Park Expects to stay at DEI: Steve Park, worn down by the constant rumors, is looking forward to the day when speculation about his racing career ends. He’ a couple of weeks from knowing his future, but confident his place in Winston Cup racing is secure. Where that place is hasnt been nailed down, but a meeting last week with team owner Teresa Earnhardt has Park more optimistic than he was a month ago. Less than a month ago, Park talked about being on the hot seat and his need to perform to keep his job with Dale Earnhardt Inc. Now he’ talking contracts, either with DEI or elsewhere. In recent weeks, reports had Park out of the car by the Coca-Cola 600, had his sponsor out the door and his team on the realtor’ pages. Speculation remains rampant that Park’ days with DEI are numbered, but he continues to dispute those reports. With the rumors and the gossip, that puts everybody in a position where they think A, the team’ being sold, which is untrue; B, the sponsor’ leaving, which is untrue; C, the driver’ leaving, which is untrue; (or) D, the crew chief’ leaving, which is untrue, he said. It seems like, if you read it in the paper, it’ like God spoke that. Park tried not to think about it too much. He has other things on his mind, like working out a contract. Will that contract be with DEI? Park seems to be more confident that he can turn in performances guaranteeing it. Im not going away, he said. Im going to race. Either this team is going to win with me here or Im going to beat them. I still feel we can win. Weve just got to show that. With Teresa’ support of all of us, it definitely raises all of our spirits.(Winston Cup Scene – need sub to read)(6-7-2002)
