The Final Lap with Kerry Murphey

CONCORD, N.C. – Hendrick Motorsports and driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. have agreed to a five-year contract extension that will keep Earnhardt behind the wheel of the No. 88 Chevrolets through the end of the 2017 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season.

“We’re excited to have everything formalized and announced,” said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. “Junior and I had a handshake agreement months ago, and we let other people work out the finer points from there. It was as simple and smooth as it gets.

“My feelings haven’t changed since the day he first signed with us. I’m committed as ever to putting him in the best possible situation to be successful and compete for wins and championships.”

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Ryan Truex Signs With Joe Gibbs Racing
To Drive In NASCAR Nationwide Series

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. (August 9, 2011) – Joe Gibbs Racing announces today that it has signed Ryan Truex to drive in six races this season in the organization’s NASCAR Nationwide Series program.

Truex will drive the No. 20 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing beginning in Atlanta on September 3. In addition Truex will be behind the wheel of the No. 20 in Richmond, Chicago, Dover, Kansas, and Phoenix. While sponsorship for a portion of the six-race schedule is expected to be announced soon, opportunities for partnership still exist.

“We’re thrilled to bring Ryan into our Nationwide Series program,” said J.D. Gibbs, president of Joe Gibbs Racing. “His family has a great history in our sport and he has really proven himself with the opportunities he has had thus far in his young career. When you look at what he’s already achieved in the K&N Series and with the opportunities he has already had in Nationwide, we’re looking forward to him accomplishing great things for our team.”

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