This had to be such a heartbreaking decision for him.... This is what he had to say about leaveing DEI..
My thoughts on the whole thing
Published by DaleJr May 17th, 2007 in Uncategorized.
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Following my press conference last week, I recorded a short video to post on my Infield Parking page to inform you guys about my decision to leave DEI. I did so with the intention of expanding a little more here on the blog, but it’s been a tougher to get in front of a computer than I thought.
The decision to leave DEI was the toughest I’ve ever had to make. I love DEI and the people who work there. When I got up in front of all the employees last Tuesday morning and told them about my decision, it was very, very difficult. But they deserved to hear it from me and nobody else.
As tough as it was to come to this decision, I’m sure it was equally difficult – if not more – for the fans to hear about it. I know many of you who are fans of mine are also fans of DEI. I hope that continues. DEI will always be a special place to all of us.
Just understand that I’m 32 years old, and in the back of my head a clock is always ticking. Each year the ticking gets louder, and my desire to produce results gets stronger. My father was the same age when he made the very difficult decision to leave Bud Moore and drive for Richard Childress. Looking back, it was the wisest decision he ever made, not because it produced six championships, but because he realized it was better to take a chance than to go the rest of his life wondering, “What if…?”
I’m determined that if I’m lucky enough to live until I’m old, I’ll never have to ask myself that question. If I never win a championship, it won’t be from the lack of trying. I am taking the process of searching for a new team as serious as anything I’ve ever done. I plan to talk to many people and visit many teams. Money is not a factor here. Revenue from souvenir sales is even less of a factor. I’ve heard people say, “There’s not a bank in the world that could hold the money you’d make if you drove the 3 car.” Do people really think I’m so shallow that I would drive my dad’s number just for financial gain? If and when that day comes that I drive the 3 car, it will be for the right reasons. And I better have earned that right.
I figure the best way for me to continue my father’s legacy is to be competitive on a consistent basis. Earnhardt fans deserve wins and championships. And while I can’t promise either of those things, I can promise that whatever team I go to, the opportunity will be there for me to give my fans what they deserve.
With that said, I’m still going to give my 100% effort in wheelin’ that No. 8 Budweiser Chevy as fast as it will go for the rest of the season. I still have some unfinished business to take care of, and I hope you will join me as we finish out the season – my last season – in the No. 8 car.
Later,
Dale Jr.
