UPDATE2: Letarte Speaks on Change

Steve Letarte said he is committed to 2014 success with Dale Earnhardt Jr. and the No. 88 Chevy this season, prior to leaving for the broadcast booth in 2015.

NBC Sports announced that Letarte would indeed join Jeff Burton and Rick Allen as the booth crew for the final 20 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series events of 2015, as well as for the Nationwide Series' final 19 races.

“I want to reaffirm my commitment to Dale Jr. and the entire 88 team to go win races and challenge for the championship in 2014," Letarte said.

He also said he couldn't pass up the opportunity to make the move.

"As soon as I met with Sam Flood (executive producer, NBC Sports) and his team at NBC Sports, it became obvious to me how excited they are to be covering NASCAR in 2015 and beyond,” Letarte said. “Their excitement, along with my love for racing, solidified my decision to move away from the pit box and into the broadcast booth. I want to thank Rick Hendrick and everyone at Hendrick Motorsports for the opportunities they have given me over the last 18 years."