Earnhardt expects new deal by June

Earnhardt, the most popular driver in NASCAR, currently drives for the team that was owned by his father Dale, but which has been controlled by his stepmother Teresa since 2001, after Earnhardt died during the Daytona 500 that year.

Kelley Earnhardt Elledge, sister and manager for Earnhardt Jr stated this week that his brother wants to take the majority equity in the team, in order to continue driving for them next year.

"Fifty-one (percent) is the right number because that gives us control. We'll take 75 or 95 or whatever we work out. At the end of the day, 51 gives you control. And we want control," said Earnhardt Elledge.

"For both parties, for our sponsors, for everybody, we need to have a decision sometime no later than June so we can look forward to 2008 no matter what we're doing."

Earnhardt Elledge has not revealed any discussions taking place with other teams, but Richard Childress Racing, the team his father raced for nearly 20 years, would be the natural alternative if he doesn't sign for DEI.

Earnhardt Jr has yet to claim a Nextel Cup title in seven seasons he has competed with DEI. His best year to date has been 2004 when he won six races - including the Daytona 500 - and finished fifth in the standings.

The team last won a championship when Earnhardt Jr took consecutive titles in the Busch Series in 1998 and 1999.

Earnhardt Jr is currently 11th in the Nextel Cup points with two top-ten finishes but no victories this season.