[vincesanity82]

Eddie Gossage, president of Texas Motor Speedway, predicted Dale Earnhardt will make as much as $40 million next year. Such lofty numbers are common in other pro sports but rare in auto racing, which Gossage said bodes well for other drivers but not necessarily for team owners trying to keep a lid on costs. "Junior basically threw himself on the open market and said, 'Make me an offer,' " Gossage said. "How much do you think Jeff Gordon or Tony Stewart or Jimmie Johnson could make on their next contract? This will pull everybody up." ... NASCAR president Mike Helton said he regards Earnhardt's situation as an exception and not the start of a trend. This case got so much attention, he said, because of the popularity of the driver and the protracted nature of the discussions.-- Indy Star

A real pressure situation for Hendrick Motorsports | IndyStar.com

[Racer Duck]

Originally Posted by vincesanity82

Eddie Gossage, president of Texas Motor Speedway, predicted Dale Earnhardt will make as much as $40 million next year. Such lofty numbers are common in other pro sports but rare in auto racing, which Gossage said bodes well for other drivers but not necessarily for team owners trying to keep a lid on costs. "Junior basically threw himself on the open market and said, 'Make me an offer,' " Gossage said. "How much do you think Jeff Gordon or Tony Stewart or Jimmie Johnson could make on their next contract? This will pull everybody up." ... NASCAR president Mike Helton said he regards Earnhardt's situation as an exception and not the start of a trend. This case got so much attention, he said, because of the popularity of the driver and the protracted nature of the discussions.-- Indy Star

A real pressure situation for Hendrick Motorsports | IndyStar.com

methinks Gossage is closer to right than Helton.

Jr. doesn't have "one" contract, he has many, and they are all managed by Kelly. and every one of them will increase in value on renewal (or sooner).

the other drivers aren't blind and deaf .. they see and hear what's going on and, like anyone else in their position, want an increased piece of the action.

Helton is hoping to keep a lid on it, but he lost control long ago. now all he can do is play with his & Brian's car (COT).