Fans Back Earnhardt's Move to Hendrick

NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., walks down pit row before the qualifying laps for Sunday's Citizens Bank 400 auto race at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Mich., Friday, June 15, 2007. With a pair of superstar drivers and an unbelievable winning percentage this season, Hendrick Motorsports was already the best in NASCAR. The addition of Dale Earnhardt Jr. next season will make the team a Murder's Row on wheels, and make beating them even harder. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) (Carlos Osorio - AP)

BROOKLYN, Mich. -- Eileen Hill was slicing potatoes and onions under the awning of her camper, covered in Dale Earnhardt Jr. garb close to a red chair with a No. 8 _ of course.

The Earnhardt fan had a few days to reflect on her favorite driver's decision to switch allegiances next year and her opinion was absolute.

"I'm not rooting for Jeff Gordon," she said with a hearty laugh. "But I'll follow Junior to whatever team he goes to."

Earnhardt announced last week that he's joining Hendrick Motorsports next year _ leaving his late father's company _ in a move that has been the talk of NASCAR.

On the infield, near the garages and at the souvenir trailers before Sunday's race at Michigan International Speedway, Junior's fans supported his decision _ even if it costs them a lot of money.

"I'm going to need a whole, new wardrobe," Hill said.

Mike Hill, her husband, sighed a few feet away.

"Oh no," he said.

Then his wife pulled up her left pant leg to proudly show off a '3' tattoo within a red heart on her ankle. It was a tribute to Earnhardt Sr.

"I'm glad I didn't get the No. 8 tattooed on me, too," she said.

Since 1999, Junior has driven the No. 8 Budweiser Chevrolet.

The number and beer synonymous with him that is plastered on his clothing and merchandise might be outdated after this season.