DEI and Ganassi Racing to merge teams

Nov 13, 2008 - 2:42 PM MIAMI (Ticker) -- Teresa Earnhardt and Chip Ganassi will combine their slumping race teams next season in an effort to stabilize the organizations in a tough economic time.

Both teams have struggled to secure sponsorship this season, forcing them to pool resources.

The combined team will be called Earnhardt Ganassi Racing. Martin Truex Jr. and Juan Pablo Montoya will drive the Nos. 1 and 42, respectively, and Aric Almirola will be behind the wheel of the No. 8. The driver of the No. 41 has not been named.

DEI fields Chevrolets, and Ganassi has a Dodge contract. Details of a manufacturer switch still are being worked out as the team is expected to use General Motors.

"In this ultra-competitive era of NASCAR, it is necessary to build and sustain the strongest team possible and our combining with the people and equipment at Dale Earnhardt Inc. will help create a strong four-car program for years to come," Chip Ganassi said in a statement. "This is a win-win for both organizations as well as all of our partners."

Truex and Almirola will come from Dale Earnhardt Inc. with only Truex's car having full sponsorship for next season.

Montoya has half a season of sponsorship, and Ganassi's flagship No. 41 car has full sponsorship.

"Having a partner like Chip, who is heavily involved on the competition side of the business, is an ideal situation for DEI," Teresa Earnhardt said. "He has a long history of managing championship teams in the IndyCar and Rolex Grand-Am Series and I share his passion and goals of winning races and ultimately championships in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. I think this is a case where we are stronger together than we are apart."

DEI is losing the Menard's sponsorship on its No. 15 Chevrolet. Driver Paul Menard is leaving the organization to drive a third car for Yates Racing in 2009.

Ganassi shut down the No. 40 Dodge team of Dario Franchitti earlier this year, and longtime driver Reed Sorenson is leaving the No. 41 to drive for Gillett Evernham Racing next year.

The teams' drivers have combined for 210 starts this year and have no wins, 11 top-five finishes and 28 top-10s.

DEI has only three wins in the past four seasons, while Ganassi drivers have four wins since 2002.