Norris: Performance must improve at DEI

RICHMOND, Va. -- "Performance" is the key word these days at Dale Earnhardt, Inc. If performance doesn’t improve in the near future, that key word becomes "change."

DEI executive vice president Ty Norris told NASCAR.com Friday that the Nos. 1 and 15 teams need one of two things: improved results or a personnel shakeup within the organization. Norris said that DEI has a set deadline for its decision, but would not disclose that date.

“Basically, the situation is, if we have good, solid performances, DEI will look the same,” Norris said. “The problem is we as an organization are pretty inconsistent. We have to get better.

“We have a self-imposed deadline. By a certain time we want to see certain things, or we’re going to have to make a decision and go 100 miles per hour down that road. Whether people think it’s the right decision or think it’s the wrong decision, we have to worry about what’s best for Dale Earnhardt, Inc. in the long term.”

The current contracts for drivers Steve Park and Michael Waltrip expire following the 2002 season, and Norris said DEI is exploring the possibility of hiring other drivers. Norris said that sponsor input will play a large role in the decision, and that drivers aren’t the only individuals in question.

“We basically have two drivers with contracts up and the end of the year,” Norris said. “So we’re feeling things out, seeing who is available and what is available.”

Among the candidates is Elliott Sadler, who asked for his release from Wood Brothers Racing last weekend. Norris said Sadler was “very high” on his short list of possibilities.

“We have talked (with Sadler), but there’s a lot of conversations going on,” Norris said. “Not just with us, but with a lot of people. I’m not going to deny, nor should I deny, the fact that we’ve talked to Elliott.

“And if he’s available, I don’t know why he wouldn’t be a viable option. He’s 27 years old and a Winston Cup winner. He’s got a lot going for him.”

In the six races since Park’s return at Darlington, he has yet to finish in the top 15. His best run was 20th at Texas. As for Waltrip, he’s shined on restrictor plate tracks, finishing fifth at Daytona and second at Talladega. He finished 10th last weekend at California, too, but has finished 28th or worse in four of the first 10 races.

Norris said that won’t suffice.

“(NAPA) needs and deserves better performances,” Norris said. “Like lately, (Waltrip has) been doing great. He’s the greatest spokesperson in this garage -- we just need the performance. Steve’s trying really hard. He’s trying to come back and compete at this level and get his legs again, but we’re not hitting on much.”

DEI’s third car, the No. 8 Budweiser Chevrolet driven by Dale Earnhardt, Jr., is a contender practically every week. Earnhardt Jr. is having a career year, currently ranked ninth in points and was fifth before last week’s wreck at California. Having missed the first four races, Park’s points position is irrelevant. Waltrip ranks 16th.

“Anybody who’s sitting 25th in points, and is happy about it, needs to go find something else to do,” Norris said. “That’s why we’re looking at what we need to do to be better. Basically what it comes down to is, it’s Steve’s job and Michael’s job until performance dictates otherwise.

“By June, we may look exactly the same, we may still have NAPA, Steve and Michael. But we are exploring options. Everybody’s looking at us going, ‘we can’t believe you’re doing this so early.’ But everybody in this garage is trying to figure out how to improve themselves.

“And anyone who’s 25th in points and happy about it, like I said, they need to do something else. Dale Earnhardt wouldn’t put up with it.”