Share
HOMESTEAD, Fla. As another sign NASCAR is not immune to the tough economic climate in the country, two multi-car Sprint Cup Series teams announced Wednesday they would merge into one four-car operation next season.
Dale Earnhardt Inc., which fields four Cup teams this season, and Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, which fields two Cup teams, will together field one four-car team. The entity will be called Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates.
“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,” said co-owner Chip Ganassi.
Although not mentioned in the joint news release issued Wednesday, sources said the new combined organization will field Chevrolets (Ganassi is currently with Dodge).
In addition, the jobs of more than 100 employees will likely be lost in the merger, sources said. Many of those affected at DEI were told of their status during a late afternoon team meeting on Wednesday, sources said.
For the new organization, driver Juan Pablo Montoya will drive the No. 42, Aric Almirola will drive the No. 8, Martin Truex Jr. will continue to drive the No. 1 and a driver for the No. 41 car will be announced at a later date.
“Having a partner like Chip who is heavily involved on the competition side of the business is an ideal situation for DEI,” said DEI team owner Teresa Earnhardt in a news release.
“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.”
Left unresolved in the driver of the No. 41 and the future of current DEI rookie driver Regan Smith.
Reed Sorenson, who currently drives for Ganassi, is moving to Gillett Evernham Motorsports next season.
Jim Utter: 704-358-5113
