[jks812]

Okay, don't know how to do the copy and paste thing. But DEI is back in talks with Yates about buying his team. Do ya'll think that would be a good move? I think it would be.

[LSC9901]

The last time this rumor surfaced it was false and denied by Yates. Do you have anything in writing other than something from some freelance reporter ??

[jks812]

TALLADEGA, Ala. - As Dale Earnhardt Jr. and DEI continue to negotiate one of the biggest contracts in NASCAR, there's another deal in the works that could have a dramatic effect upon the future of both.

Robert Yates confirmed on Saturday that talks have resumed between Robert Yates Racing and Dale Earnhardt Inc. The topic of discussion: The possible sale of RYR to DEI.

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Last year when Yates spoke of entertaining partners, a contingent from DEI expressed interest. And as expansion is on the minds of most organizations in anticipation of a four-team maximum proposed by NASCAR, a DEI acquisition of RYR is a distinct possibility.
"The deal our family needs to make is for (son) Doug and his children's future," Yates said. "They want Doug, and I don't want to be the last team standing in the garage. "The Earnhardts are a NASCAR franchise here. I've raced against three generations of Earnhardts — Ralph, Dale and Junior. The Earnhardts are the greatest people in the world to work with or race against."

[jks812]

As I said I'm not good at the copy and paste thing. Article was on Fox Sports. Says Yates confirmed it.

[Team Yates]

DEI's future faces another key negotiation

Lee Spencer / FOXSports.com
Posted: 51 minutes ago
TALLADEGA, Ala. - As Dale Earnhardt Jr. and DEI continue to negotiate one of the biggest contracts in NASCAR, there's another deal in the works that could have a dramatic effect upon the future of both.

Robert Yates confirmed on Saturday that talks have resumed between Robert Yates Racing and Dale Earnhardt Inc. The topic of discussion: The possible sale of RYR to DEI.

Last year when Yates spoke of entertaining partners, a contingent from DEI expressed interest. And as expansion is on the minds of most organizations in anticipation of a four-team maximum proposed by NASCAR, a DEI acquisition of RYR is a distinct possibility.
"The deal our family needs to make is for (son) Doug and his children's future," Yates said. "They want Doug, and I don't want to be the last team standing in the garage.
"The Earnhardts are a NASCAR franchise here. I've raced against three generations of Earnhardts — Ralph, Dale and Junior. The Earnhardts are the greatest people in the world to work with or race against."
Several scenarios — including Dale Jr.'s future plans — have been discussed between varieties of individuals from both companies. Certainly the structure of teams, drivers and equipment would be contingent on whether Junior remains at DEI.
Over the last few years, DEI's engine department has struggled as Richie Gilmore transitioned from chief engine builder to VP of competition. Although Gilmore has worked feverishly to rebuild DEI's engine program, he's the first to admit that someone of Doug Yates' caliber would make a tremendous difference.
"I think Doug could have a positive impact on anyone's engine shop," Gilmore said. "Doug is one of those guys who is in the top three in the industry. He's just a quality guy he has great procedures. He's put a lot of things in place with the Roush-Yates engine shop. To me he's like a Randy Dorton (who founded Hendrick Motorsports' engine dept) in the industry. He's that type of guy. He's could have a huge impact at DEI. He's a super guy all around."
With Chevrolet's roster currently up to 17 teams — including seven of the top 10 — it would make sense for DEI to consider aligning with Ford, a company that currently fields just nine teams in the Nextel Cup garage. With Hendrick Motorsports' dominance, Richard Childress' revival and Joe Gibbs Racing winning three of the last seven championships, DEI could easily be considered fourth in line.
Gilmore said Chevrolet has already submitted a new offer to DEI, and the company is willing to listen to offers. John Story, a DEI manager, said that three of the four manufacturers have made offers to the company.
Said Gilmore: "We look at the Chevrolet deal and with the key partners we all share a lot of resources on the engine side. Chevrolet doesn't have a pecking order. It's more of the teams themselves. I don't know how Ford does that. I've never worked with anybody in the Ford camp.
"One thing on the Ford side — they don't have as many teams. You've got Roush. You got the Yateses. What Chevrolet has is every organization has at least three teams and they're all strong. They have all the cars in the field every week. On that side of it I'd say we'd move up in the pecking order, but Chevrolet is a strong brand and all the cars run well."
The question that has been asked during the entire Earnhardt Jr. negotiation process is whether DEI could provide the caliber of equipment necessary for Driver 8 to win championships. Kelley Earnhardt Elledge, Junior's sister and business partner, said the driver's ability to perform is an essential part of the equation.
"In the next 10 years, competition on the track is very important for Dale — to add championships to his belt and to add wins to his belt and to do what the Earnhardts have done before him," Earnhardt Elledge said. "I want to situate the brand in the next 10 years so that after that, whether we build an automotive kingdom or restaurants or whether he's a TV personality or whatever...the brand extends beyond his career.
"It's all tied back to what these guys do every day and that's performance and they're likeability factor and their personality. Dale has all that and we have to add a real consistent performance. We have to put wins in the win column and win championships. Just ask Earnhardt Nation. It's all tied together."
Max Siegel, DEI president of Global Operations, says he feels the company is making progress on the Junior front. He and Earnhardt Elledge spent time at Talladega exhibiting a united front. But in addition to retaining Junior on the DEI roster, growing the company is on his short list. Acquiring Yates would expedite that objective.
"Our goal is to expand to four teams," Siegel said. "So I'm relying on Richie and everybody in the competition division to get there."
Yates had more than a friendly rivalry with Earnhardt Sr. Some of the best battles in NASCAR involved Dale and Dale (Jarrett, former driver of the No. 88 Ford) and the GM Goodwrench v. Ford Credit. After more than 40 years in racing he's watched a lot of teams come and go. He doesn't want to be part of that latter fraternity. But if Earnhardt Jr. stays at DEI and rebuilds the organization to the premier company his father intended it to be, walking away would be a lot easier.
"I believe Dale Senior would want Dale Junior to do what's best for him," Yates said. "But if we aligned with the Earnhardts, we're automatically going to jump up in the pecking order." Story made it clear that lifting DEI to those heights is a top priority. "DEI will do whatever it takes to put Dale Earnhardt and its other two drivers in a position to win races and championships," he said.

I highlighted parts of the story.

The deal our family needs to make is for Doug and his children.
I agree with that, I may not be thrilled with the "talks", but they are still only ''talks''. I guess, why not align yourself with another team, unlike Roush and Childress, who both went to ''outside investors?"

I think that Doug could have a positive impact on anyones engine shop....... From the ex chief engine builder of DEI
Well, how could he not have a positive impact, he has learned from a master, he has put alot of time and hard work into the sport and he went to school for certifications.

It would make sense for DEI to consider aligning with Ford.
Well, they also need to step up to the plate, whatever that plate may hold, because they haven't don't much lately.

I have a phone call into the shop (this morning), I'm awaiting a response. I don't like it, but I know that everything today is totally different and to continue on there are things you must do or set in place to be a winning force instead of a has been, so I know that they must do whatever they deem to be the right thing to do, but it will still make me cry for quite some time!!!!!!!

[jks812]

Thank you Team Yates for posting that. I thought I had it all and didn't. For someone who works on computers I have alot of trouble with that copy and paste.
I think it would be good for DEI to have Doug Yates on the engines. I hate that Nascar seem to be trying to squeeze the lil 1 and 2 car teams out. After all they are what built the sport. Back in the day thats about all any of em had, was 1 or 2 cars.

[LSC9901]

jks812 .. if anyone is going to find and post information about RYR, Team Yates is the one. Great job TY.

[Team Yates]

Originally Posted by jks812

Thank you Team Yates for posting that. I thought I had it all and didn't. For someone who works on computers I have alot of trouble with that copy and paste.
I think it would be good for DEI to have Doug Yates on the engines. I hate that Nascar seem to be trying to squeeze the lil 1 and 2 car teams out. After all they are what built the sport. Back in the day thats about all any of em had, was 1 or 2 cars.

No problem jks812!! I'm sure that I don't do it the ''right'' way, but I keep trying to figure it out!!LOL
I think that any team would be lucky to have Doug in their engine department. I maybe a bit biased, as I'm a huge fan of Robert and his engine wizardry. I have alot of respect for him and his abilities, and in turn, I'm positive that all those traits and many more have been instilled in Doug, along with all the other experiences and knowledge that Doug has picked up along the way, how could anybody go wrong with him?!?
I don't care for the new ways of Nascar's World, but that is exactly where we are, here in 2007, with Nascar vying to be the at the top of every sport. But, all in all, it still stems back to the same old, it's all about the . It's very sad, but it is the way of the new Nascar World!!
Eventually, I believe it will catch up to them, they are already talking about the TV ratings being down, the seats not being sold out. Right now, I believe that they can't see the future big picture because they can't get past the money.

[Team Yates]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

jks812 .. if anyone is going to find and post information about RYR, Team Yates is the one. Great job TY.

Thanks for the vote of confidence there LSC!! When there is "news" floating around about RYR, I'm on it.....unfortunately the RYR website is down, it has been for awile, so I can't find out anything there, but I do have the shops phone # in my cell phone!!

[Team Yates]

DEI confirms discussions with Yates about merging

By Sporting News Wire Service
April 29, 2007
08:30 PM EDT

TALLADEGA, Ala. -- The clear hope of a potential deal between Dale Earnhardt Inc. and Robert Yates Racing, reported Saturday on FoxSports.com, would be a strengthening of the organization that emerges from a sale, but a laundry list of major and minor details remains open for discussion.
The major details to be addressed include Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s future and the nameplate on the cars the new organization would field.

DEI's John Story confirmed Sunday that talks of a DEI acquisition of Yates had resumed in earnest approximately six weeks ago. A merger of the two teams would marry the power of Yates engines -- under the aegis of Robert Yates' son and premier engine builder, Doug Yates -- with the enhanced engineering and star power of DEI.
Concurrent with the discussions of a DEI acquisition of Yates are negotiations between DEI and Earnhardt toward the extension of Earnhardt's contract to drive for DEI, which will expire this year if not renewed. Max Siegel, president of global operations for DEI, and Kelley Earnhardt Elledge, Earnhardt's sister and business manager, are the principal negotiators of a possible extension.
Owned by Earnhardt's stepmother, Teresa Earnhardt, DEI fields Chevrolets for Earnhardt, Martin Truex Jr. and Paul Menard. Yates' two-car stable features the Fords of David Gilliland and Ricky Rudd.
Story said DEI already has a formal proposal from General Motors to extend the long-standing association between the Earnhardts and Chevrolet. Story also said DEI had been contacted by two other carmakers. The Sporting News confirmed independently that DEI has had preliminary discussions with Ford Motor Company.
According to Story, the deal with Chevrolet is not contingent on Earnhardt remaining at DEI. Story said performance is the crux of the issue in a potential deal with Yates. He stressed the company's commitment to establish DEI as "a perennial contender for championships."

[oncea3fan]

I would think that Sr. would rollover in his grave if DEI turn to a ford decal.
Sr. had a small stint in Bud moore's #15 fords. although I beieve he won a few races it wasn't all it was cracked up to be.
that when he wqent back to RCR.

[Team Yates]

DEI to buy RYR? UPDATE 4: It was reported on SPEED's NASCAR Raceday that Dale Earnhardt Inc (DEI) is interested in buying Robert Yates Racing (RYR) and RYR is interested in joining forces with DEI. It was also reported that the teams would end up being in the Chevy camp.(4-29-2007)
UPDATE: In attempts to strengthen its teams and expand to four cars, Dale Earnhardt Inc. [#'s 1,8,15] has had preliminary discussions with Robert Yates Racing [#38, #88] about a partnership, as well as Ford Motor Company and another manufacturer, DEI executive team member John Story confirmed Sunday morning. While the company also is in the midst of contract negotiations with NASCAR's most popular driver, Dale Earnhardt Jr., DEI is working toward trying to solidify its future. That means getting the finances and the technological support it needs from a manufacturer and working toward fielding a fourth team by 2008 or 2009, said Story, who oversees sales, marketing and communications activities at DEI. What would be more startling would be the potential move to Ford or another manufacturer considering Chevrolet's long relationship with team founder Dale Earnhardt. The Chevrolet deal is not contingent on Earnhardt Jr. remaining at DEI, Story said. Yates said his team would remain Ford. Story said that talks with Yates could continue even if DEI remains with Chevrolet.(in part from SceneDaily.com)(4-29-2007)
UPDATE 2: With Robert Yates Racing and Dale Earnhardt, Inc. discussing a potential merger, how would that affect Yates-Roush Engines, which makes the motors that power all of the Ford NASCAR Nextel Cup teams? RYR co-owner Doug Yates was adamant that his team will not switch to Chevrolet power no matter what, and Roush Fenway Racing President Geoff Smith said he hopes any deal will build up the Ford NASCAR Nextel Cup effort. “We’re aware that he’s marketing his teams,” Smith said of Robert Yates prior to Sunday’s Talladega race. “We have a joint engine business that’s affected by the number of customers that we have. We want to see the Ford number of teams remain at least at its current level for the benefit of the engine business and for the competitive benefit for Ford Motor Co.”(SPEEDtv.com)(4-30-2007)
UPDATE 3: Dale Earnhardt, Inc., [DEI] will move to four Nextel Cup Series teams by 2009, be it through the acquisition of another team or the addition of a fourth team in-house, team executive John Story said Sunday at Talladega Superspeedway. Story said DEI has been in discussions with Robert Yates Racing for four-to-six weeks about a partnership, but cautioned that those talks are preliminary and that no documentation has been exchanged between the teams. If DEI were to acquire Yates, one of the two teams would have to forsake its manufacturer. Yates, a Ford flagship team for nearly two decades, would move to Chevrolet; or DEI, whose founder, Dale Earnhardt, won seven championships in Chevrolets, would move to Ford. "The only proposal we have right now for a manufacturer next year is from Chevrolet," Story said. "Teresa [Earnhardt] has been tremendously loyal to Chevrolet for a lot of years. We've had some conversation with a couple other manufacturers. They've called to inquire what our contract situation was. We told them, in fairness, we are going to sit down and exhaust our options with Chevrolet first, and if the opportunity came up we'd talk to somebody else. We haven't seen anything in writing from anybody else." RYR president Doug Yates said they'd rather stay in Fords, and that Ford Racing officials see a DEI merger as a way to get Ford back to prominence in Nextel Cup. But he didn't rule out a manufacturer switch. How this impacts Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s contract negotiations isn't known, but Story said a deal with Ford and RYR isn't contingent on Earnhardt Jr. staying at DEI. Earnhardt Jr. wants controlling interest in DEI, but Chevrolet officials want to keep him.(ESPN.com)(4-30-2007)

[Team Yates]

Ford Racing Aware of DEI-RYR Merger Talk: In response to media reports from this past weekend, Ford Racing confirmed it is fully aware of merger talks that have taken place between Dale Earnhardt Inc. (DEI) and Robert Yates Racing (RYR) officials. “Ford is fully committed to Robert Yates Racing for the long-term, and they have assured us that are similarly committed to Ford,” said Kevin Kennedy, Ford Racing Technology Communications Manager. “Robert and Doug have been in contact with Ford about the nature of the discussions. We have a valued partnership with them, and they are keeping us informed of those discussions like a true partner would. We fully expect they will remain with Ford for many, many years.” Robert Yates Racing and Ford have a relationship that goes back to the formation of the race team in the late 1980s, and Dan Davis, director of Ford Racing Technology, has repeatedly stated that the manufacturer is fully committed to bringing RYR back to the top of the field. Media reports this past weekend also stated that Ford had been in discussions with DEI about a switch from Chevrolet to Ford for the 2008 season. Davis has repeatedly said that Ford is interested in adding championship-level teams to its Cup roster. “We definitely have been talking with DEI. Truthfully, we’ve been having informal talks with them for several years,” said Kennedy. “We have not yet made a formal offer to them, but we know that their GM contract is up at the end of the year. We had some discussions with them, and we’ve made it clear that we’d love to have them in our program.”(Ford Racing)(5-1-2007)

[LSC9901]

About the only thing that is manufacturer made now is the engine .

[Team Yates]

Earnhardt Jr.: 'We'll be driving Chevys' UPDATE 2: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. nearly started laughing Friday and said, 'Nah,' when asked if it was really possible he could drive a Ford next season. Dale Earnarhdt Inc., which is in negotiations with Earnhardt Jr. for a contract extension and also must sign a new dale with Chevrolet, has had preliminary talks with other manufacturers and also has talked about a possible merger with Robert Yates Racing. But Earnhardt Jr. couldn't see himself driving anything but a Chevy. As part of his negotiations with DEI, he wants majority ownership of the team. "We'll be driving Chevys, I'll promise you that," Earnhardt Jr. said following qualifying Friday for the Crown Royal/Jim Stewart 400.(SceneDaily.com)(5-5-2007)
UPDATE: The latest on the Dale Earnhardt Jr. saga: The “Robert Yates” NASCAR brand will remain a Ford brand, even in any merger with Dale Earnhardt Inc., according to sources familiar with the Yates-DEI negotiations. However Earnhardt, who has been the heart of DEI, insisted he will be in Chevrolets again next season, no matter what. Those two facts make the DEI-Yates negotiations peculiar, particularly since Earnhardt has been negotiating a new contract with DEI owner Teresa Earnhardt, with Dale Earnhardt Jr. demanding controlling interest in DEI. If DEI officials are negotiating a possible switch to Ford, then Earnhardt would clearly appear to be not involved with those talks. Which would mean if Yates and DEI do come to terms, it would almost certainly be a Yates-DEI merger without Earnhardt in the mix. There has been rampant speculation the past few days that Earnhardt may be moving to either Richard Childress’ Chevy team or Rick Hendrick’s Chevy team.(Winston Salem Journal)(5-7-2007)
UPDATE 2: Before he hit the track for the official test at the Lowes Motor Speedway, #Dale Earnhardt, Jr. told PRN's Garage Pass there was no news on his contract talks with Dale Earnhardt, Incorporated. As for DEI talking with Robert Yates about a possible merger with him and Ford, Junior had this to say, “I haven’t been asked about it. I haven’t been asked if I would or wouldn’t. I haven’t been part of those discussions with Yates and I don’t even know what those entail or when those happened or what they’re about or what the mechanical parts and pieces are that they’re discussing. But I like Chevys and I’ve got a great relationship and rapport with all the guys over there. Obviously that’s where I’m staying.”,BR> Q: What would it take for your to drive a Ford?
A: “Take a big ‘ol, big ‘ol pile of money! But I don’t think that’s out there.”
Q: So, are you saying everyone has his price?
A: “There’s a price on everything but I don’t think that pile of money…I don’t think that kind of money is out there,” he joked.(PRN's Garage Pass)(5-7-2007)