It was a very wild day in Mooresville, NC. Something happened here that no one ever thought would happen. NASCAR's 4 time Most Popular Driver Dale Earnhardt, Jr. announced he was leaving the company that his father built.

It has always been assumed that he would always stay at Dale Earnhardt, Inc. Evidently, Max Siegel and Theresa Earnhardt were not offering what Dale asked for in his contract renewal negotiations. Jr stated that the 2 sides were not even close in the talks. He had asked for 51%, the controlling intrest of DEI. This now leaves DEI with a seat to fill for next February. I am not sure who can fill these shoes. Without Junior, DEI only has Martin Truex, Jr. and Paul Menard. No wheres the fanbase that Junior entertains.

Some of his fans will be upset, but the majority will follow him where ever he goes. Just imagine the loss of cash from t-shirts, diecast, hats, flags and everything else with Dale Jr's name on it that DEI won't see anymore.

Dale says he would entertain offers from top tiered team. He wants to win championships and the equipment, cars, and team is more important than the paycheck. At this time he is not leaning toward running Nextel Cup cars out of JR Motorsports. He wants to win a championship. You gotta respect him for that. He is a true racer. He has guts, determination and the will to win. This is a huge decision for him. He is 32, the same age as his dad was when he made the most important career decision of his life. If Dale, Sr was still with us, we all know this news conference would never have happened.

Tony Ponturo, VP, Global Media and Sports Marketing, Anheuser-Busch, USA had this to say regarding Juniors announcement "Budweiser, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., and DEI have enjoyed a great relationship since 1999 . Dale, Jr. and his father before him have been excellent and loyal ambassadors for our company and the sport of NASCAR. Budweiser and JR Motorsports have an agreement in place to ensure Dale Jr. will continue to personally represent Budweiser thru 2008 and we look forward to discussing our future with Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and DEI in the weeks ahead." That was the official statement from Dale Jr's sponsor.

If only DEI had given him cars that could contend for the Nextel Cup Championship, he would still be at the family business. This is about winning not money. It is refreshing to see someone like Junior looking to win more than get the best contract. Where ever he chooses, whether it is Richard Childress Racing, Hendricks or Gibbs, you can bet the farm that Budweiser will go with him. Budweiser has too much invested in him to stay at DEI with another driver. Look for a red Bud car with Dale Jr in it at the Budweiser Shootout next February.

NASCAR079@aol.com