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NASCAR'S MARK MARTIN PLANS EXIT FROM DALE EARNHARDT INC. AND OTHER RACING NEWS

ON THE MOVE: It appears Mark Martin will leave Dale Earnhardt Inc. at the end of the season and join Hendrick Motorsports, replacing Casey Mears in the No. 5 Sprint Cup machine. Martin would share the ride with another driver. As well, Aric Almirola will move into the ride he currently shares with Martin at DEI full time.

DIED: Two-time NHRA Top Fuel champion Scott Kalitta, 46, died Saturday from injuries suffered in a violent crash during a Funny Car qualifying run at Old Bridge Township Raceway Park in Englishtown, New Jersey. The remainder of the event was completed in his honor. A public memorial service will be held Thursday in Norwalk, Ohio, where the NHRA competes this weekend.

DONATION: Iowa Corn Indy 250 winner Dan Wheldon and his teammate, fourth-place finisher Scott Dixon, donated their winnings to the flood relief effort in the state of Iowa. The donation is approximately $60,000.

A MEETING: Representatives of 11 engine manufacturers will participate in a manufacturer’s roundtable at Indianapolis Motor Speedway this week. The idea is to discuss possible engine regulations that would be put into place for the 2011 IndyCar Series season.

POWER RANKINGS: With his 11th NASCAR victory and fifth Sprint Cup Series triumph of the season Sunday at Infineon Raceway, Kyle Busch returned to the top of the National Speed Sport News Power Rankings. The National Speed Sport News Power Rankings are published weekly in the 74-year-old motorsports publication.

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