Where will Dale go in ?08?

Ever since Dale Earnhardt Jr. made his announcement about moving to another team in ?08, everyone has been speculating about where he should or might end up.

While Dale Earnhardt Sr. was driving for RCR, he formed DEI, primarily for his son Dale Jr. After Dale?s death, primary control of DEI operations was left in Teresa Earnhardt?s hands. Talks have been ongoing for some time between Jr. and Teresa, but no agreement was reached on operational control.

Dale Jr. wants to win a championship, and at age 32 he feels time is running out. Junior says he wants some time to check out the possibilities with other teams, or maybe form his own team. (He better have a talk with Michael Waltrip about that possibility).

So where does he go? Car numbers stay with owners, so unless Teresa has a change of heart, say goodbye to No. 8. Budweiser says it intends to stay with Jr. Although he is keeping all options open, Jr. says he wants to drive a Chevrolet. Keeping in mind that team owners are only going to be allowed four cars in their racing stables, here are some possibilities.

Hendrick Motorsports fields Chevrolets and has been the most productive in the past 11 years, winning six championships. They have one of the best engine programs in the business, but a major drawback is that they already have a stable of four drivers. Jeff Gordon and Jimmy Johnson are definite keepers. Kyle Busch is a strong driver but could possibly be moved to a satellite team such as CNC-Haas. Casey Mears is under contract through 2009, but contracts are made to be broken. I feel this is Dale?s best chance for a championship but I see too many egos on one team.

Joe Gibbs Racing fields Chevys, and has room for Jr. with only three drivers under contract. Tony Stewart and Dale are best friends and travel together to other racing venues such as Late Model dirt track racing. Dale has also taken a liking to Denny Hamlin. Joe Gibbs owns the NFL Washington Redskins, Dales favorite football team. So what?s the problem here? BUDWEISER. Joe Gibbs does not care to have an alcohol-related sponsor. Could he back down? I think so since plenty of beer is sold at the Redskins games and Jr. would be a great pick-up.

Another Chevy team is GINN Racing and they are very interested in having Dale join their organization. Although the team is relatively new to NASCAR, Mark Martin has shown they are serious in fielding winners. They lease Hendrick engines. Bobby Ginn feels that adding Jr. would make GINN Racing a major contender.

I believe the front runner for Dale Earnhardt?s services is Richard Childress Racing. They run Chevrolets and Dale Earnhardt Sr. won seven championships with them. Dale Sr. joined RCR at the age of 32, and how old is Jr.? There is room for another driver in RCR and the No. 3 is available. The fans are clamoring for this to happen but Dale Jr. is not comfortable with the idea. He has stated that he might use the number in his final year, but for now he says that No. 3 is his dad?s legacy. Numbers 33 and 133 are available.

My choice is RCR.

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