04/25/24
February 13, 2007
Tradin' paint over control of DEI: Dale Earnhardt, Jr., and his stepmother, Teresa, are locked in a battle for majority ownership of Dale Earnhardt Inc. Could the son end up leaving the race team his father built, and would he be better off if he did? One NASCAR commentator seems to think so.
posted by wfrazerjr to auto racing at 11:29 AM - 18 comments
He won't be there much longer. She's just ruining it for him. texasred, that would be sweet, jr. johnson, and jeff running the same team! I think he may follow waltrip. Whatever he does do, it will be much better than the situation now.
posted by bavarianmotorworker at 04:10 PM on February 13, 2007
I would love to see "E" got with Richard Childress Racing! Look what RCR did with his father. And if "E" takes Budweiser with him that will be a major blow to DEI because of $$$$. Theresa is an excellent businesswoman, but I think it is time for "E" to go on his own.
posted by steelergirl at 05:15 PM on February 13, 2007
I look for little E to leave.
posted by Fly_Piscator at 05:47 PM on February 13, 2007
"I think he may follow waltrip." Wouldn't that be awesome? Imagine the gnashing of teeth and rending of garments that would follow. Junior in a Toyota could cause another Southern secession.
posted by mr_crash_davis at 06:16 PM on February 13, 2007
which ever route she decides to take she loses. If she signs JR then she lost her stake in the company. If she doesn't she loses him , bud , fans, endorsements, and becomes a museum in two years. I hate to say it but she's got her TA TAS Stuck in a ringer.
posted by TAZ29 at 06:40 PM on February 13, 2007
I was surprised Dale Sr didn't leave Jr a major piece of DEI in his will...I hope he gets it now...in my opinion...Jr is the biggest & most important asset of DEI...
posted by phillyolhead at 06:41 PM on February 13, 2007
Without Dale Earnhardt Jr., DEI will be nothing. I like Jr., but I do think it's just about time he wins some races (with whatever team it may be with). The similarities between him and his father, at this point in time, begin and end at the name.
posted by dyams at 06:55 PM on February 13, 2007
She will give in, T is smart and she will realize that half of a whole bunch is still alot and that all of nothing is nothing. They will sign him and he will have control and they will still have crappy engines.
posted by hoytie at 07:01 PM on February 13, 2007
Dale Jr. and Budweiser's contracts both expire at the same time so it would be pretty obvious that where ever Jr. goes, Budweiser will follow. If Jr. does leave DEI, look for DEI to become an after thought. I think DEI is really nervous right now and that is why they are basically hiring the whole family to work there. I don't know if it will work or not but maybe Jr. should just start DJI and work for himself.
posted by bry66 at 07:19 PM on February 13, 2007
Who gives a s--t. She's a trophy wife and jr was given everything. I wish the worst for them both.
posted by samtana at 08:04 PM on February 13, 2007
What is DEI without Dale Jr? Just like the 49ers have been without Eddie DeBartolo...an afterthought. When an in-law with no real understanding of the company takes control, the results are usually disastrous.
posted by TerpFan at 11:53 PM on February 13, 2007
Dale holds all the cards and all the power. If he leaves she has been told by other team owners that DEI is dead. Yes Bud will go with Dale. Dale has also said he will ONLY drive for RCR. She does not even show up at the contract negotiations, she lets her layers do it. He is demanding majority ownership or outright ownership of the team. He has come out in the press with some not to pleasant things about growing up around her. Also how many team owners (that are in good health) do you see not show up to the track at all on race weekends?
posted by vipers-pit at 12:15 AM on February 14, 2007
A typical family busines,some one builds it up and dies, then some one else sucks the life out of it. She is a business woman yes,but DEI needs someone at the helm with real passion for the sport and winning not just marketing products to sell.She forgets that DEI should be a race team first and foremost! A winning one!I wish Dale Jr. all the best.I think he can only do better either way. Its time for Teresa to admit she can't run a raceteam.With out him she will be running a museum in no time at all.She lost NAPA and also Ty Norris,Budweiser will be next following Dale Jr. when he leaves.
posted by buckner86 at 05:08 AM on February 14, 2007
Well, Samtana, I know you don't give a s--t but I would hardly call Theresa Earnhardt a trophy wife. Beautiful yes, there are brains behind the beauty. While she might not be the best choice to run DEI, she has/did contributed much to the fortune of the late Dale Earnhardt. I suggest you do some research. Also, "E" was never given everything. True, he didn't have to clip coupons or shop at Wal-Mart, but daddy made him (and Kerry and Kelly) prove themselves first, and if they had the "right stuff" he then helped them out. Once again, do some research. Yes, I sound like a Homer, but I know a lot of history about Dale and Theresa. Dale Sr. and Jr. both have brought me much pleasure from watching NASCAR.
posted by steelergirl at 05:58 AM on February 14, 2007
The best thing for Jr. to do would just get as far away from her as possible. He has way too much going for him. She will have only herself to blame when DEI does go down the tubes.
posted by Buckfever14 at 11:20 AM on February 14, 2007
It seems Jr. is at risk of backing himself into a situation where if he doesn't get a controlling interest in DEI, the only alternative may be to start his own team. If he is demanding controlling interest with his current team, why would Childress or Hendricks racing not be looking at him with a cautious eye and considering the trouble he may be after one or two seasons on their team. He now has access to an outstanding car and shows from time to time his shortcomings as a driver in spinning out competition and himself due to a lack of brains or patience on the track. If he wants to be a power in the NASCAR game he best start his own team while he's a hot commodity.
posted by jaygolf at 03:10 PM on February 14, 2007
jaygolf, it appears he's only asking for controlling interest in this case because of the family name. If he went to RCR, Hendrick, Roush or anywhere else, this wouldn't be an issue. This is why it's always dangerous to mix family and business.
posted by The_Black_Hand at 05:09 AM on February 15, 2007
I look for Jr. to leave DEI as soon as he can and hook up with Childress or possibly even Hendricks. The guy is great for Nascar and the fans. Can't say the same for his step mom. Yes, i know it's her business but i believe she could do alot better job.