Keep ‘Em Close

And there you have it, the almost end to the much ballyhooed free agency of Dale Earnhardt, Jr. comes with a bang, bang, bang to the heart of the Red Army. Amid the continued speculation surrounding sponsorship and car number, Junior has signed with Hendrick Motorsports. Just about every article I read and every news report I hear tries to quell the fears of Junior fans everywhere by wrapping this new marriage with stories of deep rooted ties that Hendrick has with the Earnhardts. I even read one story about how Hendrick jokingly drew up a contract for Junior to drive for Hendrick when Junior was only 14. Junior, playing along, signed it. I’m guessing the terms of Junior’s new contract are a little more attractive.

The reaction seems mixed, as anticipated. Some are calling Junior a sell out, others are hopeful that Hendrick horsepower will bring that championship that Little E has longed for since he joined the Winst–er Nextel Cup circuit. I certainly don’t blame the detractors – I’ll admit my own personal feelings are conflicted. I’ve experienced this feeling in other sports when good players for my favorite teams have bolted for greener pastures, especially rival teams. You want them to do well, but not their new team. Interestingly enough, though, stock car racing is a little different. Although the team approach to testing benefits everyone, many race teams within the same organization still operate as independent operations. The equipment and resources are shared, but when it comes down to the nitty gritty, you’re out there to win.

But amidst all of the dynamics and broohaha surrounding this surprise ending to the Junior Saga, may I suggest something to comfort the Red Army? Perhaps while his sister was out sifting through offers, Junior was reading through the musings of ancient Chinese military strategists and he came across this gem from Sun-tzu, “Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer”. That’s right, this is all a part of a NASCAR/Earnhardt conspiracy to keep Gordo from ever coming close to the magic No. 7 to tie him with Petty & Earnhardt for most NASCAR Winst-err Nextel Cup Championships. If you believe that Little E hates Gordo and Jimmie John as much as you do, then keep this close to your heart and don’t turn your back on your boy just yet. Let him win his championship if he can, and I assure you he’ll ride out into the sunset in that black Chevrolet just like you’ve always wanted.