CONCORD, N.C. (AP) - After a rival driver called Teresa Earnhardt a "deadbeat owner," Dale Earnhardt Jr. was put in the uncomfortable position of sticking up for the stepmother he's often at odds with.

At a Tuesday night media session designed to outline Dale Earnhardt Inc.'s 2007 season goals, Junior was pointedly asked to respond to comments Kevin Harvick made earlier in the day about the perception that Teresa Earnhardt is an absentee team owner.

"It's hard when you have what I call a deadbeat owner that doesn't come to the racetrack," Harvick told reporters during a stop at Richard Childress Racing.

"You always see Richard Childress. You always see Chip Ganassi. All these owners, they all come to the racetrack. It's not just a money pit that somebody says, 'Well, I can make money off of Dale Jr. I can make money off of Dale Earnhardt.' "

Earnhardt, who is in the final year of his contract at DEI and currently participating in tense negotiations for a new deal, squirmed on the podium as he was asked to respond.

"You're killing me," Junior grumbled. "That's ridiculous. I don't think there is a comment for that remark."

But instead of letting the moment pass, Earnhardt - often too open and honest for his own good - attempted to defend Teresa, who took over Dale Earnhardt's company after his 2001 fatal accident on the last lap of the Daytona 500.

"Like I said in the past, with everything that's happened, not just to the company but to the family over the past five years, she's had a full plate," he said. "The things that she's responsible for, willingly and unwillingly, are very important. For a long time, the battle with (Earnhardt's) autopsy photos, all those things, that's just the tip of the iceberg of things that she's been responsible for.

"That's probably been one reason why she hasn't been as visible at the racetrack and whatnot. But she's taking care of things that are much (more) important."

Earnhardt and his stepmother have had an up-and-down relationship for most of his life, and the frostiness between the two was revealed publicly last month when Teresa questioned his commitment in an interview with The Wall Street Journal.

"Right now the ball's in his court to decide on whether he wants to be a NASCAR driver or whether he wants to be a public personality," she said in the Dec. 14 story.

Junior finally responded two weeks ago, when he said their relationship "ain't a bed of roses," that the two had not spoken since she made her remark, and that Teresa would factor heavily in whether or not he re-signs with his father's company.

The two have since spoken, although Junior characterized the conversation as a brief one. And he said contract negotiations are ongoing, and he hoped to "have something in the next couple of months."

Although Teresa Earnhardt was at the news conference, she made only a 49-second opening remark to introduce Max Siegel, DEI's new head of global operations. As Siegel stepped to the microphone, Teresa quietly slipped off the stage and disappeared behind a black curtain.

Siegel then asked the large media contingent to keep the questions focused on the upcoming season and away from the contract controversy.

"With respect to contract negotiations with Dale Jr., I wanted to make it very clear that DEI has every intention of re-signing Dale to a long-term deal," Siegel said. "We're in good ongoing discussions and hope to announce something soon."


Kevin should really watch his mouth

Harvick's an ass.

And I'm not a fan of Junior in any sense of the word, but I do admire how he's handling this situation.

Whatever. I love Dale and Kevin. :hearts

Harvick needs to not run his mouth about things that have nothing to do with him

and kudos to Junior

That takes balls on Harvick's part to say something he has no business doing. Not cool. I may not be a Jr. fan, but I'm gaining more and more respect for him everyday.

I personally think Junior has matured greatly in the last few years, some people may not see it, or may not care. But he's not the same Junior he was when his dad was still alive and racing.

As for Harvick, I have nothing to say to that one because he just can't keep his mouth shut and his nose outta other people's business.

Truth hurts.

That's Harvick for ya, not a fan and never will be. My respect for Jr grows with every year.

I am not a supporter of Theresa in any way. But there are times when I will gladly play the devil's advocate. Has anybody taken the time to think that one of the reasons she chooses to not go to races is because her husband died at one and the memories are too difficult. So she buries herself in other work so she doesn't have to think about it.

The only thing Harvick did wrong was not using the proper word. Deadbeat means someone who will not pay; he should have use "absentee" in regards to not coming to the racetrack. I can't blame Harv for making the comments he made. Teresa does not do herself well with the public perception; however, I'm sure she could care less what the public thinks and that's probably the attitude to have when it comes down to it.

I don't like Teresa so i like what Harvick said, but thats my opinion. It's true though, you never see her at the races except for races like Daytona.

I'm not doubting there is truth to what Harvick said. I just don't think it's really Harvick's business to be spouting off about.

On the other hand, I agree with Junior's statements about why she's not there that often, too.

I agree.

She was at the Daytona 500 last year... Her and Taylor were right in front of me at least for 100 laps of the race standing... she was standing by JR's pit box and Taylor was on top...

I think that's another thing to consider she has a daughter who is was 16 or 17... she's gotta take care of that stuff... and I figure if no one on the team has a problem with how much she is or isn't at the track... then Harvick should just stay out of it.

I tend to agree with what Harvick said although I also think he used the wrong words to say it, as someone pointed out on here. I can't really fault him for his opinions and voicing them...maybe he shouldn't have but he did and, well, we all know Harvick has a big mouth (remember last year with Busch and his ears?). LOL He opens his mouth when he really shouldn't sometimes...we all do. Thats what I like about him sometimes.

I am not a big fan of Teresa. But I can understand to some extent why she is an "absentee" owner. She has to do what she has to do, and even though I am not a big fan, I do respect her for that.

JMO though. :)

I don't think Harvick should have said anything. I'm glad Junior defended Teresa. I can understand why she's not always at the races.

exactly

Way to go Jr... I give him major props for defending Teresa... I don't like her much myself but Harvick has no right o judge her... Show some respect Harvick... Jr. is great and I am sure that he wants to remain with DEI if not simply for the legacy of his father Dale... As far as his problems with Teresa he has grown tremendously in his self control. I love Jr, Dale Sr and DEI for the type of down to earth people they are... Jr is really becoming a class act and well Sr was the Intimadator so they should expect Jr to be what he is...