Silly Season:  The 1854 version of the fabled and aged unabridged RUNKLE FAMILY HOME DICTIONARY definition is, "To focus on team-switching, new driver testing and other goings-on during the racing series' winter hiatus."

THE GREAT QUESTION BEGINS…..

May 29, Chico, CA--- Well Silly Season is here, a little early, and it has made a huge impact this year with the announcement of Dale Earnhardt Jr. is leaving the family owned team of DEI to go elsewhere. As this new “Soap Opera” unfolds, fans, teams and other drivers wonder, where will Dale Jr. go? Well let’s take a look at some of the possible places he may consider.  

Joe Gibbs Racing: No way you say, well it’s very possible if JD Gibbs could handle having Budweiser as a sponsor, as an outspoken Christian, Gibbs might not want the beer conglomerate in his stable. Dale Jr. and Tony Stewart are good friends on and off the track, and at the high banks of Daytona and Talladega, those two can be found working with each other, drafting through the pack as if they were already teammates. Both are aggressive drivers, and would work very well together. Denny Hamlin and Dale Jr. have already been “teammates” in the Sim Racing world, as they have spent a few off days racing online. With these three on a team you know wins will be many and often. 

Hendrick Motorsport: Was that a jolt that a just felt through Earnhardt Nation? A gasp in the air? Yes it is possible that Hendricks would go after Jr., and if he says that he wants wins and championships, then look no farther then here. In 2007 this team is the one the beat. With Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, and Kyle Busch winning this year, and the domination of COT races, Jr. would have to prove himself here. What a thought Dale Earnhardt Jr. at Hendrick Motorsports, I’d better stop before I have beer cans thrown at me. 

Ginn Racing: Who? Ginn Racing never heard of them. Let me refresh your memory, Mark Martin, oh that Ginn Racing. This team is in fact in the Jr. market. They have shown big steps in signing a proven driver with Mark Martin, and until Mark stepped out of the #01 Army Chevy early this year, he was the Nextel Cup point leader. Dale Jr. could learn tons from a guy like Mark Martin. If Jr. goes here he could very well bring this team to a higher level. 

Richard Childress Racing: The best for last. Who wouldn’t want to see this? An Earnhardt back at RCR. Sounds like a story book tale, but Richard Childress has said that he would love to have little “E” at his team. Maybe in a black 3? Who knows but it’s sure to keep many people talking this year. Earnhardt Nation would smile for years if this comes to be. Dale Jr. is at the same age his father was when he made a big step in his racing career by going to RCR, and winning 6 championships.  

What will happen to JR? Who knows but its going to be fun to see how this unfolds as the year goes on. 

*NOTE: At press time, Hendricks Motorsports has said that it has ho room for Dale Earnhardt Jr. at this time.  

And rumors are flying that Gibbs Racing my get Jr. with VISA as a possible sponsor

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Our Don Runkle (right) with Bobby Allison (left)
(Kristina Runkle photo)

 Runkle has worked for Causey Motorsports in Hampton, Va. for 4 years, was a part-time Crew Chief for Rette Causey,  driver of #33 INEX/Legends car in 2005 at Langley Speedway in Virginia, as well as being a crew member for Brad Causey in Grand Stock division at Langley Speedway.  He's currently the webmaster of CauseyRacing.com.

Runkle has been racing "online" for about 5 years, served in the US Navy as a Gunners Mate in the Navy Seabees and is currently living in Chico, Ca. in the beautiful North Valley of California, with his wife Kristina. God Bless all of the troops serving around the world!

For any question, comments, complaints, or just to say “Hi” please feel free to email him at Runksix3@gmail.com. Don welcomes anything you have to say and he will get back to you. If you have something you would like for Don to cover, let him know.  And as always, thanks for reading his column.