5 questions with ... Max Siegel of DEI Inc.

BROOKLYN, Mich. -- Max Siegel, president of global operations for Dale Earnhardt Inc., met with the media at Michigan International Speedway to answer questions about the failed negotiations to allow Dale Earnhardt Jr. to keep the No. 8 as his car number when he moves to Hendrick Motorsports next year.

On Saturday, Earnhardt had characterized some of the demands made by his stepmother and DEI owner Teresa Earnhardt as "ridiculous."

With the No. 8 destined to remain at DEI, Siegel talked about its future.

Q. Who's going to drive the No. 8 next year?

A. I'll answer that in about a week.

Q. Do you have a formal announcement planned at Bristol, or shortly thereafter?

A. I don't have a formal announcement planned, but just as soon as we get that situated - which I want to have in the next week or two, with the driver lined up and situated and moving forward and everyone can know about that - we'll talk about that then.

Q. Is Budweiser still a possibility for the No. 8 car?

A. As we sit here today, they are, but we've had to come up with contingency plans in the event that they're not with us. We're solid with sponsorship. We'll go into next year with four fully funded Cup cars.

Q. What broke down in the discussions about Junior taking the No. 8 to Hendrick?

A. I don't want to get into what broke down. I'm definitely not going to get into any details of the discussion. I'm not interested in getting involved in any personal discussions about Dale vs. Teresa. I'm here to represent this company and to work hard to make sure that Dale Earnhardt Inc. is a strong, healthy company for the next 25 years.

Q. At this point, is the issue of the No. 8 completely dead?

A. Yes, it is.