CUP: Earnhardt Irked By Television Rumors
Written by: Tom Jensen
Darlington, S.C. 5/11/2007

Dale Earnhardt, Jr. said Friday he was irritated by inaccurate media reports that he had already signed a contract with Richard Childress Racing for 2008, when in fact he plans to take the next few weeks to sort through his options and hasnt begun negotiations with any team.

Team owner Richard Childress on Friday at Darlington Raceway rebutted broadcast reports on three television stations that RCR had signed Earnhardt, and the driver was upset that Childress had to deal with the distractions.

I was sort of hurt or upset or disappointed that Richard was put in the position he was this morning, Earnhardt said after Nextel Cup practice Friday at Darlington. Speculation wouldnt make it to TV a couple of years ago, and these days, it seems to make it there pretty easily. I just thought TV jumped the gun. Hes got drivers and crew members over there trying to win races and trying to do the best they can. The last thing I want to do is get in the middle of confusing their minds and starting rumors at his shop.

As for Earnhardt, he said hes going to take his time. I feel like we wont really have contact with owners and get to setting up those discussions for a week or two, he said. I need to kind of take a little time to clear my head and get in that mode. Thats just the way Im going to do it.