Truex excited about DEI future

The team's lead driver will move elsewhere at the end of this season, but Truex will not follow his mentor out of the door for 2008, and he is hoping that he can prove that Earnhardt Jr has made the wrong decision.

"Dale Jr leaves, but it's not over," said Truex. "He is a great asset to the company, but we can go on, we can thrive, and we can win races."

Truex admits he feels affected by all of the hype surrounding the announcement, and he is looking forward to leading the team in the future.

"Things are business as usual really," said Truex. "I really don't think it affects me, but obviously it will open some new doors for me here at DEI.

"It's kind of been difficult at times playing second fiddle to Dale, so in that aspect, it will give me some new opportunities which I look forward to."

Truex added that he was very happy to be staying at the team, as they continue to build for the future.

"We've got great people all round here at DEI," he said. "We're still going ahead with all our plans, trying to make every department of the company stronger."

Truex is currently 16th in the Nextel Cup standings, just three places behind Earnhardt Jr.