Earnhardt to reveal 2008 plans

Earnhardt has scheduled the announcement to be made on Wednesday at 11:00 am US Eastern Time at the shop of his own team, JR Motorsports, the very same place where he last month announced his plans to leave his current team.

NASCAR's most popular driver has stated several times that he will continue to drive for Chevrolet, leaving Hendrick Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing, Richard Childress Racing and Ginn Racing as the obvious options for him for next year and beyond.

Another possibility that has been mentioned is for Earnhardt to run cars from Hendrick through JR Motorsports, but his sister and manager Kelley has also said this would be their last option, as the outfit is still small and they had no intention to grow it overnight.

Joe Gibbs and Ginn Racing have confirmed they are not involved in tomorrow's press conference, while Richard Childress is out of the country in a hunting trip, according to a spokesperson from his team.

Meanwhile Hendrick Motorsports have declined to comment on their likely involvement in tomorrow's press conference, increasing speculations that Earnhardt's future will be tied up with NASCAR's most successful current team.

Last month, Rick Hendrick told the Associated Press at Lowe's Motors Speedway that there was no room for Earnhardt at his team and that they had only spoken about a possible supply of cars and engines.

"I've talked to him about doing motors and cars if he wants to do this himself," Hendrick said. "But that's really all we've discussed. Right now, I'm full. There's no room at the inn."

With the Car of Tomorrow coming in full use for the 2008 season, it is expected that Hendrick Motorsports will have an edge on rival teams from next year. The team have already won five out six events raced with the new car.

Earnhardt Jr has yet to claim his first NASCAR Nextel Cup title and has remained winless since May of last year.