[LSC9901]

I guess we now know to trust Darrell Waltrip’s gut instead of Jeff Hammond’s sources. During the rain delay of the Dover race, Hammond mentioned that his sources had indicated that Dale Earnhardt, Jr would sign with Joe Gibbs Racing with VISA as the primary sponsor. DW said his gut told him that Junior would drive for Rick Hendrick in 2008.

Last Wednesday, Junior ann-ounced his intentions to do just that - join Hen-drick Motor-sports. I have to say that I never thought it would happen, but no one should be surprised. Like it or not, Rick Hendrick is the class of NASCAR owners and there are good reasons for that.

Mysteriously, or not so mysteriously, Hendrick allowed Kyle Busch to explore his options with other teams in 2008 and a spot came open for Junior.

Now that the mystery of where Junior goes for 2008 is settled, we can all speculate and guess about sponsors, car numbers, and the domino effect of Busch’s departure. During the news conference, Junior mentioned that his preference of numbers is the No. 8. However, the rights to use that number belong to Teresa Earnhardt and it would take a small fortune for her to let go of the number.

I think Junior has grown up a lot over the last month. For the first time, he has made decisions based on his best interest. With this announcement, I think Junior has shown, without a shadow of doubt, that winning races and championships are his only objectives. He could have gotten more money somewhere else; he would have been the no. 1 driver somewhere else; he could have been the center of attention somewhere else.

Instead, he went where he thought he had the best chance to win races. Junior lost some fans last Wednesday, especially those fans who gravitated to him via Dale, Sr. David Poole, the great reporter from the Charlotte Observer said it best. He said it’s like Bear Bryant’s son announcing he would play football at Auburn.

[jks812]

Maybe it wasn't just his gut telling him. He and Jr are some what close. Jr had called and asked him to be at the press conference and he did that interview with DW. Maybe he let him in on what he wanted and was planning more than people think. Although DW did say from day 1 that he thought with what Jr was looking for that he'd go to Hendricks.

[Nevadastars]

Originally Posted by jks812

He and Jr are some what close.

So close he calls him "Junebug".

[jks812]

Originally Posted by Nevadastars

So close he calls him "Junebug".

Yep and about the only one that calls him that too.

[LSC9901]

This may come as asurprise to some but I'm no fan of Dim Wit but realistically it seems feasable that Jr would be friends with someone from his father's era. I'm sure they had many conversations when DW was driving and Jr was just a kid hanging around the pits and garage area.

[jks812]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

This may come as asurprise to some but I'm no fan of Dim Wit but realistically it seems feasable that Jr would be friends with someone from his father's era. I'm sure they had many conversations when DW was driving and Jr was just a kid hanging around the pits and garage area.

What,you don't like DW? LOL. Never would have thought that.

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by jks812

What,you don't like DW? LOL. Never would have thought that.

Is my secret out ????

[jks812]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

Is my secret out ????

Yep and here I was thinking, for some reason, that he was one of your favorite people.

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by jks812

Yep and here I was thinking, for some reason, that he was one of your favorite people.

He is in fact one of my favorites .... favorites to dislike !!

[PenelopePitStop]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

I guess we now know to trust Darrell Waltrip’s gut instead of Jeff Hammond’s sources. During the rain delay of the Dover race, Hammond mentioned that his sources had indicated that Dale Earnhardt, Jr would sign with Joe Gibbs Racing with VISA as the primary sponsor. DW said his gut told him that Junior would drive for Rick Hendrick in 2008.

Last Wednesday, Junior ann-ounced his intentions to do just that - join Hen-drick Motor-sports. I have to say that I never thought it would happen, but no one should be surprised. Like it or not, Rick Hendrick is the class of NASCAR owners and there are good reasons for that.

Mysteriously, or not so mysteriously, Hendrick allowed Kyle Busch to explore his options with other teams in 2008 and a spot came open for Junior.

Now that the mystery of where Junior goes for 2008 is settled, we can all speculate and guess about sponsors, car numbers, and the domino effect of Busch’s departure. During the news conference, Junior mentioned that his preference of numbers is the No. 8. However, the rights to use that number belong to Teresa Earnhardt and it would take a small fortune for her to let go of the number.

I think Junior has grown up a lot over the last month. For the first time, he has made decisions based on his best interest. With this announcement, I think Junior has shown, without a shadow of doubt, that winning races and championships are his only objectives. He could have gotten more money somewhere else; he would have been the no. 1 driver somewhere else; he could have been the center of attention somewhere else.

Instead, he went where he thought he had the best chance to win races. Junior lost some fans last Wednesday, especially those fans who gravitated to him via Dale, Sr. David Poole, the great reporter from the Charlotte Observer said it best. He said it’s like Bear Bryant’s son announcing he would play football at Auburn.

I'm shocked! Is this a positive statement about DW? Am I dreaming?

I think your post was spot on. However, I for one, will follow Jr. where ever he goes. Love him, love him, love him. Maybe I'll grow a soft spot for Gordon now that he's Dale's team mate ... maybe not. Johnson is another story. I hate him, but I have to admit that I don't know why ...

I sure hope the 8 goes with Jr. If not, I'll just have to buy more stuff!

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by PenelopePitStop

I'm shocked! Is this a positive statement about DW? Am I dreaming?

I think your post was spot on. However, I for one, will follow Jr. where ever he goes. Love him, love him, love him. Maybe I'll grow a soft spot for Gordon now that he's Dale's team mate ... maybe not. Johnson is another story. I hate him, but I have to admit that I don't know why ...

I sure hope the 8 goes with Jr. If not, I'll just have to buy more stuff!

I don't know if you are dreaming but if you think even for a second that I like Dim Wit then surely you bumped your head !!

[Lefturn]

Can DW go 2 for 2?

In a Wind Tunnel interview he speculated that Jr. would be sponsored by a 'drink' but not in a red can. My initial thought was Pepsi ... but then again DW could be wrong.

[MIKE28]

I think he knows something that we dont. i

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by Lefturn

Can DW go 2 for 2?

In a Wind Tunnel interview he speculated that Jr. would be sponsored by a 'drink' but not in a red can. My initial thought was Pepsi ... but then again DW could be wrong.

There are a few other A/B drinks out there that are not in red cans. Also can you say "MEDIA HYPE ????"

[jks812]

Originally Posted by MIKE28

I think he knows something that we dont. i

He also said that if he was in Teresa's spot, he wouldn't give the #8 either.