Dale Jr. - Free Agent
Possible scenarios:
1. The obvious fit would be for Jr. to go to Richard Childress Racing. I do see him being very hesitant about driving the #3 though. In interviews since the announcement, he’s been saying that he just wouldn’t “feel right” about racing the number his dad made famous, at this point in his career. Jr. always talks about wanting to race that number many years from now. Sounds like he wants to get a championship or two under his belt first. That said, if he pulls out on the track at Daytona in a black #3 car, the Junior Nation might hurl themselves onto the track in jubilation..
2. Joe Gibbs Racing would be a great fit too, but I agree about the Budweiser issue. Make no mistake, Bud WILL follow Jr wherever he goes and I just don’t think Gibbs will take on that sponsorship because of his faith. The upsides are that JGR has won multiple championships with different drivers and could expand to four cars easily. Jr. gets along well with Tony Stewart and Denny Hamlin. I just don’t see it happening.
3. I agree that Hendrick Motorsports won’t work either. Too many egos in that organization already AND, as was stated, they are full. NASCAR is about to restrict organizations to four teams max, and with the signing of Casey Mears, they have their alotment for the foreseeable future. Do I think they will talk, yes. Do I think anything will come of it, no.
4. Ginn Racing. Bobby Ginn has done some amazing things since buying the MB2 ‘also ran’ team last year. Signing Mark Martin away from Ford to drive Chevys was something I never thought I’d see happen…and it’s worked out well for both (I was at Daytona in February when Mark missed winning the Daytona 500 by a couple of feet). They have Hendrick engines. Ginn could throw a ton of money at Jr…but he has said it’s not about the money. He wants to win championships.
Those are the Chevy teams I think are in the running for Jr.’s services, with Childress the clear favorite. Write it down…you will not see Dale Earhardt Jr. driving a make other than Chevrolet. As far as Mikey’s team…I don’t think anyone wants to touch that situation with a ten foot pole. If Mikey and DJ keep missing races there may not be a MWR next year.
One thing’s for sure, once Jr. signs with someone, it will definately send shock waves through the garage area and you will see other drivers and teams making major moves as a result. Should be fun to watch.