RICHMOND, Va. - - Amid reports that he'll drive a Toyota for Michael Waltrip Racing in the 2007-08 Nextel Cup seasons, Dale Jarrett confirmed Friday morning that he was in serious discussions this week about his racing future.
"I sat down with my dog and discussed it with her," Jarrett said. "I was sure she wouldn't have anybody else to talk to about it."
Jarrett's consultant was Zoie, a yellow Labrador retriever.
"When she liked one of the options I would give her, she would lick me in the face," Jarrett said. When asked whether it was the reported Waltrip-Toyota option that Zoie liked most, Jarrett said, "I told her I wouldn't tell if she wouldn't."
Jarrett said he believes he'll have a final decision about his plans within the next 10 days.
Jarrett and Waltrip both said last week that they had talked about a deal.
"I can see us working together," Jarrett said Friday. "We've always been friends. The funny thing is that I'd heard rumors about it before I talked to him or anyone else. He'd be an interesting car owner for sure."
Jarrett said that option was only one of about six he's looked at. He said he has pared that list down, but wouldn't comment further beyond saying once again that he plans to drive for two more seasons.
"Now we'll say it's down to a few," he said.
Following the 2008 season, Jarrett said he would like to follow in his father, Ned's, career path and turn to broadcasting after his driving career. Jarrett said he has already had preliminary talks with ESPN about that. - DAVID POOLE
