The North Carolina News Network

A Happening Week For Dale Jr. and Hendrick

Dale Earnhardt Jr.

(UPDATE) -- Dale Earnhardt Jr. is one of three drivers battling for the 12th and final spot in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series Chase for the Championship. He is just outside the Chase field cutoff with, Richmond this weekend, bringing the final opportunity to make the Chase. Jr. has three Richmond wins but is not talking up his chances. "The went out and ran competitively like we should have and we just weren't able to finish races and that has really cost us a lot," said Earnhardt.

As he prepares to move to Hendrick Motorsports next year, Hendrick announces that Casey Mears will move from the number 25 to the number 5 car. Does this mean Junior will take the 25? We still do not know. "When we announce the number it will be the same day we announce the sponsor. That will be in a press conference not standing in pit road after qualifying."

In other news, Jr. will also bring crew chief/cousin Tony Eury Jr. with him to Hendrick next season. "Tony Jr. and Dale have a successful history working together," said Hendrick Motorsports Owner, Rick Hendrick. "They have trust in each other, which is the biggest part of the relationship between driver and crew chief. We have the utmost confidence in their ability to win races and compete for titles at Hendrick Motorsports."

Last Updated ( Wednesday, 05 September 2007 )

Peaking At The Right Time

Kyle Busch

(UPDATE) -- Kyle Busch Led a race-high 97 laps on Sunday to finish third at California Speedway. With one race remaining before the Chase field is set, he is one of the latest to lock in a spot in the championship run. He just hopes he peaks at the right time this year. "This is when we really had our strong runs last year," said Busch. "We really had great races leading up to the Chase. As soon as the Chase started, we just fell apart. Hopefully we've got something here where we can keep going. I'm looking forward to Richmond and, of course, Loudon, a place where I've won before, and Dover, a place where we always run strong."

Last Sunday's race puts him at eighth in the point standings. "If we can just get through these next three weeks and ya know get back up top three, top four of the point standings, then you boys better look out, hopefully." Kyle Busch has one win and six top fives this season. He finished second at Richmond in May.