SPARK PLUGS: Speed Channel reported Sunday that Mark Martin has been offered $8-million by either Ford or Roush Racing not to retire after this season as planned because of the upheaval within the manufacturer's program and the entry of Toyota in 2007. Robert Yates Racing is in disarray with Jarrett and Sadler leaving and the manufacturer wished not to rely on too many unproven younger drivers, the report said. Martin wanted to retire from full-time Cup competition after last season but returned after Kurt Busch's departure left Roush in a pinch
INDIANAPOLIS - Nextel Cup's current market clearly favors drivers - any driver.
An expected influx of seven new Toyota-driving teams in 2007 created rides and opportunities for some such as Dale Jarrett, Jeremy Mayfield and Elliott Sadler, who have not won in years. The market has helped Casey Mears and Brian Vickers, who have never won at NASCAR's highest level. Even David Gilliland has major options after one stunning Busch Series win. All have or will switch teams for more lucrative contracts.
So it's somewhat reassuring for Dale Earnhardt Inc. director of motorsports Richie Gilmore that his team's meal ticket is the son of the founder and has more than just a business bond with the organization. Still, with Dale Earnhardt Jr. set to become a free agent at the end of next season, constant but casual negotiations are under way to re-sign NASCAR's most popular driver.
"We talk about it all the time," Gilmore said. "It's different when you work on his contract because it's business, it's family. It's very complicated when you work with Dale Jr. and (stepmother/team owner) Teresa because there's so many different parts to it. It's his dad's business and it's complicated. I know Teresa wants it to be Dale Jr.'s and Kelley's and Kerry's (also Dale Earnhardt's children) someday because that's what Dale built it for and that's in the long-term plans."
Gilmore said he personally avoids the talks though he is the team's highest-ranking executive in the racing operation. Earnhardt Jr. is signed to a typical driver contract, he said.
"Never mix business and family and when you do, you let the family handle it," he said.
Earnhardt has several times entertained the idea of driving the No. 3 Chevrolet made legendary by his late father, but that number is owned by Richard Childress Racing. Still, Gilmore thinks Earnhardt Jr. will remain at DEI. At least, he hopes so.