Two single-car operations will combine forces in 2009, at least for the season-opening Daytona 500. John Carter's EM Motorsports and Mark Simo's Simo Racing have announced-

plans to operate as Carter/Simo Racing, and are expected to enter two cars under separate manufacturers for the 500. The No. 08 Ford will now be driven by Boris Said, while James Hylton will drive the No. 60 Dodge.

EM Motorsports towed to nearly half of the races in 2008 but made just one race, as Johnny Sauter qualified at Fontana and finished 43rd with overheating issues. Carter's team finished 47th in owner points.

Said has driven for Simo since 1999, and finished 35th in last year's Coke Zero 400 at Daytona after a late-race accident. Hylton, who made his Daytona 500 debut in 1966, was 72 when he attempted to qualify for the 2007 race. He made his last Cup appearance at Darlington in 1993.

It's unclear whether the affiliation will continue in some form for the rest of the season. The EM Motorsports Web site is offering full- and part-time 2009 sponsorship packages for both cars.

"Source by-Mark Aumann"