Sure is a lot of crap flying around about Jr and his (giggle) "step-monster."
Dale Jr. to Drive Black #3?
By Dennis Terry:
Dale Jr. driving a black #3 Nextel Cup Chevrolet is not a very inconceivable notion at all. As Dale Jr. and Teresa Earnhardt’s relationship becomes increasingly public and pointed, the realism of the two parting ways is more and more probable.
Teresa has stated that the ball is in Jr’s court and he has responded that he wants ownership in DEI.
DIE-hard Earnhardt fans have been dreaming about a return of the black #3 to the track since Dale Sr. was tragically killed at Daytona in 2001.
I think that the latest comments between Jr. and Teresa Earnhardt is going to be the genesis that makes the dream becoming a reality.
You heard it first on the Blog, so mark my word, this subject will be the sport’s top story for 2007 and most likely 2008 as well.
Why?
Without Dale Jr. DEI looses 50% of their sponsors, 50% of their employees and 100% of their fan base. Dale Jr. has matured as a driver and become wiser as an owner. He realizes that he is the charisma and the talent that attracts the fans, the sponsors and the media circus that surrounds him at every public appearance.
Teresa will have to realize the same and concede to Dale Earnhardt Jr. becoming more than just a contract driver for the company that was built by his father if she wishes to keep him as a driver and Budweiser as a sponsor.
She really has limited choices in this matter.
JR Motorsports can begin building competitive CUP cars very quickly. Dale Jr. can secure Budweiser, Chevrolet and pretty much any other top sponsor to fund his program.
Also, Dale Jr. already has an engine leasing contract in place with Richard Childress Racing for his Busch team. That relationship would guarantee him the horsepower needed for a competitive CUP program.
A licensing agreement with RCR could allow Dale Jr. to use the #3 owned by Richard Childress. That would instantly mean tens of millions in souvenir sales for both Jr. and Richard.
Change the Budweiser red to Intimidator black and you make every Earnhardt fan’s dream a reality and Teresa's worst nightmare the same.
The most likely scenario has Teresa and Jr. reaching an eventual agreement, but Dale Jr. definitely has more to gain here no matter which direction this goes.
So, it appears that the ball is actually in Teresa’s court, but it’s Jr’s ball, his team and the game is being played in Jr’s arena.
DT
http://blogs.thatsracin.com/overthewall/