Reports surfaced Wednesday that Max Siegel has stepped down as the president of global operations of the new Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing. Siegel will assume a new role in NASCAR by taking command of NASCAR's Drive for Diversity program.

"We're really not looking at it as parting ways," Siegel told ESPN.com of his relationship with Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing. "I want to do what's in the best interest of the sport and the company. I initiated the merger discussions [with Dale Earnhardt Inc. and Chip Ganassi Racing]. They were two organizations that fit well together.

"Chip being the principal owner is very hands on. [CEO] Teresa [Earnhardt] has a passion for racing, but really is focusing on the future and growth of the business. I feel this move gives me the best flexibility to accomplish my ultimate goals."

Rumors of Siegel's departure from DEI began to circulate the garage area during the season-finale at the Homestead-Miami Speedway. During his tenure with the organization, Siegel was forced to manage tumultuous contract negotiations with Dale Earnhardt Jr., 2007's merger with Ginn Racing and most recently the merger of DEI and Ganassi Racing.

Following the $225 million settlement in the sexual and racial discrimination case filed by former-NASCAR official Mauricia Grant, the top-ranking African-American in the sport has been tapped to run the Drive for Diversity program. Siegel has been brilliant in his dealings with DEI and looks to bring that savvy and experience with him on his next endeavor.

"NASCAR is an incredible sport," Siegel told Lee Spencer of FoxSports.com. "For years the Gibbs organization, Mr. Rick Hendrick and Jay Frye were all supportive of (former Green Bay Packer) Reggie White and I becoming members of the NASCAR community and growing its fan base and participants as broadly as possible.

"In order to accomplish this I felt it was necessary to pay my dues, learn the sport and gain the respect from those in the industry. Certainly, working with Dale Earnhardt Incorporated has given me the opportunity to learn the sport from the business level."