Jarrett To Make Final Start In ‘The Great American Race’

The historic 50th running of the Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 17 will be the final Daytona 500 start for Dale Jarrett.

Jarrett, the 1999 NASCAR Cup Series Champion and three-time Daytona 500 champion, announced he would retire from full-time competition in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series at the conclusion of the 2007 NASCAR season. While Jarrett is retiring from full-time competition, he will compete in six races during the 2008 season, including the season-opening and prestigious Daytona 500.

The Hickory, N.C.-native made his first career start in NASCAR’s top touring series at Martinsville Speedway on April 29, 1984. Jarrett’s full-time NEXTEL Cup Series career started in 1987 when he was hired to drive for legendary NASCAR driver Cale Yarborough.

The most successful stint of Jarrett’s career came during the 12 years he spent driving for Robert Yates Racing. From 1995 to 2006, Jarrett won the 1999 NASCAR Cup Series championship, 29 races and earned 16 Bud Pole Awards.

In the Daytona 500, Jarrett won for Joe Gibbs Racing in 1993 and captured triumphs for Robert Yates Racing in 1996 and 2000.

“It’s hard to believe it’s been 50 years,” Jarrett said of the 50th running of the Daytona 500. “As a champion of this race, there’s nothing like it. It’s the pinnacle of our sport.”

NASCAR tickets for the DIRECTV Speedweeks 2008 events, including the 50th running of the Daytona 500, are still available by calling 1-800-PITSHOP or by visiting www.racetickets.com