Around the Sprint Cup garage this week
By Racin’ Roger
Michael Waltrip Racing has announced a press conference for next Monday that has drawn lots of speculation. The strongest rumor of course is that Martin Truex will join MWR in 2010 as the driver of the 55 car. Other talk centered on the possibility of Truex moving over in time for Chicago, but experience tells me that EGR would not agree to the early release.
Jeremy Mayfield heads back to court on July 1 in his quest to force Nascar to reinstate him. Should he fail at this one, look for his team to be sold within days. There is at least one prospective buyer in the waiting, but the identity is being closely guarded.
Danica Patrick’s name is swirling around with connection to a deal with Hendrick Motor Sports and a possible deal with JR motorsports or Stewart Haas Racing. Rick Hendrick adamantly denies all the rumors.
Looking ahead to the race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in late July, lots of veteran drivers anticipate being greeting by Humpy Wheeler, who is expected to be announced soon as the new President of IMS.
Larry Gunselman Racing quietly withdrew from the Lennox 301 after rain cancelled qualifying. The rain out would have guaranteed the team of starting position based on 2009 attempts. The obvious start and park team made a deal with Furniture Row Racing that allowed Regan Smith to make the race in the 78 car. Smith finished 27th one lap down and marked his 50th race without a DNF.
From the Nationwide garage
Word is out that the double file restarts will begin at Daytona.
Still no confirmation from Nascar, but talk about the garage is that the NEW CAR for the nationwide series will debut at Daytona in February. Seems that Nascar will call for the new car at 5 races including Daytona and the two road courses for 2010, with the full schedule to follow in 2011. Lots of mixed reactions from the teams. Many of the smaller teams are very upset and some plan to bolt from the series.
Things look bad for the Milwaukee mile for 2010, as they have been unable to pay Nascar the required sanction fees for last weeks race. Rumor has it that the promoter still owes the IRL for the may race there. Beside the Memphis races being moved to Alabama, looks like the Mile’s dates may be moved also.
Bobby Hamilton took over the 81 car of McDonald motorsports at Dover and has been with then ever since, but as they head to Daytona this week, Hamilton is out and ARCA driver Patrick Shelta will be in.
Richard Petty Motorsports has a two race deal with McDonalds for Daytona with Kasey Kahne in the 10 car and Chicago with Reed Sorenson , in the 43 Cup car.
Michael McDowell, 11th overall and 8th among the Nationwide regulars looks ahead to Daytona as his last race of the season. The team has no sponsorship in place for the second half of the season with the exception of the two road courses with Marcus Ambrose behind the wheel. Ted Geschickter, co owner, says’ they are unsure if they have the ability to run any un-sponsored races.
