I really haven't said much until now, because it really didn't matter, but now it's time for Theresa's side to be justified. Really, there is no need for an explanation, if you know the facts. Those who believe that DEI was built solely by Dale Sr. are sadly mistaken. Theresa has been a driving force behind the business side of the Earnhardt name since they met. She may not come off well with fans, and rarely does she get credit for her part, but I honestly don't believe there would even be a company or name worth enough to fight over if she had not been there. Sure, Dale would've been worth a lot, and the Childress marriage would have assured his success, but DEI was a joint venture pushed into fruition by Theresa's urging that he needed to build a legacy that would continue to earn and grow, long after he stepped from the car. Yes, Dale wanted this to be Jr.'s legacy as well, but I doubt he would have wanted that at the cost of Theresa and Taylor.

I poke fun at Theresa, but I poke fun at everyone, I am not prejudiced. In reality Theresa comes from racing. She has been called "cold", "calculating", and "greedy", all unfair when the facts are considered. In reality, she is a very smart business woman who is looking out, not only for herself, but for the future of Taylor and the future of the business she helped build. She may not have driven the car, but she drove Dale. He was the talent behind the passion, she was the brains behind the talent. Dale was not stupid, don't get me wrong, he just wasn't the best at managing the money/business side of things, a well known fact. He also wasn't the best at separating that from personal feelings. Theresa became the voice of reason in a world that exploded into something most thought impossible. Theresa's dreams of how Dale could make money, from a name alone, were ahead of their time, and with Dale, made it possible for drivers to actually make a living and a future for themselves. (Instead of wondering how they would pay the light bill or how much they'd still owe after the foreclosure sale.) Dale's name made it possible, Theresa's ideas made it possible, but it took both, focused on the prize, to make it reality. Since Dale's death, she has gone through many changes, and yes, she has distanced herself as an owner, but how would you have handled it? Could you have dealt with seeing him everywhere? Being expected to be the grieving widow, yet expected to be strong enough to remain in total control? (Then when in control being called a "cold-hearted bitch"?) Theresa lost the man she loved to the sport she grew up loving, how does one forgive the sport for the foul? I was only a fan, yet I still break down. I couldn't even watch the movie "3" until this February. I feel the tears with every flash back or tribute. I can't imagine being the wife.

Little by little Theresa is coming back. A lot of recent announcements and events have hinted that she will remain a major force in DEI and its future. The Dale Jr. situation was ugly, but in the end, it was handled the only smart way it could be. Dale asking for 51% was a bold move, but not a smart one. (If someone wants to holler "Greedy", maybe this would be an appropriate time.) If anything, maybe 33%, but Theresa would have looked like an idiot, not to mention desperate, to give up the majority. You must keep in mind that half of Theresa's interest actually needs to be set aside, and considered Taylor's. (And if ya really wanna pick, what about Kelly and Kerry? Where do they fit? Mute point, but no one said anything about them. Note: Kerry is employed by DEI, Kelly is employed by Jr. I guess they just aren't a good story. I disagree.)

As dirty as everyone made this, it was a clean decision on both sides. Theresa had to protect the future, for herself and for Taylor. Jr. had to take control of his own destiny, one way or the other. In the end I believe this is going to work out better for Jr. than for DEI, but Theresa is not an idiot, so, even though I tease, don't look for the museum expansion, you might just find a few exhibits (old and new) still have life in them.

For a lot more fact and really good links to the facts check out 14falcons article: In Support of Theresa Earnhardt