Rick Hendrick wants to buy the number 8 because Jr. says he wants to remain with that number. NASCAR said they own the number, and teams lease them from NASCAR. A Team cannot sell a number.
Is NASCAR becoming too much of a dictator? Do Hendrick and Jr. really want the number or are they just pretending? The rule that a Team cannot sell a number is not new; it's been around for years. It seems that if NASCAR becomes the bad guy on the number switch, Jr. can say to his fan base "I tried to save it." We all know that business is business, and the Jr. Nation will flock to new memorabilia. Who does this benefit? Hendrick and Jr. So don't expect to see the number 8 and Budweiser together in 2008, at least not at Hendricks. If not Budweiser, then who? Maybe Sony or Tony the Tiger. Heck, maybe there's a new player lurking in the background. What ever happens, expect it to be soon. If merchandise is going to be in Daytona in February 2008 it will have to happen fast, their rally is a slow boat from China. What do think will happen!
