NASCAR notebook
Busch champion Truex has no plans on leaving DEI
Posted: Friday May 11, 2007 6:50PM; Updated: Friday May 11, 2007 6:50PM
DARLINGTON, S.C. (AP) -- If Dale Earnhardt Inc. is doomed without its namesake driver, no one told Martin Truex Jr.
Truex, who won two Busch Series championships for DEI, said Friday he has no plans to follow Dale Earnhardt Jr. out the door. Earnhardt is leaving at the end of the season, but Truex said his contract runs through 2008.
"People think I'm crazy when I say this, but I really don't think it's a big deal," Truex said at Darlington Raceway. "Just 'cause Junior isn't driving for us, I don't see it making that big of an impact. Maybe long-term, but not in the next couple years."
DEI's employees put up a strong front in their first visit to a track since Earnhardt announced his seventh season with his late father's company would be his last.
His crew has promised to continue to work hard and make a run at the Nextel Cup championship.
"Dale Jr. made a decision at a much higher level than what we do at the race track with the race cars," DEI technical director Steve Hmiel said. "The things that happen in terms of business, or planning your future, decisions with a family business -- they are huge. We would never presume to be a part of that.
"Junior's driving the wheels off and we're working like mad to make sure he can run up front. It's our job to do things right and it's in our interest to do things right."
But Junior's departure certainly raises questions about the future of many employees. Truex said he owes it to DEI to remain committed.
"I've got to give it a fair shake," the second-year Cup driver said. "They gave me my opportunity, and I've decided I'm going to finish out the year and honor my contract because of all the things they've done for me."
Tony Eury Jr., Earnhardt's cousin and crew chief, also is under contract through 2008 and wasn't sure what his future holds.
"I would like to stay with Dale Jr. but I'm going to do whatever is best for Tony Jr. ... leave all my options open," Eury said.
Busch champion Truex has no plans on leaving DEI
Posted: Friday May 11, 2007 6:50PM; Updated: Friday May 11, 2007 6:50PM
DARLINGTON, S.C. (AP) -- If Dale Earnhardt Inc. is doomed without its namesake driver, no one told Martin Truex Jr.
Truex, who won two Busch Series championships for DEI, said Friday he has no plans to follow Dale Earnhardt Jr. out the door. Earnhardt is leaving at the end of the season, but Truex said his contract runs through 2008.
"People think I'm crazy when I say this, but I really don't think it's a big deal," Truex said at Darlington Raceway. "Just 'cause Junior isn't driving for us, I don't see it making that big of an impact. Maybe long-term, but not in the next couple years."
DEI's employees put up a strong front in their first visit to a track since Earnhardt announced his seventh season with his late father's company would be his last.
His crew has promised to continue to work hard and make a run at the Nextel Cup championship.
"Dale Jr. made a decision at a much higher level than what we do at the race track with the race cars," DEI technical director Steve Hmiel said. "The things that happen in terms of business, or planning your future, decisions with a family business -- they are huge. We would never presume to be a part of that.
"Junior's driving the wheels off and we're working like mad to make sure he can run up front. It's our job to do things right and it's in our interest to do things right."
But Junior's departure certainly raises questions about the future of many employees. Truex said he owes it to DEI to remain committed.
"I've got to give it a fair shake," the second-year Cup driver said. "They gave me my opportunity, and I've decided I'm going to finish out the year and honor my contract because of all the things they've done for me."
Tony Eury Jr., Earnhardt's cousin and crew chief, also is under contract through 2008 and wasn't sure what his future holds.
"I would like to stay with Dale Jr. but I'm going to do whatever is best for Tony Jr. ... leave all my options open," Eury said.
