[vincesanity82]

Dale Earnhardt Jr. on his last race for DEI: "There will be so many mixed feelings for me this week. It's hard to imagine it was 1999 when we made our first Cup start (at Charlotte, May) with this team and with Budweiser. I'm excited about the off-season and jumping right into my new deal, but it's very, very important for me to end my time with Dale Earnhardt Inc. with integrity and with my head held high. When your career is over and you look back, I think that's critical: a measure of your character is more important than the number of wins you have. That kind of thing will last longer than any driving career. "It's been relatively easy to concentrate and focus so far this season when it was time to pull on the helmet, but it may be much tougher to do that at Homestead. I have so many close friends and people I've gone into battle with for nearly a decade, and that type of bond will stay with me forever. The same goes for Budweiser. The people at Anheuser-Busch took a big chance on me when I'd never turned a lap in a Cup race. I'll never forget that, and we've had an amazing run since then. I never thought we'd be here in 2007 with things like four consecutive "Most Popular Driver" awards and having a Daytona 500 trophy with my name on it. Man, those are things I only dreamed about when I was living in a trailer and changing oil at my dad's dealership. It's been a helluva great time." -- Motorsport.com

Motorsport.com: News channel

[3fanforever]

Well, it's certainly been a tough year for the red #8 Budweiser Chevrolet and Jr, with all the DNF's and the blown motors and wheels falling off, and such. Certainly not what Jr wanted as his swan song with that car, I imagine. So along those lines, I found this image. It was taken last Sunday in Phoenix by Robert Laberge of Getty Images, who in my opinion, are some of the best sports photographers in the world. This picture is quite symbolic to me, of how the 2007 year is ending for Jr and his red #8 Budweiser Chevrolet. It's almost over. One more race to go. The shadows are about to overtake the #8 Budweiser Chevy, and when they do, we won't see him driving it anymore.



It's been a fun ride all these years, Junior, thanks to you and to Budweiser.

[jks812]

Have to say I hate to see it go. But at least I can still cheer him on. It was a great run. One thing about it, after the year he's had this year, next year can only be better.

[Racer Duck]

despite, or maybe because of, his "bad year", I believe Jr. has grown tremendously as a person. I used to shun thoughts of Jr. as a champion, I felt his dad (and memories of his dad) was "buying" his success. now I can definitely see him not only as a Champion, but likeable guy and a role model .. still a little rough around the edges, but that's what makes him "Jr." and I can live with that. heck, I've even rooted for him a time or two this year!!!

[SteelPhoenyx]

Originally Posted by Racer Duck

despite, or maybe because of, his "bad year", I believe Jr. has grown tremendously as a person. I used to shun thoughts of Jr. as a champion, I felt his dad (and memories of his dad) was "buying" his success. now I can definitely see him not only as a Champion, but likeable guy and a role model .. still a little rough around the edges, but that's what makes him "Jr." and I can live with that. heck, I've even rooted for him a time or two this year!!!

May those edges remain ever rough!

I can't wait to see him in a car that doesn't blow up when he runs at the front.

[lilsexy08]

I didn't want him to leave DEI but I understand. Can't root for him since he is going to Henderick but I won't boo if he wins-gotta love the guy!

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by Racer Duck

despite, or maybe because of, his "bad year", I believe Jr. has grown tremendously as a person. I used to shun thoughts of Jr. as a champion, I felt his dad (and memories of his dad) was "buying" his success. now I can definitely see him not only as a Champion, but likeable guy and a role model .. still a little rough around the edges, but that's what makes him "Jr." and I can live with that. heck, I've even rooted for him a time or two this year!!!

I concur.

What doesn't kill us makes us stronger.