Earnhardt began the fresh new 2007 NASCAR Nextel Glass Series seasons by the finishing 32nd on Daytona five-hundred because of a later part of the race freeze. His first Top emerged on Bristol System Speedway about Eating Urban area 500, where he accomplished seventh. 1st Better 5 came during the Martinsville Speedway on Goody’s Chill Lime five-hundred. He led 136 laps and completed fifth. The guy gathered his third Top ten of the season with his eighth within Talladega Superspeedway together with seventh-place abilities from the 2007 Aaron’s 499. On pionship circumstances, new driver Teresa Earnhardt is actually docked 100 holder things, with his team master, Tony Eury Jr., is actually fined $a hundred,000 and frozen getting 6 races considering the access to illegal setting up supports familiar with attach the fresh new side to their auto. From inside the April battle at the Colorado Motor Speedway the guy drove the past ten laps on Zero. 5 car out of Kyle Busch owned by Rick Hendrick.[12]
Towards ouflage Zero. 8 car throughout the Coca-Soda 600 toward Memorial Day to increase money for the parents from army troops. Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Greg Biffle, lin, Casey Mears, Shane Huffman and you can Statement Elliott including altered its painting techniques getting new affair.[13] He done 8th, after leading with eight laps commit, however, he had so you’re able to pit to have stamina and you can Casey Mears finished towards profit.[14]
Towards , the guy revealed within a news conference he had finalized an effective five-12 months contract that have Hendrick Motorsports, replacement Kyle Busch
On , Earnhardt gained his first rod reputation inside the a hurry as the 2002 on Pocono Raceway. Even though Kurt Busch obtained the brand new battle, Earnhardt got a remarkable return to get rid of next just after spinning out and you will experiencing surprise dilemmas. Earnhardt contributed for eight laps in advance of Busch took more.[15] Into August several within Watkins Glen Around the globe, Earnhardt was putting some push to your Finest 12 of your Nextel Glass standings of their Zero. thirteen status. Once being at brand new Zero. dos reputation within the competition, Earnhardt had motor difficulties on the lap 64 and had to finish his battle date. Following Glen, he attempted intensely to arrive brand new twelfth spot during the standings. not, a revival from the Kurt Busch and a blown engine for the last race at Richmond ended his Chase expectations. That has been his last possibility to engage to the Championship on Dale Earnhardt, Inc. (DEI). Pursuing the 2007 year, Dale Jr. acquired brand new NMPA Chex Preferred Rider award towards 5th successive date.[16]
Relocate to Hendrick Motorsports
Once far speculation, Earnhardt revealed on , that he carry out get off Dale Earnhardt Inc., the company situated by his dad, to get for the next people for the 2008. Earnhardt indicated that their decision is founded available on his desires to attain his job aim of a sprint Mug Tournament, and his awesome apparent religion that he wouldn’t be capable attain you to definitely purpose if you find yourself riding to possess DEI. He asserted that until he could gain most ownership, hence control, off DEI, he wasn’t positive about the brand new businesses capability to career the brand new elite group peak devices who would produce the elusive label.[17]
Dale Earnhardt Jr. (left) standing between several additional color strategies for the No. 88 Chevy, that have Lt. Gen. Clyde A beneficial. Vaughn, 
movie director of the Armed forces National Shield, and you will Rick Hendrick, during the Dallas where in actuality the announcement was made towards
At that time, Hendrick contains Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, and you may Casey Mears. A month after , it was revealed you to his long-big date primary sponsor Budweiser would not be which have Earnhardt as he made the newest proceed to Hendrick. [18]
