Nascar News- Mark Martin and Aric Almirola to Split a Ride in the #8 Car in 2008

Dale Earnhardt Incorporated was put in a difficult position of picking a driver to replace the popular Dale Earnhardt Jr. in the #8 car. There merger with Ginn racing earlier this year opened the door for them to put another popular driver in there famous #8 car. Mark Martin is one of the most respected and well liked drivers on the Nascar circuit and DEI could not pass up trying to alleviate some heat from the fans by putting him in the car that Junior vacated. Mark Martin who is now running only part time will split the ride with up and coming Aric Almirola.

The move of Mark Martin to the #8 car by DEI should help to save some negative fan reaction against DEI. DEI failed to resign Junior who is the most popular driver in Nascar. DEI also was asking too high of a price for the #8 when Junior's new team Hendrick Motorsports asked about purchasing the number. Junior fans were undoubtedly going to give the next driver of the #8 a hard time. By putting Mark Martin in the ride, even if it is only part time, DEI can breathe a little easier. I can't imagine Mark Martin getting booed for taking the number as Mark has always shown great respect towards Junior and the same holds true for Junior respecting Mark.

For those Junior fans that have a number 8 tattooed on their body or a room full of number 8 memorabilia it will be time to remove the tattoo or collect new memorabilia. Rumor has it that Junior will try to get another number with the 8. The number 83 possibly as that would combine his old number with the number his father made famous. It is also unknown who Junior's new sponsor will be for next year as Bud will likely not continue to be his main sponsor.