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Tampa's Almirola To Co-Drive NASCAR's No. 8 Chevy With Martin

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By TONY FABRIZIO | The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 7, 2007

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RICHMOND, Va. - It's official: Tampa's Aric Almirola will co-drive one of the most famous cars in NASCAR in 2008.

Dale Earnhardt Inc. announced today that Almirola, a 23-year-old Hillsborough High School graduate, and veteran Mark Martin will share the No. 8 Chevrolet being vacated by Dale Earnhardt Jr. Martin is expected to drive a majority of the races, but his exact schedule hasn't been determined.

The move was expected, as was DEI's additional announcement today that Regan Smith has been hired to drive the No. 01 Chevy, which Martin and Almirola are currently sharing.

Smith began this season sharing the No. 01 car with Martin and was left out when Ginn Racing, which previously owned the No. 01 team, was acquired by DEI in July.

Today's announcements complete DEI's lineup for 2008. Martin and Almirola will share the No. 8 car, Martin Truex Jr. will return in the No. 1 car, Paul Menard will return in the No. 15, and Smith will take over the No. 01.

"Our lineup is a perfect blend of veteran leadership and youthful promise," DEI president Max Siegel said. "The addition of Mark Martin's leadership and his desire to mentor our drivers is huge for us."

"Paul Menard and Martin Truex Jr. have been with our company for several years, and we have confidence and great expectations in both of them, which allows us to further develop our future with two rookie drivers in Regan and Aric."

Almirola wasn't immediately available for comment, but he was due to arrive at Richmond International Raceway late this afternoon. He has made two starts so far in the No. 01 car, finishing 36th at Bristol and 31st at California.

Martin said he was excited about the switch.

"It's a great honor to drive the No. 8 car," he said. "I drove against Dale Earnhardt [Sr.] for a lot of years, and I know what kind of competitor he was on the track. We have a really big legacy to live up to."

Although Almirola and Martin are replacing Earnhardt, the No. 8 Chevy will not carry its familiar red and white colors and Budweiser sponsorship. The U.S. Army sponsorship will move from the No. 01 Chevy to the No. 8. Sponsorship and a possible number change for the No. 01 car will be announced later, DEI officials said.

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