Is Dale Jr nuts?

[FS Myron]

or is this a truly shrewd maneuver on his part?

I have to think the man is a genius. He knew that he had Teresa over a barrel. She had to give in, or he would bolt. Teresa put in too much effort to build the company from the ground up. She's not just going to hand the keys over to someone new, let alone her stepson that she really has never gotten along with. So Junior walks, but he does it early enough in the season, that he can hear everyone's best offer before committing to anything. Due to the fact that Hendrick most likely isn't going to jettison Casey Mears, there are two teams that will vie for his services. Gibbs or RCR is where Junior will end up. Gibbs would be the most likely location because of the fact that Junior wants to win a championship, and RCR hasn't sniffed one in 10 years. Gibbs has won three of the last seven championships. Junior is close friends with Stewart and Hamlin. The only possible snag would be that Joe Gibbs is devoutly religious and he could conceivably have an issue with an alcohol sponsor. Other than that, expect Junior to be driving for Gibbs next year.

[HUDSON HORNET]

"Is Dale Jr nuts"?
Hmmmmmmmmmm

Is it "nuts" to drive inches apart with 42 other cars on a track going over 200 mph?
Hmmmmmmmmmm

I think the answer is yes.

However, Dale Jr might just be normal, too.
Ya reckon?     

[flamehothead]

The only possible snag would be that Joe Gibbs is devoutly religious and he could conceivably have an issue with an alcohol sponsor.

Yeah but BUD said they will continue to work with Jr thru the 2008 season so Jr might just say SEEYA to BUD if they are only going to be together for another year.

He said he doesn't want to have to do this again so I doubt he will let a One Year stand between his future and not having a Sponsor.

[PuglieseVT]

Like he said during Daytona testing, "It ain't always been a bed of roses...". That's for sure. He had to fight like crazy just to get the rights to his freaking NAME not too long ago. I think that manuever was the begining of the end. He was getting things in line to move on if he didn't get what he felt he was entitled to. Think about it: He's the one out there risking his life, catching on fire, hitting walls at 150mph, etc. Teressa shows up for a few minutes at 2 races a year, then bolts, nowhere to be seen, like some sort of bargain basment Howard Hughes.

Drivers today are finally being paid what they're worth, and don't need to submit to the wishes and demands of the ownership anymore. I think this is a watershed moment for the drivers, as the owners and sponsors have run the show for so long.

NASCAR is a driver-driven sport, and has succeeded and became popular because of unprecidented access to the stars of the sport. I can gaurentee you he won over more than a few more fans yesterday with the way he handled himself. You could watch it with the sound off and learn all you needed to know.

[S.D. Grady]

Who? WHo? Who?  That is the question, ain't it?

I'm in the very small minority that are thinking...Ginn.  Look at what Martin has done with their equipment this year.  I know it's kind of sudden success, but they would be the team willing to give Jr. everything he wants and needs and he could provide the kind of draw they need for sponsor shopping.

My second shot is for Gibbs.

I think RCR would put a lot of pressure on Junior that just isn't necessary.  It's time for us to think of him as his own man and stop putting him up side by side to the popular image of his father. 

But that's all just thinking out loud.

[PuglieseVT]

Although the logical first choice is Childress, my gut reaction was Gibbs. He and Tony have a great relationship and could probably function well together. Yeley isn't really doing that much, and I'm sure Gibbs would leap at the opportunity to get him on board.

Jr.'s main goal is to win races and championships, and get going fast. Ginn has decent equipment with the old cars, but can't seem to get ahold of the COT. Gibbs is all over it, as is Hendrick.

if he goes to RCR, everyone is going to be clammoring to bring the #3 out of retirement. I don't know if Harvick is the best teammate either. I think the only person who can really coexist with him in that capacity is Jeff Burton, because he's Jeff Burton.

[flamehothead]

I don't know if Harvick is the best teammate either.

With all the HYPE about Jr leaving I totally forgot that Harvick would be his Teammate if he went to RCR.

WOW you really brought up a VERY GOOD point BMF. I'm sure RCR would give Jr a little more attention if he comes over and THAT would NOT go over well with UnHappy Harvick so maybe JGR IS his (Jr) best bet.

As for GINN racing, I agree they don't have the best Equipment. I'm NOT saying Jr isn't a good driver because we all know he is but I don't think he would have the same results as Martin is having at GINN. Martin is a Veteran and he knows what to tell the crew when the car isn't driving well. In every race this year Martin may start off running bad but in the end he is right up front.

I've seen a Good Team make a Bad Driver look good, And I've seen a Good Driver make a Bad Team look Good but it doesn't happen very often and thats why I said Jr wouldn't have the same results as Martin is having.

[PuglieseVT]

If Junior DID go to Ginn, I believe they would be a championship contending team within 2 years. With both Mark Martin AND Dale Earnhardt Jr. on board, coupled with Bobby Ginn's willingness to do (i.e., $pend) whatever it takes to get them up to speed, they can do it. With Jr and Mark there, they will attract more talent, and get a lot more support from Chevrolet in the process. What Ginn has done in a few short months is nothing short of amazing. Let's be honest: if not for some capricious rules enforcement, Mark wins the Daytona 500. If he dosen't take 3 weeks off, he's probably still 3rd to 5th in points right now. As it is, he's ahead of Biffle and his former crewcheif who have showed up for EVERY event, and he's only about 120 points out from making the Chase as it stands right now. Had their COT program been as strong as their traditional car platform, he'd be 10th in points right now. Keep in mind that Martin and Pemberton have only raced together a handful of times yet this year....they're still getting up to speed. After seeing what Mark did in a Hendrick Busch car on Friday night, I can only imagine what he'd be able to do with a few races under his belt in one of their Cup cars.

[Tyyrus]

Gotta agree with that BMF , sure would be a talented Team ! Regan Smith would also benefit from having another Young Driver to relate the Car's Handling and  Hang  with !   

[Blu]

Who? WHo? Who?  That is the question, ain't it?

I'm in the very small minority that are thinking...Ginn.  Look at what Martin has done with their equipment this year.  I know it's kind of sudden success, but they would be the team willing to give Jr. everything he wants and needs and he could provide the kind of draw they need for sponsor shopping.

My second shot is for Gibbs.

I think RCR would put a lot of pressure on Junior that just isn't necessary.  It's time for us to think of him as his own man and stop putting him up side by side to the popular image of his father. 

But that's all just thinking out loud.

Im right there with ya Grady Ginn would be a great fit for all, so would Gibbs.

Of course I am also thinking an RCR/JR Motorsports thing mght make an appearance too.Ya never know and I could see it. Jr. revives RCR like Sr. built em?? I could see it!

[falcon325]

I talked to someone inside racing tonight and found out where Little E is going.  He's going to Michael Waltrip Racing!

[falcon325]

"HMS..PMS...same diff "

Aw Blu.  Now all four HMS teams have a win.  It sucks to be you, buddy.  But don't jump!  They can't win 'em all. 

[HUDSON HORNET]

Or, CAN they?
Hmmmmmmmmmmmm                

[Tyyrus]

I talked to someone inside racing tonight and found out where Little E is going.  He's going to Michael Waltrip Racing!

Huuuum Take another Pill Bro ..and All will be Good in the Mornin lol ! 

[falcon325]

You're LATE Ty!!  I've already delivered the punch line on another thread: "He wants weekends off."

It's HARD to find a good straight man arounf this joint.