When Tony Stewart announced on his radio show in February that without Dale Earnhardt Jr. DEI will become a museum, many race fans agreed. Others thought he was putting the nail in Dale Earnhardt Inc.'s coffin prematurely.
None--that I'm aware of--thought that DEI headquarters, aka The Garage Mahal, would literally become a museum overnight, but alas that is exactly what is happening.
With the acquisition of Ginn Racing, DEI will move it's Nextel Cup operations down the road to Ginn's shop, leaving the DEI shop to serve as a museum and souvenir shop.
Logistically, the move makes sense. Ginn has 80,000 more square feet, as well as one of those coveted seven-post shaker thingies. But damn if it isn't another blow to the fans' dream of Earnhardt's legacy continuing as we invisioned:
(Some folks call it the "Garage Mahal.") That meant a great deal to my dad. He wouldn't let a fan set foot in there if every detail wasn't right -- if there was a light that looked funny or if a ceiling tile was missing. He built what was, at the time, the largest complex ever for a NASCAR racing organization. For him to spend so much money out of his own pocket showed how serious he was about it.Nobody wants to see the shop that Dale built turned solely into a museum. But we'll live through it, just like we're living through his son's departure.
Life could be worse, after all. Say, for instance, if you're Regan Smith, and suddenly without a ride after spending the first half of the season being mentored by one of the sport's greats. DEI has confirmed that Aric Almirola will share the rest of this season with Mark Martin in the #01, leaving no room for Smith, unless it's in a Busch car, which I haven't seen mentioned.
DEI also promised to name a driver to replace Junior in the next two to three weeks. I don't hear any new names floating around this week, but I am hearing that it won't be Kyle Busch. This week my inbox says that Shrub is headed to Evernham.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
7-26-2007 @ 12:17AM
Hvon said...
Don Emerson:
you are nuts
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7-26-2007 @ 6:20AM
Chrissie said...
Hey Don...A request from all of us who read and post on this board..Shut your mouth and stop bad mouthing JR!!! He is a fine driver or else he would not be out there every week busting his ass..You are so jealous it's pathetic!! I'm sure reading back your mean posts about Jr are the only thing that make your crappy life worth living but knock it off! His very loyal fans on here are sick to death of YOU!!
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7-26-2007 @ 9:01AM
ED77KATR said...
It should be designated as a National Historic Site. I have been told Dale SR is buried there in a unmarked grave. Is that true?
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7-26-2007 @ 9:01AM
sandie said...
I agree with Don Emerson. I think Hendrick will regret signing Jr. as Kyle Busch is a better skilled driver and does drive consistent. I don't think we are being mean and writing crappy comments....the truth is what the truth is and Jr's record speaks in high volume.
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7-26-2007 @ 9:19AM
Amy said...
In the world of corporate mergers, its not really surprising that DEI acquired Ginn. *shrugs* Ginn has better equipment in its garages. Unfortunately, now that HMS will no longer be supplying the Mark Martin's car with his engine after the next two races, it won't take long for the same problems that are plaguing the DEI gang to reach Mr. Martin.
As for the Anti-Junior contingent of Don and Sandie, jealousy is such an ugly thing.
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7-26-2007 @ 9:47AM
Stretchie8 said...
The brighter the light the bigger the target.....
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7-26-2007 @ 9:55AM
Bill said...
To Don and Sandie,Is it true that you and the Witch have a three way every other nite?People like you should get something to do besides badmouthing drivers like Jr all the time.Ever think about going rollerskating on the interstate?DEI was scheduled to be a museum when Jr quit them.Just keep on sucking up to the witch,she loves to have you doing that.How much does pay you to badmouth Jr?
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7-26-2007 @ 10:47AM
Chrissie said...
LOL at Bill...Sandie..Kyle may be a good driver but guess what? There are 42 other drivers out there that are pretty good to or else they wouldn't be driving right?? Don't blow Kyle up to big just yet,he really needs to mature a lot..And if he does go to TEI next year do you really think Teresa is going to be there 24/7 to change his diaper every time he cries and fusses?? Sorry people I'll defend Jr till the end.
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7-26-2007 @ 11:26AM
Jess said...
Oh for the love of all that is good and holy, do not do this to me Kyle! EMS? No, no, no!
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7-28-2007 @ 1:52PM
blackylocks said...
I also agree with Don and Sandie. Hell Kyle has won more races in busch AND nextel than Jr has all together. To Chrissie what exactly does anyone have to be jealous of JR for? Sandie is right - the truth is the truth you can die defending if you want but his record speaks for it self. 2 wins in 92 races - yeah real jalous. All you JR fans love to get on the blogs and dog out JG or HMS but They will be disappointed in him too. So unitl you can give anyone ONE good reason to be jealous then you shut up or back up what you say.
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