HAMPTON, Ga. – Monday marked the first day of Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s new life.

Instead of driving the red No. 8 Budweiser Chevrolet that he made famous, the progeny of the late Dale Earnhardt made his much-anticipated debut driving for Hendrick Motorsports in the first of a two-day Car of Tomorrow test at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

On the one hand, Monday's test was a new beginning for Junior. He finally had the chance for an extended run in arguably some of the best equipment that can be found on the Nextel Cup level.

On the other hand, it was also somewhat of a tease. Because after Tuesday's second day of testing, Earnhardt will return to finish out the season's three remaining races for Dale Earnhardt Inc., his soon-to-be former team.

"I think NASCAR is trying to punish us for some reason," Earnhardt said with a laugh.

Wearing a white firesuit with a large red Adidas logo plastered across the chest, Earnhardt obviously looked different.

But he also acted different, as well, appearing quite subdued, a morose-like demeanor that was quickly explained.

On a day when he should have been jumping for joy, Earnhardt could barely walk. He was in considerable pain, still feeling the after-effects from the vicious hit he took in a final-lap crash in Sunday's Pep Boys Auto 500 race at AMS.

"I'm sore," Earnhardt admitted. "It hit like a ton of bricks. I didn't feel too good yesterday (after the crash)."

Fortunately, Earnhardt suffered no major injuries from the wicked smash, which was further compounded when Jamie McMurray piled into the fray, unable to avoid contact at about 185 mph.

"I had a headache a little bit (after the wreck), but no concussion," Earnhardt said. "I was pretty glad about that. When I laid on my back, I didn't get dizzy or anything. It was just a real hard hit."

That explained why he acted in a business-like manner. But one thing did bring a smile to his otherwise sullen face: his new ride.

"The cars drive really good and very comfortable," Earnhardt said. "The steering is smoother."

He was piloting what is typically Kyle Busch's No. 5 Car of Tomorrow – Busch was testing his own new ride for Joe Gibbs Racing, the organization he'll drive for next season &nsash; and was reunited with crew chief Tony Eury Jr., who's already made the move from DEI to HMS.

"I'm excited to watch Tony Jr. work with the new guys," Earnhardt said. "I'm excited to see the expressions on their faces, their mannerisms, their attitude about the whole thing. … I was really looking forward to that waking up this morning."

Eury was one of the few familiar things in a day filled with new cars and new names in new places. It was a lot to take in, especially since Earnhardt still has three more races left with his own team. But there's no question Junior could feel an immediate difference between HMS and DEI.

"It's where everybody wants to be," he said. "It's real easygoing. Everybody's got great attitudes; winning on their mind. It's contagious and makes you feel good. It makes you feel excited."

While the adjustment period will take time, Monday and Tuesday will put Earnhardt that much further ahead when things begin to count next February at Daytona. Still, there are some hurdles ahead.

"It's like going to a new school, making new friends," he said. "It's hard to make friends and build relationships.

"I've had such great rapport and a great relationship with all the guys on the team I'm currently with, and you have to go through the challenge of that and building that respect and trust with a whole new group. It's going to be tough."

But Earnhardt's new co-workers have already begun to make him feel relaxed at his soon-to-be new home.

"They seem like they're willing to have a great attitude, willing to work really well, so it should be just a matter of time (before he and his new team start to jell)," Earnhardt said. "It's just getting to know everybody, remembering everybody, everybody's name, getting to understand and learn their personalities and the ins and outs of every member on the team. That's going to be the only challenge."

Several of his current and soon-to-be former buddies from the No. 8 team came over to Earnhardt's garage stall Monday morning to wish him well.

"They asked if I was all right, asked how things were going with the 5 car," he said. "They got a great attitude. They look out for me."

Tuesday afternoon, Earnhardt's days as a Hendrick driver will be put on hold. But instead of getting overly excited about his new home and what the future may have in store for him, Earnhardt displayed grace and class in saying his first priority is to finish out this season – and his tenure – with DEI on a high note.

"You know, we have work left to do," Earnhardt said. "I'm still focused and dedicated toward finishing my job with dignity over at the 8 car.

"That's important to me, that we keep working and work hard. I would regret if we end up not doing that."

Three more races, then it's off to HMS for real. For Monday was just a taste, and no matter how good it was, he doesn't get the whole meal until next season.

"(Becoming part of HMS) really won't sink in until we go to Speedweeks testing."

And he'll take it from there.

Veteran motorsports writer Jerry Bonkowski is Yahoo! Sports' NASCAR columnist. Send Jerry a question or comment for potential use in a future column or webcast.

Updated on Monday, Oct 29, 2007 5:04 pm, EDT

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