Earnhardt, Jr. talks about loss of National Guard sponsorship

Dale Earnhardt Jr. said Friday he hoped to continue representing the National Guard despite the organization announcing Wednesday it will pull its $32 million sponsorship. Hendrick Motorsports, Earnhardt's team, said it has not heard from the Guard directly and plans to honor a contract which goes through next season. "We really don't have any details on anything, and that's between the Guard and HMS to sort all that out," Earnhardt said prior to practice at Watkins Glen International.

"I've really enjoyed working with them over the last seven years and I hope to be able to continue to represent them. It's been a huge honor." Earnhardt was asked if he was surprised by the news, which came on the heels of his third victory of the season – the most in a single season since 2004. "You know, there's been the debate in Washington for several years," he said.

"Hopefully, we'll be able to continue to represent them. I really have enjoyed it, and it's been a great, great seven years. It's been a great partnership and I think it's been very effective. Hopefully we can continue to do that." USA Today