CUP: DEI Could Switch Brands Next Year

[drew630]

Talladega, Ala. – 4/29/2007

Officials from Dale Earnhardt, Inc. confirmed Sunday morning at Talladega Superspeedway that the team is talking to two manufacturers in addition to Chevrolet about what brand of Nextel Cup cars it will run in 2008.

DEI executive John Story said Sunday that the team’s agreement with Chevrolet expires after 2007 and that DEI is actively talking to two other automakers, as well as negotiating a partnership with Robert Yates Racing. DEI also is looking to add a fourth Nextel Cup car in 2008 or ‘09.

“The only proposal we have for next year from a manufacturer is from Chevrolet,” said Story prior to the Aaron’s 499. “We’ve talked to two other manufacturers, but I think we’re a long way from deciding which manufacturer we’re going to be with. Teresa (team owner Earnhardt) has a lot of loyalty to Chevrolet, we’ve been with them for a long time, she’s been with them for a long time. We’ll see where it goes, but our contract with Chevy does expire at the end of the year. … We’re going to do whatever is necessary to make our team, to make DEI the premier team, not only off the track, but on the track. We’re going to do whatever is necessary to raise our level of competition.”

Story did not identify the two other manufacturers, but with the sale of Chrysler Group expected to take place in the next month, it’s highly unlikely that Dodge is in the discussion, which leaves Ford and Toyota.

Also:

Doug Yates, co-owner of RYR, confirmed his team and DEI are talking about a merger, which could result in DEI campaigning Fords next year. “I think there’s a possibility,” said Yates. “They’re negotiating here and so are we. Ford’s been really good to us. There’d be nothing better than to be a part of bringing the Ford brand to where it’s been in the past. I think if the deal was right, it could be a possibility. Could we see Dale Jr. driving around in Mustangs? I don’t know. I guess there’s a price for everything.”

“We’ve had some interesting and fairly meaningful conversations,” Story said of DEIs talks with RYR, which he said began four to six weeks ago.

Why switch? “Clearly manufacturers can offer you financial support and technical support and it takes both finances and technology to win races,” said Story. “You’ve got to look at both of them and then take the loyalty factor into consideration with Chevrolet. Those are three very big parts of our decision. … We have to make sure we have all the tools available to us.”

Story said the decision would have to be made quickly, though he declined to give a specific timetable. He did say, however, that even if DEI re-signs with Chevrolet, it could still do a deal with Yates. “None of this is going to be easy,” said Story. “Any of the projects that we’re working on, none of them is contingent on manufacturers. … It wouldn’t kill anything.”

Rest at link:
http://www.speedtv.com/articles/nasc.../37014/?page=1

[drew630]

I seriously hope DEI stays with GM. I know Toyota will be throwing some serious cash at DEI but I hope DEI doesn't bite!! Jr. driving a Toyota would be the end of Nascar for me!!!

[Shotgun]

Well, I certainly hope DEI stays with GM. Remember, Sr drove a Ford for a couple years in the 80's, so it isn't exactly unheard of for a Earnhardt - Ford relationship. Matter of fact, he drove the #15 for Bud Moore, whom he bought the number from in 2001 when he hired Michael Waltrip.

Think about this: DEI has 1, 8, 15.

1-First full time Cup team, purchased from Leo Jackson

8-Ralph Earhardt's car number, purchased from Stavola Brothers

15-Earnhardt's car number in a Ford, purchased from Bud Moore.

[drew630]

Originally Posted by Shotgun

Well, I certainly hope DEI stays with GM. Remember, Sr drove a Ford for a couple years in the 80's, so it isn't exactly unheard of for a Earnhardt - Ford relationship. Matter of fact, he drove the #15 for Bud Moore, whom he bought the number from in 2001 when he hired Michael Waltrip.

Think about this: DEI has 1, 8, 15.

1-First full time Cup team, purchased from Leo Jackson

8-Ralph Earhardt's car number, purchased from Stavola Brothers

15-Earnhardt's car number in a Ford, purchased from Bud Moore.

I know, but Sr. is the black number 3, the black Goodwrench car, having DEI, the team Sr. founded, switch to Fords is just wrong IMO. Its like selling out almost. Now, if DEI goes with Toyota, I will never watch Nascar again. I know, everyone knows, Toyota would love to have Nascar's biggest star driving a Camry (if Toyota is truly serious about this sport), so there is no doubt that Toyota will be throwing more money at DEI then any race team has ever seen. I just hope DEI stays with GM.

[LAChevy24]

even tho i dont like Dale Earnhardt Jr, i dont want to see him switch to another manufacter. and it would be interesting to see how many fans would stay if he did switch.

[2648562]

If DEI, and by DEI I mean Dale Jr. since everyone else will always take backseat to him, switches it's going to alienate a lot of fans and end up being a blow to NASCAR (I would say sport but it's no longer a sport anyhow--just a traveling circus). They ought to sell the company off completely--Dale Sr. (the REAL Dale Earnhardt--not the impostor, spoiled, whining, doesn't realize how lucky he is kid) would never do business like this.

Just the fact they're considering it angers me immensely. There's not one driver out there that I think I respect anymore. Jr's down at the bottom of my list now.

[SDRacing]

Originally Posted by Shotgun

Well, I certainly hope DEI stays with GM. Remember, Sr drove a Ford for a couple years in the 80's, so it isn't exactly unheard of for a Earnhardt - Ford relationship. Matter of fact, he drove the #15 for Bud Moore, whom he bought the number from in 2001 when he hired Michael Waltrip.

Think about this: DEI has 1, 8, 15.

1-First full time Cup team, purchased from Leo Jackson

8-Ralph Earhardt's car number, purchased from Stavola Brothers

15-Earnhardt's car number in a Ford, purchased from Bud Moore.

Yeah Earnhardt drove a ford for a very limited time. He even stated that once he switched to Chevy, that he always wanted to be in a Chevy. I seriously doubt that they will switch to any other brand. Chevrolet is doing really well right now and has been the last several years, so it wouldnt make sense to switch brands. Earnhardt SR would roll in his grave if they switched to any other make. Teresa needs to pull her head out of her A$$ and let JR and his siblings take over for goodness sake. They have such a huge tie with chevrolet in cup/busch/jrs teams/dealerships/ etc etc....

If Jr does get control of DEI and they switch brands, then my Nascar days are caput. Guess I will take up badminton.

[SDRacing]

Originally Posted by 2648562

If DEI, and by DEI I mean Dale Jr. since everyone else will always take backseat to him, switches it's going to alienate a lot of fans and end up being a blow to NASCAR (I would say sport but it's no longer a sport anyhow--just a traveling circus). They ought to sell the company off completely--Dale Sr. (the REAL Dale Earnhardt--not the impostor, spoiled, whining, doesn't realize how lucky he is kid) would never do business like this.

Just the fact they're considering it angers me immensely. There's not one driver out there that I think I respect anymore. Jr's down at the bottom of my list now.

you think jrs behind all this? come on!!

What would you have done if you were in jrs shoes? Looks to me like he is dealing the hand he was dealt....as far as his upbringing and such. good grief. Look at his own team that he is working on and how much they are growing.

[likearock00]

Originally Posted by 2648562

If DEI, and by DEI I mean Dale Jr. since everyone else will always take backseat to him, switches it's going to alienate a lot of fans and end up being a blow to NASCAR (I would say sport but it's no longer a sport anyhow--just a traveling circus). They ought to sell the company off completely--Dale Sr. (the REAL Dale Earnhardt--not the impostor, spoiled, whining, doesn't realize how lucky he is kid) would never do business like this.

Just the fact they're considering it angers me immensely. There's not one driver out there that I think I respect anymore. Jr's down at the bottom of my list now.

You have any reason or explanation why you would call Dale Earnhardt Jr an "imposter, spoiled, whining, doesn't realize how lucky he is kid"? You obviously do not know him or watch racing at all. Dale Jr loves racing, gives alot of money to charities, and is one of the most respected drivers on the track. He NEVER blows his head when he gets wrecked, never gives "paybacks", and is a true gentleman. His father is a legend, not only for his career, but for his aggressive driving style. Jr is not like his father. While Jr is aggressive, he won't wreck just to win. I understand you are entitled to your opinion, but there is NO justification for you to attack Dale Earnhart Jr's integrity or personality.....especially with NOTHING to back it up.

Jr will never leave Chevrolet. Both Jr and Chevy make too much money and publicity staying together. Look at all the racing commercials for Chevrolet....all starring Jr. He is NASCAR's most popular driver, and with that comes a huge fan base. I believe GM is smarter than that to let him go. DEI is the one making the deal, Jr is just a driver. I just think GM will do whatever they have to please DEI to keep Jr.

[Ed753]

They were commenting today on how much the Chevy engines in general are dominating.

But also consider .....

Both Ford and GM are a little tight on cash these days (they aren't making any money) and the hole DCX thing, 10 years from now it might only be Toyota and Honda.

Just a thought ....

[CRBoyd91]

Dale Earnhardt in a Camry would make me furious. The two just don't have "chemistry" with each other.

[tholland]

I hope this is all about getting a better deal or more support from Chevy... I really can't see Jr. in another brand. Maybe they think Hendrick is getting more support or something?

[RamJet502]

Say it isn't so Dale. I thought it was bad enough when Harvick almost jumped ship to Toyota, but Earnhardt leaving Chevy would be a nightmare.