New era in NASCAR

CONCORD, N.C. – Something was missing on the spacious grounds of Dale Earnhardt, Inc.

Despite a search by several curious media types, there was no sign of the sport’s brightest icon.

Welcome to the new era in NASCAR.

The move of Dale Earnhardt, Jr. from the team his father built to Hendrick Motorsports continues to draw headlines and generate discussion among fans.

A relaxed and candid Earnhardt met with reporters Wednesday, shortly after the NASCAR Sprint Media tour hosted by Lowe’s Motor Speedway stopped at DEI.

According to Earnhardt, he isn’t concerned or surprised with the lack of recognition by his former team.

"What else would you

expect,’’ Earnhardt said. "I tell you one thing, I don’t think there’s any animosity and I don’t think [DEI] would intentionally do anything not to recognize my time there. If there is something, it doesn’t matter to me.’’

The immediate concern for Earnhardt is finding his niche on a "Fantastic Four’’ driver lineup including four-time NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon, two-time defending series titlist Jimmie Johnson, and Casey Mears.

Even though he may not admit it, the pressure to perform is intense for Earnhardt. He has won only two Sprint Cup events in his last 110 starts. Meanwhile, Hendrick drivers won half of the 36 races last season.

"I can drive. I’m real confident. That’s not a concern,’’ Earnhardt said.

"We’ve had pretty good success in the past. And I ran really good last season about everywhere we went last season … we just didn’t win anything.’’

Given the slump in attendance and television ratings for NASCAR, it’s a good bet that TV executives and NASCAR officials are joining members of the Junior Nation in praying for an Earnhardt resurgence.

For Earnhardt, it’s all about passion and good times.

"I race because it’s fun, but something has to drive you,’’ Earnhardt said. "I guess you have to prove things to yourself over and over. There are new guys coming into the sport that offer more challenges, there are new tracks that will be built, and there are always changes in the series. I want to be part of all that.

"I don’t think that we necessarily have to prove that I’m a good racecar driver. I feel like I’ve proven that. I’ve done a lot of things on the track, but I reckon people have short-term memory.’’

Earnhardt is an expert on NASCAR history, often paying tribute to legendary drivers and fearsome tracks. It’s only natural that he wants to join his heroes someday.

"When they make that next top list of top 50 drivers in NASCAR, I want to be on it,’’ Earnhardt said.

"We’ve got all kinds of resources here. We should improve on what we’ve already been able to accomplish.’’

Meanwhile, the lines of communication between Earnhardt and his former employer have not been totally severed. For example, there is the friendship between Earnhardt and the new DEI standard-bearer, Martin Truex, Jr.

"I’m still friends with Truex, and we talk every night. We don’t talk about DEI or Hendrick, but if there was something he felt like I needed to do we would discuss it,’’ Earnhardt said.

"It’s unfortunate that all this had to happen…I didn’t want to be there anymore. It ended okay. It could have been a whole lot uglier, but that was just part of the process to get to where I am now.’’

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