Dale Earnhardt Jr. To Join Hendrick Motorsports in 2008
Dale Earnhardt Jr., the biggest free agent in NASCAR after an acrimonious split with DEI Racing., officially announced his intention to drive for Hendrick Motorsports in 2008. The move confirms rumors that were swirled around the sport since last week and adds another rock star caliber driver to the sports’ most successful organization.
Jr. joins perennial contenders Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson on a squad that has won 10 of 14 races this season, and six championships in the last 23 years. The odd man out on this major deal is current Hendricks driver Kyle Busch, who will be released from his contract at the end of this season. Busch currently leads Jr. in the NEXTEL Cup standings by 82 points.
Hendrick Motorsports is like the Lakers of the 80’s, Yankees of the 90’s and Patriots of 2000 and beyond in the world of car racing. They cultivate talent, market their superstars well and build upon success. Jr. is a driver that transcends his sport, and this move solidifies Hendrick’s standing not only in NASCAR history, but professional sports ownership history.
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