Mark Martin To Drive #8 For DEI?
Mark Martin and Aric Almirola are expected to split seat time
Mark Martin and Aric Almirola are expected to share the #8 ride for Dale Earnhardt Inc. in 2008.
According to FoxSports.com, DEI is ready to name the driver, or drivers, of the famous #8 Chevrolet Monte Carlo for the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup season. The highly admired veteran Mark Martin will pilot the number 8 car on a part-time basis, splitting seat time with hotshoe rookie Aric Almirola. Almirola is expected to take over the ride full-time in 2009.
This news has materialized just days after Teresa Earnhardt denied Dale Earnhardt Jr the number 8 after the 2007 NASCAR season.
"If there's anyone who can represent Dale Earnhardt Inc. in the No. 8, it's Mark Martin," said Max Siegel, president of DEI's global operations. "But no official decision has been made yet as to what we are going to do."
While many fans will resent any driver that ever climbs into the 8 car, Mark Martin is a likeable driver, and should ease some of the antipahty. Almirola is the former Joe Gibbs Racing developmental driver, who signed with Ginn Racing just days before the DEI/Ginn Racing merger.
As far as the 01 ride in 2008, J.J. Yeley and Regan Smith are the likely candidates. After the 2008 season, there are several attractive names on the market such as Ryan Newman, Greg Biffle, and 2000 champion Bobby Labonte.
