Dale Earnhardt Inc. News
Martin Truex, Jr, Aric Almirola, Juan Pablo Montoya news and rumors.
Updated: 2009 - Latest Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing News
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
New team working to revive the DEI brand Dale Earnhardt Inc. is planning a series of events at its Mooresville, N.C., campus that reflect the late driver's personality and lifestyle, much the same way Graceland offers an insight into the life of Elvis. A new leadership team, put in place less than two months ago. (Sports Business Journal)
Friday, January 16, 2009
Siegel leaves DEI; to head NASCAR Drive for Diversity: NASCAR hit a ringing double on Wednesday, making a deal that puts Max Siegel in charge of managing the Drive for Diversity program. In hiring Siegel, stock-car racing's leadership took a big step toward bringing a level of credibility to its diversity initiative. But as much as I thnk of Siegel, I will tell you right now that his name and his efforts alone can not turn the hire into the home run that NASCAR needs in this important at bat. Siegel left Dale Earnhardt Inc., where he was president of global operations, to go back to Baker & Daniels, an Indianapolis legal firm where he'd worked from 1992 through 1994. That firm, with Siegel leading the effort, will take over management of the Drive for Diversity program. (ThatsRacin.com)
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Truex looking for sponsorship? Martin Truex Jr. will continue to drive the No. 1 car. However, his primary sponsor, Bass Pro Shops, has greatly reduced its role with the team and the organization is searching for sponsorship for upwards of 15 or more races for the No. 1. (ThatsRacin.com)
Monday, January 12, 2009
Labonte in the No. 8? Almirola part-time? Bobby Labonte in the No. 8, Juan Pablo Montoya in the No. 41, Martin Truex Jr. in the No. 1 and Aric Almirola in a part-time role. That is the scenario officials at Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing are discussing, sources close to the situation told ESPN.com. Almirola was slated to drive the No. 8 vacated by Mark Martin this season, but the company was having trouble finding sponsorship for the untested driver. (ESPN.com)
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Siegel leaving DEI? A NASCAR team source told ESPN's Kelly Naqi that Dale Earnhardt Inc. president of global operations Max Siegel is close to leaving the team. Siegel said he's talking to DEI chief executive officer Teresa Earnhardt about his future plans with the team, which was part of a merger and has been renamed Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates. When contacted, Siegel said, "This has been a great opportunity and I have always been committed to doing what's in the best interests of the sport and the company. I am currently in discussions with Teresa about how I can have the most positive impact on the future of DEI."(ESPN.com)
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Ginn/HMS Holdings contract numbers: If you’re looking to lease engines from Hendrick Motorsports for a NASCAR operation, you’d better be prepared to open up your wallet. A legal battle being played out in North Carolina courts is offering rare insight into the usually secretive world of the sport’s finances as the Hendrick operation seeks compensation from the Ginn Racing team that wound up as part of Dale Earnhardt Inc. in 2007. According to a contract filed as part of the case, the Hendrick engine lease agreement with Ginn Racing called for Ginn to pay a base rent of $12.8 million in 2007 and $13.7 million in 2008 to lease engines for its three Sprint Cup teams and one team in what is now the Nationwide Series. The fee covered Cup engines for 36 race events and up to nine tests or special events and Nationwide engines for 35 events, according to the contract filed as part of a lawsuit by HMS Holdings against Ginn Racing and Dale Earnhardt Inc. over the termination fees resulting from the Ginn-DEI merger in July 2007.(SceneDaily.com)
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Bobby Labonte and Earnhardt-Ganassi working out contract details: Bobby Labonte will drive the #41 Target Chevrolet for Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing in 2009, joining Martin Truex, Jr., Juan Pablo Montoya and Aric Almirola as part of a newly merged, four-car team. Labonte has not commented since announcing his split from Petty Enterprises last week, and the new Earnhardt-Ganassi operation remains in a virtual media lockdown. However, multiple sources close to the situation tell Sirius Speedway that a deal to put Labonte in the #41 is signed, sealed and delivered, after receiving the approval of sponsor Target. Work has already begun on the necessary promotional infrastructure -- photo shoots, marketing campaigns, ancillary programs, etc. -- for the coming season.(Sirius Speedway's Motorsports Soapbox)
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Earnhardt-Ganassi to race Chevrolets; compete out of Ganassi shop: The new Earnhardt Ganassi Racing team will run Chevrolets and work out of the Chip Ganassi Racing shop, a team spokesman confirmed Tuesday. The team still has not named a driver nor a crew chief for the No. 41 car, and it needs a a half-season sponsorship for Juan Pablo Montoya. The new organization resulted from a merger of Dale Earnhardt Inc. and Chip Ganassi Racing, which was announced in mid-November. Doug Randolph will serve as crew chief for Aric Almirola's No. 8 team, a spokesman said. (SceneDaily.com)
Monday, December 8, 2008
Truex/Bass Pro Shops may leave unless sponsorship is found: Sirius Speedway has learned that DEI-Ganassi Racing is making a serious push to add another sponsor to its lineup, in an effort to avoid the possible loss of driver Martin Truex, Jr., and sponsor, Bass Pro Shops. Language in the contracts of both Truex and Bass Pro Shops reportedly requires DEI to field at least two fulltime teammates for Truex next season, and with only Aric Almirola’s unsponsored #8 car likely to return, sources say DEI had little choice but to merge with Ganassi, in an effort to retain their only funded driver. (Motorsports Soapbox)
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
HMS Holdings sues DEI: HMS Holdings, which operates the Hendrick Motorsports engine shop, is suing Dale Earnhardt Inc. for $1.5 million for the payment of a termination fee stemming from a contract to supply Hendrick engines to Ginn Racing. Ginn Racing, which also is a defendant in the suit filed Friday in North Carolina Superior Court, merged with DEI in July 2007. As part of the merger, DEI and Ginn Racing signed a termination agreement to a contract that was originally signed by Ginn in 2006. The termination agreement required payments to HMS of $1.754 million by July 31, 2007, and $1.5 million by Nov. 15, 2008, according to the suit. (SceneDaily.com)
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Regan Smith looking for Cup ride: It's ironic that Regan Smith was named rookie of the year the same week he lost his ride at Dale Earnhardt Inc. The 25-year-old New York native won the honor over Sam Hornish Jr. by what the rookie-program director called "just a handful of points."... As for his future? "I'm very confident in my abilities to drive a race car," Smith said at Homestead, "so I'm confident I'll be driving a Cup car for somebody next year. At least I have this to take to DEI and let [team owner Teresa Earnhardt] put it in the trophy case." (AutoWeek)
Monday, November 17, 2008
Also See: Regan Smith Named Raybestos Rookie of the Year
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Earnhardt-Ganassi to race Chevrolets: Plans are in place for Chip Ganassi Racing to switch from Dodge to Chevrolet and be a part of the engine program currently used by Dale Earnhardt Inc. and Richard Childress Racing. DEI, a Chevrolet-based organization, announced on Wednesday it is merging into a four-car team with the Dodge organization of Chip Ganassi Racing in 2009. Officials from both sides said no decision has been made on whether they would be under the Chevrolet or Dodge umbrella. Richard Childress, the owner of RCR and co-owner of the Earnhardt Childress Racing engine program, said a meeting is scheduled for Tuesday to hopefully finalize plans to bring Ganassi Racing into the ECR program. Asked if the new Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing would have to be Chevrolet to be a part of that program, he said, "I would think so. ECR will still be around," Childress said. Childress was glad to see the merger between DEI and Ganassi, saying, "It'll make them stronger for sure. If it's put together and works like ECR, it will be great. ECR has worked beyond all of our expectations." Childress didn't rule out the possibility of employees from Ganassi's engine program joining ECR.(ESPN.com)
Saturday, November 15, 2008
No word on Earnhardt-Ganassi Manufacturer: General Motors has not been told whether the new Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing team will field Chevrolets next season, according to Pat Suhy, GM’s NASCAR manager. Dale Earnhardt Inc., a four-car Chevrolet team, and Chip Ganassi Racing, a two-car Dodge team, announced Wednesday their plans to merge for the 2009 season. They did not announce a manufacturer, but Dodge teams seem resigned to the probability that the new four-car organization will race Chevrolets next season. “Until they tell us what it’s going to be, I’m not confident of anything,” Suhy said Friday at Homestead-Miami Speedway, site of Sunday’s Ford 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup season finale. “They need to make a decision based on their own needs and what kind of support they can get and what they think is in their best interests.” (SceneDaily.com)
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Earnhardt and Ganassi form alliance: Two of motorsports’ biggest names – Earnhardt and Ganassi – will launch a four-car team beginning in 2009 through the combination of the motorsports operations of Dale Earnhardt, Inc. (DEI) and Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, Inc. (CGRFS). NASCAR stars Martin Truex Jr. and Juan Pablo Montoya will drive the #1 and #42 respectively and future star Aric Almirola will be behind the wheel of the #8. The driver of the #41 will be named in the near future. “In this ultra-competitive era of NASCAR, it is necessary to build and sustain the strongest team possible and our combining with the people and equipment at Dale Earnhardt Inc. will help create a strong four-car program for years to come,” said Chip Ganassi. “This is a win-win for both organizations as well as all of our partners.” “Having a partner like Chip who is heavily involved on the competition side of the business is an ideal situation for DEI,” Teresa Earnhardt said. “He has a long history of managing championship teams in the IndyCar and Rolex Grand-Am Series and I share his passion and goals of winning races and ultimately championships in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. I think this is a case where we are stronger together than we are apart.” Details of the new four-car operation will be announced at a future date. For more information log onto www.chipganassiracing.com and www.daleearnhardtinc.com.(CGRFS PR)
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Truex upset with Siegel? Dale Earnhardt Inc's Martin Truex Jr. reportedly was involved in a raised-voice spat with DEI President of Global Operations Max Siegel Saturday night, accusing Siegel of leaking a story to ESPN.com that Truex had agreed to a two-year contract extension. Truex angrily denied the story on Saturday and reported had it out with Siegel that evening.(Ford Racing)
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Truex angily denies report: Despite a report by ESPN.com to the contrary on Saturday, Sprint Cup driver Martin Truex Jr. has not agreed to any contract extension with Dale Earnhardt Inc. Several sources close to the driver and his representatives on Saturday night adamantly denied a report by ESPN.com that Truex had agreed to a two-year deal. The Charlotte Observer and ThatsRacin.com have been attempting to obtain confirmation this week of a Truex deal, but DEI officials have declined to comment. In a brief interview Saturday evening with The Sporting News NASCAR Wire Service, Truex expressed outrage at the report. "It's (expletive). I don't know what the hell (the reporter) is talking about. He doesn't know what he's talking about," Truex said. (ThatsRacin.com)
Friday, July 25, 2008
ESPN.com reports Truex and DEI reach agreement: Martin Truex Jr., who has been speculated as a candidate for every driver opening in the Sprint Cup garage, isn't going anywhere. The 28-year-old New Jersey native has agreed in principal to a two-year deal that will keep him at Dale Earnhardt Inc. through the 2010 season, multiple sources close to the situation told ESPN.com on Saturday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Sources said an official announcement is expected any day, and that details with multiple sponsors remain to be finalized. Truex, asked if he has an agreement, said: "We're getting there, yeah. Things are going well right. I'm pretty happy. I just want to think about racing this weekend." He has been linked most strongly with the #12 car at Penske Racing,#4 at Stewart-Haas Racing and #33 at Richard Childress Racing. The organization also is negotiating a long-term deal to keep #15-Paul Menard, who has improved from 34th in the point standings last season to 26th. Max Siegel, the president of global operations at DEI, would not comment on negotiations.(ESPN.com)
Greci named Truex's interim crew chief: Mike Greci will serve as #1-Martin Truex's interim crew chief beginning this weekend, the team said Thursday. Greci replaces Kevin Manion, who begins serving his six-race suspension after Dale Earnhardt Inc. lost its appeal this week. Grechi first worked with Truex when Truex competed in what is now called the Camping World East series earlier this decade. Manion can return at Richmond in early September.(Virginian-Pilot)
Monday, July 21, 2008
Stock Car Racing Commission upholds Truex penalties: On July 21, 2008, the National Stock Car Racing Commission heard and considered the appeal of Dale Earnhardt Inc. regarding the #1 car. The appeal concerned four penalties issued by NASCAR stemming from opening day inspection on July 3, 2008 at the Sprint Cup Series event at Daytona International Speedway. The Appellants did not contest the rules violations, but argued that the penalties were too severe for the infractions. The Appellants explained that rigorous checks and balances in the fabrication process were in place at DEI and could offer no explanation as to why the roof failed to meet the inspection templates. They argued that the infractions were minor in nature, not deliberate, and that the resulting lowered roof was a disadvantage according to their wind tunnel findings. The Commission found that the infractions were clear-cut. The roof was low across a broad area. Accordingly, the penalties that were issued are warranted. Therefore, it is the unanimous decision of the National Stock Car Racing Commission to uphold the original penalties assessed by NASCAR. The periods of the suspensions are to be adjusted from the date of this hearing. The Appellants have the right under Section 15 of the Rule Book to appeal this decision to the National Stock Car Racing Commissioner.(National Stock Car Racing Commission PR)
Friday, July 11, 2008
Dale Jr. not interested in buying DEI: Dale Earnhardt Jr. said he's no longer interested in buying his father's race team should Teresa Earnhardt ever want to sell it. Reports this week stated that Teresa Earnhardt might be looking to add an investor or sell Dale Earnhardt Inc. A DEI official denied those reports, stating the team was not for sale. Earnhardt Jr. tried to get at least majority interest in the team last year before leaving to join Hendrick Motorsports. Not anymore. "I don't mean this in a bad way, but I would not have any interest in purchasing it," Earnhardt Jr. said Thursday night at Chicagoland Speedway. (The Virginian-Pilot)
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Truex, DEI team to granted appeal: Dale Earnhardt Inc. is appealing at least the suspensions of #1 team crew chief Kevin “Bono” Manion and car chief Gary Putnam. Manion and Putnam were working in the garage at Chicagoland Speedway today, and suspended personnel are not allowed at the track unless their penalty is being appealed. DEI Vice President John Story confirmed Thursday afternoon that the team will appeal. The appeal will be heard July 21. “We’ve been granted an opportunity for appeal and anything we have to say about the appeal will be done during the hearing we’ve been granted,” said Story, who would not elaborate on the scope and basis for the appeal.(SceneDaily.com)
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
NASCAR annnounces #1 car penalities: NASCAR has issued penalties, fines and suspensions to the car #1 team that competes in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, as a result of rules infractions found last week at Daytona International Speedway. The car driven by Martin Truex Jr., was found to be in violation of Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used do not conform to NASCAR rules); and 20-3.8A (roof of the car does not conform to the specifications) of the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series rule book. As a result, Truex Jr. and car owner Teresa Earnhardt have been penalized 150 championship driver and 150 championship owner points, respectively. Both the crew chief, Kevin Manion, and the car chief, Gary Putnam, have been suspended from the next six NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events, suspended from NASCAR until Aug. 27 and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31. Additionally, Manion has been fined $100,000. The infractions were discovered July 3 during opening day inspection.(NASCAR PR)
DEI not for sale: DEI president Max Siegel on Tuesday refuted an Internet report that company owner Teresa Earnhardt had commissioned investment banking firm Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. to locate a buyer or financial investment partner. "We have not engaged Bear, Stearns or Goldman Sachs or anyone else," Siegel said. "We are contacted all the time by outside firms about getting involved in the sport. "We are not for sale right now. Nothing is imminent." (ESPN.com)
Teresa Earnhardt to sell DEI to Max Siegel? One year after Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s failed purchase of his late fathers company, Dale Earnhardt, Inc., the company appears to be on the market again. However this time, the buyer is not a family member. Max Siegel, President of Global Operations at DEI is currently in negotiations with major investors to buy Teresa Earnhardt out of DEI, a source close to the negotiations said Monday. Sources said Siegel would not just be buying a portion of DEI or a controlling interest, rather, he would be buying the entire company. Sources said, Teresa has agreed to walk away from the company entirely for the right price. That price is supposedly somewhere between $115-$130 million dollars. With one exception...Teresa would retain the rights to all "Dale Earnhardt' and 'Intimidator' rights and merchandise sales. Siegel would only be buying the DEI race teams, and real estate including all race shops and the DEI headquarters in Mooresville, NC. Sources said Siegel is very serious about the purchase and appears to have investors salivating over the opportunity to own the legendary team. (Captain Thunder)
Hard Rock Hotel and Casino's to sponsor #8 or #01? DEI is also working diligently to lock up sponsors for next season. Rumors have been swirling that they may lose their U.S. Army sponsorship on Martin’s #8 car, a car that will be driven by rookie Aric Almirola next year, to Red Bull and Scott Speed. If that happens, DEI hopes to be ready with another sponsor to step in. That sponsor may be the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino’s. Sources said early Sunday that Max Siegel, President of Global Operations for DEI, had met throughout the weekend in Daytona Beach, FL with representatives from the Hard Rock about possible sponsorship opportunities with DEI. They could replace the U.S. Army should they bail and head to Red Bull, or they could end up on the #01 of Regan Smith. (Captain Thunder)
Monday, July 7, 2008
Teresa Earnhardt looking to sell Dale Earnhardt, Inc.? Sirius NASCAR Radio's Sirius Speedway is reporting today that Teresa Earnhardt has enlisted the services of Bear, Stearns and Company to find a buyer -- or at least a major financial investor -- for Dale Earnhardt, Inc. Bear Stearns is an investment bank, securities trading and brokerage firm based in New York City, and has been charged with finding a buyer for the entire operation. Barring that, Earnhardt is said to be interested in selling at least a minority interest in the team. DEI President of Global Operations Max Siegel declined to comment on the story when contacted earlier today. (The Motorsports Soapbox)
Sunday, July 6, 2008
No sponsor announced for #8 DEI car: What DEI didn’t announce was a sponsor for Almirola, but DEI President Max Siegel indicated that the team has solidified those plans. Currently, the U.S. Army sponsors that car but it has not announced whether it would remain with DEI next year as it goes through its annual bidding process. “We’re fine,” Siegel said. “We’ll make the announcements of who it is over time.” Siegel said the team is still looking for sponsorship for the #01 car of Smith to be able to keep that car on the track and he said there was nothing new to report on Truex’s status for next year. .(SceneDaily)
Friday, July 4, 2008
Dale Earnhardt, Inc. looking for investor or buyer? DEI itself may be in the market for a merger with an investment firm, similar to the dealings that Michael Waltrip and Richard Petty have undertaken, according to sources close to the situation. DEI’s Story said he couldn’t comment on the prospect of any outside investors coming on-board; Teresa Earnhardt, who owns the team, wasn’t available herself for comment. “That’s Teresa’s business, so I can’t comment on that, and I wouldn’t know where we might be with that, if anywhere,” Story said. “DEI is pretty solid right now; we’re in good shape. We have a few things to lock down, obviously. But with or without an investor we’re a good solid company and we’re doing fine.” (Winston Salem Journal)
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Army sponsorship may head to Red Bull Racing? In a related story, ESPN’s Angelique Chengelis reported yesterday that the Army sponsorship is likely to move from DEI to Bill Davis Racing's #23 Toyota next season. That report has been denied by several sources, however, and Sirius Speedway has learned that Red Bull Racing is actually a leading candidate for the Army deal. Red Bull General Manager Jay Frye first brought the Army sponsorship to NASCAR during his tenure at MB2 Motorsports, and is said to be in serious discussions to secure that sponsorship once again in 2009. (The Motorsports Soapbox)
Monday, June 23, 2008
DEI wants to re-sign Martin; may cut back to three teams in '09: Dale Earnhardt Inc.’s Vice President of Motorsports Operations John Story said Sunday morning at Infineon Raceway that the team wants to re-sign Mark Martin for 2009, who is rumored to be on his way out, and is still looking for a sponsor for the No. 01 Chevrolet driven by Regan Smith. If no sponsor is found, Story said, the team will cut back to three cars. (SPEEDtv.com)
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Mark Martin to replace Casey Mears in 2009? Casey Mears and Mark Martin look to be on the move, and their futures might be linked. Mears' future with Hendrick Motorsports appears in jeopardy, ESPN.com has learned. Although Mears has one year left on his contract, team owner Rick Hendrick would not commit to the driver of the #5 car beyond this season. "I'm committed to him right now," Hendrick said on Sunday at Infineon Raceway. "I'm committed to him making that car run better right now." Earlier on Sunday, sources told ESPN.com that Martin would leave Dale Earnhardt Inc. Later, ESPN.com learned that he would replace Mears, making one last full-time run at a championship.(ESPN.com)
Aric Almriola full-time in the #8 in 2009: Mark Martin will have a new racing home in 2009, ESPN.com has learned. Martin was unavailable for comment Sunday. Officials for Martin's current team, Dale Earnhardt Inc., would neither confirm nor deny the speculation, but did confirm that young Aric Almirola would run a full-time schedule in 2009. "Aric is ready for a full-time ride," said John Story, DEI vice president of motorsports operations. Almirola has shared the #8 U.S. Army Chevy with Martin for the past two seasons. "Were talking to Mark about what his objectives for the future are, and trying to marry that with our own, with Aric Almirola, to make sure Aric has an opportunity to run full time next year. We're going through the process right now of trying to make sure that we get something for Aric that provides him a 36-race schedule, and at the same time that Mark is in a good situation."(ESPN.com)
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Army considering leaving DEI? The U.S. Army is examining it options for 2009 and beyond, and could leave Dale Earnhardt, Inc., for another team. The Army sponsorship is a year-by-year affair, and is renegotiated at the end of each season for the next year. Sources close to the situation tell Sirius Speedway that while the Army could still return to the DEI camp next season, officials are talking to at least one other Sprint Cup Series team, including one from the Toyota camp. Mark Martin has steered the US Army Chevrolet to a pair of Top-5 and five Top-10 finishes this season, and stands 24th in points despite running only 12 of the 15 races to date. Aric Almirola has made the other three starts in the car, with one Top-10 finish.(Motorsports Soapbox)
Monday, June 16, 2008
Fellows in the #01 DEI ride for Sonoma: Veteran road course specialist Ron Fellows will pilot the Dale Earnhardt Inc. No. 01 Chevrolet in the Save Mart 350 at Infineon Raceway on June 22 with a goal of scoring maximum car owner points in the event. Leading rookie-of-the-year candidate Regan Smith will be back in the car the following week at Loudon. “We’re very proud of the job Regan is doing and our commitment to him has not changed,” said John Story, Dale Earnhardt Inc. vice president of motorsports. “The progress of the No. 01 team has been significant. We have a team around Regan now that communicates well together and we expect to see more of the improvement they’ve already made in the second half of the season. “Our goal for Regan remains winning the rookie of the year title and building momentum that we hope will carry us into 2009. Ron has a successful history with DEI and he certainly knows his way around Infineon. The opportunity to capitalize on his experience and abilities against some of the other road course experts is our objective.” (DEI PR)
June 26, 2007
NASCAR: DEI can't sell the No. 8 to Hendrick: Hendrick Motorsports may have Dale Earnhardt in their stable, but they won't be able to buy his trademark No. 8. Dale Earnhardt Inc. will not be allowed to sell the No. 8 to Hendrick or any other team, according to a report on the Charlotte Observer Web site. According to the report, spokesman Ramsey Poston reiterated that NASCAR owns and assigns all car numbers and said a team cannot sell numbers on their own accord. "NASCAR owns the numbers and licenses them to teams on an annual basis," Poston said in the report. "A team may allow another team to use the number for that year pending NASCAR's approval." (FOXSports.com)
Bass Pro Shops resigns with DEI and Truex: Dale Earnhardt Inc. has re-signed Bass Pro Shops to sponsor the No. 1 Chevrolet and driver Martin Truex Jr. in 2008. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Truex, who turned 27 last week, has enjoyed a breakout sophomore season behind the wheel of the No. 1 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet. Truex's contract with DEI runs through next year. DEI is remains in discussions with Anheuser-Busch and has a short list of potential drivers to replace Dale Earnhardt Jr., who announced earlier this month he was moving to Hendrick Motorsports in 2008. "We are having conversations with Budweiser daily," said DEI VP John Story. (FOXSports.com)
June 23, 2007
Hendrick would like to buy the No. 8 for Earnhardt, Jr.: Car owner Rick Hendrick has let it be known to officials at Dale Earnhardt Inc. that he'd like to purchase the No. 8 for Dale Earnhardt Jr. when he begins driving for his organization in 2008. "I'm not sure what their position is or what they want for it," Hendrick said Saturday between practices at Infineon Raceway. (ESPN.com)
June 16, 2007
Max Siegel: DEI willing to discuss transfer of #8 to Earnhardt, Jr.: Earnhardt said Friday after qualifying at Michigan International Speedway that there has not yet been any communication with DEI about obtaining the No. 8. "Obviously, we'll see if there's any interest from [team owner] Teresa [Earnhardt] and [DEI president of global operations] Max [Siegel] to do that, but they've probably got to answer a couple more questions of their own to be able to have a good idea how they feel about that," Earnhardt said. "Whether they feel like they have any interest in talking about it, I'm sure that's something Rick [Hendrick] and my sister [Kelley Earnhardt Elledge] would be interested in doing." Siegel said Friday that he would be willing to discuss a transfer of the number. "We're open to talk about anything," Siegel said. "But in order to consider it, there has to be some formal proposal. No one has contacted me. Other than knowing his desire to have the number, no one has approached me with a formal proposal. I'm not going to talk about it until I get one." (ESPN.com)
June 15, 2007
Busch: I never talked to other team: Kyle Busch says he hasn't talked with any race team about where he'll drive next season after leaving Hendrick Motorsports. "This is all brand new," Busch said Thursday in an interview on "The Driver's Seat" on Sirius Satellite Radio. "I haven't talked or discussed or done anything with any other team." Busch will leave his No. 5 Chevrolet ride with Hendrick at season's end, a move that makes room for Dale Earnhardt Jr. to join the four-car team for 2008 and beyond. Busch said one reason he left a developmental deal with Roush Racing to sign with Hendrick in the first place was to get out of the shadow of his older brother, Kurt, who was then at Roush. (Charlotte Observer)
Earnhardt merchandise sales may push $100 million? Expect sales of Earnhardt products to approach nine digits ($100 million) in the coming year as fans grab the remaining No. 8 items still on store shelves and load up on the new stuff — everything from diecast cars to bumper stickers, hats and jackets. Earnhardt, who announced Wednesday that he is joining Hendrick Motorsports, did not say which number he will run next year. There's speculation he could wind up in the No. 5 that Kyle Busch has been driving or the No. 25 if Casey Mears decides to run the No. 5. (Atlanta Journal Constitution)
June 14, 2007
Busch may replace Earnhardt at DEI., Maybe fourth RCR or Ginn team?: When asked by moderator Winston Kelley how there was room for Earnhardt Jr., Hendrick explained he had been pursuing a contract extension with Busch and discovered the four-time Nextel Cup winner was being approached by other teams. "It became pretty obvious to both of us that maybe a fresh start might be good for both of us," Hendrick said. Busch was unavailable Wednesday, testing at the Milwaukee Mile, and Hendrick officials said he would not address the media until Friday at Michigan International Speedway. There appears to be plenty of available quality rides, including Earnhardt Jr.'s soon-to-be-empty ride at Dale Earnhardt Inc. Also, Richard Childress Racing and Ginn Racing have both stated their intentions to start fourth teams. (Charlotte Observer)
June 13, 2007
Budweiser Statement regarding Dale Earnhardt, Jr. announcement: "Anheuser-Busch has enjoyed a remarkable relationship with Dale Earnhardt Jr. since our sponsorship commenced back in 1999. Dale Jr. is an excellent ambassador for the sport and our company, and we look forward to exploring options with Hendrick Motorsports and JR Motorsports to continue Budweiser’s relationship with him as he enters this new stage of his racing career." Tony Ponturo, Vice President, Global Media and Sports Marketing Anheuser-Busch, Inc. (Anheuser-Busch PR)
General Motorsports statement regarding Earnhardt/Hendrick announcement: "Dale Earnhardt, Jr. has been synonymous with the modern era of Chevy Motorsports with his 17 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series victories and two NASCAR Busch Series championships, all powered by the legendary small-block Chevy V8. Dale, Jr. has a choice in his future direction. We are proud he chose to stay with Team Chevy - the winningest name in motorsports with 609 wins and 30 championships - to pursue his championship bid. On behalf of General Motors and Chevrolet, congratulations to Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Hendrick Motorsports on the announcement of their partnership. They epitomize the Chevy spirit of competition. We wish them success as they embark on their new relationship." Brent Dewar, General Motors North America Vice President of Vehicle Sales, Service and Parts (General Motors PR)
NASCAR Chairman Brian France statement regarding Earnhardt, Jr. and Hendrick Motorsports: “Today’s announcement of Dale Earnhardt Jr. ’s move to Hendrick Motorsports is indeed an important announcement for this season and beyond, and it should be noted that high-profile partnerships have always been a part of NASCAR’s competitive history. There have been so many great partnerships involving people of great character and ability. We’re proud of what they have brought to our sport. “Dale Earnhardt Jr. has always said that first and foremost, he wants to win a NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series championship. We wish him the best of luck. ” (NASCAR PR)
Earnhardt, Jr. to join Hendrick Motorsports in 2008: Dale Earnhardt Jr. ended months of speculation Wednesday, announcing that he will drive for Hendrick Motorsports in 2008 and beyond. Earnhardt Jr., who has never driven a Nextel Cup car for a team other than Dale Earnhardt Inc. -- the team founded by his father Dale Earnhardt Sr. -- said during his job search that "it became apparent to me the man I wanted to drive for." That was team owner Rick Hendrick, someone Earnhardt Jr. has known since childhood. Hendrick said the deal, struck with Earnhardt Jr. and his sister, Kelley Earnhardt Elledge, will run for five years. "I don't feel a whole lot of pressure," said Earnhardt Jr, 32, whose press conference was held at JR Motorsports in Mooresville, N.C., home to the Busch, Hooters and late-model series teams that he owns. "I'm pretty excited to drive Rick's cars. His on-track performance speaks for itself. I hope it ain't that hard to get me to victory lane." Still unresolved is Earnhardt's future with sponsor Anheuser Busch. The driver has become synonymous with the No. 8 Budweiser car which he will continue to drive for the duration of the 2007 season. (More at USAToday.com)
July 5, 2006
Earnhardt's death among top auto stories of the last decade: Pain at the pump is the No. 1 automotive story of the last decade, according to a list released today by SPEED in conjunction with the motor sports and automotive lifestyle network's 10th Anniversary. U.S. gas prices soaring above $3 a gallon, and the corresponding fallout -- an influx of "hybrid" vehicles, declining sales of monster-sized SUVs and a growing interest in fuel alternatives -- was the top response from a group of automotive journalists and SPEED on-air automotive personalities, when asked about the most memorable consumer automotive stories of the last 10 years. And with all of the recent improvements in consumer automotive safety, it took the tragic death of NASCAR icon Dale Earnhardt in 2001 to focus the world's attention on safety at the race track. The result -- more safety equipment, safer race cars and safer race tracks for fans in attendance. "Dale Earnhardt's death sent shock waves through the entire racing world, but especially NASCAR, where he was both the sport's biggest star and a man regarded as the toughest ever to strap on a helmet," said Jensen. "It was the kind of brutal wake-up call that forced NASCAR to redouble its safety efforts." (Business Wire) 1. Gasoline tops $3 a gallon 2. Fall of domestic dominance 3. Dale Earnhardt crash at Daytona
July 2, 2006
DEI looking to expand? Dale Earnhardt Inc. will field three Nextel Cup teams next season but could expand to a fourth car. DEI will have cars for Dale Earnhardt Jr., Martin Truex and rookie Paul Menard next season, but Richie Gilmore, vice president of motorsports, says the organization is looking to add a fourth team. Gilmore says the team wants to decide by the end of this month how many teams it will have next season. NASCAR rules limit organizations to four Cup teams, although Roush Racing has been grandfathered in with its five teams. No date has been set on when Roush must comply with the rule. Earnhardt says it makes sense for DEI to expand to four teams. "I think that every team should strive to own that many,'' he said after his Busch series victory Friday night. "You're more successful if you own more cars.'' Also, Gilmore says that the team is looking at some sort of merger with MB2 Motorsports, whether it's sharing resources or having one of MB2 Motorsports' teams move under the DEI banner. Joe Nemechek and Sterling Marlin drive for MB2 Motorsports. "We're looking at all our options,'' Gilmore said. (Roanoke Times)
June 18, 2006:
Earnhardt, Jr. and DEI agree to trademark terms: Earnhardt told NASCAR.COM on Saturday that he and Dale Earnhardt, Inc. had agreed to terms Friday evening that awarded him sole ownership of the trademark rights to his lucrative name. Amazingly, it won't affect the earning potential of an asset estimated at some $5 million annually. Earnhardt said the current agreements between he and DEI won't change. (NASCAR.com
June 16, 2006:
Budweiser/Earnhardt Legacy ads
June 14, 2006:
Truex, to race truck race at MI.: #1-Martin Truex, Jr. will be competing in both the Craftsman Truck Series event on Saturday, as well Sunday's NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway. Truex's weekend starts with Saturday's Con-way Freight 200. The two-time defending Busch Series champion will be competing in the Billy Ballew Motorsports #51 Chevy truck. (DEI PR)
June 7, 2006:
MB and DEI Partnership possible, buyout unlikely: MB2 Motorsports general manager Jay Frye said his two-car team is in discussions about forming a partnership with Dale Earnhardt Inc. The teams might share the burden of building cars next year when NASCAR begins phasing in the "Car of Tomorrow" while still keeping the current model for more than half the races. "There's lots of things going on, and the sport is changing in many ways," Frye said. "So how can we become more efficient? That's really how our conversation started with them. It's just ideas on how to make things more efficient for both companies. Maybe we build the Car of Tomorrow cars, or maybe combine forces, or maybe there might be nothing." Frye said DEI buying MB2 was unlikely but also said anything was possible. (USA Today)
June 5, 2006:
Frye: DEI/MB2 rumors just speculation: Jay Frye, the general manager and part-owner of the MB2 team, said that much of the speculation about a DEI-MB2 merger is just that, speculation. "Everyone's got this four-team program idea, but we're like two and they're like two.... so how do we both do things more efficiently together," Frye said. "That's how this all got started. Our buildings are four minutes apart. So we're trying to work together on this car of tomorrow. It's not about engines; it's about car-building. Everything beyond that is purely speculation." (Salem-Journal)
June 3, 2006:
DEI rumormill: There's more speculation that Teresa Earnhardt is planning to buy MB2 Motorsports, with drivers Joe Nemechek and Sterling Marlin, in addition to the ongoing speculation that she may be planning to sell DEI to John Menard, a home-improvements czar who has long been involved in racing. Marlin, who drives for the Jay Frye-run MB2 Chevy operation, said he has heard the sale talk, but that he doesn't know what's going on. Ryan Pemberton, the crew chief for Nemechek, said he has talked with Frye about it, but he's not sure, either, what might be going on behind the scenes. Earnhardt doesn't grant interviews, and Frye isn't due here until today. So yesterday it was up to Richie Gilmore, the general manager at DEI, to try to explain the situation. "We're not selling out," Gilmore said. "Our plans right now are to go to a three-car operation next year with Paul Menard (John's son). John is a great sponsor for us, and we do a lot with Menard's, engines, and he's at our company a lot, and I guess people speculate when they see him around." (Salem-Journal)
Earnhardt, Jr. doesn't like sponsor limitations
Gilmore says GM needs to centralize engine program
June 1, 2006:
Earnhardt, Jr. Father's Day paint scheme, honors 3 generations of Earnhardt's
May 24, 2006:
Menard to attempt Coca-Cola 600 in 3rd DEI car: Paul Menard will attempt this weekends Coca-Cola 600, piloting the No. 15 Johns Manville/Menards Chevrolet. “The Cup car is #038,” Crew Chief Dan Stillman said of the car Menard will pilot in the longest Nextel Cup race of the year. “It ran Atlanta. This car crashed during the Charlotte test. We rebuilt it and wanted to take it back to Charlotte because it ran so good at Atlanta.” Menard drove car #038 to a seventh place finish at Atlanta Motor Speedway in March. The Coca-Cola 600’s distance alone demands pacing, preparation and concentration. Coupled with the 300-mile Busch Series race on Saturday, physically conditioned drivers like Menard will have an edge up on the competition since endurance is a key to success this weekend. “I’ve been on a pretty severe diet exercise regiment for about a year,” Menard said. “With my schedule becoming more demanding on and off the track, it’s really important to be physically fit.” Interesting to note, Dale Earnhardt made his Cup series debut in the 1975 Coca-Cola 600. With Menard scheduled to run the No. 15 Chevrolet, DEI will field three cars in the race. (Co-Pilott Motorsports Marketing PR)
May 18, 2006:
#1 Bass Pro Shops team wins Pit Crew Challenge: Martin Truex Jr.'s rookie team won the Nextel Pit Crew Challenge, an event aimed at showcasing the skills of NASCAR's behind-the-scenes players, by beating Kasey Kahne's defending champion team in the final round Wednesday night. Truex's crew changed four tires, filled the tank with fuel and pushed the car 40-yards across a finish line in 25.44 seconds to pocket the $70,000 grand prize. It was somewhat of a surprising win for a team that is in its first year of Nextel Cup competition and is a distant 22nd in points. But many of the crew members have been with Dale Earnhardt Inc. several years and a handful were on Truex's two Busch Series championship teams. "When your car is not up to snuff and running up front, nobody recognizes the underdog," crew chief Kevin Manion said. "Tonight we came in as the underdog, and left as the winner." (Daytona News Journal)
Truex to sport the National Wild Turkey Federation paint scheme: The National Wild Turkey Federation’s flying turkey logo will appear on the DEI, Bass Pro Shops sponsored #1 race car, driven by 2-time Busch Series Champion Martin Truex Jr., at the NASCAR Nextel All-Star Challenge on May 20 th at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Charlotte, North Carolina. Bass Pro Shops salute to the NWTF is a part of the Conservation Fund’s “Racing for America’s Wildlife” program. The program is designed to engage the NASCAR community in conserving America’s hunting and fishing heritage through habitat protection, restoration, education, and outreach. “We are very proud to partner with the NWTF and their work in conservation, helping special needs hunters, getting women involved in the outdoors, and youth education,” said Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris. “This is our way of thanking the NWTF and their thousands of grassroots volunteers, who are also NASCAR fans, for all they do.” (Bass Pro Shops PR)
April 14, 2006:
DEI Foundation logos placed on all DEI cars: The logo of The Dale Earnhardt Foundation is making the rounds, literally, at NASCAR races this season one lap at a time. The familiar "victory" silhouette of racing legend Dale Earnhardt is now part of the official paint scheme on all Dale Earnhardt, Inc. race cars in both the Busch and Nextel Cup series races. The logo made its debut this past week during races at Texas Motor Speedway. The Dale Earnhardt Foundation logo will be visible on the right rear "taillight" of all DEI cars, just above the car number decal. "We're very pleased that the DEI race teams are showing their support for the Foundation and its charitable efforts in such a visible manner," said Dick Baker, Executive Director of The Dale Earnhardt Foundation. "This is a creative idea that will help us to expand awareness and recognition for the Foundation with race fans and the general public alike." Dale Earnhardt, Inc. races the #11 Menard's Chevrolet driven by Paul Menard in the Busch Series. In the Nextel Cup Series, the team races the #1 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet driven by Martin Truex, Jr. and the #8 Budweiser Chevrolet driven by Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Founded in 2002 by Teresa Earnhardt, The Dale Earnhardt Foundation was established to carry on Dale's name and good works through charitable causes that support Children, Education and Wildlife Preservation. For more information please visit thedaleearnhardfoundation.org. (DEI PR)
March 29, 2006:
Glitch occurred the reason behind language, Manion not fined: FOX Sports used the same excuse for profanity creeping into Sunday's broadcast of the Nextel Cup race at Bristol Motor Speedway as CBS did for Janet Jackson's breast being exposed during halftime of Super Bowl XXXVIII. Equipment malfunction. "We've talked to FOX Sports and they told us there was a malfunction, that it wasn't deliberate,'' NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter said Tuesday. "They told us there's some sort of system in play where there's a delay. For whatever reason, it didn't work. They assured us they're looking at ways to make sure that doesn't reoccur.'' The incident occurred when the in-car radio conversation between crew chief Kevin Manion and his driver, Martin Truex., Jr., was broadcast. Manion was caught using the same word that earned driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. a $10,000 fine and the loss of 25 points two years ago at Talladega Superspeedway. Hunter said Manion was not fined because "this was a glitch that occurred.''(NASCAR.com)
March 23, 2006:
Former American Idol visits DEI: "American Idol" Bo Bice and his band, Sugarland Money, paid a visit to Dale Earnhardt, Inc. on Tuesday afternoon to check out where their favorite race team builds the cars for their favorite drivers. They were en route to a gig in Spartanburg, SC on Wednesday night. Having just left Columbia, SC earlier in the day with Charlotte radio interviews on tap for Wednesday morning, Bice and his band realized DEI in Mooresville was a doable stop on the way. They pulled up in their tour bus and took a behind-the-scenes view of our facility. Joining in the tour was Taylor Earnhardt, herself. She and Bice had their picture taken by a #8 car with a large photo of her dad, Dale, in the background. She offered interesting insights about the buildings and different aspects of DEI. During his tour, Bice was easily recognized by most of the employees. He gladly stopped, talked to everyone, posed for pictures and signed autographs. Even some fans who were outside the large glass doors of the Interior Showroom recognized Bice and got his attention. During his tour, Bice and the band stopped into the #8 Budweiser shop. There, Brian Cram (Shop Foreman) talked to them in more depth about race cars, how much they weigh and how many cars the team works on at one time. He even put Bice in the primary car for the upcoming Martinsville Speedway. (Dale Earnhardt Inc PR)
March 14, 2006:
Menard to attempt Atlanta: Dale Earnhardt Inc. will enter a car for Busch Series driver Paul Menard in this weekend's Golden Corral 500 Nextel Cup race at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Menard was scheduled to drive in seven Cup races in 2006 but failed to qualify for the Daytona 500 after blowing a tire in his Gatorade Duel event. If Menard makes the field, it will be his first oval race in Nextel Cup. Menard's previous two Cup races were at Watkins Glen. Menard is 17th in the Busch Series points standings. (NASCAR Scene Daily)
March 9, 2006:
Snap-On signs multi-year extension with DEI: Snap-on is proud to announce they have extended their sponsorship commitment with Dale Earnhardt, Inc. - one of NASCAR's premier teams. With this multi-year contract renewal, Snap-on will serve as an associate sponsor to DEI. "Snap-on has played an important role in our team's success through the years," said Teresa Earnhardt, president and CEO of Dale Earnhardt, Inc. "This long-term renewal reaffirms the strong relationship that Snap-on and DEI enjoy. We look forward to our continued partnership with Snap-on and its quality tools." "Snap-on Tools has been a part of the DEI family since my father began racing," said Dale Earnhardt, Jr. "Their products have been in our shops for decades and we rely on them to help us win races. They've been a solid partner through the years, and it's great we can continue working with them well into the future." DEI is currently comprised of four teams - the No. 1 Bass Pro Shops, No. 8 Budweiser and the No. 15 Menard's Chevrolet teams which compete in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series. They also field the No. 11 Menard's Chevrolet in the NASCAR Busch Series. In 2005, DEI celebrated 25 years of intimidation with its 100th NASCAR win (No 8 Busch Series win at Indianapolis Raceway Park). Through 2005, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. has won 16 Nextel Cup Series in DEI-built racecars. Dale Jr. was named NASCAR's Most Popular Driver for the third consecutive year, making him one of only four drivers to win the award that many years in-a-row. (Ogilvy Public Relations)
Dec. 16, 2005:
Dale Earnhardt Jr. loses out
Dec..15, 2005:
Dale Jr. to test at Daytona
Dec.. 13, 2005:
Earnhardt, Jr. & NASCAR among top searched terms and athletes
Earnhardt at Sound & Speed Fest
Dec.. 11, 2005:
Earnhardt, Jr. fine after minor surgery
Dec.. 7, 2005:
NASCAR disappointed with Earnhardt, Gordon and others
Earnhardt, Jr. and Fantasy Racing
Dec. 3, 2005
Surprise Earnhardt, Jr. wins most popular driver of the year award again
Dec. 1, 2005:
Earnhardt, Jr. cousin dies
Nov. 15, 2005:
Dale Jr. on CNBC
Robby gets some help this weekend: This coming weekend, #7-Robby Gordon will run the Baja 1000 in Mexico, a race he's won twice. He'll have Busch Series regular (and DEI driver) Paul Menard practice and qualify his #7 Chevy on Saturday for Sunday's Nextel Cup race at Homestead with Gordon racing in the race in on Sunday. Gordon now is running DEI engines. (Yahoo Sports)
Dale Jr. weighs in on Busch
Nov. 4, 2005:
Earnhardt, Jr. still thinks about driving #3
Earnhardt, Jr. wins Wix award
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