Auto Racing

Posted by Jeremy Dunn

Following practice on Saturday, Danica Patrick confronted Milka Duno, the other female driver in the IRL, as she felt that Duno should have allowed the faster cars to pass. Patrick, who has been known to have a short fuse, had some choice words for Milka Duno, who did not take to well to the tongue lashing. Duno quickly reacted and even threw a towel in Patrick's face.

"Unfortunately, things involving me tend to evolve," Danica Patrick said. "I'm on the hot seat when I do something and when others do something (connected to me). It's kind of the line that I walk because I'm popular."

Patrick claimed that she just wanted to know if Duno saw her.

Milka Duno later stated that Patrick may be allowed to push the guys around, but not her.

Watch it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LXDEPrIr9I

Posted by Jeremy Dunn

Now that it is official that Ryan Newman will not return to Penske Racing in 2009, a replacement must be found. Casey Mears and David Stremme are two leading candidates for that ride. Both drivers are linked to Penske in some form. Casey's uncle Rick Mears spent years driving for Roger Penske in the open wheel ranks.

Stremme is a test driver for Penske . Additionally, he drives for Rusty Wallace in the Nationwide Series. Wallace and Penske remained friends after they parted ways in 2005.

Michael McDowell, Reed Sorenson, and Martin Truex Jr are rumored drivers as well. However, no one has mentioned Steve Wallace as a candidate for the 12 ride. Rusty's son struggled mightily in his first full season in the Nationwide Series, but he is improving. He has two top five finishes and three top ten finishes in twenty starts, which is by no means striking, but it would make sense for Roger to hire young Wallace.

It seems inevitable that Wallace will end up at Penske one day. No offense to Mears or Stremme, but they have been there done that in Sprint Cup . Neither driver enjoyed much success. Of course, everyone deserves a second chance, which is why Stremme or Sorenson could end up in the ride. But Mears has had several chances. Wallace would be a fresh face.

Some new blood could do that organization some good. Obviously, Wallace would wreck a few cars before he becomes a contender.

Stremme is the logical choice based on the fact that he has tested extensively with Penske's COT program and has outperformed Wallace in the same equipment. He is the best candidate unless Penske can lure Truex Jr away from DEI and other opportunities. But would it surprise anyone if Steve Wallace emerged as a candidate to replace Newman?

Posted by Jeremy Dunn

The fact that Ryan Newman did not renew his contract with Penske Racing speaks volumes. The performance at PRS has been downright brutal ever since the tail end of the 2005 season. Newman and Kurt Busch had their bright moments in 2007, but they were inconsistent.

The drivers are not to blame. If you question Newman's ability, take a look at the 2004 champion Busch. Busch's performances has mirrored Newman's ever since he replaced Rusty Wallace in 2006. Even Wallace had a difficult time in his final years at Penske.

The bottom line is that Penske has the resources to be a upper echelon team. However, they cannot seem to break out of mediocrity, and if they do, it is momentary. Other than a three or four year span in the 1990's with Wallace, and in 2003 with Newman, Penske has never been a threat to Hendrick Motorsports, Roush Fenway Racing, Joe Gibbs Racing, or even RCR.

It is not abnormal for a powerhouse team to fall behind. It happened with RCR following the passing of the late Dale Earnhardt. Childress revamped his operation, and after a year and a half of struggles, they began to vastly improve. Penske has not displayed any similar signs.

Busch is growing tired of the mediocre performances, and his contract expires at the end of 2009. If Penske continues as an also-ran, Busch will head to greener pastures.

Casey Mears and David Stremme are possible replacements, but they are significant downgrades. Jamie McMurray is another driver that may emerge as a candidate, but he is a downgrade as well. Martin Truex Jr would be a solid replacement, but why would he leave one midpack team for another?

With potential sponsorship issues on the 12 car, Penske may soon find himself in the same boat as his IRL adversary, Chip Ganassi.

Posted by Jeremy Dunn

Other than the fact that Tony Stewart will drive one of his cars, we do not know much about Stewart Haas Racing specifics. Of course, there are always rumors. Supposedly, Office Depot and Old Spice will sponsor whichever car Stewart drivers. Jack Daniel's, Burger King, and UPS are possible sponsors for the second car that everyone expects Ryan Newman to drive.

The numbers, well, Stewart will probably go for the seldom-used 14 that personified his childhood hero, A.J. Foyt, for over three decades. The other number is likely Morgan-McClure Motorsports' former number 4. However, if Stewart lands Jack Daniel's, the number 7, 07, or 70 would be relevant.

According to multiple Internet sources, Newman will sign with Stewart Haas Racing. Until an official announcement or confirmation from Stewart, I would not count on it. Many acknowledge Newman and Stewart as two of the most cunning poker players in the NASCAR garage. Perhaps they want everyone to believe they will team up. Newman's name has surfaced as a candidate for the fourth RCR car as well as Stewart's replacement in the 20 Toyota. Stewart did not rule out the possibility of retaining Scott Riggs.

Joey Logano is reportedly a candidate to become Stewart's successor in the Home Depot Toyota. The 18 year old driver has impressed a lot of people, but as Clint Bowyer said last week at Daytona, a monkey could win in that 20 JGR Nationwide car. How would Logano fair if he were driving for Phoenix Racing or CJM Racing? There is no denying his talent, but the superior equipment is making him look like the best thing since 'sliced bread'.

Gibbs is a smart businessman, but recall another driver, J.J. Yeley, who had all the potential in the world. Perhaps he should seriously consider Ryan Newman or Martin Truex, Jr.

Posted by Jeremy Dunn

On Monday, there were rumblings that Teresa Earnhardt is looking to sell Dale Earnhardt, Incorporated. On Tuesday those rumors were denied. The reports stated that Max Siegel, currently the President Of Global Operations, had contacted investors in an effort to purchase controlling interest in DEI. Teresa would still own the rights to 'Dale Earnhardt' and 'Intimidator'.

However, the reports were denied on Tuesday.

"We have not engaged Bear, Stearns or Goldman Sachs or anyone else," Siegel said. "We are contacted all the time by outside firms about getting involved in the sport. We are not for sale right now. Nothing is imminent. Are we constantly weighing that as an option? Does that make sense? Quite frankly, we don't know."

One report stated that Teresa Earnhardt is looking to exit the limelight. It is just a rumor, but there are details that insinuate that this could be more than just a rumor.

Meanwhile, DEI and Martin Truex Jr could be closing in on a deal that would keep the two-time Nationwide Series champion in the 1 car until 2012. With Mark Martin's impending departure, DEI can afford to offer Truex Jr a significant raise.

Also, Truex Jr and his DEI team could be facing a 150-point penalty for an infraction discovered last Thursday at Daytont during an inspection. Currently, Truex Jr is 88 points behind 12th place driver Tony Stewart. The rumored penalty would put a damper on his Chase hopes, as he would be a distant 238 points behind.

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Posted by Jeremy Dunn

The rumors were put to rest on Friday when an official announcement was made that Mark Martin will drive for Hendrick Motorsports full-time in 2009. In 2010, Martin could cut back to 26 races, but you never know with him. Initially, he was going to retire following the 2005 season. Three and a half years later, he is still going strong. Currently, Martin drives the 8 Chevrolet for DEI on a part-time basis, but he could not refuse the opportunity to drive for Hendrick Motorsports.

"It just was an opportunity that I absolutely could not, I just couldn't let it go by," Martin said. "I told Arlene when we talked about this that I'm pretty sure the last breath I took on my death bed would be, 'I should have drove Rick's car when I had the chance.'

Martin joins an all-star cast at Hendrick Motorsports- Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Jeff Gordon, and Jimmie Johnson

NASCAR confiscated the 1 car on Thursday as the car did not meet specifications.

"Something about the roof template. I don’t know. I guess NASCAR wasn’t happy with the way it fit. It’s their ballgame, it’s their call. They took the car. We’re trying to get our backup (car) ready, they had to put an engine in it and get everything ready,” said Martin Truex, Jr.

Posted by Jeremy Dunn

For the last season and a half, veteran Mark Martin and youngster Aric Almirola have shared a ride at DEI driving the recognizable number 8 Chevrolet. However, DEI is ready to promote Almirola to a full-time Sprint Cup ride. Almirola has displayed flashes of potential throughout his young career, with both Joe Gibbs Racing and DEI. He finished 8th at Bristol in March. Everyone knows that Bristol is one of NASCAR's most arduous tracks.

With the possible departure of Martin Truex, Jr, Almirola may become the new face of DEI. He should benefit and emerge as one of NASCAR's top young drivers.

Mark Martin, on the opposite spectrum of his career, is expected to return to full-time competition for Hendrick Motorsports in 2009. Casey Mears was recently relieved of his driving duties for 2009. Martin came so close to winning the ultimate prize on several occasions throughout his career, but fell short. Hendrick Motorsports could provide him with last solid opportunity to win that elusive title.

Now, the NASCAR world is waiting for Tony Stewart, Ryan Newman, and Martin Truex Jr.

Posted by Jeremy Dunn

Dario Franchitti's much-heralded transition from IRL to NASCAR came to an abrupt ending on Tuesday when Chip Ganassi announced that the 40 team was shutting down. Franchitti was supposed to attract new sponsorship opportunities after Coors Light pulled out last year. Unfortunately, the 2007 IRL champion and Indianapolis 500 winner is on the sidelines.

Ganassi stated that he would like to retain Franchitti, at least in the Nationwide Series. Fastenal is the primary sponsor so Franchitti will get to race.

"This is a difficult decision for [co-owner] Felix [Sabates] and I that did not come without its share of anguish," Ganassi said in a news release. "In this tough business environment, continuing to run the car without proper funding has become increasingly difficult."

Juan Pablo Montoya and Reed Sorenson are expected to remain with their respective teams, at least until the end of the 2008 season.

What is the future of Chip Ganassi's NASCAR program? A couple of months ago, there were rumors circulating the Ganassi and rival Roger Penske could merge. With both teams struggling and losing sponsors and drivers, this may not be too far-fecthed. Kurt Busch, Juan Pablo Montoya, Sam Hornish Jr, and Reed Sorenson could be the Penske/Ganassi driver lineup in 2009, if Sorenson is retained. Again, this is all speculation.

Posted by Jeremy Dunn

Even though Greg Biffle and Clint Bowyer stated that they plan to remain with their respective teams, silly season rumors have included both drivers. Over the past two months, Biffle has publicly declared his desire to remain at Roush Fenway Racing at least until 2011, and this became official today.

"I weighed, certainly, all of my options out and it felt like the 16 car is where I really wanted to spend my next three years driving."

A year ago, I thought Biffle was the odd-man out at Roush Fenway Racing, but his performance has thrown that notion out the window.

Meanwhile, Clint Bowyer's name somehow got thrown into the mix. Supposedly, Hendrick Motorsports courted last year's breakthrough driver. Bowyer is one of NASCAR's most consistent young drivers, and it is unlikely that Childress would allow Bowyer to leave. And why would Bowyer want to leave? He has a great relationship with both Childress and his two teammates Jeff Burton and Kevin Harvick.

Posted by Jeremy Dunn

After two mediocre season with one of NASCAR's elite organizations, Rick Hendrick will show Casey Mears the door following the 2008 Sprint Cup season. Mears won the Coca Cola 600 at Charlotte last May, but has failed to measure up to the other drivers that have driven for Hendrick Motorsports since his arrival. Mears' tenure with Hendrick Motorsports began in the 25 ride, and was transferred to the 5 car when Dale Earnhardt, Jr. arrived in 2008.

For some reason, things have not clicked for Mears and Hendrick. Now, Mears must search for another ride. There is speculation that Mears could end up at Richard Childress Racing, but I have a feeling that he is Childress' third or fourth choice. I think Ryan Newman is the driver that Childress covets, but things have yet to fall into place.

Despite the lack of consistency throughout his career, Mears has the ability to attract sponsor, which means that he could be a savior for a team that lacks solid sponsorship, such as DEI or Yates Racing. Also, Penske Racing is another team that may make a bid for Mears. Mears was one of the drivers that was rumored to replace Rusty Wallace three years ago.

Back to the 5 car, it looks as if Mark Martin is going to take over that ride on a full-time basis. Martin just cannot stay away from NASCAR. I think he underestimated his timetable for retirement when he first announced his retirement in 2005. He will warm the seat for Landon Cassill, who will likely take over the 5 ride in 2010. Brad Keselowski is RCR's third choice behind Newman and Martin Truex, Jr. He could end up at RCR or with Tony Stewart's upstart team.