GPStang06

Hmmm well, here is the first rumor with smoke coming off Jayski's site.

"Dale Jr. to RCR? done deal? UPDATE #33? FOX25(Boston's FOX affiliate) is reporting.......Dale Earnhardt Jr. will soon be racing under the same legendary #3 Chevy that his dad used to race in. A source with direct knowledge of negotiations tells FOX25 that Dale Earnhardt Jr. has finalized a deal with Richard Childress Racing Thursday night and an official announcement will be coming soon. At a press conference today to announce that he was leaving the company his late dad built, Dale Jr. said he would have mixed emotions about driving his dad's #3 Chevy, but again, FOX25 has learned that this is a done deal.(FOX25)(5-10-2007)
UPDATE: FOX8 News has confirmed Junior is negotiating late Thursday night with Richard Childress to join Richard Childress Racing. An announcement could come as early as Friday. Childress has scheduled a news conference Friday at Darlington Raceway, the site of Saturday's Nextel Nextel Cup race. Sports Director Rich Brenner has also confirmed the talks between Junior and Childress include plans for Earnhardt driving the #33 Chevrolet for RCR. Budweiser, the primary sponsor for Junior's #8 car with DEI, will follow him to his new race team. (FOX8 News)(5-11-2007)"

Moosetang

Already been denied. Sounded bad anyway, I mean #33? The primary argument for RCR is the #3.

Look, there's no way he'll sigh with anyone this quickly. Up until a couple days ago he was still hoping to make DEI work, and he's just now testing the waters. Odds are it will be weeks if not months before anything becomes official.

ZipZap04

I think if he goes Hendrick that there will be a lot more haters on Gordon at the track. I also think he would move to Gibbs since him and stewart have drafted and raced well together when they needed to. I would hope he goes Gibbs for Gordon's sake and he has said he doesnt wanna do the #3 just yet, i believe.

Also, how could he neg then when he has to practice this morning at 1030am?

GPStang06

Read somewhere this morning that probably he will have something ironed out no later then mid July based on the amount of production time involved in the souvenir industry in regards to having merchandise ready for speedweeks in Feb.

JGR may not work out based on apparently they have an in-house policy similar to Petty Enterprises in regards to alcoholic beverages on their cars.

From ESPN article.

"J.D. Gibbs, the president of JGR, told ESPN.com on Thursday it would be tough for his company to sign Earnhardt because of his relationship with Budweiser. JGR has tried to distance itself from companies representing alcoholic beverages."

http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/news/s...d=2&id=2867610

****, I haven't thought about nascar outside of sitting down to watch the races this much in a long time.

codeman94

Jayski is the mustangsunlimited of Nascar reporting....if you get me...

V10

Say what, Jr has already publically announced he is leaving DEI.
Don't any of you guys watch ESPN?

HOSS429

i would not care if bud were put in a black can with a 3 on it .. i would still drink it

FLAstangx3

Well he ran strong today for DEI at Darlington. His first move must be to strengthen JR Motorsports in the Busch Series. When all is finally said and done, the most logical would be RCR, despite those who think he wants to be away from Sr's shadow. It would be a perfect fit, plus Budweiser would stay with him. Just can't see him at Hendrick's driving a VISA car....

neil07gt

I think his quickest and most realistic shot at a championship is with Hendrick. Hendrick is the best organization from top to bottom, best engines, chassis, and people--In my opinion.

If I were Dale Jr, my choices would be:
(1) Hendrick
(2) RCR

I tend to think that Dale Jr could use a better crew chief than Tony Eury Jr.

1200custom

I have to agree. It would be interesting to see how Jr would do in the 24 or 48 type Hendrick cars. The Hendrick team is amazing. They seem to have the brightest minds in NASCAR. Alot of it is money, but the system Hendrick has built sure is working well.

AFBLUE

Jr and Jeff Gordon as teammates. Now that would be entertaining.

Zastava_101

Hendrick should replace Mears, but not with Earnhardt. Too many good drivers on one team is not a good idea.

It didn't work in Roush (Kurt Busch left), I don't think it would work in Hendricks either.

FLAstangx3

I agree there. Doubt if it would work for Hendrick's. Right now the best fit would be for JR, and his crew, to go with RCR. But the outside shot might just be some of these solo-owner's getting together and forming some sort of comglomerate. Basically going after the four big names that seam to dominate NASCAR today: Gibbs, Hendrick, RCR, and Roush-Fenway. No sense running 43 cars anymore, if there is no money pooled to re-make it competitive for all. The COT car's can be good, if the driver's and crew's have the funds to keep them competitive, even if it means, Nissan and Honda stickers on them. Face it the big three US auto maker's no longer have the deep pockets, nor is racing on Sunday anyway indicative of sales on Monday anymore. It no longer matter's in NASCAR what sticker name your running. It's about Money, Team's, and Technology.

Moosetang

OFFICIAL: Hendrick has no room for Jr.
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories...05-19-20-59-11

V10

Key words: Things have a way of changing towards the end of the season.

Moosetang

Mmm, none of his contracts expire this year. And unless they're going to JG or Hendrick, I can't see any of his drivers bailing voluntarially.

V10

So in the history of NASCAR no driver has ever been fired?

jacostang

Yeah, especially if there is a ton of cash involved like what Toyota has done to the sport Loyalties ( 0 ) Cash ( 5 )!!