K. Earnhardt to drive for Ballew Motorsports in '05

Team to utilize DEI engines in Craftsman Truck Series competition

MOORESVILLE, N.C. -- Craftsman Truck Series owner Billy Ballew has joined forces with driver Kerry Earnhardt and plans to use Dale Earnhardt Inc. engines in his No. 15 Chevrolet Silverado during the 2005 NCTS season.

Kerry Earnhardt

"This one-two Earnhardt punch is just what this team needed," Ballew said. "We were able to get our first series win this past season at Las Vegas, and by adding Kerry and utilizing DEI power for our efforts next year, I feel we can contend week in and week out.

"We're extremely excited about this opportunity to align ourselves with one of the strongest names and one of the strongest organizations in motorsports."

Kerry Earnhardt, the oldest son of seven-time NASCAR champion Dale Earnhardt, will be running for the first time in Craftsman Truck Series competition. The 34-year-old NASCAR Busch Series veteran has four ARCA Re/Max Series victories, as well as two top-five and five top-10 Busch Series finishes.

"I am excited about joining Billy Ballew Motorsports with Dale Earnhardt Inc. support," Earnhardt said. "Billy Ballew Motorsports has really stepped up their program. They were real strong right out of the box this past year. They have great equipment and that showed over the course of the 2004 season.

"It is obvious that the Billy Ballew Motorsports team has tremendous potential and I think I have potential as a driver, so hopefully that will be a good combination for us next year."

Ballew is looking to secure primary sponsorship for the full 2005 season. It is a task that he hopes will be aided by his addition of Earnhardt to the mix.