JR Motorsports and Hendrick Motorsports combine Busch teams

[JimmieJohnson]

JR Motorsports and Hendrick Motorsports will combine the two companies’ NASCAR Busch Series operations at the conclusion of the 2007 racing season with plans to field a joint effort beginning in 2008. The partnership will campaign two full-time race cars under the JR Motorsports banner that utilize Hendrick Motorsports engines, chassis and vehicle engineering support. Rick Hendrick will be listed as car owner of the #5 team and Dale Earnhardt Jr. will be car owner of the #88. To support the operation, approximately 30 employees, including crew chief Chad Walter, will move to JR Motorsports’ Mooresville-based facility from Hendrick Motorsports’ Busch Series group in Concord. Walter will serve as crew chief of the #5 team next season. JR Motorsports and Hendrick Motorsports will also collaborate in the areas of partnership development, sponsorship services, marketing and media relations. The two companies are currently working together on JR Motorsports’ 2008 Busch Series driver and sponsorship lineup, which will be announced at a later date. (Hendrick Motorsports PR)

[JimmieJohnson]

Kevin Harvick and RCR merge Busch programs as well. That isn't too surprising.