From the Marbles - NASCAR

From the Marbles

Thu Jun 26, 2008 2:55 pm EDT

State of the Teams: Dale Earnhardt Inc.

By Jay Busbee

Continuing our look at the state of NASCAR's many teams, this week focusing on Dale Earnhardt Inc. It seems almost impossible to remember now, but just a few short months ago there was considerable debate about the battle between Dale Earnhardt Jr. and DEI Inc. after Junior split from his daddy's company. After a seriously underwhelming 16 races, nobody's questioning who got the better end of the deal anymore. And with potential trouble on the horizon for DEI, things could easily get worse before they get better for the Intimidator's old company.

Sprint Cup Drivers (Rank): Martin Truex Jr. (17th), Paul Menard (26th), Mark Martin (27th), Regan Smith (33rd), Aric Almirola (47th)

Wins: Zip-o
Top 5 finishes: 3 (Leader, Mark Martin: 2) 
Top 10 finishes: 10 (Leader, Mark Martin, 5)
Average starting position: 19.7 (Leader, Mark Martin, 13.3)
Average finishing position: 23.1 (Leader, Mark Martin, 15.3)

High Point: Not many, and they've centered around Mark Martin. In consecutive weeks earlier this year, Martin posted top-five finishes in Richmond and Phoenix, and led 68 laps of Phoenix. (It's worth noting that if Martin had run a complete schedule -- he's raced in 12 of 16 events this year, with Almirola taking the other four -- and if you project out his current point total, he'd be ranked No. 11 in the Chase.)

Low Point: This week. With news leaking out that Martin is likely to jump ship next year, possibly to Hendrick, the entire short-term future of DEI is now in doubt, with some speculation going so far as to say that the team could cut from three cars down to two.

Assessment: Martin is still a viable force in NASCAR, and losing him would hurt deeply. DEI is going to have to re-sign Truex, and pronto, and demonstrate to him that a team that includes youngsters like Almirola, Menard and Smith is still a viable force.

Bottom line: The DEI website still carries images of the Intimidator on virtually every page. The current team needs get some sustainable success soon, or they'll be trading on the past rather than the future.

Related: State of the teams

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16 Comments

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  1. Willy Doer
    1. Posted by Willy Doer Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:29 pm EDT

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    Talk about trying to survive off of somebody's name....Should have sold 51% to somebody that would TRY to do something good with this company.....And not ruin a good mans vision.
  2. Reds24
    2. Posted by Reds24 Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:35 pm EDT

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    Dang and I thought I could be first with my newbie-ness.... is that word wearing thin yet?
    I am worried about HMS takin on Martin. Since I have been hearing about him retiring for at least two years now, is it viable for them to take on someone who could leave within a year or two and replace him with such a youngster? Not that Brad isn't great, but I hope they mull over that decision for awhile.
    As for DEI, Dale Earnhardt Sr is the god of that company and they seem to be trying to crawl along on that. The young drivers they have are very good, and they should hold onto Truex if they can.
  3. danthenascarfan
    3. Posted by danthenascarfan Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:35 pm EDT

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    Agree with labrat. When Jr was forced out, DEI ceased to be an Earnhardt organization except in name only. Why Teresa Earnhardt wouldn't agree to give Jr 51% of his father's company and keep Jr and his legions of fans, Budweiser's sponsorship, the millions of dollars spent on Jr items every year and the loyal following of die hard fans who would have supported DEI forever if Jr had stayed is beyond me. The supposedly shrewd business woman threw all that away and maybe DEI itself because of a her huge ego. It was obvious that she was not about to let Jr upstage her and no what the cost she was going to keep Jr in his place. Well, right now, Jr is in a very good place. And Teresa? Well lets just say that vanity and ego are poor substitutes for ignorance.
  4. kinggeorge
    4. Posted by kinggeorge Thu Sep 03, 2009 10:21 pm EDT

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    Reds24--Keselowski is 26 years old and almost 4 years older than the D00D. I think Mark Martin would be an excellent tutor for Brad and with all the incredible talent at HMS already, that would be a dream come true for any up and coming driver. Brad has shown maturity far above the current crop of his peers. I would love to see mark run for the Cup Championship one last time in high quality equipment. Go Mark, get one for us old guys!.
  5. CrackerJack
    5. Posted by CrackerJack Thu Sep 03, 2009 10:51 pm EDT

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    The DEI website still carries images of the Intimidator on virtually every page.
  6. CrackerJack
    6. Posted by CrackerJack Thu Sep 03, 2009 10:51 pm EDT

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    Addition to pervious post: After reading that, I suggest they close up shop and open a museum for merchandise, tours, exhibits; generate more money after death as Elvis.
  7. Rudy88
    7. Posted by Rudy88 Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:16 pm EDT

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    I'd bet that if the witch had given JR the 51% he wanted, she would have kept making money with her 49%, for years to come. Even if JR just came thru with a win occasionally.
    kinggeorge I'm rudy's nudies.
  8. silverado71
    8. Posted by silverado71 Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:06 pm EDT

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    I knew Mark Martin would help DEI, but I didn't think he would have to put the rest of the team on his back and carry them around the track. Hey guys, gas pedal is on the right and turn left. Dale Sr. is turning over in his grave. Without some help from someone that knows racing, Teresa will be the last owner of DEI.
  9. wrecked um
    9. Posted by wrecked um Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:30 pm EDT

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    Teresa, the Wicked Witch of Nascar, should fly her #8 broom over to HMS and beg Jr and Hendrick to team up with Smoke and buy DEI. Then merge JR Motorsports into DEI and proceed to bring some respect back to Dale Srs' legacy.
  10. Rudy88
    10. Posted by Rudy88 Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:16 pm EDT

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    papadude That sounds like a wise move and then everyone could make money, but I'll bet the witch runs it into the ground and bleeds it dry first.
  11. coreyadk
    11. Posted by coreyadk Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:29 pm EDT

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    looking on the positive side for dei the 8 team and the 1 are at least semi competitve they could win a race if other people wreck
  12. packerd_00
    12. Posted by packerd_00 Thu Sep 03, 2009 7:48 pm EDT

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    kinggeorge
    I think The Pole will be something speiclal when he comes into Sprint Cup I really do.
  13. Coach
    13. Posted by Coach Thu Sep 03, 2009 9:08 pm EDT

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    You can only live on the past for so long. God Bless Dale, but he made that company and it was time for her to exit. We can only admire her boldness by going down with the ship.
  14. floyd w
    14. Posted by floyd w Thu Sep 03, 2009 7:29 pm EDT

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    well it's a shame all the work that man DALE put in the comp.should go down the tubes because 1 women want's it all.never thinking of any one else.Dale cared and thought of every one before him.why would she destroy so much ???? Dale turning in his grave because of what going on at DEI. never thought a legend be destroyed.
  15. packerd_00
    15. Posted by packerd_00 Thu Sep 03, 2009 7:48 pm EDT

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    Scott M
    Illl say this for her she keeps a very low profile, I cant recall ever seeing her being interviwed during a practice or race. Ive seen Chip.Jack,Rick, and Rich enough times.
  16. Victoria B
    16. Posted by Victoria B Thu Sep 03, 2009 10:37 pm EDT

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    I believe Dale Jr. will always be a driver we all love, I was saddened by DEI,s choice to not give all support and controlling interest to Dale Jr. It seems like the inlaw is a outlaw. Jr. Nation will be my favorite forever ! Dale Earnhardt Jr. is a hero to me and will always be my favorite driver no matter where he, or who he drives for. Maybe his own team will be it!

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