Dale Earnhardt Jr. Leaves Late Father's Race Team

Dale Earnhardt Jr. will leave the company founded by his late father at the end of the year in a shake-up certain to ignite a bidding war for NASCAR's most popular driver.

He told Dale Earnhardt Inc. on Thursday that he had decided to make the switch to another team when his contract expires, intent on going to a more competitive team.

"At 32 years of age, the same age my father was when he made his final and most important career decision, it's time for me to compete on a consistent basis and contend for championships now," Earnhardt said at a news conference. "I believe I'd have my father's blessing."

Earnhardt had asked for 51 per cent ownership of the team now run by his stepmother Teresa. Negotiations on a contract extension began before the season and have been tense all along. Earnhardt's sister Kelley Earnhardt Elledge had set a deadline to get the deal done by the end of the month.

"We never even got close," Earnhardt said.

He stressed money is not the issue, Earnhardt said he leaves DEI with mixed emotions.

In a statement, Teresa Earnhardt said DEI will thrive following Junior's announcement.

Now, Earnhardt must decide which team is the best fit for him. He said he would like to continue to drive Chevrolets, which will limit his options. It's also likely his primary sponsor, Budweiser, will move with him to the new team.

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Earnhardt Jr.: 'Time for Us to Move On'