 |
 |
 |
|
The NASCAR rumor mill is always churning. With that in mind, we've got your one-stop shop for all the latest news and rumors about driver and crew changes for 2009.
Find the latest buzz on: Bill Davis Racing | Chip Ganassi | Dale Earnhardt Inc. | Gillett Evernham Motorsports | Haas CNC Racing | Hall of Fame Racing | Hendrick Motorsports | Joe Gibbs Racing | Michael Waltrip Racing | Penske Racing | Petty Enterprises | Red Bull Racing | Richard Childress Racing | Robby Gordon Motorsports | Roush Fenway Racing | Yates Racing
| Team | Car numbers | Make |
| Red Bull Racing | 83, 84 | Toyota |
(Updated Sept. 16)
Just the facts: Brian Vickers (83) is in the second-year of a multi-year deal, while A.J Allmendinger (84) is in the final year of his contract. On July 9, the organization announced that Jimmy Elledge, who was fired at Chip Ganassi Racing in May, has replaced Ricky Viers as Allmendinger's crew chief. Scott Speed, formerly of Toro Rosso's Formula 1 team, is racing in the ARCA Series as well as select Truck Series races. General manager Jay Frye mulled over an offer from Tony Stewart to move over to his new organization, but ultimately agreed to a contract extension with Red Bull.
Rumblings: Performance has improved greatly in 2008 -- at least for Vickers -- and Frye is seen as a key factor. With his contract now out of the way, Frye must sort out how Red Bull wants to proceed for next season. Owner Dietrich Mateschitz adores Speed and reportedly isn't interested in expanding to a three-car opertation. That could spell bad news for Allmendinger, who is twisting in the wind awaiting word on whether Red Bull wants him back or not. While Vickers was in contention for a spot in the Chase, Allmendinger still had his share of struggles, missing eight of 27 races (through Sept. 16). Frye, however, is said to be a big supporter of Allmendinger, so his return could me Allmendinger's job is safe. Discuss Red Bull Racing | ||
| Gillett Evernham Motorsports | 9, 10, 19 | Dodge |
(Updated Sept. 16)
Just the facts: Kasey Kahne (9) is under contract through 2010. Elliott Sadler (19) has signed a multi-year extension. Patrick Carpentier (10) is working off a one-year deal. Chip Ganassi Racing's Reed Sorenson has signed a multi-year contract with team with sponsor and car number to be announced.
Rumblings: With the Sorenson signing, the writing is on the wall for Carpentier. Though the organization says it's working to find sponsorship for a fourth team, Carpentier isn't hopeful and is talking with other organizations. As of Sept. 1, the former open-wheeler's best finish is 14th in 20 races, with an average finish of 30th. He also missed five events. The organization is suing Robby Gordon for breach of contract. In an agreement between the two at the start of the season, Gordon was to sell his team, shop and property in Charlotte to GEM. In their suit, GEM claims that Gordon has talked to other teams about merging which violated terms of their agreement. Reportedly, the real reason GEM wants out of its deal with Gordon is because it might be working on a deal to merge with Chip Ganassi Racing or Bill Davis Racing. Discuss Gillett Evernham Motorsports | ||
| Bill Davis Racing | 22, 23 | Toyota |
(Updated Sept. 16)
Just the facts: Dave Blaney pilots the 22, which will lose Caterpillar as its sponsor in 2009. The organization attempted to field a second car for former Formula One and CART champion Jacques Villeneuve, but sponsorship never materialized and they parted ways after he failed to make the Daytona 500.
Rumblings: Bill Davis has a solid Truck Series program with Mike Skinner and Johnny Benson, but the Cup side of things isn't going well with Blaney fighting to hang on to his spot in the top 35 in owner points. Despite the struggles and the need to find a replacement for long-time sponsor Caterpillar for his primary car, Davis still says he plans to a expand to a two-car operation next season. However, in an August internet report, Davis confirmed reports that he had spoken to Danny Sullivan, among several other suitors, about possibly selling his team. A fresh report in September, had Davis possibly selling his Cup teams to Gillett-Evernham Motorsports. Discuss Bill Davis Racing | ||
| Roush-Fenway Racing | 6, 16, 17, 26, 99 | Ford |
(Updated Sept. 12)
Just the facts: Carl Edwards (99) signed an extension in early May that reportedly should take him through 2011. Aflac has signed up as the full-time primary sponsor of the 99 car in 2009, replacing Office Depot. Greg Biffle (16) signed a three-year extension in late June. Matt Kenseth (17) and Jamie McMurray (26) are signed through at least 2009. David Ragan (6) will be back in 2009 with UPS as his new sponsor, replacing AAA..
Rumblings: Though Biffle was a wanted man by other teams (DEI, RCR and JGR were all rumored to have shown interest), he will remain with the organization with which he has driven his entire Cup career. With UPS on board and looking for a little stability in the driver it supports, Ragan is a good bet to lock up a multi-year deal. In early June, there were reports out of Dover that McMurray would not be back at Roush-Fenway next season and that he had been in contact with other teams. McMurray, however, denied that he has put out feelers elsewhere and Roush insists that he will run a car for McMurray in 2009. With Roush having to be down to four teams by 2010, it would appear McMurray is the odd man out, but don't count out Kenseth possibly bolting after next season. Until he signs a new deal (with Roush or elsewhere), Kenseth's free-agent status is going to be a big story in 2009 Discuss Roush-Fenway Racing | ||
| Stewart-Haas Racing | 14, 39 | Chevrolet |
(Updated Sept. 12)
Just the facts: Tony Stewart has been granted his release from the final year of his contract at Joe Gibbs Racing and will join the organization formerly known as Haas CNC Racing as a driver and 50% owner starting in 2009. He will race in the No. 14, the number used by his childhood hero A.J. Foyt, with Office Depot and Old Spice as his co-primary sponsors. Darian Grubb will leave his job as the engineering manager at Hendrick Motorsports to serve as Stewart's crew chief. Ryan Newman will leave Penske Racing and join the organization as Stewart's teammate, driving the No. 39 car with sponsors still to be announced. This season the team has fielded cars No. 66 and 70. Jeremy Mayfield started the season in the 70 car, but was released after the seventh race when the car fell out of the top 35 in owner points. Several drivers, including Johnny Sauter, who drove for the team in 2007, and Ken Schrader have filled the seat since. Scott Riggs pilots the 66 car. The team receives engine and technical support from Hendrick Motorsports. Haas CNC is currently operated by Joe Custer while Gene Haas serves prison time for tax evasion.
Rumblings: Burger King is looking like a stronger possibility as sponsor for Newman with UPS opting to sign with Roush-Fenway Racing. The 66 car has been in and out of the Top 35 in owner points. Newman would have to qualify on speed for at least the first five races of 2009 if the 66 team fails to end the season in the top 35. Stewart would be able to fall back on his past champion's provisional should he fail to qualify for any of the first five races on speed. Originally Newman had been pegged to drive a car featuring the No. 4, but that reportedly upset Morgan-McClure Motorsports, which has a longtime association with the number. Morgan-McClure has not run a race this season, however, it still has its sights set on an eventual return. Discuss Haas CNC Racing | ||
| Joe Gibbs Racing | 11, 18, 20 | Toyota |
(Updated Sept. 10)
Just the facts: Denny Hamlin (11) and Kyle Busch (18) are under contract through 2010. JGR will grant Tony Stewart his release at the end of the season. He was under contract through 2009. Joey Logano, who turned 18 on May 24, will take over the 20 car and will retain both sponsor Home Depot as well as crew chief Greg Zipadelli. In preparation for his full-time gig, Logano has been lined up for at least six Cup races in 2008. After qualifying was rained out for his scheduled Cup debut at Richmond, he will now make his debut in Hall of Fame Racing's 96 car at New Hampshire. He will also race at Kansas, Lowe's, Martinsville and Texas for HOF. He is scheduled to drive a JGR-prepared 02 car at Atlanta
Rumblings: The switch from Chevrolet to Toyota has gone smoother than the organization probably ever imagined. But Stewart was never very fond of the move and there was speculation from the start that he'd want to make a move back to a Chevrolet-backed team. Stewart will join Haas CNC Racing, which will be renamed Stewart-Haas Racing, as an owner-driver. Reportedly, JGR had talked to Carl Edwards as a possible Stewart replacement before he opted to resign with Roush Fenway Racing. Logano won in just his third Nationwide race (June 14 at Kentucky) with JGR. Discuss Joe Gibbs Racing | ||
| Robby Gordon Motorsports | 7 | Dodge |
(Updated Sept. 9)
Just the facts: Robby Gordon is the owner/driver of the single-car operation. On Feb. 1, it was announced that he had reached an agreement with Gillett Evernham Motorsports to receive technical, manufacturing and marketing support and was switching from Ford to Dodge. In addition, though not announced at the time, Gordon is to sell his operation to GEM at the end of the season. On Aug. 25, GEM filed a breach of contract lawsuit against Gordon, putting the sale in jeopardy.
Rumblings: It's nearly impossible to succeed as a single-car owner in NASCAR and the technical support from GEM has done nothing to improve Gordon's results on the track. Despite the lawsuit and lack of results, Gordon insists he still wants to merge with GEM and says he doesn't believe he has "breached anything." Because Gordon reached his agreement with GEM and made his switch from Ford to Dodge just days before the season started, it created a bit of chaos which lead to a penalty, later rescinded, when he was caught with an unapproved front end in pre-race inspection Daytona 500. Discuss Robby Gordon Motorsports | ||
| Penske Racing | 2, 12, 77 | Dodge |
(Updated Sept. 3)
Just the facts: Penske Racing and Ryan Newman (12) have mutually agreed to part ways at the end of the season. He will be replaced by David Stremme, who had been working as a test driver for the organization as well as driving in the Nationwide Series for Rusty Wallace, a former Penske driver. Alltel will continue as sponsor. Kurt Busch (2) is under contract through at least the 2009 season. Three-time IndyCar series champion Sam Hornish Jr. (77) is in his first full season in the Cup Series. On Aug. 19, Travis Geisler replaced Chris Carrier as Hornish's crew chief.
Rumblings: The 2008 season started in stellar fashion for Penske, with Newman and Busch finishing 1-2 in the Daytona 500 and Hornish a respectable 15th. But performance tapered off greatly. Newman will miss the Chase for the third straight season, while Busch will miss out for the second time in three season. Newman will join Tony Stewart at his new operation in 2009. The Charlotte Observer reported that Brad Keselowski was offered the No. 12 ride, but turned it down. Both Keselowski and the team denied an offer was ever made. In 75 career Cup starts (a majority with Chip Ganassi Racing), Stremme has managed just three top 10s. Discuss Penske Racing | ||
| Chip Ganassi Racing | 40, 41, 42 | Dodge |
(Updated Sept. 3)
Just the facts: Due to lack of sponsorship, Chip Ganassi shut down the No. 40 team on July 1. The car's primary driver was 2007 IndyCar Series champion and Indy 500 champion Dario Franchitti, who was trying to make the jump from open-wheel racing to stock cars. In 2009, Franchitti will replace Dan Wheldon in Ganassi's IRL cars. Reed Sorenson (41) is leaving to join Gillett Evernham Motorsports in 2009, leaving Juan Pablo Montoya (42) as the only one of the team's driver set to return next season. Before the race at Talladega in April, the crew chiefs for the 41 and 42 cars were swapped, with Donnie Wingo joining Sorenson and Jimmy Elledge moving on to work with Montoya. Ahead of the Coca-Cola 600 in late May, Ganassi replaced Elledge with Brian Pattie. Texaco/Havoline is leaving the sport and will not return as a sponsor for Montoya in 2009.
Rumblings: Franchitti missed seven of 17 races, five due to a broken ankle sustained in the Nationwide race at Talladega in April. In 10 races, his best best finish was 22nd (Martinsville, March 30) with no other finish better than 32nd. The team could be resuscitated if it lands sponsorship, but in the meantime, Ganassi has given Franchitti the option to continue in the Nationwide Series. Struggles for Franchitti were expected, not so for Sorenson and Montoya, leading to the crew chief swap as Ganassi hoped to jump start his teams. Several teams -- including RCR and JGR -- were rumored to be trying to woo Montoya away from Ganassi. But despite disappointment in the way his second season has played out, Montoya says he's loyal to Ganassi. Wheldon had mentioned last season that he wouldn't mind trying his hand at stock-cars, but then earlier this eyar said he was working on a three-year extension to continue to drive Indy cars for Ganassi. Turns out he's not making the jump to NASCAR, but moving to Panther Racing. A rumor that picked up some steam at Indianapolis is that Ganassi may join forces with Michael Waltrip Racing and Toyota, however, the organization has since shot it down. Discuss Chip Ganassi Racing | ||
| Hall of Fame Racing | 96 | Toyota |
(Updated Aug. 28)
Just the facts: J.J. Yeley was released prior to the Aug. 17 race at Michigan International Raceway. A combination of Brad Coleman, Ken Schrader and Joey Logano will fill the seat the remainder of the season. Logano, who will replace Tony Stewart in Joe Gibbs Racing's No. 20 car in 2009 is scheduled to drive at New Hampshire, Kansas, Lowe's, Martinsville and Texas.
Rumblings: At the time of his dismissal, Yeley had just one top 10 in 17 starts. He finished 24th or worse in his 16 other starts and ranked 36th in the standings. Yeley hasn't had much luck since his intial Cup start in 2004. In 95 starts, he has just seven top 10s, and a majority of his career was spent at Joe Gibbs Racing, of which HOF is somewhat of a satellite operation. Coleman, just 20 years old, had been a developmental driver for JGR, but he was released at the end of last year and was driving for Baker Curb in the Nationwide Series this season. He had three top-fives and five top-10s in 17 Nationwide starts for Gibbs last season. In 23 Nationwide starts (through Aug. 7) for Baker Curb, he has just one top 10. When Yeley's release was announced, the assumption was that Coleman was taking over full-time for the remainder of the season, but those plans quickly changed after he ran 38th in his debut. Discuss Hall of Fame Racing | ||
| Richard Childress Racing | 3, 07, 29, 31, 33 | Chevrolet |
(Updated Aug. 23)
Just the facts: Clint Bowyer signed a three-year contract extension and will move over to RCR's new fourth team in 2009, driving the 33 car sponsored by Cheerios and Hamburger Helper. Casey Mears will join the organization and take over driving duties in the 07 car, which will remain sponsored by Jack Daniels. Kevin Harvick (29) is signed through at least 2009. Jeff Burton (31) is signed through 2010 and will have Caterpillar as his sponsor, replacing AT&T.
Rumblings: For whatever reason, Richard Childress had trouble filling the seat for his new fourth team. Tony Stewart, Ryan Newman, Bobby Labonte and Greg Biffle were all rumored as candidates for the ride at one time or another but wound up elsewhere or staying where they were. Reportedly General Mills balked at having Mears drive its car seeing as he's been driving for cereal rival Kellogg's this season, which is the reason Bowyer got shuffled over to the 33 car. At the time of the announcement (Aug. 23), Childress said the points earned by Bowyer will not move over with him to the 33 car, meaning Bowyer, not Mears, would be forced to qualify for the first five races of 2009 on speed. However, Childress said they are "working on some things." It was also unclear weather crew chief Gil Martin would follow Bowyer to the 33 car. Discuss Richard Childress Racing | ||
| Petty Enterprises | 43, 45 | Dodge |
(Updated Aug. 23)
Just the facts: Petty Enterprises sold a controlling interest in the company to Boston Ventures. Bobby Labonte (43) has agreed to a contract extension through the 2012 season. General Mills, the primary sponsor of the 43 car, is moving to Richard Childress Racing in 2009. Kyle Petty mans the wheel of the 45 car.
Rumblings: The Petty's made a huge leap -- but a much needed one -- in giving up control. The organization has made baby-step improvements since Labonte came on board in 2006, but not yet enough to make him a top-10 contender on a weekly basis. The influx of cash and marketing prowess of Boston Ventures should help them land a sponsor for Labonte and continue the uptick for the race team. During the announcement, Boston Ventures also noted plans to expand to three teams in the future. But what's the deal with Kyle and the 45 car? His six-race stint with TNT over, Petty did not return to his seat at Indianapolis and will split time with Terry Labonte and Chad McCumbee the remainder of the season. After he was replaced by McCumbee at Texas in April he went so far as to say he'd join another team if his father Richard and vice president Robbie Loomis wanted him out of the car, but has since softened his stance and will do whatever is best for the team. A couple of drivers who had been making the rounds in the rumor mill for the ride in 2009 were Casey Mears and David Reutimann, but Mears joined RCR and Reutimann stayed at MWR. Discuss Petty Enterprises | ||
| Michael Waltrip Racing | 00, 55, 44 | Toyota |
(Updated Aug. 22)
Just the facts: Dale Jarrett ran the first five races of 2008 in the 44 car before a planned retirement. David Reutimann, who signed a contract extension through 2010, replaced Jarrett in the UPS car, moving over from the 00 car. The 00 ride was then assumed by Michael McDowell, with Aaron's as sponsor. On July 9, Peter Sospenzo was hired as crew chief for the 00 car, replacing Bill Pappas, who was moved to head of engineering. In 2009, Reutimann will move back into the 00 car with half of the season sponsored by Aaron's and the other half still to be announced. NAPA will return as the sponsor of Michael Waltrip's 55 car in 2009.
Rumblings: While Joe Gibbs Racing has enjoyed immediate success with its switch to Toyota, MWR continues to struggle. There has been some improvement as all three of his teams have made every race this season, unlike last year when Waltrip failed to make 22 races. There's no give up in Waltrip, but unless performance picks up soon, his organization could be in trouble. It seems a good bet that UPS is as good as gone. The loss of the sponsorship likely will force Waltrip to whittle his opertation to two cars, leaving McDowell out of a job. He's reportedly spoken with other teams about a possible ride for next season. Mike Skinner replaced McDowell for three races in August (Michigan, Bristol and California). Waltrip said the move was simply for evaluation purposes and that McDowell would be back in the car at Richmond. At Indianapolis, a new rumor began to take root that Waltrip would join forces with Chip Ganassi Racing. Discuss Michael Waltrip Racing | ||
| Dale Earnhardt Inc. | 01, 1, 8, 15 | Chevrolet |
(Updated Aug. 6)
Just the facts: On July 1, DEI announced Aric Almirola will man the wheel of the No. 8 car on a full-time basis in 2009. Almirola began splitting time in the car with Mark Martin when DEI merged with Ginn Racing in 2007. Martin Truex Jr. and the team have reached an agreement taking him through the 2009 season. The remainder of the 2008 lineup: in the 1, Paul Menard in the 15 and Regan Smith in the 01.
Rumblings: In July it was reported that DEI's president of global operation Max Siegel and a group of investors were in negotiations with Teresa Earnhardt to buy her out of DEI. Siegel, however, denied there was anything in the works. Truex, the main cog DEI is counting on as it moves on without Dale Earnhardt Jr., took awhile to finally come to terms on a deal for the 2009 season. A long-term extension is said to be in the works. Leaving an organization where he's the top guy and is locked into the top 35 didn't make much sense. Although Menard hasn't come along as DEI would have hoped, his seat is pretty much safe because he brings his own sponsorship. If the team can't find a sponsor for Smith in 2009 he may be out of luck. Martin will join Hendrick Motorsports on a full-time basis next season, replacing Casey Mears in the 5 car. It's not yet known whether Army will be back as sponsor of Almirola in the 8 car in 2009. Discuss Dale Earnhardt Inc. | ||
| Hendrick Motorsports | 5, 24, 48, 88 | Chevrolet |
(Updated July 4)
Just the facts: Mark Martin will replace Casey Mears in the 5 car in 2009. Jeff Gordon (24), Jimmie Johnson (48) and Dale Earnhardt Jr. (88) are all under contract for next season. Gordon's longtime sponsor DuPont has signed an extension through 2010.
Rumblings: If Martin can't get the job done in the 5 car in 2009, then it's probably a good sign that the problem over there is the team and the car, not the drivers. Martin wants to make one last run at the championship that has eluded him his entire career before returning to part-time work in 2010. Discuss Hendrick Motorsports | ||
| Yates Racing | 28, 38 | Ford |
(Updated May 8)
Just the facts: Driver lineup for 2008: Travis Kvapil (28) and David Gilliland (38).
Rumblings: Despite limited sponsorship backing, Yates Racing has soldiered on and put together a solid first half. They've been able to land some one-off sponsorhip deals for Kvapil, but haven't had much luck with Gilliland, who has shown much improvement in his second season. You have to wonder how long Yates can continue to stay afloat without a major sponsor? Discuss Yates Racing | ||
