Posted on 08/08/2006 12:40:03 AM PDT by NYTexan
INDIANAPOLIS - Nextel Cup's current market clearly favors drivers - any driver.
An expected influx of seven new Toyota-driving teams in 2007 created rides and opportunities for some such as Dale Jarrett, Jeremy Mayfield and Elliott Sadler, who have not won in years. The market has helped Casey Mears and Brian Vickers, who have never won at NASCAR's highest level. Even David Gilliland has major options after one stunning Busch Series win. All have or will switch teams for more lucrative contracts.
So it's somewhat reassuring for Dale Earnhardt Inc. director of motorsports Richie Gilmore that his team's meal ticket is the son of the founder and has more than just a business bond with the organization. Still, with Dale Earnhardt Jr. set to become a free agent at the end of next season, constant but casual negotiations are under way to re-sign NASCAR's most popular driver.
"We talk about it all the time," Gilmore said. "It's different when you work on his contract because it's business, it's family. It's very complicated when you work with Dale Jr. and (stepmother/team owner) Teresa because there's so many different parts to it. It's his dad's business and it's complicated. I know Teresa wants it to be Dale Jr.'s and Kelley's and Kerry's (also Dale Earnhardt's children) someday because that's what Dale built it for and that's in the long-term plans."
Gilmore said he personally avoids the talks though he is the team's highest-ranking executive in the racing operation. Earnhardt Jr. is signed to a typical driver contract, he said.
"Never mix business and family and when you do, you let the family handle it," he said.
Earnhardt has several times entertained the idea of driving the No. 3 Chevrolet made legendary by his late father, but that number is owned by Richard Childress Racing. Still, Gilmore thinks Earnhardt Jr. will remain at DEI. At least, he hopes so.
Thanks WCG, Now to figure out who to run on the FRFL team:
Flash, Smoke, or Crash.
Hmmm, together that sounds like a wreck!
"IBG&N&P"
Huh?
Is it possible that DEI could buy the rights to use the #3 from RCR?
That does sound like a wreck waiting to happen. I was just looking at my team.......I'm afraid of Smoke right now but he is the Glen expert so to speak. Crash is not dependable but you have to put him in there somewhere.
I see Pruett is not entered, I wonder why? This is one of those tracks where we will all have the same team, unless someone gets brave. :-)
On the #3 issue, I think Richard will never give up that number. If Jr wants to drive it he will have to go there.
I don't ever see that happening considering all he has at stake with DEI.
But an exhibition race for charity on a one time basis might get it out of his system!
If DEI makes it through the next contract with him AND Teresa really means to give DEI to Sr's children then all will be fine. If not......all bets are off. I am sure Jr fans will follow him anywhere and so will Budweiser and lots of other sponsors.
Charity exhibition would be a good idea but Budweiser won't let him drive anything but the 8 and the DEI Busch car. Howver, I am willing to bet that if they had a prominent spot for their logo on that Goodwrench car they would agree!
I'm not sure about his own JR Motorsports cars, he has expressed an interest in driving one of those. The Budweiser contract is why he can only be the flagman when many of the drivers go to Pevely and I-55 and race the dirt track cars.
Did you see, think it was nascar.com, that he did not even know about it until nascar.com called him for an interview?
Holy smokes, somebody has a case of the arse.
Dare I ask what the day after Richmond will be like?
Yes I saw that. I think Ray didn't appreciate Jeremy complaining about the car and his absence while he followed Erin around.
After that, and other examples, why would Jeremy be surprised by this?
How does that saying go....don't let your aligator mouth override your......
The second he took the lead, my boy jumps out of his chair and sets a new record for "time to bedroom and back to TV."
#8 diecast now in hand.
You beat me to it! I had the same reeaction to the news.
I love the roadsters. I've seen them run here at AMS. They look like the early 60's front engine Indy cars.
In before Grok, Nork & Pete...
Does the boy get down when Jr doesn't run well and drops out of the Chase? I do.
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