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Inside DEI-Ganassi merger

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In another sign NASCAR is not immune to the tough economic climate, two multicar Sprint Cup teams announced Wednesday they would merge into one four-car operation next season. Dale Earnhardt Inc., with four Cup teams this season, and Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, which fields two Cup teams, will together field one four-car team in 2009. The oranization will be called Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates. Although not mentioned in the joint news release issued Wednesday, sources said the combined organization will field Chevrolets. Ganassi, which began the 2008 campaign with three full-time teams, 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 an afternoon 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 later.

Charlotte Observer

Juan Pablo Montoya, Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images Juan Pablo Montoya, Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images
Comment #1 has been removed
November 13, 2008  07:10 AM ET

OK lets at least make a game out of this.

Who do you think will be the driver to be named later?

November 13, 2008  08:09 AM ET

All I can say about this is WHAT did Teresa have to do to Chip to convience him to merge with the diening TEI !!! Probably what she is "best" at !!!

November 13, 2008  09:00 AM ET

Well, there went 3 cars for next year (x2 @ DEI and x1 at GR). At this rate, they might not be able to field a full 43 car race.

November 13, 2008  10:23 AM ET

Sad day when a DOMINANT corporation like D(T)EI has to merge with a "tread water" team like Gannasi.

November 13, 2008  10:32 AM ET

Harsh economic times my arse... This company would have been totally different if this WINTCH would have sold it to Jr. Tony said it best " DEI without Dale Jr is nothing but a museam"

Boy I would love to take this women / **** out to the pasture

November 13, 2008  10:32 AM ET

This will be great, Montoya in a Chevy. Watch out JJ and Jr.

November 13, 2008  10:41 AM ET
QUOTE(#7):

This will be great, Montoya in a Chevy. Watch out JJ and Jr.

Mr. Who; Where did the avatar come from? Looks like a wanted poster.

November 13, 2008  10:46 AM ET

DEI + Ganassi = Bad + Mediocre = ?

November 13, 2008  10:47 AM ET

Montoya in a Chevy only means they will need to order more Goodwrench replacement parts rather than Mopar!! The drivers need to have a lottery before Daytona to see who gets to take him out each week. 43 drivers....36 DNF's, that would be awesome.

November 13, 2008  10:49 AM ET

I hope Jr one day can buy the DEI name and rebuild this institution to what it once was.

November 13, 2008  10:57 AM ET

How's this for a name
COW-CHIP RACING

November 13, 2008  12:13 PM ET

Hammered I like that name!!!

November 13, 2008  12:20 PM ET

Classic, Hammered!!! Whatcha think..Jeremy Mayfield in the 41? He's probably tired of sweeping up aisle 4...........

November 13, 2008  12:47 PM ET
QUOTE(#12):

How's this for a nameCOW-CHIP RACING

Hammered, you drove that one home! LOL

November 13, 2008  02:00 PM ET

I think A.J. Allmendinger will be the 4th driver.....if they can come up with some sponsorship.

November 13, 2008  03:29 PM ET

AJ wouild be a good driver for someone to pick up but I don't wish thi sgroup on him!!
Hi nas!!!!!

November 13, 2008  04:01 PM ET
QUOTE(#12):

How's this for a nameCOW-CHIP RACING

Don't forget "...with Felix Sabates"!!!

Wasn't it Gannasi that was saying he'd take Kyle Petty in a heartbeat and put him in one of his cars? Texaco's leaving anyway - they could put JPM in the 41 and Kyle back in the ol' #42 from his Sabco/Mello Yellow days ;-)

November 13, 2008  05:59 PM ET

Farm Animals Racing Team- F.A.R.T.

 
November 13, 2008  06:23 PM ET

Chip Gannasi needs to wake up and put Jeremy Mayfield in that 4th car , if he ever wants to make the chase. cause if Martin Treux dosent do it in 2009 , he will be gone and those other to are never going to do it yhe way they bend up sheet metal every week!!!!!!

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