The Charlotte Observer is reporting that Nextel Cup Series veteran Mark Martin and rookie Aric Almirola will become the drivers of Dale Earnhardt Inc.’s No. 8 Chevrolet next season, the Observer has learned. Martin and Almirola, who drive the No. 01 that was acquired by DEI through a merger with Ginn Racing earlier this season, are also expected to be joined by sponsor Army next season in the No. 8, multiple sources said Thursday.
Aric Almirola is set to join Ginn Racing next season to split the 2008 season in the organization’s No. 01 Chevrolet team with veteran Mark Martin, the Observer has learned. Almirola, a 23-year-old Tampa native, is currently a development driver for Joe Gibbs Racing. It remains unclear how that status will be resolved. Almirola will split the No. 01 as well as run several Busch and perhaps Automobile Racing Club of America races as well in preparation to a fulltime move to Cup in 2009, multiple sources said.
Aric Almirola, who was credited with the Milwaukee Busch Series race win Saturday night, is rumored to be joining Ginn Racing in 2008 as a protege to Mark Martin. Supposedly the plan is for Almirola to run part-time Cup, Busch and Trucks in 2008 and take over the No. 01 Chevy full-time in 2009.