New Gold Standard: Junior Joins Gordon

MOORESVILLE, N.C. -- June 13, 2007— -- Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s rock-star image doesn't fit the corporate white shirt and black pants look that is synonymous with Hendrick Motorsports, but the organization's reputation for winning titles fits his.

NASCAR's most popular driver announced on Wednesday that he is joining the sport's most dominant organization in 2008.

Earnhardt will replace Kyle Busch, who has agreed to a release from his contract with Hendrick.

Busch, who had one year left on his contract, had been in the process of negotiating an extension with HMS. In a statement, Busch said both sides had "mutually agreed that a fresh start was in order" and worked out a release after the 2007 season.

"I kind of feel like I'm graduating. I'm excited about my future, and I know a lot of opportunities await because of what everyone at Hendrick did for me -- on the track and off," Busch said.

HMS owner Rick Hendrick joined Earnhardt for the 11 a.m. press conference at JR Motorsports, where Earnhardt announced last month this would be his last season at Dale Earnhardt Inc.

Earnhardt said at the time of that decision he wanted to seek an organization that would help him win a championship.

He chose an organization that has won six since Jeff Gordon captured the first of his four titles in 1995 and Jimmie Johnson walked away with the 2006 championship.

He chose an organization that has won 10 of 14 races this season, including last week's rain-shortened victory by points leader Gordon at Pocono.

Earnhardt and Gordon as teammates will be an interesting mix. Although the two get along, Gordon has been the driver most Earnhardt fans love to hate going back to his rivalry with the late Dale Earnhardt.

"We do have a personal competition. If you want to call it a rivalry, fine," Earnhardt said of his relationship with Gordon. "He's fun to race with, and especially if you beat him, it's a good feeling. ... We can both challenge each other to be better race car drivers."

Where Busch lands becomes the most pressing question. There has been speculation that he may move to Ginn Racing, which is supported by HMS. DEI officials have said they would be interested in the 22-year-old star if he is released from his contract.