Dale Jr. In ‘08
The biggest question in NASCAR right now, where will Dale Earnhardt Jr. be racing in 2008. With him wanting to stay with Chevrolet, he really only 5 options, and some of those aren’t really options anymore.
Richard Childress Racing: This is the team Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Sr. fans would love to see Jr. end up at. It is the dream of these fans to see him drive a black #3. Dale Jr has said many times that he does not want to do this until later in his career. It would be great to see him go to RCR, but events last week may have taken this team off the list. Last week, RCR and DEI announced that they will be forming Earnhardt-Childress Technologies, which will build engines for the two teams. Part of the reason for Dale Jr. leaving DEI was to get away from the company that is owned by his Step-Mother Teresa Earnhardt. If he would join RCR, he would be involved with DEI again.
Joe Gibbs Racing: In my opinion, this would be the perfect place for Jr. to end up. Dale Jr. had a hand in getting Denny Hamlin’s career started, and he and Tony Stewart would be unstoppable at Daytona and Talladega. This option too was given a blow last week when JGR said they would love to have Dale Jr. but was against having Budweiser as a sponsor.
Hendrick Motorsports: Hendrick is unstoppable this year, and would be Dale Jr.’s best bet at winning championships. But, Hendrick cannot take on another driver a this time. Starting in 2008, teams will be limited to 4 drivers.
Ginn Racing: Although Dale Jr. would like to go to one of the top teams, Ginn Racing could give him what he needs. Mark Martin is proof of that. Dale Jr. going to this team would be a win/win situation for both sides.
JR Motorsports: This is at the bottom of Dale Jr.’s list. Both he and his sister, Kelly, said that if they could not reach a deal with another team, Dale Jr. would drive for his own team in 2008. Although he would have the control he wants, this would be a bad option. Not since Alan Kulwicki has a owner/driver been truly successful in the Cup Series.
Dale Earnhardt Jr, NASCAR, Joe Gibbs, Hendrick, Dale Earnhardt Inc, Richard Childress, Busweiser
May 21st, 2007 at 6:16 pm
Ginn and Gibbs are the logical choices although Gibbs will not take part in a beer sponsorship….it’s rumoured Visa would love to sponsor Jr. which would let Gibbs in the door …this would work especially well a I think Tony will bail from Nascar at the end of 2009 when his contract is up…
May 21st, 2007 at 6:34 pm
Thanks for the comments.
Jr.’s relationship with Budweiser is almost as strong as the one with Chevy. I think a JRM Busweiser car would be first on the list over a Gibbs Visa car. With his and Tony’s relationship, I would love to see him at Gibbs, but I don’t think it will happen if Bud can’t come along.
May 22nd, 2007 at 6:36 am
If Jr. teamed up with Gordon his career would be over. His fans hate Gordon with a passion and would never want the two together. I would of loved seeing him with Stewart as his partner, it would of been great entertainment.
May 22nd, 2007 at 7:32 am
Thanks for the comments!
I’m not sure his career would be over, but I could see him losing some fans. I do think though that HMS is out of the running unless they would dump Mears or Busch. I can’t see that happening though.
Jr. and Stewart would be a great duo.