Finally, a win for DEI

Teresa Earnhardt got a huge simian off her back Monday when Martin Truex Jr. took the win at the Autism Speaks 400.

It’s been a while since a DEI driver led the only important lap. And who would have thought anyone but a Hendrick car would win a COT race?

But honestly, Truex had a strong run pretty much all day long, and answered the question “Can DEI win?” Nevertheless, it squelched the “where will Junior go” talk and was a bit overshadowed by the death of Bill France Jr.

Speaking of where will Junior go . . .

Gibbs Racing would love to have him, but not his sponsor. It’s a personal choice by Joe Gibbs, and I both understand and respect that.

In the past few days, Ginn Racing has been bantered about as a good home for Junior and Bud. It could be a good fit between the youngster and the casino owner who would have no qualms about Anheuser-Busch as a sponsor. Officials at Ginn also have a good working relationship with A-B.

And as was noted on Monday night’s Fast Talk, since the death of the elder Earnhardt, it would provide a mentor for Junior in Mark Martin.

Hmmm, I hadn’t even considered Ginn Racing as his next home. They have room, they have money. They have Mark Martin, Joe Nemechek and Sterling Marlin, mostly Mark Martin, who still can make the Chase running a limited schedule.

Well, the Dale camp says they hope to have a decision by the end of June.

We’ll see if something happens by the time he shows up at Ona Speedway June 16, or what he’ll have to say to the media on the subject.