And don't look for me around here tomorrow or Thursday; we've got a gaggle of teams testing at the Milwaukee Mile. Testing started today with Shrub, SlowCasey, Nesquik, ex-Candyman, Rainman, and unnamed Gibbs drivers/teams (Smoke was here last year). They'll be back tomorrow along with unnamed DEI driver(s)/team(s) (probably Menard; Truex was here last year), and unknown Ganassi drivers. Teams DEI and Ganassi will be back Thursday, along with Bifflage, the Gray Bug-eyed Trashman, and potentially other RoushFenway drivers. Ah, taheckwitchit; it's a nice day, so I'm out of here.
Earnhardt Jr. reportedly headed to Hendrick Motorsports
June 12, 2007BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT (TICKER) -- Dale Earnhardt Jr. apparently will join forces with NASCAR's most successful team.
Earnhardt is set to announce his intention to join Hendrick Motorsports in 2008, according to a report on ESPN.com on Tuesday.
NASCAR's most popular driver, Earnhardt has scheduled a news conference for Wednesday at 11 a.m. EDT, when he likely will officially announce his intentions for next season.
Citing multiple anonymous sources, the report stated that Earnhardt will drive the Hendrick Motorsports No. 5 Chevrolet, which is currently piloted by Kyle Busch.
The 22-year-old Busch is under contract with Hendrick through the end of the 2008 season. However, the talented but controversial Busch still has not reached a contract extension.
Jeff Dickerson, Busch's attorney, told ESPN.com that he is uncertain about the young driver's future and declined to comment on the report.
"Out of respect for Hendrick Motorsports, we're not really sure what's going on yet," Dickerson told the web site. "But we're trying. I don't think anything's changed yet. I cannot tell you that Kyle is out of the No. 5 for 2008."
Earnhardt's highly anticipated announcement Wednesday will come just 34 days after the racing icon cut ties with Dale Earnhardt Inc., the team founded by his late, great father and run by his stepmother, Teresa Earnhardt.
Now he evidently is headed to Hendrick Motorsports, which has completely dominated the Nextel Cup Series this season and already boasts a loaded team which features four-time series champion Jeff Gordon and reigning champion Jimmie Johnson.