DEI selling off Nationwide program to JR Motorsports

In a surprising move, Dale Earnhardt Incorporated announced the sale of their NASCAR Busch Series inventory to JR Motorsports. The announcement is suspected to be DEI's last ditch effort to retain fan favorite Dale Earnhardt Jr., who is expected to leave the organization that he has driven for his entire career. Many insiders believe Earnhardt Jr. to be looking for a ride at Richard Childress Racing, but Teresa Earnhardt has expressed her desire to keep the highly marketable driver within the DEI organization. If the move to RCR were to happen, though, it is unknown whether or not JR Motorsports would continue or merge with Childress' existing, and highly successful, Busch Series program. Currently, DEI runs three teams, the 8, 11 and 15, although JR Motorsports is only expected to retain the 15, as it is the only full-time team. JR Motorsports had previously assisted the DEI Busch Series program, and served as a potential feeder team to the Nextel Cup Series. (ESPN.com) (2/21/07)