Manion signs extension to remain Truex crew chief

MOORESVILLE, N.C. -- Dale Earnhardt Inc. announced it has signed crew chief Kevin "Bono" Manion to a three-year deal that will continue his long-term tenure at DEI.

"Chemistry is a very important part of any race team and I'm excited that we'll be able to continue to build on what we have accomplished over the past several years," Manion said. "We are looking forward to getting back out there on the track in January and hopefully starting to build on what can be a championship season."

"We are very pleased to sign Kevin to a multi-year agreement," said John Story, vice president of motorsports operations at DEI. "Kevin is a longtime and loyal employee of Dale Earnhardt Inc., and his accomplishments speak for themselves. He is a proven championship-caliber crew chief, and is dedicated to our company. We look forward to him continuing to build our organization toward the future."

Manion helped guide Martin Truex Jr. and the No. 1 team to a berth in the Chase for the Nextel Cup in 2007. In addition, the team notched its first victory, at Dover in June.

Manion, who joined DEI in 1997, helped lead Truex and his No. 8 Busch Series team to 12 victories and two championships in 2004 and 2005, before moving to the Cup Series with the team in 2006.