DEI, Smith 'really, really close' to signing contract
FONTANA, Calif. - Regan Smith is "really, really close" to signing a deal with Dale Earnhardt Inc. to drive a full-time Sprint Cup car for the team in 2008, his agent said Sunday afternoon at California Speedway.
"We're crossing T's and dotting I's," said Jeff Dickerson, who represents Smith. "Hopefully we'll have something here in the next few days."
Dickerson said Smith's preference was to stay with the remnants of the Ginn Racing team that merged with DEI on July 31.
"His first choice has always been there and that's what we're working to do," Dickerson said. "We're this close to making it happen."
Earlier in the day, DEI president of global operations Max Siegel said nothing had been signed as of yet, but that DEI's complete driver lineup would be announced next week at Richmond International Raceway.
Reached via cell phone while attending the NHRA's U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis, Smith said nothing was final and that he hoped to have a resolution to his future within the next two weeks.
"Naturally, I'm anxious to know, just like any driver," Smith said.
Smith would likely drive what is now DEI's No. 01 car, though the Army sponsorship is expected to move to the No. 8 car, which is expected to be driven by Mark Martin and Aric Almirola.
Siegel said the team will probably not be announcing its sponsor lineup when it introduces its driver roster at Richmond.
FONTANA, Calif. - Regan Smith is "really, really close" to signing a deal with Dale Earnhardt Inc. to drive a full-time Sprint Cup car for the team in 2008, his agent said Sunday afternoon at California Speedway.
"We're crossing T's and dotting I's," said Jeff Dickerson, who represents Smith. "Hopefully we'll have something here in the next few days."
Dickerson said Smith's preference was to stay with the remnants of the Ginn Racing team that merged with DEI on July 31.
"His first choice has always been there and that's what we're working to do," Dickerson said. "We're this close to making it happen."
Earlier in the day, DEI president of global operations Max Siegel said nothing had been signed as of yet, but that DEI's complete driver lineup would be announced next week at Richmond International Raceway.
Reached via cell phone while attending the NHRA's U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis, Smith said nothing was final and that he hoped to have a resolution to his future within the next two weeks.
"Naturally, I'm anxious to know, just like any driver," Smith said.
Smith would likely drive what is now DEI's No. 01 car, though the Army sponsorship is expected to move to the No. 8 car, which is expected to be driven by Mark Martin and Aric Almirola.
Siegel said the team will probably not be announcing its sponsor lineup when it introduces its driver roster at Richmond.