DEI, Ginn confirm merger

DEI will now field cars for Dale Earnhardt Jr, Martin Truex Jr, Paul Menard, and their latest addition from Ginn Racing, Mark Martin. All cars are in the top 35 in the car owner standings as a result of the No 14 car points being transferred to Paul Menard's entry.

Martin will share his drive with Aric Almirola for the remainder of the season, while Regan Smith, who originally shared the No 01 car with the NASCAR veteran, will compete in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, although his full schedule for the rest of the season, as well as Almirola's, will be announced later.

"This merger is great for both companies," said Max Siegel, president of global operations for DEI. "

Our stated goals included an expansion to four cars as quickly as possible and, in order to do that, we had to acquire more shop space. This relationship with Bobby Ginn and his company allows us to accomplish both which makes this a perfect transaction."

DEI will operate now in two bases, located just five miles from each other in Mooresville, North Carolina. The former Ginn headquarters, an 180,000-square-foot facility, will certainly enhance the company's development efforts.

"The combined resources of the companies are tremendous," said John Story, vice president of motorsports operations for DEI. "Ginn Racing just completed the installation of a seven-post rig.

"With our recently formed R&D team, as well as the combined efforts of two strong engineering programs, we will be able to stay on the cutting edge. Both companies have many talented people. All of our teams will undoubtedly become stronger."

Ginn Racing confirmed the elimination of the No 13 entry, which had been driven thus far by Joe Nemechek and was ranked 34th in the car owner standings.

"NASCAR's cap of four teams per company meant we had to give something up," said Bobby Ginn. "We felt so strongly about this merger that we surrendered the intangible value of the 13 car. We all were completely comfortable that the benefits of working together far outweighed the value of points."

"When I purchased Ginn Racing last year it was done with a goal of fielding a multi-car effort capable of winning races and championships. We came very close to winning the season's biggest race earlier this year with Mark (Martin) and today we feel as if we have done one better by partnering with a company with the legacy of Dale Earnhardt Inc.

"Our performance has been strong, as evidenced by our top-10 position in owner's points with the 01 car, but we know that having the opportunity to be part of a four-car effort provides significant benefits."

DEI also stated that they will continue to field entries under their new scheme in the NASCAR Busch Series, the NASCAR Busch East Series and will review their participation in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.