TALLADEGA, Ala. – Martin Truex Jr. is aware of the criticism that Dale Earnhardt Inc. might be in trouble. One car is leaving at the end of the season, sponsorship is scarce, and the wins have all dried up.

Daunting challenges are surely ahead for DEI, but as the face of the organization, Truex isn’t ready to say their time as a contending team in Sprint Cup is over. Truex bristled at the idea that DEI can’t return next year as a stable, competitive organization – and the 2007 Chase driver expects to be the one to lead the renaissance.

“For everybody to look at our season and say we haven’t performed or DEI is in big trouble, they’re not looking in the right places,” Truex said. “It’s not fair. We’re going to be just fine.”

More solid than spectacular for a chunk of the season, Truex was the only of DEI’s four drivers to contend for a spot in the coveted 12-driver Chase field. But a blown engine in Texas and another late-race accident at Talladega in a pair of April races spoiled what had been solid runs.

While Truex signed a one-year deal to stay with DEI through 2009, he hasn’t committed beyond next season because he wants to make sure the team remains committed to fielding multiple entries.

“Obviously, we can’t be a one-car team. That’s not going to work,” he said. “We’ll just see where it goes. I feel confident we’re going to fix it, were going to make it better. We’re going to have a great season next year and a great end to this year.”