Ok, you race fans who aren't completely blinded by the Earnhardt Mystique, or even if you are, gather around and I'll tell you a little tale. This story involves intrigue, smoke filled rooms, greed and an outright hoodwinking of the NASCAR Nation. Even I, with no particular interest in for whom Earnhardt JR raced for was taken in. But after putting the pieces of what I've read over the past few months and Tuesday's announcement together, I believe that I know the truth. I think that the Dale Earnhardt JR-Rick Hendrick merger was a handshake agreement as early as the 2006-07 offseason. Note, this is all conjecture as I have no written proof.

Rick Hendrick is a man with a huge ego and suspect integrity, in my opinion. I also believe that his "Mr. Clean" image is a joke. He lost my respect when he stole BGN rookie Jeff Gordon from Bill Davis and Ford in 1992. Hendrick's stock dropped even further with me when he allegedly evaded Federal bribery charges of a certain auto manufacturer's reps. So it stands to reason that concocting a "deal" with Elledge in her's and her brother's behalf before DEI negotiations even began is more than a possibility. Hendrick's "No Room at the Inn" quote about a driver with a huge fan following is an excellent ploy to keep everyone off-balance until the public announcment time is right, no?

For the real conspiracy theorists reading this, I'll present you with a goodie. I wouldn't put it past King Brian and the Boyz from Daytona to have had a rather large hand in the deal. Again remember, it's a small step from manipulating races with suspect cautions, stealing team sponsors and such misdeeds to steering a very popular driver to the race team with the deepest pockets. 'Nuff said about that or NASCAR may open a trap door and I'll never be seen again.

Lest you think I'm anti-Dale Jr, I'm not. I have no feelings about him one way or the other. I honestly hope he does well and pleases his Red Army. Wins will come as may a Championship or two. Since NASCAR left me behind with the rest of it's early supporters, my favorite driver besides myself is Jeff Foose. If you haven't heard the name before, he drives a '32 Chevy coupe quite well on the short tracks for our vintage racing team.