from a CHEVY NSCS AT HOMESTEAD: Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Press Conference Transcript:
WHAT IS THE STATUS OF JUNIOR MOTORSPORTS RIGHT NOW? The #88 car is running all year; the #5 is going to run seven races. I think it is perfect. We (Hendrick Motorsports) merged together to try to consolidate our expenses a little bit and it worked. We didnt get rid of any employees at the merger and we tried to accommodate everybody and keep everybody. But the economy got poor and we were unable to get sponsor for the car next year.
Personally, I like this situation better. I like having one car running for it and I like having the other car just doing some kind of an all star style program that is a little spotty, just race here and there. It is much more easier to do. That is really what I wanted. My goal for that whole company, I want to keep it going however I got to keep it going. When I retire from Sprint Cup Series, I would like to drive for that team for however long I want to keep driving in a limited role. Not for a championship or not go hard, just go out there and just enjoy racing probably way past my abilities, you know what I mean. So hopefully I can keep it going until then.
WAS IT DIFFICULT TO LAY PEOPLE OFF AT JUNIOR MOTORSPORTS? It always is difficult to fire anybody, especially when you have to do it in a big chunk. It is tough, it is not easy. It was 20% of our shop force, maybe about 17 people. See full PR at GM Racing.(11-15-2008)
