There is that old saying that sometimes you have to take a step back to jump a few steps forward. I believe this is what will happen to DEI. Yes they are losing NASCAR's most popular driver, but if DEI plays its card right and they survive the publicity hit they are experiencing now brighter days could be ahead.
The shining star might be Jeffrey Earnhardt, grandson of Dale Sr. and son of Driver Kerry Earnhardt. Although only 17, Jeffrey has been on the radar of NASCAR fans for a couple years. Jeffrey is currently still in high school in North Carolina and will run Busch East events this year. Jeffrey won't be rushed to the forefront at DEI, but it's inevitable he will be given every opportunity to lead a stable of DEI drivers at some point in the future. The mob of fans at tracks where Jeffrey races or tests just about guarantees he will have similar followings to his grandfather and uncle's. Having a magnetic personality and the Earnhardt name will surely help Jeffrey attract that major sponsor that will give him mainstream exposure and make him that crossover star.
Losing Junior also gives DEI as a whole the opportunity to breathe. Everyone knew about the rocky relationship between Dale Jr. and step mom Teresa and this had to have caused a trickle down effect throughout the organization. This allows Teresa to restate her claim to DEI and leave no doubt to who is in charge. Employees of DEI will not have to choose sides anymore, that choosing of sides usually leads to a slow erosion of the organization that sometimes cannot be fixed.
If Jeffrey Earnhardt is still a few years away from making an impact with DEI, Teresa and DEI president Max Siegel have picked the right year to be in the market to hire drivers. Assuming Martin Truex Jr. leaves to go somewhere with Dale Jr., DEI could possible pick from the likes of Jeff Burton, Tony Raines or Bobby Labonte in the current drivers looking for work category. Wildcards could be someone like truck racer Todd Bodine, or CART driver Sam Hornish Jr. Adding a veteran like Jeff Burton or even a Sterling Marlin might make Teresa step back a little from having her hand in every aspect of DEI and that could be a good thing.
The Week that Was
Yes, it is true there were other goings on besides the soap opera around the Earnhardts. It was formally announced last week that two Nextel Cup drivers will compete in the SCCA Pro SPEED World Challenge in Charlotte. Kasey Kahne will drive a Dodge Viper and Jimmie Johnson will get behind the wheel of a Cadillac. Daimler sells 90% of Chrysler to a private equity company. What this means to Chrysler and its future are still uncertain. Auto insiders are still waiting for more information to see what long term effects may be.
The Race
I'm starting to feel like I have written this in my column before. Oh, I guess I have, Hendrick Motorsports wins again! This time it was Jeff Gordon's turn to come away with a victory at Darlington. Gordon held off a hard charging Denny Hamlin and teammate Jimmie Johnson. Ryan Newman in his Dodge finished fourth. In the points race Jeff Gordon increased his lead to 231 points over Jimmie Johnson. Newman's strong finish propelled him five spots to 14th. The big point loser this week was Kyle Busch dropping five spots to 11th. Mark Martin, despite not starting in three races this year is still holding strong in 15th place.
Looking Ahead
This week marks the point where one third of the season is over. It's Charlotte for the next two weekends. This week it is the Nextel Open and the Nextel All Star Challenge. Memorial Day weekend will feature the Coca Cola 600.
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