Junior Rocks NASCAR Nation

Dale Earnhardt Jr. announced today he is leaving Dale Earnhardt Inc., the company founded by his late father.

He has not yet decided on plans for next year, but his main sponsor, Budweiser, is expected to follow him. The future of his car number, 8, is not known.

Background on his decision from the L.A. Times.

All the latest can be found at Jayski's Silly Season and NASCAR.