The Son Rises

According to ESPN.com, Dale Earnhardt Incorporated (DEI) has offered Dale Earnhardt Jr. (Junior) fifty-one percent interest. The aforesaid fulfills Earnhardt’s majority ownership demand. DEI founder Dale Earnhardt died in 2001.

Prior to Junior forcing a contract, he and DEI survived on a handshake. In January, Teresa Earnhardt questioned Junior’s commitment. Immediately, Junior responded. Two weeks subsequent, Junior demanded fifty-one.

Assuming an agreement, Junior’s name will reside over DEI’s door. Will his control strengthen or weaken DEI? Will his championship quest conclude? Will his career shorten? Junior’s agreement would also conclude an anticipated free agency courtship. How will future negotiations for his piers alter?

Junior’s current legacy is contradictory. He is a second generation marketing phenomenon. He transcends NASCAR. Conversely, he has won only seventeen races. He has never garnered a championship. Assuming ownership, Junior’s interpretable legacy splits. One must wonder the owner’s impact on the driver.