Today’s Top News
Silly Season : What’s Left
By Tom Bowles
The last 48 hours have provided a litany of Silly Season news. From J.J. Yeley’s surprise signing with Hall of Fame Racing, to Joe Gibbs Racing’s announcement from Chevrolet to Toyota, to the pending announcement of Regan Smith to the No. 01 car next year, the biggest dominoes remaining in the Silly Season puzzle have already fallen.
So, what’s left to figure out other than Dale Earnhardt, Jr.’s continuing number and sponsor saga? Here’s a quick chart of possible rides and drivers still available, along with a few news bites as to what may happen to close those deals in the near future:
CARS
No. 00 (Michael Waltrip Racing) - Looks to be set for next year with David Reutimann, as long as the rookie wants to keep the ride. He’s reportedly being courted by two major organizations (RCR has talked with him, so that likely makes one) and Reutimann should make his decision by the time September is complete.
No. 01 (DEI) - Regan Smith will be announced as the new driver at Richmond. Sponsorship is rumored to be Coors Light.
No. 08 (E & M) - New team that made Michigan with Joe Nemechek, but its future status is undetermined now that Nemechek is likely headed for Furniture Row’s No. 78.
No. 10 (Gillett-Evernham) - Despite denials to the contrary, hearing that Scott Riggs won’t be back in 2008. That would open the ride to several candidates; could this be one of the major teams Reutimann is negotiating with? Boris Said could also wind up under consideration with a thin free agent pool; remember, he’s driven a number of Busch Series races for Evernham already, and the two have developed a solid relationship.
No. 21 (Wood Brothers) - Status completely up in the air now that Yeley is off the market. May be a last resort move for Jeremy Mayfield or even Tony Raines.
No. 33 (RCR) - Will know by September whether this team goes full or part-time. Dario Franchitti, Reutimann, and Scott Wimmer are leading candidates for this seat. Should Franchitti win the IRL title, chances are he’ll give this serious consideration; Reutimann and Wimmer are less attractive options for sponsors, so that leaves the formation of this team up in the air. Expect Wimmer to run the car and be given a chance if it goes part-time.
No. 78 (Furniture Row) - Joe Nemechek made the race at California, enough for him to be given a five-race trial run. Success will almost certainly mean an offer to drive the car in 2008.
No. 88 (Robert Yates Racing) - With Yeley gone, Kenny Wallace has emerged as the favorite to get this ride. Having already driven for the team to replace an injured Ernie Irvan way back in 1994, it’s not like he’s a stranger, and Yates may be willing to take a chance on a man desperately searching for the right equipment to give him one last chance at Cup success.
DRIVERS
Sterling Marlin - Likely headed to the Busch Series, if anywhere at all, unless Furniture Row can give him a second car to run a part-time schedule.
Jeremy Mayfield - Apparently back at square one after losing out on the open ride at DEI. May be forced to take a long look at the Wood Brothers Ford.
Joe Nemechek - Frontrunner to take over the No. 78.
Tony Raines - Barring a big surprise, will likely return back into the Busch or Truck Series.
Scott Riggs - Status unknown pending possible release. May need to wait it out and see if Kyle Petty retires after the season at Petty Enterprises.
David Reutimann - Will likely resign with MWR...as long as no one else makes him an official offer to go elsewhere.
Kenny Wallace - Frontrunner to take over Robert Yates Racing’s No. 88 Ford.
How can ya not like Kenny? I'd like to see him in good equip.
I was with Tony Stewart tonight.
He was here for a Bass Pro Shop Promo and was at the local Sheraton.
I tried to get him to sing keroke with me but he wouldn't do it. We had several beers and he hit the sack.
I still can't believe it.
Wow, what a nice guy.