[jks812]

CONCORD, N.C. (AP) -- Dale Earnhardt Jr. will not be taking his familiar No. 8 with him to Hendrick Motorsports next season.
Earnhardt is leaving Dale Earnhardt Inc. at the end of the season and had hoped to take No. 8 with him to his new team. His late grandfather, Ralph, used that number and Earnhardt picked it when he entered the Cup Series in 1999.

Although teams do not own numbers -- they are leased through NASCAR -- DEI had the first right of refusal on the No. 8, and Hendrick officials said Wednesday they were unable to reach an agreement that would have made DEI pass on choosing the number for 2008.
``We've been working hard to secure the No. 8 for Dale Jr.'s car number next season,'' said Marshall Carlson, general manager of Hendrick Motorsports.
``Obviously, he has a tremendous history with that number, and we know how important it is to his fans. Unfortunately, we couldn't reach a point where the terms made sense, and now we have to move forward with other options.''
Hendrick officials didn't reveal what number Earnhardt will use when he starts his five-year deal with the team next season. His sponsor has also not been announced, but Hendrick officials said Budweiser will not be on his car.
Earnhardt is widely recognized with his red Bud car and number, so this turn of events will give him a fresh new look next season. But having to part with his grandfather's number was difficult.
``Our hope was to carry the No. 8 with Dale Jr. to his new team, but the last proposal Hendrick Motorsports received from DEI just wasn't viable,'' said Kelley Earnhardt Elledge, his sister and business manager. ``It was a difficult decision, but all of us agreed that it was best to move in another direction,'' she said. ``There's disappointment, of course, but we look forward to working with Hendrick Motorsports on what will be a great program for Dale Jr. and his fans in 2008.''

[jks812]

Did anybody really think she would let him have take the #8 with him? I don't really see where the number matters alot, but I would have been surprised if she would have agreed. Maybe a new number with a new team and everything will be good for Jr.

[bmwright021]

That is a little disappointing, but I agree that there was no way she was going to give it up at a reasonable price. It will be interesting to see if anybody gets in that ride. I thought I heard somewhere that Mark Martin and Aric Almirola were possibly going to move over to the 8 next year, but who knows. I would really rather see Jr in the 5 opposed to the 81 next year, but like you said numbers really don't matter.

[kcoruol]

What's the big deal with not letting him take the #8?

The number identifies the driver, why not issue the numbers to the drivers?

It just makes DEI appear petty.

I think the #8 is so associated with Dale Earnhart JR, what driver is going to want it?

This reminds me of giving your notice to your employer, who for whatever reason takes your resignation as a personal insult, and then makes the next 30 days of your notice a personal hell.

Unless it's already taken I say his new number should be #96

[bmwright021]

Originally Posted by kcoruol

This reminds me of giving your notice to your employer, who for whatever reason takes your resignation as a personal insult, and then makes the next 30 days of your notice a personal hell.

I wouldn't know about that, I just usually tell them what I think of them and walk out.

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by kcoruol

Unless it's already taken I say his new number should be #96

Already taken. Tony Raines

[tkj24]

I would rather see him in the #5 if he can't have the #8.

Anyone remember their used to be an old superstition that lower odd #'s were supposed to be good luck. Look at Dale Sr in the #3. 5's the next one up.

[Quality88]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

Already taken. Tony Raines

Do you mean Tony Raines?

[LSC9901]

Isn't that what I said ????

[Quality88]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

Isn't that what I said ????

Oh... there you go with the supermod junk.... guy is a regular blue-collar poster, give him some power and he changes his mistakes when called out ...

that was a nice one.

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by Quality88

Oh... there you go with the supermod junk.... guy is a regular blue-collar poster, give him some power and he changes his mistakes when called out ...

that was a nice one.

.... ....

[LSC9901]

I have no idea what you are talking about !!!

[Quality88]

Originally Posted by LSC9901

I have no idea what you are talking about !!!

Yeah... that's what I thought

[3fanforever]

I have mixed emotions about this, even though I knew that witch wouldn't let the #8 go.

On one hand: I hope the dead-beat-gold-digging owner of DEI is happy with herself. She is a disgrace to the name she happened into when she married Dale. And I'm a little concerned about the day when somebody else drives the #8 in Talladega next year, if that happens. Those rednecks down there hate what's her name. I just hope they contain their desires to throw beer cans again.

On the other hand: Maybe this is a good thing for Junior. His desire has always been to be his own man. To drive away from the shadows of his dad. I believe the first step to that was accomplished when he left DEI. Leaving the #8 behind with the witch, means all ties are now broken. Next year he'll start a fresh new path to his future with a new owner, a new sponsor, a new car, a new paint scheme, and a new number. Maybe now he can concentrate on being the driver many have been waiting to see since the first day we saw him in Winston Cup in Charlotte. Only time will tell whether he can do that or not.

[tkj24]

I think he also needs a new crew chief. What does everyone else think?