Dale Earnhardt Jr. talks about career risks during NASCAR testing at Daytona

By Tania Ganguli | Sentinel Staff Writer

4:54 PM EST, January 15, 2008

Dale Earnhardt Jr. at Daytona 500 testing

Dale Earnhardt Jr. talks to the media during NASCAR preseason testing at Daytona International Speedway. (BARBARA V. PEREZ, ORLANDO SENTINEL / January 15, 2008)

DAYTONA BEACH - After finishing the morning practice at Daytona International Speedway, Dale Earnhardt Jr. spoke of the risks and expectations that came with leaving his family company.

"There is a peace of mind of not being the boss's son anymore," Earnhardt said, speaking like a kid leaving home for the first time. "Me and [crew chief] Tony [Eury] Jr. just experienced some growth or maturity by going from one door to another. When I first started you could get away with saying things and getting quoted as certain things working for my daddy and all. My job now is to stay out of Rick's office."

Earnhardt left Dale Earnhardt Inc. this offseason to join Hendrick Motorsports, owned by Rick Hendrick, and drive the No. 88 Chevrolet. He joins the team that fielded last season's Cup champion, Jimmie Johnson, and second-place finisher Jeff Gordon.

At this morning's practice, Earnhardt posted the fastest speed, with a best of 185.820 miles per hour.

Earnhardt recognized the pressure that would come from racing for Hendrick Motorsports.

"I could've copped out and [instead] I took the risk to put my career and my credibility on the line to work for a company that has won a lot of races," Earnhardt said.

"Hopefully if we win some races it'll all work out."

Tania Ganguli can be reached at tganguli@orlandosentinel.com.