Penske would take Earnhardt Jr.

Roger Penske said Friday that he has an interest in adding Dale Earnhardt Jr. to his Nextel Cup team, but he realizes it isn’t likely to happen.

“Certainly we’d like to talk to him," Penske said. “Obviously, he’s one of the top drivers in the sport. But from everything I’ve heard, he wants to say in a Chevrolet. We have a contract with Dodge and we’re loyal to that."

Penske also has a two-car Cup team with Kurt Busch and Ryan Newman. Cup team owners are allowed to have four cars, so Penske has the space to add Earnhardt.

Penske also is a team owner with the money to make a serious bid for Earnhardt’s services. Forbes magazine recently listed Penske’s net worth at $2.2 billion.