Key questions surrounding the newly merged Earnhardt Ganassi Racing operation still remain unanswered although driver Aric Almirola insists the team will run four cars at the Daytona 500.
Almirola’s No. 8 Chevrolet has no sponsor, team executives have yet to name a driver for its No. 41 car and the driver of the No. 42, Juan Montoya, still needs sponsorship for at least half the season.
Announced in mid-November, Dale Earnhardt Inc. and Chip Ganassi Racing agreed to merge creating a Chevrolet-powered, four-car stable with Almirola in the No. 8 car, Martin Truex Jr. in the No. 1 car, and Montoya in the No. 42 car.
The fourth driver in the No. 41 car could be Bobby Labonte with Target’s support but then again team leaders told Almirola he may slide into the car as well.
“It is something they have kicked around and talked about,” Almirola said. “But really and truly we want to run four cars. That is the goal because everybody knows to be competitive you have to have a multi-car team. They have said if we have to run three cars it may be a possibility but it is not our goal.”
Meanwhile, crews and the new teams are acclimating under their new roof together in Concord, N.C. at the original Chip Ganassi Racing shop. It was there last season Ganassi was forced to shut down his No. 40 team piloted by Dario Franchitti due to lack of funding and sponsorship.
It’s a concern for Almirola who is eager to run a full season. Last year he split time in the No. 8 with Mark Martin.
“The moral of the story is you don’t have any money, it’s very disheartening,” Almirola said. “It’s a shame because we have a really good race team. It is disappointing going into the Daytona 500 uncertain about 2009. But we are not alone.”
Labonte, who received his release from Petty Enterprises last month in order to pursue other opportunities, is expected to fill the seat that Dale Earnhardt Jr. made famous before he moved to Hendrick Motorsports.
Montoya drove the No. 42 during his first two years with Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates. But with that car only half sponsored by Wrigley’s and the No. 41 fully funded by Target, officials are looking to make the switch for what had become the top driver at Ganassi.
Truex will remain in the No. 1 sponsored by Bass Pro shops as he was at Dale Earnhardt Inc. before the merger.
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