Richard Childress Racing (RCR) has much to be proud of these days and is tearing up the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with having all 3 of his cars in the Top 12 in point’s standings; and is currently qualified for the Chase for the Cup. However, the off-the track business maneuvers of this champion contending organization is even more impressive. Yesterday, Caterpillar a long time sponsor of Bill Davis Racing (BDR) announced they signed a multi-year agreement with RCR to become the primary sponsor of Jeff Burton and the #31 team – replacing AT&T who is prevented from returning to the sport by NASCAR and Sprint. This announcement comes on the heels of RCR securing General Mills as the primary sponsor of their 4th team.

It’s ironic – the same rules that help you one season can come back to bite you the next. Case in point, the guaranteed starting position, which is afforded to the teams in the Top 35 in points, has been one of the motivating factors for the switch by Caterpillar to RCR (RCR #31 team is 2nd in the point’s standings). If you recall – this unfortunate rule was instituted by NASCAR only after the BDR Caterpillar team failed to qualify for a race in 2004 under the old rules. Regardless, you must congratulate RCR on their off-track success as they strengthen their organization to be better positioned to effectively compete with the super teams of Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing.

Since 2002, the last year BDR won a race, they have rapidly unraveled and are clearly on the road of becoming defunct. In 2008 we see RCR redefining success with having 3 teams in the top 12; while two other organizations are teetering on the verge of extinction.

(full disclosure: In 2005, my team (Bang! Racing) was adding a Sprint Cup team and the Top 35 rule resulted in the loss of new sponsors)

Dale Jr. had a victorious day in the LifeLock 400 at Michigan International Speedway – and ended an endless streak of 76 races. A win could not have come on a better day – Father’s Day. Earnhardt’s much anticipated first win of 2008 was achieved through a brilliant combination of strategy from cousin and crew chief Tony Eury Jr. and smooth driving by Jr. Ironically, Dale Jr. entered today’s race with a winless streak matching his father’s career number of victories – 76. There are numerous ironies. And yet, one can only imagine the thoughts Dale Jr. must have had as he made his way across the finish line– was Dad once again sitting beside him. I am sure there are two happy Dale Earnhardt’s today.

Congratulations to Dale Earnhardt Jr., the Earnhardt Family and Hendrick Motorsports.