Dale Earnhardt Inc. News Page 2

Menard to run part time for DEI in #15: Dale Earnhardt, Inc.’s No. 15 NASCAR Nextel Cup team will campaign a seven-race schedule in 2006, with Paul Menard driving and sponsorship from Menard’s, the hardware chain owned by the driver’s father. If all goes well, Menard and the team will do the full Cup schedule with DEI in ’07. Menard’s first race will be the 2006 Daytona 500, DEI Vice President of Motorsports Richie Gilmore said Saturday night. “We’ll kind of see how it goes from Daytona, but it looks like it’ll be the big races: Daytona, Indy. We’ll run Watkins Glen again, which Paul ran this year and then move him up the next year.” Next year, Menard will also run the full NASCAR Busch Series schedule in a DEI Chevrolet, Gilmore said. “It’ll be a lot better for Paul to keep him down there and running him for a championship like we did with Martin (Truex, Jr.). That’s where we really feel comfortable.” Gilmore said DEI mulled a third full-time Cup team next year, but instead will run full-time cars for only Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Truex in ‘06. “We had a couple options that we looked at, but for us we’re better off trying to regroup the two teams we have now,” Gilmore said. (DEI PR)

DEI to appeal penalty: Waltrip's penalty for using "an inappropriate gesture during a televised broadcast" Sunday at Loudon will be appealed, Richie Gilmore, the general manager for Dale Earnhardt Inc., said yesterday. Waltrip was fined 25 points, car owner Teresa Earnhardt was fined 25 points, and Waltrip was fined $10,000. "In looking at the tape, we don't see anywhere during the entire incident where Michael did what he is accused of doing," Gilmore said. (Salem-Journal)

DEI officially announce Eury and Earnhardt, Jr. reunion: Dale Earnhardt Incorporated announced Wednesday that, starting this weekend at New Hampshire International Speedway, Tony Eury Jr., will take over as crew chief for the No. 8 Budweiser Chevrolet. Eury Jr., who has been crew chief for DEI’s No. 15 Chevrolet this season, will be reunited with Dale Earnhardt, Jr. who Eury Jr. worked with for eight seasons prior. The two will be paired for the remaining races of the 2005 NASCAR Nextel Cup season in preparation for 2006 where they will compete together for the NASCAR championship. “This is the best plan for us as a company,” Eury Jr. said. “We haven’t been in the same pit box this year, but we’ve been working closely as a team. Looking at where we want to be for 2006, it made sense to switch now and get that much further ahead.” With the 2005 chase contenders decided, Richie Gilmore, DEI’s Vice-President of Motorsports, knew now was the best time for the restructuring. “After evaluating our programs for next season, we went back and looked at all the resources at our disposal,” Gilmore said. “By putting Tony Jr. back with Dale Jr. now, it enables us to start working towards our goals for next season. Those two can start finding their rhythm for next year, while Steve Hmiel can return his full focus on the technical aspect of our programs.” Hmiel, who has been the interim crew chief for the No. 8 team since May, will return to his position as Technical Director for Dale Earnhardt Inc. Tony Gibson, car chief for the No. 15 team, will serve as the No. 15 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet crew chief for the remainder of this season. (DEI PR)

Hmiel to work on car of tomorrow: With Tony Eury Jr. moving back to the No. 8 team, Steve Hmiel will return to his previous post as head of DEI's research-and-development operation and concentrate on building the intermediate-track version of "the car of tomorrow (COT)" for 2007. Hmiel says that several organizations are participating in the process, but it was important for DEI to get a head start, "since this will be the biggest change to come along in Cup since NASCAR moved to smaller cars in '81." (Sporting News/Lee Spencer)

Eury and Earnhardt back together sooner then later? Richie Gilmore, vice president of motorsports at Dale Earnhardt Inc., hinted Friday that Dale Earnhardt Jr. and crew chief Tony Eury Jr. could be reunited as soon as next week at New Hampshire International Speedway. "If me and Tony Jr. are going to work together next year, that'd be a good idea to begin working on that relationship,'' Earnhardt said. Gilmore said the team announced all its changes for next year to its employees but is waiting to make those decisions public. "We don't really feel like we need to take away from anybody in the chase,'' Gilmore said. "Maybe at Loudon, we'll go there and we'll announce our plans there.'' Gilmore said the team plans to use the last 10 races preparing for next season. (Roanoke)

DEI and RCR merger? A merger between RCR and Dale Earnhardt Inc. is rumored to be in the works. Although DEI vice president Richie Gilmore says the partnership will involve nothing more than promotional plans, the two organizations enjoyed a beneficial aerodynamic alliance several years ago. Considering the strength of powerhouses Roush and Hendrick Motorsports, a marriage between RCR and DEI would move their programs up a level. Another benefit? Dale Earnhardt Jr. could follow in his late father's footsteps in an RCR car. (Sporting News/Lee Spencer)

Eury, Sr. signs with DEI: Tony Eury Sr., affectionately known as Pops, has signed his first contract with DEI. Eury led Earnhardt Jr. to two Busch titles and stepped down at the end of last season as Junior's Cup crew chief. Eury, who's under contract through 2008, is working in research and development. (Sporting News/Lee Spencer)

More on #15 DEI car: Dale Earnhardt Inc. is adamant Waltrip will not be in the No. 15 car next season. In fact, if NAPA does not return, another sponsor is waiting to support a research and development car that will offer seat time to Busch racers Paul Menard and Ryan Moore. The rest of the garage is speculating on which organization will get Waltrip. The logical answer: Bill Davis Racing, with its existing Toyota Racing Development (TRD) relationship. Waltrip is expected to have a huge presence with Toyota when it goes Cup racing in 2007. If NAPA does not accompany Waltrip to his next Cup car, other possible sponsors include Domino's and Jim Beam (Sporting News/Lee Spencer)

DEI third part time team? Crew chief Tony Eury Jr. finally has something to talk about - a new contract with Dale Earnhardt Inc. He revealed that Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s contract is up at the end of 2007. And he said that DEI would field a third team next season "part-time." (Salem-Journal)

Tony Eury, Jr. signs long-term deal: Teresa Earnhardt, President and CEO of Dale Earnhardt, Inc., and crew chief, Tony Eury, Jr., a 14-year employee of DEI, have announced that Eury Jr. will remain part of the organization for many years to come via a long-term contract that was inked today. “Having such a loyal employee and talented crew chief like Tony as part of DEI on a long-term basis was an important objective for the continuity of our program,” said Ms. Earnhardt. “I couldn’t be happier,” Eury, Jr. said. “I’ve spent many years with DEI and always planned to be for a long time to come. With all the outside distractions now behind us, we can focus on winning races.” (DEI.com)

DEI's Menard to field car at Watkins Glen: Dale Earnhardt, Inc. has entered Paul Menard in this weekend’s Nextel Cup Series race; the Sirius Satellite Radio at The Glen road course event. Menard will pilot the No. 1 Kraft/Ritz Chevrolet at Watkins Glen International. Since coming to DEI in July of 2004, the 24-year old native of Eau Claire, Wisconsin has won two Busch Pole Awards. In the last eight Busch races, he’s earned three top-fives, seven top-10s and moved from 18th to 10th in points in the No. 11 Menards Chevrolet for DEI. This will be his first Nextel Cup Series race for DEI, but not his first Cup start. “I made my first Cup start in 2003 at Watkins Glen,” said Menard, who started 43rd and finished 29th in that race. “This is every young racer’s dream to make a Cup start with Dale Earnhardt, Inc. I’m looking forward to this very much. “The No. 1 Chevrolet is where it all started on the Cup side for DEI. There have been some pretty good drivers who have been associated with this car through the years. It’s quite an honor to drive the car and have Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Michael Waltrip as teammates. “Kraft has been a big supporter of DEI through the years and I’ll proudly be wearing their logos. I can’t thank them enough for being a part of this coming weekend.” In preparation for the race, Menard went to The Glen with Tony Eury, Sr, Director of Competition for DEI, car chief B. Hoover and his Busch crew chief, Dan Stillman, to test. (DEI INC PR)

DEI's Gilmore likes Kenseth: Dale Earnhardt Inc. director of motorsports Richie Gilmore would put Matt Kenseth in one of his team's Nextel Cup cars tomorrow. That isn't going to happen, tomorrow or next year, despite recent speculation. The 2003 series champion has one year left on his contract - though Roush signed Jamie McMurray away from Chip Ganassi before his deal is done next season - and Kenseth, a good friend of DEI's Dale Earnhardt Jr. , has let it be known he has unfinished business with Roush Racing. "(Kenseth's) deal is, he looked at his teammates and saw there are teams that are running good and wants to see if he can get back and win championships," Gilmore said. "He has always been on DEI's short list. He was one of Big E's favorite drivers, and if we could ever get Matt, he would probably be our first choice for a teammate for Junior." With Kenseth unavailable, Gilmore has trolled the garage in search of a young, marketable driver to replace Michael Waltrip in the No. 15 Chevrolet next season. Gilmore holds out hope Kenseth could drive a fourth DEI entry in 2007, but for now his choices are few. Gilmore said he hoped to have a driver secured within the next few weeks, but another option was eliminated when Casey Mears said he was "99.9 percent sure" he would return to Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates next year. (St. Petersburg Times)

Waltrip to Stay at DEI? Michael Waltrip may not be leaving Dale Earnhardt Inc. at the end of the season after all. (Salem-Journal)

Eury, Jr. close to signing with DEI: (Richie) Gilmore said he is close to signing Tony Eury Jr., an employee of 15 years who is currently crew chief for the No. 15. "The Eurys have never had contracts; they've always just been there," Gilmore said. "It's always been an agreement and a year-to-year deal and Tony Jr. has told me he's not going anywhere. We're working on a deal and it would be his first contract ever." (St. Petersburg Times)

No word from DEI on third driver: Richie Gilmore, vice president of DEI, refused to name the driver, but dropped several hints, saying he is currently in the Nextel Cup series, younger than 30, marketable, and fast in Saturday’s practice sessions. Scott Riggs was second fastest in practice, but said he had not spoken to DEI. Plus, at 34 years old, he doesn’t meet Gilmore’s criteria. Brian Vickers was fourth, but appears to be close to signing an extension at Hendrick Motorsports. Gilmore refused to give any other information, other than ruling out Matt Kenseth. Saying Kenseth would “probably be our first choice of a teammate for Junior,” Gilmore said Kenseth has expressed interest in staying at Roush Racing when his contract expires. (In part from Journal Gazette)

Earnhardt, Jr. hopes to reunite with Eury, Jr. in 06: Dale Earnhardt Jr. said Friday he would like to have Tony Eury Jr. back with his team as crew chief. Steve Hmiel has been Earnhardt's interim crew chief since May when Pete Rondeau was relieved of his duties. Hmiel is expected to return to his former job as technical director for Dale Earnhardt Inc., so Earnhardt would need a crew chief next season. Eury had been with Earnhardt's team until this season when DEI officials swapped the crews of Earnhardt's and Michael Waltrip's teams in the offseason. DEI officials hope to retain NAPA as sponsor of the No. 15 team and have a three-car team next year. If that doesn't happen and DEI remains a two-car team -- rookie Martin Truex Jr. moves to Cup next year -- it could open the way for Eury to work again with Earnhardt. "We definitely have to make some changes at the end of the season,'' said Earnhardt, who is 14th in the season standings. "It's not going to be like it is now. But I don't have the answer to what we're going to do. "Tony Jr. is awesome. I always felt like he was going to be one of the best crew chiefs in the business. I do want to work with him again, and I think we should. "I think personally we're just both immature for our age and that's due to the fact that our fathers let us raise ourselves pretty much. I think the more mature we get, the easier it is for us to work together. This year we sped that up quite a bit being away from each other.'' (News-Record)

DEI third team if NAPA stays? DEI Director of Motorsports Richie Gilmore said yesterday the team is negotiating with the auto-parts supplier about staying with the No. 15 being vacated by Michael Waltrip after 2005. Gilmore said DEI already has lined up a driver to team with Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Martin Truex Jr. for the 2006 Nextel Cup season. Gilmore wouldn't disclose a name but said it was someone prominent on another race team "that's been on our wish list for some time." "[NAPA] has some options with us, Michael and some other race teams," Gilmore said. "We've put about a two-week window on it where they've got to make the decision and we've got to make a decision and go forward. But we have a driver kind of laid out, and everything laid out." (Times-Dispatch)

Waltrip and Eury Jr. to Toyota? Waltrip is headed eventually to the Toyota camp - along with Eury Jr., according to one Detroit source very close to the situation - in what is reported to be a top-dollar project. "Toyota has offered Michael and Tony Jr. so much money they can't turn it down," the source said. Waltrip has been eyed for a Toyota ride for more than a year, in part because older brother Darrell runs a Toyota team on the Craftsman Truck Series. NASCAR has been pushing Toyota to step up its presence in the sport, for the added marketing punch that would provide. And Waltrip could give Toyota quick credibility. Toyota isn't expected to field a Cup team until 2007, although a Busch team is a possibility in 2006. Toyota does have a formidable presence in the truck series. The Toyota option? (Salem-Journal)

Waltrip and DEI to part ways in 2006: Dale Earnhardt Incorporated (DEI) and Michael Waltrip announced today they will no longer be together beginning in 2006. The DEI No. 15 NAPA Chevrolet has been driven by Michael Waltrip, a fan-favorite, in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series for the past five seasons where he earned four victories; including two Daytona 500 wins in 2001 and 2003. “All of us at DEI want to thank Michael for all his contributions to our organization and wish him well as he moves on in his career,” said Richie Gilmore, DEI’s Vice President of Motorsports. “Dale and Teresa gave me an opportunity with a winning organization that I have been proud to be an integral part of for the last five years,” Waltrip said. “My professional relationship with DEI is ending, but my personal relationships have ties that are deep-rooted. Therefore, my decision to leave DEI is a difficult one. Our individual visions for the future are taking different courses, but our goals are the same- to be successful in the premier division of NASCAR.” Gilmore added, “DEI’s NASCAR Nextel Cup focus for 2006 will be to sharpen every entity of our race teams by preparing the No. 1 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet, driven by Martin Truex Jr., and the No. 8 Budweiser Chevrolet driven by Dale Earnhardt Jr., for the championship. Additionally, we are working diligently with our current partner, NAPA, on returning to the No. 15 car.” (DEI PR)

Eury Sr. helps DEI developmental driver: Ryan Moore, the 21-year-old newcomer to Dale Earnhardt Inc., will make his Busch debut this weekend, with veteran crew chief Tony Eury Sr. running the show. Moore, son of NASCAR North fixture Kelly Moore, was signed by DEI last year as a development driver. (Salem-Journal)

Hmiel talks about son Shane: Crew chief Steve Hmiel attempts to revive Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s championship hopes one weekend at a time. It's a welcome distraction and helps ease Hmiel's pain from the "terrific hole in my heart.'' Hmiel anguishes for his son, Shane, who has been banished from the sport until 2007. NASCAR suspended Shane Hmiel last month after the 25-year-old violated the sport's substance abuse policy for the second time within two years. "There are times I want to kill him and there are times I want to hug him,'' Steve Hmiel said of his son. "That's true of every parent and every situation. Our family is here to support him.'' So, as Steve Hmiel heads to the track each weekend, Shane remains at the family's Pleasant Garden, N.C., home. He's been there since shortly after series officials escorted him out of the garage at Dover five weeks ago. "What Shane is doing is he's sitting at home on the couch and he has good days and bad,'' Steve Hmiel said. "A good day is not sitting there with your heart broken. A bad day is thinking the world is coming to an end. There are no real good days.'' (Roanoke.com)

DEI up for awards: The nominees have been released and Dale Earnhardt, Inc. is once again up for two awards by Charlotte Trip magazine. And, just like last year, we’ll need some help from our dedicated fans to assist in the voting process. DEI is once again up for Best of Charlotte and Best Day Trip in the annual Visitor’s Choice Gold Awards put together by the magazine. With your help, we won both categories last year. By logging onto www.CharlotteTrip.com and casting a vote for DEI, you can help us and, in turn, make yourself eligible for the Grand Prize. Voting ends on August 15 and then the final three nominees in each category are announced. The actual awards ceremony is on September 7 here in Charlotte. (DaleEarnhardtInc.com)

DEI to renew NAPA and Waltrip: Now that Dale Earnhardt, Inc. has signed Martin Truex, Jr. to a three-year contract extension, the next order of business is to renew the deals for driver Michael Waltrip and his sponsor, NAPA, DEI Director of Motorsports Richie Gilmore said Saturday night. “Michael’s been a great driver for us and a great cheerleader for us this year and a great teammate,” Gilmore said. “I think in the next couple of weeks, we’ll have it all worked out. The Martin (Truex, Jr.) deal just took up a lot more time than we thought, but everybody’s happy with how it worked out.” As for Waltrip’s contract extension — something of a surprise to some, as his job was rumored to be in jeopardy — Gilmore said, “We’re still working out the details on it. We think we can get it done in the next couple of weeks. We got a lot done today with NAPA and Michael and we feel like we can definitely get it done.” (SPEED)

Both Eury's missed Daytona drivers Meeting: Eyebrows were raised when both Tony Eury, Sr., director of competition for Dale Earnhardt, Inc., and son Tony Jr., crew chief for Michael Waltrip’s DEI Chevrolet, both skipped the pre-race driver’s meeting. Although many rumors flew, the truth was a lot more simple, according to Richie Gilmore, who oversees DEI racing operations. The elder Eury had flown home to prepare for a NASCAR Busch Series test at Loudon, N.H., on Tuesday with DEI development driver Ryan Moore, while Eury, Jr., simply lost track of time while prepping Waltrip’s car for the race. (SPEED)

Martin Truex signs with DEI: Martin Truex Jr.'s drive toward a second consecutive NASCAR Busch Series championship officially went over the halfway mark Friday night at Daytona International Speedway, where his future at Dale Earnhardt Inc. also was secured. Truex sweated out a 27-minute, 58-second red flag stoppage prompted by a 16-car crash and then held off pole sitter Kevin Harvick en route to a victory in the Winn-Dixie 250. The victory was Truex's first at Daytona, his series-leading fourth this season and served as the punctuation mark for the New Jersey native, who signed a three-year contact extension with DEI that will take him to the Nextel Cup Series full time beginning in 2006. "We sat down an hour before the race and got it done, and I signed a contract," said Truex, whose margin of victory after the green-white-checkered flag finish was 0.131 seconds. "We can focus on racing. [I] had a big meeting with my team before the race, and we talked about all the rumors and the reasons I stayed. It's real simple -- the friends I've made and the way these guys have stayed behind me the last 21/2 years. I'm glad to be back for the next three years. We're going to win this championship and be strong in the Cup Series next year." Truex will run a full Cup schedule in 2006, as well as selected Busch Series events. (DFW)

Truex on standby for Earnhardt, Jr.: Martin Truex Jr. won Friday night's NASCAR Busch Series race at Daytona International Speedway and agreed to re-sign at Dale Earnhardt Inc., but his work this weekend may still not be complete. Truex has been asked to remain at Daytona to stand by should driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. need a relief driver in Saturday night's Pepsi 400 Nextel Cup race, team officials said. Earnhardt Jr. has been battling flu-like symptoms the past two weeks and as of Friday had already made at least one trip to the infield care center this weekend for intravenous fluids. (ThatsRacin)

Hmiel fires back at doubters: Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s normally soft-spoken crew chief blasted critics of the struggling No. 8 team and the Dale Earnhardt Inc. organization Friday afternoon. But Steve Hmiel saved his harshest remarks for those NASCAR observers who believe that as "interim" crew chief, he is not equipped to help Junior save his season. "It ain't about Steve Hmiel, it's about the whole company," Hmiel said at Daytona International Speedway. "Everybody wants DEI to go up in flames. Well, it ain't going to happen. There's a lot going on here. And to dismiss anybody on this team as losers -- or to dismiss their interim crew chief as 'just a spotter' -- is a huge mistake on anybody's part in this garage. Because we're going to whip their butts before it's over with." During this time, Hmiel -- DEI's technical director -- also was serving as Junior's race-day spotter. At Junior's request, Hmiel took on the job of interim crew chief before the Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway on May 29. "A lot of people know me as Junior's spotter," said Hmiel, 51, who has posted 32 victories as a crew chief in a NASCAR career dating to 1975. "Yeah, I'm a technical director -- the crew chiefs work for me. I go to every wind-tunnel test. I design the chassis. The engineers work for me. You know, I haven't been sitting at home on the porch. And I don't give a hoot what anybody says -- a race car is just a race car. And I guess there's a lot of really smart people in this garage that weren't here 10 years ago, when we used to whip the hell out of 'em. Well, we're going to whip the hell out of 'em again." (Star-Telegram)

Eury suggest swap was mistake: The director of competition for Dale Earnhardt Inc. became the first team executive to suggest the switching of Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s and Michael Waltrip's teams this offseason was "a bad move." Earnhardt has slumped from a six-time winner and fifth in points last season to well out of the Chase for the Championship field. Waltrip has improved from 20th in points to within reach of the 400-points-from-the-leader line but has not won and DEI appears adrift. "When you've got something good, I guess you should leave it alone, you know," said Eury, Earnhardt's uncle and crew chief from the beginning of his NASCAR career until 2004. "We won six races with him last year. Maybe it should have been left alone. I don't know." Earnhardt and Waltrip's entire fleet of cars were swapped, with Earnhardt's former car chief, Tony Eury Jr., becoming Waltrip's crew chief. Pete Rondeau replaced Eury Sr. as crew chief for Earnhardt but was fired after 11 races. Eury Sr. said he bears as much responsibility for Earnhardt's poor start as anyone, including overestimating the quality of the No.8 Chevrolet fleet. That said, Eury Sr. suggested Earnhardt's team was probably "led wrong a little while" and suggested Rondeau, who served as Waltrip's crew chief when "Slugger" Labbe left late last year, hurt the program. "In our place, we let the crew chiefs build their cars. They're responsible for them," Eury Sr. said. "When Slugger left in the middle of the year last year, it went down from there and we never recovered from it." (St. Petersburg Times)

Truex and DEI: Martin Truex Jr. hasn't said why he hasn't yet signed a contract to remain with Dale Earnhardt Inc., but he did say Thursday at Daytona that he is trying to seal a deal. "It's not done yet, and we are trying to get it done," said Truex. At least two top-level Nextel Cup teams have immediate openings for the 2006 season. Truex Jr. is in the final year of his contract with DEI, and as reigning Busch Series champion, it is natural that he has found himself in the rumor mill. For his part, Truex has been mum on his talks with DEI, which are being led by his father. About the time Truex' name popped into the rumor mill, his performances in the Busch Series dramatically improved. Since finishing 35th at Texas in April, Truex has been on a tear, scoring top-10 finishes in eight of his past nine races. (NASCAR.com)

DEI Engine Changes? Dale Earnhardt Jr. has been complaining about horsepower much of the season, and now it appears that DEI will be building a new engine shop, perhaps with Menard Engineering help. Owner John Menard's son Paul drives Busch cars for DEI. Menard Engineering also provides motors for Robby Gordon. John Menard owned the Indy-cars that Tony Stewart drove to the Indy Racing League championship in 1997. (Salem-Journal)

DEI Crew members swap: Dale Earnhardt Inc. made a few more crew changes yesterday. The front tire changers and carriers were switched between the teams of Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Michael Waltrip during the race after Earnhardt fell out of contention because of tire problems. The swap helped Waltrip finish fifth after starting on pole. "We just had some trouble today, and they wanted to address it," Waltrip said. "Boy, when we needed a great stop, the combination of the Bud boys and the NAPA boys pulled it off. It was obviously a smart decision." (Times-Dispatch)

Rondeau Committed to DEI: Dale Earnhardt Inc. director of racing Richie Gilmore Saturday said Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s former crew chief Pete Rondeau has made a commitment to the organization for the rest of 2005. Gilmore said he was not aware if Rondeau was seeking other crew chief opportunities outside DEI. "I really don't know -- that would have to be a question for Pete," Gilmore said. "But right now he's been there every day -- he's told me he's committed for the rest of the year and he's been there every day just digging. "But Pete's a pretty committed guy and I really don't have any doubt on it. Everything Pete's always told me he's been dedicated to it. He's just a really good guy and whatever we ask him to do he'll do for us." (NASCAR.com)

Truex and DEI: If Martin Truex Jr. signs a new contract with Dale Earnhardt Inc. as a Nextel Cup driver, as DEI officials would like, Bass Pro Shops, a part-time Nextel Cup sponsor for Richard Childress, will become Truex's primary sponsor next season. DEI has offered Truex Jr. a three-year contract. However Michael Waltrip's future with DEI is still up in the air. DEI's Richie Gilmore said he would like to keep Waltrip and sponsor NAPA, but the ultimate decision is up to team owner Teresa Earnhardt, who could make a move in the next few weeks. (Salem-Journal)

Waltrip and Earnhardt, Jr. talking: After beginning the week with three days of team meetings, Director of Motorsports Richie Gilmore said all is well again at Dale Earnhardt Inc. Dale Earnhardt Jr. apologized to Michael Waltrip's crew Monday after spinning his teammate in Sunday's Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Gilmore said he and owner Teresa Earnhardt addressed the issue first thing Monday morning, gathering DEI managers, then crew members and finally the drivers. "We wanted the drivers to talk amongst themselves first," Gilmore said. "That was the most important thing that Teresa wanted to handle was talk about what happened and get past it." (Times-Dispatch)

DEI Chassis Changes: While some teams use chassis built in-house to incorporate details that make them more suitable to their driver's styles, DEI is taking a chassis it bought from a manufacturer and modifying it in an attempt to develop a feel that works best for Earnhardt Jr., Waltrip and Martin Truex Jr. The chassis has been tested at Kentucky Speedway, but DEI has yet to try it in a race just yet. Truex almost drove the chassis at Charlotte, but went with a more proven car. Earnhardt thinks it will make a big difference once the refined car becomes part of his arsenal. Still, a period of adaptation comes any time there's a change within an organization. DEI might adapt quickly – at least that's what Junior's hoping for, as he's not about to write off this season just yet. He believes DEI's on the verge of turning things around in a big way. (ESPN.com)

Eury on DEI Wreck: Dale Earnhardt Jr. rallied from a lap down to get back in the top 10, then crashed himself and teammate Michael Waltrip with a crucial mistake Sunday night. "I don't know what happened," Waltrip said in measured tones. "I'm trying to figure it out. I was running with the 8 car and I think he got into me. Tony Eury Sr., director of competition at Dale Earnhardt Inc., was Earnhardt's crew chief until this season, and he tried in vain to control his frustration with watching two of his cars taken out in the same wreck. "I don't know what his problem is with Michael, but it will be fixed tomorrow, I guarantee it," Eury said. (MaconTelegraph)

More on Rondeau and DEI: Pete Rondeau said he signed a three-year contract when he agreed to be Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s crew chief before the Nextel Cup season that never was signed by owner Teresa Earnhardt. In the contract, according to Rondeau, there was a clause that stated he was to be given six weeks notice if performance was in question. “I just show up on Monday, and I’m out of a job,” he said on Saturday. Richie Gilmore, the director of motorsports for Dale Earnhardt Incorporated, declined to comment on the contract or the clause. (TheState)

Rondeau on Leave, Maybe to Yates: Pete Rondeau is taking a leave from Dale Earnhardt Inc. He said he’ll speak with Richie Gilmore, vice president of motorsports at DEI, next week about his options. Rondeau said he’d like to be a crew chief. One possibility is with Dale Jarrett’s team . Bill Wilburn is serving as the interim crew chief after replacing Mike Ford, who left the team last week. “I definitely wouldn’t put myself in the same position I just came out of — being in a no-win situation,’’ Rondeau said. “ If we ran good, it was supposed to. If it didn’t, it was going to be my fault. I knew that going in, but at the time I thought I would have more backing than I currently had.’’ (PilotOnline)

Truex and Gibbs? But (Truex) when asked to comment on whether an announcement was expected this week on his re-signing with DEI to drive the No. 1 Chevrolet in Cup, Truex declined. Truex, who is fourth in Busch points, has also been mentioned as a possibility for Leffler's No. 11 Gibbs Racing seat. (SportingNews)

Waltrip's DEI Crewman wins Challenge: At 5-foot-6 and 219 pounds, Kevin Pennell doesn't look like a star. He's a jackman for Michael Waltrip's Nextel Cup team - the man on Waltrip's pit crew who hoists the No.15 Chevrolet up and lowers it on every pit stop. But on Thursday night at the NASCAR Nextel Pit Crew Challenge at the Charlotte Coliseum, Pennell had his moment. He was crowned the "Best Jackman" in the individual skills competition, which meant his very own trip to Victory Lane and a $10,000 check. (ThatsRacin)

Third Team for Several Cup Teams? Robert Yates, is expected to add a third Cup team in 2006, if current Busch sponsor CitiFinancial is willing to make the move. "We'd like to develop a young driver and advance him to Cup," Yates Racing G.M. Eddie D'Hondt says. Three seems to be the magic number for most Cup organizations. Evernham Motorsports and Dale Earnhardt Inc. also are expected to expand to three full-time cars next season. (SportingNews)

More on DEI; Truex and Waltrip: Richie Gilmore, director of motorsports, says he's confident that Dale Earnhardt Inc. will sign Martin Truex Jr. to a new contract soon. Michael Waltrip's situation, though, is not as certain. Truex' contract expires after this season. While there is interest in the Cup garage for the defending Busch series champion, DEI has it set up for him to drive Cup cars full time next year with Bass Pro Shops as the sponsor. "Martin's dad and I talk pretty much every day. I think we'll get back together with (car owner) Teresa (Earnhardt) next week and, hopefully, we'll get something together," Gilmore said. Gilmore says that Waltrip's sponsor NAPA has an option for next season. That leaves Waltrip's status uncertain. (Roanoke.com)

Truex, Jr. Close Signing with DEI: Forget the speculation that the defending NASCAR Busch Series champion from the Mayetta section of Stafford was entertaining such thoughts. Last week, at Talladega, Ala., Dale Earnhardt Jr., who co-owns the Chance 2 Motorsports Chevrolet that Truex drives on the Busch Series circuit, said he was pretty confident "Little Martin" was going to re-sign with DEI. Theresa Earnhardt, Dale Jr.'s stepmother, is a Chance 2 co-owner and president and CEO of DEI. Now DEI officials are saying the same thing. Richie Gilmore, vice president of competition at DEI, told NASCAR Scene, "I think we're close enough that we'll be done" during a meeting scheduled for Tuesday. (Asbury Park)

Waltrip and Green Called to Hauler: The two were called there following a wreck on Lap 206 in which Waltrip hit Green repeatedly from behind, causing an accident. Waltrip had blamed Green for an accident Waltrip had on Lap 7. The were bad feelings also lingering between the two from the race at Martinsville, Va., last month in which Green hit Waltrip from behind. "NASCAR told us not to get around each other. That suits me because the only two times I've had him behind me this year, he spun me out," Waltrip said. Green wasn't immediately available for comment after the race. NASCAR officials said additional penalties were unlikely. (ThatsRacin)

More on DEI, Waltrip and NAPA: Hanging over Michael Waltrip, again, is his future at Dale Earnhardt Inc., once more a topic of conversation, and sponsor NAPA may be the power that ultimately makes the call. NAPA executives like Waltrip, but NAPA is also a demanding sponsor. There is speculation if Waltrip leaves DEI that NAPA might take its money and follow him. Waltrip said he'd prefer to stay, and he figures he's making his case. (Salem-Journal)

Truex to Stay at DEI: Martin Truex says he was "flattered" by the attention he received regarding his uncertain status for next season. Dale Earnhardt Inc. has not yet signed Truex for 2006, leading to speculation he would leave the organization. His buddy, teammate and owner, Dale Earnhardt Jr., spoke with Truex last week and says he's "confident" Truex will drive DEI's No. 1 Chevrolet as a Nextel Cup rookie next season. (FoxSports/Sporting News Lee Spencer)

Waltrip most likely to stay with DEI? Considering that the drivers who will be available after the 2006 season are far superior to those who will be available at the end of this year, it would be advantageous for DEI and NAPA, the No. 15's primary sponsor, to maintain the status quo. According to Gilmore, one driver who won't be jumping into the No. 15 any time soon, especially if NAPA remains on the car, is Shane Hmiel. Hmiel has close ties with DEI; the company must approve any deal for him to race with another team. Hmiel wouldn't suit NAPA (Sporting News)

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