Dale Earnhardt, Inc. and Ginn Racing are working on a merger agreement that, if finalized, would meld the two NASCAR organizations into a single company, multiple sources close to negotiations told ESPN.com on Monday. The deal is not done, but a decision will be made soon. Both organizations hope, sources said, to firm up outstanding details and announce a partnership immediately. This deal is an elaborate proposition that entails several obstacles, including how best to reduce from six Nextel Cup teams to the maximum four. The obvious answer, sources said, would be to eliminate Ginn's financially-strapped Nos. 13 and 14 teams.
I really don't know what to think about this report. I thought the merger was probably dead. Apparently something has sparked it again since the sources ESPN is using spoke today about the matter. Is there a way to sort out the issues?
Well to start with Sterling Marlin and Joe Nemechek can be let go at the end of the year because their contracts expire. ESPN is also reporting that Aric Almirola has been tabbed to share the 01 ride with Mark Martin next year. Therefore, Martin and Almirola could share the 01 Army car for DEI next year. That leaves Regan Smith who has been promised the 14 by Ginn. Put him in the 8 instead and "Bob's Your Uncle" you've got it. WOW!
It fits with all of the other rumors if you allow for a few errors given that they are rumors, acknowledge that the landscape is constantly changing and look at the objectives both organizations have.
On the one hand, you definitely would want a driver with Kyle Busch's TALENT in your stable if he was available, but if that is true (which would surprise probably four people, all named "Busch") you have to think that Truex' run of success has DEI believing they can afford to pass on Kyle.
OK, any rumors/reports on what Sterling will be doing? Is there an option with Furniture Row? I just don't like the way these things are done, but it isn't my money. To me this has been an odd year as far as driver changes, etc.
I imagine Sterling will take a week off to think through some things. I doubt he wants to take the rest of the year off. I bet we see him in a Furniture Row car this year if he can find some sponsorship. That, however, is not his strong suit.
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