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The last sentence says it all....

This is Jr's show, not DEI's.

I can't believe she would let that happen. Who knows, though, Dad and Jr were the racers, she was just on the sidelines watching - until it got dumped in her lap.

Budweiser would certainly follow Dale Jr.

Note to fantasy league self...."The next time DJ or Dale Jr calls, suggest we get together with Bud and UPS and discuss the possibilities...."

Did I say that out loud? lol

It's going to be interesting.

At times during Monday's media session, Junior seemingly channeled the spirit of his father. Instead of being the laidback, good ol' boy that the NASCAR world has come to love, Junior showed some of the spit and vinegar that his oftentimes cantankerous old man was known for.

"What's important to me is give me a good race car, don't give me any mess other than that," he proclaimed. "Just give me a good race car, make it run fast, give me guys I enjoy working with and going to the race track [with].

"I'll do whatever you need me to do with the sponsors and everything else, just don't make everything a hassle and don't make everything a pain and you'll have my dedication and everything else you need as far as my being a driver goes."

Junior wasn't afraid to say what was on his mind, just like his old man. Perhaps his theme for the upcoming season will be No More Mr. Nice Guy, and maybe this seemingly new attitude is the one ingredient he has been missing in his quest to become a Nextel Cup champion.

"I don't want to come here and [not] compete well and run well," said Junior, who did return to the Chase in 2006 after a one-year absence. "I don't want to just get by. I want the best – the best cars, the best people."

In other words, he wants from DEI what the Jimmie Johnsons, Tony Stewarts and Matt Kenseths get from teams like Hendrick, Gibbs and Roush – and Richard Childress Racing, where his father drove and where the rumor mill often has Junior eventually landing.

"We see other companies and teams doing what it takes and making the right moves, and I just want to be at the same situation as I see other drivers in," Junior said. "I know I'm a good enough race car driver and I deserve it. I'm just trying to get it all settled and make it right."

He took a big step toward that on Monday. Now, if only Teresa was listening … or even cared.

January 8, 2007 12:00 am EDT Shifting gears?
By Jerry Bonkowski, Yahoo! SportsCould Junior leave DEI? (AP)

There's a lot more on Yahoo........