Major Sprint Cup merger announced

HOMSTEAD, Fla., Nov. 12 (UPI) -- Dodge motorsports manager Mike Delahanty has confirmed the formation of Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing on the Sprint Cup auto racing circuit.

The cost-cutting merger occurred Wednesday and leaves the status of DEI rookie driver Regan Smith in limbo.

Reed Sorenson, currently a Ganassi driver, is moving to Gillett Evernham next season.

In a release from the site of the season-ending Ford 400 Sunday in Homestead, Fla., Dodge said it will support Ganassi Racing's decision.

Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing is expected to be a four-Chevrolet operation since DEI owner Teresa Earnhardt also owns part of the Earnhardt-Childress Racing Technologies engine shop that produces Chevrolets.

"Having a partner like Chip (Ganassi), who is heavily involved on the competition side of the business, is an ideal situation for DEI," Teresa Earnhardt said in a separate release. "He has a long history of managing championship teams in the IndyCar and Rolex Grand-Am Series and I share his passion and goals of winning races and ultimately championships in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series."