Aric Almirola, Mark Martin Plans

Posted by Jeremy Dunn Jul 1, 2008

For the last season and a half, veteran Mark Martin and youngster Aric Almirola have shared a ride at DEI driving the recognizable number 8 Chevrolet. However, DEI is ready to promote Almirola to a full-time Sprint Cup ride. Almirola has displayed flashes of potential throughout his young career, with both Joe Gibbs Racing and DEI. He finished 8th at Bristol in March. Everyone knows that Bristol is one of NASCAR's most arduous tracks.

With the possible departure of Martin Truex, Jr, Almirola may become the new face of DEI. He should benefit and emerge as one of NASCAR's top young drivers.

Mark Martin, on the opposite spectrum of his career, is expected to return to full-time competition for Hendrick Motorsports in 2009. Casey Mears was recently relieved of his driving duties for 2009. Martin came so close to winning the ultimate prize on several occasions throughout his career, but fell short. Hendrick Motorsports could provide him with last solid opportunity to win that elusive title.

Now, the NASCAR world is waiting for Tony Stewart, Ryan Newman, and Martin Truex Jr.