Truex says he accepts challenge, wants to help

JIM UTTER

The Charlotte Observer

Friday, Aug. 08, 2008

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. - Martin Truex Jr. said he felt that moving to another team would be "the easy road" and decided to face the challenge of building his No. 1 Dale Earnhardt Inc. into a consistent championship contender.

Truex announced this week that he would return to DEI in 2009, forgoing opportunities with other teams, and remains in discussions with DEI officials on a longer contract extension.

"I'm a big part of what goes on at (DEI). When we have a bad day or bad week or go down the wrong road, I take responsibility for that, too," Truex said Friday.

"I know we need to get better. I know what we did last year and I know what we're capable of.

"It's a lot of pressure. A lot of people look to you for answers all the time. I like a good challenge. I'm accepting the challenge and I think we can do great things together."

In 102 career Cup starts, all with DEI, Truex has one win, 11 top-five, 26 top-10s and one pole. He made his only appearance in the Chase for the Sprint Cup last season and finished a career-best 11th in the standings.

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