Joliet, IL (Best E Casino) - Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s desire to drive for Hendrick Motorsports will force an end to his 10-year relationship with sponsor Budweiser.

On Friday, Hendrick Motorsports announced that because of long-term contracts with its current sponsors it would be unable to add Budweiser to Earnhardt's Chevrolet when he drives for the team in 2008.

"We have agreements in place with sponsors for the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup season, which prevent us from having a relationship with Budweiser," said team owner Rick Hendrick.

"Honoring our commitments is important to us," Hendrick added. "The trade-off is missing an opportunity to bring Budweiser, a marquee brand synonymous with NASCAR and its fans, into the fold."

Anheuser-Busch is expected to continue as a major sponsor in the sport and is currently looking for a new driver. Sources say that Kasey Kahne and the No.9 Evernham Dodge are high on the list.

"Budweiser will remain an active sponsor of NASCAR, and we look forward to building upon the legacy of the iconic Budweiser red car in 2008 and beyond," said Tony Ponturo, vice president of global media and sports marketing for Anheuser-Busch Inc.