Earnhardt Elledge: Support Dale for His Authenticity

Dale Earnhardt Jr. wasn't the only one to breathe a sign of relief yesterday. His sister, Kelley Earnhardt Elledge, probably slept a little easier Tuesday night than she has in the past month, or maybe even this season.

In her Infield Parking blog post Tuesday, she wrote:

"Today is a monumental day for Dale and myself along with all of our employees at JR Motorsports. We are so relieved to have this decision behind us and announce that in 2008, Dale will drive for Rick Hendrick and Hendrick Motorsports. Rick is an outstanding person and has been a friend to us for a long time. I haven't seen Dale smile so much in a while. I was just reviewing pictures on the internet of the press conference and I can see the pure joy on his face during the whole thing."

She expressed her appreciation of the fans' support and sent a message to those wavering in their support:

"I know there are people on the fence of whether to support dale or not, but remember the reasons you like Dale and stay true to those reasons. If you like his for his person, then you will continue to like him because that's not going to change. If you liked him because he drove for DEI, then continue to support DEI, it's OK....we want you to support Dale for his authenticity and the fact he's real. What you see is what you get. If you are oK with that, we are ok with that.

"Of course, there are those that will choose their own direction and have negative things to say and that's OK too...its America and we are all entitled to our opinion. Just be true to yourself. The sport needs all of the fans whether they are Jimmy Johnson fans, Kurt Busch fans or Tony Stewart fans...it takes us all. Differences and opinions are what makes the world turn.

"For those of you that continue to support Dale Jr, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I'm sure that he will continue to give you what you are looking for in his honesty and integrity and definitely something to cheer for on the race track. I'm looking forward to a fun ride for many years to come."

For sure there have been plenty with negative things to say. Many of you here in The Fanhouse. Know what? DEI can have you. The rest of us are moving on.

Here's why:

His sister calls it pure joy. I call it giddiness. If you can't get with it, he don't need ya.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

6-14-2007 @ 6:24AM

Wilma Pool said...

I'm a huge Jeff Gordon fan and I am estatic that JR is joining our team. If someone told me a year ago that JR would drive for Hendrick I would tell you that your crazy. I still can't believe it. I wish him well and hopefully he will get back in the winning circle again. It's so good to see him so happy and excited. I can't wait and wish it would happen right now but I know they all have obligations. Oh well! I think it's all great!

6-14-2007 @ 7:34AM

mkpabst said...

Amen to that last comment, TGOM! If one is interested in Jr and Kelley's well-being, then how can you not be happy for their choice. Yes, in some ways it feels like going over to the "dark side", but I'll be the first to admit that I don't know everything I should know about HMS and perhaps there is more I will like as time goes on.
My first reaction was to the absolute joy that was shown on DaleJr's face yesterday morning and I was certain that it was the right move for him. He made an excellent comment about thinking that all of the HMS drivers could make each other better. I think that's a mature, insightful comment and I hope it comes true!

6-14-2007 @ 8:24AM

junior827 said...

It's good to see Junior smile again - I personally don't care for JG or JJ but I'll always support JR's decisions - only he knows what's best for him. We'll always be your fans, JR!

6-14-2007 @ 10:24AM

J/K said...

I don't know how anyone who is a real fan of JR, not want him to have the best equipment and the best chance of being a real force in NASCAR in the years to come. He want to win, let's cheer him on....

6-14-2007 @ 10:30AM

StacyB said...

I 2nd the AMEN TGOM! I'll admit I was a bit dismayed by the announcement at first, but as soon as I saw the "PURE JOY" on Junior's face, I knew that was all that mattered. I can't recall seeing him smile like THAT in quite a long while...I'm happy that he's happy and I wish him only the best! Let's hope that this merger brings a new level of "understanding" between the JG/JJ and Dale Jr. fans as well. I just can't get over how happy and precious he looks in that video...Go Junior!!! :)

6-14-2007 @ 10:35AM

Phyllis said...

GO JR..........I wish you the BEST....I would follow you to any team you decided to go with...you have my support!!!...I hope all your fans follow you.If they don't they weren't "TRUE" fans..You look happy and thats all that counts keep smiling ...The skies the limit go for it..And Kelley Good work Girl ...with Jr in a Hendricks car watch out 2008 its going to be a great ride

6-14-2007 @ 10:54AM

Broadzilla said...

I am not a Junior fan per se. I also have nothing against him either. I am proud of the way he handled this and his sister as well. As Nascar fans, we hate change but I think we can all agree that he could not stay at DEI either. So more power to him! I wish him all the best and hope he gets his wins and championships. I also will not be sad if the Junior Nation "house" gets a good cleaning out and the beer can throwers leave the sport completely because of this. Nascar and Dale Junior will get along just fine without them.

6-14-2007 @ 10:55AM

Kris said...

I fully support Junior and the decision he has made. I believe if you are a true Junior fan, it should not matter who he drives for, which number he has on the side of his car or who his teammates are. I am looking forward to next season and hope that all of Juniors fans can unite and support him.

6-14-2007 @ 11:11AM

I truly support Junior's decision. I believe that if you are a true Junior fan, it should not matter who he drives for, what number he has on the side of the car or who his teammates are. I am looking forward to next season already. Come on Junior fans, let's unite and support our driver.

6-14-2007 @ 11:13AM

Andrea said...

I think the deciciosn that Dale has made is a great one! No matter where he goes or who is drives for. I'll always stand behind him!!!

6-14-2007 @ 12:17PM

WILDMAN said...

I think this is a great move just for the fact that JR is going to the best team in NASCAR at the moment. I just can't see the Hendrick drivers doing much to help him win. Gordon and Johnson are both much too selfish to do that. Hopefully when JR shows he's a team player, they will too. All we can do is wait and see, right?

6-14-2007 @ 12:31PM

Chrissie said...

Well said Wilma and us JR fans thank you very much!!I must admit,it did take awhile to sink in being such a HUGE JR #8 fan but seeing him actually happy and looking forward to the '08 season really swayed me into total support of his decision! Always said love my Lil E and will follow him where ever, only thing is buying all new merchandise is gonna be expensive!!! Go JR!!!!!!

6-14-2007 @ 12:44PM

DLA24 said...

As a 'TRUE' Gordon fan, Dale Jr. has my total support! I wish him the very best at HMS. As to 'WILDMAN'S' response in regards to JG and JJ, these guys, along with Jr., are going to race each other to their best ability. Calling JG and JJ 'selfish' is pathetic, and low class. Leave that kind of talk and thought process to the 'Fare weathered' Jr. fans....

6-14-2007 @ 3:20PM

Maveness said...

Totally with ya TGOM! Well said. And Junior is so adorable when he's giddy. It's nice to see giddy again.

6-14-2007 @ 2:26PM

Bill said...

Hey Jr Fans,What about Jr.Smart move I think.He's been running Solo since 2001,how do think it will work running with team members.Also having good equiptment.I know some of you will be disgruntled about him leaving DEI and going to Hendricks but you have to remember the reason he left.As soon as he left DEI/RCR anounces their merger.You can't tell me that this wasn't being talked about,in quiet behind Jrs back.That would be a sneaky way to do it but thats my guess.Also now,all of a sudden there getting more up to date equiptment in their shop.It's been 6 yrs to get started catching up.T didn't create DEI,Dale Sr did and I wish you all would keep that in mind.She wants the money and the glory and still sit at home and do nothing.If you notice there's been several people hired at DEI to run the operation since Dales death.I also think she will never relinquish her hold on the #8,because it brings too much capital back to her.I sure hope I'm wrong about that.I hope Rick can make a deal with his current sponsers and gets Bud on Jrs car

6-14-2007 @ 3:57PM

DEBRA said...

i'm sticking with jr. no matter what but theres one thing that upsets me. in an interview i read jr said he has to straighten up off the track/less jeans and t shirts ,less partying.listen folks thats who jr is and thats his look. why does he have to change that. is he really going to be allowed to stay true to himself. his life away from the track is not for hendricks to dictate.

7-05-2007 @ 4:52PM

Lisa Williams said...

I agree with all the comments! I am a die hard Jr fan so much that I have his #8 tatoo on my shoulder and JR motortsports also. I know that if you are a real fan of Jr's you would follow him to the end of the earth--would not all of us do or has done what gives us the best piece of mind and what is best for us and our family. Well he has done that. He looked so happy and at peace yesterday, how could anyone ever be unhappy for him. Be true to your heart-follow your driver because you like your driver thru good and bad thick and thin. This is a good choice for Jr. and for all of us real "fans" we will always be there cheering for him. GO JR.

6-14-2007 @ 6:58PM

freebird said...

I'm have alwas been a big fan of dale sr ,back in the early 80 dale sr could of drove for any team out there . but he chose to stay with rcr,even after childress told him he could do better with somebody else like jr johnson, dale told childress no Ill stay here we'll make this work .6 championships later,dale proved he was right. I think dale jr is just trying to buy a championship.I think he would of been just as happy with rcr or gibbs

6-14-2007 @ 7:29PM

aaron said...

go Jr now it time to show what your step mom will be missing.Time to go forward and don't look back at the past look toward the furter.T will find out what she did wrong she should have given you and your sister the company but is her lost no it's time to billed your own company you and your sister will be just fine.and if you can't follow Jr and be behind him then you are not a ture fan go Jr.

6-14-2007 @ 9:49PM

J Boone said...

How come people either likes a driver or dislikes them. WHY???? I know you have a 100 reasons, for or against. So what, theses driver are out there doing there job, just like you do your job every day. So you don't like a certain driver to win. IF they drove like half of the people on our rds. and streets do. They would not make it pass the 10th round..I like all of the drivers in NASCAR.
Back in the old days of NASCAR, a lot of people would have a grip at the way certain drivers drove. I remember on the back strech of a certain race, on the last lap. Two guys took each other out, when the cars had stop. The two guys Cal and DW were fighting like cats and dogs.
So if you think the INTIMADATOR got his nick name from being a good old boy at driven, you had better think again...Don't get me wrong.....I like the INTIMADATOR...