The Return of Loose in Turn Three

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I wonder which would be the bigger news on the 2008 press conference circuit, Tony Stewart’s partnership with Hass-CNC to form Stewart -Haas Racing, or an announcement that Dale Earnhardt Jr was indeed, moving his JR Motorsports up to the Sprint Cup ranks? 

Thinking about that could get you all Loose in Turn 3. 

It has been reported that Dale Earnhardt Jr’s JR Motorsports has lost the Navy sponsorship for the #88 Nationwide Series car for 2009. If you’re Junior, now what?

Charlie: I assume that this was not a total surprise to JR Motorsports. I also believe Junior,  when he said it didn’t make much sense to run the Nationwide Series if it required the same investment as a Sprint Cup program. So, to me, the next step is to explore the feasibility of moving up to Cup. I mean, if you have to look for a sponsor anyway - and there are some Cup level sponsors in play - what do you have to lose? Coincidentally, it was leaked that Teresa Earnhardt is looking at selling DEI. It may not be the perfect storm, but that’s two situations that could work out to make a lot of sense, if the party’s involved want to talk. Otherwise I say JR Motorsports stays in Nationwide.

Bruce: Hmm. No Navy? Go Army!! Go Cup!! I don’t see why Jr Motorsports would not move to Cup if it’s the same kind of costs. Hopefully it will be similar results and better exposure in Cup to be able to retain the sponsor, regardless of who it is.

TZ: Honestly, I haven’t heard a whole lot about this rumor, so I can’t really speak to the validity of it. I’m also not a big expert on sponsors in the Nationwide Series in terms of who may or may not be in the market next season, but I would imagine that if the Navy pulls out, then someone else will be more than willing to step in. Whether it’s as a driver or as a car owner, Dale Earnhardt Jr. is a marquee name not only in NASCAR, but in all aspects of American entertainment. Now, whether or not he would want to keep that team at the NNS level or move up to the Cup, who knows. But, I still believe that now is not the right time. His focus right now should be on trying to win his first championship with Hendrick Motorsports, or at least getting into the rythm where consistent top-five finishes becomes the norm for that team. I’d expect him to give some more serious thought to moving JR Motorsports up to the Sprint Cup heading into the 2010 season.

That’s what we think. How about you?

Leave your feedback in the comments section then head over to TZ’s DoYouNascar for his question of the week…

Q: With Tony Stewart’s departure from Joe Gibbs Racing, who should they look to fill the #20 seat?

Bruce’s NASCAR Bits has this topic to chew on…

With the rumors of Ryan Newman signing on with Tony Stewart under Haas-CNC, and Jack Daniels as his sponsor, do you think his on-track performance will improve?

Photo credit: Icon Sports Media Inc.