K. Earnhardt to make first NASCAR start for DEI

MOORESVILLE, N.C. -- For the first time in his career, Kerry Earnhardt, the son of seven-time NASCAR champion Dale Earnhardt, will drive a Dale Earnhardt Inc. entry in a NASCAR race.

Earnhardt will pilot the No. 8 Chevrolet in the Nationwide Series race on Friday at Daytona International Speedway.

"I've won several races with DEI in an ARCA car, but I'm really looking forward to driving a fast car at Daytona under the DEI umbrella," Earnhardt said. "I appreciate DEI giving me the opportunity to get back in a car, especially one that I know will be fast and competitive. I love running the speedways and can't wait for the weekend to get here."

Earnhardt, who currently works at DEI as a team liaison, will be making his 70th career start in the series, but only his fifth Nationwide start since 2003. He most recently competed regularly in the Craftsman Truck Series in 2006.

It will be Earnhardt's ninth career Nationwide Series start at Daytona.