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Originally posted by josheubanks:
I think Dale jr. will go to RCR and bring out the black #3 that his dad raced with before he died.

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Originally posted by THANKUVETS:
Heard from a guy that came in to work swing shift and said he heard Dale is taking the number 5 and Kyle is out.

Not sure if that is true or not, but what I heard.

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As expected, Dale Earnhardt Jr. announced on Wednesday that he will drive for Hendrick Motorsports beginning in 2008 (watch video).

Earnhardt will replace Kyle Busch at Hendrick.

Earnhardt made the announcement at his JR Motorsports shop, saying when he announced in May his desire to leave his current team, DEI, that he wanted to find a place where he could win a championship. He said he found that man, then introduced his new team owner, Rick Hendrick in front of a Hendrick Motorsports backdrop.

"Winning is what it's all about for him," Earnhardt said of his new boss. "I feel like he's got great cars and I feel like we'll have success on the racetrack. It's a new chapter for me."

"This is a 'wow' day," Hendrick said.

No announcement was made in regards to sponsorship or what car number Earnhardt will drive, although Anheuser-Busch said it plans to explore future options.

"Anheuser-Busch has enjoyed a remarkable relationship with Dale Earnhardt Jr. since our sponsorship commenced back in 1999," said Tony Ponturo, vice president of global media and sports marketing. "Dale Jr. is an excellent ambassador for the sport and our company, and we look forward to exploring options with Hendrick Motorsports and JR Motorsports to continue Budweiser's relationship with him as he enters this new stage of his racing career."

The announcement ensures Earnhardt remains in a Chevrolet, something he desired from the outset and something Chevrolet representatives were happy about.

"We are proud he chose to stay with Team Chevy," said Brent Dewar; General Motors' North America vice president of vehicle sales, service and parts. "On behalf of General Motors and Chevrolet, congratulations to Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Hendrick Motorsports on the announcement of their partnership. They epitomize the Chevy spirit of competition. We wish them success as they embark on their new relationship."

The relationship began when Earnhardt was 14 and Hendrick offered him a contract on a napkin. Earnhardt signed it as a fun gesture, but on Wednesday looked back at how significant that moment was.

It was not announced where Busch will end up. Hendrick said after several weeks of negotiating a contract extension, he and Busch agreed to part ways. Busch said in a statement that it was time to move on.

"I have been granted a release after the 2007 season," Busch said. "I have tremendous respect for Mr. Hendrick and everyone at Hendrick Motorsports. It's where I grew up, and I have a lot of great memories.

"I kind of feel like I'm graduating. I'm excited about my future, and I know a lot of opportunities await because of what everyone at Hendrick did for me -- on the track and off."

Earnhardt joins Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson and Casey Mears as a teammate. Hendrick Motorsports has won 10 of the 14 races this season.