August 4, 2007
By Andrew Brookman

Andrew Brookman

Ok, this week I’m going to make a prediction, and with all the hype about everything but this topic, I’m gonna bet we’re all in for a not so surprising surprise. There is of course the possibility that I’m entirely wrong, but from the business and competition side of things, one would hope I’m not.

Recent speculation has been pointing to JGR (Joe Gibbs Racing) as the new home of the imperious Hendrick Motorsports driver, Kyle Busch. As this speculation looms around the driver's future there’s also a new four car team making poignant changes in their entire operation, changes that will certainly pay better odds next season if the young star were to join their roster. Given the new position DEI (Dale Earnhardt Inc.) has put themselves in with their recent merge with Ginn racing, smart money would be on a media surprise almost deserving of the same coverage Dale Earnhardt Jr. received when announcing his decision. I did say “almost”, correct?

Earnhardt Jr. announced on June 13th of this year, his ’08 season would begin his future with Hendrick Motorsports, a team that early on stated there was “no room in the stable” for the sport's most popular driver. Only days later, amid early speculation, Busch announced he would be looking into all opportunities and taking a bit longer to do so, hoping sponsors and fans would be patient while awaiting his decision. The story became media fodder for the possibility that Dale Jr. and the younger Busch brother would likely make moves resembling a swap. This of course was pure speculation at the time and the reality that so many other questions needed answering, took over. Stories of sponsorship changes and car numbers hung heavy in the fog Busch created for himself when speaking outwardly towards the team that initially gave him his break in Cup racing. Since those days it has been a waiting game for the topliners decision.

There are a few schools of thought on this in my book, and both could easily make for debate.

The first thing on my mind is DEI’s need to solidify their new four car team with somebody other than a couple of rookies and a semi-retired Mark Martin. While I firmly believe Martin Truex Jr. deserves a ride worthy of contention, it would make sense to add at least one driver that has past stats worthy of a full time ride in the new operation; not to mention the attention of many top end sponsors.

If anyone other than DEI was to grab Busch up for themselves, it would certainly put a damper on a team that’s put forth great effort to grow in such short time. Not to mention, if DEI is willing to handle cleaning up the Ginn mess to pretty much take over a car that’s barely in the top 35 rather than just add to their own operation for next year, wouldn’t it make sense to go after talent that’s able to put one of those cars up front and keep it there?

I fully expect Martin Truex Jr. will rise to the challenges that befall him in the current and future seasons at DEI, thus giving DEI at least one full time driver capable of possibly making “The Chase” next year. While a four car operation provides ample room for a rookie drivers to cut their teeth in Cup racing, throwing them in with only one full-timer at such an important juncture would likely lead to misuse of talent. As many of us know, being the only full timer with experience in any profession often leads to unwanted stress.

The other school of thought on this speculation of Kyle Busch going to JGR is much simpler. How many times can Joe step away from his football obligations to sit his drivers down next season? It certainly doesn’t seem like Busch’s shoe size differs from the size of his mouth when it comes to the hand that feeds him, and what happens if Stewart has another first half like this year? If putting a highly competitive Stewart with a highly competitive Denny Hamlin has already proved rough during dry spells, what will three wide in turn four yield next season? Though Coach Gibbs does great work with his outspoken stars and the tension would make for great TV, too much could lead to an impact on the track.

Like many, I too pull for JGR teams. Though adding the strident Busch could certainly lead to an almost omnipotent force on the track when added to the already powerful Stewart and Hamlin teams, DEI will likely require even more the talent Kyle Busch has to offer.

With Dale Jr. leaving next season, DEI will certainly require the talent and financial backing Kyle Busch is able to bring. If Busch doesn’t end up at DEI, it will likely mean they weren’t trying hard enough or willing to meet the contract desired by Busch. Right now there doesn’t seem to be a better opportunity out there, that’s what pretty much makes sense to me anymore.

Comments always welcome.

The thoughts and ideas expressed by this writer or any other writer on Insider Racing News, are not necessarily the views of the staff and/or management of IRN.