Dale Jr. to Drive For Hendrick Motorsports in 2008
The thunder finally broke today and the news was not what a lot of Dale Jr. fans wanted to hear. But it was music to my ears – Dale Jr.’s new boss for next year will be Mr. Rick Hendrick!
The rumors have been flying since Junior announced he was leaving DEI in May, but Hendrick Motorsports seemed like a shot in the dark to me because all four rides were full. Darrell Waltrip was plugging HMS from the start and I remember how much it baffled me every time. But he knows more than we do. Apparently, Kyle Busch has been in negotiations with HMS since the end of last year and things finally became clear to both parties around Charlotte – a “fresh start” was in order. Kyle has been granted a release from his #5 team after this season. Now that I know this, it makes sense. I kind of felt bad for Kyle this year. When Casey joined, he was the one who got bumped to the side, even if not intentionally. Jeff, Jimmie and Casey are all Californians and all close friends, so I could see that maybe being a deciding factor for Kyle’s breakout. I’m just glad that it, like when Brian Vickers departed from HMS last year, was a mutual agreement and there are no bitter feelings. I like Kyle and he has so much talent that I know he’ll have a bright future wherever he may go.
During the live press conference, Junior could hardly stop smiling. He was a far cry from a month ago when his voice shook as he said he would not be returning to DEI. Rick also looked very pleased (how could he not?) and the story of their first encounter and “contract” when Junior was about fifteen was priceless. Mr. Hendrick is one of the best and most respected team owners in NASCAR, but he is also an incredibly caring person. Dale Jr. stated that Rick is the kind of person you want to surround yourself with, not to use him, but to have him rub off on you. I agree fully.
The car number, crew and sponsor have not been officially been considered yet, but they did mention that they are willing to talk to Teresa about getting the #8 (yeah… somehow I don’t see her suddenly feeling righteous). Budweiser released a promising statement with a lot of interest in continuing their relationship with Junior. I guess we’ll see, but Junior being sponsored by Kellogg’s would kind of ruin his cool factor!
Obviously, I’m willing to bet that a good majority of Junior’s fans blew gaskets after hearing the news. Many probably feel like it’s treason. “Oh God, how can he be teammates with those losers, Jeff and Jimmie! They’re such whiners and cheaters and…” blah blah blah. To all those so-called “fans”: suck it up or leave. Preferably leave, because the likes of you shouldn’t even be related to NASCAR anyway. I just despise fan-made alliances and battlegrounds that most drivers scoff at in all seriousness. It’s just sickening.
Anyway, I’m thrilled with this! HMS is a wonderful organization and I expect Junior to have plenty of success in the long run, but more importantly, to have fun doing it! I loved the banner on NASCAR.com. It showed Casey, Jimmie, Jeff and Junior standing together.
It said: A New World Order.
Hell yeah.
The rumors have been flying since Junior announced he was leaving DEI in May, but Hendrick Motorsports seemed like a shot in the dark to me because all four rides were full. Darrell Waltrip was plugging HMS from the start and I remember how much it baffled me every time. But he knows more than we do. Apparently, Kyle Busch has been in negotiations with HMS since the end of last year and things finally became clear to both parties around Charlotte – a “fresh start” was in order. Kyle has been granted a release from his #5 team after this season. Now that I know this, it makes sense. I kind of felt bad for Kyle this year. When Casey joined, he was the one who got bumped to the side, even if not intentionally. Jeff, Jimmie and Casey are all Californians and all close friends, so I could see that maybe being a deciding factor for Kyle’s breakout. I’m just glad that it, like when Brian Vickers departed from HMS last year, was a mutual agreement and there are no bitter feelings. I like Kyle and he has so much talent that I know he’ll have a bright future wherever he may go.
During the live press conference, Junior could hardly stop smiling. He was a far cry from a month ago when his voice shook as he said he would not be returning to DEI. Rick also looked very pleased (how could he not?) and the story of their first encounter and “contract” when Junior was about fifteen was priceless. Mr. Hendrick is one of the best and most respected team owners in NASCAR, but he is also an incredibly caring person. Dale Jr. stated that Rick is the kind of person you want to surround yourself with, not to use him, but to have him rub off on you. I agree fully.
The car number, crew and sponsor have not been officially been considered yet, but they did mention that they are willing to talk to Teresa about getting the #8 (yeah… somehow I don’t see her suddenly feeling righteous). Budweiser released a promising statement with a lot of interest in continuing their relationship with Junior. I guess we’ll see, but Junior being sponsored by Kellogg’s would kind of ruin his cool factor!
Obviously, I’m willing to bet that a good majority of Junior’s fans blew gaskets after hearing the news. Many probably feel like it’s treason. “Oh God, how can he be teammates with those losers, Jeff and Jimmie! They’re such whiners and cheaters and…” blah blah blah. To all those so-called “fans”: suck it up or leave. Preferably leave, because the likes of you shouldn’t even be related to NASCAR anyway. I just despise fan-made alliances and battlegrounds that most drivers scoff at in all seriousness. It’s just sickening.
Anyway, I’m thrilled with this! HMS is a wonderful organization and I expect Junior to have plenty of success in the long run, but more importantly, to have fun doing it! I loved the banner on NASCAR.com. It showed Casey, Jimmie, Jeff and Junior standing together.
It said: A New World Order.
Hell yeah.
