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Martin Truex, Jr.

ESPN is reporting that Martin Truex, Jr., the driver of the #1 Bass Pro Shops Chevy for Dale Earnhardt, Inc. has finalized his plans for next season.

According to ESPN, the agreement, which will be announced Friday at Watkins Glen, also includes plans for a long-term commitment to the organization.

Who’s next? Casey Mears, Reed Sorenson, Ryan Newman, and added to the list today, J.J. Yeley.

Elizabeth Banks and Seth Rogen in "Zack and Miri Make a Porno." / Flickr

- Kevin Smith won his appeal to the MPAA for the NC-17 rating of his upcoming movie, “Zack and Miri Make a Porno.” It will now be Rated R and he didn’t have to cut much of the material. YAY!

Interesting…. very interesting.

What do YOU think? Do you think he’ll stay with DEI or head to Richard Childress?

By JENNA FRYER, AP Auto Racing Writer 2 hours, 6 minutes ago

RICHMOND, Va. (AP)—With Carl Edwards off the free-agent market and Greg Biffle adamant he’ll stay at Roush Fenway Racing, the attention turns to Martin Truex Jr. and his status at Dale Earnhardt Inc.

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Does this mean Truex is staying for 3 more years too? Hmmm….

From Jayski:

#1 crew chief Manion signs 3yr deal: 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,” said Manion. “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 Dale Earnhardt Inc. “Kevin is a long time 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 towards the future.” Manion helped guide the #1 Bass Pro Shops Team and Martin Truex Jr. to a berth in the Chase for the Nextel Cup in 2007. In addition, the team notched its first win at Dover in June.(DEI PR)(12-21-2007)

From Tony Stewart last night on Tony Stewart Live:

Tony says normally he would keep his mouth shut, but Menard’s dad bought his ride, but he can’t by his talent. He’s got just enough to be in the way. Worst part was watching some of the 15’s crew applaud after the collision, and Tony has not much respect for that team anymore. Matt says championship teams show their talent when bad things happen, and the 20 team worked hard to get the car back in shape.

Comments, thoughts?

So this morning was amazing… Tara got us into the DEIInsider brunch and there were only like 10 of us there if that… and Max Seigal, Bono Manion, Kerry Earnhardt, Paul Menard’s crew chief, Regan Smith, and two developmental drivers (one that’s going to be racing at SGMP soon and actually mentioned it. So we got to ask questions, I asked Bono how Martin has changed as a person and driver, and we got to meet them.

I finally got to find out if Max worked with Backstreet Boys while he was with Zomba and Jive and he said yes and asked was I a fan so I’m happy now that I know for sure lol I told Bono that I’ve been a Martin fan since he first started in Busch and took a pic with him, which.. Kerry Earnhardt proceeded to give him Bunny ears and I was like “ahhh, yes!”. (more…)