Dale Earnhardt Jr. Leaves Dale Earnhardt Inc. - Searches for New Racing Team

Dale Earnhardt Jr. made it final yesterday. He is leaving Dale Earnhardt Inc., the company started by his late father nearly 30 years ago.

Junior's departure came after a couple of years of speculation. Dale Jr. had been negotiating with the current ownership of DEI for the past year. That ownership group is led by Dale's step-mother, Teresa Earnhardt.

Most experts believe that Junior couldn't compete at the top levels of NASCAR due to the stinginess of DEI. Now that he's a free agent at the end of the 2007 season, it's expected 32-year old will sign with one of the top racing teams in the business.

The question is, what racing team will that be?

If you believe you have the answer, run to Bodog and lay a wager. Here are the propositions.

Which racing team will Dale Earnhardt Jr. next sign with for the 2008 NASCAR season?

Hendrick Motorsports -110
Richard Childress Racing -130
Joe Gibbs Racing +325
Any Other Team +350

Will Dale Earnhardt Jr. drive the #3 Car in 2008?

Yes -120
No -120

Will Budweiser continue to be Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s sponsor next year (2008)?

Yes -500
No +350

THE EVIL STEPMOTHER

I have to rant for a minute. Dale Jr. should never have had to make this decision.

Most people blame Teresa Earnhardt for this breakup. Word has it that Jr. demanded 51% of DEI and therefore the controlling interest to stay, but the NASCAR public believes that's a reasonable demand.

One, Dale Earnhardt Sr. was on record saying he wanted his children running DEI when he died. Two, the NASCAR public believes that Teresa hasn't and won't take the steps needed to maintain the greatness of DEI. Fans have noticed that Earnhardt's widow won't even attend NASCAR events, even the one twenty minutes from her house. As a gauge of how unpopular the stepmother is, fans often compare Teresa to Yoko Ono.

At a time, she was considered a tough businesswoman. Now she's considered an idiot for letting Junior get away. He is the largest merchandizing franchise in NASCAR and has been for years. Before the announcement, DEI was said to be valued at $57 million. After the announcement, it's said that DEI is worth have that much. No sound business person lets their business lose 50% in one day's time.

But enough of Teresa Earnhardt. Let's analyze the bets.

THE KING OF BEER SPONSORSHIPS

Dale says he wants to continue to be sponsored by Budweiser. Since Dale Jr. is the biggest draw in the sport, there is no reason to believe Budweiswer will want it any other way.

Bud has the option of remaining with Dale Earnhardt Incorporated or leaving with Dale Jr. This seems like a no-brainer for Budweiser. Of course, the odds reflect that reality. If you want an easy 20 bucks, lay a hundred on Budweiser staying with Junior.

THE #3 CAR

It's a 50-50 proposition that Dale Earnhardt Jr. lands in his father's old #3 car.

The #8 car is a thing of the past. It is owned by DEI. Despite the warm words at the press conference yesterday, there are hard feelings stemming from this split. Junior made #8 iconic in its own right, but now it's time to go another direction.

If Dale Jr. ends up with Richard Childress Racing, you have to think he slides into the #3. Dale Sr. joined Richard Childress at the age of 32, so this would be like history repeating itself. There are signs that Dale Jr. will join RCR.

JUNIOR'S NEW RACING TEAM

Which brings us to the big question: who does Dale Jr. race for next year? The NASCAR rumors are flying around as to what his next move will be.

Dale Jr. says that he wants to race in a Chevrolet car. That means there are three major options, which are reflected in the bet: Hendrick Motorsports, Ray Childress Racing and Joe Gibbs Racing.

Joe Gibbs Racing has a rule against alcohol sponsors. If Dale Jr. is loyal to his sponsor, then you won't see him racing for JGR.

Hendrik Motorsports would have an awesome lineup if they added Jr. Just imagine having Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr. in one stable. That remains an option, though HM would have to dump one of its other drivers, Casey Mears or Kyle Busch. NASCAR has a rule that racing teams can only field four cars.

As you can see, that's the option which the Bodog odds have as most likely. If Jr. wants to compete for NEXTEL Cups, there's really no better option.

Of course, the fan favorite option is a partnership with Richard Childress Racing. RCR is rumored to be considering a fourth car, as they only field three at the moment. Richard Childress and Dale Jr. have had a relationship going back decades, to when Childress partnered with Dale Sr. for a historical run of NEXTEL titles.

Most speculation has Earnhardt heading home. So if you want to bet Budweiser, bet #3 and bet Richard Childress Racing, those aren't bad options.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Leaves Dale Earnhardt Inc. - Searches for New Racing Team