Paul Menard, driver of the #15 Menards/Vertis Chevrolet, celebrates winning the pole position for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Coke Zero 400 - July 4, 2008 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jason Smith/Getty Images for NASCAR)
Dale Earnhardt Inc. driver Paul Menard earned his first career pole in 57 starts and the first pole award for DEI in the 2008 season (right?) on Friday at Daytona International Speedway. The news is a bright spot in what has not been a spectacular season for DEI.
Future of DEI in Question
On the heels of Mark Martin's departure, DEI VP of motorsports operations John Story insists everything is "fine" with the team. But take that for what it's worth. Two weeks ago, Story said Mark Martin didn't want to run a full-time schedule. Turns out, he did. He just didn't want to run it with DEI. Anyone else reminded of a scene in When Harry Met Sally when Meg Ryan's character finds out her ex is getting married to someone else?
"He just met her... She's supposed to be his transitional person, she's not supposed to be the ONE. All this time I thought he didn't want to get married. But, the truth is, he didn't want to marry me. He didn't love me."
Right. So, Martin left the team. Many believe--some pray--that Martin Truex Jr. will, too. Could Bass Pro Shops go with him? What about the ARMY? They are not guaranteed to return to DEI and many think they won't, but I actually think DEI has a pretty good shot of hanging on to the sponsor with Aric Almirola as their driver.
But how about the speculation that John Menard might headed to Roush (Yates?) and taking his money (and his free agent son?) with him? And Teresa Earnhardt is entertaining the idea of selling to outside investors?
What does your crystal ball say?
