Truex Shows DEI's More Than Just Junior

NASCAR driver Martin Truex Jr. waits in his car to take to the track during a practice session for the Autism Speaks 400 auto race at the Dover International Speedway in Dover, Del., Saturday, June 2, 2007.(AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) (Carolyn Kaster - AP)

DOVER, Del. -- Whether hanging out in the garage or on his bass boat, Martin Truex Jr.'s buddies are always fishing for the inside scoop.

What team will free-agent teammate Dale Earnhardt Jr. drive for next season?

"It's annoying," Truex said. "I'm like, 'Dude, I have no idea. Leave me alone. Let's fish or something.' But everyone's like, 'C'mon, man, you know you know.'"

Truex swears he has no clue _ and if does, he's not spilling.

Here's what Truex does know. As much as he hates losing his friend to the competition, the defection all but guarantees Truex will become DEI's top driver. The No. 1 will be more than the digit on his Chevrolet _ it will be his spot on the team.

"It's going to change a little bit; it's going to be a little different for me," Truex said. "As far as what I do on the racetrack, it's not going to change at all."

That's great news for Truex if he keeps finding his way back to Victory Lane like he did Monday at Dover International Speedway, site of his first win in 58 career Nextel Cup points races.

Truex has the win that Junior hasn't brought home in more than a year and solidified himself as a championship contender. The closest Earnhardt has come to Victory Lane this season was when he popped in to congratulate Truex after winning the 400-mile race on the concrete track.

Truex also is closing in on a spot in the Chase for the championship; he's eight points behind Mark Martin, who's 12th and running a part-time schedule this season.

The win and Truex's gains in the point standings also showed the swirling speculation at DEI has not affected the laid-back Truex.

"None. Absolutely," Truex said. "We do our own thing every week."

Truex has been building to this win all season and had some momentum entering Dover after a string of solid finishes. He has three other top 10s, and two weeks ago, Truex won the Nextel Open at Charlotte to earn a spot in NASCAR's All-Star race.