“Today’s announcement of Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s move to Hendrick Motorsports is indeed an important announcement for this season and beyond, and it should be noted that high-profile partnerships have always been a part of NASCAR’s competitive history.

The following is a transcript from Wednesday’s news conference, in which Nextel Cup driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. announced his plans to sign with Hendrick Motorsports in 2008:
DALE EARNHARDT, JR.: I’d like to thank everybody for being here today. It’s a pretty packed crowd we’ve got. It’s been a privilege to invite everyone [...]

Even though Budweiser has a personal services contract with Dale Earnhardt, Jr through 2008. look for the beer giant to sponsor Dale Jr’s car as he moves to Hendrick Motorsports.

Kyle Busch, driver of the #5 Chevry in the Nextel Cup Series for Hendrick Motorsports and four-time Nextel Cup race winner, will depart Hendrick Motorsports at the conclusion of the 2007 season. The following is a statement from Busch regarding the decision to leave:

Dale Earnhardt, Jr will drive for Hendrick Motorsports starting in 2008 as part of a multi-year contract with the highly successful NASCAR Nextel Cup team.
Earnhardt, Jr will replace 22 year-old Kyle Busch, who will be released from his contract at season’s end.

Dale Earnhardt, Jr on his years with DEI:
A new chapter is set to begin…
[youtube]http://youtube.com/watch?v=yFcdfIeSjzI[/youtube]

This weekend, John Andretti returns to the wheel of a Petty Enterprises Dodge. Andretti will fill-in for Kyle Petty in the #45 Marathon American Spirit Motor Oil Dodge for this weekend’s Michigan 400. Petty will once again be in the TNT booth for Sunday’s event.

Sam Hornish Jr., driver of the #27 Mobil 1 Dodge Charger, will attempt to qualify for his first ARCA RE/MAX Series race at Michigan International Speedway on Thursday. Hornish has never raced a stock car at Michigan, but he was the fastest during the one-day ARCA test on May 29.

Several Nextel Cup Series teams will be testing at The Milwaukee Mile June 12, 13 and 14 testing the COT in preparation for New Hampshire on July 1st.

Chevrolet driver #48-Jimmie Johnson will be on hand when Chevrolet and Motorsports Authentics announce several classic paint schemes to celebrate the 50th anniversary of one of the most recognizable cars in American history - the 1957 Chevy.