Smack: Too pricey or priceless?

1. Everyone's tired of discussing Dale Jr. and his contract -- but we agreed until it got signed it would be big news; so would any amount of money be a fair trade for control of the company?

Joe Menzer: Well, not any amount of money. But it's interesting that it has now been reported that Teresa Earnhardt may want Junior and his sister to come up with something like $55 mil to get their requested 51 percent control.

Mark Aumann: Just a wild guess, but I'm thinking that's about what Junior rakes in during a two-year period, based on souvenirs and the like.

Raygan Swan: Not fair and ridiculous. The step-monster has lost her mind. ... But if my dad owned a business that he wanted me to take over, he would charge me for it.

Joe Menzer: Well, Raygan, your dad probably would just want to make sure you weren't going to blow all his money!

Mark Aumann: I'm not at all surprised that she'd ask for reimbursement. It's a business deal, not a family issue.

Joe Menzer: The figure itself is not as outrageous as it may seem. John Henry and Fenway Group just paid $60 mil to buy into Roush Racing.

Raygan Swan: Junior will need to do a commercial with Beyonce instead of Jay-Z, she's bigger right now. At least her booty is.

Joe Menzer: The issue is, was this what Big E had in mind when he founded the company -- having Junior have to "buy" into it to gain control?

Raygan Swan: I can't imagine that being the case. What's the point of working so hard to provide a better life for your children? You don't make them finance a 50 or so million-dollar loan.

Mark Aumann: If you're Dale's sister, Kelley, is half the business worth half of DEI's value? I'm thinking it is.

Raygan Swan: Would he just hand it over on a silver platter? No, but Junior has proven himself, as a leader and business manager. He deserves his half, or in this case, 51 percent.

Joe Menzer: Would you deserve that, Raygan? OK, so this isn't about Raygan.

Raygan Swan: Duh! I'm an angel. Thought you knew this, Joe! My dad gave me a Honda Accord once, no loan required.

Joe Menzer: That's a good deal. You didn't wreck it in Turn 1, did you?

Raygan Swan: No comment. But gosh, I miss that car.

Joe Menzer: Humpy Wheeler said it best the other day at LMS, where Junior made an appearance: $55 mil is not that much when you're talking in today's market and about a long-term deal in this sport.

Mark Aumann: You have to admit, Teresa would be giving up a huge potential stake. And even though money can't buy happiness, it sure doesn't hurt to have around.

Joe Menzer: If that price would gain Junior control of the racing operation and give him his fair share of the collectibles revenue, it would be a worthwhile investment.

Mark Aumann: I've gotten to the point where I buy everything with cash -- even my 13-inch TV.

Joe Menzer: Dang! Now we're back on Mark's tiny TV! The Smackers will not like this. (Continued)