie and other NASCAR related movies on my Racing Movies page.(11-5-2004)
Dale Jr. takes crew and Wrangler for a ride: On Tuesday night, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. was the “chauffeur” at Lowe’s Motor Speedway as members of his crew, five grand-prize contest winners from the “Wrangler Take a Test Drive” promotion, top-executives from Wrangler and members of their Public Relations and Marketing firms got the thrill of a lifetime. Also helping out with driving duties was Martin Truex, Jr., driver of the #8 Chance 2 Motorsports. By season’s end, Martin will have carried the Wrangler name on his car twice. From VF Corporation, parent company of Wrangler, was Mackey McDonald, President, CEO and Chairman. Joining him were John Schamberger, VP and Chairman, Cross Coalition Management of Retail Partnerships and Terry Lay, Executive VP and Chairman of Global Jeanswear Coalition for VF Corporation. "We had a tremendous response to our new Wrangler Jeans Co. ad campaign that features Dale Jr., but we wanted to do something above and beyond just the campaign - - something that would really bring the Wrangler-Earnhardt partnership to life,” said Craig Errington, Director of Marketing Communications of VF Jeanswear -Mass Market brands. “Our ‘Take a Test Drive With Dale Jr.’ national promotion allowed us to do that. We wanted to highlight our relationship with Dale Jr. by offering this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Our five national sweepstakes winners got that chance when they climbed in the seat next to Dale Jr. and flew around Lowe’s Motor Speedway at 185 mph." Tony Eury, Jr. is the car chief for Dale Jr. and has set-up many a race car in his tenure at Dale Earnhardt, Inc. Instead of hearing how the car handled, he got to experience it real time. “That was the first time I’ve ridden around a track of that size with Dale Jr.” Tony Jr. said. “He wanted me to get the feel of just how rough the surface is at Charlotte with the bumps and all. It was pretty cool to feel all that stuff with the way he drives. I’ll understand him a bit better the next time he describes something to me. It was cool; he took me right up against the wall. He did a fast lap, just like he’s supposed to.” (Laughs) For some of the crew members, this was their first experience ever riding around a race track. Such was the case for Troy Prince, rear-tire carrier for the No. 8 Chevrolet of Dale Jr. when he rode with Martin. “It was weird,” Troy said. “First off, you’re on the wrong side of the car riding in the passenger seat while Martin drives. You’re mind is telling you ‘No, No, No, this car won’t make it through the turns’ and you want to abort.“ Joining in the fun were correspondents from TV shows Totally NASCAR, TV Guide Channel, Entertainment Tonight and the Tony Danza Show.(DEI Site)(10-29-2004)
Dale Jr. fan takes it up a notch: NASCAR knew Dale Earnhardt Jr. fans would be upset by the 25 point penalty levied against him for cursing, and one has even started his own protest. Steve Robyor, a 44-year-old Boca Raton, Fla., has made T-shirts displaying the same phrase Earnhardt used when he cursed in his Victory Lane interview at Talladega last month. "It upset me when they took his points away," Robyor said. "I was watching the Talladega race and I heard him say it and it didn't bother me. It actually didn't bother anyone I know. You hear worse things on prime time TV. The `S-word' really isn't even a bad word anymore." Robyor is encouraging all Earnhardt fans to wear his T-shirts as a sign of support for Earnhardt over the final four races of the season. He's also hopeful that the shirts might send a message to NASCAR to stop taking points for non-racing related infractions. "Maybe we can let NASCAR know we don't mind accidental use of profanity," he said. "Maybe the shirts can get an amendment that if it is judged or deemed accidental, then a fine would be appropriate. Don't take the points." Robyor's shirts can be found at www.itdontmeanbleep.com.(AP Report)
[NOTE: there are what some will consider offensive words on this site.....you have been warned].
Would be nice if the shirts were sold and the proceeds donated to charity.(10-27-2004)
Dale Jr. to take in a baseball game; Kenny too: Dale Earnhardt Jr. will attend Wednesday night's game four of the 2004 Major League Baseball World Series. Game four will take place at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, the hometown of Anheuser-Busch. Dale Jr. finished in third place in the NASCAR Nextel Cup race at Lowe's Motor Speedway Oct. 16, carrying a special paint scheme featuring the World Series and MLB logos. Budweiser, the official beer sponsor of Major League Baseball, has sponsorship deals with both teams represented in the World Series: the Boston Red Sox and St. Louis Cardinals. This is the fourth season Bud and MLB have teamed up with a special paint scheme for the #8 Budweiser car.(fingerprint inc./Anheuser-Busch PR), Kenny Wallace also plans to attend a few World Series games in St. Louis, he from that area.(10-26-2004)
Dale Jr.'s appeal to be heard Monday - UPHELD: The National Stock Car Racing Commission will hear Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s appeal on his 25-point penalty at 11:00am Monday at an undisclosed location within a two-hour drive of Charlotte, N.C., according to a team official. Richie Gilmore, director of competition at Dale Earnhardt Inc., said he and Earnhardt will present the appeal. Gilmore says that if the commission rules against Earnhardt, the team does not plan to appeal to the National Stock Car Racing Commissioner, whose decision is final. "I think we decided whatever happens here, we're done with it," Gilmore said Thursday night at Lowe's Motor Speedway. "Our focus is on the chase right now, and we just need to get back to racing and let this get past us and not let the 25 points bother us if we lose." The commission is a review board independent of NASCAR. The chairman, George Silbermann, is employed by NASCAR. Since Silbermann's appointment to chairman in November 1999, the commission has upheld 37 of the 53 appeals it has heard. The commission reduced a penalty 11 times. The commission overturned a NASCAR decision four times. Once, the commission increased a penalty.(Roanoke Times)(10-15/17-2004)
UPHELD: The National Stock Car Racing Commission has upheld NASCAR's $10,000 fine and 25-point penalty levied against Nextel Cup driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. for using profanity in a live, post-race interview following the October 10 race at Talladega.(Thartsracin)(10-18-2004)
World Series Scheme for Dale Jr. UPDATE 2 yep at Charlotte: For the third time on the NASCAR Circuit, Budweiser and Dale Earnhardt Jr. will be teaming up with Major League Baseball to race at the Martinsville Speedway on October 24th. Earnhardt Jr. will be racing his MLB World Series car the same weekend as the start of the World Series [GO Phillies!]. Dale Jr's special paint scheme will feature the MLB World Series logo and graphics. October 24th, Martinsville Speedway.(8-11-2004)
UPDATE: being told now that is will NOT happen....
BUT there may be some sort of MLB scheme in the works but NOT at Martinsville.(8-12-2004)
UPDATE 2: NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. will drive a specially-decaled Budweiser #8 car Saturday night at Lowe's Motor Speedway near Charlotte commemorating next week's World Series. The car will feature the official Major League Baseball World Series '04 logo on the hood and deck lid as well as images of the championship trophy on the rear quarter panels. Budweiser, the official beer sponsor of Major League Baseball, has sponsorship deals with the four teams represented in the League Championship Series: Boston Red Sox, Houston Astros, New York Yankees and St. Louis Cardinals. This is the fourth season Bud and MLB have teamed up with a special look for the #8 Budweiser car.(fingerprint inc./Anheuser-Busch PR), see an image of the scheme on my #8 Team Paint Schemes page.(10-15-2004)
Budweiser Unviels the new Dale Earnhardt '8-Pack': Anheuser-Busch and Dale Earnhardt Jr. announced today that the popular NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series driver will be displayed on the packaging of new Budweiser '8-packs' now available in select race markets. Select wholesalers and retailers in Charlotte, N.C., Darlington, S.C. and Atlanta are offering the specialty packaging of 12-ounce Budweiser cans through the end of the year while supplies last. In 2005, the new packages will be found in all NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race markets. The '8-packs' are packaged at the Anheuser-Busch Williamsburg brewery. For more information, visit www.anheuser-busch.com and www.budweiser.com.(fingerprint inc/Budweiser PR)(10-13-2004)
NBC Could be fined? The FCC could apparently fine NBC $27,500 for Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s indiscretion [cuss word at Talladega][Winston Salem Journal)(10-11-2004)
FCC Looking at Dale Jr.'s slip: Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s use of a four-letter expletive Sunday in a live post-race interview on NBC after his win at Talladega Superspeedway is being reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission, Bloomberg News reported Thursday. An FCC spokesman was quoted in the news service report, which moved on general news wires Thursday evening. That report came several hours after NBC announced it would begin using a delay in such interviews, beginning with this weekend's NASCAR Nextel Cup race at Kansas Speedway. "We've gotten a few dozen e-mail letters of concern," FCC spokesman David Fiske said in an interview with Bloomberg News. "We'll subject them to the normal review procedures, in which we look at the law, the precedent, the facts, and the context."(ThatsRacin)(10-8-2004)
Dale Jr.'s Pit Crew Takes Over Points Lead After Talladega Win: Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s pit crew not only captured Sunday's McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade at Talladega Superspeedway, but the No. 8 crew also took over the competition's points lead which will pay the season champion a $200,000 bonus.
It was the third time this season that Earnhardt's crew won the $20,000 weekly prize - the other wins were at Rockingham and Richmond in May. The No. 8 crew, which played a vital role in Earnhardt's victory in the restrictor-plate race, overcame a 19-point deficit to Elliott Sadler's crew going into Talladega. Earnhardt's crew earned 43 points for the win while Sadler's crew picked up 22 points for finishing 22nd.
With seven Nextel Cup races remaining, the McDonald's/POWERade points race is shaping up to be a tightly-contested battle. The top-five crews are: Earnhardt Jr. (1031 points), Sadler (1029), Kurt Busch (1020), Kevin Harvick (1013) and Tony Stewart (997).
Earnhardt's Budweiser Chevrolet spent the least amount of time on Talladega's pit road - 203.341 seconds. Busch's Sharpie Ford was second at 211.299. Joe Nemechek's No. 01 U.S. Army Chevy came in third with a time of 213.680.
"Great pit stops all day," said Earnhardt. "I believe every time we made a pit stop, we picked up positions. Tony Jr. made a great call there when we were coming in for a quick gas-and-go with about 12 or 11 to go. The caution came out just as we had entered pit road, so he was yelling 'Put on two tires! Put on two tires!' That was a split-second decision, and I think it was the difference in us winning and losing. Those two right-side tires made the car turn so much better, and I had 'em and nobody else did."
Tony Eury Sr., crew chief for the No. 8 team, said, "We've finally got our pit crew going the way we need it to. We made a few changes not too long ago, because we felt like if we're going to make a serious run at this championship, we need to get our act together in the pits. Our pit stops have been really good last month, and it just so happens we've won two races and added a few more top-fives to go with them. Dale Jr. has done a great job driving the car, and the guys in the pits have done a great job getting him in and out."
The No. 8 over-the-wall crew consists of: Jeff Clarke (gasman), Kevin Pennell (jackman), Phil Drye (front tire changer), Danny Earnhardt (front tire carrier), Greg Burkhart (rear tire changer), Troy Prince (rear tire carrier), Craig Lund (catch can). Tony Eury Sr. is the crew chief and the car chief is Tony Eury Jr. The pit crew coach is Walt Smith.(DMF Communications PR and see top-10 from Talladega and season standings on my Pit Crew Page.(10-7-2004)
No Delay? Dale Jr. should had said 'poop' UPDATE fined and docked points TO APPEAL: been asked by readers if Dale Earnhardt Jr. will be fine/penalized for his on-air curse during his post-race-win interview at Talladega on NBC. That is up to NASCAR, but here are a few tidbits found accross the Internet on the situation:
1) During the interview in Victory Lane with NBC's Matt Yocum, Earnhardt Jr. was asked what it meant to win for the fifth time at Talladega. Earnhardt Jr. replied, "It don't mean s--- right now. Daddy's won here 10 times." NBC later issued an apology for the inappropriate language. After several media requests, NASCAR is reviewing the post-race videotape, according to spokesman Mike Zizzo. Any penalty would be handed down Tuesday at the earliest, Zizzo said.(NASCAR.com)
2) ......off-color words he uttered on NBC during a postrace interview, which NASCAR is reviewing before deciding any disciplinary action. Earlier this season Johnny Sauter and Ron Hornaday Jr. each were fined $10,000 and docked 25 championship points for talking 'dirty' [using the same word...but in anger] during Busch Series broadcasts. If precedence holds, Earnhardt could go from 13 points ahead of second-place Kurt Busch to 12 points down with seven races left in the Chase for the Nextel Cup. "If anybody was offended by that, I can't imagine why they'd tune in to a race in the first place," Earnhardt said, later joking that he needed some Dale Carnegie classes. "There were a lot of hand gestures going on through the race, and that was weak compared to what you go through on the racetrack. But I hope they understand it was in jubilation. ... When you're happy and joyous about something, it's different from being angry and cursing in anger."(USA Today)
3) Asked about the matter, NASCAR vp/communications Jim Hunter said, "We're looking into it," adding that a decision would be made by Monday or Tuesday. Earnhardt seemed strangely subdued after the race, apparently aware that his slip of the tongue could prove to be costly. "I'm worried about losing the points lead, because I don't know what kind of deal will come out of it," he said. "If you guys [press] push the issue, in three or four days it could be a big problem. I just hope everybody understands it came out of jubilation."(Speed Channel)(10-4-2004)
UPDATE - Fined and Docked 25 points: Driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. was penalized with a loss of 25 championship driver points and a $10,000 fine for an inappropriate post-race comment during the live national television broadcast of Sunday’s NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway, NASCAR officials announced today. Earnhardt Jr., driver of the #8 Budwesier Chevrolet, was in violation of Section 12-4-A (Actions detrimental to stock car racing) of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Rule Book for using inappropriate language. The penalty also will extend to the team as Dale Earnhardt Inc. will lose 25 championship owner points for the actions of its driver. Earnhardt Jr.’s championship points total will be adjusted from 5,543 points to 5,518 as a result of the penalty, and will drop him from first to second in the Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup. Kurt Busch and Roush Racing will assume the lead with 5,530 points, 12 ahead of Earnhardt Jr. and DEI, respectively.(NASCAR PR)
TO APPEAL: XM Radio - NASCAR Channel 144 reports that DEI will appeal the penalty.
DEI Statement/Appeal: Dale Earnhardt, Inc. announced today that the #8 Budweiser eam that fields Chevrolet Monte Carlos for Dale Earnhardt, Jr. in the Nextel Cup Series, will appeal the NASCAR-imposed post-race penalty that cost the team 25 championship points and $10,000. Richie Gilmore, DEI Director of Competition, cites that the 25- point penalty under the new 10-race “Chase for the Nextel Cup” format could be devastating with only seven races remaining. “This is a huge setback for the entire company,” Gilmore said. “We’re in a sport that focuses its primary attention on the final 10 races of the season and we’re racing against formidable teams for a championship. We’re facing a setback from a competition standpoint for something that should be considered a personal foul. We have no choice but to appeal the points portion of the penalty. I think we’re the only sport that takes points off of the board after they’ve been scored. The popularity of this sport is based on colorful personalities and the fact that everyone can relate to these drivers and their emotions. Now, it seems like that’s a detriment. Dale Jr.’s comment was made in the excitement of the moment, seconds after he climbed out of the car. It wasn’t made in anger or hostility directed at anyone. This whole incident is going to force everyone in the sport to rethink showing any excitement in what should be a jubilant moment. We’ve had hundreds of calls from fans that support us. Our sponsors have vowed their support, as well. If nothing else, we can look back at this race and always remember it as one where we were reminded of the loyalty everyone has toward Dale Jr., the No. 8 team and our company.”(DEI Site)(10-5-2004)
NASCAR's appeal process
1. A written request for an appeal must be made to the National Stock Car Racing Commission within 10 calendar days of the notice of the penalty.
2. The Chairman of the National Stock Car Racing Commission will set a date and location.
3. From the pool of 31 commission members, the chairman will be joined by a minimum of two to constitute a quorum. Commission members are selected based on their knowledge and experience. They include men and women from a variety of motorsports backgrounds, some active in the sport and some retired. They include promoters, industry leaders, and dignitaries from other forms of professional motorsports.
4. Appeal would be heard; decision handed down.
5. If the team is not satisfied with the decision, they could make a final appeal to the National Stock Car Racing Commissioner Charles D. Strang. All decisions by the commissioner are final.
Busch's Reaction to the penalty: Taking time out from testing at Martinsville, new Nextel Cup point leader Kurt Busch reacted to the penalties against Dale Earnhardt Jr. following his victory lane slip of a curse word at Talladega. Busch told PRN's Mark Garrow "I wanna say we want to beat the 8 car out on the race track and not with the penalty.What he (Dale Jr) said is true emotion in victory lane and it wasn't quite appropriate and so it was good to see they (NASCAR) handled it consistently. NASCAR's always in that box of are they consistent with their decisions....do they hold somebody to different standards. It was a decision they had to make and now we go on." If the championship came down to Busch and Earnhardt Jr. Kurt said, "I want to go into the last race with a 155 point edge and that we don't have to worry about that last race."(PRN's Garage Pass Radio Show)(10-5-2004)
So....does Dale Earnhardt Jr. still get awarded the NASCAR Nextel Cup Leader Bonus for winning the race and leading the points? It was $90,000 at Talladega.
Been told that Dale Jr. gets to keep the award and money as it was post-race penalty - he had the win and the lead in the points following the race.(10-5-2004)
#8 too low? been getting unsubstantiated reports all day Monday that #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s Budwesier Chevy was found too low in post race inspection, but sources tell me the car was not too low, that a rumor broke put before the car even made it to inspection and that NASCAR reported to the media that all cars inspected, had passsed. Saw no columns/articles about the #8 being too low at all.(10-5-2004)
Budweiser Ford? Dale Earnhardt Jr. came into the Ken Patterson Media Center to field a few questions before the first session began. The program included an emcee to introduce the Chase for the Championship driver. As the emcee started her introduction, Junior began to sit up and prepare for the questioning. But that’s when the problem began. The emcee, said, “We’d like to welcome Dale Earnhardt Junior, the driver of the No. 8 Budweiser Ford.” Ford hung in the air for an interminable amount of time. While there were a few in the crowd who wondered momentarily if Dan Davis’ commitment to draw topflight race teams into Ford gear had paid huge dividends. But Earnhardt’s groan broke the silence indicating otherwise. The program got back on track after the emcee excused herself for the error, then introduced Earnhardt as the driver of the Budweiser Chevy.(Team Ford Racing)(10-3-2004)
If Dale Jr. was NASCAR Prez for a day: If Dale Earnhardt Jr. were NASCAR president for a day, he says he'd cut 75 percent of Nextel Cup races to 300 miles, drop the field from 43 to 38 cars and limit race weekends to two-day programs. In a column in this week's NASCAR Scene, Earnhardt Jr. also says he'd eliminate fan access to the garage area, limit Cup drivers to no more than five Busch Series or Craftsman Truck Series races and move the July race at Daytona International Speedway to the end of the season.(NASCAR Scene Daily Newsletter)
AND did ya miss or see the CBS 60 Minutes interview with DaleEarnhardt Jr.? See information, images and a video clip at cbs.com.(10-1-2004)
Problems with Little E and Mikey? #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. and #15-Michael Waltrip had a close call when their Chevrolets exited the pits side by side after the Dale Earnhardt Inc. teammates made their final stop under green with about 40 laps left. "He drove the car all the way up to the yellow line as if I wasn't even there," said Earnhardt, who took the points lead by finishing third yesterday. "I'd about wreck into the side of him for three or four laps. I was just trying to figure out where he was getting his team orders from because whoever was giving them to him needs a new [pay]check. Whoever they're working for, we need to see where they're getting their kickbacks from. I was [ticked] about it. I'm sure Michael didn't mean anything by it."(Richmond Times Dispatch)(9-20-2004)
New Spotter for Dale Jr.: Stevie Reeves, Dale Earnhardt, Jr's spotter, was relieved of his spotter duties by Dale Earnhardt, Inc. racing. Reeves will remain with the team in some other capacity. Steve Hmiel will spot for Jr. this weekend. "We want to win, we can go for a win at all costs, and that means everything," said Earnhardt after he qualified the No. 8 DEI Chevrolet. 8 team members deduced that Hmiel may serve as a better umpire between Earnhardt and the Eury's.(Motorsport.com)(9-11-2004)
Another Maze - Daytona theme this time: Larson's Farm and Maze in Brookfield, CT have cut a 9 acre NASCORN adventure maze into thier corn field that was inspired by true racing fans. A fantastic family day with games, activities, and fun in their Courtyard. Then practice your maze solving skills in their Mini-Mazes, or relax and enjoy a light refreshement. Face Painting, Chez Lenard (Hot Dogs) and other Food/beverages are available all day at the maze. The corn maze is open weekends only from late August through early November, from 10am - 6pm and are also open for holidays during the week from 11am until 6pm. All dates are weather permitting. Please call ahead or check their website: www.larsonsfarmmarket.com for daily availability updates, actual opening dates, and pricing.(PR), see my #15 Team News and Links page for the #15 Corn Maze.(9-7-2004)
#8 to promote boxing at RIR: Budweiser, sponsor of the #8 NEXTEL Cup car with driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., will promote the boxing battle royale for the undisputed middleweight championship of the world between Oscar de la Hoya and Bernard Hopkins with a decal on the Bud Chevrolet this weekend. The decal will ride on the decklid of the Bud car for Saturday night's Chevy Rock and Roll 400 at Richmond International Raceway in Richmond. Budweiser is presenting the fight, which can be seen on Pay-Per-View Saturday night, September 18.(fingerprint/Busweiser PR)(9-7-2004)

fingerprint/Busweiser PR
1,900 people respond to promotion for Bud One Night Stand: Fans of Dale Earnhardt Jr. lined up in droves to donate blood and receive free tickets to Thursday's Budweiser One Night Stand event in San Bernandino, Calif. The Blood Bank of San Bernandino and Riverside Counties reports the number of area blood doners in August far exceeded the target mark, thanks to Earnhardt and the mass of fans that want to see him Thursday night. The promotion, a joint effort between Budweiser, Los Angeles rock station KCAL 96.7-FM, and the Blood Bank, promised two free tickets to Budweiser One Night Stand for anyone who donated a pint of blood in any of the five San Bernandino or Riverside County doner centers.(fingerprint inc./Budweiser PR)(9-5-2004)
Eury Sr. Wipes out the Competition: Internet voters have selected Tony Eury Sr. as the Wypall Wipers crew chief of the race after his Dale Earnhardt Inc. team put driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. in victory lane in Saturday night's Sharpie 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Eury now has six wins and continues to lead in the contest for a $10,000 prize at the end of the season. Chad Knaus, crew chief for Jimmie Johnson, and Robbie Loomis, crew chief for Jeff Gordon, are tied for second place with four wins each.(NASCAR Scene Daily Newsletter)(9-1-2004)
Budweiser One Night Stand Benefits San Bernardino Blood Bank: Dale Earnhardt Jr. will appear at the Budweiser One Night Stand the evening of September 2 at the National Orange Event Center in San Bernardino to benefit the San Bernardino Blood Bank. The event will feature an on-stage question-and-answer session with the NASCAR Nextel Cup superstar as well as live music from Fate's Union, a Budweiser True Music band. Fans can secure free tickets to the event via on-air promotions with KCAL radio, an event co-sponsor, or by donating a pint of blood to the San Bernardino Blood Bank. The event begins at 7:00 pm.(fingerprint inc. PR)(8-28-2004)
Dale Jr wins at Bristol, sweeps Busch and Cup race: On the fifth anniversary of one of his legendary father's most infamous victories, Dale Earnhardt Jr. mostly stayed out of trouble Saturday night to win the Sharpie 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Earnhardt Jr. completed a sweep of the weekend's races at this .533-mile track, adding his first Nextel Cup victory since Richmond in early May to his win in Friday night's Busch Series race. It was the first Cup-Busch weekend sweep ever at Bristol. Earnhardt Jr. took the lead by passing Jeff Burton on Lap 415 and took off from there, winning by 4.4 seconds over Ryan Newman. Earnhardt Jr. led 295 laps in winning for the fourth time this year [and 13th of his career]. It was on Aug. 28, 1999, that seven-time Cup champion Dale Earnhardt bumped Terry Labonte off Turn 2 on the final lap and went on to win for the ninth and final time in his career at this track amid a shower of boos from the grandstands. As important as the victory was to Earnhardt Jr., Newman's runner-up finish was big for him, too. It vaulted him from 13th in the standings to 10th, the final spot guaranteed to qualify for the 10-race championship chase that commences after the next two races at California and Richmond. Newman is now 26 points ahead of 11th-place Kasey Kahne. Only 45 total points separates Newman from 15th-place Dale Jarrett. Jimmie Johnson, meanwhile, also steadied his ship with a third-place finish after coming home 36th or worse in the past three races and losing what had been a 232-lead in the standings before that slide. He did it in a backup Chevrolet after crashing his primary car in practice here on Friday. Burton, in just his second race after switching rides, held on for fourth in the #30 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing. Elliott Sadler, seventh in the standings coming in, rebounding from his worst finish of the season last weekend at Michigan to get fifth and further secure his status for the championship chase. Jeff Gordon had the pole and led through a trio of early yellow flags before making his first pit stop. That put Rusty Wallace and Earnhardt Jr., who'd both come in for stops on the earlier yellows, in front when the green flew on Lap 62.(ThatsRacin)
For results see:
Jayski's Bristol Race Results/Awards page
Motorsports One
NASCAR.com.(8-28-2004)
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Featured on Season Premiere of 60 Minutes: Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the #8 Budweiser Chevrolet in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, will be featured in the season premiere of the weeknight edition of 60 Minutes. Dale Jr. is the first NASCAR driver to be profiled on the legendary news magazine show in 18 years. (Seven-time NASCAR champ Richard Petty was featured in 1988.) The show will air on CBS-TV, September 29 at 8:00pm/et. Mike Wallace, the legendary 86-year-old correspondent and co-editor of 60 Minutes since its debut in 1968, conducted a series of in-depth interviews with Dale Jr., beginning at the Daytona International Speedway in July. The 60 Minutes video crews also followed NASCAR's most popular driver through a tour of the No. 8 Budweiser shop at Dale Earnhardt Inc., his new home and office, and Budweiser public appearances.(fingerprint inc. PR)(8-26-2004)
Dale Jr. to race Busch race at Bristol: Dale Earnhardt Jr. will be driving a #81 Menards Chevrolet in the upcoming Busch race at Bristol Motor Speedway on Friday night, Aug. 27. This will be his last Busch race of the season (DEI Site)(8-19-2004)
More Crew Changes at the #8: Dale Earnhardt Inc. is still hoping to upgrade its over-the-wall crew on Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s #8 Budwesier Chevrolet. Greg Burkhart, currently the rear tire changer on the #10 Valvoine team, will join the #8 car at Bristol. Jay Guarneri holds the position, but DEI wants to see how Burkhart works with the team.(FoxSports/Sporting News)(8-16-2004)
Dale Jr. and Dave Matthews Band at California: Dave Matthews Band will feature their name and likeness on Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s car in the Pop Secret 500 at the California Speedway in San Diego this September. See an image on my #8 Team Paint Schemes page.(8-14-2004)
World Series Scheme for Dale Jr. UPDATE No? For the third time on the NASCAR Circuit, Budweiser and Dale Earnhardt Jr. will be teaming up with Major League Baseball to race at the Martinsville Speedway on October 24th. Earnhardt Jr. will be racing his MLB World Series car the same weekend as the start of the World Series [GO Phillies!]. Dale Jr's special paint scheme will feature the MLB World Series logo and graphics. October 24th, Martinsville Speedway.(8-11-2004)
UPDATE: being told now that is will NOT happen....
BUT there may be some sort of MLB scheme in the works but NOT at Martinsville.(8-12-2004)
Little E Plane Story not True: Published reports this week indicated that Dale Earnhardt Jr. was forced to fly to the July 25 race at Loudon, N.H., on Richard Childress' plane, because his stepmother Teresa would not allow his birth mother to ride on Dale Earnhardt Inc.'s aircraft. Earnhardt Jr. said Saturday the report was false. Earnhardt said he missed the DEI plane because he had an appointment with Charlotte neurologist Dr. Jerry Petty, who examined the driver following his fiery sports-car crash last month. Earnhardt said several prominent figures in Nextel Cup, including Childress, Matt Kenseth and Tony Stewart, have offered rides around his medical schedule. "Everybody thought it was for different reasons, that Teresa didn't want my real mother flying on the company plane," said Earnhardt, still nursing burns from the crash. "That's not the case at all. Teresa's not like that at all, because she knows I need my mom to help me with my wrappings."(Charleston Post and Courier)(8-8-2004)
No Standby for Dale Jr. at Indy: Richie Gilmore told Claire B. Lang on XM Satellite NASCAR Radio 144 that there is no plan for a stand by driver for Dale Earnhardt Jr. at Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the Brickyard 400. Earnhardt Jr. plans to drive the entire race and Gilmore feels strongly that Earnhardt Jr. will run the entire race. The #8 team had a serious meeting this week and they are committed to racing the entire race with Earnhardt Jr. as the driver and to step up performance as a team. No stand by has been appointed.(XM Satellite NASCAR Radio 144)(8-6-2004)
Dale Jr. gets out of car; Andretti finishes race, picks up 11 spots: Numbness, not pain, forced Dale Earnhardt, Jr. out of the Budweiser Chevrolet Sunday at Pocono Raceway. "I felt fine," Junior said. "The bumps hurt a little bit but my foot was going to sleep. I haven't been using it a lot -- I haven't been standing on it much and it just goes to sleep and cramps up real easy." Earnhardt, still nursing burn injuries suffered two weeks ago when he wrecked a sports car at Infineon Raceway, completed 51 laps before better judgment said to hand the ride over to substitute driver John Andretti.(NASCAR.com), Andretti restarted 36th and brought the #8 home in 25th.(8-1-2004)
Dale Jr. hopes to go all 200 laps: Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver, #8 Budweiser team: "The plan is to rest and take it easy this week so I'll be ready to do 500 miles Sunday. The burns heal a little more every day, but I'm still in a lot of pain. I felt pretty good inside the car, but I'm going to need all my strength. Pocono can wear you out even when you're 100 percent healthy. I couldn't have finished 300 laps (at New Hampshire) but I'm going to do all I can to get through this and be ready to go this week. I owe it to my team. They've worked so hard for so many years to put us in a place where we're in position to grab a championship, and I owe it to my sponsors and especially my fans. Everyone has been really supportive of me and that means a lot. Anybody can be cool and get along great when you're winning races and kicking butt, but when things don't go right, it's important to have that support behind me." Dale Jr. and the #8 Budweiser team have four top-10s in nine races at Pocono Raceway and have finished no worse than sixth in the last three events at the unique 2.5-mile tri-oval. Dale Jr. has led at Pocono four times for 89 laps and has been running at the finish in each of his nine events there. Dale Jr. is still recovering from injuries sustained in an American LeMans Series race in Sonoma, Calif., but is hoping to attempt the full 500-mile race at Pocono. Should Dale Jr. not be able to run the full race, John Andretti will stand by as a relief driver in case needed. Andretti, who drives a part-time schedule for Dale Earnhardt Inc.'s #1 team, has 20 races under his belt at Pocono.(fingerprint, inc./Budweiser Racing PR)(7-28-2004)
Andretti on stand-by for Dale Jr. at Pocono: John Andretti, part-time driver for DEI's #1 Chevy, will be the stand-by driver for #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. next week at Pocono if needed. Martin Truex Jr., subbing for Dale Jr. at NHIS, will be unavailable as he will be at Pikes Peak International Raceway on Colorado for the Busch race.(FSN's NASCAR This Morning)(7-25-2004)
Dale Jr. comments after getting out of car at NH: from FoxSports/Sporting News site:
"Ain't many people I'd let drive my car. Martin's one of them. Luckily he was available this weekend. The car is not that good. It think the car might be worse than I am. It's real loose in, real tight in the middle - wouldn't turn in the middle at all. Hopefully we can work on it, get it a lot better and get a pretty good finish. We were real good all weekend in practice with Martin in the car. I know we can get a good run; we just got to get the car a lot better. The car just wasn't as good as I thought it'd be, or had been all weekend. Just ain't no fun getting out. I'm a tell ya that. I like running here, but Martin's gonna do a good job for me, so it'll be okay."
"My injuries really, really hurt bad. It's a pain I've never felt before. But I was in two burn centers and I saw some people in there that were a lot worse off than I was and it made me really appreciate how luckily I was to be able get out of there. Just ain't good enough to drive a car out here all day long. Hopefully next week we will be."
See more at FoxSports/Sporting News.(7-25-2004)
Andretti on stand-by for Dale Jr. at Pocono: John Andretti, part-time driver for DEI's #1 Chevy, will be the stand-by driver for #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. next week at Pocono if needed. Martin Truex Jr., subbing for Dale Jr. at NHIS, will be unavailable as he will be at Pikes Peak International Raceway on Colorado for the Busch race.(FSN's NASCAR This Morning)(7-25-2004)
Dale Jr. to start; Martin Jr. to finish; crew changes: Dale Earnhardt Jr. got in the #8 Bud Chevy and ran about 8 laps of practice. His speeds were within a tenth of Martin Truex Jr's best time. He did not go out in the second segment [Happy Hour]. Junior said he felt comfortable in the seat. He says he has less discomfort sitting behind the wheel then he does in a standing position. The plan for the Seimens 300 has not changed. Junior will start the race and the team hopes to make the driver switch under the first caution. There are three permanent changes to the No. 8 Budweiser pit crew: Jay Guarneri = Rear Tire Changer; Jeff Clark = Gasman; Bill Snyder = Catch Can.(GM PR), expect to see TV cover the driver swap, when it happens, look for the first caution or 25 laps into the race.(7-25-2004)
DEI News? UPDATE 2: some sort of DEI announcement will be made at NHIS, Friday morning, July 23rd.(7-22-2004)
AND SPEED Channel will interrupt Formula One Practice Friday morning at approximately 8:30am/et to present live coverage of a Dale Earnhardt, Inc. press conference from the New Hampshire International Speedway. At its conclusion, SPEED will resume F1 Practice from the point it left.(SC PR)
UPDATE On Speed Channel's Wind Tunnel with Dave Despain, Dave reported that DEI will announce in a press conference Friday morning that Martin Truex Jr. will attempt to qualify the #8 car for the Cup race at New Hampshire on Friday [3pm on TNT].(7-23-2004)
UPDATE 2: It was announced in a press conference at New Hampshire International Speedway, Friday morning [July 23td around 8:20am/et] that Dale Earnhardt Jr. would sit out practice and qualifying on Friday, July 23rd. Chance 2 Busch Series driver, Martin Truex Jr. will practice and qualify the #8 Budweiser Chevy. Dale Jr. may practice the car some on Saturday and plans are for Dale Jr. to start the car Sunday in the Siemen's 300 at NHIS and have Truex Jr. get in the car at the first oppurtunity/first caution. The reason to remove Dale Jr. is to protect his burns from infection, which being in a hot car and sweating could cause. Dale Jr. has a bandage wrapped around his neck and a 2nd, larger bandage on the left side of his neck. Earnhardt Jr. said he has been totally cleared to practice, qualify and race the #8 Budweiser Chevy. Dale Jr. said he has no plans to spot for Truex Jr. Attending the press conference were Dale Earnhardt Jr., crew chief Tony Eury Sr., DEI's Richie Gilmore and sub driver Martin Truex Jr., who left the press conference after the initial announcement and before the Q&A. (Speed Channel Press Conference Coverage), if Truex Jr. qualifies the car and Earnahrdt Jr. starts the race, no matter where the car is scheduled to start, Dale Jr. will have to fall to the rear of the field before the drop of the green flag, same as usual.(7-23-2004)
POINTS: If Dale Earnhardt Jr. starts the race at NHIS, and Truex Jr. replaces him at some point in the race, Dale Jr. gets all the points, just like any other driver change during a race.
Rookie stripes? been asked if the #8 will have rookie stripes on the car, I would guess so, but am not sure, will see today during qualifying.[yes the car has rookie stripes on it]
From the DEI site - in part: In a Friday morning press conference at New Hampshire International Speedway, Dale Earnhardt, Inc. announced their weekend plans for the #8 Budweiser Chevrolet. Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Tony Eury, Sr, Richie Gilmore and Martin Truex, Jr. addressed the media and revealed the team’s intentions and approach for the Siemens 300 on Sunday. The following move was necessitated because of the burn injuries Dale Jr. received last week at Infineon Raceway in an American Le Mans Series event. Martin Truex, Jr., who normally drives the #8 Chance 2 Motorsports Chevrolet, will practice the #8 Budweiser Chevrolet and qualify the car on Friday. He will also partake in the Happy Hour session on Saturday. However, for the start of the race on Sunday, Dale Jr. will take the green flag and, at some point soon after, Martin will replace Dale Jr. in the car. The reason for Dale Jr. to start the race is to earn the assigned points that go along with the car’s finish. Martin will finish the race and whatever position he earns in the final rundown, those points will go to Dale Jr. in the Official Standings for the Nextel Cup Series. All through the week, the team was deciding on what to do in different scenarios and how to prepare for the race weekend. Dale Jr. visited the shop on Thursday, put on his uniform and sat in the No. 8 Chevrolet to see how it all felt. Collectively, Dale Jr, Tony Sr. and Richie came to a conclusion and plan for the weekend. Tony Sr. talked about having Martin in the car to relieve Dale Jr. Martin tested with the #8 Cup team at NHIS in early July and has vast experience at the one-mile oval in Busch and Busch North Series races. The plan is for him to get in the car at the earliest opportunity after the initial green flag. Richie said there is no set time as to when Dale Jr. will get out of the car right now. That factor will be better determined once Dale Jr. takes a few laps in the car, but that won’t happen until Saturday. Because of the rules of a driver change between qualifying and the start of the race, Dale Jr. will start at the rear of the field no matter where Martin qualifies the car. See the full report at the DEI SIte.(7-23-2004)
AND on FSN's NASCAR This Morning, Kenn Wallace mentioned the burn on Dale Jr' neck [left side] was caused by the drink tube being against his neck, the tube got so hot it melted against his neck and burned him.(7-25-2004)
Dale Jr. -- NO Concussion UPDATE Truex Jr. OK'd: contrary to some rumors floating about, I been told that Dale Earnhardt Jr. did NOT suffer a concussion in the ALMS crash at Sonoma on Sunday and will be ready to drive at New Hampshire. Busch driver, Martin Truex Jr. will on standby if Dale Jr. needs a sub on Sunday.(7-20-2004)
UPDATE: Martin Truex Jr. has experience at New Hampshire International Speedway in the Busch North Series and has tested a Nextel Cup car owned by Dale Earnhardt Inc. there in anticipation for running the Cup race at NHIS in September. A NASCAR spokesperson said Tuesday that approval for Truex as a possible fill-in driver for Dale Earnhardt Jr. should be a formality. Approval is necessary since Truex is not a Cup regular.(Charlotte Observer)(7-21-2004)
Dale Jr. suffers moderate burns in wreck UPDATE 3 Released: Dale Earnhardt, Jr., suffered moderate burns Sunday morning when the car he was driving was involved in an accident and caught fire while practicing for the American Le Mans Series Infineon Grand Prix of Sonoma at Infineon Raceway. Earnhardt suffered what track medical officials described as "moderate-sized burns of moderate intensity" in the facial area and lower extremities. For precautionary reasons, he was transported by air to the University of California-Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, Calif. Earnhardt was driving a Chevrolet Corvette C5-R in a 30-minute practice session when the accident occurred. The car spun and impacted a barrier in the Turn 8 section of the road racing track and then caught fire. Earnhardt quickly exited the car on his own and was then assisted by safety crews. Earnhardt was scheduled to co-drive in today's American Le Mans Series sports car race with veteran road racing driver Boris Said. The team has withdrawn the car from the race.(fingerprint inc./Anheuser-Busch/Dale Earnhardt Jr. PR)
UPDATE: Dale Earnhardt, Jr., will be held overnight for observation after suffering minor second degree burns on the inner sides of both legs and on his chin in a racing accident Sunday morning at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, CA. A hospital spokesman said that Earnhardt was 'resting comfortably' at University of California-Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, CA. and would be examined again Monday morning. "I'm bummed out and disappointed I couldn't run the race," said Earnhardt Jr. through a team spokesman. "I hope Corvette gets the victory." More updates will be provided as they come in and a confirmation of his release Monday morning will be released.(fingerprint inc./Anheuser-Busch/Dale Earnhardt Jr. PR)
AND JJ Lehto and Marco Werner won Sunday's Infineon Grand Prix of Sonoma at Infineon Raceway, their third consecutive win this season in the American Le Mans Series. They drove the ADT Champion Racing Audi R8. Ron Fellows and Johnny O'Connell won the GTS class [the class Dale Jr. was racing in] in the Corvette Racing Chevrolet Corvette C5-R, their fourth consecutive win at Infineon Raceway. They tied an ALMS record for the most consecutive wins at a single venue.(ALMS Site)
WOW saw the video of the wreck on Speed Channel's Speed News, that was one scary wreck and fire, the car burst into flames and was all around car and driver....quite scary, thank goodness he had a full-faced helmet on.(7-18-2004)
UPDATE 2: Steve Crisp, a spokesman for Dale Earnhardt Inc., said Earnhardt was not badly injured. "They've done the X-rays and there's no bones broken," Crisp said. "He'll be fine." Still, any crash involving Earnhardt always brings up memories of the last-lap wreck at the 2001 Daytona 500 that killed his father, easily the most popular driver of his era. Crisp said the younger Earnhardt will compete in next weekend's Nextel Cup race at New Hampshire International Speedway.(NASCAR.com), get well wishes to Dale Jr. can be made thru the dalejrpitboardcharity.com ste.(7-19-2004)
UPDATE 3: Dale Earnhardt Jr. has been released from University of California-Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, Calif., and is currently travelling home to North Carolina. Earnhardt Jr. suffered minor second degree burns on approximately six percent of his body (primarily to his legs and chin) in a practice-session crash Sunday morning at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma. His injuries are not expected to prevent his full participation in the NEXTEL Cup Series race this weekend at Loudon, N.H.(fingerprint inc./Anheuser-Busch/Dale Earnhardt Jr. PR)(7-19-2004)
Earnhardt Jr. to partner with Boris Said at Sonoma UPDATE: The General Motors Chevrolet Corvette Racing team says Dale Earnhardt Jr. will be paired with Boris Said for this weekend's American Le Mans Series race at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif. "I am really looking forward to getting back behind the wheel of the Corvette C5-R because it is such a great race car," said Earnhardt Jr., who has the weekend off as the Nextel Cup Series takes a break. "I'm happy that Chevy has given me the chance to crossover and take part in its sports car program, which has been a huge success."(NASCAR Scene Daily Newsletter)(7-14-2004)

Dale Jr. practicing at Infineon
Image courtesy of Infineon Raceway

TV - Correction: The race is scheduled to air on CBS from 3:00 - 5:00pm/et on Sunday, July 18th.[not Sat](7-16-2004)
UPDATE: Marco Werner led a record-shattering American Le Mans Series qualifying session Saturday to win the pole for Sunday's Infineon Grand Prix of Sonoma at Infineon Raceway. NASCAR's Dale Earnhardt, Jr., was the star attraction of the day, drawing a long line to a driver autograph session and then watching as co-driver Boris Said qualified third in the GTS class in the Corvette Racing Chevrolet Corvette C5-R they will share in Earnhardt's first ALMS event."It's going real good," said Earnhardt. "The car is real fast and I'm comfortable in the car. My co-driver is very, very quick and we feel like we have a good chance this weekend. It's a great car. Corvette has done a lot of testing. They deserve it because there is a lot of hard work behind it. I am very fortunate just to be able to climb right in and go so fast. "It's going to be different, watching for the prototypes, and the GT cars, being careful and just having alot of respect and courtesy out there for everybody," he said. "You know I don't do this every weekend and to be here is a big honor for me to race against such a great group of competitors. I am just trying to earn respect and pay my dues out there and take my time and work my way up. I feel like we have a good chance to get a great finish this weekend if we keep our heads straight." Oliver Gavin of England, driving another car from the factory Corvette team, won the GTS class pole with a track record lap of 1:28.042. He will co-drive with Olivier Beretta of Monaco. The pole was Gavin's third straight this season. Ron Fellows and Johnny O'Connell, seeking their fourth straight GTS class win at Infineon, will start second in class in a third Corvette.(Infineon Raceway PR)(7-18-2004)
Dale Jr. wins an ESPY: Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the #8 Budweiser team and winner of the 2004 Daytona 500, scored a victory of a different sort Wednesday night, winning the ESPY Award for "Best Driver". The announcement came at the annual ESPY Awards banquet Wednesday at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, Calif. Fan voting determined the winners of 38 different categories (the complete list of winners can be found at www.espn.go.com/espy2004). ESPN, the sports cable network that created the ESPYs in 1993 to recognize sports excellence, will televise the show Sunday, July 18 at 9:00pm/et. Dale Jr. was unable to attend because of scheduling conflicts.
Other nominees in the Best Driver category included six-time Formula One champion Michael Schumacher, 2003 NHRA Funny Car champion Tony Pedregon, Indy Racing League champion Scott Dixon and 2003 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup champ Matt Kenseth. This marks the second straight year a NASCAR driver has won the ESPY for Best Driver. Tony Stewart earned the honor in 2003. NASCAR drivers have won the award seven times in 12 years, led by Jeff Gordon with three (1996, 1998, 1999).(fingerprint, inc./Budweiser Racing / Dale Earnhardt Jr. PR)(7-15-2004)
Peta Ad Pulled: A company that produces official racetrack publications for NASCAR events rejected an advertisement that People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals [PETA] had purchased in a recent NASCAR race-week program. The ad, which showed a leg kicking a Kentucky Fried Chicken bucket and a caption that read "Hey, Junior! KFC Races Dirty," targeted Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s race team. Since signing an endorsement deal with KFC's parent company, Yum Brands, in January, Earnhardt has become the first person other than Colonel Sanders to be featured on the restaurant chain's signature chicken bucket. The ad went on to say, "Junior, you may belong in the winner's circle, but KFC's treatment of animals is a black-flag pitstop." Mainstream Media publishes the programs to approximately 20 auto racing events each season, including the program distributed at the recent Pepsi 400 held July 4 at Daytona International Speedway. PETA had purchased its ad in that program. Mainstream Media president Jonathan Wilson said a sales representative with his company called PETA to gauge its interest in placing an advertisement. Believing that officials would "go in a completely different direction," the sales rep accepted the ad copy and a $9,500 check. The publishing company, however, reserves its right to reject ads that have political agendas or are deemed too risqué for a family audience. NASCAR spokesman Andrew Giangola said "NASCAR is not aware of any plans for a PETA ad or of any controversy surrounding such an ad."(more at ESPN.com)(7-14-2004)
Earnhardt Jr. to partner with Boris Said at Sonoma: The General Motors Chevrolet Corvette Racing team says Dale Earnhardt Jr. will be paired with Boris Said for this weekend's American Le Mans Series race at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif. "I am really looking forward to getting back behind the wheel of the Corvette C5-R because it is such a great race car," said Earnhardt Jr., who has the weekend off as the Nextel Cup Series takes a break. "I'm happy that Chevy has given me the chance to crossover and take part in its sports car program, which has been a huge success."(NASCAR Scene Daily Newsletter)(7-14-2004)
New pit crew member for the #8 UPDATE: After problems on pit road again last week Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s pit crew has a new look at Chicagoland. Car chief Tony Eury Jr. says the Bud Chevy team has a new rear tire changer. Eury says it’s hard to find a talented tire changer that won’t get screwed up if something small happens during a pit stop. Our main focus is to have a top five pit crew when it comes down to 10 races to go.”(PRN's Garage Pass radio show)
UPDATE: Crew chief Tony Eury Sr. said Friday that Jay Guarneri will change rear tires, replacing Shannon Myers. Guarneri changed tires for Earnhardt last season before being replaced by Myers, who will move to the crew for #1-John Andretti. Eury said other changes could be coming. He said that gasman Jeff Clarke, who left the team after last season to start his own [motorcycle] business, has indicated a willingness to return and Eury might take him up on it.(Roanoke Times)(7-10-2004)
Dale Jr. on 60 Minutes: Dale Earnhardt Jr. will appear on the long-running CBS TV program 60 Minutes later this year. The Bud Chevy driver was interviewed by 60 minutes reporter Mike Wallace for a half-hour in Daytona after Dale Jr. rode the 86-year old Wallace around the track at 130 miles per hour in a 2005 C-6 prototype Chevrolet Corvette. Earnhardt Jr. said "I’ve always liked the show. I don’t think NASCAR is anyplace to g shopping for a gut wrenching story but when I’ve seen a controversial topic on 60 Minutes typically it’s been fair on both sides. They just ask the real questions and want the real answers." No air date has been set for the interview; however it will run this fall in conjunction with the chase for the championship.(PRN's Garage Pass Radio Show)(7-8-2004)
Daytona double: Dale Earnhardt Jr. will try to pull off the Daytona double and win the Daytona 500 and the Pepsi 400 in the same year. It won't be an easy feat for Earnhardt Jr. as only Bobby Allison (1982), LeeRoy Yarbrough (1969), Cale Yarborough (1968) and Fireball Roberts (1962) have been able to win the Daytona 500 and the Pepsi 400 in the same year. In February, Earnhardt Jr. held off Tony Stewart and Scott Wimmer to capture his first triumph in the "Great American Race." Also in Speedweeks 2004, Earnhardt Jr. captured the Hershey's 300 NASCAR Busch Series race, a Gatorade 125-mile qualifier and finished second in the Budweiser Shootout.(DIS PR)(6-29-2004)
Dale Jr. 59th in Celebrity 100: Forbes Magazine unveiled its most recent "Celebrity 100" and "World's 50 Highest-Paid Athletes" lists in its July 5 issue. While it should come as no surprise that celebrities such as Mel Gibson, Tiger Woods, Oprah Winfrey and Tom Cruise graced the top of the "Celebrity 100" list, NASCAR's Dale Earnhardt Jr. was ranked 59th. According to Forbes.com/celebs, rankings are based on the relative star power of the celebrity, including how much they earn and how many people are paying attention to them. Earnhardt Jr., whose estimated earnings from June 2003 to June 2004 were $20 million (including salaries, bonuses, prize money, endorsements and appearance fees), was "power ranked" in the same category of celebrities such as Jay Leno, Derek Jeter, Halle Berry and Jessica Simpson.(NASCAR.com)(6-22-2004)
Dale Jr. tests at Kentucky for Pocono: Dale Earnhardt, Jr., brought his No. 8 Budweiser Chevrolet to Kentucky Speedway on Thursday to tap the karma that has led to two of his three wins this season. Earnhardt, Jr., has converted weekday Kentucky tests into Sunday wins in both March and May so far this season. He tested at Kentucky Speedway on March 11 and visited Victory Lane at Atlanta three days later. Earnhardt, Jr., repeated the accomplishment on May 15 at Richmond International Raceway, just three days after testing an engine combination for that race at Kentucky Speedway. Should he visit Victory Lane in Pocono, Pa., this week, he will become the second NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series driver to combine a Kentucky Speedway test with a Pocono win. Dale Jarrett first accomplished the feat in June 2002. Other drivers testing at Kentucky Speedway today included NASCAR Busch Series drivers Clint Bowyer, Billy “Catfish” Parker, Hermie Sadler and Kenny Hendrick.(Kentucky Speedway PR)(6-11-2004)
Pamela Anderson pleads with Dale Jr.: Pam Anderson wants Dale Earnhardt Jr. to help out some chicks. The former “Baywatch” babe wrote a pleading letter to the NASCAR star after she learned that his race car is sponsored by KFC — which has been under attack from animal rights groups such as PETA, for whom Anderson is a spokeswoman. “Greetings from an admirer,” Anderson writes, then outlines the grievances against the fast food chain, including charges that it uses chickens that have been defeathered live with scalding water. “When you take a multimillion-dollar endorsement from a company, you must also take some responsibility for the company’s practices,” Anderson continues, “so we’re asking you to use your considerable influence with KFC to improve its animal-welfare standards.” Anderson even offers to have a letter drafted up that Earnhardt can sign and send to KFC. Earnhardt didn’t return our calls for comment, but Anderson said in a statement to the Scoop: “Little chickens need a big man like Dale to stick up for them!”(MSNBC)(6-7-2004)
Dale Jr. to appear on KFC Buckets: KFC says Dale Earnhardt Jr. will become the first person other than chain founder "Colonel" Harland Sanders to appear on buckets of its fried chicken. KFC, which is sponsoring Earnhardt Jr.'s Chance 2 Motorsports team for six Busch Series races this year, says Earnhardt Jr. will appear in racing gear with a Chevrolet painted in KFC colors on the buckets.(NASCAR Scene Daily Newsletter)(6-6-2004)
Dale Jr. --- Indy 500? Dale Earnhardt Jr. was named "president for a day" [see a story in the Track section below] Wednesday at Daytona International Speedway to promote the July 3 Pepsi 400, then he talked at length about one day driving in the Indianapolis 500. "I want the championship this year and we're concentrating on that," Earnhardt said. "I want to get that behind me. I want to put that in my book." Then he wished out loud his desire to someday compete in the 24 Hours of LeMans, staged in France, and the Indy 500. The 29-year-old driver explained he is not a goal setter but has a long-range vision for his career. "There are a couple of goals I set for myself, before I retired, that I drove in the Le Mans and I drove in the Indy 500, but that's before I retire and quit driving for good," he said. "There's plenty of time for that." Don't look for Earnhardt over at the Indy Racing League anytime soon. He said his primary mission as a driver is in NASCAR, but he really wants to dabble in other forms of the sport. "I'm always a stock car driver," he said. "I just want to do each one of those races once. Nothing else. Running in the 24-hour race (at Daytona) has really turned me on to doing those other things; just so you can say you did. Having that opportunity, I'd be a fool not to. There are drivers coming into NASCAR that would love to drive at Indy 500, but they'll never get the chance because nobody would think to put them in a car. But if I went up to a prominent car owner, they might really consider it just because of the name thing. I'm going to take advantage of it if I can."(more at Daytona Beach News Journal)(6-3-2004)
Gloves, required? a few asked, so...... Q) While watching the Coca-Cola 600 on Sunday, #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. wasn't wearing his racing gloves during the race. Is it mandatory for racers to wear ALL of their racing gear during the race? And also can Dale Jr. be penalized for not wearing his racing gloves during the race?
A) Jeff Hammond: No, drivers are not required to wear gloves. It is recommended that they wear them.
A) Larry McReynolds: That's a great question, but gloves are not required by NASCAR. It is a lot like a full-face helmet. NASCAR suggests you wear it.(FoxSports Q&A)(6=1=2004)
Boxing on the #8 at Lowe's: Oscar De La Hoya and Bernard Hopkins have never been on a ride like this. The June 5 "Collision Course" HBO PPV paint scheme will be on Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s red #8 Budweiser Chevrolet in the NASCAR NEXTEL Coca Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. On Earnhardt's decklid, the details of Top Rank's Pay Per View show will be spelled out: "Collision Course," featuring Oscar De La Hoya vs. Felix Sturm and Bernard Hopkins vs. Robert Allen at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.(fingerprint, inc./Budweiser Racing PR) See an image of the car on my #8 Team Paint Schemes page.(5-27-2004)
New Sam Bass Art: Winning the Daytona 500 is arguably the most prestigious feat in all of motorsports. It is also perhaps the most difficult. It took icons Darrell Waltrip, Buddy Baker, David Pearson, Bobby Allison - and even Dale Earnhardt himself - the better part of two decades to prevail in The Great American Race. Legends like Rusty Wallace, Ricky Rudd, and Mark Martin are still waiting. Dale Earnhardt Jr. isn't. In the most popular victory in recent memory, Earnhardt Jr. captured this year's Daytona 500 in only his fifth attempt. Motorsports artist Sam Bass has immortalized that landmark triumph in his latest masterpiece, "Won & Done!"
"The expression on Dale Jr.'s face when he crawled out of the car is indicative of just what a monumental win this was for him," Sam said. "It is an honor to be able to chronicle such a historic moment. It's a victory that everyone had been anticipating from the moment Junior moved up to the Cup Series." The artist spent countless hours composing this elaborate montage of images that capture the electricity of Earnhardt Jr.'s greatest victory. "That race was a major epic in NASCAR history," said Bass, "so it is a pretty complex work of art. A lot of time and detail went into 'Won & Done!' " The focal point of the painting is an image of Earnhardt Jr. with arms triumphantly raised above his head in a stance reminiscent of the famous pose struck by his father after winning the 1998 Daytona 500. Serving as the backdrop for "Won & Done!" is a collage of moments that include the #8 Budweiser Monte Carlo flashing across the finish line, as well as two different views of the jubilant celebration that began immediately following the checkered flag. Images of the official Daytona 500 logo, the Harley J. Earl Daytona 500 trophy, and the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series logo put the finishing touches on this classic example of Sam Bass art. "Won & Done!" is now available as a limited edition print, signed and numbered by the artist. Visit the Sam Bass Gallery, conveniently located within sight of Lowe's Motor Speedway at 6104 Performance Drive, SW in Concord, NC. The gallery is open to the public, and normal hours are 10 a. m. - 5 p. m., Monday - Saturday. Visit www.sambass.com or call 704/455-6915 for more information about Sam Bass' motorsports art.(5-21-2004)
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Tests American Le Mans Series Corvette at Infineon: Dale Earnhardt, Jr., was introduced to the American Le Mans Series version of the Chevrolet Corvette C5-R race car in a test session on Wednesday and the NASCAR superstar was more than impressed. Taking advantage of a rare off weekend on the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series, Earnhardt will join Corvette Racing and compete in the Infineon Grand Prix of Sonoma for the American Le Mans Series July 16-18 at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif. Veteran road racer Boris Said will co-drive with Earnhardt as the Corvette team fields a special third entry for the event. Earnhardt and his father, the late Dale Earnhardt, drove for the factory Corvette team in 2001 in the 24 Hours of Daytona, both making their first-ever appearance in a sports car race. But Earnhardt, Jr. had never driven the car in its high-tech configuration for the American Le Mans Series until Wednesday. Said, a former GT class winner in ALMS competition, was also getting his first drive in the car. Earnhardt and Said were joined by two-time ALMS GTS class champion Ron Fellows for the test session at Michigan's GingerMan Raceway road racing circuit. Fellows, who has driven for the factory Corvette team since its inception in 1998, helped Earnhardt and Said adjust to driving the Compuware Corvette. Fellows and co-driver Johnny O'Connell will be gunning to win the GTS class in the ALMS event at Sonoma for the fourth consecutive year. The Infineon Grand Prix of Sonoma will get the green flag at 11:30 a.m. (PDT) on Sunday, July 18, and will be televised live in North America by CBS Sports and in Europe on MotorsTV. The American Le Mans Series Radio Web will have live coverage online at www.americanlemans.com. Ticket information is available online at www.americanlemans.com or by calling (800) 870-RACE.(Infineon Raceway PR)(5-21-2004)
Pit Crew Win Gives Earnhardt Jr.'s Team Double Victory in Richmond: It was a double victory Saturday night for the No. 8 DEI team at Richmond International Raceway. Not only did Dale Earnhardt Jr. capture the Chevy American Revolution 400, but his pit crew also claimed victory in the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade. It was the second victory of the season for Earnhardt Jr.'s pit crew, which leads in the McDonald's/POWERade standings with 425 points. Elliott Sadler's crew took over second with 396 points and Tony Stewart's crew moved into third with 390 points. The prize money for the pit crew championship includes $20,000 to the weekly winner and $200,000 to the season champion. The #8 crew edged its DEI teammate - Michael Waltrip's No. 15 pit crew -- for top honors in Richmond. The No. 8 and the No. 15 crews finished first and second respectively in last year's McDonald's/POWERade season championship point standings. Earnhardt's Budweiser Chevrolet spent 125.128 seconds on pit road in Richmond while Waltrip's Napa Chevy was second with a time of 163.435. Tony Stewart's No. 20 Home Depot Chevrolet was third at 165.927. "It wasn't too bad of a night in the pits," said Tony Eury Jr., car chief for the No. 8 team. "We didn't have our front tire changer (Phil Drye), so I had to do some tire changing. It was kind of like an old-school type deal (Tony Jr. was formerly the full-time front tire changer before relinquishing his over-the-wall duties prior to last year). It's just like wearing an old shoe -- if you can do it, you can do it; if you can't, you can't."
"This pit crew did another great job," said Dale Jr. "And I got to hand it to ol' Tony Jr. He hasn't had to change tires for quite some time, so it was kind of neat seeing him chugging around the car. I had to make sure I hit the brakes early to give him plenty of room! Our pit stops have been real good all year long, and that's a big reason we're leading the (driver) points right now." The No. 8 over-the-wall crew consists of: Bill Snyder (gasman), Kevin Pennell (jackman), Phil Drye (front tire changer), Danny Earnhardt (front tire carrier), Shannon Myers (rear tire changer), Troy Prince (rear tire carrier), Craig Lund (catch can). Tony Eury Sr. is the crew chief and the car chief is Eury Jr. The pit crew coach at DEI is Walt Smith.(DMF Communciations PR). See standings, top 10 at RIR and past info on my Pit Crew Page.(5-19-2004)
#8 Car Chief to change tires: Tony Eury Jr., car chief for Dale Earnhardt Jr. and the #8 Budweiser team, will again serve as front-tire changer in place of the injured Phil Drye this weekend in the NEXTEL All-Star Challenge at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Walt Smith, pit crew coordinator at Dale Earnhardt Inc., said it is unclear whether Drye will be back for the Coca-Cola 600 on May 30. Eury, who relinquished his full-time over-the-wall duties prior to last season, stepped in Saturday night at Richmond International Raceway and helped the Budweiser team to its third win of the year. Joked Eury, "(Changing tires) is like wearing an old pair of shoes. If you can do it, you can do it; if you can't, you can't. But I made sure Dale Jr. knew how to use that brake pedal when he came into the pits." The Budweiser team is the reigning McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Champions and currently leads the 2004 standings with 382 points.(fingerprint, inc./Budweiser Racing PR)(5-18-2004)
Dale Jr. wins at Richmond: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the Chevy American Revolution 400 at Richmond International Speedway, leading the most laps, winning his 3rd race of 2004 and 12th of his career. Earnhardt Jr. also maintains the points lead, and since he won the race and leads the points he adds $80,000 winning the Nextel Cup Leader Bonus. #48-Jimmie Johnson was 2nd, the rest of the top five were #18-Labonte, #20-Stewart [so..think Tony is unhappy with DW and the Fox crew?], and #17-Kenseth. #15-Waltrip was 10thm his first ever top 10 at Richmond in 37th races he has run at the track, 12th was his previous best. #25-Brian Vickers, the pole sitter, scored his first ever top 10 by finishing 8th and was the Raybestos Rookie of the race.
For my race rundown/narrative, see the Richmond Race Rundown/Info page.
For race results see:
Jayski's Richmond Race Results/Awards
ThatsRacin.com
MotorsportsOne
NASCAR.com.(5-15-2004)
$ two drivers in the top 50 $: NASCAR drivers #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. (13th on the list) and #24-Jeff Gordon (21st) are the only motorsports figures represented in Sports Illustrated's inaugural list of the top 50 American athletes by current annual income. As listed in the current issue, Junior's total income is $22,081,807 and Gordon earns $18,622,002.(Fort Worth Star Telegram)(5-13-2004)
DEI Tests at Kentucky: #8-Dale Earnhardt, Jr., and #15-Michael Waltrip turned test laps at Kentucky Speedway to fine tune their intermediate track programs for upcoming races that will play a pivotal role in determining eligibility for the season-ending “Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup.” Earnhardt, Jr., owns superspeedway wins at Daytona and Atlanta and a total of six top-five and seven top-10 finishes, but his team has misfired at lower-banked tracks similar to Kentucky Speedway. His #8 Budweiser Chevrolet finished 35th at Las Vegas and 19th at California Speedway. “We missed something on the one-and-a-half-mile low-banked tracks for a year-and-a- half now,” Earnhardt’s Crew Chief Tony Eury said. “Our fab shop came up here a couple of weeks ago and said the track was real smooth. We decided to come and try some things we didn’t get to try last time we were here to see if we can improve this part of our program. We have Michigan, Chicago and Kansas City coming up and those are places we struggled last year. We’re struggling again. We went to Vegas and California and struggled. We thought we had the problem fixed after Vegas and we got to California and found out we didn’t. Something in this new tire is throwing us a curve on these flat racetracks and we just have to keep working at it until we can figure it out.”
Waltrip, who enters the week 30th in the series standings and 190 points away from eligibility for the “Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup,” predicted both DEI teams will benefit from today’s test. “We’ve had a good day,” he said. “We’ve been down some roads that didn’t go so well today with our set up and we’ve discovered some things that have been beneficial. I’ve enjoyed today and I think this test will pay off as we go forward.” Other drivers testing at Kentucky Speedway today included Kentucky Motorsports NASCAR Busch Series driver Stuart Kirby and Paul Menard, who drove with Evernham Motorsports. NEXTEL Cup driver #10-Scott Riggs will join Kirby and #50 Holigan Racing tomorrow and testing continues next Wednesday, April. 19, with NASCAR NEXTEL Cup drivers #77-Brendan Gaughan, #32-Ricky Craven, #25-Brian Vickers, #42-Jamie McMurray and #40-Sterling Marlin.
Kentucky Speedway Executive Vice President and General Manager Mark F. Cassis, on hand for today’s test, said consistently strong test activity may help in his track’s pursuit of a future NASCAR NEXTEL Cup date. “There has been a lot of discussion lately concerning facilities, market place and commitment to gain a NEXTEL Cup Series event,” he said. “Simply put, Kentucky Speedway is the largest non-Cup facility in the United States, is located in one of the top-five television marketing areas in the country and hosts, without question, more NEXTEL Cup testing than any other facility. We have proven ourselves through performance with three straight 70,000 plus crowds for stand-alone NASCAR Busch Series events. I feel stronger than ever we should go to the next level, and deservedly so. If it doesn’t happen in 2005, our team will keep digging for 2006.”
Racing continues at Kentucky Speedway June 18-19 with the NASCAR Busch Series “Meijer 300 Presented by Oreo” featuring Waltrip, Robby Gordon, Kasey Kahne and other NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series stars. Tickets for all 2004 Kentucky Speedway events are on sale now and can be purchased in four easy ways: ·By phone at 888-652-RACE, ·On the World Wide Web at www.kentuckyspeedway.com, In person at either the speedway's Ft. Mitchell ticket office or at the Kentucky Speedway Fan Center off Ky. Hwy. 35 in Sparta, Ky.(Kentucky Speedway PR)(5-12-2004)
New engine builder at DEI...from Yates? hearing former Yates engine man, Dennis Schoenfeld has left Robert Yates Racing [#38 and #88] and took the head engine builder job at Dale Earnhardt Inc.[DEI](5-11-2004)
Dale Earnhardt Foundation Partners with American Forests: The Dale Earnhardt Foundation and American Forests announced a partnership under which the Foundation will provide American Forests with an initial planning grant in support of its plans to plant 77,000 trees to restore local forests damaged by storm, disease, neglect and development. The joint announcement was made during the celebration of the third annual Dale Earnhardt Day, which coincides with Arbor Day and the late racing legend's birthday. The ceremony featured the planting of seven trees -- symbolizing Earnhardt's seven Winston Cup victories -- in honor of his longstanding commitment to the conservation of natural resources and the start of the American Forests initiative.(PNN Online)(5-4-2004)
Dale Jr. is Beautiful: Dale Earnhardt Jr., current Nextel Cup points leader, will appear on newsstands this week as one of People Magazine's [need sub to view] "Most Beautiful People." Earnhardt is pictured leaning against his Budweiser race car and is among the elite "most beautiful" list that includes Jennifer Aniston, Alex Rodriguez of the New York Yankees and Andre 3000 of the hip-hop group OutKast.(Delaware News Journal)(4-29-2004)
Dale Jr. wins 1st Qtr Driver of the Year honors: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. got 11 of 19 first-place votes in the first-quarter balloting for the 2004 Driver of the Year award, which is presented by Speed Channel. Earnhardt Jr., who won the Daytona 500 and the Golden Corral 500 at Atlanta and is currently the Nextel Cup points leader, got 135 points in the balloting by a panel of media covering motorsports and an online fan vote. Sprint car driver Steve Kinser was second with four first-place votes and 97 points.(ThatsRacin.com)(4-24-2004)
Third Annual Dale Earnhardt Day April 29th: For the third time in as many years, Dale Earnhardt Day will be celebrated on April 29. DE Day is hosted by Teresa Earnhardt at Dale Earnhardt, Inc. as a birthday celebration for the seven-time NASCAR champion, Dale Earnhardt. This year's theme will center around Dale's Legacy at Daytona; his track record of 34 victories, his almost wins and the 1998 Daytona 500 trip to Victory Lane. For the first time since Dale Earnhardt, Inc. has opened its doors, Dale's 1998 Daytona 500 winning trophy will be on display. Also, the helmet he wore that day, which is signed by his entire crew, will be shown. Throughout the day, various videos with fan interviews, Dale's winning moments – and his almost wins – at Daytona will be shown to the gathered crowd. Teresa Earnhardt will be on hand and address the fans on the lawn of the DEI headquarters. Fans will once again be allowed behind the walls of the DEI facility to view various race cars, photos and displays in the Interior Showroom of DEI. Doors will open at 8:00am/et and the event is set to wind down at 8:00pm/et. There will be a free shuttle between area hotels and our headquarters throughout the day. For more information, log onto www.DaleEarnhardtInc.com and click on the Legacy Section to get the latest updates and event additions.(ThatsRacin.com)(4-13-2004)
Dale Jr to do a KFC commercial with Trace Adkins: Country singer Trace Adkins has gotten some good-natured ribbing from fans since he became the voice for KFC's national television campaign last month. He'll soon be appearing in front of the camera for KFC as well as behind it. He's set to film a commercial in Charlotte, N.C., next week with NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr.(Houston Chronicle/AP)(4-8-2004)
Nachos Please: As #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s and the team checked their two-way radios before the start of the race Sunday at Texas, they noticed their frequency was interrupted by a concession stand at the speedway. On one lap, Earnhardt Jr. got instructions from his spotter on traffic, the next lap he heard an order for nachos - in Spanish.(Augusta Chronicle)(4-5-2004)
Dale Jr. still leads Most Popular Driver Voting: Dale Earnhardt, Jr. has picked up right where he left off-he leads the Grands!® Biscuits NMPA NASCAR Most Popular Driver Award voting after the first seven weeks of nationwide fan participation. Since its mid-February launch, the voting Web site, www.mostpopulardriver.com, has recorded more than 400,000 votes. That total surpasses last season's seven-week mark by more than 170,000 votes. Earnhardt, Jr. is the leader over second-place Jeff Gordon and third-place Kevin Harvick. Tony Stewart is fourth, followed by Michael Waltrip, Dale Jarrett, Jimmie Johnson, Mark Martin, Bobby Labonte and Kyle Petty.(Williams Company PR)(4-2-2004), for past news and to vote, see above
Dale Jr. Talks About Penalty, Spin: Dale Earnhardt Jr. says intentionally spinning his car out to bring out a caution flag at Bristol was a mistake. He told PRN's Garagepass that NASCAR President Mike Helton spoke to him about the integrity of the sport and Dale Jr. agreed saying "NASCAR has to hold up the integrity of the sport and when you look at it from that standpoint something needed to be done I suppose. Nobody likes to get penalized, but it's something that couldn't be overlooked. At the time I was doing it I didn't realize I was making a mistake or breaking any rules, I was doing what first popped into my mind at that time. Maybe if I had time to think it over and made a different decision, but in the heat of the battle I had no time to think, you know, and that's what I came up with and it wasn't the best idea. So we'll try not to make it a huge negative on our part and try to move past it as fast as you can. I hate that I made it because it's a bad representation of myself and the sport and what we're trying to accomplish because I want to do what's best for the sport. I don't want to do anything that's going to be a negative on everything we're doing and I don't want to do anything that's altering the show or anything like that...and when you put it that light I feel pretty bad about it. I'm totally cool with everything and understand why the fine and penalty was given to me and just really want to move past it with a win here in Texas would be great."(PRN's Garage Pass Radio Show)(4-2-2004)
Dale Jr. causes caution UPDATE 3 Penalized, docked points and a statement: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. admitted repeatedly after Sunday's race he spun out on purpose on Lap 431 of 500 to prevent from having to pit under green and lose one or more laps. "I had a loose wheel and I didn't have any choice but to spin the car out to get a caution. So I went down in the corner, had some clear room behind me, and I just spun it out," Earnhardt Jr. said after the race. The caution came out, I put the clutch in and got going. What the hell else was I supposed to do? Go a lap down? Go two laps down?" Earnhardt Jr. also engaged in a profanity-laced exchange with his crew over his radio regarding NASCAR's decision to extend cautions late in the race to blow debris from the track. That earned Earnhardt Jr. a trip to the NASCAR hauler. His admission of intentionally causing a caution - an act which has been penalized previously by NASCAR - did not seem to raise the ire of series director John Darby. " 'I spun a car out' - that's a great excuse for spinning a car out, but proving that is another story," Darby said. "To brag about it is not enough for me to make a move on it."(ThatsRacin.com)(3-29-2004)
UPDATE: NASCAR is reviewing the post-race comments made by Dale Earnhardt Jr. in which he admitted intentionally spinning out to cause a caution, NASCAR spokesman Mike Zizzo said Tuesday. "This issue is still being looked at," Zizzo said. Following Sunday's Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway, Earnhardt Jr. admitted repeatedly he spun out on purpose on Lap 431 of 500 to prevent from having to pit under green and lose one or more laps. In the 2002 Winston all-star race, Kurt Busch admitted after the race he intentionally spun driver Robby Gordon to bring out a caution. Later in the week, NASCAR fined him $10,000 for intentionally wrecking another competitor. Sunday, Nextel Cup series director John Darby said initially he didn't think Earnhardt Jr. deserved a penalty. However, on Tuesday Zizzo said Darby had heard only Earnhardt Jr.'s comments over his two-way radio after the race, not any comments Earnhardt Jr. made to the media. NASCAR should reach a decision on Earnhardt Jr. by Wednesday.(Kansas City Star)(3-30-2004)
UPDATE 2: Section 12-4 (N) in the NASCAR Nextel Cup rulebook prohibits such action and lists what type of action is to be taken. It also states Earnhardt could be fined, lose championship points and lose his finishing position in the race.(Roanoke Times)(3-31-2004)
Dale Jr. penalized #10G's and docked 25 points: Driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. was penalized with a loss of 25 championship driver points, a $10,000 fine and probation until June 1 for his actions during Sunday's NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway, NASCAR officials announced today. The penalty also will extend to the team as Dale Earnhardt Inc. will lose 25 championship owner points for the actions of its driver. Earnhardt Jr., driver of the #8 Busweiser Chevrolet, was penalized for intentionally causing a caution condition during the race and as a result was in violation of Section 12-4-A (Actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 12-4-N (Any driver who, in the judgment of NASCAR officials, intentionally causes or attempts to cause a caution condition by stopping or spinning out or any other action) of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Rule Book.
"The driver of the No. 8 car was quite vocal in admitting he intentionally spun out his car to cause a caution condition on the track, which is clearly prohibited in the NASCAR Rule Book," NASCAR President Mike Helton said. " We have several rules in our Rule Book that have been in place for quite some time to prevent someone from altering the outcome of an event. This was a clear-cut case of that. Actions such as this will not be tolerated. We will always react to protect the integrity of our sport." Earnhardt Jr.'s championship points total will be adjusted to 832 points as a result of the penalty, but he will still maintain third in the championship standings. DEI also will be adjusted to 832 points with the 25-point penalty and remain third in the owners' championship standings.(NASCAR PR)
STATEMENT: TERESA EARNHARDT COMMENTS ON NASCAR PENALTY:
Teresa Earnhardt, Owner of the #8 Budweiser Chevrolet driven by Dale Earnhardt Jr. in NASCAR Nextel Cup competition, commented today on the penalty levied against the team by NASCAR following Sunday's Sharpie 500 in Bristol, TN. The fine, assessed for a late race spin, cost the Dale Earnhardt Incorporated team $10,000 and 25 owners and drivers championship points. "We regret what this has cost us in our pursuit of the Nextel Cup Championship. In the heat of battle, a lot of things can happen and decisions can be made that come at a high cost. It was a mistake we've all learned from and we have to move past it. Our goal is regaining the ground we've lost and continuing our focus on winning."(DEI PR)(3-31-2004)
Norris close to a job UPDATE 3: Ty Norris, who resigned in January as vice president for motorsports at Dale Earnhardt Inc. in January, expects to start a new job this week. "I think they'll announce it Tuesday or Wednesday," he said Saturday. The position is in racing, but Norris said it's different than anything he's done before. He also won't have to travel as much, which was a requirement he made for himself when he was contemplating what he was going to do. "My family has sacrificed enough over the past 15 years," he said. In eight years with DEI, Norris took the team into the Nextel Cup Series, where it now has drivers Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Michael Waltrip. Junior won the Daytona 500 for the first time earlier this season, with Norris watching from home. "I was just so proud for Dale Jr. and the team," Norris said. "It was great feeling like I had a little part in that."(ThatsRacin.com/AP)(3-13-2004)
UPDATE: hearing the job will be with SMI [Speedway Motorsports Inc./Bruton Smith] in some capacity.(3-15-2004)
UPDATE 2:Ty Norris, who helped run Dale Earnhardt Inc., for eight years until leaving suddenly in January, is expected to announce a new job next week with Speedway Motorsports.(Winston Salem Journal)(3-19-2004)
UPDATE 3: Ty Norris, former Dale Earnhardt Inc. executive, has been selected vice president for Speedway Motorsports Inc.(Greenville News)(3-26-2004)
Earnhardt Jr. to Drive Corvette at American Le Mans Series Race at Infineon Raceway: #8-Dale Earnhardt, Jr., winner of the 2004 Daytona 500 and one of the biggest stars in NASCAR NEXTEL Cup racing, will bring his skills to a different form of the sport when he drives a Corvette in the Infineon Grand Prix of Sonoma American Le Mans Series event at Infineon Raceway on July 18. Earnhardt will make a rare foray outside of stock car racing when he joins the General Motors Chevrolet Corvette racing team in the Infineon Grand Prix of Sonoma, presented by the Napa Valley Marriott Hotel & Spa, July 16-18. He will co-drive with veteran road-racer Boris Said in a third Chevrolet Corvette C5-R fielded by Corvette Racing, the car carrying Earnhardt's famous #8. Infineon Raceway will offer a special discounted ticket offer related to Earnhardt Jr.'s appearance during the race weekend. Fans can purchase a ticket for Friday's racing action for $8. Also in honor of Earnhardt Jr., there will be an $8 discount for a full-weekend pass ($42). Ticket information is available online at www.infineonraceway.com or by calling 800-870-RACE. The three-car team for the event will reunite Earnhardt with the Corvette team, a bond that began at the 2001 running of the 24 Hours of Daytona where Earnhardt, Jr., and his father, the late Dale Earnhardt, finished fourth overall in their first-ever sports car race. The Infineon Grand Prix of Sonoma will get the green flag at 11:30 a.m. (PDT) on Sunday, July 18, and will be televised live in North America by CBS Sports and in Europe on MotorsTV. The American Le Mans Series Radio Web will have live coverage online at www.americanlemans.com (Infineon Raceway PR)(3-18-2004)
Third Earnhardt to win at Atlanta: Dale Earnhardt Jr. is the third member of his family to win a stock-car race at the Atlanta track. Junior's father, seven-time Cup champion Dale Earnhardt, won a record nine races here, and brother Kerry Earnhardt won the 2001 ARCA race in 2001.(Fort Worth Star Telegram)(3-15-2004)
Some Anonymous Media Notes: All weekend the media in Atlanta was told the winner of the Golden Corral 500 would be brought to the press box following victory lane celebrations. But, to the surprise of few, NASCAR announced at the last moment that "due to a major traffic jam outside the track," Dale Earnhardt, Jr. would instead conduct his obligatory interview from the speedway's infield media center. Several members of the print media openly questioned this decision to no avail. One went so far to ask NASCAR why the race winner simply couldn't be brought to the opening at the flagstand where he could then walk up the grandstand steps (there were about 20 people still milling around in the stands at this point), board an elevator, and come to the press box as promised. While that cry of protest lingered for a few moments, others wondered if Earnhardt Jr.'s language during his postrace interview with PRN would bring a fine this week. Junior told PRN that after his Vegas debacle last week he would "keep testing even if I have to go two months without sleeping in my own D A M N bed."(3-15-2004)
Little E wins at Atlanta: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the Golden Corral 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway after a tough race at Las Vegas last week. Evernham Motorsports nosed out great finishes with #19-Jeremy Mayfield 2nd and rookie #9-Kasey Kahne 3rd [two 2nd's and aa 3rd in the last three races]. It is Dale Jr.'s 11th career win, 2nd of 2004, and 5th non-restrictor plate win. The win moves Earnhardt Jr. up to 3rd in the points. #20-Tony Stewart led the most laps, with 127 and finished 7th. There were 8 leaders and 16 lead changes. Only three cautions in the race for 17 laps, two for debris and one for an engine.
Race Re-air: The race will re-air on Speed Channel, a three hour re-air on Thurs, March 18th at 3:00pm/et and in part via Speed Channel's Fast Forward on Wednesday, March 17th at 4:00pm/et and Friday, March 19th at 2:00am/et.
For more, see my Golden Corral 500 Race Info/Rundown page.
Race results at ThatsRacin.com or MotorsportsOne or NASCAR.com.(3-14-2004)
Dale Jr. Best Man: Vinny Zeuli and Michelle Menendez of Orlando, Fla., have known each other for 10 years. But the two decided earlier this week it was finally time to tie the knot. While celebrating their engagement this past Monday at a popular Orlando nightclub, Zeuli and Menendez happened to bump into Dale Earnhardt Jr. The driver of the #8 Budweiser Chevrolet quickly befriended the couple and suggested they exchange their vows in victory lane today at Atlanta Motor Speedway, where he would serve as best man. "I just asked her to marry me Monday night," Zeuli said. "We saw Dale Jr. that night and he thought this would be a great idea." With a handful of relatives and a sea of photographers on hand, Atlanta Motor Speedway chaplain Bill Brannon united the two in holy matrimony on a sun-drenched afternoon in the center of victory lane as Earnhardt, decked out in jeans, a Budweiser cap and shirt, and sunglasses, stood beside the groom. "We just met him Monday night," Menendez said. "So, we haven't really known him for very long, but he's so wonderful." When asked if she was a NASCAR fan, Menendez replied,"Well...I'm a fan of Junior."(AMS Pit Notes)(3-13-2004)
Budweiser Announcement UPDATE 2:
there will be some sort of Budweiser Racing announcement on Tuesday, March 9th: NASCAR Nextel Cup Series driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Anheuser-Busch executives are scheduled to make a news announcement.(fingerprint inc./Bud Racing PR)(3-7-2004)
UPDATE: on Tuesday, Anheuser-Busch is expected to announce that it will extend Junior's contract with sponsor Budweiser for at least three years.(FoxSports/Sporting News)(3-8-2004)
UPDATE 2: Budweiser and Dale Earnhardt Inc. (DEI) officials announced today at Anheuser-Busch's annual national sales convention that NASCAR Nextel Cup Series driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. has renewed his sponsorship agreement with Budweiser through a multi-year extension. "Budweiser's sponsorship of Dale Jr. gives us a proven winner on and off the track with a celebrity who is easily connected to Budweiser and highly recognizable among adult beer drinkers," said Tony Ponturo, vice president, Global Media & Sports Marketing, Anheuser-Busch, Inc. "Dale Jr.'s popularity reaches a great number of racing fans, including many of our wholesalers, brewery workers and retailers through his winning record, contemporary appeal and confidence as a driver." Earnhardt Jr., the winner of the Daytona 500 on Feb. 15, has driven the #8 Budweiser Chevrolet since 1999. That season, he appeared in a limited schedule of five NASCAR Winston Cup Series events while racing full-time in the NASCAR Busch Series. "It's really cool to be sponsored by Budweiser because of the great history they have in motorsports," said Earnhardt Jr. "Anheuser-Busch has supported my career since I drove in the Busch Series where I won a couple of titles, and they've been with me every step of the way since then." Budweiser first sponsored a team in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series in 1983, and seven years ago, Budweiser became the "Official Beer of NASCAR," cementing the brand's place among stock car racing's elite sponsors. Budweiser also sponsors the Bud Pole Award in 11 NASCAR racing divisions, as well as the Budweiser Shootout at Daytona for top NASCAR Nextel Cup Series drivers. In 1983, Budweiser sponsored NASCAR Winston Cup Series driver Terry Labonte. The following year, the brand joined legendary team owner Junior Johnson and drivers Darrell Waltrip and Neil Bonnett. Waltrip won the NASCAR Winston Cup Series title for the "King of Beers" in 1985. In 1992, driver Bill Elliott took the wheel of Johnson's Budweiser car and won five events, including four in a row. Ultimately, Elliott finished second to the late Alan Kulwicki in the closest season championship finish in series history. Ken Schrader, Ricky Craven and Wally Dallenbach have also worn the Budweiser red and white in recent years. Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s Budweiser Chevrolet bears number eight, the same number used by his grandfather, NASCAR legend Ralph Earnhardt. The elder Earnhardt is a member of the International Motorsports Hall of Fame and was named as one of the top-50 drivers in NASCAR's first 50 years. The number eight also is significant as it was on Dale Earnhardt's car when he began his NASCAR Winston Cup Series career in 1975. Budweiser also supports NHRA Top Fuel driver Brandon Bernstein and Miss Budweiser unlimited hydroplane driver Dave Villwock.(fingerprint inc./Budweiser Racing PR)(3-10-2004)
Dale Jr. to test at Kentucky this week: Kentucky Speedway says Dale Earnhardt Jr. is scheduled to test Dale Earnhardt Inc.'s No. 8 Chevrolet on Thursday. Earnhardt Jr. had announced Sunday afternoon that the team would test on the 1.5-mile track after a 35th-place finish in the UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 that saw him fall from first to seventh in the Nextel Cup driver standings. "I know it's going to be a black Monday at the shop, but I also know we're going to do an awful lot of laps in testing this week at Kentucky to figure out what was wrong," said Earnhardt Jr. The track says spectators are permitted to watch from the Turn 3 Fan Center.(NASCAR Scene Daily Newsletter)(3-9-2004)
'Young Guns' go for three-peat and now we know why Dale Jr. has no facial hair this year: By picking Matt Kenseth as the top Gillette Young Gun finisher in the Subway 400, Brian F. of Cary, NC was the winner of the weekly Gillette Young Guns $5,000 challenge. Brian picked Kenseth to win the race by going to www.gilletteyoungguns.com and entering before the weekly deadline. With the victory and thus being the highest finishing Gillette Young Gun, a $1,000 donation will be made to the National Prostate Cancer Coalition (NPCC) on behalf of Kenseth. Every week, fans can register to win $5,000 in the Gillette Young Guns Weekly Challenge by going to www.gilletteyoungguns.com and entering before the weekly deadline at midnight PT the day before the race. If you correctly predict which Gillette Young Guns driver [Kenseth, Earnhardt Jr., Jimmie Johnson, Ryan Newman, Kurt Busch and Kevin Harvick] will place highest in the next race, your correct entry will be automatically entered in a random drawing for $5,000. So far both NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series events have been won by Gillette Young Guns -- Dale Earnhardt Jr. at Daytona and Matt Kenseth at Rockingham. More info and to join at: www.gilletteyoungguns.com.(Alan Taylor Communications PR), Tim Sullivan of Alan Taylor Comm was interviewed by Claire B. Lang of NASCAR Radio and was asked if the reason Dale Earnhardt Jr. was clean shaven in 2004 was due to the Young Gun deal, and was told YES. Now we know why Tony Stewart is not in the program.(3-2-2004)
Dale Jr in People: Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the No. 8 Budweiser Chevrolet, is the subject of a feature story in the March 8 issue of People Magazine. In the story, Dale Jr. discusses maturity, the dating scene, and of course, winning the Daytona 500.(fingerprint, inc./Budweiser Racing PR)(3-2-2004)
DEI Tuner leaves to start own biz? UPDATE 2: hearing that DEI Engine Tuner and #8 Gasman, Jeff Clark has left DEI to start a Motorcycle Business in the Charlotte, NC area.(1-6-2004)
UPDATE: Engine tuner John Dennison has left Kevin Harvick's #29 RCR team to replace crew member Jeff Clark on Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s #8 car. Clark submitted his resignation in January, but he stayed on to help the team through Speedweeks. Brian Englehart will temporarily fill in on the #29 crew until a full-time tuner is hired.(Yahoo Sports/Sporting News)(2-9-2004)

UPDATE 2: One of the final touches to the #29 Team GM Goodwrench was made over the off-weekend in Welcome, NC. In search of a permanent engine tuner to fill the position vacated by John Dennison [who went to DEI] in January, Danny Lawrence, Trackside Engine Manager for Richard Childress Racing Enterprises, Inc. (RCR), hired John Goodwin [not Munson, RCR corrected this]. A 36-year old Houston, Texas native, Munson came from Bill Davis Racing's #22 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series racing team.(RCR #29 Preview)(3-3-2004)
Dale Jr. talks about the #3: Dale Earnhardt Jr. admitted on "Larry King Live" on Monday that he'd like to drive the No. 3 car made famous by his late father some day. "I think driving that number is something that I'd love to do, I'd love to get behind the number three car and maybe be in the driver's seat, but it's something I'll do later in my career, if ever," Earnhardt told a caller on the national TV show. "It's just right now I have got to concentrate on the Budweiser number eight and winning championships."(Roanoke Times)(2-26-2004)
#8 Pit Crew fastest at the Rock: The pit crew for Dale Earnhardt Jr. edged Sterling Marlin's crew to claim first place in the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade at Sunday's NASCAR NEXTEL Cup race in Rockingham, N.C. The Rockingham victory paid $20,000 and lifted the No. 8 pit crew into the points lead. Being in first place is nothing new for Earnhardt's crew. The #8 team, part of DEI's multi-car operation, collected the $200,000 bonus for winning the inaugural McDonald's/POWERade pit crew season championship in 2003. The 2004 pit crew champion will also collect $200,000 at the season-ending Awards Banquet in New York. Earnhardt's Chevy was a hair quicker on Rockingham's pit road than Marlin's Dodge. The No. 8 Budweiser machine spent 301.939 seconds off the track compared to 302.233 seconds for Marlin's Coors Light Dodge. Third was Jamie McMurray's No. 42 Texaco Dodge with a time of 302.613. Dale Jr., who leads in the Nextel Cup driver standings, was quick to give credit to his team for his fifth-place finish in Rockingham. "We feel like a top-five here at Rockingham is almost like a win," said Earnhardt in post-race interviews. "We didn't have a great car, but we made changes during every stop and the car got better and better. If your crew can't make the right changes and get you in and out fast, you have no chance at Rockingham. We had great strategy all day and took advantage of the yellow flags. I told (car chief) Tony Jr. on the radio to ignore me if I started begging to come in and change tires. It's so hard here to hang onto the car when the tires go away, but the guys in the pits made the right calls. It paid off for us." Earnhardt's over-the-wall crew consists of: Bill Snyder (gasman), Kevin Pennell (jackman), Phil Drye (front tire changer), Danny Earnhardt (front tire carrier), Shannon Myers (rear tire changer), Troy Prince (rear tire carrier), Craig Lund (catch can). Tony Eury Sr. is the crew chief and the car chief is Tony Eury Jr. The pit crew coach at DEI is Walt Smith.(DMFCommications PR), see top 10 at the Rock and standings on my Pit Crew Page.(2-26-2003)
A Win for Dale....a win for Angels: It has been a remarkable week for Dale Jr. Six years ago Sunday his dad won America's race, the Daytona 500. It took Dale Sr. a long time to enter victory lane at Daytona as the winner of the Big Race. Dale Jr. fans everywhere rose to their feet, cheers went up as the #8 crossed the finish the finish line and took the checkered flag. Some of those fans were angels, and some of those angels were right here on earth. Entering their third year, the Pit Board Charity set their lineup for the 2004 season carefully. For the past two years, the PBC has been helping various racing related charities by providing Dale Jr. fans a way to unite and make a difference in the lives of others. Together, working as a team, they have raised over $60,000. It is simple the way it works, a charity is assigned to each finishing position at the beginning of the year. Each week of the season, a donation is made to the charity that matches Dale Jr.'s finish. For the 2004 lineup, the organization selected for the coveted #1 position in the Pit Board Charity lineup was Jaret's Angels. Jaret Arneson is a Charlotte resident that was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes in 2000. Jaret's Angels was formed to raise awareness and funds for research in the fight against this terrible disease. Jaret was watching the race with his family on Sunday. In the closing laps, Jaret and family were pulling the #8 car around the track with their cheers. When the checkered flag waved, Jaret jumped up and down, Dale had won. The Arneson household was a scene right out of victory lane. With Dale's win, the Pit Board Charity closed their first fundraiser of the year, and raised $3000.00 for Jaret and all the angels fighting juvenile diabetes. They also raised $500 for the Victory Junction Gang Camp and $500 for the Faison School of Autism. The winning for charity won't stop this week, it will go on throught the year at each race. Whatever the finish, whatever the track, a victory will be won for charity by Dale Jr. and his fans. But what a way to start the year by winning one for the angels, both here and in heaven.(Pit Board Charity PR)(2-22-2004)
Pretty Funny: Dale Earnhardt Jr. appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman and parallel parked a Chevy Malibu rental car, and backed into the car behind him....then he got into a black Chevy Corvette and did some donuts in the NYC street, even had an in-car cam.(2-18-2004)
Dale Earnhardt Jr. wins the Daytona 500! #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the Daytona 500, just beating #20-Tony Stewart, winning the race without the help of a teammate [#15-Waltrip was wrecked earlier in the race]. Rounding out the top five were: #22-Wimmer [highest finishing rookie], #29-Harvick and #48-Johnson. Johnson's 5th place finish, extends his streak for being in the top 10 in drivers points to 70 straight races. Wonder if Earnhardt Jr. will run the Busch race on Monday, in which he is leading. Earnhardt Jr is the third father-son combo to win the Daytona 500 [his late father Dale Dr. did in 1998], the others were Bobby-Davey Allison and Lee-Richard Petty.(2-15-2004)
Winning both Cup and Busch race in the same year at Daytona in Feb, two drivers have won both, Darrell Waltrip in 1989 and Bobby Allison in 1988
Make it 3: as Dale Earnhardt Jr. won both the Daytona 500 and the Busch race at Daytona in the same weekend.
AND: Dale Jr. also won a 125 race, joining Bobby Allison as the only drivers ever to win a 125, Busch and Cup race in the same Speedweeks.(2-16-2004)
UPDATE: Dale Earnhardt Jr. won his third race in four days Monday at Daytona International Speedway, winning the Hershey's Kisses 300 in the NASCAR Busch Series. He won yesterday's Daytona 500 and his 125-mile qualifying race last Thursday, giving him three victories during Daytona's Speedweeks for the second season in a row. (Only Glenn "Fireball" Roberts and his father Dale Earnhardt have won three races in one Speedweeks.)
This is Dale Jr's ninth career victory at Daytona, which moves him into a tie for 10th in all-time wins at the 2.5-mile track, joining Dale Jarrett and Jeff Gordon. It is his fourth consecutive Busch Series race win at Daytona, one race shy of his father's track record five consecutive Busch wins. No other driver has won a Busch Series race here since February, 2001.
Since the begiining of Speedweeks at Daytona on January 31, Dale Jr. completed 880 laps - more than 2427 miles - and led 464 laps during five races (he led 344 laps during 24-Hours of Daytona, 14 laps during Twin-125, 59 laps during Daytona 500 and 47 laps in the Busch Series 300.) (fingerprint inc./Bud PR)(2-17-2004)
Dale Jr. on the tube: Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver for the #8 Budweiser team and winner of the 2004 Daytona 500 for the NASCAR NEXTEL Series, began a frantic media tour Monday after his Victory Lane celebration after winning yesterday's rain-delayed Busch Series 300. The 500-winning car was unveiled Monday morning at Daytona USA, where it will be on display with its special "Born-On" dating Budweiser paint scheme for the next 12 months.
Tuesday, Feb 17, 2004:
The Today Show / NBC / 7:30 am
Live with Regis and Kelly / Syndicated / 9:00am/et
CNN / American Morning / Headline News / Exact time TBD
NASCAR Live with Eli Gold / MRN Radio Network / 7:00pm/et
Late Show with David Letterman / CBS / 11:30:00pm/et
(fingerprint inc./Bud PR)(2-17-2004)
War of Words at DEI: after the first Gatroade Twin 125, Tony Eury Sr., #8-Dale Earnhardt's crew chief: "It looks like our teammate doesn't want to be our teammate no more. So we ended up dumping him at the end and going on to win. If that's the way they want to play it, that's the way we'll play it." Waltrip brushed off the criticism: "Earnhardt and I do a nice job together, so you just have to take it with a grain of salt when you hear some of the stuff they come up with. I'm amazed those crew guys can carry on like that. But we know what the big picture is, and we'll be a part of it Sunday."
"Me and Michael will draft fine together in the future, we just didn't today," Earnhardt said. "You can have friends, but you can't be friends to the end. You've got to go for the win. I've got a benchmark that my daddy set for wins at this place, and we got another one today. I couldn't run directly behind anyone because the air was too dirty. So I started running the top. But then when I started gaining some ground on Michael he moved up to the top, and took all the air I was using. I told them, 'Pick one or the other, because I'm going to run where he ain't, because I can't run behind him."
"It was a dead-end road where Earnhardt was headed, and they were all lined up on the bottom, so I just got in line," Waltrip said. "It wasn't any big deal. I love Dale Jr. We work so well together."(Winston Salem Journal)(2-13-2004)
Dale Jr. on VH-1: Coming Up on VH1 - Wednesday, February 11 "Driven: Dale Earnhardt Jr." "Driven: Dale Earnhardt Jr." follows the journey of Dale Jr., the son of the legendary racing champion Dale Earnhardt Sr., from matchbox cars to NASCAR speedways. After years of trying to prove himself to his hard-to-please father, he finally earns the right to drive for him as a full-time Winston Cup driver. But when he loses his father in a tragic racing accident at the beginning of his second Winston Cup season, he has to use every lesson he's learned about racing to carry on the Earnhardt family's legacy and honor his father's memory. (Premieres at 10:00 p.m.)(VH1.com)(2-6-2004)
Little E gets a new spotter: Richie Gilmore, the new head of racing operations for Dale Earnhardt Inc., said Stevie Reeves will replace Ty Norris as Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s spotter. Reeves used to spot for DEI's #1 team and occasionally has filled in for Norris, who left the organization last week. Spotters serve as an extra set of eyes for drivers, standing at the top of the grandstands with a radio to help drivers avoid trouble on the track.(USA Today)(2-4-2004)
New Additions to the #8: The #8 Bud crew will feature two new faces in 2004, both from inside the Dale Earnhardt, Inc. family. Shannon Myers, formerly of the No. 1 DEI team, will be the rear-tire changer, and Craig Lund, a part-time Bud crew member last year, will take over catch-can duties. Bill Snyder will handle the gas can and work alongside Phil Drye (front-tire changer), Danny Earnhardt (front-tire carrier), Kevin Pennell (jack man), Troy Prince (rear-tire carrier) and Barry Hoover (windshield/driver comfort). The Bud crew, which won the 2003 McDonald's Pit Crew Drive-Thru Award, are led by crew chief Tony Eury and car chief Tony Eury Jr.(fingerprint inc PR), no word on who will be Dale Jr's spotter at Ty Norris, who left DEI last week, was the spotter. Any team wishing to announce their crew or have updates for the 2004 Pit Crew Chart, feel free to email me.(2-2-2004)
Norris Out? UPDATE 3: hearing reports that DEI executive vice president Ty Norris has left Dale Earnhardt Inc???(1-27-2004 5pm/et)
UPDATE: Sources close to Dale Earnhardt, Inc., told NASCAR.com Tuesday that executive vice president Ty Norris has resigned from the team, effective immediately. An announcement from the team is expected Wednesday. Sources said Norris' decision was made in reaction to Teresa Earnhardt's decision to restructure the team's upper management, thus sending Norris to a lesser role. Norris, an employee at DEI since 1996, bore the brunt of the company's executive responsibility following Dale Earnhardt's death in February 2001.(NASCAR.com), hearing Richie Gilmore will assume Norris' position or some of the duties.(1-28-2004 - 12mid)
UPDATE 2: Sources close to Dale Earnhardt Inc., confirmed that a "blow-up" took place at the shop over the weekend, leaving Ty Norris, the organization's executive vice president, with the option of stepping down or stepping out. Team owner Teresa Earnhardt was expected to meet with teams Tuesday to discuss the developments that include a restructuring of upper management. Richie Gilmore, DEI's chief engine builder, is expected to move up to the front office. Gilmore told TSN he's looking forward to the challenge and had not yet been told what his official title would be. The general consensus in the garage during Las Vegas testing was that having "a racer" run the day-to-day business would benefit DEI significantly. Gilmore, a native of Rochester, N.H., began his racing career in Super Modifieds as a teenager. Gilmore met Ron Bouchard and moved to North Carolina in 1988 to work on his Winston Cup team. In 1991, after an apprenticeship with Keith Dorton, Gilmore joined Hendrick Motorsports and began working with Randy Dorton. At Hendrick's, Gilmore was assigned to the lease program at Joe Gibbs Racing when Dale Jarrett won his first Daytona 500. He continued with Hendrick's on Terry Labonte's team in 1995 and 1996 when the No. 5 car won the title. In 1998, he was approached by Dale Earnhardt to build engines for the No. 8 car and Dale Earnhardt Jr., who was making his Cup debut the following season. When Gilmore took over the engine shop, DEI had just 19 employees and 21 engines. Gilmore helped to grow the department to 61 employees and 115 engines during his tenure as DEI's head engine builder.(FoxSports)(1-28-2004)
UPDATE 3: Effective immediately, Richie Gilmore will direct all motorsports functions at Dale Earnhardt Incorporated. The position was previously held by Ty Norris, who resigned on Jan. 26, 2004. Teresa Earnhardt, CEO and co-founder of Dale Earnhardt Incorporated stated, "Because of close teamwork at Dale Earnhardt Incorporated, Richie Gilmore has prepared to manage all motorsports responsibilities. Looking at programs he has implemented over the years, we're confident he will continue to develop our success, both on and off the track." Gilmore, a 38-year-old Rochester, NH native came to DEI in 1998 as Head Engine Builder, after an eight-year stint at Hendrick Motorsports. In addition, Dale Earnhardt Incorporated's Sponsor Services Division is being strengthened with additional personnel. Earnhardt added,"To develop new marketing strategies and fulfill the needs of our current partners we will be focusing on growth while continuing to direct primary energies toward winning the Nextel Cup and BGN championships; fulfilling the goals established for this company over a decade ago."(DEI PR)(1-30-2004)
Dale Jr. ATV Deal: Polaris ATVs has announced the signing of Nextel Cup driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. to a personal services agreement that will see him represent Polaris ATVs in a variety of promotions and have his signature on a new special-edition vehicle. The special Predator model will feature a red and black chassis, Earnhardt Jr.'s signature and the No. 8 on each rear fender. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.(NASCAR Scene need sub to read online)(1-26-2004)
Dale Jr on MTV: Dale Earnhardt Jr. will be featured on an episode of "MTV Diary" beginning Sunday, Jan. 25, at 10:00pm/et. The diary will include behind-the-scenes footage of the #8 driver at the track and at his newly built Mooresville, N.C. house.(fingerprint/Bud PR)(1-21-2004)
Dale Jr. and Stewart to run 24 at Daytona: Howard-Boss Motorsports and Crawford Race Cars announced that veteran road racer Andy Wallace will team with NASCAR stars Tony Stewart and Dale Earnhardt Jr. for the Rolex 24 At Daytona in the #2 Crawford DP03 Daytona Prototype. "This is an exciting time for all of us at Howard-Boss Motorsports," Rick Howard stated. "We have set our standards high with the new DP03 Daytona Prototype car. Our unique blend of driving talent with Andy Wallace, Tony Stewart and Dale Earnhardt Jr. makes this event even more exciting, not only for our team, but for the fans of the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series. Our expectations are also high for our teammates in the No. 4 Boss Snowplow Dave Brule-owned car. The results of our recent test session at the Homestead-Miami Speedway are very encouraging and we're really looking forward to the Rolex 24 At Daytona."
Tony Stewart will be making his second start in the Rolex 24 for Crawford Race Cars. Stewart teamed with Jan Lammers and Johnny Mowlem in a Crawford SSC2K Prototype in the 2002 endurance race. After an impressive run at the front of the field, engine problems sidelined the Stewart, Lammers and Mowlem team just past the midway point in the twice-around-the-clock event.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. will be making his second start in the Rolex 24 At Daytona. Earnhardt Jr. teamed with his father Dale Earnhardt, Andy Pilgrim and Kelly Collins in a Chevrolet Corvette to finish fourth overall in the 2001 event.(Grand-Am Racing Series site)(1-1-2004)

2003 News

2003 Champions Totally Racin' Softball League:
League Champions - DEI - Dale Earnhardt, Inc.
Division A Champions - Dale Earnhardt, Inc.
Division B Champions - Speed Channel

Standing from left to right:
Mark Kennerly, Brian Henry, Rich Lavalette, Derek Owens,
Rodney Fetters, Shannon Myers, and Mitch Phillips
Front row left to right:
Jeff Rumple, Bob Gongla, Ronald Bryant, Gaston Shealy,
Scott Jordan, Troy Prince, Kelly Kellis, and Ty Norris
Not pictured: David Gebhardt, Chris Hunt, Mike Scarborough, Jason Threatt and Angela Walker
More info and to see larger pictures, go to the Totally Racin' Softball League Page
Dale Jr. Featured COLUMN POSTED: Dale Earnhardt Jr. will be featured on the cover of USA WEEKEND Magazine's 8/15 issue. The cover story, The real national pastime? NASCAR (vs.) Baseball, features Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Barry Zito discussing each sport. You can you read this entire article online beginning 8/15 at usaweekend.com, or check your local newspaper for your own copy. Earnhardt on winning a championship, "For three years, I was never taken seriously. But now I'm different."(USA WEEKEND Magazine PR)(8-13-2003)
THE COLUMN: NASCAR vs. baseball by Dennis McCafferty. Thanks for the mention Dale Jr.! (8-15-2003)
Born on Date scheme: Been told that #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. will run a Budweiser Born on Date special paint scheme for the 2004 Budweiser Shoot Out. Budweiser is running this car to promote a company freshness campaign. Budweiser will offer the sale and sampling of Budweiser products to fans age 21 and over. These are Budweiser beers that will be brewed that morning / same day. Actually will run one at the Bud Shootout and one in the Daytona 500.(12-12-2003)
IMAGE: see an image on the 2004 Cup Paint Schemes page or the #8 Team Schemes page (all will load, may take a bit)(1-1-2004)
Nice Gesture: A year of fundraising and planning came down to one special night for some very deserving kids. Fifteen children from the CVAN Shelter for Women in Concord, NC were given a night to remember on December 15th. The children were transported by limo to Dale Earnhardt Inc. to start their evening. Once there they were given the VIP, behind the scenes tour of the impressive facilities. The first stop was behind the showroom glass, there they got an up close view of the Dale Earnhardt Foundation legacy car. Carol, the tour guide of the evening, gave them the history of DEI and the Foundation. From their it was on to the Engine Shop, where some of the best horsepower in the business is built. Next stop.....Jr. Motorsports. As the fifteen children gathered in the waiting room, they noticed a young man quietly standing there. To their surprise and delight, he introduced himself. Not only did this group get a rare behind the scenes look at DEI, they now had Dale Earnhardt Jr. standing right there in front of them. Dale, and his sister Kelley, chatted with the children whose faces were beaming with delight. Dale offered to take pictures and sign autographs for each child present. If these kids weren't ardent race fans before, they were now. Jr. Motorsports gave each child a duffle bag full of surprises. Teddy bears, race cars, and all sorts of racing items overflowed from the bags.(see full story at the Dale Jr. Pit Board Charity site)(12-17-2003)
Dale Jr. to star in Wrangler campaign: Brandweek reports that Dale Earnhardt Jr. will be featured next summer in an ad campaign for Wrangler, one of his late father Dale's early primary sponsors, today's Sports Business Daily says. The driver will be featured in the ad campaign launching Wrangler Jeans Co.'s denim-driven line targeting young adults ages 18-32, Brandweek says. "Earnhardt Jr. is our target consumer," says Craig Errington, Wrangler's director of advertising, public relations and special events. "He wears jeans every day and will add the energy of NASCAR racing to the brand." Wrangler's goal is to sell $150 million of the products in the next three years.(Winston Cup Scene Daily Newsletter)(12-9-2003)
Most Popular Driver UPDATE and the winner is.........................: 2003 Grands! Biscuits NMPA NASCAR Most Popular Driver Award to be announced Friday, Dec. 5, 2003, at 8:30am/et and will be presented to the winning driver in New York City. Votes are in, and one driver will receive the 2003 Grands! Biscuits National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA) NASCAR Most Popular Driver Award. Most Popular Driver Award dates back to 1956. It began as a simple poll of the drivers and grew to incorporate all NASCAR Winston Cup competitors. Later, it included all NASCAR members. Today, it’s a prestigious award voted on by racing fans nationwide. This year, more than three million votes were cast by thousands of fans nationwide.(Williams Company PR)(12-3-2003)

DALE EARNHARDT JR. The votes are in, and race car fans across the country have named Dale Earnhardt Jr. the 2003 Grands!(R) Biscuits NMPA NASCAR Most Popular Driver. The announcement was made today during the National Motorsports Press Association's (NMPA) Myers Brothers Awards Breakfast at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City. While Earnhardt Jr. finished third in the top on-track honor in major league stock car racing, he led throughout the Most Popular Driver fan balloting for the highest off-track honor in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series. The driver of the #8 Budweiser Chevrolet maintained a solid first place as voting closed mid-November for the only fan-based award in professional motorsports.
"It means a ton to see the support I've received from the fans," said Earnhardt Jr. "I know that no matter how bad things have been in my life that week or if I've struggled with the race that weekend, it's always helpful to hear the cheers when I walk across the stage during driver introductions."
Earnhardt Jr.'s win also marks the first time both a son and a father have received the Most Popular Driver honor. Racing legend Dale Earnhardt won the award posthumously in 2001.
"The NASCAR fans are a smart bunch. They choose their favorite drivers based on who that driver is as a person and what they represent," Earnhardt Jr. continued. "I try to remember that every day. This means a lot to me that the fans have supported me in such a big way. It was emotional for me to have to accept this award on behalf of my dad in 2001, but it will feel a lot better being able to accept the award this year."
From the fan votes to at-track enthusiasm, it's clear Earnhardt Jr. creates excitement on the racing circuit. "I don't think anyone is surprised Dale Earnhardt Jr. is the Grands!(R) Biscuits NMPA NASCAR Most Popular Driver," said journalist Kenny Bruce, president of the National Motorsports Press Association. "He came close to winning a year ago, and anyone who has listened while he was introduced at races would know that the fans really seem to love him. We are grateful to all of the NASCAR fans who were part of the voting process, and we feel they made a good choice."
For the second year in a row, more than 3 million votes were cast by thousands of race fans nationwide via the Web site, www.mostpopulardriver.com. Pillsbury(R) Grands! Biscuits, the second-year sponsor of the award administered by the National Motorsports Press Association, has worked since voting launched with the season-opening Daytona 500 to increase fan exposure and created new ways for consumers to get involved. "It's been a great honor for us to bring this award to the fans and recognize Dale as their favorite driver," said Annie Zipfel, marketing manager for Pillsbury Grands! Biscuits at General Mills. "We'll continue to share the excitement of this announcement with fans by posting award ceremony highlights on www.mostpopulardriver.com. After all, the fans are really what this award is all about."
Following Earnhardt Jr. in the 2003 Most Popular Driver Award final standings were drivers Jeff Gordon and Kevin Harvick in second and third place respectively. Rounding out the top ten in descending order of votes were Steve Park [and with no ride for 2004?], Tony Stewart, Michael Waltrip, Mark Martin, Dale Jarrett, Kyle Petty and Bobby Labonte. More than 50 drivers received votes. NASCAR's Most Popular Driver Award dates back to 1956. It began as a simple poll of the drivers and grew to incorporate all NASCAR Winston Cup competitors. Later, it included all NASCAR members. Today, it is a prestigious award voted on by racing fans nationwide. Through the years, the voters' choices have ranged from the obvious to the surprising. Bill Elliott edged out Earnhardt Jr. to win the award in 2002. Elliott won the award 16 times before retiring his name from the Most Popular Driver Award voting at the beginning of the 2003 Winston Cup series. Richard Petty won the award nine times. Other past winners have included such notables as Bobby Allison and Darrell Waltrip.(Business Wire)(12-5-2003)
THE TALLY? Following Earnhardt Jr., who received more than 1.3 millions votes, in the 2003 Most Popular Driver Award final standings were drivers Jeff Gordon (348,629 votes), Kevin Harvick (213,511 votes), Steve Park (152,541 votes), and Tony Stewart (142,899 votes). Rounding out the top ten in descending order of votes were Michael Waltrip, Mark Martin, Dale Jarrett, Kyle Petty and Bobby Labonte. More than 50 drivers received votes.(Williams Company PR)(12-5-2003)
#1 and Andretti in 2004? UPDATE 3 DEI announcement: Dale Earnhardt Inc. also has been pursuing Kodak, but sources say it plans to run John Andretti in the #1 car regardless of Kodak's decision.(Yahoo Sports/Sporting News)
UPDATE: am hearing that DEI is now considering a partial schedule with Andretti as driver in the #1 Chevy.(12-1-2003)
UPDATE 2: hearing that DEI has decided to shut down the #1 team and has released many [6] of the team members. Supposedly plans are to now run a full Busch schedule with Martin Truex Jr. and to possibly run some cup races with him. Also heard the team will run a seven race schedule and Andretti would drive those races.(12-2-2003)
AND supposedly Chance 2 Motorsports will run a full schedule in a quest of the NASCAR Busch Series championship in 2004. Martin Truex, Jr. will be the primary driver and Earnhardt, Jr. will drive a second car for superspeedway races at Daytona International Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway. Also, the #1 Chevy will be run under a different marketing program next year only participating in special races. John Andretti will drive in the Daytona 500. Truex, Jr. will also participate in seven Cup Series races in 2004 to prepare for a full-time move to the series in 2005.
UPDATE 3: For the 2004 NASCAR Nextel Cup and Busch Series seasons, Dale Earnhardt, Inc. has announced changes to two of its four teams. Chance 2 Motorsports, co-owned by Teresa Earnhardt and Dale Earnhardt, Jr., will run a full schedule in a quest of the NASCAR Busch Series championship in 2004. Martin Truex, Jr. will be the primary driver and Earnhardt, Jr. will drive a second car for superspeedway races at Daytona International Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway. Also, the #1 Chevrolet will be run under a different marketing program next year only participating in special races. John Andretti will drive in the season-opening Daytona 500. The new plan also calls for Truex, Jr. to run five - seven Nextel Cup Series races in 2004 to prepare for a possible full-time move to the series in 2005. "This is the approach we decided to take looking toward the 2005 season," said Teresa Earnhardt, President and CEO of Dale Earnhardt, Inc. "We are going to strengthen our program for the No. 1 car and get that back to the status of Earnhardt standards. From a marketing standpoint, this is a great opportunity for a company to get involved with a Nextel Cup team. And, a young driver such as Truex Jr. in our No. 1 car will be the perfect place to utilize that strategy. Truex, Jr. competed in six Busch races with Chance 2 Motorsports this season garnering two top-five finishes and three top-10s. He closed the season with two, consecutive second-place finishes. By competing in just seven races this year, Truex Jr. will be eligible to compete for Rookie of the Year honors in Nextel Cup in 2005. Dale Earnhardt, Inc. has won two NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and two NASCAR Busch Series championships. "I'm really looking forward to run for the Busch championship," Truex, Jr., 23, said. "After six races with Chance 2 in 2003, I was really pleased with the way things went and how we performed. Some of our finishes didn't reflect what we are truly capable of achieving on the track. But, we'll have 34 races next year to capitalize on what we learned this year together. I have the best equipment, crew chief and team anyone could ask for in the Busch garage. We ended the season on a positive note with two, second-place finishes." Teresa Earnhardt was on top of the team's pit box during the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway when Truex, Jr. finished second. "The Chance 2 team and Martin have shown they are capable of competing up to the standards we strive to achieve here at Dale Earnhardt, Inc.," Earnhardt said. "Committing to a full season in the Busch Series will better prepare us to meet the high standards of the No. 1 team in 2005."(DEI PR)(12-3-2003)
Cup drivers in the Daytona 24? Chevrolet is trying to have a big presence in the Rolex Sports Car Series’ Daytona 24 hour early next year. Daytona Prototypes are under construction at Crawford Race Cars in Denver, North Carolina, all powered by GM’s Gen III V8 engines, which GM hopes will be piloted by its Winston Cup stars. Chevrolet is looking at various driver combinations and it’s unclear how many cars will run. Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Tony Stewart are strong candidates, and Jimmy Johnson and Jeff Gordon could figure in the mix. Regular GM road racers Kelly Collins and Andy Pilgrim are on deck as well. GM sources say there is no truth to rumors that another car is slated for Bobby, Terry and Justin Labonte.(Autoweek)(11-26-2003)
Beam leaves RCR for Wells UPDATE plus a new crew chief for the #32: Crew Chief Mike Beam has left Richard Childress Racing and the #30 AOL Chevy team to become the team manager for car owner Cal Wells’ operation.(PRN's Garage Pass Radio Show)(11-19-2003)
UPDATE: PPI Motorsports today announced it has hired former Tide Racing crew chief Mike Beam as competition director for its racing programs. Beam is joined by David Charpentier, who will serve as crew chief for the #32 Tide Chevrolet driven by Ricky Craven. Scott Miller, crew chief for the #32 Tide Pontiac in 2003, is exploring options both within and outside of the team's engineering group. Beam, a veteran NASCAR Winston Cup Series crew chief, returns to PPI Motorsports after serving as crew chief for Richard Childress Racing's #30 AOL Chevrolet in 2003. As competition director, Beam will help focus the organization's in-house operations toward increased performance. He will also work with Charpentier and the crew of the #32 Tide Chevrolet to ensure the team's at-track competition needs are met. Beam served as crew chief for PPI Motorsports' #32 Tide Racing program from 2001-2001 and helped lead the team to its first NASCAR Winston Cup Series win (Martinsville, October 2001), three pole positions, and seven top-five finishes.
Charpentier, former engineering manager for Dale Earnhardt Inc. (DEI), entered the professional motorsports ranks after seven years in the Navy's nuclear power program and consulted for several teams, including Sabco Racing, Rudd Performance Motorsports, Butch Mock Motorsports and Hendrick Motorsports. In 1999, Charpentier joined DEI and was instrumental in the team's growth from one to three successful Winston Cup teams.(PPI Motorsports PR)(11-24-2003)
Dale Jr's Pit Crew To Collect $200,000 Bonus; Sterling Marlin's Crew Takes Homestead Victory:
#8-Dale Earnhardt Jr's pit crew made a late-season charge to capture the 2003 McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade. For winning the championship, Earnhardt's pit crew will collect a $200,000 bonus. The check presentation will take place Dec. 5 in New York during the NASCAR Winston Cup Awards Banquet at the Waldorf-Astoria. With five McDonald's/POWERade race victories that paid $20,000 each, Earnhardt's pit crew earned a total of $300,000 in the season-long championship. Earnhardt's crew edged Michael Waltrip's pit crew to claim the inaugural championship that recognized and honored the unsung heroes in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series. Earnhardt's team collected 1,243 points while Waltrip's team totaled 1,230. The two DEI crews waged an impressive battle with both teams entering last week's season finale in Homestead, Fla. tied in points.
"At the first of the year when we found out about the McDonald's/POWERade program, everybody got pumped up and had something to shoot for," said Tony Eury Sr., crew chief for Earnhardt's team. "We never dreamed that it was going to come down to a battle with our own teammate. Both teams put a lot effort into this and it was sure nice of McDonald's and POWERade to recognize their efforts. We are proud to be the first champions of the program."
Earnhardt's over-the-wall crew consists of: Jeff Clark (gasman), Kevin Pennell (jackman), Phil Drye (front tire changer), Danny Earnhardt (front tire carrier), Jay Guarneri (rear tire changer), Troy Prince (rear tire carrier), Bill Snyder (catch can). Assisting Eury with the crew chief duties is the team's car chief Tony Eury Jr. Walt Smith is the pit crew coach at DEI.
In Sunday's Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway, Sterling Marlin's pit crew won the McDonald's/POWERade championship. Marlin's No. 40 Dodge spent the least amount of time on pit road - 220.757 seconds. Bill Elliott's Dodge was second at 229.941and Jamie McMurray's Dodge was third at 246.539. Marlin's over-the-wall pit crew consists of: Steven Wolfe (front tire changer), Trent Davis (front tire carrier), Mike Atwell (rear tire changer), Tim Shore (rear tire carrier), Greg Pasi (jackman), Jerry Schweitz (gasman) and Rick Reling (catch can). The crew chief is Lee McCall and the team trainer is Al Shuford. For the final points standings, who won each weekm top ten at Homestead, see my Pit Crew News page.(DMF Communications PR)(11-19-2003)
NASCAR Press Conference UPDATE Gillette Young Guns: NASCAR will be announcing a sponsorship deal involving six of NASCAR's top ten drivers this Friday, Nov. 14 at 12:45pm/et from Victory Lane at Homestead-Miami Speedway. On hand will be 2003 champ Matt Kenseth, Jimmie Johnson, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Ryan Newman, Kevin Harvick, Kurt Busch and NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France.(11-12-2003)
UPDATE: hear it is something with Gillette.(11-13-2003)
UPDATE 2: Gillette Co. is expected to unveil a $10 million-plus sponsorship deal today with NASCAR and six of its most prominent young and aggressive drivers. The Hub razor maker is gunning for a huge and growing group of auto racing fans with a sweeping deal to be unveiled in Miami. As an official NASCAR partner, Gillette and its Duracell and Oral-B brands will gain exclusivity in the shaving, battery and oral care categories, industry sources say. Gillette also will sponsor six young drivers including #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr., #29-Kevin Harvick and this year's Winston Cup Champion, #17-Matt Kenseth. The six - to be dubbed Gillette Young Guns - will anchor promotional programs designed to drive sales. Gillette is expected to spend more than $10 million on the effort overall. The deal is comparable only to Coca-Cola Co. (KO: chart, news)'s sponsorship of 13 drivers under its Coca-Cola Family of Racers campaign.(Boston Herald)(11-14-2003)
UPDATE 3: Kurt Busch, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kevin Harvick, Jimmie Johnson, Matt Kenseth and Ryan Newman have been called "young guns" for some time. Next year, they'll get paid for it. In a deal worth a reported $20 million a year, Gillette has signed a multiyear agreement for those Cup drivers to endorse Gillette razors, Duracell batteries and Oral-B toothbrushes. The deal also includes "official" sponsor status for Gillette. The agreement also includes a weekly contest for fans, who can register online at www.gilletteyoungguns.com, to predict the highest finisher among those six in each 2004 race. All correct entrants will be entered in a drawing for a $5,000 prize. If those six drivers finish in the top six in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte in May or the Ford 400 at Homestead, and a consumer correctly picks the order of their finish, the prize would be $5 million. Gillette will also donate at least $1,000 per week to the National Prostate Cancer Coalition as part of the program. None of the money in the deal goes any of the race teams involved. The agreements are with NASCAR and the individual drivers.(ThatsRacin.com)(11-16-2003)
Dale Jr. Still Leads Popular Vote: With just over a week remaining for nationwide fan voting, Dale Earnhardt Jr. continues to lead the Grands! Biscuits NMPA NASCAR Most Popular Driver Award. The the Most Popular Driver is determined by an online vote of fans at www.mostpopulardriver.com. The winner will be announced during the NASCAR Winston Cup Awards Banquet weekend, Dec. 4-5, 2003, in New York City.
More than 2.8 million votes have been cast, and Earnhardt Jr. has led since voting began in February. The driver standings may change this final week, however, as fans hope to move their favorite drivers into the top spot before the balloting ends at 11:59pm/et, Monday, Nov. 17, the day after the final race of the season at Homestead, FL. Jeff Gordon currently is second, followed by Kevin Harvick, Steve Park, Tony Stewart, Michael Waltrip, Mark Martin, Dale Jarrett, Kyle Petty and Bobby Labonte.(Williams Company PR) and see past updated and links on this award, voting and to vote for Speed Channel's Driver of the Year on my Awards/Voting page.(11-9-2003)
NASCAR'S DALE JR. ON WIND TUNNEL:
Below are select quotes from [11-6-2003] Thursday's Wind Tunnel with Dave Despain on SPEED Channel. NASCAR Winston Cup Series driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., spoke with Dave about everything from superstitions to safety.
Earnhardt on taking control of his career: "Early on, I was just really busy and didn't know what direction I was going from one day to the next. I was being pulled and tugged in so many different ways, that I didn't have any idea what I had accomplished or where I was headed or what my future held for me. Over the last three years, my big thing has been to get more control over where I'm the guy that you come to get the answer. Instead of somebody else pushing the buttons for me, I'm pushing all my own buttons and that really helps out. That way, I know where I'm at and where I'm going -- I can have a yes or no answer for everything and that's the final answer."
Earnhardt on new attitude toward safety equipment: "I'm ashamed to admit it, but I should have been a little more about making changes and been a little more open-minded to the new things that were coming into the sport, but I was very bull-headed about it and very selfish about putting new safety equipment into my car. ... I was running a lot of older style headrests that we've been running over the last couple of years. And after the (Dover) crash, I went into the shop on Monday and the crew, mainly Tony Eury Sr., and Tony Jr., were already installing the newer stuff without even asking me. That was kinda the wake-up call that you gotta quit thinking about yourself because there are a lot of people that care about you and depend on you. It meant a lot to me that they were making those changes for me because I was so bull-headed, thinking 'I don't need that stuff. I'm out there and my car is as safe as anybody's.' And it really wasn't."
Earnhardt on evolution from Busch champ to Winston Cup contender: "When we moved from the Busch Series, we were a dominating Busch Series team, and when we moved to the Cup Series, we were able to put together a few flash-in-the-pan wins and some great moments, but we had a lot of things about our team that were obsolete -- personnel, it may be an individual, it may be the way you prepare the car, it could be a number of things. And it takes all those things -- I know you've heard time and time again, it takes the right people. Not necessarily the right 'good' people, but the right personality to mesh with this other personality. ... One of the big things is having good morale. Everyone goes to work looking forward to it, you've got friends their and you enjoy it. That's what we've obtained this year -- a friendship amongst all of us."
Earnhardt on living in his father's shadow: "I definitely am my own person and want to be appreciated for my own stuff and my successes. I kinda don't like being measured up to my father 'cause everyone knows how good he was. It would be hard for any driver to be compared to that man. But there is a part of me too, that will always want that close to me - always want that right next to me wherever I go and whatever I do, even if it's not racing."
Earnhardt on why he dons his helmet before getting into the race car: "It's not really a superstition, it's just the way I've always done it. I feel like you suit up before you go to battle. ... and with the Hutchens device that I wear, it's a lot easier for my guys to hook the Hutchens device up and make sure it's hooked up properly and make sure none of the hooks are attached backwards or anything like that."
Earnhardt on best racing advice he ever received from his late father: "It was real hard to get any advice from him or help from him when it came to racing, whether it be set-ups or anything. But there was one day, here at Rockingham, that I took my first provisional in my rookie season. I was just all to pieces and I couldn't believe that we had run so poorly and that I had nothing to look forward to as far as the race. The car wasn't working and I thought I was going to be an embarrassment. That was the first and only time that he ever said anything to me about a race car or anything to do with racing. He said, 'Look, there are going to be bad days and there are going to be good days ... tomorrow, whether you win or lose, you're going to have another race the next weekend and you're going to have another race the next weekend. You've got to be able to maintain and control your emotions as far as that goes.' I was just letting it eat me up inside ...I guess I was more worried about what he thought, and maybe that was the biggest problem with it. And when I knew that he was alright with it and that he understood that his son wasn't always going to be at the top or maybe this isn't going to work out all the time, it made me feel a lot better about the deal."
Earnhardt on whether teaming with Richard Childress is in his future: "I want to drive race cars as long as I am healthy and I enjoy it and that could be for a very long time ... I don't see an opportunity to drive for Richard. I feel like my loyalty belongs to DEI - what we've built up over the last several years and what we've put into that company. All the money and all the effort my father put forth for years to make that happen, I feel like my loyalty belongs there and I'm going to stick it out."
Earnhardt on future as a team owner: "I feel like it is a huge interest of mine and I feel like I would be very good at it. I think I've got a pretty good eye for talent -- not only driver-wise, but who could run each department."
Earnhardt on pressure to win a Winston Cup championship: "I feel like that is a legitimate goal and I feel like I should be able to win a championship in the duration of my career ... it's a goal I set for myself. I'd be very disappointed if I ended my career without a championship."
... and to settle a bet with a producer, Dave asked Junior, "What was the last music you listened to before coming on the show?" The answer: Boston's Greatest Hits [great choice! Jayski fave].(Speed Channel PR from Wind Tunnel Quotes)(11-8-2003)
Dale Jr Signed? UPDATE 2 Official - Done: Sources tell [PRN] after two recent meetings between Teresa Earnhardt and Dale Earnhardt, Jr., thet he has signed a contract with Dale Earnhardt Inc.[DEI], The first one the 28-year-old has ever had with the team his Dad started. The deal is said to be for five years and they'll make an official announcement at Charlotte later this week.(PRN's Garage Pass Radio Show/Sporting News)
AND ....Now that Junior finally signed his contract -- the announcement was delayed by his injury at Dover -- everyone can get back to business. DEI probably will announce the deal this week: Junior will drive the No. 8 for the next five years.(Yahoo Sports/Sporting News)(10-6-2003)
UPDATE: Contrary to recent reports, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. has signed no contractual agreement with Dale Earnhardt, Inc., a source close to DEI told NASCAR.com Tuesday. The source said that, while the deal is nearly done, Earnhardt's "name is on no papers yet." Earlier this week, it was reported that Earnhardt had two meetings with Teresa Earnhardt -- DEI team owner and Junior's stepmother -- and that he had signed a five-year contract with DEI.(NASCAR.com)(10-8-2003)
UPDATE 2: Dale Earnhardt, Inc. has reached an agreement with Dale Earnhardt, Jr. for the next five years to remain as the driver of the #8 DEI Chevrolet. The young Earnhardt has been driving for Dale Earnhardt, Inc. since 1998 and entered NASCAR’s premier Winston Cup Series as a rookie in 2000. The agreement between Teresa Earnhardt, CEO and president of Dale Earnhardt, Inc., and Earnhardt, Jr., solidifies the driver’s future with the organization created by his father, seven-time NASCAR champion Dale Earnhardt, and his wife, Teresa. “Dale and I built this organization with a long term plan in place,” Teresa said. “Dale Jr. has always been an intricate part of that plan and this agreement represents our commitment to one another in reaching the goal of winning championships.” The agreement is Earnhardt Jr’s first ever Winston Cup contract as a driver, the terms are private, and is based on a five-year partnership through the 2007 season. Currently, he holds a career-high ranking of third place in the Winston Cup Series, matching his career best of 17 top-10 finishes with six races remaining.
“This is the first time I have had a contract in four years,” Dale Jr. said “We had a hand shake and that was sufficient. But, in today’s business world you need written agreements and now we have one. It was an interesting process that was very educational. What it really came down to was Teresa and myself being in the same place at the same time and sitting down to talk about it. Once that happened, it was taken care of in no time at all. We have a lot of good people here at DEI that are committed to this company. Now we can set out to achieve those goals without any distractions.”(DEI Site/PR)(10-9-2003)
Earnhardt Jr. wins at Phoenix: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the Checker Auto Parts 500 Saturday at Phoenix International Raceway, his first victory an a non-restrictor plate track since Dover in September 2001. #48-Jimmie Johnson finished 2nd, followed by #12-Ryan Newman [the pole sitter], #97-Kurt Busch [who led the most laps] and #15-Michael Waltrip. The victory also helped Earnhardt Jr. solidify his hold on second in the Winston Cup standings behind #17-Matt Kenseth, who had his strongest run since a fourth at Bristol in August. Kenseth, who started 37th on Sunday, finished sixth and now leads Earnhardt Jr. by 228 points with just two races left in the season. Kenseth needs to finish only 30th or higher in the final two races to clinch the championship [or leaves Rockingham with a 186 points lead]. There were ten caution flags, tying the Phoenix Cup race record set in 1991, the 66 caution laps are a new record.(full story at ThatsRacin.com)
Scheduled Race Re-Air: on Speed Channel:
one-hour recap/Fast Forward on Wednesday, November 5th at 7:00pm/et and again on November 6th at 1:00am/et;
and a full three-hour race show will re-air at 3:00pm/et on Thursday, November 6th
See my Checker Auto Parts 500 Race Info Page for race results links, top 10, lap leaders, drivers out of race/off track, cautions/narrative, notes, lucky dog 'winners' and much more.
Race Results at
Jayski's Phoenix Race Results Page
and see full standings at Jayski's Drivers/Owners Points after Phoenix.(11-2-2003)
Dale Jr. off to film commercials: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. flew to Los Angeles soon after the Victory Lane ceremonies. He is starring in two new Budweiser commercials to be filmed this week in L.A. before he returns to the east coast for the Rockingham race weekend.(fingerprint inc/Budweiser PR)(11-3-2003)
Dale Jr. First: #8-Dale Earnhardt, Jr. became the first second-generation NASCAR Winston Cup Series winner at Phoenix International Raceway in winning Sunday's Checker Auto Parts 500.(PIR PR)(11-3-2003)
Dale Jr. gets an eyefull: After winning the Checker 500, Dale Earnhardt Jr. conducted a press conference in the infield media center, which is located behind pit road in the Phoenix International Raceway infield. One side of the press-conference area is bordered by windows. Early in the question-and-answer session, a young woman walked up to the window and bared a part of her anatomy that is typically concealed by clothing. A large contingent of the media — and, of course, Junior himself — witnessed the incident, which set off quite the raucous scene. Earnhardt Jr. waited for the whoops and laughter to subside; then, with a sense of timing that Bob Hope would have envied, leaned into the microphone and said, “The demographic of this sport is changing.” Meanwhile, the ample young woman was being led away outside.(Gaston Gazette)(11-3-2003)
DEI and Feed The Children help out: The Dale Earnhardt Foundation (DEF) joined today with international hunger relief organization Feed The Children (FTC), to deliver two semi-tractor trailer trucks of food to children and families in need in the Kannapolis, NC area. At a press conference before the distribution, DEF announced a national program with the Oklahoma City-based Feed The Children. The Dale Earnhardt Foundation/Feed the Children program is designed to help hungry children and their families across the United States. Through FTC, the DEF will sponsor the delivery of trucks of food to feeding agencies in communities located in or around the areas where Dale Earnhardt visited throughout his racing career. These tractor-trailers will travel in conjunction with the NASCAR schedule and be distributed by FTC volunteers.(more at DEI site/ PR or on my Racing Charities page)(10-10-2003)
Dale Jr Signed? UPDATE 2 Official - Done: Sources tell [PRN] after two recent meetings between Teresa Earnhardt and Dale Earnhardt, Jr., thet he has signed a contract with Dale Earnhardt Inc.[DEI], The first one the 28-year-old has ever had with the team his Dad started. The deal is said to be for five years and they'll make an official announcement at Charlotte later this week.(PRN's Garage Pass Radio Show/Sporting News)
AND ....Now that Junior finally signed his contract -- the announcement was delayed by his injury at Dover -- everyone can get back to business. DEI probably will announce the deal this week: Junior will drive the No. 8 for the next five years.(Yahoo Sports/Sporting News)(10-6-2003)
UPDATE: Contrary to recent reports, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. has signed no contractual agreement with Dale Earnhardt, Inc., a source close to DEI told NASCAR.com Tuesday. The source said that, while the deal is nearly done, Earnhardt's "name is on no papers yet." Earlier this week, it was reported that Earnhardt had two meetings with Teresa Earnhardt -- DEI team owner and Junior's stepmother -- and that he had signed a five-year contract with DEI.(NASCAR.com)(10-8-2003)
UPDATE 2: Dale Earnhardt, Inc. has reached an agreement with Dale Earnhardt, Jr. for the next five years to remain as the driver of the #8 DEI Chevrolet. The young Earnhardt has been driving for Dale Earnhardt, Inc. since 1998 and entered NASCAR’s premier Winston Cup Series as a rookie in 2000. The agreement between Teresa Earnhardt, CEO and president of Dale Earnhardt, Inc., and Earnhardt, Jr., solidifies the driver’s future with the organization created by his father, seven-time NASCAR champion Dale Earnhardt, and his wife, Teresa. “Dale and I built this organization with a long term plan in place,” Teresa said. “Dale Jr. has always been an intricate part of that plan and this agreement represents our commitment to one another in reaching the goal of winning championships.” The agreement is Earnhardt Jr’s first ever Winston Cup contract as a driver, the terms are private, and is based on a five-year partnership through the 2007 season. Currently, he holds a career-high ranking of third place in the Winston Cup Series, matching his career best of 17 top-10 finishes with six races remaining.
“This is the first time I have had a contract in four years,” Dale Jr. said “We had a hand shake and that was sufficient. But, in today’s business world you need written agreements and now we have one. It was an interesting process that was very educational. What it really came down to was Teresa and myself being in the same place at the same time and sitting down to talk about it. Once that happened, it was taken care of in no time at all. We have a lot of good people here at DEI that are committed to this company. Now we can set out to achieve those goals without any distractions.”(DEI Site/PR)(10-9-2003)
Dale Jr. visits Army base: About 1,000 people crowded into the Sports USA club Wednesday on Fort Bragg for a close look at one of sports' most popular athletes, NASCAR Winston Cup driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. Prior to the autograph session, Earnhardt got a limited view of Fort Bragg as he rode in one of the Army's UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters. Low clouds and rain limited his view, but he came away impressed with the machine and its crew. "I've been in a lot of helicopters, but nothing like that. It was pretty cool," he said. "There was some teamwork going on inside that kind of reminded me of what we do on Sunday. The guys on their crew are spotting for each other just like I have a spotter watching the track for me. It's really overwhelming to come around military bases and see the different way of life."(more at the Fayetteville Observer)(10-9-2003)
Dale Jr. dislikes new pit rules: Dale Earnhardt Jr. was one of a half dozen drivers involved in a pit road collision on pit road at Talladega. In part, he blamed the problem on the rule calling for a single-file entry. "We're coming down pit road like a bunch of idiots who've never done it before," he said. "My problem was the single-file deal and the pit stall I had. But that's our fault for not qualifying. I was really pretty ticked off the whole time in the car." Earnhardt, who finished second, had to take a provisional and start 38th after his No. 8 Budweiser Chevy failed a post-qualifying inspection. Teams get to select their pit road locations based on qualifying results. They want pit stalls that have open spaces in front or behind them.(Dallas Morning News)(10-2-2003)
Dale Jr still owns the lead of Most Popular Driver: More than 2.3 million votes have been cast in the Grands! Biscuits NMPA NASCAR Most Popular Driver Award balloting, and fan-favorite Dale Earnhardt Jr. continues to lead. After placing your daily vote for your favorite driver at www.mostpopulardriver.com, click to the “Experience of a Lifetime” section of the Web site for your chance to win a trip for two to a Richard Petty Driving Experience. Now through November 17, 2003, at 11:59 am CST, people can enter online for a chance to win the Petty Driving Experience at one of these locations: Atlanta, Georgia, Las Vegas, Nevada, Brooklyn, Michigan, and Fort Worth,Texas. One winner will be randomly drawn from all eligible entries received. Official sweepstakes rules are available at www.mostpopulardriver.com. Earnhardt Jr., who finished second last year to 16-time Most Popular Driver Award winner Bill Elliott, has led since voting began in February [Elliott took himself out of the running]. Four-time NASCAR Winston Cup champion Jeff Gordon is second, followed closely by Kevin Harvick. Rounding out the top 10 are Tony Stewart, Michael Waltrip, Mark Martin, Dale Jarrett, Kyle Petty and Bobby Labonte [actually just 9 listed, no idea who #10 is].(Williams Company PR)(9-27-2003)
Sadler wins pole at Talladega; Earnhardt Jr's and Keller's times disallowed: #38-Elliott Sadler won the pole at Talladega for the EA Sports 500 with a speed of 189.943mph, his second pole for Sadler in 2003 and his career. Rookie #42-Jamie McMurray put the special paint scheme Dodge on the outside pole. #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr., who ran a lap of 188.382mph which would had put him starting 11th was disallowed when inpsectors found the rear quarter panels of the #8 Chevy 5/16" too low, the tolerence is 1/4", so Dale Jr. has to use a provisional to make the field and will start 38th. The penalty allowed #14-Foyt to stay 36th and make the field and knocked #30-Steve Park out of the race. Other missing the race are: #54-Bodine; #4-Lepage; #80-Bliss; #45-Petty and #0-Leffler.
UPDATE: also #1-Jason Keller's qualifying time/speed was disllowed for the sme infraction as Earnahrdt Jr., the rear quarter panels on their Dale Earnhardt Inc. Chevrolets were deemed too low in post-qualifying inspection. The required height for rear quarter panels from the ground is 35 inches minimum on the right side, with a quarter-inch tolerance after their qualifying run. Keller was to start 33rd.
For qualifying results, who used provisionals, pole progression, where the rookies are and other links to lineups at JAYSKI's Qualifying/Grid page.(9-26-2003)
Dale Jr's wreck the hardest hit? Though Dale Earnhardt Jr's late-race accident last weekend at Dover International Speedway wasn't overly spectacular in appearance, the data from the crash could prove otherwise. Earnhardt said Friday at Talladega Superspeedway that, though he was unsure of specifics, the crash may have been the worst recorded to date by black box technology.(see full story at NASCAR.com)(9-26-2003)
Dale Jr. to the Hospital and Released; UPDATE 6 Dale Jr cleared and WILL drive: NBC is reporting that #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. is being flown by helicopter to a local hospital [in Dover], he is conscious and talking.
Dale Earnhardt, Jr. was airlifted to a local hospital on Sunday after being knocked unconscious in an accident at Dover International Speedway. He was alert and talking upon exit from the track, but NASCAR officials chose to transport him by air rather than ground due to traffic concerns. He was later treated and released from Bay Health Medical Center.(NASCAR.com)
UPDATE: Dale Earnhardt Jr. and the Budweiser No. 8 team led 48 laps before a late-race crash left Dale Jr. with minor injuries. Earnhardt Jr. was transported to Bayhealth Medical Center in Dover, Del. for observation following the race, and was released at approximately 7:00pm/et. He will fly home immediately this evening to Mooresville, NC. His injuries were listed as a minor concussion and a bruised right foot. Dale Jr. will be re-examined tomorrow by Dr. Jerry Petty. Any further updates will be released Monday.(Budweiser PR)(9-21-2003)
UPDATE 2: Dale Earnhardt, Jr. was observed at Bayhealth Medical Center in Dover, Del. and released by doctors on Sunday night with a mild concussion and a bruised right foot. He returned to his North Carolina home later that evening where he is now resting. Dale Jr. was dealing with a loose-handling car during the latter part of MBNA American 400 at Dover International Speedway when the back end of the No. 8 Budweiser Chevrolet broke loose. The car spun around making contact with the outside wall flush on the driver’s side before coming to rest on the track’s apron. Upon arriving on the scene, track emergency personnel took the precaution of assisting Dale Jr. from the car and transported him to the track’s Infield Media Center. Medical personnel then decided to transport the 28-year-old driver to the local hospital for further tests. Dale Jr. was alert and talking with doctors prior to his departure via helicopter to the hospital. Air transport was utilized because the race had just ended and traffic was heavy outside the track. Dale Jr. walked to the helicopter and strapped himself in before takeoff.(DEI Site) AND from the front of the Dale Jr. site: Dale is expected to race this weeked in Talladega.
UPDATE 3: Dale Earnhardt Jr. was examined today (Monday) by Dr. Jerry Petty as follow-up to his crash yesterday at Dover. Dale Jr. suffered a minor concussion and a right foot sprain in the crash. NASCAR must approve his return to competition, and as of 5:30 pm ET today, that process was underway. When approval is given, we will follow-up with more details and a full update on the extent of his injuries. Despite initial reports and rumors to the contrary, Dale Jr. was unconscious for only a brief time after yesterdayâ€™s crash, and was awake and alert while being removed from the race car.(Budweiser PR/fingerprint inc.)(9-22-2003)
UPDATE 4: As of Tuesday morning, Winston Cup driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. had yet to be cleared by NASCAR for competition this weekend following a follow-up doctor visit in the Charlotte area on Monday. NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter said Tuesday morning the sanctioning body had not cleared Earnhardt Jr. for competition and was waiting further information from the driver's doctor visit. He is using crutches and has been told by doctors to stay off his feet, according to team officials. He had to cancel a planned appearance at a news conference Tuesday afternoon at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, NC. Dale Earnhardt Inc. officials still believe Earnhardt Jr. will be able to compete in Sunday's EA Sports 500 at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway, where the driver of the No. 8 Chevrolet has won the past four Cup races.(ThatsRacin.com)
UPDATE 5: NASCAR has yet to clear Winston Cup driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. for competition this weekend after he suffered a minor concussion and sprained right foot in an accident in last Sunday's race at Dover. NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter said Tuesday the sanctioning body would not likely decide whether to allow Earnhardt Jr. to race until sometime Wednesday. Hunter said NASCAR was evaluating the results from Earnhardt Jr.'s follow-up doctor visits Monday in Charlotte, N.C.(ThatsRacin.com)(9-23-2003)
UPDATE 6: Team officials confirmed Wednesday afternoon that NASCAR has cleared Dale Earnhardt Jr. to race in the EA Sports 500 at Talladega on Sunday. The driver suffered a minor concussion and sprained right foot in an accident in last Sunday's race at Dover. NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter said Tuesday the sanctioning body was evaluating the results from Earnhardt Jr.'s follow-up doctor visits in Charlotte, N.C. According to team officials, Earnhardt Jr. is using crutches and has been told by doctors to stay off his feet. He canceled a planned appearance at a news conference Tuesday at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C.(ThatsRacin.com)(9-24-2003)
Dale Jr. Signs? Autoracing1.com is reporting that Earnhardt re-signs with DEI Rumor has it that Dale Earnhardt Jr. has finally re-signed with DEI Racing and the announcement can come as early as Monday.[which didn't happen, could be due to Earnhardt Jr.'s wreck and the PR's with that](AR1 - need sub to view) AND Earnhardt Jr. had to cancel a planned appearance at a news conference Tuesday afternoon at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, NC.(ThatsRacin.com)(9-23-2003)
#8 Crew Wins Pit Crew Award at NHIS: The No. 8 crew has now scored back-to-back wins with the latest coming in Sunday's Sylvania 300 at New Hampshire International Speedway in Loudon. The victory gave Earnhardt's crew its fifth McDonald's/POWERade victory of the season, the most of any team participating in the inaugural championship. The five victories, worth $100,000 ($20,000 for each win), has put the No. 8 crew in a contending position for the season championship and the $200,000 bonus. Earnhardt's crew remains in second place, but the gap is closing against its DEI teammate - the No. 15 crew for Michael Waltrip. With nine races remaining, the No. 8 crew is 36 points behind Waltrip's crew. Three weeks ago following the Bristol race, Earnhardt's crew trailed Waltrip's crew by 72 points. "It's getting really tense over here at DEI," said Walt Smith, pit crew coach for the DEI teams. "We all get along here at DEI, but there's also a rivalry, trying to out-do each other. This is a fabulous deal that McDonald's and POWERade have put together. Our teams are really into it. The money that is being put out means a ton to these guys. It's huge -- $20,000 each week plus the big $200,000 bonus at the end of the year. I don't have to get them pumped up for this deal." In Sunday's (Sept. 14) Sylvania 300, Earnhardt's Budweiser Chevrolet spent the least amount of time on pit road for participating teams - 118.175 seconds. Second was Bill Elliott's Dodge - 134.352 and third was John Andretti's Pennzoil/DEI Chevrolet - 135.759. Earnhardt's over-the-wall crew consists of: Jeff Clark (gasman), Kevin Pennell (jackman), Phil Drye (front tire changer), Danny Earnhardt (front tire carrier), Jay Guarneri (rear tire changer), Troy Prince (rear tire carrier), Bill Snyder (catch can). The team's crew chief is Tony Eury and the car chief is Tony Eury Jr.(DMF Communications PR) see the standings, the top 10 at the race on my Pitcrew Page.(9-18-2003)
Bud #1 and more on advertising: It’s a matter of loyalty… Despite all the attention surrounding the announcement of Nextel’s foray into NASCAR in next year, the telecommunications company has only been mentioned one time ($41,000) during Winston Cup Series event telecasts this season. Casey Mears’ winning of both ARCA RE/MAX Series races held at Pocono Raceway this season proved extremely profitable to his sponsor Target. The retailer rang up more than an hour of on-camera time and secured 41 mentions during the Speed Channel race telecasts, good enough for the nearly $200,000 in comparable exposure value and top five status among the series’ primary sponsors. Weighing in with more than $47 million of combined exposure value at mid-year was NASCAR Winston Cup Series and Busch Series team sponsor Stacker2. Robby Gordon’s annual double dip at the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 led to an exposure payout of more than $2.2 million. Gordon’s 22nd place finish in the Indy 500 brought in $878,150 for his sponsor Archipelago, while his 17th place showing in the nightcap Coca-Cola 600 landed Cingular Wireless $1,336,600. On the day, Gordon averaged nearly $2,015 of television exposure value per racing mile for his two main sponsors.
Year-To-Date Top-5 NASCAR Winston Cup Team Sponsors
1) Budweiser $143.6*
2) NAPA At. Pts. 69.2
3) Lowe's 61.1
4) UPS 60.1
5) Cingular Wireless 49.0
*Comparable exposure value reflected in millions. Values based on clear, in-focus exposure time and verbal references received during event telecasts through the Sharpie 500.( Joyce Julius and Associates Newsletter)(9-16-2003)
Dale Jr. to run the Daytona 24 hour race in 2004 UPDATE NOPE: Dale Earnhardt Jr. will run in next year’s Daytona 24 hour with the Freisinger Porsche team. Earnhardt Jr., who made his debut in the sportscar classic in a factory Chevrolet Corvette in 2001, has agreed to a deal to race the German team’s lead 911 GT3-RS in the Florida event next February. Freisinger team leader Stephane Ortelli will join him in the car. Team boss Manfred Freisinger said, “We have a mutual friend who contacted us about Dale. Everything has been agreed and the deal will be signed this week.”(Autoweek)(9-16-2003)
UPDATE: Been told by DEI folks that is zero accuracy to the Autoweek report regarding Dale Jr. in a Porsche at the 24-Hours of Daytona.(9-16-2003)
Dale Jr. to Sit Down and Talk Contract With Teresa UPDATE: Dale Earnhardt Jr. is scheduled to sit down with car owner Teresa Earnhardt next week and Dale Jr. expects he'll have a contract worked out with DEI. The only reason he says he has yet to sign a contract is that he and Teresa haven't had time to do so. Dale Jr. says there are no disagreements, it's just they need about four solid hours to get it done and both are so busy they haven't had the time, not a minute to do it. Earnhardt Jr. says, "When me and Teresa have our meeting we'll defiantly have a clear, direct path once we're finished. Me and her really work well together and when we sit down and we're hashing out something we always have been able to come to a decision very easily. She's a classic businesswoman, she does a great job making those decisions and telling you and showing you certain reasons for this and certain reasons for that, and she's very compromising too. I don't have any doubt in my mind that I'll be able to walk out of there very satisfied with my end of the deal."(PRN's Garage Pass Radio Show/Lee Spencer of FoxSports)(9-12-2003)
UPDATE: Dale Earnhardt Jr. says he expects to meet with Teresa Earnhardt, his stepmother and the president of Dale Earnhardt Inc., this week to complete his contract. Junior, second in points to Matt Kenseth, says he never expected the negotiations to cause such a stir. "I want to get this out of the way because I feel responsible for the distraction," Junior says. "This should restore confidence to the team." Earnhardt says he is disappointed that people would question his commitment to the company his late father founded and says Teresa is "a classic businesswoman." Junior says completing the contract is simply a matter of the two finding four hours together to iron out the details.(FoxSports/Sporting News)(9-15-2003)
Dale Jr still not signed: Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s future with the team that bears his father's name remains open to interpretation. Asked Friday if he could be 100% certain he'd be driving for Dale Earnhardt Inc. next season, Earnhardt said, "It just depends. I want to be there." But, he says, "I ain't going to. .. drive without a contract." Is this a big deal? "It's a big deal not to have one," he said. "I'd like to have one." Earnhardt set off media speculation last month when he revealed that he has yet to sign a contract with the team for next year. But he attempted to defuse the situation by telling reporters that his mind and heart "are in driving the #8 car and it always has been." Earlier this season, Earnhardt submitted a contract proposal to DEI that would allow him to do fewer appearances on behalf of his sponsors. The issue went away, but the deal apparently never was signed. As of last month, Earnhardt hadn't sat down with stepmother Teresa Earnhardt — who inherited ownership of the team after Earnhardt's fatal crash in Feb. 2001 — to personally discuss his contract. He also said that his team's sponsor, Budweiser, would wait until he was signed before it agreed to an extension with DEI. "Budweiser of course, in doing the smart thing, is going to wait until our issues are secured until they can sign an extension," he said. "They want to definitely know that everything is in place. They're like everyone else, including the press and everybody else out in the public. They don't know the whole story. And (they) don't really know my true feelings. If they did, I feel like everybody would just calm down about it." A move to another team remains unlikely, but Earnhardt acknowledged last month that he has entertained thoughts of driving for other teams. "You always do that," he said. "You daydream about everything in the sport. But it was never anything I ever thought would be a reality. But on the other side of that, I'm definitely out to get what I feel like I deserve. As sure as everybody can be about me driving the #8 car for as long as I drive, I'm not going to do it for free. I would expect to get paid and get compensated as I would for anywhere else in this business." Earnhardt Sr.'s former car owner, Richard Childress, was asked last month if he thought Earnhardt Jr. would ever drive for another team. "No, not as long as DEI is going and their doors are open, I think you'll see him racing for DEI," Childress said. "I know what Dale (Sr.'s) plans were for DEI and where he wanted to see Junior and (brother) Kerry race." Childress said he and Junior have never talked "directly" about him racing for RCR. "I hope that if he ever did decide to race somewhere else that he would come and talk to me and would want to drive an RCR car," Childress said.(USA Today(9-6-2003)
Dale Jr spends time at Ganassi's shop AND more on DEI UPDATE: Friction between Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his stepmother Teresa Earnhardt continues to hold up a deal that would legally bind Junior to the organization his father founded. Sources say that Earnhardt Jr., who has never had a formal contract with Dale Earnhardt Incorporated, was ready to ink his deal last week. But after a brief meeting with Teresa he walked away with the contract still unsigned. Most DEI insiders believe that it is all a matter of time before an agreement is reached. However, as long as Earnhardt Jr. is still technically a free agent other teams are trying to seduce the young star -- which may explain why Junior spent four hours last week at the Chip Ganassi shop.(from the ESPN site)
AND: Despite DEI's on-track success, the Winston Cup garage has been rife with reports of in-house problems, highlighted by Teresa's inability to sign Dale Earnhardt Jr. to a new contract after months of negotiations, and by reports from the Indy Racing League about DEI's failure to sign two-time IRL champ Sam Hornish after long talks. Norris denied the IRL report that Theresa vetoed his handshake deal with Hornish for a Winston Cup ride. 'I told Dale Jr. that Sam was the guy we wanted to drive our Busch car, and I was going to put him in some ARCA races too, and run him in the Daytona 500 and Brickyard 400 and all the Cup races after the IRL season,' Norris said. 'But Dale talked with him and said he didn't seem that interested, and Sam's agent said he wasn't interested in a Busch ride.' Hornish signed an Indy-car deal last week with Roger Penske, who runs Dodges in NASCAR and Toyotas in the IRL.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. has still not signed his contract, Norris said. 'He has a couple of issues he wants Teresa to address, and it's up to those two, but there has been some movement. 'As far as 'power struggle,' I do my job, and Steve Hmiel does his job, and Teresa owns the company and makes the final decisions. Don't think for one minute just because she's not sitting on the pit box that she is not fully engaged with what is happening with our teams and our sponsors.' John Andretti will take over as DEI teammate with Earnhardt and Michael Waltrip next week, but Norris said that 2004 is still up for debate. And team sources said that it could be a while before a decision is made. 'We have options for that car,' Norris said. 'The sponsor knows who those options are, and they're comfortable. We have two very legitimate potential sponsors, but we're on their schedule.' Greg Biffle is reported to be on DEI's list of potential drivers [Jayski Note: Biffle reupped with Roush - see below]. 'It's all open right now,' Norris said. 'John ran for us at Indianapolis, and that was a great weekend for us to see how he would interact with our guys. Now we want to see how he does at Richmond, Loudon and Dover. If he has some consistent runs, it will bode well for his career and our sponsor search. 'The sponsor front is a lot better than it was at the beginning of the summer, when it was a really tough time for everybody. I've been talking with other GMs, and they're all pretty pleased with the sponsor movement. A lot of that has to do with the work by Brett Yormark, Andrew Feit and Chris Brahe in NASCAR's New York office, because during the entitlement search they got companies excited about NASCAR.' Kraft, an associate sponsor, won't be stepping up, Norris said. 'That's not in their plans the next three years.'(Winston Salem Journal)
UPDATE - However been told by the folks at Ganassi Racing that Earnhardt Jr., has NOT been to the shop.(9-2-2003)
Earnhardt Jr. dedicates climbing wall: South Elementary physical education teacher Vicki Troutman wanted a climbing wall for her students, something to get their minds off video games and into exercise. When none of the grants to defray the wall's cost came through, she called a former Mooresville High [NC] student who had volunteered for her at elementary school field days. Kelley Earnhardt then called another Mooresville High alum, her brother Dale Earnhardt Jr. The man currently ranked No. 2 in NASCAR's Winston Cup standings donated $5,000, the entire cost of the wall and then some. Troutman had hoped for a wall 25 feet to 30 feet long; Earnhardt Jr. gave enough for 40 feet. As 800 unsuspecting students and their teachers gathered, Earnhardt Jr. sheepishly strode in through the gym's back door Wednesday, his head bowed in his trademark red Budweiser baseball cap, to dedicate the wall. It was his first charity appearance at any school. Promising not to ask about girlfriends, Troutman put student questions to Dale Jr. See the few story and answers to thise questions at the Charlotte Observer.(8-28-2003)
Dalr Jr. and Gordon vs LaBron: LeBron James signed a multi-year contract with Coca-Cola on Thursday to endorse its Sprite and Powerade brands. The company and agent Aaron Goodwin declined to disclose the terms of the deal, but sources close to James say it is worth approximately $15 million over the next seven years. It is believed to be the richest beverage deal ever signed by a basketball player, trailing only NASCAR stars Jeff Gordon (Pepsi) and Dale Earnhardt Jr. (Budweiser) in the market. (Akron Beacon-Journal) (8/27)
More on Dale Jr. and his contract situation: RELATIVE TO YOUR CONTRACT WITH DEI, HOW IMPORTANT IS TEAM OWNERSHIP TO YOU? "It's not a big deal to me. I never said it was a big deal to me. There are other things in the contract. I haven't talked to Teresa (Earnhardt) one on one. So I don't know what certain aspects we need to sit down and discuss yet. So I can't say what is holding the process up.
(WHERE DID THIS OWNERSHIP RUMOR COME FROM?) "I don't know. I guess people were speculating on the (contract) hold up or what could be the situations of disagreement or circumstances that need to be compromised in the contract between me and Teresa (Earnhardt). I guess that was one of the things that people thought might be my interest but it's really not. I don't really find interest in ownership at this particular time. I enjoy the Busch Series team that I have and I'm only 50% owner in that. But it's fun and I'm learning as far as that goes. That'll be the experience that will tell me whether I want to have anything to do with ownership down the road. Right now, this is enough. I haven't even gotten to where I want to be as a race car driver. I've got a long way to go as a race car driver. Ownership is just way, way out of the picture right now."
(ARE YOU SURPRISED THAT THIS CONTRACT ISSUE IS GOING ON RIGHT NOW? THE MEDIA THOUGHT THIS WAS SIGNED AND OVER WITH LAST JANUARY?). "I knew it was going on and we just didn't particularly have any interest in sharing information with anybody. But you know me when I'm asked a question. I can't help but give an honest answer."
(DID THAT GET YOU IN TROUBLE?) "Well, it looked a little poorly upon myself. And it did put the company in a little bit of a strain.. We're trying to seek sponsors for the No. 1 Chevrolet and we don't need any mysteries about what I was going to be doing next year. My initiative it to try to find sponsors for the No. 1 car and try to put a driver and a team together on every level of that company that can run good. So my interests are very similar to the ownership side of it. And I want to drive well for my Bud car. I really enjoy those guys and I'm having a great time. I never thought about it. I entertained the idea for driving for somebody. You always do that. You daydream about everything in the sport. But it was never anything I ever thought would be a reality. But on the other side of that, I'm definitely out to get what I feel like I deserve. As sure as everybody can be about me driving the No. 8 car for as long as I drive, I'm not going to do it for free. I would expect to get paid and get compensated as I would for anywhere else in this business."
(HOW ABOUT BUDWEISER AND DEI - ARE THEY SIGNED?) "Budweiser of course, in doing the smart thing, is going to wait until our issues are secured until they can sign an extension. They want to definitely know that everything is in place. They're like everyone else - including the press - and everybody else out in the public. They don't know the whole story. And (they) don't really know my true feelings. If they did, I feel like everybody would just calm down about it. My mind and my heart are in driving the No. 8 car and it always has been."
AND....
UPDATE: HIGHLIGHTS OF Q&A's WITH CHILDRESS AND THE MEDIA: DALE JR. RECENTLY CREATED A STIR WHEN HE SAID HE WAS A FREE AGENT.. DO YOU EVER SEE HIM DRIVING FOR RCR?) "No, not as long as DEI (Dale Earnhardt Inc.) is going and their doors are open, I think you'll see him racing for DEI. I know what Dale's (Earnhardt) plans were for DEI and where he wanted to see Jr. and Kerry race. I hope that if he ever did decide to race somewhere else that he would come and talk to me and would want to drive an RCR car." (HAS HE EVER DONE THAT?) "No, not really. We haven't sat down and talked about it directly."(GM PR's)(8-17-2003)
Dale Jr. a Free Agent? UPDATE: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. says he is a “free agent” and has no long-term commitment to drive for Dale Earnhardt Inc. In January, Junior said during a news conference he had reached a deal to stay with DEI through 2007. But he never signed a contract and said last weekend at Watkins Glen he has only a “driver's agreement” that runs from race to race. Junior says he wants to get the contract done—but on his terms. “I've paid my dues to get where I am, and I feel I have to stand up for myself,” he says. “There's too many security blankets on one side of the fence, and there need to be a few on my side. Right now the contract looks out totally after Dale Earnhardt Inc. rather than myself.” Junior expressed concerns that if the complexion of DEI should change through the sale of the company or the addition of a new partner, he wants the option to leave if he doesn't agree with the new ownership. Junior says he and crew chief Tony Eury Sr., an uncle, and car chief Tony Eury Jr., a cousin, are a package deal. Though Junior hopes to work things out with DEI, there are a lot of fans who would love to see him team up with Richard Childress, his late father's longtime car owner. DEI better not drag its feet.(Sporting News and PRN's Garagepass)(8-11-2003)
UPDATE: While Dale Earnhardt Jr. still has not signed a contract to drive for Dale Earnhardt Inc. through the 2007 season, his sister and business manager said Tuesday that Earnhardt Jr. has "no issues with his team" and no plans to drive anywhere else. "The whole thing is way overblown," said Kelley Earnhardt, who as business manager for JR Motorsports has been part of the contract talks with DEI. "There is a verbal agreement and 95 percent of the deal is worked out. There are just a few things Dale Jr. and Teresa (Earnhardt, Dale Jr.'s stepmother) need to work out." Earnhardt said early this year that he'd reached an agreement on a new contract, but the Sporting News and the Performance Racing Network reported Monday that Earnhardt Jr. said this weekend at Watkins Glen that too many of the new deal's "security blankets" were on the DEI side of the fence. Earnhardt Jr. was quoted as saying he feels a need to take care of himself in the deal. Kelley Earnhardt said Tuesday that none of the remaining issues have anything to do with his role as driver of the No. 8 Chevrolets and that Earnhardt Jr. has no plans to go to any other team. One issue still being discussed, she said, was an ownership position in DEI for Earnhardt Jr.(ThatsRacin.com)(8-13-2003)
#8 Removes In-Car Camera: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. received permission Saturday from his team's sponsor, Budweiser, to have the in-car camera system it had paid for removed from his car. Each week several teams' cars are equipped with the in-car systems. The systems are generally paid for by one or more of a team's sponsors. With the system removed, Earnhardt Jr.'s team had to add 30 pounds of weight to offset the difference. Earnhardt Jr. sought the change following Saturday's final 45-minute practice session. He said the in-car system's weight was throwing off the balance of his car on the road course. "It was enough to kind of offset the balance of the car compared to when they were here testing," said team publicist Jade Gurss. "They did have two test dates up here. The team was excited. Junior's excited. "After they put the camera system in before practice, the weight differential was enough that he didn't feel like it was balanced quite like it was before." Earnhardt Jr. qualified sixth for Sunday's Sirius at the Glen at Watkins Glen International. He was 12th fastest in Saturday's first practice and third fastest in the final practice. Gurss said Budweiser did not have a problem with the request. "The executives at Budweiser have always told the team that performance is the key," Gurss said.(ThatsRacin.com)(8-10-2003)
Dale Jr' and Lorenzen Voted to the Walk of Fame: Dale Earnhardt Jr. will be enshrined in the Talladega-Texaco Walk of Fame in nearby Davey Allison Memorial Park. On the eve of the EA SPORTS* 500, Dale Jr. will be inducted into the Walk of Fame after receiving the most votes by the fans. This is the quickest any driver has been inducted into the Talladega-Texaco Walk of Fame. This is only Dale Jr.'s fourth full season in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series. His father, Dale Earnhardt, was the first active driver to be inducted into the Walk of Fame, in the inaugural class of 1995. Fred Lorenzen, voted as one of the 50 greatest drivers in NASCAR history, will be enshrined into the Walk of Fame as the inactive driver of 2003. The 2003 Talladega-Texaco Walk of Fame Induction Ceremony is on Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Davey Allison Memorial Park in uptown Talladega , a block south of the town square. This year's ceremony marks the 10th anniversary of Davey Allison's death. Joining emcee Benny Parsons on stage will be Larry McReynolds and special guests Liz Allison, along with children Robbie and Krista Allison. The induction ceremony begins at 7 p.m. and is free to the public.(Talladega Superspeedway PR)(8-6-2003)
Helton and DEI? Unlikely: There is validity to the long-running reports that NASCAR president Mike Helton's name is once again in the hat to take over Dale Earnhardt Inc., according to top NASCAR sources. Owner Teresa Earnhardt has asked Helton to take over running the company built by the late six-time Winston Cup champion, according to sources. It is unclear how interested Helton might be in such a position or how such a move might change the power structure inside the stock-car racing sanctioning body.(Winston Salem Journal)(8-5-2003)
#8 crew wins Pocono Pit Crew competition UPDATE: The weekly McDonald's/POWERade Drive-Thru Pit Championship was won by Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s crew at the Pocono 500. Earnhardt spent 240.375 seconds in the pits, the least amount of pit time among teams competing in the program. Michael Waltrip's crew still leads the competition over Earnhardt's second-place crew, while Robby Gordon's crew overtook Bobby Labonte's to move into third place by 12 points. In addition, the Mechanix Wear Pit Crew Championship second quarter voting took place last weekend with Raybestos Rookie candidate #74-Tony Raines team collecting the most votes. Matt Kenseth's crew won the first quarter voting in the Mechanix Wear Pit Crew Championship. Both teams are now eligible to win the $75,000 year-end award.(NASCAR PR)(7-30-2003)
UPDATE - Pit Crew For Earnhardt Jr. Wins In Pocono: The pit crew for Dale Earnhardt Jr. won the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade at Sunday's (July 27) Pennsylvania 500 at. Pocono Raceway. It was the third time this season the No. 8 crew captured first-place honors. The team's other victories were at Las Vegas and Atlanta. Earnhardt's pit crew remains in second place in the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship standings with 687 points, 73 behind Michael Waltrip's No. 15 pit crew. The season pit crew champion will receive a $200,000 bonus. Earnhardt's pit crew captured the Pocono win and the $20,000 first-place prize as a result of the team's Budweiser Chevrolet spending the least amount of time on pit road - 240.801 seconds. Second was Sterling Marlin's No. 40 Coors Light Dodge (253.308) and third was Waltrip's NAPA Chevrolet (260.860). "We've never been better on making the right calls and the right changes in the pits as we were today," said Earnhardt following the Pocono race. "The yellow flags helped us on gas mileage, but we had a great day in the pits." Earnhardt's over-the-wall crew consists of: Jeff Clark (gasman), Kevin Pennell (jackman), Phil Drye (front tire changer), Danny Earnhardt (front tire carrier), Jay Guarneri (rear tire changer), Troy Prince (rear tire carrier), Bill Snyder (catch can). The team's crew chief is Tony Eury and the car chief is Tony Eury Jr. For the season standings, who has won each week, the top 10 last race, see my Pit Crew Page.(7-31-2003)
Dale Jr., still leads in Most Popular Vote: Dale Earnhardt Jr. continues to lead the Grands! Biscuits National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA) NASCAR Most Popular Driver Award balloting as total votes hit more than 1.3 million. To thank fans for their enthusiasm, Grands! Biscuits will award one fan $1,000 and a trip to see the coveted award presented during NASCAR’s annual awards banquet weekend in New York City. NASCAR fans nationwide are casting ballots for the award through www.mostpopulardriver.com. Fans can vote once each day. Now through September 1, 2003, at 11:59am/ct, people also can enter the Winner’s Circle Sweepstakes for a chance at the grand prize trip to New York City. Official sweepstakes rules are available on the Web site. Earnhardt Jr., who finished second last year to 16-time Most Popular Driver Award winner Bill Elliott, has led since voting began in February. Four-time NASCAR Winston Cup champion Jeff Gordon is second, followed closely by Kevin Harvick and Steve Park. Rounding out the top 10 are Tony Stewart, Mark Martin, Michael Waltrip, Kyle Petty, Dale Jarrett and Ricky Rudd. The Web site –www.mostpopulardriver.com– is available for Internet voting through Monday, Nov. 17, 2003, at 11:59am/ct. Additional voting guidelines are available on the Web site.. The official Grands! Biscuits NMPA NASCAR Most Popular Driver of the Year Award trophy will be presented to the winning driver, as voted by fans, during the NASCAR Winston Cup Series Awards festivities in December.. First presented in 1956, the Most Popular Driver Award is one of the oldest and most traditional in NASCAR Winston Cup racing.. The award is administered by the National Motorsports Press Association and is sponsored by Grands! Biscuits.(Williams Company), to vote and see past news, go to my PAGE 2 of the news.(7-11-2003)
#8 Jackman Injured: #8-Budweiser jackman Kevin Pennell injured his left hand during a pit stop on lap 62. Pennell fell to the ground when he stepped on loose lug nuts while running around the front of the car. The impact with the ground snapped the handle on the jack. Pennell suffered swelling on his left hand after the incident but refused treatment until after the race. He went over the wall on the team's two final stops.(Budweiser PR)(6-23-2003)
Dale Jr. In Photo Shoot: Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Oakland A's star pitcher Barry Zito spent about an hour-and-a-half at Infineon Raceway this morning in a photo shoot and interview for USA Today Weekend. Zito was the CY Young award winning pitcher in 2002 for the Oakland Athletics in the American League. The theme of the shoot was centered around the idea of "Is NASCAR replacing baseball as the American Pastime?" The article is expected to be published sometime in August 2003.(Insider Racing News)(6-20-2003)
Eury Sr. to miss Sonoma: There will be a very familiar face missing from the #8 Budweiser Chevy team this weekend at Infineon Raceway. Tony Eury, Sr., crew chief for the team, had elective surgery on his neck Tuesday afternoon. Doctors removed two vertebra in his neck and replaced them with titanium ones. Surgery lasted one hour and 45 minutes Tuesday afternoon and is expected to be discharged from the hospital on Wednesday. He will rest at home through the weekend and part of next week. “I went and saw him last night,” said Tony Eury, Jr, his son and the team’s car chief. “I think he’s doing pretty well because the first thing he asked me was if I brought him a hamburger. This is the first race Pops will miss since the Japan exhibition race when Dale Jr. and Dale drove the Coca-Cola cars over there.” Tony Sr. will rest the next two weeks and is scheduled to return to action for the night races at Daytona International Speedway the first weekend in July. He will have to wear a supportive neck brace for a few weeks before switching to a foam one at a later date. Doctors predicted it would take a few months until for a total recovery. For this weekend, Tony Jr. will play the role of car and crew chief in his father’s absence. Since the team is down one man, Danny Earnhardt (front tire carrier) will head out to Infineon Raceway early to help the team. Everyone at Dale Earnhardt, Inc. wishes Tony a speedy recovery and look forward to his return.(DEI Site)(6-19-2003)
Little E wants F-1 rules at road courses: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. is lobbying NASCAR to adopt the old Formula One qualifying rules when the Winston Cup teams go to road courses. It would allow drivers to run multiple laps, with the fastest counting as their qualifying time. Under the current setup, drivers run only one lap for qualifying. That leaves little room for error and is challenging for many who aren't as savvy on road courses. “I can race all right, but I just can't get a decent starting spot,” Earnhardt says. “If we don't get the opportunity to do that, then I'm looking to do more road racing stuff, maybe with Jim France's (Grand American) Series to get a little more experience on the road courses.” Junior, who won the 1999 Busch Series race at Watkins Glen, considers road courses the most physically demanding tracks on the Cup circuit.(Sporting News)(6-16-2003)
No Bud in F-1: A few months ago August Busch III, the chairman and chief executive of Anheuser Busch [Budweiser], met Ferrari's Jean Todt [of F-1 / Formula 1] to discuss a sponsorship deal between Ferrari and Budweiser, Anheuser Busch's biggest brand. Grandprix.com heard at the time that an agreement was made, at least in principle for Budweiser to become a significant Ferrari sponsor, with the longterm aim being that the beer company would eventually take over from Marlboro when tobacco advertising ends in 2007. It seems that the deal has now falllen through and Budweiser has recently announced a three-year extension to its current deal in NASCAR with Dale Earnhardt Inc. This deal is believed to be worth $60m to the team although Budweiser will recoup much of that investment as it will take a percentage of the income raised by Dale Earnhardt Jr's merchandising operations.(Grandprix.com)(6-2-2003)
Dale Earnhardt Tribute Concert News: In honor of the men and women who serve in the Armed Forces of the United States Of America, Teresa Earnhardt and the Dale Earnhardt Foundation will show their appreciation through a special ticket promotion surrounding the inaugural Dale Earnhardt Tribute Concert. On Saturday, May 31st, for one day only and while tickets last, Teresa Earnhardt and the Foundation will match every ticket purchased for the Dale Earnhardt Tribute Concert, with the donation of a concert ticket to various branches of the Armed Forces. The Dale Earnhardt Tribute Concert will take place, Saturday, June 28, at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. Performing at the daylong festival will be superstars Alabama, Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney, Sheryl Crow, goo goo dolls and Hootie & The Blowfish, and a special guest appearance by Delbert McClinton. Anyone who purchases a ticket on Saturday, May 31st will be helping in this "Salute To The Troops". Tickets will be distributed to members of each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces through military bases. All profits from ticket sales from the Dale Earnhardt Tribute Concert will benefit the Dale Earnhardt Foundation, which Teresa Earnhardt established to carry on Dale's name and good works through the charitable causes he championed during his lifetime. Tickets for the concert are available through www.daleearnhardtinc.com, www.ticketmaster.com, Ticketmaster outlets and Ticketmaster charge by phone.(DEI PR)
AND - on TV: FOX will present a Dale Earnhardt Tribute Concert, an all-star fundraising event, on Thursday, July 10 from 8:00 - 10:00pm/et(FoxSports)(5-29-2003)
Huge Deal for Dale Jr. UPDATE: Garage sources say Budweiser, Junior's primary sponsor, has re-signed him to a three-year deal that will pay Dale Earnhardt Inc. $18 million in 2004, $20 million 2005 and $22 million in 2006. That's a chunk of change, but Budweiser will get some of it back—30 percent of a driver's souvenir sales generally goes to the sponsor.(Sporting News)(5-26-2003)
UPDATE: Dale Earnhardt Jr. is apparently ready to sign a new $60 million, three-year contract with Budweiser. But Ty Norris, general manager of Dale Earnhardt Inc., says the $60 million sponsorship figure is incorrect: 'Don't believe some of those crazy numbers. We are in negotiations with Budweiser to extend our contract, which is up at the end of 2004. But the numbers are no one else's business but ours, and it's unfair to put numbers like that out there.'(Winston Salem Journal)(5-30-2003)
Huh? #97-Kurt Busch's crew chief, Jimmy Fenning, felt Earnhardt got a favorable call from NASCAR when his car began trailing smoke. ''What makes me the maddest is not the is not the rain but the fact that NASCAR let the 8 [Earnhardt] car stay out there, knowing he was going to blow a motor and didn't black-flag him and bring him in.''(Tennessean); Engine? Earnhardt Jr had brake problems, came in right after hitting the wall, heard nothing about an engine problem.
AND Before the big trouble developed, Earnhardt's team had problems in the pits, losing time because of difficulties changing lug nuts. He also was penalized later for pitting too soon. Earnhardt also was blamed for problems experienced by Kurt Busch, who hit the wall behind Earnhardt. "It seems like every time we come here to Charlotte and Las Vegas we get the bad calls," Busch said. "The 8 (Earnhardt) was riding around with his rear brakes locked up, and he broke a rotor. I think NASCAR should have black-flagged him earlier, but that's their call. We ran over the rotor, smacked the wall and cut a tire. Then they didn't clean the track again, so we cut another tire. It's just always something here, and they shouldn't have called the race so early."(Greenville News)(5-26-2003)
Rock n' Roll at Richmond in Sept UPDATE 2: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. featuring the band Staind; #20-Tony Stewart featuring the band Diamond Rio; #15-Michael Waltrip featuring the band Hootie & The Blow Fish; will run at Richmond in Sept. Supposedly the "Chevy Rocks" program is said to be similar to the Looney Tunes program ran at Richmond the last couple of years in that it will include many Chevy teams from Cup and maybe some Busch and Truck Series.(4-25-2003)
UPDATE: add Busch driver #2 Ron Hornaday with the band Trapt and #30 Steve Park (sure is weird not putting #1) with Third Eye Blind.(5-16-2003)
UPDATE 2: Warner Music Group (WMG), Chevrolet and Action Performance Companies, Inc. announced today that some of the hottest names in music and NASCAR will team up for the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 NASCARâ Winston Cup Series race on Saturday, September 6 "under the lights" at Richmond International Raceway. The campaign kicked off today in the Chevrolet Rock & Roll Tour at Charlotte's Food Lion Speed Street festival and featured a performance by Elektra Recording artists Third Eye Blind and appearances from NASCAR drivers #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr., #15-Michael Waltrip and #25-Joe Nemechek (with Uncle Kracker). In addition, representatives from WMG, Chevrolet, Richmond International Raceway and Action Performance unveiled the official Chevy Rock & Roll 400 pace car and event logo. Steve Park and his #30 AOL Chevrolet show car featuring Third Eye Blind were also on hand for the announcement.(RIR PR), see full PR and images of the #8, #15, #25, #30 on my Paint Scheme Gallery page, also, #29-Kevin Harvick is part of the program and will be paired with the band ZZ Top.(5-22-2003)
Dale Jr Leads Most Popular Vote: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. continues to lead the nationwide fan balloting for the 2003 Grands! Biscuits NMPA NASCAR Most Popular Driver Award. With more than 700,000 votes in to date, Earnhardt Jr. leads second-place #24-Jeff Gordon, third-place #29-Kevin Harvick and fourth-place #20-Tony Stewart. Rounding out the top 10 are #30-Steve Park, #6-Mark Martin, #15-Michael Waltrip, #45-Kyle Petty, #21-Ricky Rudd and #88-Dale Jarrett. Earnhardt Jr. led most of the voting last year before a late surge from Bill Elliott fans carried the veteran race car driver to the Grands! Biscuits NMPA NASCAR Most Popular Driver Award win.. Elliott, who has won the award 16 times, retired his name from the Most Popular Driver Award voting earlier this racing season.(5-22-2003)
Stewart, Earnhardt Jr., 3 Doors Down music video: on Monday night, March 10th in Concord, NC, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Tony Stewart filmed a music video for the band 3 Doors Down. The group chose Concord for its video locale because of the racing theme behind it. The plot line, loosely, is that a woman is stopped at a red light (at the square in downtown Concord) in a red Jeep Wrangler when Earnhardt Jr. pulls up beside her and begins flirting. Soon after, Stewart pulls up on the other side and begins to compete for her attention. The two rival drivers appear to quickly forget the girl and set off drag racing, leaving her behind. The racers in the video will tear through the streets and barrel through the woods only to emerge at a race track (Concord Motorsports Park) where a 3 Doors Down concert is in progress [along with a late model race]. They circle the track a few times and tear off into the woods again. For the links to the video (Real Audio or Window's Media formats) see the Drivers/NASCAR Personalities On TV section of my Driver Appearances page(pretty cool video by the way).(5-16-2003)

3 Doors Down "The Road I'm On" video links (5-16-2003): (click on the links to view)
Windows Media or Real Audio
What happens to Park and Chance 2? Been asked....UPDATE Park out, Parker In: Steve Park's departure last week from DEI has created a chance for another driver in DEI's affiliated Busch Series team. When Park was released it created a four-race vacancy in the seat of #8/81 Chance 2 Motorsports' Chevy that owners Teresa Earnhardt and Dale Earnhardt Jr. field in select Busch Series events. A DEI spokesman said that the organization was close to naming a driver for the next race the team was supposed to do, the CARQUEST Auto Parts 300 next week at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Chance 2 started the season with an approximate 14-race program: Three races for Earnhardt, five for Park (Las Vegas, Michigan in August [Tont Stewart?], Kansas and Atlanta), and six for Martin Truex Jr.(ran #81 at Richmond, others scheduled: Dover in June, Richmond, Charlotte in Oct, Rockingham and Homestead). Hermie Sadler is mentioned as one possible driver for Lowe's as is Hank Parker Jr.(NASCAR.com)(5-13-2003)
UPDATE: Chance 2 Motorsports, the team co-owned by Teresa Earnhardt and Dale Earnhardt Jr., will enter driver Hank Parker Jr. in the Charlotte Busch race. Parker Jr. also is scheduled to be in the car for three other Busch races this season, ThatsRacin.com has learned. Former Dale Earnhardt Inc. driver Steve Park was scheduled to run four races in that car, but was released from the team last week.(ThatsRacin.com)(5-14-2003)
NHRA hires from DEI: Last week, defending NHRA Pro Stock champ Jeg Coughlin Jr., brought a new research and development expert aboard. The new employee brings a wealth of racing knowledge with him -- especially in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series. Jim Gamache will head up Team Jeg's R&D efforts and attempt to bring a much-needed boost to their lukewarm season to date. Gamache most recently served as Engineering Manager for Dale Earnhardt Inc., where he and Team Manager Steve Hmeil supervised the engine, vehicle dynamics and powertrain elements for the organization. Gamache also brings an impressive drag racing background to the table, having worked for long-time Pro Stock engine supplier Reher & Morrison some 20 years ago.(ESPN)(5-14-2003)
Leather at DEI: Wilsons Leather announced that it will unveil an exclusive line of Dale Earnhardt Incorporated products, beginning today in all of its 478 mall stores and 111 outlet stores. The products, including leather jackets and accessories bearing the marks of Dale Earnhardt Jr., the Dale Earnhardt Legacy program and NASCAR, will be sold exclusively through Wilsons Leather stores nationwide as well as on its website www.wilsonsleather.com.(NewsStream)(5-14-2003)
Dale Jr in Rolling Stone: Dale Earnhardt Jr. is among a distinguished list of guest commentators in a special edition of Rolling Stone Magazine available now. The May 15, 2003 issue of Rolling Stone marks the 35th anniversary of the magazine, and includes a series of essays about a variety of American icons. Dale Jr. offers his personal insights about why the Corvette is a true American classic. He joins a list of special commentaries by Jay Leno, Cameron Crowe, Bob Costas and a host of other experts on topics as diverse as the American Flag, Elvis Presley, the Fender Stratocaster and uh... Homer Simpson.(fingerprint inc./Anheuser-Busch NASCAR Publicity)(4-29-2003)
Second Annual Dale Earnhardt Day is Tuesday, April 29th: Teresa Earnhardt is hosting the second annual Dale Earnhardt Day to take place at the headquarters of their company, Dale Earnhardt, Inc. The day-long event from 8:00am - 9:00pm is in conjunction with Dale's birthday as a celebration of his life and racing accomplishments. Last year, more than 12,000 fans attended the inaugural Dale Earnhardt Day and this year looks to be even bigger. For the second time ever, fans will be allowed behind the walls of Dale Earnhardt, Inc. to view race cars and cars from Dale's Classic Car Collection in the Interior Showroom. Some of these have never been seen by the public and are being put on display for this special occasion. Also, there will be a musical display in conjunction with the upcoming Dale Earnhardt Tribute Concert at Daytona International Speedway on June 28th. There will be albums, autographed guitars and photos from Dale's personal collection in the Retail Showroom. See what types of music Dale enjoyed and some of the stars he and Teresa met, too. Fans that make their way to our headquarters will get the chance to win two DEInsider subscriptions for www.daleearnhardtinc.com per hour. Fans will be able to purchase tickets to the Dale Earnhardt Tribute Concert on the grounds during the day. And, there will be exclusive Dale Earnhardt Day merchandise available, as well. There will be giveaways from our various sponsors and photos with the Dale Earnhardt Tribute Concert car that Dale Earnhardt, Jr. drove to victory in the Busch Series race at Talladega Superspeedway. A percentage of all Retail Store sales will go the Dale Earnhardt Foundation. Throughout the day, Totally NASCAR will be taping the day's events to use on their show later that night. The Tim Clark Band from South Carolina will perform from 7:00 - 9:00pm/et. The local Mooresville community is readily embracing Dale Earnhardt Day this year with three hotels offering special room rates and a shuttle service to and from Dale Earnhardt, Inc. for fans staying at the hotels and those who just want to attend the event. All hotels are located at the Mooresville Exit 36 off I-77 located near our headquarters. Fairfield Inn by Marriott, 704-663-6100
Wingate Inn, 704-664-4900 (nice place, Jayski stayed there in Dec)
Hampton Inn & Suites, 704-660-7700
During the morning, there will be a live, on-site radio broadcast by local country station WKKT 96.9 FM, The Kat. In addition to information about Dale Earnhardt Day; fans traveling to our headquarters will get traffic updates throughout the day from the station, as well. Also, some other Charlotte area radio stations will be taking part in the festive day with live broadcasts and appearances by their on-air personalities.
The following stations will be broadcasting live from our corporate headquarters:
5 - 9 a.m.: WKKT 96.9 (The Kat) - Paul Schadt & Sarah
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.: WWMG Magic 96.1 - Chuck Boozer
3 - 7 p.m.: WEND 106. 5(The END) - Kristen & Jack will be doing the Budweiser Lounge show
The following will be making on-air personality and station appearances:
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.: WRFX 99.7 (The Fox) Wilson from the "Fox at Night"
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.: WFMX 106.7 FM (DEI PR)(4-17-2003)
The Earnhardt Jr Pass: Illegal or Not: blurbs from a few sites:
Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s pass below the out-of-bounds line with four laps to go at Talladega might have drawn a penalty some other day. After all, judgment calls differ from week to week. But on this day, it was the “safe” call. Had a black flag prevented Junior from winning his fourth consecutive Winston Cup race at Talladega, there might have been a riot. Junior has fans everywhere but none more vocal than at Talladega. Give him credit -- he started at the rear, overcame a damaged front end and didn't have teammate Michael Waltrip for drafting help at the end. Junior's car was solid, but his driving talent won the race. Thirty-eighth in points after two races, he now stands second just six races later.(Sporting News)

Kevin Harvick's crew chief, Todd Berrier, did. He went to the NASCAR hauler and reviewed the tape with NASCAR officials. "I guarantee if Kevin was an inch below the yellow line they would park him," Berrier said before looking at the replay. "The rule is you can't go below the yellow line period. It's that simple." Berrier was somewhat mollified after seeing the tape, saying the move was "probably too close to call" and that "I think the right decision was probably made." Kenseth had no opinion on the yellow-line pass Earnhardt Jr. made, but wondered why Harvick chose to go with the eventual winner in the final push. "He was pushing me really good and we had a run on the outside of the 8," Kenseth said. "He (Harvick) kind of faked right like he was going to go with me and then he went behind the 8. ...Everybody makes his own decisions. I couldn't win without somebody pushing me ... but if you line up behind the 8 it's hard to beat him."(ThatsRacin.com)

Crossing the yellow line considered out of bounds by NASCAR, Earnhardt outdueled Matt Kenseth in the Aaron's 499 with a pivotal move that triggered another controversy in NASCAR's Winston Cup Series. "It's unfortunate that that's going to get all the publicity and not the four in a row," Earnhardt said. Replays indicated Earnhardt and Kenseth appeared to be side by side as Earnhardt's car moved well below the line in Turn 3, but Earnhardt claimed he already had cleared Kenseth's Ford. "I ran [below the line] to keep from running into him," Earnhardt said. "By that time, I was already past him." Johnson, who led a race-high 65 laps, begged to differ. "He was clearly below the yellow line," Johnson said. "I didn't think it was a legal pass." Runner-up Kevin Harvick and third-place finisher Elliott Sadler both claimed not to have seen the pass. But when asked if he would have been penalized for making the same move, Harvick offered a guarded response. "That's a good question," Harvick said. "I'll plead the fifth on that one." Others were less diplomatic. "It looks like they gave it to the '8' car," pole-sitter Jeremy Mayfield said. "He can do what he wants to do." In the prerace drivers meeting, race director David Hoots said NASCAR would black-flag cars that improved their position by crossing the yellow line that circles the bottom of the 2.66-mile track. Steve Park was black-flagged for passing Joe Nemechek below the line midway through yesterday's race, but NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter said Earnhardt wasn't penalized because his pass didn't improve his position.(Richmond Times Dispatch)

Jim Hunter, NASCAR vp/communications, offered this explanation: "This was a judgment call, very obviously," he said. "In our opinion, there is no question he went below the yellow line. Where the judgemnt call comes into effect [was that he] did not go below the yellow line to improve his position. He had already passed the 17 car when he went below the yellow line. We based our opinion on reviews of the tapes both in the tower at the time and after the race." Many saw the matter differently, with NASCAR having used the black flag earlier in the race, without apparent review or reservation, against Earnhardt teammate Steve Park. The rule also has been invoked in similar cases in the past, notably with Tony Stewart at Daytona in 2001. NASCAR's non-ruling, and yet another victory by Junior at the big track, did nothing to diminish suspicions that NASCAR somehow favors Earnhardt Jr., suspicions Hunter flatly denied.(Speed Channel)

from a GM Press Release - GM Racing notes - Post-race, Talladega: EARNHARDT, JR. (Would You Like To See The Yellow Line Removed?) ....."Another thing - I'll be reading on Jayski (jayski.com) all these articles and for any of you suns of guns that are wanting to talk (expletive) about me - you know where you can go."(SpeedwayMedia.com)

AND from ThatsRacin.com: Earnhardt Jr. talks about 'The Pass'

See my Article/Story/Columns Links page for a Plethora of columns/article on the matter.(4-7-2003)
Four Straight nice, Seven is the record: Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s win was his fourth straight at Talladega, breaking a tie with Buddy Baker for consecutive wins at the track, but it is not the first time a driver has gone four-fer at one track. Bill Elliott was the last driver to do it, winning four straight at Michigan International Speedway in 1985-86. The all-time record is seven straight, co-held by Richard Petty (Richmond, 1970-73) and Darrell Waltrip (Bristol, 1981-84).(The State)(4-7-2003)
Dale Jr to run Concert car at Talladega in Busch race: Dale Earnhardt, Jr. will drive a #8 Dale Earnhardt Tribute Concert Chevrolet car in the Busch Series Aaron's 312 at the Talladega Superspeedway on Saturday, April 5. The one-time appearance of this specially designed car will highlight the inaugural Dale Earnhardt Tribute Concert, sponsored by longtime partner Kraft and its Nabisco Biscuit Division, to be held June 28th at Daytona International Speedway. In addition to its sponsorship of the concert, Kraft and its Nabisco brands made a $500,000 donation to the Dale Earnhardt Foundation. Dale Jr. and Teresa Earnhardt unveiled the car at the NASCAR media day in February during which the concert's first performing artists were announced. They included Alabama, Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney and Sheryl Crow. Since then, the Goo Goo Dolls and Hootie and the Blowfish have joined the all-star lineup. Tickets are on sale through www.daleearnhardtinc.com and www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling Ticketmaster outlets nationwide. Proceeds from concert ticket sales will benefit the Dale Earnhardt Foundation, established by Teresa Earnhardt to support the causes Dale championed during his lifetime, including programs for children, education and wildlife preservation.(DEI PR / DIS PR) see an image of the real car and a diecast on my Busch Series Paint Scheme Gallery.(4-4-2003)
A Parcells hired by DEI: Jill Parcells, daughter of Cowboys coach Bill Parcells, recently was hired by Dale Earnhardt Inc., as director of operations for the Dale Earnhardt Tribute Concert. The concert, to benefit the Dale Earnhardt Foundation, is scheduled for June 28 at Daytona International Speedway, with Sheryl Crow, Alabama and Brooks & Dunn among the lead acts. Besides trying to move from New York to Mooresville, N.C., Jill Parcells, who worked for a sports marketing agency for 2 1/2 years out of college before spending almost eight years in the marketing department at Sports Illustrated, has spent the past month trying to learn the sport herself. She has read NASCAR for Dummies and watched every race on TV.(Fort Worth Star Telegram)(3-29-2003)
Dale Earnhardt Jr/Kyle Petty in TBS Baseball Promos: TBS Superstation recently unveiled a new integrated print and on-air advertising campaign that is MLB topical and focuses on match-ups and the superstars around the league that will be battling against the Braves throughout the season on the Superstation. WTBS, Turner South and the Atlanta Braves also unveiled their new campaign, which centers around the classic ballpark song "Take Me Out to the Ballgame." The campaign features such celebrities as Dale Earnhardt Jr., Charles Barkley, D.L. Hughley, Brian Littrell (of The Backstreet Boys), Mike Mills (of R.E.M.), Kyle Petty, Jermaine Dupri and Ludacris singing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame." The relaxed and casual demeanor caught on film shows viewers a different side of the players and celebrity Braves fans.(Turner Sports PR/MotorsportsTV)(3-26-2003)
Dale Jr Helping Out: Dale Earnhardt, Jr. went "back to school" Wednesday at Orange County Speedway. Despite being in the heat of the Winston Cup points race, Earnhardt spent the day at the three-eighths mile asphalt oval in Rougemont, NC, helping T.J. Waters [actually last name is Majors], a Late Model Stock Car Division competitor for JR Motorsports, test his new Rick Townsend ride. Earnhardt, who made the trek up Wednesday morning from Mooresville, owns JR Motorsports and, from time to time, helps out with testing and preparations. "This is like going back to a high school reunion in a way for me," Earnhardt said as he sat back in the Orange County Speedway office after taking a break for lunch. "It's like going back to school. It's something different. It's fun for me and it's a little more relaxing." Waters, who is originally from Buffalo, N.Y., and Earnhardt are planning on traveling around this season to various tracks to compete against NASCAR Weekly Racing Series Late Model Stock Car competition. "He'll run here a few times and move around from track-to-track," Earnhardt said. Waters and Earnhardt initially met through the internet. "I used to practice racing on the computer some and we (Waters and Earnhardt) had some pretty good (computer) races back then," Waters said shortly after climbing out of the car after turning in some qualifying laps. "That was back when (Earnhardt) was in his early days of (NASCAR) Busch (Series) racing. We became good friends and one thing led to another," Waters added. "(Earnhardt) told me that if I wanted to move up in racing that I needed to move down this way." Waters, who is 23-years-old, would like to someday join Earnhardt as a driver in the Winston Cup Series.(Courier Times and a story at the Herald Sun with the correct name)(3-15-2003)
#8 Crew 'Fastest': Dale Earnhardt Inc.'s crew for the #8 Budweiser Chevy driven by Dale Earnhardt Jr. has won the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by Powerade for the second consecutive week. NASCAR says Earnhardt Jr. spent 288 seconds in the pits on his way to finishing third in Sunday's Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500 to lead all participating teams. Race winner Bobby Labonte was in the pits for 318 seconds, the second-best time among eligible teams. The victory was worth $20,000 to Earnhardt's team. NASCAR says DEI's #15 team for driver Michael Waltrip still leads the season long battle for the end-of-the-year prize of $200,000.(Winston Cup Scene Daily Newsletter)(3-12-2003)
Earnhardt Jr and Stewart film a music video: on Monday night in Concord, NC, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Tony Stewart filmed a music video for the band 3 Doors Down. Fans gathered early to catch a glimpse of their music and racing heroes Monday night. The filming was set to continue Tuesday night. The production crew set up recreational vehicles, equipment trucks and a food tent in the city's Bicentennial Plaza parking lot and fans wandered around freely trying to spy their favorite star. It's due to be aired on music video channels by April or May, according to the band's publicist. The group chose Concord for its video locale because of the racing theme behind it. The plot line, loosely, is that a woman is stopped at a red light (at the square in downtown Concord) in a Jeep Wrangler when Earnhardt pulls up beside her and begins flirting. Soon after, Stewart pulls up on the other side and begins to compete for her attention. The two rival drivers appear to quickly forget the girl and set off drag racing, leaving her behind. The racers in the video will tear through the streets and barrel through the woods only to emerge at a race track (Concord Motorsports Park) where a 3 Doors Down concert is in progress. They'll circle the track a few times and tear off into the woods again.(Independent Tribune)(3-12-2003)
Dale Jr on TV Show: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. will make a guest appearance on the TV show Fast Lane on Fox. The show features actor’s Tiffani Thiessen, Peter Facinelli and Bill Bellamy as under cover cops fighting crime in the city while driving muscle cars and getting themselves into some tight predicaments. After finishing second in the Winston Cup Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Sunday, Dale Jr. immediately flew to Los Angeles, CA to shoot his scene with the cast on Monday morning. In the show, Bellamy and Fracinelli meet up with Dale Jr. at a red light and end up challenging him to drag race when it turns green. The show is set to air on March 28th at 8:00pm/et, followed by John Doe.(Dale Earnhardt Inc Site) AND Busch Series driver Stanton Barrett, driver of the #60 OdoBan Ford, does most of the driving stunts and has been doing so since the show started.(3-6-2003)
#8 Team fast in the pits at Vegas: The pit crew of Dale Earnhardt Jr. won Round 3 of the "McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade" last Sunday at the UAW-Daimler Chrysler 400, at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Earnhardt spent only 225 seconds in the pits, edging his Dale Earnhardt Incorporated teammate Michael Waltrip by 12 seconds. The victory was worth $20,000 to Earnhardt's team. Waltrip's crew leads the program's overall standings. The program's year-end champions receive $200,000. (NASCAR PR), sorry, have not seen the standings anywhere.(3-6-2003)
Dale Jr in Drakkar ads: Drakkar Noir is racing back into television advertising for the first time in nearly a decade, launching a new campaign that features Drakkar Noir spokesperson and Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his #8 race car. Building on the unprecedented and successful 2002 initial year of the partnership between prestige fragrance Drakkar Noir and the fast-paced world of Winston Cup Racing, the new TV spot brings last year's print ad to life. It blends the power, passion, performance and sensuality of the fragrance with Earnhardt Jr. and the speed and intensity of racing. The new ad will launch on February 20 on the Speed Channel with four to six ad flights planned for 2003. The ad will also be seen in regional markets through department store ad buys. Supporting the TV and print campaigns will be personal appearances by Earnhardt Jr., a traveling show car program at retail outlets in more then 25 markets across the U.S., and other retail outreach including special offers of Drakkar Noir/Earnhardt Jr. items including collectable die-cast cars. As part of the partnership, the Drakkar Noir logo is prominently displayed on the uniforms worn by Earnhardt Jr., his team, and the lower quarterpanel of his #8 Chevrolet.(Yahoo Biz)(2-20-2003)
Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Grappling Classic Organizers Donate Money to CVAN: The Inaugural Dale Jr. Grappling Classic was such a huge success that organizers were able to donate $2,000 from the proceeds of raffles and auctions held throughout the Jiu Jitsu tournament on January 25th at the Cabarrus County Arena to CVAN, a domestic violence service for women. The planning committees are currently working on the plans for any future events. "We're happy with the results from the first tournament," Kelley Earnhardt, of JR Motorsports said. "There are some things that we need to change for next year, but we think this inaugural event went off without any major snares.. Everyone pitched in and did a great job working the event." Dale Jr., who brought along his posse of friends to see the action, enjoyed the event from the suites above the grandstands at the Cabarrus Arena. Earnhardt Jr, also had the privilege of meeting several of the competitors that afternoon while watching the action live from beside the mats on the floor area. "There was a lot more involved in this competition that I had ever thought," Earnhardt Jr., said. "It was cool to see first hand what these guys, women and children have to do to make it through one of these tournaments. The children wanted to win just as bad as the adults did. Some of the fights went on and on because the competition was so close. The fans would go wild in the stands yelling for their favorite grappler. All in all, the event went well.. We enjoyed watching the stiff competition and the superfights at the end of the night.
Many of the competitors stayed around until late into the night to observe the superfight competition.. The results of the superfight are as follows:
· Saulo Ribeiro defeated Todd Margolis
· Daniel Moraes defeated Jorge Gurgel
· Mark Laimon and Marcelo Clemente was determined a draw.
Check www.dalejrgrapplingcalssic.com for future details about upcoming events.(PR)(2-20-2003)
Nothing Confiscated from the #8: NASCAR's John Darby denied reports that his inspectors had taken some parts - the carburetor and some rear springs - from #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s winning car Saturday for further inspection. "Negative on that," Darby said.(Winston Salem Journal)(2-11-2003)
Dale Earnhardt Tribute Concert news: Sheryl Crow, Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney and Alabama are the first four acts booked for the Dale Earnhardt Tribute Concert to be held June 28 at Daytona International Speedway. The concert, a fund-raiser for the Earnhardt Legacy Foundation, will be the first non-racing event in the track’s history. Tickets will be sold beginning March 3 to premium level subscribers to the Dale Earnhardt Inc. website to be launched next week, then will be sold to the public through Ticketmaster outlets beginning March 22. Reserved grandstand tickets will cost $55 and stage level tickets will be $65. Other premium level ticket packages will also be sold at $333 and $1,000. Kraft, the presenting sponsor of the concert, donated $500,000 to the Legacy Foundation.(ThatsRacin.com)(2-7-2003)
TV AD Campaign to Feature Dale Jr: This week's Street & Smith's SportsBusiness Journal reports that the Drakkar Noir fragrance brand will launch a television ad campaign next month featuring Dale Earnhardt Jr. Writer Noah Liberman says a print ad campaign featuring the Winston Cup driver last year helped the company increase sales by 9 percent at a time when the overall industry was dropping 11 percent. Lieberman says as much as half of the advertising will appear in morning and prime-time programming unrelated to sports. Up to 40 percent of the shots will be targeted at shows aimed at female audiences.(Winston Cup Scene Daily Newsletter)(1-28-2003)
#8 MLB News UPDATE: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr will run a MLB - Major League Baseball scheme at ChicagoLand Speedway in July to promote the MLB All Star game on July 15thm which will be held at Chicago's Comisky Park, see an image of the car on my Paint Scheme Gallery.(Go Phillies)(1-24-2003)
UPDATE: Action Performance Companies announced the release of a Dale Earnhardt Jr. special edition die-cast collectible featuring the No. 8 Budweiser Chevrolet Monte Carlo and Major League Baseball [MLB]. Since 2001, Budweiser and MLB have emphasized their close association via an All-Star Game paint scheme, honoring the Mid-Summer Classic, featured on Dale Jr.'s #8 Budweiser Chevy during the July night race at Daytona. That same year, Earnhardt took a pearl-white colored Budweiser/MLB All-Star Game car all the way to Daytona's victory lane. This year, Chicago sports fans will enjoy quite an action-packed July when both NASCAR and MLB descend on the Windy City. On July 13, 2003, Dale Jr. will showcase the latest #8 Budweiser/MLB All-Star Game paint scheme during the 400-mile NASCAR Winston Cup race at Chicagoland Speedway. The following Tuesday night, July 15th, baseball's best players and coaches will headline the 74thAll-Star Game being held at Chicago's Comiskey Park, home of the Chicago White Sox. In cooperation with Dale Earnhardt Inc., Major League Baseball, Anheuser-Busch and Action Performance Companies again will produce the full line of die-cast collectibles and related memorabilia featuring the 2003 Budweiser/All-Star Game paint scheme.(Action Performance PR)(1-27-2003)
Earnhardt Jr. says contract with DEI awaiting signatures UPDATE signed: Dale Earnhardt Jr. said Wednesday he submitted a contract proposal to Dale Earnhardt Inc. [DEI] three weeks ago but company officials have yet to sign off on it. Once they do, Earnhardt Jr. said, he will sign as well. Earnhardt Jr. has not worked with an "official" contract since 1998, when he began driving for the team started by his late father. He worked under a handshake agreement until DEI proposed a "lifetime" contract last season. The new contract will be for five years and Earnhardt Jr. said and it includes a cap on the number of sponsor and team appearances he will make away from the track during the season. "Since drivers are contract labor, my primary focus is to drive for the team, so I sell my services to the team. So, I have allotted the team 40 appearances for whoever or whatever," he said. "I had to put a cap on it. There was no control and nobody had hold of the reins. I just didn't want to give away every free day I had." Earnhardt Jr. said his team's sponsor, Budweiser, was also interested in extending its deal with the driver and DEI. "The Bud deal is good and they are wanting to extend their end of it, but they are waiting on me to be signed for good so they get their eggs in their basket," he said.(ThatsRacin.com)(1-15-2003)
UPDATE: Dale Earnhardt Jr. signed a five-year contract with family-owned Dale Earnhardt Inc. Tuesday. Earnhardt, who has never had a contract at Dale Earnhardt Inc., is committed through 2007. Although there was never a serious prospect of him going elsewhere, Junior did say in recent months that he enjoyed driving Richard Childress' Busch series car last year and wondered what it would be like driving for someone else full time. A sticking point in negotiations was that Earnhardt wanted his sponsor appearances limited to 40. ``I got what I wanted,'' he said, without discussing specifics.(Tampa Tribune)(1-22-2003)
Dale Jr BGN team takes a Chance, plus three Cup races UPDATE: Teresa Earnhardt helped Dale Earnhardt Jr. unveil a new name for the race team they've formed to compete in the BGN this year. The team is called Chance 2. The original Chance Inc. was a company Dale and Teresa Earnhardt formed in 1994 to give Earnhardt's children, Kerry, Kelly and Dale Jr., their first taste of racing. The company disbanded when Earnhardt Jr. started racing in the BGN for what has grown into Dale Earnhardt Inc [DEI]. Earnhardt Jr. will drive the #8 car in two BGN races at Daytona and one at Talladega. Steve Park will drive it in five races and Martin Truex Jr. will drive it in five more. The team will also enter a #81 car in three Winston Cup races. Jason Keller will drive it at Chicagoland Speedway and Ron Fellows will drive in the road-course events at Watkins Glen and Sonoma.(ThatsRacin.com)(1-21-2003)
UPDATE: Keller's run will be a one-shot deal under the sponsorship of Kraft Foods, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary.(Greenville News)(1-22-2003)
Teresa Earnhardt to be on Dateline: Teresa Earnhardt will give her first interview since the death of her husband, racing legend Dale Earnhardt, to Dateline NBC, a producer for the show said Tuesday. Producer Matt Lombardi said Teresa Earnhardt will be interviewed by Katie Couric on Tuesday in Charlotte, N.C., and the taped segment is expected to air in mid-February. The interview "will most likely look at how she and Dale met, their years together and how she has taken over much of the responsibility of running Dale Earnhardt Inc.," Lombardi said. The segment also will touch on Teresa Earnhardt's fight to restrict access to autopsy photos, he said.(Orlando Sentinel)(1-16-2003)
Panasonic and DEI? hearing Panasonic could be an associate sponsor on one of the DEI [#1,#8,#15] cars in 2003.(1-15-2003)
DEI and Kannapolis at odds over Earnhardt tribute: Dale Earnhardt's widow has asked city officials in Kannapolis to stop using the late driver's name and likeness on materials associated with a statue and park until they get her approval. George Taulbee, an attorney representing Teresa Earnhardt and Dale Earnhardt Inc., said Monday he asked officials with the Dale Earnhardt Tribute to end all use of fund-raising fliers and billboards until the materials have been authorized. "We're hopeful this can be resolved because everybody wants the statue and the park to be an appropriate memorial to Dale," Taulbee said. "But materials that display his name and image require approval before they are used, and that approval has not been obtained." Taulbee, of the Charlotte-based Alston & Bird, said Teresa Earnhardt and DEI support the statue and park but don't want organizers of the tribute using new materials to promote it until she signs off on them. Taulbee most recently expressed the widow's views in a Jan. 6 letter to Kannapolis leaders and Atlantic American Properties, which owns the site where the Dale Earnhardt statue and tribute center are located. At odds are materials such as a card soliciting donations for the planned park that shows a photo of the driver wearing sunglasses and a NASCAR uniform. Billboards along nearby interstate highways also use the Earnhardt image to advertise the tribute. City Manager Mike Mahaney said the city of Kannapolis has hired an attorney to help with the copyright and trademark issues.(ThatsRacin.com/AP)(1-13-2003)
Dale Jr and MLB again: looks like for the third season in a row, #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr will run a MLB (baseball) scheme at Daytona in July.(12-13-2002)
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Grappling Classic: Dale Earnhardt Jr. is lending his name and support to help create the Dale Earnhardt Jr. Grappling Classic, which organizers say has the potential to be the biggest jiu-jitsu (also known as jujitsu) tournament in the world. The tournament is the brainchild of local jiu-jitsu instructor and 2001 jiu-jitsu world champion Joe Hurst and N.C. state trooper and jiu-jitsu student Garrett Barger. The event will be at the Cabarrus Arena and Expo Center in Concord, NC on Jan. 25, 2003.(Independent Tribune)(11-7-2002)
UPDATE: Dale Earnhardt, Jr. is using his interest in the sport of Jiu Jitsu to create the premier Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Grappling Classic. Organizers say this tournament has the potential to be the largest Jiu Jitsu tournament in the world. Competitin begins at 10:00 am and will continue throughout the day. Tickets for the this event are available through Ticketmaster and will go on sale starting December 12. Earnhardt Jr. will be the host of the event and other NASCAR Winston Cup Series notables and local celebrities will be on hand to observe the competition. "I've become such a huge fan of this sport that I can't wait to see how it all goes down," Earnhardt Jr. said. "Joe and Garrett have taught me a lot about what takes place at this type of tournament. It'll be cool to see the different fights that go on throughout the day and who makes it to the end. That will be the best part when the top people compete for the title. That's when the competition will be intense. I'm glad to be a part of the program," Earnhardt Jr. continued. "I thought these guys needed someone to help them along with a little notoriety. The point is to get the word out about Jiu Jitsu. It's about people who train and compete in intense settings like we do on the racetrack everyday. I hope to convert another group of fans by doing the Grappling Classic.. We also hope to do more of these every year." For more information about the Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Inaugural Grappling Classic, log on to www.dalejrgrapplingclassic.com.(12-12-2002)

2002 News
#17 Crew Changes? hearing that the tire changers [Phil Drye and Dave Smith] for the #17 DeWalt Union 76/Rockingham World Pit Crew Championship title team have left [Smith to the #24 and Drye to the #8 team], supposedly replaced by #17 Front Tire Carrier Justin Nottestad and Jeremy West [from the #2 Truck team](12-2-2002)
#21 looking for crew members: The #21 Wood Brothers team need a new rear tire changer and tire carrier because Jay Guaneri and Troy Prince have joined Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s crew for 2003.(Sporting News)(12-2-2002)
Beer wars? The "beer wars" may be heating up, along demographic lines. Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s success in reviving Bud's business has Miller and Coors both itching to promo a similarly young driver, Miller with Ryan Newman and Coors with Jamie McMurray.(Winston Salem Journal)(11-18-2002)
Fellows and DEI UPDATE: DEI will announce today it has hired Toronto's Ron Fellows to race at Sonoma and Watkins Glen next season. Dale Earnhardt Inc. will form a fourth Winston Cup team to accommodate Fellows -- who has a total of five BGN and CTS victories driving for a team owned by Joe Nemechek. Fellows will continue to race the No. 3 factory Corvette C5-R in the American Le Mans Series, where he won the GTS championship this season. "DEI will have a fourth team at both Sonoma and Watkins Glen for the 2003 season and Ron Fellows will be our driver," DEI spokesman Steve Crisp said. Fellows will also play a major role in upgrading DEI's road course racing program, acting as a coach for Dale Earnhardt Jr., Michael Waltrip and Steve Park. "Thrilled is the best word to describe how I feel," Fellows said yesterday from Sebring, Fla., where he was testing the 2003 Corvette. "Being with one of the best Winston Cup teams in the business is a big shot in the arm for me." Sponsorship and details on team personnel with the DEI effort are still being worked out. Fellows will begin working soon with DEI chassis and motor builders to prepare the team for 2003. Crisp said DEI has been pursuing Fellows since team founder Dale Earnhardt worked with him leading up to the 24 Hours of Daytona sports car race in 2001.(Toronto Sun)(11-12-2002)
UPDATE: Veteran road racer and 2002 ALMS GTS Series Champion Ron Fellows will compete in both the Sears Point and Watkins Glen NASCAR Winston Cup road races in 2003 at the wheel of Dale Earnhardt Inc. Chevrolets. Fellows, 43, of Toronto, Ontario, Canadawill also perform testing and road race coaching duties at DEI for the upcoming season. After coaching DEI driver Michael Waltrip in 2002, Waltrip went on to qualify on the outside pole for the Watkins Glen event, finishing 9th. DEI and Fellows first formed a relationship in preparation for the 2001 24 Hours of Daytona, where the late Dale Earnhardt and Dale Earnhardt Jr. competed as teammates of Fellows in the GTS Corvettes fielded by Chevrolet. The two Corvettes swept the GTS class, claiming first and second place. Fellows is no stranger to driving the heavier, albeit more powerful, NASCAR Winston Cup and Busch Grand National cars posting several successful finishes in both series' road races. In five NASCAR Winston Cup starts, Fellows has posted a top-five, a top-ten and an outside pole. In four BGN starts, Fellows has claimed three victories and two poles. "I am excited beyond belief," Fellows stated. ."This is something we've talked about doing for a long time. It's a dream come true for me to drive a Dale Earnhardt Incorporated car. It's a goal of mine to win a NASCAR Winston Cup race and this moves me one step closer to doing the that."(DEI PR)(11-14-2002)
Dale Jr shooting for the Top 10: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. enters today's race 88 points behind #28-Ricky Rudd for 10th place in the season standings. The top 10 are invited to New York for the postseason banquet, so there is a level of prestige on the line. "It's a boost for the team," Earnhardt Jr. said of a possible top-10 finish. "I think it's an accomplishment to say you got something out of the season. This ain't the season we wanted to have or expected to have, but looking back six or seven races ago, I'm glad to be in this position to at least get something."(Roanoke Times)(11-10-2002)
Some Dale Jr/BGN scheme rumors: hearing that Dale Earnhardt Jr will run a "concert" scheme at the April Talladega BGN race and that Dale Jr will run a Dirty Mo Posse (DMP) paint scheme in the July Daytona BGN.(11-9-2002)
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Grappling Classic: Dale Earnhardt Jr. is lending his name and support to help create the Dale Earnhardt Jr. Grappling Classic, which organizers say has the potential to be the biggest jiu-jitsu (also known as jujitsu) tournament in the world. The tournament is the brainchild of local jiu-jitsu instructor and 2001 jiu-jitsu world champion Joe Hurst and N.C. state trooper and jiu-jitsu student Garrett Barger. The event will be at the Cabarrus Arena and Expo Center in Concord, NC on Jan. 25.(Independent Tribune)(11-7-2002)
Eury Jr to assume crew chief duties of the #8 UPDATE 2 this is getting confusing: during the rain delay of the NAPA 500 at Atlanta, NBC Pit Reporter said that Tony Eury Jr, driver Dale Earnhardt Jr's cousin, would be the crew chief of the #8 Bud Chevy in 2003 with current crew chief Tony Eury Sr assuming a different role.(10-27-2002)
UPDATE: The roles of crew chief Tony Eury Sr. and Tony Eury Jr. on Winston Cup driver Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s #8 Budweiser Chevy team are unlikely to change next season, said Ty Norris, executive vice president for motorsports at Dale Earnhardt Inc. Norris said for the past few months that Eury Jr. has been the person on the team with whom Earnhardt Jr. communicates about how the car is performing. Eury Sr.'s role is more of an "overseer," making sure the organization runs smoothly. TV reports last weekend at Atlanta said Eury Jr. would take on the crew chief role in 2003, but Norris said a change in titles would be unlikely.(ThatsRacin.com)(11-1-2002)
UPDATE 2: Dale Earnhardt Jr. will have a new crew chief next season, Tony Eury Jr., who has been his car chief the past three seasons. Tony Jr. is the son of Tony Sr., a veteran crew chief who has been something of a father figure for Earnhardt at the track. The Earnhardt-Eury roots go deep. For years Tony Sr. ran Dale Sr.'s Busch operation, and there has been talk within Dale Earnhardt Inc. about Tony Sr. returning to the Busch side of the operation. "Actually the change happened two months ago," said Ty Norris, the team's general manager. "It's really just a re-definition of the roles, a clarification."(Winston Salem Journal)(11-3-2002)
Martha Earnhardt Suffers Possible Stroke: Martha Earnhardt -- mother of NASCAR racer Dale and grandmother to Dale Jr., Kerry, Kelly and Nicole -- was admitted to NorthEast Medical Center Saturday with what the family believed to be a stroke, according to a family friend. A hospital spokesman said she is now in good condition. The Earnhardt family matriarch still lives in the Kannapolis home where she raised Dale, who later became one of NASCAR's most decorated drivers. She recently attended the unveiling of a statue in downtown Kannapolis to honor her son, who died in a crash in the Daytona 500 in February 2001.(Stock Car Gazette Newsletter)(10-30-2002)
Earnhardt Jr wins at Talladega: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr won the EA Sports 500 at Talladega, his third straight win at the track, his 7th career win. Earnhardt Jr is the first driver to sweep both Talladega races since his late fateher, Dale, won both in 1999. #20-Tony Stewart finished 2nd and takes over the Winston Cup drivers points lead by 72 points over #6-Mark Martin. There were NO cautions during the race. Earnahrdt Jr also was a Winston No Bull five driver and wins $1 million for him and the #8 team and for a fan, Debra Polzun of Manchester, CT a brand new millionaire.
Results: at ThatsRacin.com or NASCAR.com and see my EA Sports 500 Race Info page for my race breakdown, notes and cautions (none this week).(10-6-2002)
Hornish visit's Hendrick? UPDATE: just before signing off on Tuesday's show, it was reported on ESPN2's RPM 2 Night that Robin Miller would have news on Wednesday show why IRL Champ Sam Hornish Jr recently visited Hendrick Motorsports.
UPDATE: basically it was an exploratory meeting in case Hornish is interested in NASCAR in the future, Miller reported Hornish will be in the IRL nest year. Also was reported that CART driver Kenny Brack met with DEI, also exploratory.(ESPN2's RPM2Night)(10-2-2002)
Earnhardt Jr vs Elliott UPDATE: Word has it that the NASCAR Winston Cup Most Popular Driver Award voting has become a two-man race between Bill Elliott and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Elliott trailed in the early going in the voting, which is being held online at nascarpopulardriver.com. However, a surge in voting by fans has pushed Elliott into a near-tie with Earnhardt Jr. Nearly 2,000,000 votes are in, and voting continues until Nov. 17.(NASCAR.com Buzz)(9-25-2002)
UPDATE: An award that began in 1956 has reached a milestone its founders never envisioned. Sitting just shy of two million total votes, the Grands! Biscuits NMPA NASCAR Most Popular Driver Award has now received more votes in six months than it has in the rest of its history combined. The highest vote total in any single year prior was 400,000 in 2001. In the meantime, 15-time award winner Bill Elliott has made a major jump in the balloting and the battle between him and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. is incredibly close. The two are in a virtual dead heat in the balloting. Jeff Gordon is a close third, followed by Tony Stewart, Mark Martin, Bobby Labonte, Michael Waltrip, Kyle Petty, Rusty Wallace and Kevin Harvick. NASCAR fans can continue to vote online once per day at www.nascarpopulardriver.com. Voting continues through Nov. 17. The Grands! Biscuits NMPA Most Popular Driver of the Year Award will be presented during the NASCAR Winston Cup Awards Banquet weekend in New York. Several fans have voted at www.nascarpopulardriver.com in record numbers since voting began March 4.(Williams Company PR)(9-27-2002)
Earnhardt Jr's head injury UPDATE: A hard hit in an April accident left Dale Earnhardt Jr. with a severe concussion and a bad case of paranoia - if word got out that his head was bothering him, Earnhardt was certain it would ruin his career. "You just start back at zero," Earnhardt said about publicizing his concussion. "People are going `Oh, he's finished, he'll never be the same.' And every time you run bad it's because of that reason, it's because of your head. So I just didn't say a thing." Earnhardt was injured in a wreck at California Speedway when his car hit the wall at an estimated 130 mph, according to an on-board data recorder. He had the wind knocked out of him during the wreck and also hurt his ankle. But there was something else that just wasn't right. Sometimes, it took him a second longer than everyone else to get a joke. Sometimes, his speech wasn't smooth. Even worse, he sometimes couldn't react fast enough on the race track. Knowing fellow driver Dale Jarrett had suffered his own share of concussions, Earnhardt went to him for advice in early May. Jarrett urged him to see a doctor, explaining that it took months to get over the concussion he suffered in an accident last September. "I realized it was early this year before I felt like I was completely over this concussion," Jarrett said. "I wasn't the same person. I was told that everything was going to be fine, and everything wasn't fine." But the way Earnhardt saw it, he had only one choice: Drive through it, because getting out of the #8 Chevrolet certainly wasn't an option. As a teammate to Steve Park, Earnhardt knew all too well how easy it is for a driver to earn a negative reputation. By speaking up now, Earnhardt is offering an excuse for his disappointing season. Expected to contend for the championship, he instead sits in 14th place in the points with just one victory on the year. It would have been easy in May and June, when his Dale Earnhardt Inc. team was struggling, to offer his aching head as an excuse. But he didn't because image is so important to the son of the late Dale Earnhardt - a tough guy who never complained and whose injuries were something that were dealt with on any day but race day. So Junior said he stayed quiet. Now that he's feeling better and running well, he isn't afraid to admit there was a problem. His contract with DEI is up at the end of the year. So far, he's refused to sign the offer in front of him. At issue, Earnhardt said, is the amount of appearances the deal will require. With so many demands on his time, the 27-year-old wants some control over a hectic schedule that can keep him away from home for weeks at a time. "What I'm doing with this new contract is I'm going to drive your car for X amount of money and 40 appearances. What you do with those appearances, that's your business," he said. "That way, I can kind of corral it, because it's not corralled, it's not under control."(see more at ThatsRacin.com/AP)(9-25-2002)
UPDATE: NASCAR says it was unaware of Earnhardt's head injury. "We rely on our drivers to be honest about their injuries and tell us what's wrong with them," says NASCAR vice president of communications Jim Hunter. "There were no visible effects, no visible signs that we could see" that Earnhardt had anything but an ankle injury after his accident."(USA Today)(9-26-2002)
Jerry Jones and DEI? The latest on the Dallas Cowboys' front is the report that Jerry Jones is interested in trying to buy Dale Earnhardt Inc. Jones, who owns the Cowboys, and car owner Andy Petree spent much of the summer in negotiations to team next season on the Winston Cup tour, but that deal fell through. During those negotiations, Jones was reported to be interested in signing a top-name driver and was willing to offer as much as $5 million to Dale Earnhardt Jr. Ty Norris, general manager for DEI, wouldn't say that there had been no talk with the Cowboys, but he did say that there was no way any such deal could go down. There have been several reports during the year about the possible sale of DEI, but each report has been officially rebuffed.(Winston Salem Journal)(9-23-2002)
Dale Jr on The Sporting News cover UPDATE the column: Dale Earnhardt Jr. is on the cover the Sporting News [a Jayski reading item since 1975] which hits newsstands Wednesday. The title of the story is "In his own groove." The focus of is how Junior's driving style differs from his dad's. The story was written by Roger Kuznia and includes observations from Junior, Larry McReynolds, Darrell Waltrip and Benny Parsons, among others. If anyone is interested in getting an 11 x 14 keepsake cover, for $35, they can contact The Sporting News at 800-443-1886, ext. 608.(9-17-2002)
The column at the Sporting News: A groove of his own: Junior faces difficult task in making a name for himself by Roger Kuznia(9-20-2002)
Earnhardt Jr/Ward talk: Ward Burton and Dale Earnhardt Jr. have talked about the incident at Bristol. The two were involved in an incident on the 402nd lap at the Sharpie 500 in Bristol on Aug. 24. Afterward, Burton was captured on television throwing his heel pads at Earnhardt's car. Burton finished 37th, Earnhardt third. Yesterday, the two chatted before qualifying for tonight's Monte Carlo 400. "We had a good talk and I was glad that we did that," Burton said. "I think that we ought to leave it amongst Dale and I. But I'm glad we got to talk."(Richmond Times Dispatch)(9-7-2002)
Earnhardt Jr not signed yet....but: Dale Earnhardt Jr. said he still hasn't signed a deal to drive the #8 car for Dale Earnhardt Inc. beyond this season but stressed the deal would be a mere formality. "I still haven't finished going over one they proposed to me, but it's not really an issue," he said. "I don't feel like they're pressuring me to sign one now. I can assure you, it's going to be a long-term effort."(Richmond Times Dispatch)(9-6-2002)
No Hornish in NASCAR? Because of his battle for the IRL championship, combined with his agent negotiating an extension with Pennzoil Panther Racing, Sam Hornish Jr. admitted that time is running out for him with NASCAR. "Because of everything that has gone on with this season, we have put a lot of things on hold until after the IRL season is over," Hornish said after testing his IRL car at Chicagoland Speedway last Wednesday. "With all that is going on, I would say it's more likely that we won't be doing any NASCAR races next season. It's so late in the game right now that in order to properly do it, I would have already liked to have had a deal together. Any involvement would probably have to wait one more year." Earlier this summer, Hornish admitted he had talked with Ty Norris, president of DEI, about doing a selected number of Winston Cup and BGN races next season in addition to his full IRL schedule. Hornish was interested in competing in the Daytona 500 and the Brickyard 400 at Indy. Norris expressed interest in adding Hornish to DEI's lineup, even if it were for just a few races. Since that time, Steve Park has had his contract extended for another year as the driver of the Pennzoil Chevrolet. Dale Earnhardt Jr. drives the 8-Budweiser Chevy and Michael Waltrip the #15-NAPA Chevy for DEI. "What we are focusing on now is getting my contract extended with Panther Racing in the IRL," Hornish said. "I'm locked in with the team through 2003, but we would like to extend it until 2005." As for a possible switch to NASCAR, Hornish said his heart belongs in open wheel cars, but he is open to new opportunities in the future. "If I win the IRL title three or four times, maybe it would be time for me to try something different," Hornish said. "I love Indy cars and I always want to race in the Indianapolis 500. I also have to ask myself if I want to race 36 or 38 times a year in NASCAR. "It's funny -- people in the IRL say I need to consider racing in NASCAR and people in NASCAR say I'm pretty valuable to the IRL. It depends on which side of the fence you're on as to where I should go."(ESPN)(9-6-2002)
Crew Change at DEI during the race: Two members of Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s pit crew were switched out during the race and replaced by two crew members from Dale Earnhardt Inc. teammate Steve Park's team after Park was involved in an accident. Walt Smith, who oversees the pit crew training on all three DEI teams, made the change, which involved the rear tire carrier and tire changer. (ThatsRacin.com)(9-2-2002)
#100th start for Little E and Blaney: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. will make his 100th career Winston Cup start this weekend at Darlington.(Roanoke Times), also #77-Dave Blaney will start his 100th career Cup race at Darlington.(8-28-2002)
DMP on the #8 - been asked, didn't know, here ya are: Oh, By the Way II on Dale's DMP: What was that DMP on the left front corner of Dale Jr's nose when he returned to the racetrack after his first lap wreck with teammate Steve Park at Pocono? What was that all about? It didn't say B-U-D. It said D-M-P. They had to spray it on there with a spray gun. It was a very obvious tip of the cap to his friends, the crew he rolls with at home in Charlotte, the "Dirty Mo Posse."(FoxSports/DW) and also hearing it is "Da Mooresville Posse".(8-1-2002)

The DMP painted on the repaired from fender/bumper at Pocono, from Tom at Rappy's
IRWIN Rough to Finish Award: It was a rough day for Dale Earnhardt Jr. and the #8 Budweiser team, as Dale Jr. was a helpless passenger in a multi-car wreck on the first lap during last Sundays Pennsylvania 500 at Pocono. Despite the accident and serious damage to the race car, the Bud team was able to make repairs and return to the track, earning team crew chief Tony Eury this week's "Irwin Rough to the Finish" Award. Dale Jr., starting 11th, seemed poised for a strong run on Sunday, but high hopes ended almost before they began when contact between the cars of #1-Steve Park and #2-Rusty Wallace sent Park sliding across the track and into the #8 car. The two machines remained together as they slid across the wet infield grass before making horrendous impact with the inside guard rail.. Fortunately, no one was injured. The same could not be said for the #8 Budweiser Chevy, however. As many as 23 crew members representing all three DEI teams pitched in to make significant repairs to the heavily-damaged car, cobbling together parts from all of the DEI teams to replace the entire front body work and much of the mud-caked external engine parts. As a result of their determination and teamwork, Dale Jr. was able to return to the track and finish the race in 37th position. "I could not be prouder of my guys right now if we had won the race," said Eury. "The fact that we fought through the bad luck, pulled together and put the car back on the track says a lot about this team. This award is a credit to this crew and their ˜never say die" attitude."
Each week throughout the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup season, Irwin, makers of professional power tool accessories like Marathon Plus saw blades and Speedbor flat bits, is partnering with Performance Racing Network to honor the crew chief who had the toughest day in the pits, but still managed to help his team to a strong finish. The IRWIN Rough to the Finish Award includes an assortment of tools for the crew chief and a $250 check donated to the Ellerbe, NC Educational Fund in the racing team's name.. The year-end winner of the crew chief points standings will win a $5,000 check donated to the Fund.. Race fans wanting to make a contribution to the Fund may do so by sending it to the Ellerbe, NC Educational Fund, PO Box 443, Ellerbe, NC 28338. In addition to the crew chief award, Irwin is also sponsoring the weekly nationally syndicated radio show, "Fast Talk with Benny Parsons", throughout the upcoming year.(Golin Harris PR)(7-31-2002)
Little E Staying at DEI? Looks like it: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr., who said at Daytona earlier this month he was still looking over a new contract with Dale Earnhardt Inc., said it was unlikely he could find a better situation in Winston Cup racing. "Nothing's perfect; nothing's ever the greatest," he said. "There's always something; or something that might not be perfection or not be the way you want it about the company or the way things might be going for the team itself, but there's not a better situation as far as I'm concerned for me with DEI." With contract issues with Waltrip complete and Earnhardt Jr. nearly done, only Steve Park's status remains unfinished at DEI.(ThatsRacin.com)(7-27-2002)
Dale Jr still has contract to sign...but don't look for him to leave DEI: Though you figure #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. has better job security than most drivers in the Winston Cup garage, including teammates Steve Park and Pepsi 400 winner Michael Waltrip, Junior's contract is up for renewal -- and he hasn't signed a deal. Junior says he has been offered a contract and will "make a few changes" before he returns it, which he says should take a couple of weeks. "I'm a little slow about it, but I just want to make sure that it's cool," he says. "I've thought about driving for other teams, just always wondered what that would be like. But I always drove for my father or in a roundabout way drove for him." As the most marketable driver in NASCAR, Junior could write his own ticket, but for now he says he feels it is his duty "to stay with DEI and try to become a bigger part of that company." One carrot DEI is dangling in front of Junior is part-ownership in a Busch Series team with Teresa Earnhardt, his stepmother and CEO of DEI. Junior says he thinks the experience will prepare him to take a more significant managerial role at DEI in the future.(Sporting News)(7-8-2002)
Dale Jr off to Milwaukee after the race: Dale Earnhardt Jr. will fly to Milwaukee Sunday to participate in a variety of activities surrounding the 2002 Major League Baseball All-Star game. In honor of the game (and Budweiser's status as the official beer of both MLB and NASCAR), the #8 Bud car will carry a special MLB All-Star paint scheme in tonight's race. Because of testing commitments in Indianapolis, Dale Jr is not able to attend Tuesday night's game, but will participate in an All-Star celebrity softball game Sunday evening, take. batting practice on the field, and participate in an autograph session Monday afternoon at the "Bud World" display at the park. Dale Jr. will also host the All-Star edition of "This Week in Baseball," the MLB-produced weekly highlight show. The show airs Saturdays on Fox at 12:30pm.(Budweiser PR)(7-6-2002)
Dale Jr to start BGN team: Dale Earnhardt Jr. revealed Thursday he was starting a BGN team, and IRL champion Sam Hornish could be the driver, at least part-time. “We are putting together a Busch team,” Earnhardt Jr. said. “Me and my stepmother Teresa are going to be partners in the project, and I personally wanted to do it, No. 1 because I wanted to run the July race in Daytona this year, but we couldn’t get it put together quick enough. The other reason was I wanted to run the July race in Daytona next year and the 300 in February, and the Talladega race as well. I just like running those tracks so much. It was something that I wanted to do actually solely on my own, and Teresa and (DEI vice president) Ty (Norris) thought that it would be better if me and her went into it on a partnership where we could tie it in with DEI a little more as far as employees and how the program developed and how it would complement our Cup teams in the future. With that in mind I plan on running those races next year and bringing in possibly Sam and maybe someone else to run anywhere from six to 10 (races), maybe even more than that. It should be a lot of fun just doing that.”(RacingOne)(7-5-2002)
Hornish wants to try Daytona 500: Sam Hornish Jr., the defending IRL champ, said Tuesday he might try to qualify for the Daytona 500 in February, driving a Chevy for the Dale Earnhardt Inc. NASCAR team. If the deal with DEI comes to fruition, Hornish said he would drive in selected BGN races in 2003. He could make a second start in Winston Cup next season at the Brickyard 400. But Hornish doesn't foresee switching gears and leaving Indy cars to compete full time in NASCAR.(Orange County Register), see past news on Hornish and NASCAR on my Drivers Looking/News page.(4th of July 2002)
Hornish to NASCAR? UPDATE: heard from a few readers that it was reported on Indianapolis TV channel 13 WTHR/NBC on their 6:30pm newscast that IRL driver Sam Hornish has signed with DEI to drive in some BGN and possibly a Cup race or two in 2003. On ESPN2's RPM 2 Night, Robin Miller reported that Hornish's current team, Panther Racing [sponsor Pennaoil], has picked up Hornish's contract option for 2003 to run the full IRL season. Being told that Hornish will run the full IRL season and a few BGN races for DEI.(6-26-2002)
UPDATE: Ty Norris, executive vice president for high-profile DEI, confirmed Wednesday plans are being finalized to have Sam Hornish Jr., the defending Indy Racing League champion, compete in "some" stock car races next season. Hornish likely will drive in the BGN, although John Barnes, general manager of Hornish's IRL team, Panther Racing, said the deal could include Cup races at the Daytona 500 and the Brickyard 400. "We're two or three weeks away from knowing our entire lineup for next year," Norris said. "But Hornish is something we want to do if we can get the details worked out." Hornish, who turns 23 next week, emphasized he will remain a full-time IRL driver, in part because he's locked in to Panther through next season. The Indianapolis-based team officially exercised its third-year option on Hornish in January and is negotiating an extension through 2005. Both sides hope to sign the contract by season's end. Hornish said his priority remains in the IRL with Panther. They are currently third in points with two wins this season. "(NASCAR) might be (worth) more money, but it's twice as much traveling," Hornish said. "I'd like to stay with (Panther) for the next 10 years. It might not work out that way, but that's what I want."(Indianapolis Star)(6-27-2002)
Most Popular Driver Update: Shattering all previous vote totals, the 2002 Grands Biscuits National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA) NASCAR Most Popular Driver Award poll has surpassed 1 million fan votes in only four months of online voting. The highest vote total previous recorded for the award is 400,000. Dale Earnhardt, Jr., who has led the poll since voting opened in March, continues to be the top vote recipient with nearly 300,000 votes to date.. Bill Elliott is currently in second place followed in the top 10 by Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Bobby Labonte, Mark Martin, Kyle Petty, Rusty Wallace, Kevin Harvick and Michael Waltrip. NASCAR Winston Cup fans can continue to vote online once per day at www.nascarpopulardriver.com through Nov. 10. The Grands Biscuits NMPA NASCAR Most Popular Driver Award will be presented during the NASCAR Winston Cup Awards Banquet weekend in New York [Dec 6th, 2002].(Williams Company)(6-26-2002)
Little E on cover of Sports Ilustrated: This week's edition of Sports Illustrated Magazine (cover date: July 1, 2002) features Dale Earnhardt Jr. on the cover. The prestigious sports weekly shines the spotlight on "The NASCAR Nation" -- and how the explosive growth of the sport is being fueled by Earnhardt Jr's fame and success. The extensive cover story was written by Jeff MacGregor, who, along with his wife, is traveling the entire Winston Cup circuit in a RV to experience as much of the NASCAR phenomenon as possible. Portrait photographs of Dale Jr. were shot by Walter Iosse Jr. (at Richmond International Raceway in Richmond, Va.) and Peter Gregoire (at Lowe's Motor Speedway near Charlotte, NC).(Bud PR)(6-26-2002)
DEI's deadline pushed back UPDATE: Ty Norris, the manager of DEI, said he has postponed a decision on contract renewals for #15-Michael Waltrip and #1-Steve Park for another three weeks. "We had set June 15 as a target date, and we're a little behind, but it's not the world will be coming to an end," Norris said. Insiders say that Waltrip's improving performances in recent weeks have boosted his standing with sponsor NAPA considerably and could help him keep his DEI ride.(Winston Salem Journal)(6-15-2002)
UPDATE: A Dale Earnhardt Inc. official laughed Saturday at the continuing speculation that Steve Park and Michael Waltrip may not be retained for 2003 and that the company itself is for sale for $300 million. The racing organization doesn't help the situation. A week ago, Dale Earnhardt Jr. admitted he's talked with Waltrip and told him to improve his finishes. He also said Park seems to have lost the chemistry with the rest of his teammates since returning from a brain injury sustained last September at Darlington [in a BGN race]. The contracts for both Waltrip and Park are up at the end of the season and the team originally said it would try to have new deals completed by June 15. Now that deadline apparently is being moved back a few weeks. Waltrip sounds like a driver who already knows about his future, saying he knows he will be driving a car next year - if not for DEI, for another race team.(Augusta Chronicle)(6-16-2002)
DEI, Childress, Eanrhardt Jr reports as transcribed from a sports report at Channel 8 WGHP/Fox High Point, NC by Rich Brenner: From the 6:00pm/et report on Wednesday, June 12th:
The rumors are out there and at this time they're just that. Intriguing and to a degree they actually make sense. The hot one running through the race shops and the Internet, "Teresa Earnhardt wants to sell the race teams of DEI - Dale Earnhardt, Inc, Earnhardt's old car owner - Richard Childress - is interested in buying". At this time, No, but there are some interesting possibilities. Especially the second part of the equation. Dale Earnhardt, Jr thus, if the deal happens, comes to Childress Racing and gets into the number 3 car, meaning Little E changes his number from 8 to 3, remember he did race number 3 for Childress at the Busch Grand National race at Daytona and won, right now Childress does own the rights to number 3 and while Junior could have it. He hasn't made any overtures again, so far all this is nothing but speculation. But interesting speculation which makes sense, and something else, the Childress-DEI connection is strong, the organizations work well together, share, and have employees in key positions who have worked for both organizations.
From the 10:00pm/et report on Wednesday, June 12th:
If you go by race shop and internet rumors Richard Childress is getting set to buy the Dale Earnhardt, Inc 3-car race team from Teresa Earnhardt. According to Childress insiders this is not the case, but when you come down to it and if Teresa Earnhardt does want to move out of Winston Cup racing this idea makes alot of sense. These two powerful organizations work closely together and share a lot of the same philosophies not to mention history. It would also reuniite "an Earnhardt" and "a Childress" Dale Earnhardt, Jr and Richard Childress and return an Earnhardt with the number 3 which Childress still holds rights to. We all know the number 3 will some day return to Winston Cup competition and that Dale Jr will be the guy behind the wheel. As for Junior taking over DEI, he'll be the first to tell you, he's not ready for that end of the business.(WGHP)(6-14-2002)
Dale Jr/Oreo's/NYC: Dozens of children gobbled up Oreo cookies [a Jayski favorite] and race car driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. drove an Oreo-decorated car down a New York City street on Wednesday to celebrate the cookie's 90th birthday. New York certainly claims the cookie for itself. A representative for Mayor Michael Bloomberg presented a proclamation making Wednesday ``Oreo Cookie 90th Anniversary Day'' in New York City, and the city council declared Oreo as the city's favorite cookie. Dale Earnhardt Jr., an Oreo spokesman, drove a race car decorated with an Oreo topped with a birthday candle across part of 15th Street, or ``Oreo Way,'' according to the temporary street sign he unveiled. Police officers did not stop Earnhardt, even though he drove against traffic in the one-way street.(New York Times)(6-14-2002)
Little E most eligible: Dale Earnhardt Jr. will appear in People Magazine's "Most Eligible Bachelors" that goes on sale at newsstands this week. With a distribution of more than 40 million copies, this special edition of the magazine is one of the most visible and widely distributed publications of the year.. His selection was kept highly confidential before being revealed Tuesday evening on "Dateline NBC." The interview for the feature took place at Dale Jr's own "JR Motorsports" offices in Mooresville, NC, and the photo shoot took place in turn four of Lowe's Motor Speedway near Charlotte, where Junior posed in front of one of his #8 Budweiser race cars. This marks Dale Jr's sixth appearance in People Magazine. His first appearance was in October, 2000 when he was selected to appear in the "Sexiest Men" issue. His poise and accomplishments during a very difficult and emotional 2001 also garnered him a mention in the magazine's "Most Intriguing People of 2001." Dale Jr. will also be a visible component of this weekend's programming on MTV. Saturday and Sunday is the "MTV True Life Marathon," where the most popular episodes of the "True Life" documentary series will be shown. Dale Jr's one-hour documentary will air with some new interview footage taped recently at California Speedway.(Busweiser PR)(6-13-2002)
DEI and DeWalt? UPDATE: the LTN Radio show reports that Dale Earnhardt Inc is talking to DeWalt Tools to sponsor a team, DeWalt's contract with Roush Racing and the #17 Matt Kenseth team is over at the end of 2002. Roush is in negotations with DeWalt also.(6-3-2002)
AND - Roush/DeWalt still negotiating: Roush Racing president Geoff Smith said talks continue with DeWalt, whose contract expires after this season as Matt Kenseth 's sponsor [#17 Ford]. The deadline for the two sides to negotiate exclusively with each other ended May 31. "It's taken a long time for a renewal," Smith said. "They were talking to other teams as well but they claim they want to be with us. We hope to shortly conclude the business arrangement either way."(Roanoke Times)(6-10-2002)
UPDATE: Officials from DeWalt Tools have told Roush Racing President Geoff Smith that it wants to return as sponsor of Matt Kenseth’s Ford for 2003. But until a deal is signed, Smith says he will listen if other perspective sponsors come calling. The contract that expires at the end of this season prohibited DeWalt from negotiating with other teams until June 1. Smith’s heard that the company has talked with Dale Earnhardt Inc. regarding a deal for next year, but isn’t sure if those talks are ongoing. Kenseth’s contract is up following the 2003 season, but it’s expected that talks of an extension will begin following this season.(Winston Cup Scene - need sub to read)(6-13-2002)
Little E not totally Taz at Richmond IMAGE...AND: a month or so ago it was reported that Dale Earnhardt Jr would run a Tasmanian Devil scheme in the BGN race at Richmond in Sept, told it is partially true and that the Orange Monster - Gossamer [a Jayski fave] will also be on the car [hood] along with Bugs Bunny [decklid], with the colors being orange/white/black.(6-7-2002)
IMAGE: see an image of the #8 (yes #8 JR Motorsports) Gossamer/Bugs car on my Paint Scheme Gallery, the Looney Tunes special page.(6-8-2002)
AND Word is that Dale Earnhardt Jr. is looking to own a BGN team with him as driver for selected races, possibly by next year. Another driver would take over the wheel for the rest of the schedule. Sponsorship is allegedly in place. The hold-up could be where to house the team. Dale Earnhardt, Inc. has already maxed out space at the Mooresville shop. Earnhardt Jr. already is listed as owner of a Street Stock that T.J. Majors will drive at Concord Motorsports Park.(NASCAR.com), sources tell me that Nabisco (no real surprise) will be the sponsor for some of all the races.(6-11-2002)
Dale Jr on the Tube: Dale Earnhardt Jr. will appear tonight on Dateline NBC to discuss details of an upcoming major magazine feature. And keep an eye on MTV's True Life marathon Saturday and Sunday for an updated version of True Life, I'm a Race Car Driver detailing Earnhardt's rookie season. The show will include new interviews since it originally aired in the spring of 2001.(St Petersburg Times)(6-11-2002)
Cup drivers in the Baja 1000: Long-time off-road racer Robby Gordon will compete in the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 this fall. Gordon, who is competing in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series this year, will have another Cup star, Kevin Harvick, as his co-driver in a Trophy Truck for the off-road marathon. Sal Fish, SCORE International chief executive, announced earlier this week that the dates for this year's Baja 1000 were being moved back by two weeks to Nov. 20-23. The original schedule would have had the Baja 1000 on the same weekend as season finales for the Cup series and the National Hot Rod Association.(Las Vegas Review-Journal)
AND Kevin Harvick and Robby Gordon, who would make an ornery tag-team pair in world wrestling circles, may have NASCAR company when they team up at November's Baja 1000. There is some speculation Dale Earnhardt Jr. also may drive a rival Trophy Truck during a portion of the race.(Arizona Republic)(6-4-2002)
DEI for sale? UPDATEs Speculation is increasing that a possible sale of Dale Earnhardt Inc. or parts of DEI may be under consideration, with word that owner Teresa Earnhardt may be considering a move to Florida. Finding anyone willing to finance such a sale might be difficult, particularly with the uncertainty surround two of DEI's three teams. But there are indications that Anheuser-Busch might be involved in however the situation might play out, possibly as part-owner, to protect its investment in star Dale Earnhardt Jr. It is unclear how much of a financial stake Earnhardt Jr. has in the company his father built.(Winston Salem Journal)(5-18-2002)
UPDATE: Rumors have also cropped up that Teresa Earnhardt is looking to sell all or part of the DEI operation. Norris said those statements are false and Park concurs. “I’ve talked to Teresa quite a bit and there’s no indication that the team’s going to be sold,” Park said. “I think that’s part of the rumor mill we’re all kind of suffering through right now. We’ve got Dale Earnhardt Jr. (and) Teresa Earnhardt and they plan on being around the sport for quite a long time.”(Winston Cup Scene - need sub to read)
AND Dale Earnhardt Inc. may be sold. TV and several news sources are reporting that Teresa Earnhardt, widow of Dale Earnhardt, is interested in selling all or part of the three-team operation in order for her to take up a permanent residence in Florida. Two of the team's three drivers - Steve Park and Michael Waltrip - have contracts that expire at the end of the season. Only Dale Earnhardt Jr. remains a fixture. Anheuser-Busch, reportedly, is very much interested in what happens at DEI, to a point where they might buy in to protect their investment in Earnhardt Jr. and his future with the company.(Danville Register Bee)(5-23-2002)
Some Dale Earnhardt Jr stuff: On Sunday, Dale Earnhardt Jr. will fly to Los Angeles for four days to participate in a music video with pop superstar Cheryl Crowe.(Garage Pass Radio Show) AND Earnhardt Jr was featured on ESPN's Outside the Lines, will be re-aired on ESPN, Sat, May 18 at 3:30pm/et and on Monday, May 20 at 2:00pm.(ESPN)(5-17-2002)
Looney Toons and Taz to return? #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr will run a #3 Taz scheme at Richmond in the BGN race and that there is a chance the Looney Toons schemes may return at the Richmond Cup race.(5-10-2002)
Earnhardt Jr still leads Most Popular: Leading for an award that is one of the most traditional and prestigious in NASCAR Winston Cup stock car racing, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. is currently following in the footsteps of some of the greatest names in the sport's history, including his father's. In the meantime, this year's award to determine NASCAR fans' most popular driver has become the most popular of all time. Earnhardt continues to lead in balloting for the Grands! Biscuits NMPA NASCAR Most Popular Driver Award. Sponsored by the Pillsbury Grands! brand of nationally popular biscuits, the award is administered by the National Motorsports Press Association. Conducted since 1956, balloting was originally by NASCAR Winston Cup drivers, then by NASCAR members. Several years ago, balloting began by NASCAR fans nationwide. Already shattering the record for votes in a season, more than 500,000 fans have now cast ballots for the Grands! Biscuits NMPA NASCAR Most Popular Driver Award - and voting continues until Nov. 10. The previous record was 400,000 votes all of last year, itself doubling the previous year's record total number of votes. Bill Elliott has received the second-greatest number of votes. Tony Stewart is third, while Jeff Gordon is fourth and Mark Martin fifth. Kyle Petty moved up to sixth in the voting, followed by Bobby Labonte, Kevin Harvick, Rusty Wallace and Ricky Rudd. Voting currently takes place at www.nascarpopulardriver.com. Fans may vote once each day at that site for their favorite driver. Many of the driver and team web sites have established links directly from their sites to the voting site, while many fan-developed and racing news sites have established direct links for the convenience of their readers. Dale Earnhardt was voted the award last year. Previous winners include such names as Elliott, Richard Petty, David Pearson, Bobby Allison and Darrell Waltrip.(Williams Company)(5-9-2002)
Baseball scheme for Dale Jr UPDATE: hearing Dale Earnhardt Jr will run a 2002 Major League Baseball All Star scheme at Daytona in the Pepsi 400 in July. The car is mostly red with a baseball bat on the rear quarter panels. Last year Earnhardt Jr ran a MLB All Star scheme last year at the Pepsi 400 with a white scheme, and won the race.(3-26-2002)
IMAGE see a diecast image of the car on my Paint Scheme Gallery.(5-2-2002)
UPDATE: As Major League Baseball readies for the 73rd All-Star Game on July 9 in Milwaukee, Wisc., Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the #8 Budweiser car, is preparing for some all-star performances of his own. Budweiser - the "Official Beer" of Major League Baseball (MLB) and NASCAR - will celebrate the 2002 All-Star Game with a special paint scheme on Earnhardt Jr.'s Budweiser car during the NASCAR Winston Cup Series Pepsi 400 race at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., on July 6.. Additionally, the "King of Beers" has unveiled a new 16-ounce Budweiser can available nationwide that features Earnhardt Jr. Earnhardt Jr.'s car paint scheme features a red color and white baseball stitching with the official Budweiser / 2002 MLB All-Star Game logo on the hood. A white #8 appears on the car's doors and roof, and the "Budweiser" script is displayed on the car's left and right rear quarter panels.. The sides feature a baseball bat and baseballs while the rear television panel features "Budweiser - Official Beer of Major League Baseball" and "MLB on FOX" graphics. Additionally, Earnhardt Jr.'s racing suit for both races will be red at the top with white "Bud" lettering and "2002" in blue, along with black pants highlighted by gold trim.. The "Bud" script is featured across the chest and on the shoulders, and the 2002 MLB All-Star Game logo appears on the back of the uniform.. Earnhardt Jr.'s helmet is red with the 2002 MLB All-Star Game logo and baseball imagery. To honor Earnhardt Jr.'s achievements in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series, Budweiser is featuring his image on 16-ounce cans this summer.. The commemorative package is available nationwide from May 1 through the summer along with other can panels highlighting Budweiser as "America's beer" and the brand's sponsorship of 2002 FIFA World Cup(tm). Budweiser also produced a series of commemorative 16-ounce cans in 2000, highlighting Earnhardt Jr.'s Winston Cup rookie season.(Budweiser PR), also there is a contest, see my Racing Contest page for info.(5-3-2002)
DEI to Honor Singer: Dale Earnhardt Inc. will honor the late Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, of the popular R&B group TLC, this weekend at Richmond by carrying special stripes on all three of the company's Winston Cup Chevy's (#'s 1,8,15). Lopes, 30, was killed instantly in a traffic accident in Honduras on April 25. Within days, morgue photos of Lopes were circulated on the internet, striking a nerve within the Earnhardt organization. Teresa Earnhardt, wife of seven-time NASCAR Winston Cup Champion Dale Earnhardt, was drawn into extensive courtroom battles protecting the privacy of her family and memory of her late husband following his death in February of 2001. Several news organizations and a website unsuccessfully tried to obtain autopsy photos of Earnhardt following his fatal accident. "We want to express our deepest sympathy to her family, friends and fans. She has a huge following here at our shop," said Steve Crisp, Director of Media Relations for the Mooresville, NC-based company. As a trademark, Lopes, an Atlanta, GA native, often performed with a single black stripe under her left eye. The Dale Earnhardt Inc. Chevys, driven by #1-Steve Park, #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. and #15-Michael Waltrip will each carry a similar stripe under the left headlight. In addition, over the wall pit crew members on all three teams will wear black stripes under their left eye in Saturday night's event.(DEI PR)(5-3-2002)
Little E OK UPDATE: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. escaped injury in a frightening crash that occurred on lap 229 of Sunday’s NAPA Auto Parts 500 at California Speedway. The crash, which involved Earnhardt and 2001 rookie of the year Kevin Harvick, apparently occurred because Harvick had a flat tire and tried desperately to turn his Chevrolet down toward pit road. Unfortunately, Harvick lurched left just as Earnhardt was streaking by on his inside, and the impact caused Earnhardt’s Monte Carlo to spin around clockwise and hit the fourth-turn wall almost flush on the driver’s side. Earnhardt limped to the ambulance but reported only mild pain in his right ankle. Doctors released him but recommended that his condition be monitored and he consult his doctor Monday in North Carolina.(Gaston Gazette)(4-30-2002)
UPDATE: Dale Earnhardt Jr. endured what he deemed the "hardest hit" of his career Sunday, but he doesn't think it'll slow him this weekend in Richmond. He has a bruised and swollen right ankle and is sore after a crash with Kevin Harvick late in Sunday's race at California. Earnhardt has won at Richmond and has never finished worse than 13th in a Winston Cup race here. "I'm pretty sore and beat up, but I'll be OK for Richmond," he said.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(4-30-2002)(4-30-2002)
Dale Earnhardt Day REPOST: Alabama Gov. Don Siegelman proclaimed April 29, Dale Earnhardt's birthday, as "Dale Earnhardt Day" in Alabama to honor the racing legend and his family. Earnhardt won a track record 10 Winston Cup races at Talladega.(ThatsRacin.com), also Dale Earnhardt Inc. also announced it would host Dale Earnhardt Day on April 29 at its shop in Mooresville, N.C. Fans will be allowed to view Earnhardt memorabilia and enter the interior show room. The doors will be open from 8:00am to 9:00pm that day.(4-22-2002), also ESPN2's RPM 2 Night is scheduled to expand to one hour on Monday, April 29th from 6:00-7:00pm/et and have coverage of the DEI open house.
UPDATE: The Dale Earnhardt Inc. facility in Mooresville, N.C., is scheduled to remain open to fans until 9pm/et today in honor of what would have been Dale Earnhardt's 51st birthday. Several cars and other articles from the personal collection of the seven-time Winston Cup champion who died in the 2001 Daytona 500 are on display. WCNC-TV in Charlotte reported that fans began lining up at 4 a.m. today at the DEI facility. ESPN2's "RPM 2Night" is scheduled to broadcast from the event at 6 p.m. (EDT). (Winston Cup Scene Daily Newslatter)(4-29-2002)
Little E wins the The Aaron's 499 at Talladega: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr won the Aaron's 499, his first win (and Chevy's first) of 2002. It is Earnhardt's 6th career win and first win since Talladega last Oct. Nice run by #45-Kyle Petty 10th, his first top 10 since he finished 9th at Talladega in April 2000. #98-Kenny Wallace crossed the stripe 5th, but Fox is reporting that Wallace will be dropped to 21st, last car on the lead lap. Wallace went below the yellow line, rule is if a driver does that and increases his position, he will be penalized. Wallace said he was forced down below the line by #40-Marlin, Wallace comment: "Sterling body slammed me and I cant do nothin else, this is drama. NASCAR is the greatest in the world, what ever happens I finished 5th, Sterling turned left and I moved to the left, in my heart I finished 5th:(KennyWallaceRacing.com)
See my Aaron's 499 Race Info page for race rundown and notes made during the race.
For results, see ThatsRacin.com or NASCAR.com. See Drivers standings at ThatsRacin.com or NASCAR.com.(4-21-2002)
Earnhardt Fast at MIS: Dale Earnhardt Jr. proved he still may be the man to beat when it comes to qualifying at Michigan International Speedway. Earnhardt, who holds the MIS NASCAR qualifying record at 191.149 mph set in August 2000, notched speeds in excess of 187mph during the second day of a two-day test session at the historic two-mile oval. Chad Little, testing [#74] BACE Motorsports equipment, also completed the two-day session Wednesday. Both will attempt to qualify for the Michigan 400 on Father's Day, Sunday, June 16, at MIS. The day's only break in testing came when Little's engine began smoking at 10:15am, about the same time rain started falling at the Speedway. After a two-hour break to let the track dry, the cars went back out.(MIS PR)(4-18-2002)
Little testing at MIS UPDATE and Earnhardt Jr: the Chad Little site lists Little and the #74 team testing at Michigan on April 16th and 17th. The team plans to make it's Cup debut at California Speedway next weekend.(4-16-2002)
UPDATE: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. and #74-Chad Little took the first turns around MIS' high banks Tuesday, the first of a two-day test session for Dale Earnhardt Inc. For Little, who plans to make a handful of Cup starts for owner Andy Petree, the test session allowed him to gauge his equipment against Earnhardt Jr. By mid-afternoon of the first day of the test, Little was running in the 40.2- to 40.3-second range, which would put him at about 179 mph. Earnhardt Jr. was posting laps of about 39.9 or 40.0, which translates to around 180 mph. "We're running mostly 40-flats, said Earnhardt's crew chief Tony Eury, whose driver owns the Winston Cup qualifying record at MIS at 191.149mph set in August 2000. "But we're just getting started." Little said he plans to run in a few Winston Cup events this season, including the Michigan 400 on Sunday, June 16, and the Pepsi 400 presented by Farmer Jack on August 18. He also is eyeing a Cup start at MIS' sister track, California Speedway, on April 28.(MIS PR)(4-16-2002)
Gordon and Earnhardt Jr speak: After finishing his qualifying run, #31-Robby Gordon climbed from his car, walked right over to #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. and struck up a conversation. "I asked him if he was OK with me starting behind him," said Gordon, who was third after his run, but got bumped down to 11th. Gordon said his feud with Earnhardt Jr. at Bristol is over. "It's racing," Gordon said. "We don't have any grudges. One thing that's nice about Winston Cup is we have 36 weekends to get at it. Texas was rough for us, but we're happy to be starting where we're at."(News and Advance)(4-13-2002)
Lots of Bud: Dale Earnhardt Jr. is featured in the April 15 issue of Newsweek, discussing everything from Playboy centerfolds to memorabilia sent to him by fans. Earnhardt maintains his hip image, talking about drinking 12 to 15 Budweisers a night (except on race weekends), his famous father and life as a star.(Richmond Times Dispatch), see my Story/Article/Column Links Page for a link to the Newsweek column.(4-8-2002)
Earnhardt Jr in People: Dale Earnhardt Jr, driver of the #8 Budweiser Chevy, is featured in the April 8 double-issue of People magazine. It is his third appearance since being named among "The Sexiest Men of 2000."(St Petersburg Times)(4-2-2002)
Teresa Earnhardt - Outstanding Mother of the Year: Teresa Earnhardt, the CEO of Dale Earnhardt, Inc. -- the racing and business conglomerate that fields three NASCAR Winston Cup Series race teams [#'s 1,8,15] -- has been cited as an “Outstanding Mother of the Year” for 2002 by the National Mother's Day Commitee. Earnhardt, the widow of seven-time Winston Cup champion Dale Earnhardt and the founder of the organization that bears his name, is one of six women from the entertainment, sports, business and television fields honored by the committee.(NASCAR.com)(3-29-2002)
Expect Harvick and R Gordon to be fined and penalized UPDATE penalties announced: #31-Robby Gordon and #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. were called to the NASCAR hauler to meet with series officials following Sunday’s Food City 500 at Bristol. The two traded bumps several times during the race, and after the race ended, Gordon drove his No. 31 Chevrolet into the back of Earnhardt Jr.’s car on pit road, turning it around. NASCAR officials said they planned to review the incident and that Gordon would likely be penalized in a similar fashion to Tony Stewart, who was fined $10,000 last year for spinning Jeff Gordon on pit road. After the pit road incident, Robby Gordon drove to the garage area, while Earnhardt Jr. stopped on pit road for media interviews, as is common for drivers who finish in the top five (Earnhardt Jr. was fourth). As Earnhardt Jr. was getting out of his car, Mike Scearce, the jack man for Gordon’s team, ran up to Earnhardt Jr.’s car and Scearce and members of Earnhardt Jr.’s team exchanged obscenities before they were separated.(ThatsRacin.com)
AND Kevin Harvick likely faces a large fine and probation for his actions on pit road following Saturday’s Channellock 250 BGTN race at Bristol. Greg Biffle hit Harvick’s car exiting Turn 4 on Lap 240, sending Harvick into the wall. Harvick waited in a pit stall on the frontstretch until the race was over and when Biffle brought his #60 Ford on pit road, Harvick charged after him and the two locked arms for nearly a minute before they were separated(actually jumped on and over Biffle's car). Saturday afternoon, Harvick, his crew chief, Kevin Hamlin, and car owner, Richard Childress, all met with NASCAR officials. Childress met with NASCAR President Mike Helton again early Sunday morning, and Childress, Harvick and Helton met again for 25 minutes later Sunday morning. Harvick had to cancel an appearance in the hospitality village Sunday morning because of his meeting with Helton. Helton said penalties against Harvick will be issued this week, perhaps as early as Monday. “I think the issue we have to deal with, is how disruptive Harvick’s actions were and how detrimental his actions were to the overall scheme of things,” Helton said. Childress agreed that NASCAR had to take some action. Not only was Harvick frustrated with having his car wrecked, but he was shaken by the wreck itself. “It was a tough hit,” Childress said. “He couldn’t walk hardly last night. He’s really hurting today.”(ThatsRacin.com)(3-25-2002)
UPDATE: NASCAR officials announced today they have penalized NASCAR Winston Cup Series drivers Robby Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr., for intentionally running into each other's car during the cool-down lap of the Food City 500 at the Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, TN. Gordon, driver of the #31 NASCAR Winston Cup Series team, was fined $10,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until Aug. 28th. Earnhardt Jr. was fined $5,000. Both drivers were penalized under Section 12-4-A in the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup Series rule book: "actions deemed by NASCAR Officials as detrimental to stock car racing."
A penalty was also levied against driver Kevin Harvick for his actions in the pits following Saturday's Channellock 250 NASCAR Busch Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway. Harvick, driver of the #29 NASCAR Busch Series team, was fined $15,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until Aug. 28th. He was penalized under Section 12-4-A in the 2002 NASCAR Busch Series rule book: "actions deemed by NASCAR Officials as detrimental to stock car racing."(NASCAR PR)(3-25-2002)
Baseball scheme for Dale Jr: hearing Dale Earnhardt Jr will run a 2002 Major League Baseball All Star scheme at Daytona in the Pepsi 400 in July. The car is mostly red with a baseball bat on the rear quarter panels. Last year Earnhardt Jr ran a MLB All Star scheme last year at the Pepsi 400 with a white scheme, and won the race.(3-26-2002)
More on DEI case UPDATE 2 DEI wins: Testimony in the civil lawsuit between Boiling Springs resident Gray London and Dale Earnhardt Inc. is nearing an end. London's former business associate, Rocky Wagner, and Dale Earnhardt's brother, Randy, took the stand Wednesday. DEI lawyers are expected to call five more witnesses, including Earnhardt's widow, Teresa, before sending the case to the jury. At issue in the trial is a die cast, produced by Action Performance Co., of the car Earnhardt drove in 1974 to his first win on an asphalt track. London contends the car, which he co-owned with members of the Earnhardt family in the Earnhardt Racing Team, was a 1965 Chevelle while DEI claims it was a 1964 model. London and his company, Driver on a Mission, had a 1999 contract with DEI under which the company would receive $550,000 from the sale of the die-cast car and have the opportunity to produce other Earnhardt souvenirs. Randy Earnhardt told jury members the car Earnhardt drove was a 1964 model and carried Doc's Cycle Center as its sponsor. London contends his company, Dainty Maid Foods, was on the side of the car when Earnhardt won. DEI filed a countersuit against London for producing souvenirs without permission.
AND London’s lawsuit against Dale Earnhardt Inc. will resume Monday [today] when the jury is expected to begin deliberating. Superior Court Judge Richard D. Boner said he was prepared to wait out a verdict on Friday, but a unanimous vote from the jury will carry the trial through the weekend. Attorneys gave their closing arguments Friday after spending most of the morning helping the judge hammer out the details of his final instructions to the jury.(Gastonia Gazette - one day link, and the Shelby Star), see more on my Dale Earnhardt tribute page.(3-25-2002)
UPDATE: The jury in the Dale Earnhardt trial has ruled in favor of Dale Earnhardt Inc., awarding the company $10,000 in damages. More later when full story is posted.(Shelby Star)(3-25-2002)
UPDATE 2: Not only did Boiling Springs resident Gray London lose his lawsuit against the Dale Earnhardt empire, he must pay Dale Earnhardt Inc. $10,000 for breach of contract, a jury ruled Monday. After about three hours of deliberations, the jury found that London breached the 1999 contract with DEI when he sublicensed to a third party the right to use Dale Earnhardt’s name. The 1999 agreement released Earnhardt from the now defunct Earnhardt Racing Team, which London and Earnhardt formed with members of the Earnhardt family in 1974. London granted the release in exchange for $550,000 from the sale of a die-cast car made of one of the cars Earnhardt drove early in his career. DEI paid London $450,000. The remaining $100,000 was withheld by DEI because London filed a lawsuit against the company. Speaking for London, attorney Rob Deaton said, “I know that Gray is happy that the jury answered yes to question three, giving him the right in the future without limitations to make souvenirs, except for die-cast cars.” Question three allows London to make and sell souvenirs (other than die-cast cars) with Dale Earnhardt’s name on one or more of the three cars in connection with the Driver on a Mission logo on a souvenir such as a mug or T-shirt. The jury also found that on the night of July 19, 1974, when Dale Earnhardt won his first race on an asphalt track, he was not driving the No. 8 Chevelle with “Dainty Maid” on it as the sponsor, as claimed during earlier testimony by London.(Shelby Star)(3-26-2002)
Earnhardt Jr - a no show UPDATE: Dale Earnhardt Jr. was a no-show at Food City Family Race Night. Advance promotions for the event stressed all scheduled appearances were tentative, and someone who answered the phone at the North Carolina offices of Earnhardt's public relations contact said their office indicated Wednesday that Dale Jr. would not attend. But among hundreds of NASCAR fans waiting in line Thursday afternoon for the doors to officially open for Race Night were scores of disappointed Earnhardt fans - some complaining they would not have made their way to the event had they known ahead of time he would not attend.(see full story at the Kingsport Times News and Bristol Herald Courier)(3-22-2002)
UPDATE: Dale Earnhardt Jr. was a no-show at a local autograph session, instead flying with Stewart to a Kid Rock concert Thursday night in Huntington, W.Va. Earnhardt also may face a civil fine for riding his four-wheeler on someone else's property, according to a Charlotte television station.(Winston Salem Journal)(3-23-2002)
Earnhardt Jr in trouble: Dale Earnhardt Jr has been charged with a crime. The Lincoln County [NC] Sheriff's department says earlier this year Earnhardt and four other people were stopped for four wheeling on private property. The investigating officer says the men were riding all-terrain vehicles. Earnhardt's charged with trespassing. His trial date is scheduled for April 17.(GoCarolinas/WSOC-TV Eyewitness News)(3-22-2002)
Radio Off: With 10 laps left in the race [MBNA America 500 at Atlanta], Dale Jr. turned his radio off.(Sporting News)(3-12-2002)
Earnhardt Jr and Pit Road: #8-Dale Earnhardt had moved up to second place before his right-front tire blew and he hit the wall on Turn 2 of the 22nd lap. During the caution - the race's first - he went to the pits twice to get a new tire and repair the damage to the front-right side of his car. That trouble sent him back to 35th place. But by Lap 80, he had moved back up to second place. Five laps later, his right-rear tire blew and his car careened out of control through the infield. There were more stunts to come during the next few laps. He lost his right-front fender. He also lost his brakes and slid past his pit box, nearly hitting a track official. NASCAR vice president Jim Hunter said, "there will be a discussion" as to whether Earnhardt will be penalized for his pit escapade.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(2-19-2002)
Pit Crew of the Year: The National Association of Pit Crew Members (NAPCM) has announced that the NASCAR Winston Cup #8 Budweiser Chevy “Brew Crew” has been elected the NAPCM 2001 Season Pit Crew of the Year. The online election was held at the National Association of Pit Crew Members website, www.napcm.com during the 2001 season. Cambria Laveck Padgett, Director of Member Services for the NAPCM had this to say, “The #8 Budweiser Crew sure earned it. All season they had pit stops consistently in the 14 to 15 second range. Those guys are always lightening-fast and a great group of competitors.” In recognition of the award the #8 Crew will receive a NAPCM “Pit Crew of the Year” award packet including items from participating sponsor MechanixWear. To vote for the 2002 Season NAPCM Pit Crew of the Year or to learn more about the National Association of Pit Crew Members, visit the Pit Crew Club at www.napcm.com.(NAPCM PR)(2-12-2002)
Earnhardt Jr on Ice: On January 10, 2002, the Greensboro Coliseum was transformed into a Salt Lake Olympic hockey venue for a day to shoot an on-air promotional spot featuring Dale Earnhardt Jr. as an Olympic zamboni driver. This Daytona 500 on-air promotion will air during NBC’s coverage of the Salt Lake Olympic Winter Games that begin tomorrow, Friday, Feb. 8. The spot will run in addition to the Tony Stewart "Olympic Dream" NASCAR and Olympic cross-promotion that has been running since last season. The spot was originally planned for a “stunt double” zamboni driver to drive the machine and Earnhardt Jr. would simply sit in for the tight shots. But when Earnhardt Jr. arrived he said, “I’m here, I might as well drive.” All of the shots that made the final cut of the piece are all Earnhardt Jr. driving the zamboni. In the spot, in between hockey games one ice manager says to the other, “I don’t know how we’re going to get this thing turned around for this one.” And the other ice manager says, “Don’t worry about it, I made a phone call.” Then Earnhardt Jr. appears driving the zamboni. The promotional spot pays close attention to detail as it is 2002 NASCAR rules compliant with the Olympic pit crew all wearing helmets. As Earnhardt Jr. pits the Zamboni he tells the Salt Lake Olympic pit crew, “It’s a little bit loose in the corners.” The spot was produced by Steve Ulrich, NBC Sports director of promotions, in conjunction with Wide Open Entertainment.(NBC PR)(2-8-2002)
Earnhardts on TV Guide: In its February 16 NASCAR preview issue (on newsstands Monday), TV Guide magazine is honoring the Earnhardt legacy with a set of two holographic covers, one featuring the late Dale Earnhardt, and the other featuring his son, Dale Earnhardt Jr.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(2-7-2002)
Little E films a commercial for the Super Bowl: Anheuser-Busch is teaming up with Dale Earnhart Jr. to deliver an important message about designated drivers. This new commercial featuring Earnhardt Jr., set to debut February 3, during the television broadcast of Super Bowl XXXVI continues Anheuser-Busch's commitment to helping prevent drunk driving. The 30-second ad shows the racing superstar serving as the designated driver and using his famous #8 Budweiser Chevy to drive a friend home. A recent national poll showed that 122 million Americans have either been a designated driver or have been driven home by one. Since 1982, Anheuser-Busch and its wholesalers have invested more than $375 million in alcohol education and awareness efforts to help fight underage drinking and drunk driving and to promote personal responsibility. For more information on these efforts and the progress being made, visit www.beeresponsible.com.(Yahoo Biz)(1-26-2002)
Earnhardt Jr's Book: Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s first book, Driver #8, is now available. It is a behind-the-scenes look at Dale Jr.'s rookie season in Winston Cup. The project which was was started long before his father's tragic accident at Daytona last February, and offers a glimpse at how Dale Jr. coped with the pressures of starting his Cup career as a much-hyped rookie driver in 2000. Dale Jr., with assistance from team publicist Jade Gurss, describes his year race-by-race, including his dramatic victories at Texas, Richmond and at The Winston all-star race. It also details the frustrations of a poor second half of the 2000 season and what is involved in a Winston Cup driver's life away from the track. The book will make its debut on the New York Times Best Sellers list on February 3. "Driver #8" is 16th on the Times non-fiction list following its first (partial) week of sales.(ThatsRacin.com). See my Racing Bookstore page for more info(1-25-2002)
Kerry to test at Daytona UPDATE 4 and run some Cup races: Kerry Earnhardt will test the Dale Earnhardt Inc. No. 8 Chevy during next week's Winston Cup session.(Daytona Beach News Journal)
UPDATE: actually being told the car will be #81 and is just a test, not to be run in the Daytona 500 - that is all I know or have heard(1-10-2002)
UPDATE 2: The car will be #81 and be used as a baseline -- or something off which one can bounce ideas, in this case, Michael Waltrip -- when DEI comes back here for tests next week. #8-Earnhardt Jr's team was able to work with #1-K. Wallace's team earlier this week, but Waltrip would not have had available help. It'll help Michael, Little E and Kenny. Also hearing other two-car teams are also bringing back baseline cars that were in the first test using different numbers(1-12-2002)
UPDATE 3: CNN/SI's NASCAR Plus show reported that Kerry Earnhardt will run 4-5 Winston Cup races early in the season. Running the #81 DEI Chevy (no sponsor mentioned). When Steve Park is ready to return (between Texas and Daytona in July) to the #1 Pennzoil Chevy, Kenny Wallace will drive the #81 which will have gained owners points in case provisionals are needed.(CNN/SI's NASCAR Plus)(1-14-2002)
UPDATE 4: Kerry Earnhardt, oldest son of the late Dale Earnhardt, is testing the #81 Chevy for Dale Earnhardt Inc. this week at Daytona in hopes of running a few Winston Cup races this season in addition to his BGN schedule. Earnhardt is using a speedway car from the Steve Park team to test this week. "We're just down here trying to get some seat time for me and help my guys learn a little bit in aero stuff," he said. "If I'm ready, if I'm comfortable (I'll so do some Cup races). There're no plans, but if things go smoothly, we have the potential to do that."(That's Racin')(1-15-2002)

2001 News
Little E in USA Weekend SUNDAY(in print) and online NOW: In the December 2nd edition of USA Weekend, Dale Earnhardt Jr. will be featured in an article. USA Weekend is found in many Sunday newspapers. The exclusive story is called: Living Up to Greatness by Dale Earnhardt JR., excerpts from the story(used with permission): "Now that the NASCAR season is finished, I've had a lot of time to think about everything that's happened. I've grown a lot as a driver, and, since my dad died in a crash last February, I had to deal with a lot of adversity."
"Some people may think I got a free pass up that ladder just because I was his son and carried his name. Don't believe it."
"This was a man who dropped out of ninth grade and ended up as a multimillionaire with a seat on the New York Stock Exchange."
"I learned from him that you are the people you surround yourself with. I stopped spending so much time with those who do not improve me as a person. It takes a while to realize who they are, but I was learning."(11-27-2001)
COLUMN: see the exclusivwe column at Living Up to Greatness by Dale Earnhardt Jr.(12-1-2001)
Teresa to appear: Teresa Earnhardt, widow of the late seven-time NASCAR Winston Cup champion Dale Earnhardt, is scheduled to attend Friday night’s NWCS awards ceremony at the Waldorf-Astoria, the evening’s schedule of activities shows. She is expected to take part in a special audio and video tribute to Earnhardt that will include a performance by country western performer Garth Brooks.(NASCAR.com)(11-29-2001)
Little E's Eye Problem: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr got debris in his eye during his final pit stop that hampered his vision for the last green-flag run. The initial discomfort was so great that he thought he had a piece of metal in his eye, and he went directly to the infield care center to have his eye irrigated and checked after the race. Ironically the debris got in his eye while he was wearing a full-face helmet, something he went to last week(SpeedVision) AND He was taken to the infield care center after the race where he was treated. He was sent home with eyedrops.(RacingExtra) AND Earnhardt spent most of the remainder of the race driving with just one eye open. He finished seventh after starting from the pole. Following the race, Earnhardt was taken to the speedway's infield care center, where he was examined and had his eye washed out. A team spokesman said he may have been bothered by a small piece of metal, but whatever it was did no damage to his eye.(That's Racin')(11-19-2001)
Earnhardt Jr's Helmet: Dale Earnhardt Jr mentioned during an interview on Saturday that he would wear a full-face helmet at Homestead. He had been wearing an open faced helmet favored by his late father Dale and Jimmy Spencer. In the wake of Earnhardt's death in the Feb. 18 Daytona 500, people have been urging Earnhardt Jr. to make the switch. Several discussions following the 17-car accident at Talladega last month led to the switch.(11-11-2001)
Little E's fragrance: Dale Earnhardt Jr. announced the signing of a fragrance company, Drakkar Noir (what Jayski uses too) as an associate sponsor(Richmond Times Dispatch)(11-11-2001)
WCI Person of the Year: The readers of NASCAR Winston Cup Illustrated have spoken loudly, naming Teresa Earnhardt the magazine's 2001 Person of the Year. For the past five years and now with the support of UPS, NASCAR Winston Cup Illustrated has encouraged its readers to nominate an individual within the NASCAR industry who has best represented the spirit and integrity of the sport. Readers made their nominations by telling in 50 words or less why their candidate should be recognized. "It is an understatement to say Teresa Earnhardt has endured a difficult year. Yet she has done more than persevere. She has excelled in many areas and under trying circumstances. She has earned the respect and support of all NASCAR fans who overwhelmingly voted her the recipient of this award," said Steve Waid, vice president of Editorial Development for NASCAR Winston Cup Illustrated. Criteria considered in the nomination process include bringing positive attention to NASCAR Winston Cup racing through achievement, technology or safety; representing NASCAR Winston Cup racing in a favorable light through service to the community or charities; and contributing to the growth of NASCAR Winston Cup racing. Teresa Earnhardt's efforts and actions in 2001 make her the ideal recipient for the award. "It's quite an honor to be named NASCAR Winston Cup Illustrated Person of the Year. It's particularly flattering to know that the fans voted on this award and that there are so many distinguished recipients of this award in the past," Mrs. Earnhardt said. Since her husband's death at Daytona in February, Mrs. Earnhardt has been thrust into the spotlight. She waged a very public battle to keep autopsy photos private and in doing so, she rallied thousands of fans across the country to her cause. She was instrumental in the Florida legislature's decision to take action. Mrs. Earnhardt helped to promote a positive image for NASCAR in a very difficult time for herself and the sport. After February, there were also questions about the future of Dale Earnhardt, Inc. Under Mrs. Earnhardt's leadership, the company has flourished and continues to be one of the top organizations in NASCAR. The three-car DEI team has posted four wins to date this season, and Mrs. Earnhardt has contributed significantly to its positive competitive status. The 2001 NASCAR Winston Cup Illustrated Person Of The Year will be presented by UPS during pre-race ceremonies at Atlanta Motor Speedway on November 18. Ty Norris, executive vice president of motorsports at DEI, will accept the award on behalf of Teresa Earnhardt. Previous winners of the award include Jeff Gordon and Darrell Waltrip (1997), Ray Evernham (1998), Kyle Petty (1999), and the Petty family (2000).(IMG Motorsports PR)(11-10-2001)
Little 'E' eligible? An innocent remark made on "The Tonight Show" has turned Dale Earnhardt Jr. into the most sought after bachelor in NASCAR. see full AP story at That's Racin' - Remark on Leno's show draws a response(11-3-2001)
Dale Jr and Smash Mouth: Budweiser is teaming up with national recording act Smash Mouth on an exclusive concert on Friday, Nov. 2nd, in Charlotte, NC. Tickets for the invitation-only concert can be won through radio station WEND-FM (106.5) in Charlotte. The band will attend Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s "Happy Hour" practice the following day and watch the action from the Budweiser Racing team's pit during the Pop Secret 400 race on Sunday, Nov. 4. Additionally, the logo of Smash Mouth's latest album titled "Smash Mouth," will be displayed on the #8 Bud Chevy's rear decklid and dashboard during the event. The album will be released Tuesday, November 27.(fingerprint.inc/Budweiser PR)(11-1-2001)
Jr's thoughts on #3: If NASCAR ever retires Dale Earnhardt's No. 3, it will be against the wishes of his son and namesake. Dale Earnhardt Jr. said he doesn't think it would be fair to Richard Petty, the sport's other seven-time champion, if NASCAR were to retire Earnhardt's No. 3 and not Petty's No. 43. For the record, Petty has always opposed the retirement of the number he made famous.(Gaston Gazette)(10-28-2001)
Little E in the #3 - in the BGN? UPDATE 2: heard from quite a few readers that Dale Earnahrdt Jr. will run two BGN races in 2002 in a #3 Chevy with Nabisco's and Ritz brand as sponsors in the 2002 BGN race at Daytona and a 2nd un-named BGN race(10-13-2001)
UPDATE: Dale Earnhardt Jr. will return the #3 to racing next season, using his late father's number in two BGN races, sources told The Associated Press on Wednesday. An official announcement is scheduled for Friday at Phoenix, where the car and paint scheme will be unveiled. Earnhardt Jr. will debut the #3 Chevy in February in the BGN race at Daytona. Daytona is the last place the number was used -- Dale Earnhardt was killed in a fatal crash on the final lap of the season-opening Daytona 500. The car will come from Richard Childress Racing, the team Dale Earnhardt won six of his seven championships with, and will be sponsored by Nabisco Co. The second grand National race in which Earnhardt Jr. will compete next season has not been decided. Earnhardt Jr. ran under the #3 during the two seasons he spent in the BGN, but he currently uses the #8 in Winston Cup. That's the same number his grandfather, Ralph, ran with, and Earnhardt Jr. appears unlikely to change that.(That's Racin'/AP). Hearing it'll feature Nabisco's Oreo, and Ritz brands, no word on the 2nd race yet and the car will NOT be black(10-24/25-2001)
UPDATE 2: the other BGN race is Lowes in May running the Vanilla Wafers yellow colors(10-27-2001)

many folks sent me this not sure where it came from
NASCAR announces Penalties: NASCAR Officials announced that Tony Eury, Sr., crew chief of the #8 Chevy received a $25,000 fine for a rule violation found during post-race inspection following Sunday's EA Sports 500 at Talladega. Eury, Sr., was penalized under Section 12-4-T in the 2001 NASCAR Winston Cup Series rule book, "Any car that is found to be under the specified height requirement after the completion& of the race". The minimum height requirement is 51 inches - the #8 car was 1/8 of an inch under this requirement.
Larry Carter, crew chief for the #66 Ford Taurus, was fined $10,000 and placed on probation (until the end of the season) for being involved in an altercation in another competitor.s pit area. Carter is suspended from NASCAR until all fines are paid.
Terry Spalding, team member of the #26 Ford Taurus, was fined $5,000 and placed on indefinite suspension from NASCAR for the unauthorized use of his NASCAR License - selling credentials.
Additional fines were levied against the following crew chiefs for rules violations discovered in inspection prior to the EA Sports 500 at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway and were penalized under Section 12-4-Q in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series rule book: "Any determination by NASCAR Officials that parts and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform& or have not been approved by NASCAR".
Crew Chiif, Car#, Rule Violation, Fine
Bobby King, #90 Ford, Rear Deck Lid, $5,000
Michael McSwain, #28, Rear Deck Lid, $5,000
Peter Sospenzo, #12, Fuel Cell, $5,000
Peter Sospenzo, #12, Underpans, $500
Chad Knaus, #92, Windshield clips (too small), $750
Jimmy Elledge, #55, Travel limiting devices (bump stops), $2,500
Slugger Labbe, #15, Rear window braces, $250
Paul Andrews, #1, Rear window braces, $1,000
Paul Andrews, #1, Unapproved air deflector, $1,250
Donnie Wingo, #26, Unapproved air deflector, $250(NASCAR PR)(10-22-2001)
Post Race Inspection Finds #8 Chevy Too Low: A post race inspection of the cars at Talladega Superspeedway found that the #8 Budweiser Chevy, that Dale Earnahrdt won the EA Sports 500 in, did not meet the minimum height requirements. It was found to be 1/8 of an inch to low. NASCAR said that they will deal with any penalties or fines tomorrow.(Insider Racing News) AND Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s winning car [#8 Chevy] failed post-race inspection following Sunday's EA Sports 500 at Talladega. The car was measured as being under the required 51-inch minimum height from the roof of the car to the ground, NASCAR spokeswoman Danielle Humphrey announced some two hours following the conclusion of the 188-lap event. Humphrey went on to say that NASCAR has never taken away a win for such an infraction, and that the issue will be dealt with Monday morning. She also said Earnhardt Jr. did not jump on the roof during his Victory Lane celebration.(NASCAR.com)(and there were no PCV Pipe Fence this week)(10-21-2001)
UPDATE: The last time a winner had the same problem was in the 2000 season when Jeremy Mayfield [then in the #12 Ford] won at California Speedway. His win stood and his crew chief, Peter Sospenzo, was fined $25,000.(10-22-2001)
Earnhardt Jr wins at Talladega in a wild ending and the big wreck on the very last accident. #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr wins his 2nd restrictor plate race and 3rd overall race of the 2001 season and the $1 million No Bull Bonus for his team and for a fan Carrie Richter of Conneaut, OH. #20-Tony Stewart was 2nd with #99-Jeff Burton in 3rd. #7-Lepage and #1-Wallace got their first top 10's of 2001. The #7 Ford team finished in the top 10 of all four restrictor plates races (Daytona and Talladega), three with Mike Wallace and one with Lepage. #4-Bobby amilton Jr had his best career finish, a 14th. Sixteen cars/drivers were involved in 'the wreck' when #55-Hamilton and #18-Labonte got together, with Labonte ending up on his roof, Labonte is ok and have heard no reports of any drivers being injured. #24-Jeff Gordon increased his points lead to 395 points over #28-Ricky Rudd with #20-Tony Stewart now in 3rd.
See That's Racin' for EA Sports 500 race results and for the Unofficial Points Standings and the race story: Earnhardt Jr. wins, but inspectors find a problem(10-21-2001)
Little E's Helmet: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. remains one of the few drivers not to use a full-face helmet. Earlier this year, Earnhardt Jr. wore a full-face helmet in the 24 Hours of Daytona race and used one in the first Cup practice at Daytona before his father saw it. "My father asked me to put it up and not use it anymore," Earnhardt Jr. said. "He was really adamant about that." The late Earnhardt used an open-face helmet. Part of his reasoning was that he felt an open-face helmet was lighter and was less weight on the neck in a severe crash. Earnhardt Jr. says that he'd like to use a full-face helmet soon.(Racing Extra)(10-21-2001)
Little E in the #3 - in the BGN? heard from quite a few readers that Dale Earnahrdt Jr. will run two BGN races in 2002 in a #3 Chevy with Nabisco's and Ritz brand as sponsors in the 2002 BGN race at Daytona and a 2nd un-named BGN race(10-13-2001)
NASCAR Softball: DEI Won the Summer 2001 Totally Racin Softball Season Championship. Hendrick Motorsports were undefeated all season till the last game with DEI during the playoffs.(Totally Racin Softball Page)(10-12-2001)
Jr hires sister: Dale Earnhardt Jr. hired his sister, Kelley, recently to be the personal business manager of his company - JR Motorsports. Kelley, a graduate of UNC Charlotte, was formerly an executive with Action Performance(Winston Cup Scene - need sub to read)(9-27-2001)
Little E wins at Dover: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr won the MBNA Cal Ripken Jr 400 at Dover. Great scene with Dale Jr carrying a large USA Flag around the track on his backwards victory lap. 2nd place finisher was #25-Jerry Nadeau who started 41st using a provisional. #28-Ricky Rudd was 3rd and #24-Jeff Gordon was 4th, Gordon lost 10 points to Rudd, but still leads the Winston Cup Championship by 212 points, with #20-Stewart 3rd, 412 points behind. See That's Racin' for Unofficial Results and Driver Standings and a That's Racin': Rudd spins, Earnhardt Jr. wins(9-23-2001)
I Want my MTV: Dale Earnhardt Jr. will present an award at Thursday night's MTV Music Video Awards in New York City.(RacingExtra)(9-5-2001)
Earnhardt to test at Darlington UPDATE: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr is scheduled to test at Darlington Raceway on Wednesday, August 22nd(FSN's Totally NASCAR)
UPDATE: Dale Earnhardt, Jr. is not testing at Darlington Raceway on Wednesday, August 22, 2001. However, Darlington Raceway is holding a press conference at noon with the popular driver(8-22-2001)
Little E dons a head restraint UPDATE Stewart and Spencer are the only non wearers: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr., at the urging of several fellow Winston Cup drivers, wore a head-and-neck restraint device for the first time in Saturday afternoon's final practice session at Michigan. "I was just trying it out," Earnhardt Jr. said. "In the past week or so a couple of drivers asked me if I would try it out. So I figured I probably should." Earnhardt Jr. said he would likely wear the device in Sunday's Pepsi 400 and in further Cup races(That's Racin')(8-19-2001)
UPDATE: only two drivers, #26-Jimmy Spencer and #20-Tony Stewart, were not wearing head-restraint devices, among the 43 participating in the Michigan event.(SpeedVision)(8-20-2001)
Dale Jr Recognized: Dale Earnhardt, Jr., recognized by the Rev. Jesse Jackson at the PUSH/Rainbow Coalition Sports Banquet: Thursday, Dale Jr., was whisked to Chicago, where he was recognized by the Rev. Jesse Jackson at the PUSH/Rainbow Coalition Sports Banquet. Earnhardt Jr. also presented a special award to African-American driver Morty Buckles, who recently won his first major NASCAR late model race. Following the banquet, Dale Jr. returned to upstate New York Thursday evening for the Watkins Glen race weekend(Budweiser PR)(8-14-2001)
Dale Jr Believes Broken Seat Belt UPDATE: Dale Earnhardt Jr. says in an interview in the September issue of "Playboy" magazine that he believes his father's seat belt broke in the crash that killed Dale Earnhardt in the Daytona 500 on Feb. 18. "He had an impact with the steering wheel," Earnhardt Jr. says. "That means the seat belt had broken, or he couldn't have been that far forward. That's a long way - you could hit your chin on the wheel, maybe, but not your chest. He had broken ribs from the wheel and that has to mean a broken belt." Earnhardt's autopsy showed broken ribs on his left side, but questions about a separated seat belt's role in his crash on the final lap in this season's first race have been argued since that day. NASCAR is expected to issue its report on the crash sometime next month(That's Racin')(7-27-2001)
UPDATE: Dale Earnhardt Jr. remains convinced that a broken seat belt led to the injuries that killed his father, seven-time NASCAR Winston Cup champion Dale Earnhardt, in the season-opening Daytona 500 on Feb. 18. "Three days after the accident, I was already sure of what was going on," Earnhardt Jr. said Saturday, one day after the Orlando Sentinel published a story in which its sources speculated on the contents of NASCAR's investigation into the tragedy.(see full story at That's Racin')(8-12-2001)
Little E to get Dad's Number? Too good to be true? Picture this: Dale Earnhardt Jr. reviving the #3 car next season with a split-sponsored deal between GM Goodwrench and Budweiser(Sporting News), No Other Details mentioned, this is a rumor(8-6-2001)
Little E on TV Tuesday: Dale Earnhardt Jr. is scheduled to appear on ABC's "Good Morning America" show on Tuesday, July 31. The morning talk show airs from 7:00-9:00am/et, no word on an exact time Earnhardt Jr will be on(NASCAR.com)(7-30-2001)
Dale Jr Believes Broken Seat Belt: Dale Earnhardt Jr. says in an interview in the September issue of "Playboy" magazine that he believes his father's seat belt broke in the crash that killed Dale Earnhardt in the Daytona 500 on Feb. 18. "He had an impact with the steering wheel," Earnhardt Jr. says. "That means the seat belt had broken, or he couldn't have been that far forward. That's a long way - you could hit your chin on the wheel, maybe, but not your chest. He had broken ribs from the wheel and that has to mean a broken belt." Earnhardt's autopsy showed broken ribs on his left side, but questions about a separated seat belt's role in his crash on the final lap in this season's first race have been argued since that day. NASCAR is expected to issue its report on the crash sometime next month(That's Racin')(7-27-2001)
Teen Hurt at NASCAR School in Philadelphia: A 15-year old Wilmington, Delaware boy has been injured during a NASCAR racing school for urban youth in Fairmount Park. Curt Tori was taken to a local hospital after crashing his race car which is one-quarter the size of a regular NASCAR vehicle. Tori was racing his number 25 car when he swerved to avoid another racer on the makeshift course at Memorial Hall in Philadelphia. His car slammed into a Philadelphia police cruiser. The officer was not hurt, Tori was taken off the course on a stretcher. Witnesses say he was alert and talking. The race has been cancelled. (KYW News), some notes: the race was cancelled due to rain, not the accident. And Dale Earnhardt Jr was there at the event; plus see a story at the Philadelphia Daily News(7-27-2001)
Great Quotes by Little E and BP on this 'fix/conspriacy' junk being tossed around, bu Earnhardt Jr: "It was a great moment in NASCAR history and it got kicked in the (groin)." Pretty much sums it up, anyhow, Dale Earnhardt Jr held a press conference at Chicagoland Speedway today, many stories on my Story/Column Links Page deal with it. And another great quote by Benny Parsons: "It was a great race," Parsons said. "For people to diminish that in some way with the notion of conspiracy is disgusting. It frustrates me to no end. And I'm afraid there are going to be some people out there who buy into that nonsense and may not want to watch. But all you've got to do is see how Dale Jr. jumped out of the car," he said. "That wasn't the reaction of someone who knew ahead of time he was going to win. He can't be that good of an actor."(AJC) and from NASCAR VP Mike Helton: "It was so ludicrous, it was humorous."(7-13-2001)

Little E - No Interviews:Dale Earnhardt Jr. has decided not to grant interview requests in the days leading up the season’s second visit to the 2.5-mile track where his father, Dale Earnhardt, was killed on Feb. 18. "This may sound strange or hard to believe, but I’m looking forward to racing at Daytona," Earnhardt Jr. said. "It’s the greatest track we race at for all of its history and the fact it was really the first superspeedway of its kind. You just know it’s special every time you get on the track. Restrictor plate racing is my favorite because you are always two- and three-wide, and the driver can really make a difference. As for anything else, I really don’t have any comments right now. I don’t know how I will feel when I go through that tunnel or how I will feel when I pull onto the track. I will just to wait and see.(Gaston Gazette)(7-4-2001)
Rolling Stone and Little E: This week's Rolling Stone magazine features a three-page article about Dale Earnhardt Jr.(Racing Extra), it's not online, but at their site it has this listed: The Nascar star soldiers on after watching his father die on the track.(6-13-2001)
Childress to help out DEI? Richard Childress has been asked to take an advisory role at Dale Earnhardt Inc., helping Teresa Earnhardt with the three-car Winston Cup operation, according to sources close to the team(Winston Salem Journal)(6-12-2001)
Idiot Tosses Bottle: The best radio chatter at last Sunday's Coca-Cola 600 was heard during the pace laps between Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his team: Dale Jr : "Wassup, guys? You guys have fun tonight, all right? Whoa! Somebody just threw a beer bottle at the car." Ty Norris (team spotter): "Yeah, NASCAR is talking about it too." Dale Jr: "It musta been Sterling Marlin that threw it cuz it was a damn Coors Light."(Toronto Sun)(5-31-2001)
Little E to run in the BGN at Lowes: Joe Nemechek announced today that Dale Earnhardt Jr. has agreed to take over driving duties for him in the CarQuest Auto Parts 300 to be held at Lowe's Motor Speedway this Saturday. Nemechek, who was injured in a Busch Series test at Dover Downs International Speedway on May 15th, said he and Crew Chief Brian Pattie came to a quick decision as to whom they wanted in the seat of the #87 Cellular One Chevy. For Earnhardt Jr., Saturday's race will be his first Busch Series event since he stepped up to Winston Cup competition following the 1999 season. Heading back to his home track in his first attempt with a different team, Earnhardt Jr. says he's intrigued by the opportunity. The prognosis for Nemechek, meanwhile, is race-to-race. Recovering from a broken right arm and broken right scapula, he will be relieved by Bobby Hamilton Jr. in Sunday's Coca-Cola 600. No further decisions have been made regarding future Winston Cup or Busch Series events.(NEMCO Motorsports PR)(5-23-2001)
DEI News: The company founded by seven-time NASCAR Winston Cup Champion Dale Earnhardt and his wife Teresa, today revealed its corporate structure, still aimed at long-term development of the company and its three NASCAR Winston Cup teams. The definition of the company's structure comes after three months of outside speculation regarding the organizational future of one of NASCAR racing's most competitive operations. The structure is part of a long-term plan to develop the company well into the 21st century. Teresa Earnhardt, owner and CEO of Dale Earnhardt, Inc. has named Doug Swanson to continue as Chief Operating Officer, Ty Norris Executive Vice President of Motorsports, Steve Hmiel Director of Motorsports, Joe Hedrick Vice President of Licensing and Judy Queen Director-Office of the CEO. She stated, "Dale and I had a plan for the long term growth of this company years ago. As DEI moves ahead, we're placing people in their respective roles to meet the goals that we envisioned. We have people at Dale Earnhardt Incorporated that are very dedicated to their profession and the goals we have as a company. This structuring defines the roles of specific individuals and their responsibilities that will help the company reach our potential. Based on what I've seen from our people, we'll meet our expectations and more in the next few years." Chief Operating Officer Doug Swanson, 60, brings over 35 years of business management to Dale Earnhardt, Inc. A former partner of a Big Five CPA firm, Swanson, a Greensboro, NC native, has owned his own business and served as an officer with several other corporations before joining DEI in August of 2000. Ty Norris, previously Director of Motorsports, has been promoted to the position of Executive Vice President of Motorsports. All racing-related issues at Dale Earnhardt, Inc. are the direct responsibility of the 35-year-old Norris, both at the track and at the company's 200,000 square-foot Mooresville, NC complex. The Sumter, SC native has been an integral part of the operation since 1996, when DEI claimed its first championship in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Since that time, DEI teams have claimed an additional truck series crown (1998), two NASCAR Busch Grand National Series titles (1998-1999) and six Winston Cup victories, including the 2000 Winston and the 2001 Daytona 500. Assuming Norris' former position as Director of Motorsports is Steve Hmiel, DEI's current Technical Director and longtime NASCAR Winston Cup crewchief. Hmiel's role as Technical Director will be merged with his new position, creating the title of Director of Motorsports and Technical Development. The 47-year-old, Albany, NY native has been instrumental in guiding DEI's wind tunnel and chassis development programs and he will continue to do so along with numerous other management responsibilities. In addition to overseeing daily operations at the shop, Hmiel will manage the operation of all three of DEI's NASCAR Winston Cup teams trackside. On the licensing side of Dale Earnhardt, Inc., 34 year-old Joe Hedrick has been promoted to the position of Vice President of Licensing. Hedrick's role includes the licensing of the Dale Earnhardt, Inc. brand and the Dale Earnhardt name and likeness, as well as performing similar duties for the three DEI teams and Kerry Earnhardt. Hedrick joined DEI in mid-2000 after a five-year stint at Sports Image, a company Earnhardt owned prior to selling it to Action Performance, Inc. Hedrick, a Lenoir, NC native, will be responsible for maintaining the quality and availability of all Dale Earnhardt and DEI-related apparel and collectables. Judy Queen has been named Director of the Office of the CEO, assisting Teresa Earnhardt directly. Queen, a Dale Earnhardt, Inc. employee since 1998, served as the Earnhardts' personal assistant since joining the firm. Among her duties are the networking of information relating to the CEO. In addition, Queen serves as Office Manager, overseeing administrative personnel(DEI PR)(5-17-2001)
Little sells memoir? Dale Earnhardt Jr. has sold the memoir he had begun working on prior to his father's death, according to a report. Time Warner Bookmark is said to have purchased the rights to make them into a book. With a scheduled release date of 2002, the book will cover Dale Jr.'s rookie season and how he has dealt with growing up in the world of racing. It will be co-written by Jade Gurss, who handles Earnhardt's public relations. The selling price was rumored to be in the $1 million range(NASCAR.com)(this was seen on a site called Inside.com but need a password to read it)(5-17-2001)
#50: tonights race at Richmond will mark #8-Dale Earnhardt's 50th career Cup start(5-5-2001)
Little E Speaks: Dale Earnhardt Jr. says that none of the controversy over the investigation into his father's death in a Feb. 18 crash during the Daytona 500 has shaken his faith in NASCAR or its president, Mike Helton. "I know what the facts are," Earnhardt Jr. said Tuesday at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte. "I am not going to tell you what I know, don't ask me what I know, but I know what the facts are. I am not sitting here waiting for an answer like you all are. And I'm OK with it." Earnhardt Jr. said that he believes the left lap belt in his father's car broke, despite the fact that Tommy Propst, an emergency worker at the scene the crash, said the belt was intact when Propst loosened it from around Earnhardt. See the full story at That's Racin': Earnhardt Jr. says his faith in NASCAR not shaken(5-2-2001)
#8 Special Paint? UPDATE 3: hearing Dale Earnhardt Jr will have a special Ducks Unlimited paint scheme at the Winston with an announcement at Talladega in April. Also hear Earnhardt Jr will also run a All-Star Baseball scheme sometime in the summer, possibly at the Pepsi 400 in July(3-8-2001)
UPDATE: sorry folks, been 'asked' by Action Performance to remove the image and will honor that request, do not email asking for me to send the image, I won't, sorry. The car is white, with red lettering, the All-Star or baseball was blacked out. Will be announced at Texas on March 31st (3-16-2001)
UPDATE 2: the Ducks Unlimited car will be run at Charlotte in October, the Baseball scheme at The Winston and the Pepsi 400 at Daytona(3-25-2001)
UPDATE 3: been told by Action that the Duck Unlimited scheme has been canceled for 2001(4-5-2001)
Dale Jr's Monday: Dale Earnhardt Jr. will spend Monday with representatives from Remington Arms and the U.S. Secret Service, as he takes target practice with Remington's custom sniper rifles. Remington, an associate sponsor of the #8 team, produces many of the weapons used by law enforcement officers all across the country, and the sniper range allows officers and secret service agents to hone their skills(fingerprint.inc/Bud PR)(4-2-2001)
Dale Jr on the tube: Dale Earnhardt Jr. will appear on NBC's TODAY SHOW Wednesday (Apr 4th) morning, most likely somewhere around 7:30am/et. Dale Jr. taped the interview late Tuesday afternoon with Today Show host Matt Lauer at Greenville-Pickens Speedway near Greenville, SC. Dale and the Budweiser #8 team were at the Speedway testing for this weekend's Winston Cup race at Martinsville, VA.(fingerprint.inc/Bud PR)(4-3-2001)
No HANS for Dale Jr: Earnhardt Jr. said that he's not ready to try the HANS device, a head and neck support system that some contend might have saved his father's life. Since Earnhardt's fatal crash, the number of Cup drivers using the HANS has more than doubled. About 15 drivers are expected to wear it for Sunday's race and another dozen are expected to wear a different type of a head-restraint system. "I'm not going to be too quick to start strapping on all kinds of gizmos," said Earnhardt Jr., one of the few drivers in the series who wears an open-face helmet. "I've been running for several years and I've been using the equipment that I feel is necessary. I think it should be [driver] preference. Nothing should be mandatory aside from what we have until they really come up with a sure-fire invention that isn't commercialized."(Roanoke Times)(3-31-2001)
Dale Jr attends a Hockey game: Dale Earnhardt Jr attended a NHL hockey game in Minneapolis, MN where the Minnesota Wikd set an attendance record for NHL expansion teams Wednesday night. Earnhardt Jr. led the crowd in the Let's Play Hockey cheer before the opening faceoff.(St. Paul Pioneer Press)(3-30-2001)
Some Paint Scheme Rumors: #8-Ducks Unlimited at Lowes in Oct; #15 NAPA Memorial Day, Lowes at the Winston and the 600 and at the Pepsi 400 at Daytona(3-27-2001)
Dale Jr Interview UPDATE: The Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) will air an interview with the son of legendary NASCAR great, Dale Earnhardt Jr. Dale Jr. reveals how he is re-evaluating his life, and how the death of his father has changed his life forever. The interview will air on The 700 Club Thursday, March 22 at 10:00am, and on Fox Family Channel at 10:00am/et weekdays. (Please check your local listings.)(PR)(3-20-2001)
UPDATE: A team Budweiser spokeman said Wednesday that they is "very uncomfortable" with the 700 Club promoting their recent interview with Dale Earnhardt, Jr. as an "exclusive." The spokesman said the team had agreed to speak with them to answer two questions about Dale Jr.'s good friend Dale Beaver of MRO, and that they had been promised that there would be no additional questions about his father or the accident. According to the spokesman, they began asking about the tragedy almost immediately. Dale Jr., being gracious, did answer their questions--and quite well. Following the interview, representatives of the show brought out a large backpack full of merchandise for Dale Jr. to sign. "I'm afraid it left us with a very bad taste and it saddens me to see them promoting this as some sort of 'exclusive' interview," said the spokesman(3-21-2001)
Special Budweiser Commercial? UPDATE 2: According to Speedway Illustrated, watch for a very special Bud commercial during the race this Sunday at Darlington. Seems Dale Earnardt and Dale Jr. were scheduled to do one together, Budweiser contacted Jr. and asked him what he wanted to do about it and he said he would like to do it as a tribute to his dad. He was supposedly given complete control(Speedway Illustrated)(3-15-2001)
UPDATE: great commercial, no idea if it will be re-aired during Fox Sports Net's replay of the race at Darlington today at noon or ever again
UPDATE 2: A special Budweiser commercial featuring Dale Jr. aired for the first time during the race telecast on Fox Sunday. It will air once per race for the next several weeks as a tribute to his father, the late Dale Earnhardt. Much of the script was based upon a column that Dale Jr. had written about his father last winter. .Dale Jr. wanted to do another tribute to his dad and also wanted to provide a positive message urging race fans to continue to support and enjoy NASCAR racing. The commercial was shot on a windy, cold day at North Carolina Speedway in Rockingham, NC, while Dale Jr.recorded his narration the following day in a studio near uptown Charlotte(Budweiser/fingerprint.inc PR)(3-19-2001)
Sub: Steve Wolfe, a tire changer on Dale Earnhardt, Jr.' s #8 Bud DEI team, injured his ring finger during a pit stop. He was treated and released from the infield care center. Mike Atwell, a tire changer on teammate Steve Park's #1 Pennzoil team, filled in for Wolfe after Park's car went out with engine failure(The State)(3-12-2001)
Little E Gives a Guitar: Singer Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters was happy with the gift of a new guitar, but the timing made it bittersweet. The Gibson guitar came from stock car racer Dale Earnhardt Jr., who's a big rock music fan. "Two days after I got the guitar I heard that his father had died," Grohl told reporters last week. Earnhardt's dad, one of NASCAR's biggest stars, was killed in a crash at the Daytona 500. "It's an amazing guitar," Grohl said. "We're doing a couple more shows in the next month and I plan on using it just to let him know that I'm rockin' it for him."(Infobeat/AP)(3-1-2001)
DEI Drivers Meet The Press: DEI drivers #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr., #15-Michael Waltrip and #1-Steve Park made their first group appearance since last week’s tragedy that claimed Dale Earnhardt, and each proclaimed their gratitude for how the matter has been treated, and then spoke about carrying on the legacy of their fallen leader. The younger Earnhardt also lashed out at those that have placed blame for the accident on Sterling Marlin, forcing the driver of the #40 Coors Light Dodge to hire extra security at his shop and at the track this weekend at Rockingham. See quotes and comments with the rest of the story at SpeedVision(2-23-2001)
Dale Jr will race at the Rock as will Stewart: Dale Earnhardt Jr., still coping with the death of his father in last Sunday's Daytona 500, will race this weekend at North Carolina Speedway in Rockingham, NC, the Dale Earnhardt Inc. team announced Tuesday. Tony Stewart, who suffered a mild concussion and a bruised left shoulder in a 19-car accident earlier in the race, also will race a spokesman for Stewart said.(ESPN)(2-20-2001)

2000 News
Bud the King: 2000 Joyce Julius and Associates’ Sponsors Report, which calculates the exposure value of NASCAR Winston Cup sponsorships by comparing the on-screen time of a logo or verbal mention against the cost of purchasing a commercial spot during those same broadcasts reports that Dale Earnhardt Jr. gave Budweiser the most bang for its buck during his solid rookie campaign, enabling the Anheuser-Busch brand to earn nearly $58 million worth of exposure, leading all sponsors. Budweiser’s position in the report ended Valvoline’s seven-year run at the top of the annual report. In all, series sponsors saw the value of their investments rise more than 12 percent over last year, continuing a five-year growth trend that has seen a rise of 92 percent. The report also determined that 182 separate sponsors earned over $1m in mentions on network broadcasts, and the typical sponsor earned time worth $57,000 at each event. Miller Lite with driver Rusty Wallace was second on the list followed by Texaco, Valvoline and Interstate Batteries. NASCAR sponsors earned more than $1.6 billion in advertising exposure last season(SpeedVision)(12-21-2000)
Dale Jr get game: #8 Budweiser Chevy driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. has joined InterAct Accessories to endorse the company's family of racing wheels for electronic games. InterAct, Inc. will introduce its newest racing products and packaging, featuring Dale Earnhardt Jr., at a press event on the weekend of November 17-19, 2000 at Atlanta(Yahoo Biz)(11-16-2000)
Little E Tests: Dale Earnhardt Jr. will go to Sebring, Fla., after the Atlanta race for three days of testing in the C5-R Corvette he will drive along with his father and Andy Pilgrim in the 24 Hours of Daytona in February(Roanoke Times)(11-15-2000)
Earnhardt Jr on the tube UPDATE and in People Magazine: Following Sunday’s Phoenix race, Dale Earnhardt JR will fly to Los Angeles for two days of national television appearances. Earnhardt JR will appear on "The X Show" on the FX cable network on Monday night, Nov. 6 (11:00pm/et), and on "Turn Ben Stein On" on Comedy Central (to air in January). He will also tape a segment for Fox Sports Network for the "National Sports Report" show.(fingerprint.inc/Budweiser PR)(11-1-2000)
UPDATE: Dale Earnhardt Jr. will appear in this week's special "Sexy Men" double-issue of People Magazine that hits newsstands Friday. While Brad Pitt is the chosen cover boy as the "Sexiest Man Alive" (the first to receive this "honor" twice), Earnhardt Jr. makes his first appearance in the magazine as one of NASCAR's sexiest drivers. He was photographed for the magazine during a recent race weekend in Dover, Delaware. In addition to the People Magazine coverage, Dale Jr. will be seen in a variety of national television interviews and features in the coming months. Following the race Sunday in Phoenix, Earnhardt Jr. will fly to Los Angeles to tape a series of interviews. Dale Jr. is the featured guest on Monday's edition of "the X Show" on the FX Network. The show will air at 11:00 p.m. Eastern Time Monday evening. FX is a part of the Fox family of networks that will televise NASCAR races beginning in 2001. He will also tape a segment with the Fox Sports Network that will air sometime this week on the "National Sports Report." Dale Jr. will also appear on "Turn Ben Stein On" on Comedy Central. Hosted by the laconic Ben Stein, the 30-minute talk show will air early in 2001. Work also continues on the MTV documentary "True Life" that will chronicle Dale Jr.'s life behind the scenes as a race driver. The one-hour program is scheduled to begin airing on MTV in the week prior to the 2001 Daytona 500(fingerprint.inc/Bud PR)(11-3-2000)
Bud Can: Although fans will have to wait a few more weeks for him to return to PIR, Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s #8 Budweiser car already has been reunited with the track -- on a new 16-ounce Budweiser can, available nationwide through the end of the Cup season in November. Budweiser has produced the can as part of a four-can collector series commemorating Earnhardt Jr.'s Winston Cup rookie season. The PIR-themed can showcases the one-mile oval known as the Desert Jewel, along with an image of Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s Budweiser crew. Earnhardt Jr.'s signature and the words "2000 Winston Cup - Team Work" also appear on the can(Racing Milestones)(10-18-2000)
DEI Announcement UPDATE 2: there will be a 'special' announcement at Dale Earnhardt Inc(DEI) on Tuesday, Oct 17th at 9:30am/et(RP), have not heard what it is for sure, two rumor's I have heard: the third DEI team running one or two races this year(see Waltrip story below), the other is Dale Sr running an Oreo scheme in the Daytona BGN race, but it seems kind of early for an announcement concerning Daytona(10-16-2000)
UPDATE: have heard noting official yet, but am hearing the announcement was that Dale 'Sr' and Dale Jr are going to run the 24 Hours of Daytona together and they unveiled the car, a Corvette that they are racing there
UPDATE 2: Road racing veteran Andy Pilgrim has a couple of new teammates for the 2001 version of the Rolex 24 at Daytona – Dale Earnhardt and Dale Earnhardt Jr. The announcement was made today at DEI's shop on the Earnhardt farm south of Mooresville, N.C.(SpeedVision)(10-17-2000)
Huh? Dale Earnhardt Jr. denied speculation that he will let his father drive his car at Lowe's Motor Speedway near Charlotte in the next race as a last-ditch effort to win the Winston Cup championship. At Charlotte last May, Dale Jr. had a dominant Chevrolet --- winning The Winston all-star exhibition and dominating the Coca-Cola 600 before mechanical problems late in the race. "That's just rumors. . . . That would be a big slap in the face to the guys who work on his car, so he surely wouldn't want to do that," Dale Jr. said. "He has got a lot of confidence in his (team). There is no reason for him to throw everything away on some foolish move like that."(by switching cars, it is meant that Dale Sr would use a DEI car painted up in GM Goodwrench colors and have the #3 on it)(Atlanta Journal Constitution)(10-2-2000)
I want my MTV: Casey Atwood along with Dale Earnhardt Jr. will be the subject of an upcoming MTV documentary that focuses on what it's like to be a hot young NASCAR star(Tennessean)(9-22-2000)
Unapproved Parts: NASCAR officials confiscated two unapproved parts during Friday's prequalifying inspections. An unapproved axle part was taken from the #8 Bud Chevy driven by Dale Earnhardt Jr., while an unapproved fuel system safety valve on the #66 BigKmart Ford driven by Darrell Waltrip. The parts was tagged and on display at the NASCAR hauler(That's Racin')(9-18-2000)
Father and two sons REPOST and History: if Kerry Earnhardt makes the starting field for the Pepsi 400 at Michigan it would be the 2nd time a father raced against his two sons in NASCAR's premier series. On August 3rd, 1960 at Birmingham, AL, #42-Lee Petty raced his sons #43-Richard and #44-Maurice. Richard was 2nd, Lee was 3rd and Maurice was 8th in a 50 mile event with 16 cars starting(Forty Years of Stock Car Racing by Greg Fielden and some research by...)(7-28/8-16-2000)
DEI Sets Record: The three first time winners in this season matches a mark found just six years ago when in 1994 Sterling Marlin, Jeff Gordon and Jimmy Spencer won for the first time in their careers. While there have been 25 drivers, including Park, to score their initial career victories since the sport entered its "modern era" in 1972, this is the first season an owner has been able to claim two first-time winners. Both Dale Earnhardt, Jr., who scored his initial win in the 500 at Texas in April, and Park drive for the team owned by Dale Earnhardt(DEI)(TachZone)(8-15-2000)
Another Earnhardt in Cup? UPDATE 2 Kerry Earnhardt, Dale Sr.'s son, is set to make his Winston Cup debut next month at Michigan(PitNow) AND ARCA driver Kerry Earnhardt is contemplating a qualifying attempt in the Winston Cup race at Michigan Speedway on Aug. 20. Earnhardt, the older brother of Dale Jr., won the ARCA race at Pocono last month(Times Dispatch) AND Kerry Earnhardt may join father Dale and younger brother Dale Jr. in the Pepsi 400 in Brooklyn, Mich., on Aug. 20. Kerry, who won the June ARCA race at Pocono, tested in a Winston Cup car recently and his speed would have been seventh fastest in the June Michigan race. "We've got three more ARCA races after this one and that's what we're concentrating on right now," Kerry said. "We'll see how everything goes from here and just see what comes up."(Times Leader). No idea what team, it does not say(7-22-2000)
UPDATE: TNN's Raceday reports that the Cup run at Michigan by Kerry would be in a DEI car(7-23-2000)
UPDATE 2: but RPM 2Day reported that Kerry Earnhardt will drive the ARCA car he drove Saturday at Pocono, BUT that Dave Marcis will not run at Michigan and let Earnhardt use the #71 (and owners points/provisional) and the car would be sponsored by Realtree (Marcis's fulltime sponsor and an assoc on the #3 with Kerry's father Dale). If Kerry makes the Cup race, Ron Hornady's #3 NAPA BGN crew will pit the car(ESPN2's RPM 2Day)(7-23-2000)
Little E Crashes..but is OK UPDATE: Dale Earnhardt Jr. crashed the #8 Budweiser Chevy at Pocono during Saturday AM practice and was taken to the hospital. Eanrhardt is expected to return to Happy Hour practice for the Pennsylvania 500 later this afternoon. Earnhardt crashed in the second turn but did not lose consciousness and was transported to Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown(PA) for a precautionary CAT scan. The car was damaged enough that Earnahrdt Jr will have to go to a backup car, meaning he will have fall back from his 15th starting spot to the rear of the field before the race starts(ESPN/AP)
UPDATE: Earnhardt Jr was interviewed just before Happy Hour and says he is sore but feels fine. He will run Happy Hour practice with his brother Kerry standing by if needed(TBS)(7-22-2000)
TV and Earnhardts: Earnhardts Sr. and Jr. Featured on ESPN's "Outside the Lines". Dale Earnhardts Sr. and Jr. will be featured on the Emmy-winning show, "Outside the Lines", on Tuesday, July 18, at 7:00pm/et on ESPN.(yep same time as RPM 2Night on ESPN2). The theme of the show is "All in the Family: Conflicts and Competition."(7-18-2000)
Bud Announcement UPDATE: Budweiser will make an announcement regarding the 2000 season with Budweiser Racing drivers Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kenny Bernstein on Thursday, June 29th at Daytona International Speedway. This will probably be the Olympic Paint Schemes to be run later in the summer (Bristol?). See the #8 Bud/Olympic Chevy on the Paint Schemes page(6-27-2000)
UPDATE: Budweiser drivers Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kenny Bernstein are giving race fans five million new reasons to pull for them this summer during the "Budweiser Race for the Gold" promotion. Officials from Budweiser unveiled the program at a press conference Thursday featuring both drivers. If Earnhardt Jr. wins the NASCAR Winston Cup goracing.com 500 at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway on August 26, and Bernstein wins the NHRA U.S. Nationals Top Fuel event in Indianapolis on September 4, Budweiser will award $5 million to be shared among a consumer ($2.25 million), the United States Olympic Committee ($2.25 million) and the drivers ($250,000 each). In the two "Budweiser Race for the Gold" events, Earnhardt Jr. and Bernstein will race cars with special U.S. Olympic Team paint schemes. For more info on the contest, see my Racing Contest page, to see images of the #8 Budweiser/Olympics Chevy see my Paint Schemes Gallery(fingerprint.inc/Budweiser PR)(6-29-2000)
Wind Tunnel: hearing the #1 and #8 DEI Daytona Chevy's are at the Wind Tunnel in Langley, VA for testing and tweaking(6-26-2000)
Little E first time: for the first time in the 2000 season, #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr qualified outside of the top 25 at Sears Point. He was the final driver who had made all 16 races in 2000 not to make it during first round in ever race(6-24-2000)
Earnhardt Jr Special Paint? UPDATE 3: Officials from Budweiser, the "Official Beer" of NASCAR and the NHRA, will make a special announcement with Budweiser Racing drivers Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kenny Bernstein at Lowe's Motor Speedway regarding the 2000 season on Tuesday, May 23, 2000(fingerprint.inc/Bud PR) Hearing this will be the announcement of a Budweiser/Olympic Games scheme to be run this summer(5-17-2000)
UPDATE: The Budweiser press conference featuring Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kenny Bernstein scheduled for 11:30am/et Tuesday (May 23) at Lowe's Motor Speedway has been postponed(fingerprint.inc/Bud PR) no word on the rescheduled date(5-22-2000)
UPDATE 2: The scheme will be run at the Pepsi 400 at Daytona on the #8 Budweiser Chevy and will be an Olympic Scheme, just got three images in, see them at Jayski's Paint Scheme Page(5-30-2000)
3rd DEI team? UPDATE: Rumor on the distant horizon: A third team for Dale Earnhardt Inc.?(SpeedVision) currently run the #1-Steve Park and #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr teams. No drivers mentioned(5-28-2000)
UPDATE: Ty Norris, head of DEI, isn't enthusiastic about expanding with a third Cup team next season, but says he can't rule it out. Michael Waltrip's name has been coming up in connection with a third Cup team and other possibilities, following Jim Smith's Ultra Motorsports merger with Mattei Motorsports. Smith, who runs Mike Wallace in the #2 CTS Ford truck, might want to put Wallace in a Cup car(PitNow)(5-29-2000)
Earnhardt Jr Special Paint? UPDATE: Officials from Budweiser, the "Official Beer" of NASCAR and the NHRA, will make a special announcement with Budweiser Racing drivers Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kenny Bernstein at Lowe's Motor Speedway regarding the 2000 season on Tuesday, May 23, 2000(fingerprint.inc/Bud PR) Hearing this will be the announcement of a Budweiser/Olympic Games scheme to be run this summer(5-17-2000)
UPDATE: The Budweiser press conference featuring Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kenny Bernstein scheduled for 11:30am/et Tuesday (May 23) at Lowe's Motor Speedway has been postponed(fingerprint.inc/Bud PR) no word on the rescheduled date(5-22-2000)
Another Tired Question about Dale Earnhardt Jr. Why did he(or his crew chief) not get fined for jumping on top of his car as Jeremy Mayfield(his crew chief got fined) did for jumping on his car roof after winning at California. Plain and Simple: I do not know. On Monday's RPM 2Night (ESPN2), Benny Parsons was asked the same question and said that the drivers did not like that fine that Mayfield's team got and that they should be allowed to celebrate. I am not looking to speculate on this, feel free to email NASCAR at NASCAR Online
UPDATE: The deal is Mayfield didn't get fined for dancing on the roof. NASCAR stated the fine was because the roof did not conform to one or more templates. Mayfield made a dent while dancing on the roof, but we hear that was removed, the roof restored to it's previous contour, then checked. Apparently Jr. didn't make any dents, and/or his car passed the template checks(Speedway Illustrated)(5-11-2000)
#8 Scheme? UPDATE 2: see a few diecast sites are listing a #8 Michelob diecast for sale, this may be the rumored Winston scheme. Michelob is of course owned by Anheuser-Busch, who make Budweiser
UPDATE: have been told by a Budweiser rep, that the will be no special paint scheme for the #8 Bud Chevy and they don't know what the Michelob deal is all about and are looking into it(4-22-2000)
UPDATE 2: keep getting question's on what paint scheme Dale Earnhardt Jr will run at the Winston/Coke 600. Budweiser Rep's have told me there will be no scheme change and he will run the same Bud car, but I keep hearing rumors of late that it'll have some sort of Olympics theme. I have seen no images, just rumor(5-11-2000)
Aero Work: Though sophisticated computerized data acquisition is allowed during open testing like that at the Lowes Motor Speedway this week, teams still include basic aerodynamics in their plans. Like many teams, crew chief Tony Eury and his engineers tried a few modifications to the body of Dale Earnhardt Jr's #8 Monte Carlo. Notice the literally taped on pieces of body that are often fabricated on the spot, tested on the track, then replaced with further changes(see the Speedway Illustrated site for the image). If the team hits on something that works, and fits NASCAR templates, the real body will be changed accordingly(Speedway Illustrated)(5-10-2000)
Earnhardt Jr the fastest Correction: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr has won his first two Winston Cup races faster then anyone in Winston Cup modern era. Earnhardt Jr won his 2nd race in his 16th start. Tony Stewart did it in his 32nd race, Dale Earnhardt in his 41st, Jeff Gordon 50th, Darrell Waltrip 65th and Bobby Labonte 77th. Not sure what the all time record is but Red Byron won his 2nd race in his 5th start during the first NASCAR Grand National(Before Winston Cup) season in 1949
Correction: Davey Allison also won his 2nd race in his 16th start(5-7-2000)
eNewsHawaii: NASCAR fans welcome Earnhardt Jr. to Hawaii by Earl Ma
#8 Scheme? UPDATE: see a few diecast sites are listing a #8 Michelob diecast for sale, this may be the rumored Winston scheme. Michelob is of course owned by Anheuser-Busch, who make Budweiser
UPDATE: have been told by a Budweiser rep, that the will be no special paint scheme for the #8 Bud Cehvy and they don't know what the Michelob deal is all about and are looking into it(4-22-2000)
Dale Earnhardt Jr and Rolling Stone: The latest edition of Rolling Stone Magazine hits the streets Friday, April 21 with a major feature story focusing on Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the No. 8 Budweiser Chevrolet in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series. The story, which covers seven pages, chronicles Earnhardt's climb to the Winston Cup series and examines his love of music, his life away from the race track and growing up as the son of seven-time Winston Cup champion Dale Earnhardt. See the full Press Release at: Rolling Stone Magazine Features Earnhardt Jr. (fingerprint.inc)(4-19-2000)
Rookie Win UPDATE: Dale Earnhardt Jr. won in only his 12th Winston Cup start. Ron Bouchard won a Cup race in his 11th start in 1981 at Talladega, Mark Donohue won in his 5th Winston Cup start in 1973 at Riverside, the earliest in the 'modern era' of Winston Cup, he would only make one more Cup start. Others: Morgan Shepherd won in his 15th start (Martinsville) in 1981, but wasn't named Rookie of the Year. Several other drivers won in their first year, but weren't considered ROTY candidates: Dan Gurney at Riverside in 1963 in his third race and Mario Andretti at Daytona Beach in 1967 in his fifth start(Daily Press)(4-4-2000)
UPDATE: Looks like the 'record' for an earliest win is a rookie who is running a full season, not a one time or part time driver. Seems Bouchard is credited with holding the record. See a nice chart on this at That's Racin': Rookies running to Victory Lane(4-7-2000)
Little E gets his first CUP win UPDATE: In his 12th start, rookie Dale Earnhardt Jr won his first Winston Cup race at Texas in the DirecTV 500, the same place he won his first BGN race. It's the first time a father and son have won a CUP race in the same season since 1988 when Bobby and Davey Allison won. Another note mentioned by the CBS crew during the race, Both Dale Sr and Jr won their first CUP race on April Fools weekend, Dale Sr in 1979. Also it's the first time a father and son have won their first CUP race in their rookie season. It's the first win for Dale Earnhardt Inc(DEI), plus Dale Jr had the flu.(4-2-2000)
UPDATE: Earnhardt Jr won in his 12th start, besting his Dad who won in the 16th start in 1979, Davey Allison who won in his 14th start in 1987 and Tony Stewart last year who won in his 25th start. Also the win makes Earnhardt Jr only the 2nd rookie to win his way into The Winston, Davey Allison also did it in 1987. Tony Stewart had to win the Winston Open to get into the field last year. Also it is Budweisers first win since Bill Elliott won in 1994 while driving Junior Johnson's #11 Bud Ford(4-3-2000)
Dyno Testing: NASCAR officials tested the cars of #18-Bobby Labonte, #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. and #99-Jeff Burton on the chassis dyno following the DirecTV 500(Times-Dispatch)(4-3-2000)
The Winston and the Winners Circle: With Dale Earnhardt Jr's win at Texas, he is now in The Winston All Star Race at Charlotte on May 20th. The win also puts the #8 DEI team in final wild card spot in the 2000 Winners Circle Program(4-2-2000)
Earnhardt Jr: Dale Earnhardt Jr. failed to qualify in the top 10 for the first time this season. He was the only who had done it thru five races, he qualified 12th at Bristol(3-25-2000)
Little 'E' News: Dale Earnhardt Jr. spent Monday and Tuesday this week in Atlanta at the Anheuser-Busch national marketing convention. While there, he was joined by an array of stars including country music duo Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, the "Whassup Guys," Super Bowl-winning coach Dick Vermeil, NFL all-pro Orlando Pace, NHRA's 'King of Speed' Kenny Bernstein, Julie Foudy and Brandi Chastain of the US women's soccer team, and Wayne Gretsky, the newly appointed commissioner of the Bud Light Bubble Boy hockey league. See more on the Press Release Page(3-22-2000)
Little E's Problem UPDATE 2: got this from quite a few readers - "....on the scanner today(at Atlanta on Sunday), was listening to the #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr team and it was relayed that the speed sensors that were put on the car to relay telemetry for TV somehow cut or rubbed a hole in the brake line that caused Earnhardt's problem"(3-13-2000)
UPDATE: ... Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s day ended early when a television(not a camera, but telemetry for Mph, RPM etc) sensor cut a brake line(PitNow)(3-14-2000)
UPDATE 2: Dale Earnhardt Jr. confirmed that a wheel sensor placed on his car last week by ABC came off and sheared his brake line early in the race, causing him to hit the wall. Dale Earnhardt, owner of his son's car, said at Atlanta he wasn't going to let TV put that kind of sensor on the car again(Total Sports)(3-18-2000)
Earnhardts CORRECTION: Dale Earnhardt and Dale Earnhardt Jr. with their respective eighth- and 10th-place finishes last weekend at Las Vegas, became the first father and son to post top-10 finishes in the same race since Bobby and Davey Allison finished in the top-10 at Dover in June 1988(That's Racin')(3-11-2000) CORRECTION: actually a few readers pointed out that the Earnhardt's did this last September at Richmond, with Earnhardt finishing 6th and 'Little E' finishing 10th(3-12-2000)
Top 10's: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. and #28-Ricky Rudd are the only drivers who have qualified in the top 10 for all three CUP races in 2000. On top of that Ricky Rudd has quailified on the front row for three straight races with the pole at Vegas and 2nd at Daytona and the Rock(3-4-2000)
Earnhardt's Up Close Interview UPDATE 2: ESPN'S UpClose interview with the Dale Earnhardt and Dale Jr was aired on Wednesday, Feb 2nd, if you missed it, you can see it via Real Audio online at The ESPN NASCAR section(2-3-2000)
Little E/Kenseth: The new edition of ESPN the Magazine hit the newstands on Jan 20th with a cover story on the friendship and rivalry between Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Matt Kenseth(Bud PR)(1-20-2000)
Earnhardt Signs Stolen: Saw this in the Saturday Press of Atlantic City and thought it was interesting: Father-and-son racing legends Dale Earnhardt and Dale Earnhardt Jr. are held in such high esteem in Randolph County that signs along a road bearing their name disappear with maddening regularity. The funny part is that Earnhardt Road in this Randolph County hamlet isn't named for the racing Earnhardts, but for a local builder, Lawrence Earnhardt, who still lives on Earnhardt Road. The green and white signs along Earnhardt Road are the most frequently stolen road signs in the county. It is estimated that in 10 years, about 25 signs have been taken. It is estimated that it costs $100 to replace each sign, including labor. If sign-swipers also take the post, costs can run up to $150(Total Sports)(1-9-2000)
Rolex 24 at Daytona UPDATE 2: hearing that Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart and Dale Earnhardt Jr. will run a CR5 Corvette in the Rolex 24 hours at Daytona.(RPM Diecast) -- UPDATE: not sure how true this is as I have heard from a Stewart spokesperson who says Tony Stewart is not running in the race -- UPDATE 2: looks like Racer Magazine has picked up on the story: It’s been rumored for some time that such a deal was in the works, and the rumor was confirmed today by Dave Hederich, General Motors’ Director of Communications for Motorsports. Hederich described the idea as a ‘wouldn’t it be nice?’, back-burner concept that had been under discussion for some time, and added that it would be more likely for 2001 than 2000(12-21-1999)
Gordon/Earnhardt Jr win: Jeff Gordon won the BGN event at Phoenix, his first win in the series since 1992(he left the series after the 1992 season). Dale Earnhardt, unofficially, clinched the BGN championship(11-7-1999)
Little E: Dale Earnhardt had a 10th place finish at Richmond, the first top 10 of his four race Cup career and the 39th different driver to score a top ten this year(9-12-1999)
Bud Paint UPDATE: Am hearing Dale Earnhardt Jr is going to run a different paint scheme in every race - each one focused on a different brand of Anheuser-Busch beer (Bud, Bud Lite etc)(1-14-1999) -- UPDATE: well not quite but Earnhardt, Jr. who made his Cup debut at Lowe's Motor Speedway on May 30, 1999 will have a slightly different scheme for each race. The car will feature the event date and track where he competes on the decklid(trunk) of the #8 Budweiser Chevy. Earnhardt Jr is scheduled to race in four more Cup races in 1999, including this weekend at NHIS(Let's Go Racing)(7-8-1999)
Earnhardt Jr/NHIS: Despite a serious wreck in a practice session Saturday at the Milwaukee Mile, team officials maintain Dale Earnhardt Jr. will be in Loudon, N.H., next weekend to attempt his second Winston Cup race in the #8 Bud Chevy(That's Racin')(7-4-1999)
Little E hurt? UPDATE 4: just heard this from a source at the Milwaukee Mile: "Dale Earnhardt, Jr was involved in a crash this morning during BGN practice. He was taken from the track in an ambulance to an area hospital for evaluation. Talk in the garage area, unconfirmed by the medical staff, is that he has broken his shoulder." Hopefully he is ok, more to follow as the facts come in -- UPDATE: from NOL - Dale Earnhardt Jr., was injured in a crash in this morning's practice session at Milwaukee. He's been taken to Froedtert Hospital for precautionary treatment to his shoulder and ribs -- UPDATE 2: more from NOL: Earnhardt is being treated for a chipped right shoulder blade. His status for this weekend's events is unknown. Jayski Note: no idea how this will effect his planned attempt in the Cup race at New Hampshire next weekend, way to early to speculate. NOL now has a story up on the accident: Earnhardt Jr. injured in crash at Milwaukee in which it mentions - According to sources close to the team, there is little chance Earnhardt Jr. will miss Sunday's DieHard 250. Ron Hornaday will qualify the #3 AC Delco Chevy. -- UPDATE 3: Earnhardt, Jr also had brusied ribs, plans are for him to start the car and Ron Hornaday to relieve him at the first caution, if not sooner(CBS Preview) -- UPDATE 4: Earnhardt ran Happy Hour and I hear he felt ok and still plans to start the race on Sunday with Horanday standing by if needed(7-3-1999)
NHIS Testing UPDATE 2: Dale Earnhardt Jr. will be at NHIS on June 23rd testing for his second Winston Cup race(NE Racing)(6-17-1999) -- UPDATE 1:I hear Ward Burton and Dave Blaney will be testing the Bill Davis Cup cars at Loudon next Tuesday and Wednesday(June 22-23) (6-18-1999) -- UPDATE 2 I hear BGN/BGNN driver Ted Christopher will test his new Winston Cup Car at New Hampshire on Wed, June 23rd(6-23-1999) -- UPDATE 2: Some speeds(approx) - #22-Burton 128.7mph ; #93-Blaney 128.8mph; #8-Earnhardt, Jr 129.2mph; Earnhardt wrecked one car but was able to test the 2nd car(6-24-1999)
Remington UPDATE 4: I hear Remington will announce their future plans Thursday in Michigan(6-8-1999) -- UPDATE 1: Dale Earnhardt Inc. will hold a news conference on Friday at 9am/et in the Michigan Speedway media center. Dale Earnhardt and Dale Earnhardt Jr. will be present to answer questions(Pennzoil PR), NOTE: this could be the Remington announcement for the #1 or/and #8 car(6-10-1999) -- UPDATE 2: nothing happened Thursday that I heard of, but it could be the DEI announcement on Friday??? -- UPDATE 3: Remington Arms Company announced today a six-year agreement with Dale Earnhardt, Inc. Terms of the agreement include a personal endorsement contract with Dale Earnhardt and an associate sponsorship of the Dale Earnhardt Jr., #8 Budweiser Monte Carlo. The agreement with Dale Earnhardt begins immediately and Dale Jr.'s #8 car begins in 2000. Both agreements run through 2005(Pennzoil PR)(6-11-1999) -- UPDATE 4: Remington will be on the decklid of the #8 Bud Chevy in 2000(Inside NASCAR)(6-13-1999)
What team is Remington going to? According to PitNow and sources close to the situation, Remington Arms has signed with Dale Earnhardt Inc.(DEI)(PitNow), probably as a major associate(6-5-1999)
McLaughlin Spotter? During an interview on TBS with Dale Earnhardt Jr, Dale Jr mentioned that BGN driver, Mike McLaughlin, would spot for Earnhardt Jr in the Coca Cola 600. McLaughlin is also the stand by driver for Tony Stewart if Stewart doesn't make it back to Charlotte after running the Indy 500, wonder who spots for Earnhardt Jr if that happens(TBS Happy Hour show)(5-29-1999) -- UPDATE 1: I hear Mike Calinoff, of RaceComm and regular spotter for Ricky Craven and the #58 team will spot for Earnhardt Jr, and I have confirmed Calinoff will spot because of McLaughlin's uncertainty of what would happen if Stewart couldn't get back in time made DEI decide to go with Calinoff instead(5-30-1999)
Sad News: Ralph Eury, father of Dale Earnhardt Jr. crew chief Tony Eury Sr., died Friday morning. He was 71. The elder Eury competed against the late Ralph Earnhardt, Dale Jr.'s grandfather, on North Carolina dirt tracks. The association between the Eurys and Earnhardts continued with Dale Earnhardt hiring Tony Eury in 1982 to be the crew chief for his Grand National car. It continues today with Dale Jr. and Tony Eury Sr. and Tony Eury Jr., who also helps prepare the defending Grand National champion's cars(GoCarolina's/AP)(5-28-1999)
RAD: The aerodynamic alliance of Richard Childress Racing(#'s 3 and 31), Andy Petree Racing(#'s 33 and 55) and Dale Earnhardt Inc.(#'s 1 and 8) - (RAD) placed all six of its Winston Cup teams in the top 15 in qualifying at Charlotte on Wednesday. Four cars occupied the top eight spots. Since its inception in December, RAD has concentrated on the 1999 Monte Carlo, but when its introduction was delayed until 2000, RAD turned its attention to the current Monte Carlos seeking improvement at high downforce tracks like Charlotte. RAD Aero Engineer Louis Duncan said Charlotte is the first test of the technology developed through computer simulations, wind tunnel work, track testing and a great deal of tweaking. Duncan has a long history in racing. His most recent assignment was providing aerodynamic support to the Ford Motor Company stock car programs. Duncan and his son Brad now work exclusively with RAD(Pennzoil PR)(5-28-1999)
Beer Can: In connection with Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s Winston Cup debut in the Coca Cola 600, his sponsor Budwesier is releasing a 16-ounce can featuring the driver's #8 Budweiser Chevrolet(SpeedNet)(5-26-1999)
DEI Info: Dale Earnhardt Inc has opened their souvenir and showroom area at their shop(see Team Address link to the left for the address and phone numbers)(5-25-1999)
Dale Jr Cup Schedule: Officials from Budweiser and Dale Earnhardt, Inc. today announced that Earnhardt Jr. - who is racing five Winston Cup races for Budweiser in 1999 - has added the Exide NASCAR Select Batteries 400, scheduled for September 11 in Richmond, to his 1999 Winston Cup schedule. The race replaces the October 17 Winston 500 at Talladega as Earnhardt Jr.'s fourth Winston Cup race. "We had hoped tobuild a new super speedway car for Talladega that we could also use next year," said Dale Earnhardt, owner of the No. 8 Budweiser Chevrolet. "Unfortunately, the new Chevrolet Monte Carlo is not going to be racing by Talladega, so we've had to make a change in our 1999 plans. It didn't make sense for us to build a car, or have Dale Jr. drive a car, that we could only use for one race." Earnhardt Jr. will make his Winston Cup debut for Budweiser on May 30 in the Coca-Cola 600 in Charlotte. His other 1999 Cup races include: the Jiffy Lube 300, July 11 at New Hampshire International Speedway; the Pepsi 400, August 22 at Michigan Speedway; and the Napa 500, November 21 at Atlanta Motor Speedway(Anheuser-Busch PR in part)(4-9-1999)
Delays: Bill Weber on RPM2Nite reported that the delay of the new Monte Carlo may affect Dale, Jr's Cup 1999 schedule. Talladega will probably be dropped from the schedule and the team is building three 1998 Monte Carlos and will run five intermediate tracks(no idea which ones, didn't say)(RPM2Nite)(2-16-1999)
More Paint Info: Am hearing Dale Earnhardt Jr is going to run a different paint scheme in every race - each one focused on a different brand of Anheuser-Busch beer (Bud, Bud Lite etc)(1-14-1999)
Dale Earnhardt Jr Cup Schedule: Little E will make his Winston Cup debut at the Coca Cola 600 at Charlotte in May. The other FOUR races he will run are Loudon on July 11th; Michigan on Aug 22nd; Talladega on Oct 17th; and Atlanta on Nov 21st(AP story at WRAL site - Earnhardt Jr. to Make Winston Cup Debut in May), ALSO, NASCAR Online has a great image of the #8 Bud car on their front page, the TNN Motorsports site has some great images too(1-13-1999)
Earnhardt and the #8: I reported on this weeks ago but am getting much email about it, so here it goes again: Dale Earnhardt, who bought the #1 from Richard Jackson's team last year and put it on his car for Steve Park, has purchased #8 from the Stavola Brothers. Dale's dad, Ralph, used that number, and his son, Dale Jr., will drive that number during a five-race 1999 stint.(many sources, this one SpeedNet)(11-9-98)

#8 Team News Archive

#8 News and Links Page
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Born on Date: Jan 8, 2002

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#8 Team News Archive

#8 News and Links Page Jayski's Silly Season Sprint Cup News Page Jayski's NASCAR Silly Season Site Born on Date: Jan 8, 2002

This page designed by Jayski LLC, 1996-2010© All Rights Reserved. Jayski's® is a registered trademark of Jayski LLC Do not duplicate or redistribute in any form without permission or credit.

#8 News and Links Page
Jayski's Silly Season Sprint Cup News Page
Jayski's NASCAR Silly Season Site

Born on Date: Jan 8, 2002

This page designed by Jayski LLC, 1996-2010© All Rights Reserved.
Jayski's® is a registered trademark of Jayski LLC
Do not duplicate or redistribute in any form without permission or credit.