DEI and Ganassi join forces

The alliance of both teams will allow them to enter next season with a four-car effort, consisting of the No.1 of Martin Truex Jr, the No.8 of Aric Almirola, the No.42 of Juan Pablo Montoya and the No.41 with a yet to be named driver.

understands that DEI will move into the Ganassi shop in Concord, North Carolina, adding their technical expertise and resources to the newly formed squad.

They have yet to announce which manufacturer they will race for next season, but it is expected that they will field four Chevrolets with ECR (Earnhardt Chilrdress Racing) engines. As Richard Childress Racing also uses the same powerplants, they are all expected to share data both on and off the track.

"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 Chip Ganassi.

"This is a win-win for both organizations as well as all of our partners."

Both DEI and Ganassi have struggled over the past few months to raise enough sponsorhip money to fund their cars for next year, but their alliance is expected to make their operations more cost effective.

Montoya's car lost its Texaco backing for next season but the team has a deal in the works to replace them. Wrigley's is expected to remain onboard the No.42 car, funding around half of its running in 2009.

Similarly DEI lost their US Army backing to Stewart Haas Racing for 2009 but the new four-car outfit should have at least three fully funded cars by the end of the year, as Target and Bass Pro Shops should remain as sponsors of the No.1 and No.41 cars.

"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."

Autosport.com also understands that Scott Riggs and AJ Allmendinger are the most likely candidates being considered for the drive of the No.41 car.