Friday, 13 July 2012

Earnhardt upbeat about National Guard sponsorship (The Associated Press)

Drivers Ryan Newman, left, talks with Tony Stewart chat during a break in practice for Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup series auto race Friday, July 13, 2012, at New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, N.H. (AP Photo/Jim Cole)

LOUDON, N.H. (AP) -- Dale Earnhardt Jr. is optimistic about his sponsorship relationship with the National Guard despite the U.S. Army's decision to end its association with another team, Stewart-Haas Racing, next season.