image from speedtv.com
Dale Earnhardt Jr will drive the #88 AMP Energy/ Mountain Dew/ National Guard Chevrolet Impala for Hendrick Motorsports. The wait for the number is over and Dale Jr is happy with his decision.
Since December 2006 when Teresa Earnhardt told a newspaper that Dale Jr needs to choose between Race Car driver and celebrity, Dale Jr’s been searching for more. He first tried to get controlling interest of DEI in his contract negotiations. Then he announced he was searching for a new ride and leave DEI. Then he chose to drive for Hendrick Motorsports. Then he announced that Budweiser wouldn’t be his sponsor in 2008. Then he lost the fight to obtain use of the #8 in 2008.
Now Dale Jr lands the #88. He also finds himself with AMP Energy, Mountain Dew, and National Guard as primary sponsors. It will be good for Junior and Tony Eury Jr to have a fresh start with the #88 and new sponsors. I think AMP Energy will be his best bet. Also, Junior’s diecasts won’t be adult collectibles anymore, so children can buy his products.
We’ll see in 2008. The #88 has a great history, including his grandfather Ralph Earnhardt driving the #88 in 1957 for Petty Enterprises. Other drivers of the 88 included Dale Jarrett, Rusty Wallace, Buck Baker, and Benny Parsons.
So Hendrick Motorsports has Dale Jr in the #88 Mountain Dew/ AMP Energy/ National Guard Chevy. Gillett Evernham has Kasey Kahne for 2008 in the #9 Budweiser Dodge. DEI will have Mark Martin and Aric Amirola in the #8 US Army Chevy. DEI is still searching for a sponsor for the 01 for 2008.
