Revved up: DEI, RCR merge engine programs
FOXSports.com
CONCORD, N.C. - 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."