Dale Earnhardt Inc., Chip Ganassi Racing Ink Plan to Merge Mediocre Teams

Chip Ganassi has found a way to make his team not as pathetic as before and Dale Earnhardt Inc. has found a way to keep grasping at being a relevant Sprint Cup Series team.

That method? Join the two programs together to create strange bedfellows, cut costs and hope that a math equation of subpar plus subpar finally equals something good.

Yep, Dale Earnhardt Inc. and Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates will be teaming up to make a four-car team in 2009.

Two of motorsports' biggest names – Earnhardt and Ganassi – will launch a four-car team beginning in 2009 through the combination of the motorsports operations of Dale Earnhardt, Inc. (DEI) and Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates, Inc. (CGRFS). NASCAR stars Martin Truex Jr. and Juan Pablo Montoya will drive the Nos. 1 and 42 respectively and future star Aric Almirola will be behind the wheel of the No. 8. The driver of the No. 41 will be named in the near future.

For those of you keeping track at home, this combination of forces currently includes 4 cars, 3 drivers and 2.5 sponsorships. Let's hope that changes before 2009.

Additionally, the overriding rumor is that Chevrolet will be the manufacturer for the organization, mainly because it's very likely Dale Earnhardt would rise from his grave to haunt anything bearing his name that doesn't bear a bow tie. Dodge, Ganassi's current partner, is apparently being shoved out.

There's so many aspects of this situation that are so very interesting. Will this team actually be better because Chip Ganassi will at least be a visible owner in the garage area? Is this Teresa Earnhardt's way of both saving her floundering race team and starting her exit, stage left, of NASCAR? And you think this is what the Intimidator had in mind when he first started DEI?

On the last question, I'd presume an emphatic no, but along those lines I think it'd be doubly hard to believe his son, Dale Earnhardt Jr., would be driving for a rival organization had Dale Sr. still been alive.

The saddest part of this inevitable process thanks to such a savage economy and decreased success for both teams is the fact that over 100 people lost their jobs Wednesday. Fortunately, this merger isn't likely to come back to haunt the remaining employees like Bobby Ginn's brief and embarrassing foray into the sport back in the summer of 2007.

Latest NASCAR Photos

MARTINSVILLE, VA - OCTOBER 18: Justin Skinner, driver of the #03 Germain Toyota Toyota, poses on tack prior to the start of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Kroger 200 at Martinsville Speedway on October 18, 2008 in Martinsville, Virginia. (Photo by Jason Smith/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Justin Skinner

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MARTINSVILLE, VA - OCTOBER 18: Mike Skinner (L), driver of the #5 Toyota Tundra Toyota, poses with son, Justin Skinner (R), driver of the #03 Germain Toyota Toyota, on the track prior to the start of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Kroger 200 at Martinsville Speedway on October 18, 2008 in Martinsville, Virginia. (Photo by Jason Smith/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Mike Skinner;Justin Skinner

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MARTINSVILLE, VA - OCTOBER 18: Jeff Green, driver of the #40 Westerman Companies Chevrolet, spins as leader Ron Hornady, driver of the #33 Camping World Chevrolet passes during the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Kroger 200 at Martinsville Speedway on October 18, 2008 in Martinsville, Virginia. (Photo by Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Jeff Green;Ron Hornady

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MARTINSVILLE, VA - OCTOBER 18: Johnny Benson, driver of the #23 Toyota Tundra Toyota, celebrates winning the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Kroger 200 at Martinsville Speedway on October 18, 2008 in Martinsville, Virginia. (Photo by Jason Smith/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Johnny Benson

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MARTINSVILLE, VA - OCTOBER 18: Johnny Benson, driver of the #23 Toyota Tundra Toyota, leads the field on the final restart during the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Kroger 200 at Martinsville Speedway on October 18, 2008 in Martinsville, Virginia. (Photo by Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Johnny Benson

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MARTINSVILLE, VA - OCTOBER 18: Johnny Benson, driver of the #23 Toyota Tundra Toyota, makes a pit stop during the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Kroger 200 at Martinsville Speedway on October 18, 2008 in Martinsville, Virginia. (Photo by John Harrelson/Getty Images for NASCAR) *** Local Caption *** Johnny Benson

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L Carriers Chevrolet, during the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Kroger 200 at Martinsville Speedway on October 18, 2008 in Martinsville, Virginia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Ron Hornaday Jr.;Johnny Benson;Kevin Harvick

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MARTINSVILLE, VA - OCTOBER 18: Johnny Benson, driver of the #23 Toyota Tundra Toyota, crosses the finish line to win the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Kroger 200 at Martinsville Speedway on October 18, 2008 in Martinsville, Virginia. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Johnny Benson

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MARTINSVILLE, VA - OCTOBER 18: Johnny Benson, driver of the #23 Toyota Tundra Toyota, celebrates after winning the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Kroger 200 at Martinsville Speedway on October 18, 2008 in Martinsville, Virginia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Johnny Benson

Getty Images

At the end of the day, NASCAR fans can still be satisfied to see that two of the sport's more recognizable drivers -- Montoya and Truex Jr. -- will still be around in 2009.

In the mean time, it's sure going to be weird ditching the "DEI" moniker in lieu of "Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates."

Fun fact about that Sabates character? He gets full name recognition despite only owning 20 percent of the former CGRFS, so by my math, he only owns 10 percent of the new team -- and still gets his full name in there. Now that, my friends, is a smart businessman.

Note: Be sure to head back FanHouse way on Sunday for our season-finale live blog of the Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway! We'll kick off the festivities at 3:30pm/EST. See ya then!

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)

11-12-2008 @ 10:27PM

CJ said...

i thought that the acquistion of Ginn Racing last year that DEI bought was suppose to help them to the next level? It shows that everybody's prediction that DEI would fail after Dale Jr left is coming soon. I dont hear these idiots such as Larry McReynolds and Brad Dougherty who were saying DEI would be healthy and continue to succeed when Jr left, and what are they saying now? Teresa as ive said a hundred times before she's a moron for letting him go and she'll pay the price for it more and more each year.

11-13-2008 @ 5:32PM

nancy said...

You couldn't be more right. Teresa has got Dale Sr. turning over in his grave the stupid bitch.DEI will fail without Jr.

11-12-2008 @ 10:54PM

August West said...

Best all-time NASCAR driver's name is Dick Trickle. He should'a gotten Depends Undergarments for a sponsor.

11-12-2008 @ 11:00PM

da said...

who really cares team hendricks is the premire team in nascar ...the bitch screwed it up and anyone who would employ a sh&tbag like juan pablo deserve to have there teams suffer.....#24= the greatest driver need i say more

11-12-2008 @ 11:26PM

carl fan said...

gordon hasnt won a race in almost two years so he is not to great no you should not say no more !!!!!!!!!!!

11-13-2008 @ 1:02PM

Chrissy said...

Everyone goes through dry spells but look at his history. At 9 yrs old he was consistently beating 17 year olds in quarter midgets. In his rookie year with Busch he won a RECORD 11 pole positions. He won his first Winston Cahmionship in 1995 with a 300 point lead over Dale Sr. He won his second and third championships in 97 and 98 and his FOURTH in 2001. He should have won it in 2004 as he had the most points but that's when they started that "wonderful" Race for the Chase (idiotic). In 2007 he tied Dale Earnhardt Sr. for most all time wins at 76. He also is 50% owner of the (probable) first ever three consecutive years Cup Winner, Jimmie Johnson. And just in case you all didn't know, he's not a spoiled little rich boy. His step father sold his business to move the family to Indiana so that Jeff could race and there were times that they slept in pick up trucks and they had to make their own parts. So how about just a little respect for the guy, who I happen to think is the greatest thing since sliced bread!

11-14-2008 @ 10:58AM

Cheryl said...

Get your facts straight....Two years??? Gordon had an amazing last year and in his career has what is it 81 wins..... Right now there are only a few drivers that will ever be as good as gordon one is Kyle bush and the other ofcourse is Jimmie Johnson.

11-12-2008 @ 11:31PM

RD said...

As I have said before, D.E.I. without Dale JR. is a very nice museum!!! Way to go Teresa. Have you learned anything yet. You soon will.

11-13-2008 @ 2:09AM

sheryle said...

i have said it befor and i will say it again with out a wedding ring the witch would have been out on her back side a long time ago.
i do belive in the after life and would not want to be in her place when she passes and has to face dale sr. you know that is going to a fight to see.
not happy with were jr. went but its better than where he was.
all the witch wants is the name and screw every one that gets in her way ....

11-13-2008 @ 2:24AM

3forever said...

Its sad to see what she has done to DEI. Her desire to erase JR from Big Dale's legacy cost her everything. She doesn't want to be in NASCAR. I doubt ever has. Looks like hot shot Maxie didn't do so well. Earnhardt will always be #1 or #3 in my heart. I will always have a soft spot for JR.

11-14-2008 @ 12:12AM

Kathleen said...

Teresa screwed up royal.
She should have sold out to JR and let him run his Father's business. If she wasn't into Nascar she should of let Jr., Kelly and Kerry Earnhardt have the say in their family business. I guess she is more interested in her daughter Taylor by Sr. horsing career then what made her rich Sr. and his dream DEI. Way to go Teresa :(

11-13-2008 @ 4:28AM

teapotjrfan said...

All this wouldn't have been happening if she would have just let Dale Jr. own the 51%. It is so sad that his daddy's dream is gonna be gone. Tony Stewart said it best, that DEI was gonna be a museum. Very sad! She should ahve just changed the dame to TEI after Dale jr. left anyway, what a smooth move, Teresa

11-13-2008 @ 5:13AM

angelo said...

You should have just given him the #8,....now karma is about to bite you in the butt teresa, and dale sr's ghost is going to run that business in to the wall much like your face already has!!!!!!!!!!

GO HENDRICKS!!!!!

11-13-2008 @ 9:28AM

corkie said...

Good for you Teresa, you're getting exactly what you deserve but it's a shame its destroying DEI, the company that Dale built himself, for his children. Your selfish and stubborn ways have taken the Earnhart kids legacy from their father and dumped it in the shitter. You'll get what you deserve when you meet your maker, and Dale, at the pearly gates. Be prepared though because they will hand you a 1 way pass to hell!

11-13-2008 @ 10:49AM

Bill Hilser said...

A perfect match! God's own NASCAR bitch and racing's biggest ego and dipwad. As Jimmy Vasser once told Emperor Skip, "There's no I in team, Skip."

IMHO, there will be so much infighting over control, that the new team will implode. Remember, you heard it here first.

Yer pal, Ferrari Bubba

11-13-2008 @ 9:49AM

bigbaer said...

I'm glad noone is saying she is just a victim of circumstances. She is the cause of all her own problems.

11-17-2008 @ 10:14AM

john said...

What more can be said. Teresa went for fame and glory many years ago and she has proven once again over the last couple of years thats all she wanted. Now one of the greatest orginizations in NASCAR is going down in a blaze of ineptness. Great job Teresa

11-13-2008 @ 11:15AM

Patricia said...

She dug her own hole and it's getting deeper as each day passes. Jr will do just fine where he is and with the fall of DEI, Jr Nation will grow.

11-13-2008 @ 11:20AM

Jamie said...

I haven't seen my comment.

11-13-2008 @ 11:46AM

This is so sad to see what Teresa has done with DEI. Dale Sr. would
roll over in his grave if he seen what has happened to his legacy,
his empire that he was building for his children. Even if you did not
like Dale or pull for him on Sunday's no one can say he was not a very
good father and that he loved his kids very much and DEI was his way
of building an empire to leave for his children and grandchildren for
their future and make no mistake Teresa new this without a doubt. I do
believe Dale loved Teresa so I am sure he never thought that Teresa
would do the things she has or he would have protected DEI better to
keep this from happening and had he lived alittle longer I am sure he
would have. She always treated Dale's kids badly and she was the
wicked stepmother. She has shown us her true colors and that is she
is greedy, selfish, and could have never truly loved Dale or she
would never had made the decisions she has going against everything
Dale would have wanted. What a shame... She does not care about
racing or the stepchildren. This is a power thing for Teresa not
money. The woman could not spend all the money she has and still
makes off of Dale Sr. in merchandise sales, etc. This is a power
thing for her and she does not care about anyone else or her late
husbands dreams and wishes for she has proven that time and time
again. She could have given control of DEI to the kids as Dale would
have wanted and stepped aside and watched DEI grow by leaps and
bounds along with her bank account and not be involved but be able to
go on and live her life wherever she wanted traveled, shopped all over
the world, started her own business, and would have been respected.
Now she gets no respect from Nascar or the fans so I hope she is
happy. Never forget what goes around eventually comes around and when
you hurt people and treat people badly bad comes back to you and
usually much worse. I hope not one race car that ever rolls out of
DEI ever wins a race. I look forward to the day that DEI is nothing
more than a museum at least it would be honorable. I know Dale's
children will make him proud and be successful just look at them now.
I know Dale is proud of how they have handled theirselves with class
and didn't take the low road and held their heads high and their
mouths shut and moved on. That is what they got from their dad pure
grit and determanation to succeed, and never quit when the chips are
down. Dale Sr. we miss you very much. Thank you for your children
that we still get to see you in them and I know you are looking down
on them with that funny grin thinking about how proud you are of
them. Dale Sr. you did a great job with your children and all the
life's you touched even mine. Always a fan no doubt...

Jamie