Gator Posted May 18, 2007 Report Share Posted May 18, 2007 WOW, Could Jr be leaving to soon???? Dale Earnhardt Inc. and Richard Childress Racing has entered into an agreement that will merge the companies' engine programs, effective immediately. "This is an effort to combine resources and gain a competitive advantage in the series," said DEI VP and GM John Story. "We both believe both programs are strong and combining the engine departments will make us even stronger." A common premiere facility in excess of 80,000-plus square feet with capability for expansion will be designed and built between Mooresville and Welcome, N.C. The design process has begun and is targeted for completion in mid-'08. The companies will be working together on the common engine that is expected to be ready for the July Daytona race. DEI VP of motorsports Richie Gilmore and RCR VP of competition Bobby Hutchens will oversee the project. Hendrick Motorsports has set the bar in engine development with the information that it gathers through its four Cup teams plus five additional cars with Ginn Racing and Haas-CNC. Childress already provides additional engines for Busch and truck programs at Kevin Harvick Inc. and JR Motorsports but has lacked the supplemental Cup data. Considering the amount of data race teams can accumulate with additional teams, the move will benefit both organizations. "(Hendrick has) set a standard, now it's our job to exceed," Story added. "This immediately gives us six Cup teams. "Richard and Teresa (Earnhardt) have been working on this project for the last six months. Her commitment is to continue Dale's legacy and win championships." Story added that there's been a lot of interest from drivers following the announcement that the No. 8 seat will open up next season. "We've had dialog with a lot of top drivers," Story said. "We've been pleased with the level of interest from a lot of top drivers in the sport." Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VermontHunter Posted May 19, 2007 Report Share Posted May 19, 2007 Yep, saw this on the SPEED CHANNEL... I would say that RCR has other plans on DEI folding up after Dale Jr. leaves... :rolleyes: Interesting that RCR and DEI have been working on this deal and a couple others that they wouldn't elaborate on for 6 months or better,, and Dale Jr. still chose to leave DEI.... :confused: This Engine Building merger should be very interesting to follow... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ravin R10 man Posted May 19, 2007 Report Share Posted May 19, 2007 Jr. will be racin Hendric cars yet!!..LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdvantageTimberLou Posted May 19, 2007 Report Share Posted May 19, 2007 Dale Sr. was one of Richard Childress's best friends. There is NO WAY Richard would see DEI fail regardless of you drives for them them. Richard has what some in the sport do not have, loyalty and he will help his fallen friend's team be there for a very long time. Great to see them combining resources. From an economical standpoint its a smart move for both sides. Look for huge improvements on their engine programs now. With the new Chevrolet engine being introduced this year the bowtie brigade will have some stout muscle under the hood!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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