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Even if DEI is for sale, Earnhardt Jr. doesn't want it anymore

By Bob Pockrass - Associate Editor

Friday, July 11, 2008

Article Rating: 5.0
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JOLIET, Ill. – Dale Earnhardt Jr. said he doesn’t believe Dale Earnhardt Inc. is for sale and even if it was, he isn’t interested in buying it anymore.
 
Earnhardt Jr. heard the speculation that DEI or a portion of it could be sold to an investor – speculation denied by the team – and was surprised by it. Earnhardt Jr. had wanted to buy majority interest from stephmother Teresa in the team last year, a key sticking point that broke down the negotiations for him to stay there and spurred his move to Hendrick Motorsports.
 
“I talked to [DEI driver Martin] Truex on the Internet and he said something about it, and I didn’t know what the hell he was talking about,” Earnhardt Jr. said Thursday at Chicagoland Speedway.

How would he feel if the team was sold a year after he had tried to buy it?
 
“All I’d tell them is ‘Good luck,’ “ Earnhardt Jr. said. “I think the company is doing really good. I never felt like she would be interested in selling the company and I don’t think it is in Teresa’s character to give that company up. She feels that strongly about it, she felt that strongly about it a couple of years ago. I would be surprised.
 
“But maybe she sees the trend and some of the other things that are happening in the sport with other owners and changed her mind.”
 
Earnhardt Jr. remains upbeat about DEI, as he has all season since he left.

“If there’s a time for it to be sold that this would be a good opportunity,” Earnhardt Jr. said. “It seems to have stepped forward the last couple of years and improved itself. I don’t mean this in a bad way, but I would not have any interest in purchasing it. I would not have interest in purchasing any race team just to have the ownership. That doesn’t seem like a good deal.”

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Comments

10 responses to "Even if DEI is for sale, Earnhardt Jr. doesn't want it anymore"
  1. 1
    jim kav said:
    Jul 11, 2008 at 7:35 AM

    Jr. handles himself so well in interviews and has his style like no one else. Jr. needs to stay away from anything like buying into another program. Jr. like Stewart already has himself and family involved in business dealings and I commend his sister for taking care of business so Jr. can stay more focussed on a championship run this year. It's got to be real exciting being involved in two series and having cars second in points. Two friends going in the same direction...owner and drivers. I believe Jr. is doing a heck of a job and he is making a name for himself along with surounding himself with resources. If you say that is stupid business I think you need to wake up. I call surrounding yourself with tallent brillant and like they say....you are only as good as the people you surround yourself with. Hats off to Jr. with all his new ventures he's done this past year.

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  2. 2
    Steve Caudy said:
    Jul 16, 2008 at 4:11 PM

    I agree with Jim Kav. Jr has been and is on his way to setting himself and family up for life. He's got the brains and talent it takes to be successful. He'll do great with HMS and with JRM. The man has a plan!

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  3. 3
    Lisa Cummings said:
    Jul 18, 2008 at 1:59 PM

    Jr has grown so much. Besides being smart he is a lot happier this year. And I think that has alot to do with it.

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  4. 4
    lori stonesifer said:
    Jul 18, 2008 at 7:01 PM

    Go Dale & Brad!! Forget Teresa, didn't MR. DALE EARNHARDT (my hero) start this company for Jr.? I believe so!!! You lose Teresa and my boy, Dale Jr., wins again!.... AND HE'LL TAKE THE CHAMPIONSHIP FOR RICK HENDRICK AND NOT DEI!!!!

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  5. 5
    sarah hamilton said:
    Jul 28, 2008 at 5:05 PM

    I'm proud of Dale Jr. he made some very tough decisions on his career but for the better. He does't need DEI to suceed he has proven that this whole race season. Why would he be upset now he's in a better place. Way to go Jr.

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  6. 6
    Teresa Geer said:
    Jul 31, 2008 at 5:25 AM

    I am really proud of JR. He's come along way this past year and to be 2nd in the points shows you that it's not over yet. Look out Kyle because JR is going to take the championship this year. Jr is alot happier this year and it was the best move he ever had to decide on. So Sorry now Teresa that you don't have JR's money coming in to help save DEI. JR, keep up the good work. JR nation loves you!!!!!!

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  7. 7
    Marie Edwards said:
    Jul 31, 2008 at 12:06 PM

    I am proud of the way Dale Jr is handling himself and this season. He is capable of great things. Go Junior :)

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  8. 8
    bea ray said:
    Aug 2, 2008 at 8:19 PM

    I couldn't be prouder of Jr than if he were my grandson.I'm a Earnhardt Sr. fan also,and know his dad is proud of the man Jr.is coming. Go Jr. and don't change from what you have become.Let step=mom live her life---what goes around comes around. BeaRay

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  9. 9
    Margaret Anne Bowers said:
    Aug 16, 2008 at 3:26 PM

    Jr. I have been a hugh Earnhardt fan since I can remember.I have seen alot happen to your dad and I have seen alot happen to you. I am very proud that you have made the changes in your life as well as your career. I know that you will keep changing and I know that the changes will be for the better. I have my fingers crossed that you win the championship this year and I know that you will get most popular driver again.

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  10. 10
    gwen thompson said:
    Sep 9, 2008 at 4:37 PM

    Life goes on Jr. If DEI is for sale that shows that the business wasn't being productive somehow. Why would a company that was built through the racing of DALE SR. needs to be sold. What has Teresa done. Is this lady just COLD.Surely Dale Sr. never wanted that to happen. I hope it doesn't but if it does, its no one fault but TERESA'S. She should have managed better and not have been so selfish.That last interview of dale sr. he talked about his business and why he built it. Now the wife has messed up due to EGOCENTRIC.

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