When Martin Truex Jr. replaced Earnhardt, and became the face of Dale Earnhardt Inc, he had a lot to prove. Joining the team in 2004, after an unfortunate accident, Truex is all set to return to London, N.H. for the Lenox Industrial Tools 301, being this weekend, on the track where his transition into DEI began.

Earnhardt had suffered second degree burns after meeting with an accident, in which his car was engulfed with flames, during a warm up session in Sonoma in California. This accident occurred a week before Siemens 300, to be held at London, in July 2004. Following this incident, Truex replaced Earnhardt, after 60 laps, on the first caution.

Terming the situation as weird, Truex remarked "Getting into Junior's car that day, I did it more as a favor to him as a friend". Further adding, "I hated to see him in the situation he was in", Truex mentioned that he was not really keen on getting into the car, and had done it just for Earnhardt, the company and the team.

Sensing that DEI was looking for a new poster boy for their team, at the time he replaced Earnhardt, Truex said "It was my first time ever really sitting in a Cup car and I went and I think we qualified third with it. That was exciting for all of us. I think they were excited about it and looking forward to the possibilities of running me in a Cup car for the future".
Confirming that Earnhardt and he shared a good relationship even now, Truex mentioned that they spoke to each other frequently about racing and remain close friends.

Earnhardt soon announced his plans to join Hendrick Motorsports on June 13th last year, making Truex the new face of DEI. 2007 was a memorable year for Truex with 14 top 10 finishes, that too in 36 starts, which included his first win at Dover International Speedway. He is all set to race No.1 Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet in Loudon now, making it his fifth year with the Sprint Cup Series. Sunday will also mark his 20th race in the current season. Truex is currently 17th in series standings.

The reason racing in New Hampshire is special for Truex is not just because of the 2004 race, but also the fact he has had two top five finishes in the last four Sprint Cup starts, at Loudon and won the New England 200 in 2005 here as well. Apart from all that, New England is also the home of Kevin Manion, his crew chief as well as some other members of the team. Truex and Manion had met in 2003 during a test race for the Busch Series, in Richmond, and were again paired together before the 2004 season.

Indicating that Sunday's race was special as his first win at Dover, which is located near Mayetta, N.J., his hometown, Truex also specified that, so far he had been unable to race at New Hampshire without generating some kind of controversy. He further added that the reason for this was partly the perception of DEI.

"DEI being Dale Earnhardt Inc., it's always been under a tough microscope," Truex explained, adding, "Whether it was before Dale Jr. or after Dale Jr., it's always been that way. I think a lot of people are harsh in their opinions of DEI and what they are, the job they're able to do".

Dismissing rumors that Truex was considering leaving DEI, he mentioned that on Tuesday he is working on a contract extension with DEI. DEI has given him a 2009 option, though a formal acceptance from Truex is still pending. For now, Truex said that he is comfortable facing the team.
"Not a lot has changed as far as the way I go about doing my job, which has been good, I just go out and d the same thing I have always done, I race hard", he said.