So it’s been a few days since
Junior announced he was leaving DEI. I wasn’t shocked because I didn’t think
Teresa would turn the company over. I still see Junebug at the helm of DEI in
the future but I’m sure it will be done in a court of law and Sr.’s will, will
be brought out into the public.
Ok folks put the eyes back in
the sockets, pick the jaws up off the computer desk, it’s really not that
shocking. Jr. has said over and over that his dad wanted the company to be for
his kids. I’m sure it was more than word of mouth. What the terms are for the
kids taking over is the real question here. Now that June has left, will there
even be a company for them to run in the future?
I have no clue what the terms
are for the kids taking over. I’m guessing it doesn’t have to do with ages
since all but Taylor were grown at the time that Dale Sr. died. It might have
something to do with Teresa remarrying. That would be my best guess. I’m not
sure why I think that Sr. would turn the company over to his children if she
remarried. I guess he always struck me as the kind of guy who wanted someone
with his last name or blood in charge.
Now Jr. has to make decisions.
Do he and his siblings continue to pursue their claims and wants to the
company? Where does he race next year? How would his dad react to all of
this? Ok now it’s time to buckle up folks. It may be a bumpy ride for some of
you.
First question’s answer is
yes. Junior, Kelly, Kerry, and Taylor need to fight for control of DEI. They
all four are racers. They have to see that DEI is not the company that their
father wanted. It’s not where it needs to be. They need to do something.
Sr.’s legacy should live on, just like Richard Petty’s should.
Second question’s answer is
simple in my mind. RCR is where he belongs. One of my reasons is purely
selfish. He at RCR would mean both of my guys are on the same team. That would
make me very happy. Richard has always been a second father to this guy. Right
now I think he needs some of that. He needs direction. He needs support. Dale
needs someone to squeeze his neck.
The last question is a little
harder to answer. I didn’t know Dale Sr. on a personal level. I just can’t
imagine him being happy with this situation. Not so much Dale Jr. leaving the
company, I think he would have stood behind his son in that decision. I just
can’t see Sr. ever letting DEI to get to that point. I think Sr. probably
rolled over in his grave that morning.
By Melissa Meek-Shields