Hello again! I recently wrote an article on my blog that i received great reviews for, and i appreciate all feedback that agreed and disagreed with my comments. I feel like some revelations have come out, not alot, but id like to narrow out some a little. Here is my updated predictions for the silly season free agent frenzy, my favorite part of Nascar! I have to say, most of this update is based on things i heard with the resigning of Carl Edwards at Roush.
Gibbs: As you know, Tony Stewart has admitted that he's considering more options after his contract is up with Gibbs after the 2009 season, although it seems like more and more i hear, he may be out of the Gibbs organization after this year. The same situation applied to Bobby Labonte when he left Gibbs, he had one year left on his contract, but they went ahead and let him walk and although, no offense to Bobby, Tony is a bigger asset as a driver than Bobby is, but still a huge fan of Labontes, both Terry and Bobby.
As i stated before, some interesting news came with the resigning of Carl to Roush. Apparently, two teams drew out the contract negotiations between Roush and Edwards, and they were pretty big names, Gibbs and Hendrick. Now, Gibbs could be considering starting a fourth car, ive heard rumors of possibly CAT from Bill Davis is considering joining Gibbs to start a fourth car, but with the Tony noise out there and as hesitant as Gibbs are to take on a new car, not to mention that i dont think Carl would consider a ride without a guaranteed spot in the owner points starting next year, i think it was to replace Tony to let him move on to where he belongs, back behind a bowtie. Now, i thought they may move Joey Logano on up to Cup, but im not so sure they'd do it that quick, but they did for Kyle Busch, so i could be wrong. If they wanted to keep Tony and start a fourth team, they could take the owner points from Tony, like the Kurt Busch/Sam Hornish deal earlier this year, and Tony could use his past champ provisional to get in. It'd be the most logical business approach to take, but i dont see Tony being too happy about it.
Ive heard a few weeks ago that both Greg Biffle and Ryan Newman both may have put off their contract negotiations to see if the 20 car opens up. Although i think both these guys would be candidates if the Home Depot ride opened up, i think Truex and Reed Sorenson would also be a couple guys they might look at as well. I remember last year there were rumors that Gibbs was looking at Newman to replace Yeley in the 18 car (as well as Jr which i think they would've landed had they not switched to Toyotas), but the guy i think will take this ride IF Tony leaves, which i think he will, is Greg Biffle. I know he has said that he's about 99% sure he'll sign back with Roush, my thought is, if he's so sure, why hasnt he signed yet? I mean, Carl already has, and Biff says he hasnt had the time to discuss it, but as big of a distraction as it is, you'd think you'd want to get it out of the way ASAP!
It reminds me of a couple years ago, with Casey Mears. He had just replaced McMurray in the 42 car and was having some success, enough to get his sponsors some attention, but it was his final year and he said he was almost certain he'd be back with Ganassi as well as they were running. Then the ball dropped that Vickers was moving on to Red Bull (im sure it was a smart financial move, but a bad career move) and the very next day Mears announced he was taking over the 25 car at Hendrick. I see the same at Gibbs. I know that Gibbs tried very hard to get the Biff signed to take over the 11 Fed Ex car after Leffler was fired, and although it was a great year in 2005 for Biffle and a bad one for the Fed Ex car, the past two season the Fed Ex car with Hamlin has made the Chase twice in 2006 and 2007 with Biff missing both, plus that car has won alot more than Biff since then, it's gotta be a little bit of a regret not jumping on it. And although Carl Edwards is running very good at Roush, Kyle Busch is running even better at Gibbs, plus finishing dead last at Darlington isnt something i'd be happy about re-enlisting for in the 16 car. So until Biff signs that contract, im sticking with him going to the 20 car next year, and i think that'd be a great fit.
Hendrick: I had been borderline on if a ride would be open here or not, but the more i hear, the more i believe there will be. It could be after this year, and even possibly next year, but i think when Casey Mears contract is up, he wont be back. As i stated before, the two teams i heard that were heavily trying to persuade Carl away was Gibbs and Hendrick. Obviously, Dale Jr is the flagship of the organization right now and the other two, Gordon and Johnson, have six championships between them, so who does that leave? How bout the guy with one win on fuel mileage last year, that failed to make the chase last year, and nearly fell out of the top 35 in owner points last year, and very close to as well this year! After his embarassing finish at Richmond and Darlington, he is mired in 27th in owner points, 270 out of making the 12th spot of the Chase this year. Now, last year, he took over the worst ride in the Hendrick stable, maybe it was a #25 curse, i dont know, but he recieved a championship contending team this year, and has done squat with it. All the other drivers are qualified for the chase as of right now, what's his problem? You could say it's because he's been with four different teams with four different crew chiefs, but the difference this time is that he is with a team that has proven it can contend for wins and championships, which he is doing neither right now.
I know his contract ends after the 2009 season, and yes he could be back next year, but my prediction is that unless he wins a race and or makes the chase for the cup, then this will be his last year with Hendrick, and i might be strict, but i dont see anymore excuse why to keep him. Now, the two names, beside Edwards, that have came up for this ride IF Casey is gone is Truex and Tony Stewart. And ill go ahead and say it, i see Tony in this ride next year. I know it's hard to see Tony fitting in there, but i never thought id see the day a Earnhardt and Gordon are teammates, so if that can happen, then Tony can too. I do know that a couple weeks ago that Rick Hendrick said Tony Stewart was NOT on his radar, unless he could get Nascar to break the rules and start a fifth team, but like the reporters pointed out, this is the same guy that said last year "there's no room at the inn for Earnhardt Jr" and where's Jr at now! Plus there was another year on Kyle's contract and yet he cut him out early. And how can u make the arguement that you'd fire Busch for Jr, but you would fire Mears for Stewart? Dont get me wrong, i think it was a great move on Hendrick's part last year, but to keep Mears instead of picking up Stewart would be a stupid move!
I think if Stewart was to take over the 5 car, although Hendrick would own it all, i think it'd really create a huge rivalry and would be great for the sport! I think you'd see Jr and Tony's shop versus Johnson and Gordon's shop. It'd be competition among a company, like a civil war in a way! Now i know alot has to happen and alot of guys have to get out of contracts early (Stewart and Casey), but i keep hearing this come up more and more. Now if Casey does stay thru the end of 2009, i think Stewart's name would come up again, but i think there would be another suprise name who i would love to see here, and that's Matt Kenseth. I know he's pissed for losing Robbie Riser and he's been showing that it's really hurt his team this year. Roush has made it very clear he wants Riser where he is and that he's NOT going back to Kenseth's crew chief pit box.
Kenseth's contract is up after the 2009 season, and i think he'd be a great fit at Hendrick with Jr, but again, Kenseth and Gordon are like oil and water, but so are Jr and Gordon. As far as Casey, i see two different scenarios. The most likely is the same as the one for Joe Nemechek when he was released from Hendrick to make room for Brian Vickers after the 2003 season, i see Mears moved to that open 70 car, but with Jr and Stewart owning it after aquiring it from Haas and change the name. Ive heard that Bass Pro may be looking elsewhere with the possibility of Truex gone from DEI, that they may be looking to team up with Stewart, and although Stewart wouldnt drive the car, i think he and Casey, Stewart, and Jr would more than make Bass Pro happy to sponsor the 70 car. I know it's outside the owner points, but maybe Tony could race it for the first five races using his past champ provisional, then switch with Mears to take it over. I know that's a long shot but a possibility. The other rumor ive heard, primarily from fans, is maybe Mears over at DEI, i assuming like a swap for Truex to the five. Maybe he'd be enough to keep Bass Pro at DEI, but i highly doubt there is a driver they are possibly going to get to save DEI. If Mark Martin cant do it, which i think he cant, then they are a sinking ship. Tony could take a page out of Dale Sr smart moves page, own your own team, just drive for someone else as he did with DEI and RCR!
Roush: I know ive talked alot about him with Kenseth, Edwards and Biffle, but i really believe one of his rides is goin to open up next year (according to my prediction it's Biffle), and i think it'll be filled by Newman. I would've predicted Ragan at the beginning of the season, but apparently people are sold on him, i am not one of those, but from what i hear Roush is. Yes, McMurray is running very poorly but again ive heard that other teams wanted to know last year when his contract was up with Roush, and Roush said last year he is very committed to Jamie McMurray. I predicted Kenseth earlier, but that was IF Casey stays in his ride all thru next year, which i dont believe he will, and Ryan's contract is up after this year, not next year. I know that Roush went after Newman heavily during his last contract expiration with Penske, but i think the Penske Newman split is coming and Roush will replace Biffle with Newman.
Penske: I know there are alot of people that would like to see Truex and Jr teamed up again, and yes they did make a great team and would be a better option than Mears, but Tony is a better one than Truex and with my pick of Tony going to replace Mears, there is no room for Truex. So where does Truex go? I see him replacing Newman in the 12 car. Ive heard that Penske desperately tried to lure Kenseth and Truex away to replace Rusty Wallace, but in the end had to buy Kurt Busch. I think Truex may have regreted not taking that ride. It has won more races than his team has and it is in better shape.
i heard a rumor last week that UPS was considering a fourth car at Penske with Truex, but as much as a struggle as it's been with Hornish starting the third team, i just dont see a fourth team in Penske's organization yet, it's too quick to try and double your organization in two years and expect them to all be competitive. Not even Hendrick has that right now! And i gotta be honest, i think Truex would like to be out of Dale Jr's shadow that' he's been under for quite some time. Plus, i had heard talk last year that Alltel was considering getting out of Nascar last year, so that'd make room on the 12 car for UPS if that were true, but with Newman possibly being gone next year, i just see Truex sliding into that ride. Also, Reed Sorenson could be a consideration here to as well as Penske's test driver David Stremme, but i think Truex is the likely candidate.
RCR: I know alot of people think Tony would be a great fit for this ride, and i wouldnt be mad if did end up here, but i still going to stick with my prediction of Bobby in this ride next year. Ill admit, the only guy i feel that is capable and is validated in stealing this ride from Bobby is Tony, but i just dont see no ties to Cup ownership with this ride, as is the the problem at Gibbs. Plus, i'd rather see Tony teamed up with his buddy Dale Jr instead of Harvick, not a fan of Harvick, but that's another topic! I know Truex name has popped up here and i'd love to see Biffle in this car as well, but i dont see either happening, it's possible, but i dont think it will.
I know it was reported last week that Bobby had signed a contract extention with Petty, but he denied it as did his crew chief. As a Bobby fan, i really hope he moves to RCR. I think he's the best fit for that car (especially with his past champ provisional), he already drives for RCR in the Nationwide ride, and it'll have his sponsor he has now, which he has signed to his representation agency he started last year, General Mills is his client there. I think RCR can do for Bobby what they did for Jeff Burton and Bobby needs to look where all three RCR cars finished in the points last year, and where they are this year, all qualified for the Chase, and look at where the Petty's are, they havent won a race in almost ten years! If Bobby does resign with Petty's, then he needs to go on and retire, cause all he'll be doing is embarassing himself out there each week. I understand what loyalty, but i believe this is Bobby's last chance to contend for wins and championships, something Hendrick did for his brother Terry back in the 90's. I have heard though that if Petty does resign Bobby, then they have a shot of getting Cat sponsorship away from Bill Davis, but that's does rely on the Petty's obtaining Bobby.
Ganassi: I really believe, like i mentioned before, that Reed Sorenson is out at Ganassi after this year. I also read last week that Target is thinking about pulling it's sponsorship from Nascar, although they just need to leave Ganassi, not Nascar. There are two guys i could see replacing Reed Sorenson, David Stremme and Dan Wheldon. I think Wheldon could be the more likely candidate to help try and keep Target, but Stremme is the better option, but Ganassi has #### regardless. As for Reed, im not sure where he could turn up. If Penske did start a fourth car, which like i said i dont think he will, and he loses Ryan Newman, Penske could pick up both Truex and Reed.
Dodge might like to keep Reed in their stable and Penske is that option, although if i was Evernham, i'd hire him to replace Patrick in the 10 car, but if he ended up there, it'd probably be to replace Sadler to let him go to a better organization, which i wish he would, he deserves better than what he has with the 19 car. Reed has alot of talent in my opinion and if Ganassi lets him get away, which he will, Ganassi is an ####! it's not Reed, it's the equipment! Although i think Reed would be considered for alot of rides and would be a great option, my prediction is he could end up maybe being the driver that keeps Bass Pro at DEI. Although i hate to see him go there, he has alot of talent and if DEI could get him, they better jump on him!
Mikey Waltrip Racing: I didnt talk much about this in my previous blog, but more light is being shed on this team, and it's not looking good for this team's future. I predict if Mikey is lucky, then he'll have a two car operation next year, and either he or David Reutimann will be the odd man out. I know that UPS is looking around, primarily at Carl Edwards at Roush, but i've also heard Burton's name at RCR pop up since ATT has to be off that car by the end of this year, per their agreement with Nascar and Sprint. I have also heard UPS as i stated is possibly looking at Truex with Penske, but as i stated i predict on the 12 car replacing Newman, not with fourth car like it was rumored.
Also, Napa's in their final year of their contract with Mikey and i really believe they might be jet setting off as well, and i couldnt blame them. But i've heard a rumor that would actually be a plus to MWR if it was true. I read that Office Depot could be considering sponsoring Michael McDowell in the 00 car next year, but if that happens then more than likely MWR looses UPS. I hear that Office Depot doesnt want to pay the raised price for Carl's sponsorship, but that UPS would be willing too, and of course Office Depot could go to MWR for alot cheaper. I think Office Depot thinks they could create and image with Mike McDowell as they did wtih Carl Edwards, the only difference is is that Carl was with an established team in Roush when they took a chance on the 99, MWR is a lousy team to join if Office Depot opts to do that, which i think you will just see a swap of sponsors between MWR and Roush. And i believe Napa will end up on the 31 car of Jeff Burton next year.
So here's my quick rundown of predictions for next year:
Greg Biffle=20 Home Depot Toyota, Ryan Newman=16 Roush Ford, Tony Stewart=5 Kelloggs's Chevy, Martin Truex=12 Alltel Dodge
Driver's move: Casey Mears, David Stremme, and Reed Sorenson
Sponsor's move: Catipillar, unsure where. I think UPS and Office Depot swap teams, Napa goes to RCR to sponsor Jeff Burton next year.
Thanks for reading and please leave feedback and look forward to reading it!
This article got me excited for my favorite part of Nascar, silly season and it's not to early to start! Well, there is so many, i dont even know where to start!
Petty Enterprises: I think this right here will be the biggest shake up of any other organization. Even though they just recently moved closer to the heart of Nascar and in a bigger facility, i think it's WAY too late! I think Bobby Labonte and Cheerios will be moving to the 4th RCR car and instead of the 43 Cheerios Dodge, it'll be the 33 Cheerios Chevy and Bobby's past champ provisional will get that car into the top 35 in owner points after Bristol 2009. I also think Kyle will finally get out of the 45, but again, to little, to late. I think Petty's will be back at Level Cross shop operating as a one car team with Cheerios gone and the it'll be Chad McCumbee in the 43 Marathon/Well's Fargo Dodge with the 45 number done away with.
RCR: Besides the additon as i stated above of Bobby and Cheerios expanding RCR to a four car operation, Jeff Burton will have a new sponsor as ATT has to be off the car as per their agreement with Nascar and Sprint. I could see ATT moving to Nationwide to sponsor either the 29 or 21 Nationwide car(as they are allowed in Nationwide or Truck series) and i could see Burton's 31 car sponsored by a combination of sponsors such as Holiday Inn, State Farm, Prilosec and or possibly Reese's/Hershey's. If somehow they dont get Bobby for that fourth car, other names that pop up are Scott Wimmer or Stephen Leicht, but i think Greg Biffle would be the only other person that would be as great of a catch as Bobby.
Roush: At the first of the year, i predicted Biffle would be out of Roush, and i still hope so, but as he is running in the points right now, my dream of him in a Bowtie isnt looking good right now. He has stated he 's working on a contract that will keep him at Roush till 2011, but he also stated if he has to, he is willing to look outside Roush if they cant agree on an extension. I thought David Ragan would be the guy getting the ax when they cut to 4 cars, but right now im so sure. The only driver i ever pull for in any Ford camp is Jamie McMurray and right now, his future is looking very bleak with Roush. Im not saying he'll get fired, but it has been rumored with AAA leaving the 6 car after this year, his car would be the one cut out and Crown Royal and Irwin would be on the 6 car. I can say that whatever car does get cut, the 6 car will NOT be the number that gets cut. I also heard talk in the off season that Matt Kenseth's sponsor is one of the weakest at Roush and with his run in with Carl last year, that he could be exploring other options and id love to see him in a Bowtie, but that to me is a longshot as well. If Roush was to hire another driver to replace any of these i mentioned, the most likely candidate i could see in one of his cars next year is Ryan Newman. I know Roush pursued him when his contract nearly expired last time. I also think Erik Darnell, in my opinion, is ready to move to Cup and i think has more talent than David Ragan and should've been put in the 6 car instead of Ragan.
Ganassi: Although i dont think this team is in the most dire straits, i think it does have a mess that is not goin to be cleaned up any time soon. I think Ganassi is a fool for opening the open wheel invasion. I think to bring one in is fine, but when you have Reed Sorenson as your veteran driver and the rest of your team are former open wheelers, i think this company will lose alot more than it's gaining in this gamble. I think it was very ignorant to get rid of Sterlin Marlin and i dont believe that Ganassi was doing enough to give McMurray what he needed to succeed there and thus i dont blame him for leaving, although im not happy where he went to in Roush. I think Reed will be gone after this year, to much, much greener passengers, and that's really will be bad news for Ganassi, as if it wasnt bad enough. The candidate most likely to replace Sorenson would be Dan Wheldon as he really wants to go to Nascar, but Bryan Clausen could also be an option as well, but both would be rookies and is a bad option as well. Ganassi could move both of them to Cup and have four teams, but with as much trouble he's having to find sponsorship for Dario's #40 car, i highly doubt that. I dont think Dario will get back in the top 35 and if no sponsor is found and Reed does leave, there is also the possibility Ganassi could go to two car team and move Dario to the Target Dodge although i not completely sold on that happen, it could come down to that. I think Ganassi's problem is that being in IRL and Nascar is what is hurting him and i think he needs to get out of IRL to focus more on his Nascar program, but until he does that, i see Ganassi going from bad to worse.
Penske: I also think Penske's problem is what Ganassi's is as well, be involved in both IRL and Nascar and i also believe if he was to get out of IRL, i think you'd see a huge improvement in his Nascar program because all his focus would be in Nascar. I think he would've won a championship and Daytona 500 a long time ago if it wasnt for his IRL program. As far as his Nascar team, i think, even though he won the Daytona 500, i think Ryan Newman will get swayed away to another team (as i stated above i think Roush would get him) and so there could be a new face in the Penske organization next year. Even if Sam Hornish was to fall out of the top 35, i think Penske would stay at a three car operaton. I think Sam isnt goin anywhere and i think he'll be fine (remember that Jeff Gordon was absolutely terrible his rookie year, and look how he is now) and i dont see any of Penske's sponsors going anywhere. Now, if Sam's car did fall out of the top 35 at the end of the year, i could see Penske either moving Sam to the 12 Alltel Dodge or moving the points of that car to the 77 Mobil Dodge and possibly going after a past champ such as Bobby Labonte or pull the blindside like he did in getting Kurt Busch and i could see that upset being Matt Kenseth. A couple other guys that could be a consideration is Martin Truex Jr, who's contract is up after this year, as well as possibly another Dodge driver right now, Reed Sorenson. And another note, before Penske hired Kurt to replace Rusty Wallace, Martin Truex Jr and Matt Kenseth was a couple of his first options.
DEI: This team right here, their future is the worst of any others in my opinion. I think first off that Truex Jr will not be back next year with DEI and will be heavily pursued by otther, much better options. The good news for DEI is that they have Bono Manion, Truex's crew chief and Bass Pro sponsor, signed thru 2010. I think DEI will be back down to three cars next year with the #01 Regan Smith car will be phased out as it will probably not be back in the top 35 and is without sponsor and Regan has only a one year contract. I actually dont even see Regan Smith finishing the full season in that car, i think Aric Amirola will end up replacing him in the races that he's not in the 8 car. I know that DEI heavily pursued Biffle last year and will do so again this year, but i dont think they'll have a real chance of getting him, even if Mark Martin is a former teammate and friend of Biffle's. Only if they get Biffle do i see DEI staying a four car operation. Although i dont think he has any business being in Nascar Sprint series, i unfortunately dont see Paul Menard goin anywhere for one simple reason, his daddy's money and sponsorship is so, so important to DEI. My prediction will be that Amirola replaces Truex in the #1 Bass Pro Chevy, Menard stays in the 15 Menard's Chevy, Mark is under contract with DEI for next year as well and will run the same amount of races with the 8 car and sharing it with DEI developmental driver Jeffery Earnhardt with him running some Nationwide races at the end of this year to get some seat time.
Gibbs: I know this is a longshot, but ill predict it anyways. I think that Tony and Kyle WILL get into it not only once, but a couple of times, that Tony will win races but still will be unhappy with driving a Toyota and will be out of Gibbs and back with a Chevy team. Now i didnt mention it earlier, as this is a longshot, but i think if Stewart does leave Gibbs, i think he would be the second candidate behind Bobby Labonte for that fourth RCR car. He would be the first candidate, but Bobby's contract is up after this year and Stewart's expires after the 2009 season, so as of right now, he's in that 20 car the rest of this year and next year. But with his status with Harvick, and his past champ provisional, i think he'd fit in very very well with RCR's stable. If he did go to RCR's team, like Bobby, he'd probably get the #33 as well, although i will mention this side note, my personal preference is that i wish for Dale Jr to bring back the #3 and after that i dont care who drives that number, but if Tony Stewart was to drive the 3 car, i think he could hold the reputation that Dale Sr had with it up to par and would make it where it got just as much attention as it did when Sr drove it. As far as who would be Stewart's replacement, my first guess would be the guy who everybody says is the next Jeff Gordon, and that's Joey Logano. But i think there is the possibility you could also see Gibbs, like RCR, expand to four teams. I read a rumor on www.jayski.com that it's rumored that Catipillar has only a one year contract that expires after this season and that with Blaney outside the top 35, CAT could be looking to jump from the BDR Toyota team to the Gibbs Toyota team. A couple of guys i think Gibbs would go after is Ryan Newman or Greg Biffle, both being rumored in the past. As a matter of fact, Biffle was pursued heavily to replace Jason Leffler in the Fed EX car back in 2005.
Hendrick: I only see one driver out of a ride here, and that's Casey Mears. Now, his contract does not expire until after next year, like Stewart, but he is about to fall out of the top 35 in owner points, as he almost did last year in the 25 car. I have to say, i know Kyle Busch was a pain, and i agree that Hendrick driver change in who he pushed out and for he did so. I think it should've been Casey Mears pushed out for Dale Jr, not Kyle Busch. I understand why Hendrick got rid of Kyle and i think Rick was smart to pick up Dale Jr, but Kyle has talent and proved he deserved to stay much moreso than Casey has. Ive always felt that Casey was overrated, that Ganassi was backing a dead horse in keeping Mears, and the accusation that has been thrown at Jr applies to Casey, that he only has a ride because of his last name. There is seveal drivers that i'd like to mention who i would love to see replace Mears that would fit great with Dale Jr in that shop such as Tony Stewart, Matt Kenseth, Greg Biffle or even Martin Truex Jr and i think all those could be candidates and would be a much better option than Casey Mears. If Mears was to fall out of the top 35 and start missing races, i think not only would he be fired, i thnk they'd bring Terry Labonte back to use his past champ provisional to get the car back in the top 35 in owner points and once he did, i think Hendrick would split seat time for the rest of the season for the 5 car between Landon Cassill and Brad Kelwoski and if neither stood out as a potential Cup star, then those drivers i named could go into the 5 car next year.
Bill Davis Racing: There is a story on www.jayski.com that im suprised that it's not getting talked about it more. Apparently BAM Racing (Ken Schrader's 49 Dodge team) has merged with Bill Davis Toyota team and the BAM racing team will be switching to Toyotas and in essence, make Bill Davis Racing a two car team again. Now both cars are outside the top 35 in owner points, the only reason im interested in this merger is that the 49 car gets a new sponsor and a great one at that, which is Microsoft. I think if Hall of Fame was smart, they would merge their operation with another Toyota team (preferably Gibbs to make up the fourth car) and dump JJ Yeley, they'd be doin a whole lot better than they are now. If BDR doesnt get their operation turned around here soon, i could definitely see CAT moving to Gibbs and couldnt blame them.
There are also other teams i just dont see being around much longer, two of which are Ford teams. I think in Ford's best interest , what they need to do is merge Yates, Wood Brothers and that fifth team that Roush has to do away with to create a second four car Ford team plus the numbers line up pretty good as well in the 21, 26, 28, and 38 car. The fifth Roush car and Wood Brothers car already has sponsorship, just find sponsors for the two Yates car, and i think that's a great solution for Ford, and all the teams involved. Too bad it's unlikely to happen. Right now, i see te Yates and Wood Brother's future not very long term in the sport and that's really sad to say.
There is others i could mention such as Evernham and i dont see much chaning there except maybe the 10 car being gone, but i think Evernham/Gillette will stay a three car team with Gordon and the #7 merging completely and getting the sponsorship of the 10 car. That also means i think that Patrick Carpentier will not last long in Nascar. As far as others, i could see Red Bul replacing AJ Allmendeinger permanently next year with Scott Speed. I think that pretty much covers all the big teams and big name drivers. Anyways, that's just some of my predictions! Please feel free to comment!
To answer the firs question, i think there are two reasonable organizations i think he'll end up at, 1) Joe Gibbs Racing, or 2) Childress Racing. Although my sentimental choice is RCR and i'd be happy him goin there, i think for what he wants to accomplish before his racing career is over and create his own identity, i think Gibbs is the best choice and will be his future desination. I think first off that he'd would mesh better with Stewart and Hamlin more so than i can see him workin with Harvick, Burton or Bowyer. Second, if he was to slide into the 18 car (and if he did, i dont think and hope they wouldnt change the # because 08 or 03 or all them zero numbers are so stupid to run and i'd hate to see him run one) he'd have a guaranteed starting spot whereas if he went to RCR in whatever number he ran, he would have to race his way in until he was in the top 35 in owner points, if that rule is still in place next year and Scott Wimmer has not made a race yet in a fourth RCR car. And even though Jr and Childress are close, i think Jr has alot of respect and admiration for Gibbs as well and is a huge Redskins fan and im sure would love some season tickets to some games. Even though i think RCR is turning the corner on competitiveness, a big part due to the hiring of Burton, i think Joe Gibbs is on top of the COT just as much if not more than Hendrick and with it more than likely being used full time next year, i think he can win a championship much, much sooner at JGR rather than at RCR. And although the major arguement against Jr at JGR is Bud as his sponsor, who says that Bud will even be his primary sponsor next year? He has no contract signed with him and they are many, many companies that would jump at the opportunity to sponsor him. And there are many other drivers in need of a sponsor that, although not as popular as Jr, could bring in some big bucks such as Biffle or Jeff Burton, depending on how the A####mp;T lawsuit comes out. I've even heard rumblings that although Truex is under contract until after 2008, that this is Bass Pro Shops last year and that they are looking to move to another team, hearing maybe JGR, so Bud could stay and go after Truex, he's marketable, young, and Miller Lite wanted him for the 2 car after Rusty retired but had no luck. And i dont even understand how even Ganassi or Penske could get Jr, with Penske having the Miller Lite sponsor and Ganassi with Coors Light and that could be a problem at RCR with Bowyer having Jack Daniels as a primary sponsor. And also, for Gibbs and Bud sponsor goes, the old saying is money talks and bullcrap walks! Besides, if he has no problem with his drivers participating in the Bud Shootout and in the Busch series and running those decals, why should he have a problem with being a primary sponsor? If it bothers him so much, why doesnt he do like Petty Enterprise and not participate in the Busch series or Bud Shootout cause he has no problem with Denny or Tony having their pic taken wearing a Bud Hat or with Busch beer on the roof of the car when Denny won at Darlington, so what's the problem to him? I say if Bud being the sponsor is what prevents Gibbs from hiring Jr, then Gibbs is a hyprocrite in my eyes. Im not knocking his faith, but if promoting alcohol is a no-no to him, then he shouldnt be sporting ANY decals featuring alcohol. Plus did he not have a problem when the series was the Winston Cup? Like i said, if he dont sign Jr because of Bud, Gibbs is a two face hyprocrite and an ####.
Now, who replaces Earnhardt? I tell you, nobody but one person has even suggested a possbile candidate and they said Greg Biffle. I think if DEI could, and that's a big could, get a star like Biffle, then it would elevate their chance of stayin alive a lil bit longer. I honestly believe that if they can just get a driver who can be a temp fix until Jeffery Earnhardt is ready for Cup, then i think they'll survive for a long time to come. I hear great things bout Jeffery and that four other teams were interested in snagging him and i heard just recently that even though Jr is leaving, Jeffery is staying. I think Kerry, although he hasnt shown much in his short time on the track, could also be another temp driver to climb in just until Jeff is ready. Another guy that would be a big steal that could be on the market is Ryan Newman, but like Biffle, his contract is up after 2008, not 2007. A few other drivers that could be lookin for a new ride and may be considered for whatever number DEI put on the side of the vacated car, in my opinion are Scott Riggs, JJ Yeley, possibly David Stremme, maybe they'd get lucky enough to get Reed Sorenson, or maybe Jeremy Mavfield. One guy i'd love to see get Jr's ride that has alot of fans believe or not is Ward Burton, and although i think he'd be a good fit, i dont think they'd hire him because of his age, but his contract is up after this year. My theory on what will probably will happen is that with Jr out, Yates will merge with DEI, you'll have a four car operation with ALL being Ford's, and whether Paul Menard or Ricky Rudd's car is outside the top 35 in owner points, that's who'll get Jr's car owner points, but i dont think Rudd will be back next year, he only signed a one year contract and is not very competitive and you'll see Leicht moved up with Citifinancial and they'll change the number of all the car's to the #8, #28, #38, and the #88 and drop the #1 and #15 with a new sponsor on Truex, possibly him sliding into the #8 Bud Ford, Menard in the #88 Menard's Ford, Leicht in the #28 Citifinacial Ford and Gilliland in the same #38 M&M's Ford, or it could be Truex in the 28 Bud Ford, i dunno, but i do think that the merger with Yates and DEI will happen to try and save DEI from goin down and try and stop the bleeding. And as far as other sponsors out there for Jr, some that would go after him if he needs one would be maybe NAPA, Catipillar(their contract with Bill Davis is up after this year), maybe Valvoline. I thought UPS might would but if he goes to JGR, with Denny in the FedEx Car, that wouldnt work out. You never know, i think even GM Goodwrench maybe would consider joining in that hunt.
