Dale Earnhardt Jr. will get an early start with his new team. DEI vice president John Story said “We talk about it and we don’t see a problem with it”. This will allow Dale Jr. and Tony (Eury) Jr. to move forward and start working with their Hendricks crew and teammates.

At the same time DEI plans on putting Regan Smith in the #8 during the test in Atlanta, which will take place following the Nextel Cup race. This will give Regan the chance to work with his DEI team.