DEI to Ford or Toyota in 2008? They ARE talking
11 Comments Published April 30th, 2007 in NASCAR News
Officials from Dale Earnhardt, Inc. confirmed Sunday morning at Talladega Superspeedway that the team is talking to two manufacturers in addition to Chevrolet about what brand of Nextel Cup cars it will run in 2008.
DEI executive John Story said Sunday that the team’s agreement with Chevrolet expires after 2007 and that DEI is actively talking to two other automakers, as well as negotiating a partnership with Robert Yates Racing. DEI also is looking to add a fourth Nextel Cup car in 2008 or ‘09.
“The only proposal we have for next year from a manufacturer is from Chevrolet,” said Story prior to the Aaron’s 499. “We’ve talked to two other manufacturers, but I think we’re a long way from deciding which manufacturer we’re going to be with. Teresa (team owner Earnhardt) has a lot of loyalty to Chevrolet, we’ve been with them for a long time, she’s been with them for a long time. We’ll see where it goes, but our contract with Chevy does expire at the end of the year. … We’re going to do whatever is necessary to make our team, to make DEI the premier team, not only off the track, but on the track. We’re going to do whatever is necessary to raise our level of competition.”
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Hard to imagine DEI would leave Chevy. Most likely a bargaining chip to get more $$$ out of Chevy.
If DEI wants to fail miserably then they can jump ship, at the moment the majority of race winners are Chevy. Why have chicken fingers when you already have prime rib?
Hasnt anyone learned yet on Toyotas reputation from the year they are having sooo far??LOL I dont think DEI would be crazy enough for that!! I think they would have a FORD team to help out Yates and make sure the team doesnt go into the ground!!
I think teresa better see if she is going to have a driver capable of winning races (JR) before she starts looking at a new manufacter.
I would love to jr. in a Toyota!!!!
Whoa. What?
I’m sorry, I’m a blood-core DEI fan, but this would be a stupid move if they switched from Chevrolet to Ford next year. Who in the heck is handling this negotiation? I hope that Dale Jr. isn’t considering this.
I will literally be crying if Jr drives ANY other car than a Chevy.. Switching would be like shooting yourself in the foot. I really dont think they’re considering it. Although like the editor said, maybe trying to get more money from Chevy?
One of our ‘off the record’ sources have said Jr. will not leave Chevy. Alot of loyalty there because of his Dad. And Chevy is doing pretty good competition-wise (ya think?).
No deal has been reached with Jr and DEI. The asking price for Jr to get control is at least 55 million and Teresa ain’t gonna give it to him.
The feeling is now is that Jr will leave DEI and DEI may go with Toyota and get a boatload of money to make up for Jr leaving and taking Bud with him (which would happen of course….Bud loves Dale Jr).
This is DEI’s backup plan if Jr leaves.
Our bet (like we’ve said before here) is that Jr is leaving for RCR or Hendrick.
Wow I hope DEI wouldnt be dumb enough to go to Toyota. If they have trouble with running up front now just think how bad it would be then.
Thanks for the clarity:) I still wanna know who’s even considering this as a negotiation. I do think that if and that’s a huge IF Dale Jr. leaves DEI, he’s either going to RCR or Gibbs. I don’t think I could stomach him racing for Hendrick. Smart move would be RCR. Fun move would be Gibbs Racing with Tony Stewart:)
Here’s hoping that Theresa gets her head out of her rear-end and give Dale Jr. and Kelly what they want. Cheers;)
…I wonder why chevy does good competition wise… mabe its because 3/4 OF THE FEILD IS CHEVY!
all makes of cars have engine/mechanical problems at times, CARS DONT WIN RACES there all the same