Today it was announced that Budweiser would not continue on with Jr to Hendrick. Budweiser has been Jr.’s sponsor since he started in 2000. His Dad acquired it for him and said he could see these two go a long way. Now after 7 years together they are parting ways. Budweiser said it would be on a car next year, wonder if it will stay with DEI or move on as Jr. has. Through the 7 years they have made each other grow in popularity, now with this departure, this could hurt each of them and could be a factor in the future.
Jr has mentioned he wants to continue driving a Chevrolet and it being the #8 car. DEI was told they could sell it to Hendrick, but Nascar would oversee the transaction. Fans have come up with the saying ‘Free The 8’, to help Jr continue his career with his famous number. In order for the 8 to move on with Jr to Hendrick, Teresa and president of DEI Max Siegel must come to an agreement with Hendrick. Many sport fanatics believe that DEI will let Hendrick have the 8.
Jr will replace Kyle Busch after this season and many fans are wondering what number Dale will drive. As of now the #5 car will be free, but some see Casey Mears moving over to it and Jr taking the #25 car. Most of the reason people saw Jr driving the #25 car was that they figured Budweiser would continue with him. Now since Bud is out the question of which number he will be placed in is up in the air once again.
Jr has signed with two sponsors that will start with him at Daytona. Sony and Adidas have signed contracts with him and Jr himself is excited about them joining on. Jr said that he is a big games fanatic and having Sony on board is a dream come true. Also since signing with Adidas, Jr said he will have a line of apparel including shoes, shirts, hats and other clothing. Jr will become only the fourth pro athlete to have his own apparel line.
As the number issue continues, so does the sponsor issue. Will Sony or Adidas become the main sponsor on Jr.’s car or will Hendrick keep place one of his own current sponsors on the car? If Sony or Adidas become the main sponsor, sells for either of them will begin to increase. Jr who is an icon in Nascar can help either company growth.
Hendrick has made comments that he will let Jr be Jr. He doesn’t want to change Jr in any way and feels that by letting him do his own thing will come out to benefit them both. Hendrick has done the same for all his drivers by letting make there own paths in Nascar, but he watches and guides them at times.
Gordon has gone from being named the ‘Wonder Boy’ by the late Dale Earnhardt to winning 4 championships and 79 wins, passing Earnhardt on the all-time list. Johnson, whose cars are owned by Gordon, has also won a championship and has 27 wins. Casey Mears got his first win of his career at Charlotte and is gaining momentum race after race. Kyle Busch has won 4 times in his career, once this year at Bristol being the first winner in the COT. He is currently 8th in the points and is in contention for the Chase.
As this season continues, we can only watch and wait to see what number and sponsor Jr will have. We also will watch to see if Kyle can get a ride for the ‘08’ Daytona 500. A season not to forget will continue to get only better. We will watch and see wait the future brings.
This whole Jr leaving his dad's company disappoints me more and more as this unfolds. I don't believe Sony and Adidas will be main sponsors on his car. I think those contracts were more for those corps to use him in advertisements, but I am not sure of that.
What I don't understand is they claim to not know the new sponsor, yet the reason for not keeping Bud is there is no room for more sponsors at Hendrick??
Rick also said a few months ago there was no room for Jr, so I don't know what the hell to believe. All I know is I don't like any of it.
From what I have read on NASCAR.com, Jr. will have a beverage sponsor from the Pepsi Co. I do know it will not be the new Gordon 24 drink that Jeff always seems to be taking a swig from. It might be a signature drink with Dale Jr's new number or the 8 if that comes over from DEI. That is my take.
Kyle or Casey Kahne will go with DEI or Ginn probably.
Well I think Hendrick wants to stay away from the Beer side of it. He has Kellogs, and the National Guard to worry about. Also with Adidas and Sony, I think they want to push toward under 18 fans. I like the idea. Now at tracks you see alot of kids with the Bud caps on. I feel the Hendrick taem is doing the right thing. They know the Jr. Under 18 fans and want to realy apeal to them.
Kyle would be a great addition to DEI. He is good and he has a long way to go. The other side of that though is someone needs to be able to have him focas more on just his driving, not his anger.
Casey, I dont see him leaving Everhamn racing. Ray will do what is needed and next year will be a great start. noahspop2001
Actually, I would think that the 5 still has sponsorship from Kellog's and CarQuest and that therefore, it is still the 25 Jr. will drive with Mountan Dew or Monster on it.
Adidas and Sony are personal contracts not sponsors of his car. There is a big differece. Is Sterling Marlin driving a Coor's car? No! But he has a personal services contract with Coors.
Hey I'm Aaron just here to write about some of the major topics in sports. I'm a Nascar fan hands down and yes Nascar is a SPORT! My favorite driver is Dale Jr., but I also like Stewart. Earnhardt Sr. will always be my man for sure. Baseball I like the Cubs, Football I like the Chiefs and Cowboys, NHL I like the Red Wings, and for any College Sport I root on the Texas Longhorns, I also cheer for Iowa State, but More Horns, HOOK 'EM' HORNS!!
