Earnhardt team will add Martin

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Dale Earnhardt Inc. is adding Mark Martin to its driver roster and growing immediately to four Nextel Cup teams in a merger with Ginn Racing that is expected to be announced today, the Charlotte Observer has learned.

DEI and Ginn employees were told Tuesday that Martin’s No. 01 team will compete under the DEI banner in Sunday’s Allstate 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. As announced last week, Martin and Aric Almirola will share the No. 01 for the rest of the season.

In a separate deal, sources said, DEI officials have talked with Martin about driving the No. 8 Chevrolet next season. That car is being vacated by Dale Earnhardt Jr. at season’s end. Martin and Almirola join Earnhardt Jr., Martin Truex Jr. in the No. 1 and Paul Menard in the No. 15 in the DEI stable.

Menard will assume the owner points from Ginn’s No. 14 team, guaranteeing a spot in Sunday’s race as one of the top 35 in owner points.