This year and the last have been new moves for Dale Jr. Last year, Jr and the team went through all the bumps in the road. From changing crew memebers and cars, to struggling with a 27 winless streak. But in 2006 the 'ol team and 'ol cars were back in the right home, with Jr. This brought a whole load of confidence to everyone in the shop and garage, even to the fans. But also brought the nail biting and teeth chattering back to the other 42 drivers because the No. 8 is back. In the 15th race so far this season, Dale and the Bud crew have been successful landing Jrs first win at Richmond in May; while his last win was last year at Chicagoland. But hasnt anyone noticed that something is missing? Dale has not been racing in any Busch Series races or any other outside divisions yet this year. And many will throw out the question, why? Well, there can be many answers but there are only two main ones that stand out the most. One: His main sponsor, Budweiser wont let him. Two: Dales own personal reasons.

Budweiser really doesnt want Jr to race in other divisions because of what happened in 2004 in the practice at Sonoma in the Corvette. After being severly burned, a few races after, Jr wasnt able to race so everyone suffered. Also, Budweiser doesnt really want to see Jr racing in KFC or Taco Bell cars. They would rather have him race in a red car and have the fans see that too.

"That's the Bud side of it, which is understandable,'' said Earnhardt.

"I'd like to drive my own Busch cars, but I don't know if that's possible through your commitments to DEI. You get yourself in a couple of spider webs and it's hard to get out of 'em.'' If I were them, I'd cut him some slack and let him have some fun. But things happen and life goes on. In the meantime, lets keep watching Dale and the Brew Crew pile up some great finishes!

Previous Editions of Motorsports Talk

• May 16 2006: Car of Tomorrow