DEI Shakeup Coming? UPDATE 2: A shakeup appears to be looming at Dale Earnhardt Inc., with word that DEI boss Ty Norris is talking with Elliott Sadler about driving for the company next season, presumably replacing either #15-Michael Waltrip or #1-Steve Park. Norris says that DEI will make a decision on next year’s drivers lineup by the end of May. Sponsor demands may be the key to Norris’ calls. The NAPA sponsor is considered one at stake, with other car owners looking to make a bid for it. But Geoff Smith, the head of Roush Racing and the man who helped write Sadler’s contract with the Woods brothers, says the decision on Sadler is up to Eddie Wood. “There have been rumors coming out of DEI about Michael Waltrip and Steve Park for some time,” Smith said. “I think this is their logical time table to address change.(Winston Salem Journal)(5-3-2002) UPDATE: Michael Waltrip said Friday morning at Richmond he intends to be back in the #15 Dale Earnhardt Inc. Chevy in 2003. I fully expect that Ill be driving this car next year, Waltrip said. That’ my intention. If it’ a forgone conclusion that I wont be, then I dont know about that. Dale Earnhardt Jr., now part-owner in DEI, didnt completely deny that the team was thinking about putting Sadler in a DEI car next year, and that changes wouldnt be made. It’ not the truth until you hear from us or him (Sadler), Earnhardt Jr. said. I dont know why everybody has to believe stuff like that. It’ kind of funny. I dont know if were looking at Elliott; were just looking at ways to improve our team. I look at our teams myself individually as if they were stock, and we have to continue to raise the value of the team and try to improve the team as far as members, crew members, or any area that we see needs to be improved. We either try to take this guy and help him along or try to improve him or give him the things that he thinks he needs to succeed or we make a change. That’ the nature of the beast. As far as Elliott goes, I wouldnt worry about posting anything until you hear it from us.(RacingOne)(5-3-2002) AND from NASCAR.com -DEI executive vice president Ty Norris told NASCAR.com Friday that the Nos. 1 and 15 teams need one of two things: improved results or a personnel shakeup within the organization. Norris said that DEI has a set deadline for its decision, but would not disclose that date. The current contracts for drivers Steve Park and Michael Waltrip expire following the 2002 season, and Norris said DEI is exploring the possibility of hiring other drivers. Norris said that sponsor input will play a large role in the decision, and that drivers arent the only individuals in question. We basically have two drivers with contracts up and the end of the year, Norris said. So were feeling things out, seeing who is available and what is available. Among the candidates is Elliott Sadler, who asked for his release from Wood Brothers Racing last weekend. Norris said Sadler was very high on his short list of possibilities.(5-3-2002) UPDATE: Norris – “I’m thinking by the beginning of June we’ll know what we’re going to do, for the end of this and for next year, because both Michael and Steve have a renegotiating deadline of June 15.”(ThatsRacin.com)(5-4-2002)
