DEI announces they will remain with Chevy for '08

HAMPTON, Ga. -- Add Dale Earnhardt Inc. to the teams returning to the Chevrolet banner in 2008.

On Friday at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Chevy and DEI announced intentions to continue a partnership with the four-car Nextel Cup operation for the forseeable future. Among those present at the news conference were DEI's five drivers -- Mark Martin, Martin Truex Jr., Paul Menard, Regan Smith and Aric Almirola -- along with team owner Teresa Earnhardt.

"I'm very pleased to confirm our continued relationship with Chevrolet," Earnhardt said. "Since our company's inception more than 25 years ago, Chevrolet has been a viable part of Dale Earnhardt Inc. Together, we have enjoyed a long-standing and highly-successful partnership.

"We could not be more pleased that Chevrolet will continue to be a vital partner with our organization as we move forward into our future and continue to expand the mutually beneficial relationship."

Chevrolet previously announced extended partnerships with Hendrick Motorsports and Richard Childress Racing. Another long-time Chevy team -- Joe Gibbs Racing -- announced earlier this season plans to switch to Toyota for 2008.