MOORESVILLE, N.C. — National Speed Sport News has learned that Dale Earnhardt, Inc. will be a four-car team when it arrives at Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard.
DEI made the merger official with an announcement on Wednesday, which noted the inclusion of Ginn's 180,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility in Mooresville.
"This merger is great for both companies," said Max Siegel, president of global operations for DEI. "Our stated goals included an expansion to four cars as quickly as possible and, in order to do that, we had to acquire more shop space. This relationship with Bobby Ginn and his company  allows us to accomplish both which makes this a perfect transaction."
Mark Martin and the U.S. Army No. 01 will join the DEI organization effective immediately, giving the team its fourth car. Aric Almirola, who recently left Joe Gibbs Racing for Ginn, will also enter the picture at DEI, sharing the No. 01 with Martin.
The move will give owner points, likely those of the No. 14 Ginn Racing car previously driven by Sterling Marlin, to the DEI No. 15 wheeled by Paul Menard, guaranteeing Menard a place in the field at Indy and in other upcoming events.
DEI’s other two entries will be its high-profile cars for drivers Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Martin Truex, Jr.
According to DEI's announcement, it will continue to field entries in the NASCAR Busch Series, NASCAR East and will begin to evaluate its involvement in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
Regan Smith, who was slated to drive the No. 01 at in the Allstate 400 at The Brickyard, will instead drive in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at O'Reilly Raceway Park.
Many, but not all, Ginn Racing employees, are expected to be given jobs at DEI.