2008 Spin:
At the beginning of 2007, Martin Truex, Jr. was just another sophomore driver with potential. By the end of the season, he was the face of a major organization — with all the responsibility that comes with it.

While one teammate made headlines and the other struggled, Truex became the new face of Dale Earnhardt, Inc. — and did so in convincing fashion. He emerged from the considerable shadow of Dale Earnhardt Jr., and found the spotlight to be quite enticing. Now, Truex enters 2008 as DEI’s best chance at a Chase berth and a return to powerhouse status, an enviable position, and one that Truex clearly relishes.

Truex will once again be paired with crew chief Kevin “Bono” Manion, who has been on top of the box for Truex his entire top-level NASCAR career. Sponsor Bass Pro Shops also returns, and having its support as well as that of a solid crew should keep Truex among the contenders. DEI did undergo some personnel changes with the departure of longtime Director of Competition Steve Hmiel; his responsibilities were redistributed, with Truex himself losing team engineer Walter Giles to his new position of Director of Race Engineering. The restructuring should help, as DEI has struggled to keep up technologically. However, they showed signs of a breakthrough late in ’07 with the Car of Tomorrow. In its first full season, the newly minted RCR-DEI engine program — an Achilles’ Heel at times last year — should also begin to pay full dividends.

With a Chase-tested team led by the steady Manion and a driver in Truex who appears ready to become the face of DEI, the future looks bright for the No.1 team.

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