Nemechek back behind wheel for Michigan race

Joe Nemechek will strap in to the No. 08 Chevrolet at Michigan for EM Motorsports, the team announced Wednesday. It will be Nemechek's second ride with the team, after failing to qualify at Indianapolis.

Team owner John Carter said plans are in place to run select races during the remainder of the 2007 season with preparations under way -- including sponsorship discussions -- to attempt a full season in '08 with the Car of Tomorrow.

Nemechek, who started 18 of the first 19 races this year with Ginn Racing, lost his ride with the No. 13 Chevy last month when Ginn shuffled its driver lineup prior to merging with Dale Earnhardt Inc.

In 18 starts Nemechek's best finish was a ninth-place run in the season-opening Daytona 500, his only top-10 of the season. His average finish is 26.2. Despite an ongoing fight to keep his No. 13 inside the top 35 in owner points, the only race Nemechek had missed this season was at Bristol.

As a result of Ginn's reorganization, Sterling Marlin was replaced by Regan Smith and Nemechek's ride was abandoned due to lack of sponsorship. At the same time, Aric Almirola joined the stable to split time with Mark Martin in the No. 01 car, the only full-time sponsor the team had.

"It's very disappointing," Nemechek said after he lost his ride with the No. 13, "but part of the business is it takes a lot of dollars to make these Cup teams go 'round and it seems like it never stops.

"And unfortunately for myself and the situation, hopping out of the No. 01 car [after the 2006 season] and getting in and starting a new team for [Ginn], I never dreamed that this would be the case. So, kind of shot myself in the foot there but, man, it just takes dollars."

Nemechek has four wins in 448 starts, with 18 top-five finishes and 62 top-10s. "Front Row" Joe also has nine poles and nine second-place starts.