Right now even I don't even know what we're fighting about. All I know is that the famed '8' team is dead, Aric Almirola is out of a ride, and Teresa Earnhardt doesnt even own the number '8' any more. Chip Ganassi does. Chip is the 'G' part of EGR, or what's now known as Earnhardt Ganassi Racing. Up until last week at Texas, EGR mostly featured the #1 Bass Pro Shops Chevy of Martin Truex Jr, the #42 Target Chevy of Juan Pablo Montoya, and the #8 Chevy, sponsored sometimes by Guitar Hero, Metallica, and I don't know who else. Apparently the sponsorship on the '8' has ended, and the team is shutting down.
If I had the money to sponsor the 8 car, I would. I don't have that kind of money. I doubt that you do either. I hate that Aric Almirola and probably about 40 of his compatriots at EGR are now basically without a job. Like most of you, I've been there, done that. It's not fun.
My question to you, gentle reader is this: Should Dale Earnhardt Jr. go to Chip Ganassi and ask to secure the use of the famous '8' number again, now that it seems to be out of action? The '8' is the number with which Dale Jr. won all but one of his Cup races. Has Dale Earnhardt Jr. established himself with the '88' or should he go after the '8' again now?
Oh heck, I know that's going to screw up so many people's merchandising plans. I personally haven't bought any '88' stuff, but that's only because I don't have the money to do so. I've personally got a lot of '8' stuff, and though I don't expect Budweiser to be back in Dale Jr.'s camp any time soon, I've got some '8' diecast cars and hats, etc.
What should Dale Earnhardt Jr. do? I don't know. He and Rick Hendrick have a lot invested in the '88' brand now, so should they switch now that they probably have the chance? I don't know, to be honest with you. It might be a once in a lifetime chance to bring back the number that made Dale Jr. the popular driver that he is.
What do you think?
Good question, there is Lot's of history with the #8, not just with Jr his Dad and his grandfather, but throughout NASCAR history, as well as the #88. As I would be happy to see Earnhardt Jr. in the 8, the 88 his now his number. I guess ultimately at this point a few TOP 8's would be nice. A little pun intended.
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