(L-R) David Gilliland, driver of the No. 38 M&M's Dark Ford, talks with engine builder Doug Yates, during practice for the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway. (Photo by Jason Smith/Getty Images for NASCAR)
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Doug Yates, co-owner of RYR, confirmed his team and DEI are talking about a merger, which could result in DEI campaigning Fords next year. "I think there's a possibility," said Yates. "They're negotiating here and so are we. Ford's been really good to us. There'd be nothing better than to be a part of bringing the Ford brand to where it's been in the past. I think if the deal was right, it could be a possibility. Could we see Dale Jr. driving around in Mustangs? I don't know. I guess there's a price for everything."
"We've had some interesting and fairly meaningful conversations," Story said of DEIs talks with RYR, which he said began four to six weeks ago.
Why switch? "Clearly manufacturers can offer you financial support and technical support and it takes both finances and technology to win races," said Story. "You've got to look at both of them and then take the loyalty factor into consideration with Chevrolet. Those are three very big parts of our decision.
We have to make sure we have all the tools available to us."
Story said the decision would have to be made quickly, though he declined to give a specific timetable. He did say, however, that even if DEI re-signs with Chevrolet, it could still do a deal with Yates. "None of this is going to be easy," said Story. "Any of the
projects that we're working on, none of them is contingent on manufacturers.
It wouldn't kill anything."
So how would the Earnhardt Nation of millions of loyal fans react to seeing Dale Earnhardt, Jr. in a Ford Fusion or a Toyota Camry next season? "We talked about that because Dale Earnhardt was a Chevrolet guy and DEI as a company," Story said. "Now, Dale Earnhardt drove something other than a Chevrolet in his career. I think he won here in a Ford, if I'm not mistaken.
(but) when you're dealing with a brand with all the equity that DEI has, and the great brand that DEI is, every time you make a big decision, you've got to think about the fans."
