So I have kept meaning to start a thread about DEI to see how they are doing without Jr. This time last year Jr had already announed he was leaving and also announced he was going to HMS. The debate was on if DEI could survive without Jr and there was a ton of people on both sides of the fence. Some said DEI would fold, others said it would blossom better without Jr and even others said a DEI driver would get a win this season before Jr. Well let's take a look.
As for on the track so far this season Jr has 1 wins, 7 top 5's and 11 top 10's. DEI combined has zero wins, 3 top 5's and 11 top 10's.
Now let's look at the company.
Regan Smith has no sponsor for 2009 and it is rumored the #01 team will be shut down come the off season.
Martin Truex Jr contract is up at the end of the season and he is rumored to be looking for a new ride and Bass Pro Shops is rumored to be going with him.
Army is looking for a new ride and rumors are Mark Martin may go with them. Aric wants to drive full time but without a sponsor it looks like the #8 may not be around next season. Teresa could have made more selling the number to HMS.
Paul Menard's contract is up at the end of the year and he may be looking for a new ride. If he goes we know for a fact his daddy's sponsorship goes with it.
Things are not looking good. Three of there 5 drivers are rumored to be leaving. They have no secured sponsorship except Menards and Bass Pro Shops and that only if the drivers stay.
I said last year I give it two years and DEI is either sold or closes down and it is starting to look that way. Maybe just maybe it was true, DEI needed Jr more then Jr needed DEI.
