| Written by Josh Lobdell |
|
Posted on 1/8/2008 7:13:00 AM |
DEI is at a new beginning. Originally, this team was built around the unproven talents of Steve Park and Dale Earnhardt Jr. However, after several nasty accidents, Park was forced out of Cup racing and Junior has left for the greener pastures of Hendrick Motorsports. Now for the second time in its short history, the DEI Cup program must mortgage its future on unproven drivers. Along with a “past his prime” veteran mentor, this program has the potential to do just that.
Martin Truex Jr., #1, Bass Pro Shops Chevy
Truex and Crew Chief Kevin Manion must win races in 2008. If they do not, this team will once again have to rebuild in 2009 – and possibly without them. The torch has been passed and Truex must carry the program on his shoulders. His win at Dover in 2007 proves that he can do it, but the many engine failings of the DEI/RCR engine program must be solved if there is any hope of returning this team to the Chase.
Mark Martin/Aric Almirola, #8, US Army Chevy
Once again, Martin will drive around 22 races with Almirola competing in the others. The key for this team will be to have Almirola full-time in a Nationwide car to get him valuable seat time. He has never run a full schedule in any of the top three NASCAR series and will need that kind of experience to become the star that this team needs. Crew Chief Ryan Pemberton has left the team, completing the subtraction of Ginn Racing employees. Tony Gibson will guide this car and will hope to score at least one win along the way.
Paul Menard, #15, Menard’s Chevy
Why this guy has a Cup ride is far beyond me. Sure, he has a Nationwide Series win, but he has never proven that he belongs on the Cup circuit. His father essentially is this team’s sponsor, and apparently, DEI is fine with selling out like that. Doug Randolph will crew chief this team, but does not expect anything but Top 25 places finishes out of it.
Regan Smith, #01, “Sponsor TBA” Chevy
Beyond Truex, this is DEI’s current best shot at a winner. Smith has lots of potential, but like the others on the DEI roster, he has very limited experience running a full schedule in any of the top three NASCAR tours. His one full season in the Nationwide Series was below average at best. Granted, he has never had a ride with as good equipment as he will have with DEI, and incoming Crew Chief Doug Ritchert has a long history of turning young drivers into winners. Ritchert won a championship as chief for Dale Earnhardt Sr., and turned Greg Biffle into a Cup contender while at Roush. If DEI is to be successful in 2008, then they will need this team to step up and run at the top each week. |
