RCR/DEI partner to build engines

[djarumdudley]

from Jayski:

DEI and RCR team up to build engines: One of NASCAR's greatest partnerships - Childress and Earnhardt - has been expanded with the creation of Earnhardt-Childress Racing Technologies. Richard Childress and Teresa Earnhardt announced today that the joint venture partnership will combine the Chevrolet engine departments of Richard Childress Racing (RCR) and Dale Earnhardt, Inc. (DEI), with engine development work to begin immediately. Construction of a permanent stand-alone facility located between RCR and DEI will begin later this summer with completion expected by mid 2008. A specific site has not been announced, although a location has been identified pending zoning approval. Until that facility is complete, all work will be divided between the RCR's engine shop in Welcome, N.C. and DEI's shop in Mooresville, N.C. It is anticipated that all six RCR and DEI cars will run the first common engine at Daytona in July. Earnhardt-Childress Racing Technologies will develop and build engines for the Chevrolet Nextel Cup Series and Busch Series teams campaigned by the two companies. A long-term goal of the joint venture will include an engine leasing program for teams in NASCAR's top three divisions. The partnership also has long-term plans to diversify and expand beyond NASCAR by providing race engines to teams competing in series such as the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series, various off-road and stock car series, sports car series, etc. This is not the first time RCR and DEI have worked together in a technology partnership. RAD, an acronym for the three teams owned by Richard Childress, Andy Petree and Dale Earnhardt, was formed in the late 90's as an aerodynamic consortium between the programs. The partnership was considered wildly successful with the three teams dominating the aerodynamically sensitive restrictor plate tracks Daytona and Talladega for the next few years.(RCR-DEI PR)(5-18-2007)

[djarumdudley]

guess this means the DEI/Yates merger won't be happening.

what does this due for Earnhardt's status. does it make it even easier to go to RCR? or perhaps not as there would now be Theresa's specter over that team as well.

[Sparky1329]

I don't think this deal would have any impact on where Jr will or won't go. Teresa made a smart move for a change with this deal.

RYR has now blown at least two possible mergers. Robert and Doug can hold hands when the good ship Yates finally goes under.

[Jonesi]

Considering how fast this deal happened after all the other rumors, I suspect it was in the works for a while. The DEI/Yates talk may have just been Teresa's comparative price shopping.

[trumperZ06]

Considering how fast this deal happened after all the other rumors, I suspect it was in the works for a while. The DEI/Yates talk may have just been Teresa's comparative price shopping.

Or her way to make sure Jr left DEI !!!

[Jonesi]

Or her way to make sure Jr left DEI !!!

The world (and history) is filled with events that happened only because of unintended consequences.

[e2mtt]

I don't think this deal would have any impact on where Jr will or won't go. Teresa made a smart move for a change with this deal.

RYR has now blown at least two possible mergers. Robert and Doug can hold hands when the good ship Yates finally goes under.

Right now about all Yates has worth anything is their engine building expertise. Any new merger takers out there? Maybe the ever aggressive Robby Gordon will try to get them in a fire sale now.

[Sparky1329]

Right now about all Yates has worth anything is their engine building expertise. Any new merger takers out there? Maybe the ever aggressive Robby Gordon will try to get them in a fire sale now.

Maybe. That was the deal they should've made.