The man who made #8 the most recognizable number in racing, will now try to repeat that marketing success with a new number. What’s the easiest way? Just double the 8 to make #88. “I was trying to do good by my fans,” Earnhardt said with a smile. “With this number, they should be twice as happy.”

Yesterday, Dale Earnhardt Junior reeached agreements with new sponsors and a new racing number. He’ll now be sponsored by PepsiCo’s Mountain Dew and Amp energy drink. You can see a picture of the car in this post. It will have a green tint to represent Amp. “It’s basic and clean-looking, and we painted the back deck flat black in honor of the Corvette that I drove with my dad” in an endurance race, Junior said.

Of course all this won’t be important unless Junior starts winning some races. He’s been a disappointment in the standings for the last few years now. Hendricks will make their marketing dollars, but they also want to win championships. Lets hope this fresh start will help propel Earnhardt into the winner’s circle.

Racing fans will shed tears tonight. ESPN reported that fan favorite Dale Earnhardt Jr. will no longer be racing under the #8. Henricks Motor Sports couldn’t reach an agreement with DEI.

What does this mean? It means All those red #8 hats you see people wearing will end up in Goodwill centers across the South. Earnhardt is getting a new car, new number and new sponsors. That means more merchandise to be sold! Crack open that piggy bank, it’s time to show your support for Junior.

All the changes will begin in 2008 at the start of the season. If I cared about Nascar, I might wonder about how this will effect the sport. Will Dale fans riot in the streets? Will Daytona hold a mass burning of all #8 merchandise ala the Detroit Tigers and Disco music? What will happen… only time will tell.