J.D. and Joe Gibbs both have said that they cannot envision a way for Dale Earnhardt Jr. to come to their organization and have Budweiser as his sponsor.
J.D. has also said that Gibbs Racing will not be expanding to four teams next year.
So that being said that means that one of the Gibbs current drivers: Tony Stewart, Denny Hamlin and J.J. Yeley would have to be let go.
Tony Stewart, 1999 Rookie of the Year and 2 time champion, has a contract with Gibbs until 2009. Plus he is in the premier lead car. So I seriously doubt Smoke would be willing to give up his ride to have Jr. at Gibbs Racing.
Denny Hamlin, 2007 Rookie of the Year, not sure when his contract runs, but it is probably until end 2007. Gibbs is known for signing their drivers to 3 year contracts. He has proven himself a winner by winning 3 times last year (Budweiser Shootout and both Pocono races). Plus was the only contender for Gibbs Racing last year in the Chase for the Championship. So I seriously doubt Gibbs is going to let him go. They very well have already extended his contract for another 3-5 years.
So this brings us to J.J. Yeley. Yeley has not performed the way that the Gibbs teams had hoped. Last Yeley was more likely to wreck than finish. But this year, he has finished in the top 25 in all but two races. A 36th at Bristol and a 43rd at Texas.
With his best finish coming Sunday in the Coca-Cola 600 a 2nd. If there would been just one more lap to the Coke 600, it might would have been J.J. Yeley celebrating in Victory Lane instead of Casey Mears. But would've, could've doesn't win races.
But with finishes like this, Yeley might have finally proven that he deserves to stay at Gibbs Racing. If Yeley continues to perform at this level, he very well might finish in the top 15 in points this year. And J.D. Gibbs who has said, “We went to J.J. and said no matter what happens, if we go out there and we run well together, you’re here forever."
So is J.J. racing to keep his job? Yes, and with finishes like this he isn't going to go anywhere. The Gibbs organization is extremely loyal to their drivers. If this wasn't so, a certain driver by the name of Tony Stewart would not be their top star right now. He would have long been gone from Gibbs.
But Joe Gibbs and J.D. Gibbs believe in their drivers and if that loyalty is returned by top runs, they will resign you for as long as you want to be in Cup racing.
So if Yeley keeps his job, where will Jr. go? It doesn't look like it will be Gibbs Racing.
Congratulations J.J. Yeley on a super job Sunday night. Keep this up and you will be finding yourself in the winner's circle very soon.
Today as we go about our cookouts and celebrations, take a moment and think about those who have given so much for our freedom.
These are the men and women who have fought so bravely on the front lines for our country for 231 years. Many gave their lives for our freedoms. More of them lived with the scares and injuries of the war that they fought in.
They are True Heroes. They gave us their time and their lives so that we could live in a land of freedom.
Also, while you are remembering them, remember their families. Because of the love and support of their families they are able to do their jobs and do their jobs very well.
Thank you to all our men and women and their families. Thank you for your sacrifice.
We will always remember, so we will always be free. Thank you!!!
Congratulations to Kyle Petty for a 3rd Place Finish. It was so good to see a Petty back in the top 5. Hope that we see you there more often.
When will someone else besides a Hendrick Team Win?
Don't get me wrong, I am happy to see Casey get his first win, but enough is enough. It is time for someone else besides Hendrick to celebrate in Victory Lane.
At this point and time, I would even welcome a Roush win. (Did I just say that? I must be really tired of Hendricks! hahaha)
