This isn't a surprise. It was pretty much a done deal a few months back when it became public knowledge that Jr wanted majority ownership of DEI and Theresa came back and said he could buy 51% at a huge pricetag.
Where's Jr gonna go? Good question. He's said he wants to stay in a Chevy, and with his other criteria the only choices are RCR, Gibbs, or HMS.
Gibbs has room to add another car, and would probably love to have Jr.
Would Hendrik boot Casey Mears to put Jr in the 25? I'm not so sure. Mears has potential, especially with Gordon and Johnson on the team to help him along. Hendrik may consider it, but it's probably the least likely scenario.
RCR has an open car. But does Jr want to step into that shadow? And he would be stepping into his father's shadow. Alot of fans would love to see 3 back on the track, but some of the real diehard Earnhardt Sr fans I know think the 3 should stay retired. And folks would have to realize that Jr is not his father. Jr hasn't ruled it out, but has said he needs to alot of soul searching about it.
Turning JRM into a satelite team of HMS might happen, but I'd see it as a last resort. Jr has said he doesn't want to start his own cup team. The main reason, I believe, he wanted controlling interest of DEI was to have control over the direction thier program. If Jr can't find what he wants with another team this may be the route he chooses.
I think he's going to land at RCR. A few things imply the 3 is coming back.
Goodwrench pulled off of Harvick's car during the off season. Could they be anticipating a return on 3? Opens the question who would be primary sponsor since Bud is going with Jr.
Jr keeps talking about his father's legacy and making comparisons.
Not too long ago Childress publicly said he's got an open car and Jr is welcome to it anytime.
I've kind of got mixed feelings about the number 3 coming back onto the track. It would have to be Jr driving if it did come back, anyone else would cause too much of an uproar IMO.
