Here are Juniors own words from his website:
The decision to leave DEI was the toughest I’ve ever had to make. I love DEI and the people who work there. When I got up in front of all the employees and told them about my decision, it was very, very difficult. But they deserved to hear it from me and nobody else.

As tough as it was to come to this decision, I’m sure it was equally difficult – if not more – for the fans to hear about it. I know many of you who are fans of mine are also fans of DEI. I hope that continues. DEI will always be a special place to all of us.

Just understand that I’m 32 years old, and in the back of my head a clock is always ticking. Each year the ticking gets louder, and my desire to produce results gets stronger. My father was the same age when he made the very difficult decision to leave Bud Moore and drive for Richard Childress. Looking back, it was the wisest decision he ever made, not because it produced six championships, but because he realized it was better to take a chance than to go the rest of his life wondering, “What if…?”

I’m determined that if I’m lucky enough to live until I’m old, I’ll never have to ask myself that question. If I never win a championship, it won’t be from the lack of trying. I am taking the process of searching for a new team as serious as anything I’ve ever done. I plan to talk to many people and visit many teams. Money is not a factor here. Revenue from souvenir sales is even less of a factor. I’ve heard people say, “There’s not a bank in the world that could hold the money you’d make if you drove the 3 car.” Do people really think I’m so shallow that I would drive my dad’s number just for financial gain? If and when that day comes that I drive the 3 car, it will be for the right reasons. And I better have earned that right.

I figure the best way for me to continue my father’s legacy is to be competitive on a consistent basis. Earnhardt fans deserve wins and championships. And while I can’t promise either of those things, I can promise that whatever team I go to, the opportunity will be there for me to give my fans what they deserve.

With that said, I’m still going to give my 100% effort in wheelin’ that No. 8 Budweiser Chevy as fast as it will go for the rest of the season. I still have some unfinished business to take care of, and I hope you will join me as we finish out the season – my last season – in the No. 8 car.

Later,
Dale Jr.

Jr Motorsports will now have controlling rights to the Dale Earnhardt Jr licensing name not Hendrick just another step in Dale Jr securing his future and his own company

Junior is no dummy!! He is looking at all angles. Him and Kelley have things well in hand.
DEI has just merged with GINN. GINN is no more and the new GINN garage is now part of DEI! They had just bought a new 7 post shaker also so...DEI gets that too!! Mark Martin is now a DEI driver. The Moto-cross Champion Ricky Carmichael is also part of the deal. He is racing late models right now and is being tutored by Mark Martin. He will be in a Cup car in the next year or 2.

Rumor is that bobby labonte will be the 4th car of RCR next year which is good cause bobby always races good in a chevy. JJ Yeley might go to Robert Yates racing so i have no idea who would go to the 18 car there are plenty of drivers who would love the chance to drive for gibbs. i dont think gibbs moving to toyota would be the best idea right now eventually it will be but not the way they are running right now

I agree that Gibbs should not move to Toyota but....we don't know what his testing has revealed. Gibbs would not make the move unless he was completely convinced that it would improve his chances at winning more races. It's all about winning and the all mighty dollar. We can only sit back and watch the fireworks.
Also...Junior has lost his fight to get the #8 for his new car next year. The tattoo parlors will be busy when the announcement comes concerning the new number. I would think that it would be the #5 but....we don't know the politics of that decision.

Looks like Junior will be in the #81 next year!. This is the number he chose and the word is that his Grandfather used this number at one time also.