Silly Season 2010 ...... [Archive] - Off-Road Racing Forum

NIKAL

June 22nd, 2009, 09:18

Yeah, especially when there are rumors that RCR will be down to two cars in 2010

Yep so much for loyalty like Hendrick and RCR have spoke about regarding GM in recent weeks. They have said RCR has filed legal docs regarding the non payment of $2,538,750. Also RPM is looking to make the switch to Toyota by July as they are not getting payed by Dodge and they are running out of engine parts for the new Dodge motor.

http://www.mikemulhern.net/index.php?q=breakingnow/speculation-about-more-fallout-gms-bankruptcy-runs-rampant-sonomas-nascar-garage

There is also speculation that Chevy team owner Richard Childress may have to cut back to a two-car operation next season, if the Shell and Jack Daniels sponsorships are not renewed. Childress says he intends to have four Cup teams again next year, but conceded sponsorship issues remain to be resolved. Shell-sponsored Kevin Harvick is 26th in the Cup standings and winless since the Daytona 500 2007; Jack Daniels-sponsored Casey Mears is 21st in the standings and winless since joining Childress last year.
Childress, through the Winston-Salem law firm Womble, Carlyle, has filed legal papers over what he says is GM's non-payment of a bill of $2,538,750. Childress insists he's not suing GM over its failure to make that payment due June 15th. That bill would apparently be a scheduled quarterly payment, part of a $10 million a year Chevrolet sponsorship for Childress' four-team operation.
The specifics, as delineated in a legal filing by Womble, Carlyle: "RCR Enterprises, LLC and its affiliates (collectively “RCR”), by and through their undersigned counsel, hereby submits this limited objection (the “Objection”) to the Notice of (I) Debtors’ Intent to Assume and Assign Certain Executory Contracts, Unexpired Leases of
Personal Property, and Unexpired Leases of Nonresidential Real Property and (II) Cure Costs Related Thereto (the “Notice”), served upon RCR by the above-captioned debtors and debtors-in-possession (collectively, the “Debtors”) pursuant to this Court’s Bidding Procedures Order
[Docket No. 274].
"…the Debtors served the Notice on RCR, indicating that the Debtors intend to assume and assign their executory contract with RCR (the
“Contract”). In addition, on their Contract Website, the Debtors represent that the cure amount needed to assume and assign the Contract is $0 (the “Cure Amount”). Although no amount is currently owed under the Contract, a payment by the Debtors to RCR in the amount of
$2,538,750 is due under the Contract on June 15, 2009."
There have been numerous legal 'objections' filed by GM's creditors over the past few days, to try to get in line, so to speak, for whatever money the bankruptcy court is willing to eventually dole out. But the key GM legal document everyone is awaiting is the list of GM's "critical vendors," which is a listing of those companies and people that will likely be first in line to get paid from the U.S. government bailout fund. It is unclear which, if any, NASCAR people will be on that list.
One top Cup driver, who asked not to be named, said GM executives themselves appear uncertain about just what is really going on in this bankruptcy and what might happen next: "A couple of weeks ago, they told us 'Everything is fine, everything will be okay. But now they're saying 'We just don't know.'"

bajafox

June 22nd, 2009, 12:17

Yeah, especially when there are rumors that RCR will be down to two cars in 2010

Yea but I said 2011 :D

woundedyak

July 7th, 2009, 11:19

I know that this has been speculation....if not a "done deal" for a while, but not only will Truex be driving for MWR next year.....

......BUT HE WILL BE IN THE #55....and POS will not!

I am making my yearly jaunt to the Jersey Shore, and heard this first hand from a personal friend of the Truex's. There will be a formal announcement at the end of this month after the Loudon race.

Good call! I hope Truex does well!

Mumzy

July 7th, 2009, 16:42

Good call! I hope Truex does well!
I'll give up my source....we both get our hair cut by the same barber when we are able to spend some time at the Jersey Shore....also the next door neighbors of the home we rent are long time Truex family friends. As much as I dislike POS, I think Martin will be a good teammate of Reutimann and shine at MWR.

spalind

July 7th, 2009, 18:34

NASCAR 2010=30 Toyotas, 3 Hendrick Chevys, a couple Rousch Fords and whatever other junk is left over from the other teams...
NASCAR 2011=25 Toyotas, 3 Hendrick Chevys, 1 Rousch Ford, 5 Hyundais, a Penske Saturn and whatever junk is left over from the other teams...

BAJA63

July 14th, 2009, 00:03

Heres one for ya, rg needs to retire and put danica in the #7. She may not win, but she is better to look at than the rest of the boys.

bajafox

July 14th, 2009, 00:54

Orrrrrr....put her in the 7 and get Brian Vickers in a 2nd car, then take the roll of a car owner ONLY.

RGFan

July 14th, 2009, 10:10

Orrrrrr....put her in the 7 and get Brian Vickers in a 2nd car, then take the roll of a car owner ONLY.

What makes you guys think that Vickers would even drive for RGM. Look, this is just my opinion, but RG's problem is RG. The guy has not forgot how to drive. He has proven he can compete when in competetive equipment (meaning cars, staff, R&D equipment). RGM is just not a competetive entity. They need money for equipment, (engineering staff pit crew, testing equipment, etc). I think their cars are probably good. Setting up the cars is what is killing them. How many times have we heard towards the end of a race that they are running laps competetive with the leader, but they are 1-2 laps down, because it took them most of the race to find the setup.

RG needs qualified management who have legit experience managing cup teams. He needs a CC who will tell him to STFU when RG is the driver. He needs a second car with a capable driver to share setups, testing and race strategy with. Money and an investor who will tell Robby how it is going to go down is what they need most. Let RG play owner monday-thursday. Be the driver friday-sunday.

I think this new Menard rumor just might have legs and Robby just might be ready to wave the flag of contrition and realize that he needs some help, that is if he still wants to be an owner at the Cup level.

Time will tell.

Money makes all of that happen

BAJA63

July 14th, 2009, 12:29

EASY THERE, I NEVER SAID ANYTHING ABOUT vICKERS. RG'S NEED TO STOP LISTENING TO BOB. HE NEEDS TO LISTEN TO HIS CREW CHEIF'S CALLS. NOT OVERRIDE THEM. yOU HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD "RG HIMSELF IS HIS BIGGEST PROBLEM". LET THE THE CREW CHEIF DO HIS JOB,AFTER ALL ISNT THAT WHAT YOU PAY HIM FOR? JUST MY 2 CENTS.

RGFan

July 14th, 2009, 16:01

michael_loomis

July 15th, 2009, 03:17

Orrrrrr....put her in the 7 and get Brian Vickers in a 2nd car, then take the roll of a car owner ONLY.

You are no longer welcomed on the RG bandwagon!!! LOL

Danica will be a joke in NASCAR.

Chris Tobin

July 15th, 2009, 08:41

You are no longer welcomed on the RG bandwagon!!! LOL

Danica will be a joke in NASCAR.

She may not last or ever win in NASCAR but she would put people in the seats and eyeballs on the TV... Exactly what NASCAR, car owners and sponsors want!

How's this for silly season news: (per Jayski.com and aol.com)

Harvick wants out at RCR? Kevin Harvick has told Richard Childress he would like to leave after this season, according to multiple sources. Harvick has one year remaining on his contract with RCR, but the Shell/Pennzoil sponsorship deal on the #29 Chvey ends at the end of this season, and Harvick is trying to move with it to Stewart-Haas. Tony Stewart has said his team is interested in running a third car in Sprint Cup in 2010. Childress is in a tough spot. He could hold Harvick to the contract and try to re-sign Shell/Pennzoil, but in a performance-based business, the Stewart-Haas option, undoubtedly, is more appealing to the gas and oil company. If Shell/Penzoil decides to leave, Childress has to find $15 million to $20 million in sponsorship to replace it -- a very difficult prospect in this economy. Harvick would also bring additional Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series capability to the organization, joining the JR Motorsports operation owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Rick Hendrick. Kevin Harvick Inc. competes in both series.(Sports Illustrated)(7-14-2009) Comment here

RCR is in pretty bad shape right now and the near future does not look very rosy... Mears is a joke, Burton is having a rough patch and Harvick wants out... Bowyer is the only somewhat bright spot there at RCR...

My best short term suggestion for RCR is to let Harvick and the sponsorship go without a fight in a dignified way (dont go all Teresa E. on them) then cut Mears loose and bring in Danica. Run the team with three drivers Burton to train and mentor Patrick and Bowyer to run well for the group. Danica will bring $ to the team and sell t-shirts and die-casts... They may get one or none in the chase but the three car team will be a much stronger unit into the future... If he can keep sponsorship for four teams then he can keep Mears, but only if he has solid sponsorship on the other three cars and Mears car...

Just my 2 cents:D

Racer21(Roberto)

July 15th, 2009, 09:07

She may not last or ever win in NASCAR but she would put people in the seats and eyeballs on the TV... Exactly what NASCAR, car owners and sponsors want!

How's this for silly season news: (per Jayski.com and aol.com)

Harvick wants out at RCR? Kevin Harvick has told Richard Childress he would like to leave after this season, according to multiple sources. Harvick has one year remaining on his contract with RCR, but the Shell/Pennzoil sponsorship deal on the #29 Chvey ends at the end of this season, and Harvick is trying to move with it to Stewart-Haas. Tony Stewart has said his team is interested in running a third car in Sprint Cup in 2010. Childress is in a tough spot. He could hold Harvick to the contract and try to re-sign Shell/Pennzoil, but in a performance-based business, the Stewart-Haas option, undoubtedly, is more appealing to the gas and oil company. If Shell/Penzoil decides to leave, Childress has to find $15 million to $20 million in sponsorship to replace it -- a very difficult prospect in this economy. Harvick would also bring additional Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series capability to the organization, joining the JR Motorsports operation owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Rick Hendrick. Kevin Harvick Inc. competes in both series.(Sports Illustrated)(7-14-2009) Comment here

RCR is in pretty bad shape right now and the near future does not look very rosy... Mears is a joke, Burton is having a rough patch and Harvick wants out... Bowyer is the only somewhat bright spot there at RCR...

My best short term suggestion for RCR is to let Harvick and the sponsorship go without a fight in a dignified way (dont go all Teresa E. on them) then cut Mears loose and bring in Danica. Run the team with three drivers Burton to train and mentor Patrick and Bowyer to run well for the group. Danica will bring $ to the team and sell t-shirts and die-casts... They may get one or none in the chase but the three car team will be a much stronger unit into the future... If he can keep sponsorship for four teams then he can keep Mears, but only if he has solid sponsorship on the other three cars and Mears car...

Just my 2 cents:D

That's great. Harvicks in my top 5 favorite drivers, and Stewart's my favorite driver.
I was wishing that RG would do something with stewart haas, but he's a little too hard headed for that.

Robby needs to do something soon, either add a car or move to another team.

Racer21(Roberto)

July 15th, 2009, 15:21

watching NASCAR now on ESPN2, and they said Red Bull racing could go to Chevy for 2010, and maybe that Harvick would go to Red Bull racing. that would just mix everything up. 1: would they add another car, or get rid of Vickers or Scott Speed? 2: if they got rid of Vickers or speed, where would the one that got ditched go? RGM or RCR maybe? 3: with that empty spot at RCR, who would fill it?

but hey. none of this could happen at all! this is too complicated.

Also, is Robby going to make it 5 for 5 with switching manufacturers? hehe

mattb

July 15th, 2009, 17:21

michael_loomis

July 15th, 2009, 17:31

Doesn't make much sense... leave a company that is giving decent factory money to one that is hard pressed to issue factory money?

RB must not care much... they have more money that some countries! lol

Chris Tobin

September 10th, 2009, 13:51

WOW, here is some Silly Season news I just read on jayski.com... Richard Petty Motorsports is switching to FORD and merging with Yates Racing!!! They will run a four car team with Kahne, Sadler, Almindinger (sp) and Menard. I heard a little while ago that Yates and Roush may split-up their alliance and it looks like that is the case. While this may be good for Yates and RPM, it could be bad for Roush... They will have to build their own NASCAR engines again (they have the tallent and facilities, but I believe Robert Yates has been building them for the past several years and Jack has only been tuning them) and now they do not have a place to spin Jamie McMurray off to!!!

So this will leave Jamie McMurray, Bobby Labonte, Reed Sorensen and Erik Darnell without Cup rides next season. I think Robby Gordon, needs to look long and hard at bringing Bobby Labonte over to run a second car for a season then transition to a younger driver in 2011.

This is the news item from jayski.com:

Richard Petty Motorsports to run Fords in 2010, merge w/Yates: Richard Petty Motorsports and Yates Racing announced today they have signed a letter of intent to merge operations in time for the 2010 season. The four-car team will race Fords under the Richard Petty Motorsports banner.
Richard Petty: "This is a pretty big deal for us. We're thrilled to partner with Ford. We've talked with a lot of folks, but in the end it came down to the success the Gilletts and I think we can achieve with Ford Racing. Right now this deal is real new. There are lots of details still left to be ironed out so we don't have a lot of answers for anyone right now. We'll be working on all that in the coming days, weeks and months, but we do intend to have everything in place before the start of next season. I've won races with Ford and plan to again."
Team Managing Partner Foster Gillett: "Richard and Kasey (Kahne) showed us Sunday night in Atlanta that they like winning quite a bit and Ford is going to provide the support that we need to go to victory lane more often. If you are going to compete with the other teams in this sport you need a lot of support. We bring a lot to this relationship as well. We've won twice this season and the power of Richard Petty is hard to beat, plus we have the support of some of the biggest names in corporate America."
Yates Racing Co-owner Max Jones: "This is certainly a great opportunity for both Yates Racing as well as Ford Racing. I have had a long-term relationship with Ford and look forward to continuing that relationship at Richard Petty Motorsports. Over the coming weeks we will continue to work with Ford and Richard Petty to lay out the best plan for Paul Menard and all of the employees at Yates Racing. We will continue to field both the #98 and #96 Ford Fusions for the remainder of the season and look forward to continued success on the track with Paul, Bobby Labonte and Erik Darnell."
Yates Racing Co-owner Doug Yates: "This plan is clearly in the best interest of the Ford Racing community. On a personal level, I am excited about the opportunity to focus my full energy on building Ford horsepower. We look forward to working with Richard Petty Motorsports to produce power second to none. There are many details to be worked out with Richard Petty Motorsports and as we finalize those details we will keep everyone informed."
Director of Ford North America Motorsports Brian Wolfe: "I am very pleased that Richard Petty Motorsports has made the decision to switch to Ford for the 2010 season. They had choices to consider other than Ford and it's gratifying to us that they have enough faith in the Ford Motor Company and what we're doing to make the switch. We believe we can provide them with superior analytical tools and powertrain, and we will work with them closely on the technical front to help them become even more competitive than they are. What's also really cool to me is the chance to have someone with the class and the legacy of Richard Petty involved with Ford. Combine that with the chance to work with the Gillett family, who we have great respect for, and add some great drivers to the Ford camp, well, it's hard not to be excited about this opportunity."
Note: Paul Menard will be one of the drivers in the Petty team joining #9-Kasey Kahne, #19-Elliott Sadler and #44-AJ Allmendinger.(Richard Petty Motorsports), the PR doesn't mention Reed Sorenson or what car number Menard will run.(9-10-2009)

NicksTrix

September 10th, 2009, 15:43

chris, the engine program is totally seperate of the teams. nothing should change there.
if jack is struggling to find sponsorship for his own programs, how is he going to find it for yates? it's a win win situation for yates. they can move into RPM's shop, loose the rent payment. ryre gets 3 new programs which it really needed and ford gets some good marketing names.
kahne & sadler come full circle. ford is happy to have kahne back. they had a big investment in him when he bailed out for a full time ride with dodge.
i'd say jamie is going to be sitting out from the looks of it. the UPS deal is centered around regan and the others are solid drivers.
aytes drivers haven't done anythign to write home about with the roush suppport, so lets try something different. rpm has a very good inhouse chassis program and some good talent up there. yates can use the extra cars they have for now to get going and get into their engineering program.

as the wheel turns...

FlyHiFlyLo

September 18th, 2009, 15:51

Keep a close eye on this one.

RPM & McArdie part ways UPDATE: The deal between Richard Petty Motorsports and Yates Racing already has cost one top official his job. Richard Petty, the minority owner of RPM, said on Saturday that Mark McArdle, the vice president and managing director of competition at RPM, was fired on Friday after a heated confrontation with team co-owner George Gillett Jr. at Richmond International Raceway. Petty would not speculate on how many others in the engine and chassis department might lose jobs if RPM uses Roush-Yates engines and Roush Fenway chassis as planned. Petty said RPM is moving from Dodge to Ford because Dodge could not offer financial support for 2010 and beyond. Yates already has a financial commitment for two Ford teams, and Petty hopes that will increase once the economy is restored.(ESPN.com)(9-13-2009)
UPDATE: Richard Petty Motorsports today announced the departure of Mark McArdle, the team's vice-president and managing director of competition. "The company and Mark have decided to go in different directions. It was an amicable departure and we are finalizing some details with him," said Rick Russell, team president. "We appreciate all of Mark's many contributions and wish him well in all future endeavors he may pursue." McArdle said his departure comes after achieving his goal of restoring the team to championship contention. "We have all worked really hard to get Richard Petty Motorsports back in the Chase and we accomplished that goal Saturday night," McArdle said. "Everyone at the team should take great pride in that. I wish the company nothing but success in the future. There will be nobody rooting harder for the #9 to win the championship than me."(RPM)(9-17-2009)

NicksTrix

September 18th, 2009, 22:42

there's no love between mcardle and doug yates.
mark is a sharp cat. someone will snatch him up.

saw somewhere where they said rpm was to move into the yates shop in concord next to roush. why would you move a 4 car team into a building that is tight for 2. didn't understand that one. why would rpm want to use the roush chassis when their whole deal is geeared towards their inhouse robotically welded one that is working... lots of things up in the air. sounds like a mess of things and a bunch more guys out of work coming down the pipline..

NicksTrix

September 19th, 2009, 15:43

Tristar Racing

September 20th, 2009, 08:53

read toady that jim beam is gone after this year for RGM. article said they plan to focus on their assocaition with the kid rock tour. also mentioned RG's crew chief is bailing out. story on jayski.

that's some interesting marketing there on beam's behalf.

I just read this too, and to me this is the beginning of the end for rgm's NASCAR effort. I cannot say I blame beam, especially after this year. It's upsetting, but that's the industry. With Kirk leaving, you have to wonder what's going on internally over there...

FlyHiFlyLo

September 20th, 2009, 10:10

RG hinted about some changes after Atlanta and the 16 spots lost on pit road over 4 stops. McArdie was the mastermind of the biggest fake out in CART PPG history... The dude is smasmamart!

RGFan

September 20th, 2009, 20:26

Tristar Racing

September 21st, 2009, 14:01

RGM in Cup has been on the decline since 2007. The 2006 Season with Chevrolet was the last time that team showed signs of life IMO. To this day, I think he should have grown RGM in the Nationwide and Truck Series, just as Harvick did and the elder Earnhardt did, hell, even Jr did. He should have continued to drive for RCR in Cup. But once he made the jump to Cup, I still shake my head about him not going halves with Dietrich Mateschitz when he had the chance. It pains me when POS is building a successful empire and RG is still floundering with regards to his Cup effort.

With that being said, there are not any changes that RG could make short of selling his team or partnering with a contender that could make this team a viable effort in Cup regretfully.

Oh you know I always bring up the Red Bull thing. Everyone wants to argue with me he would have lost at that time current sponsors, wouldnt have gotten as good of an off road contract, etc. I think thats all bs, especially considering:

A. There are no big time sponsors left in the cup effort once Beam is gone. Menards is a bail out deal in my opinion from his buddy John. Fruit of a Loom, Harrahs, and Jim Beam; the sponsors that Robby started this team with are now all gone.

B. In my opinion the writing is on the wall with the Monster deal. Once Herbst showed up in Monster colors, I think all bets were off they would stay with Robby. Didnt they do something similar to the then current Monster driver when they brought Robby in?

C. RBR is in the chase. That team started from nothing.

Its all pointless now, as you cannot go back in time. Honestly at this point I would prefer RGM to jump back to Indy car. Nascar, even with the ridiculous double file restarts, has very little passing and competition. The Indy race that I saw from the pits/garage area at Chicagoland was enough to convince even biggest nascar fan that something needs to be done on the competition level with the COTs...

Racer21(Roberto)

September 22nd, 2009, 16:05

just read on NASCAR.com that Jim beam is gone.

Robby should just get rid of RGM on the NASCAR side, and see if anyone will give him a ride for '10 so he can prove himself....... again

Robby's doing great in off-road though! so it's not all bad.

FlyHiFlyLo

September 22nd, 2009, 16:59

Nothing can stop him! He will be sponsored by Billy's Foot Powder if need be.

bajafox

September 22nd, 2009, 17:02

Sylvania was on the car this passed weekend, when I look into getting a spare inexpensive tv for my bedroom I will probably go with them

kaw500

September 22nd, 2009, 18:04

Nothing can stop him! He will be sponsored by Billy's Foot Powder if need be.

Great product I use it myself:D:D:D

ttucker77

September 23rd, 2009, 11:23

Read on another forum earlier that Robby might be merging his team with Red Bull? I'm having trouble believing that unless Monster is leaving his off-road deals.

Ryan_P

September 23rd, 2009, 11:39

Read on another forum earlier that Robby might be merging his team with Red Bull? I'm having trouble believing that unless Monster is leaving his off-road deals.

It is rumored that Monster is leaving. RG could be half-owner of Team Red Bull Racing right now, bet he regrets that.

RGM is between a rock and a hard place. This off season is gonna be very interesting, and Silly Season is far from over!

Mumzy

September 23rd, 2009, 13:57

Every season in Robby's world is a silly season.

Tristar Racing

September 23rd, 2009, 18:07

Read on another forum earlier that Robby might be merging his team with Red Bull? I'm having trouble believing that unless Monster is leaving his off-road deals.

RBR wanted him to merge for the 2007 season. He declined, and that ship has passed.

Look where RBR is now, and look where RGM is. Considering Monster will most likely not be back for the trophy truck or Dakar program next year, looks like he might have gone the wrong way...

spalind

September 23rd, 2009, 19:04

Yeeeeouch!! Hadn't been keeping up on this...so Jim Beam AND Monster likely gone?? Is Toyo next?!? Not sure if there are any bridges left that he hasn't burned but he better start using them...

Racer21(Roberto)

September 23rd, 2009, 19:18

i'm sure him winning the SCORE championship will help him get a sponsor for nascar, or at least a ride.

michael_loomis

September 24th, 2009, 13:14

I don't think it will do squat for NASCAR.. it my help with a Dakar primary though.

Chris Tobin

September 24th, 2009, 13:42

I don't think it will do squat for NASCAR.. it my help with a Dakar primary though.

I agree, it prob won't help his NASCAR effort... But on the other hand he can use the TT as a bonus for sponsor exposure to a potential NASCAR sponsor...

Something like if you sign on to pay XX million a year for XX races a year on the CUP car RGM will give you something that no other NASCAR team or driver can! RGM will give you the primary sponsorship location (or associate or whatever) on the 2009 SCORE Championship winning Trophy Truck for free (or at a discount or whatever). This sales technique is used in the publishing biz all the time especially by a certain very large publisher with multiple titles that has a ton of crossover... They get the advertiser to pay for the big ticket item then bonus them the small ticket mag for free or at a substantial discount. If the team at RGM works this angle it could work out well for them.

My 2 cents...

michael_loomis

September 24th, 2009, 15:23

I see your point CT... BUT..

He will need a full fledged sponsor for Dakar. Would he run the Dakar program and TT program with different sponsors? Maybe Polaris will step up?

DEZERTBOUND

September 24th, 2009, 15:39

Another Robby hat into the fire......

Chris Tobin

September 24th, 2009, 15:46

I see your point CT... BUT..

He will need a full fledged sponsor for Dakar. Would he run the Dakar program and TT program with different sponsors? Maybe Polaris will step up?

Why not run different on Dakar and TT... I could see Polaris on the TT but not the Hummer... I don't know how good their international sales are and Dakar is an international audience more than SCORE.

michael_loomis

September 24th, 2009, 16:43

I dunno.. it just appears that the money all comes from Cup to begin with, except for the Monster deal.

Im sure he could run the TT off the winnings from a 35th place Cup team, but I dont think Dakar would work that way, so he'd almost HAVE to split them up.

We shall see I guess.. I'm sure RG has some trick up his sleeve!

FlyHiFlyLo

September 24th, 2009, 17:11

Mumzy

September 24th, 2009, 18:57

Well said Fly.

kaw500

September 25th, 2009, 00:35

Candy is dandy, Liquor is quicker but sex won't rot your teeth maybe a Viagra car makes a comeback.

Sure will be interesting seeing what name is on who's car next Febuary in Florida.

michael_loomis

September 25th, 2009, 11:18

36 races could mean 36 new one off sponsors. LOL

Chris Tobin

September 25th, 2009, 11:57

Camping World is on the Cup car this weekend and they would make the perfect sponsor for the SCORE TT Champion RGOR Trophy Truck! Then run 5-10 Cup races along for next season...

He would likely have Menards and the associated sponsors for next year too so that is prob 10 or more races. So that is nearly half the schedule...

Put Polaris on the car for 2-5 races and we're getting closer...

If Monster drops the TT and Dakar sponsorship, I'm sure the personal endorcement would go away too and then he could try to get back with RedBull on a limited basis with some associate sponsorship. I mean they are still throwing away money with Scott Speed, they could throw so RGs way and at some tracks like the road courses and Plate tracks even get good finishes...

I don't think RGM is doing all that bad yet, but they have their work cut out for them to try and fill the vacancies on the hood!!! In this economy RG is not the only driver and RGM is not the only team having sponsor problems. I just hope he keeps racing and doesn't tunr into a start n park!!!:eek:

Racer21(Roberto)

September 25th, 2009, 16:18

[QUOTE=Chris Tobin;923141]

If Monster drops the TT and Dakar sponsorship, I'm sure the personal endorcement would go away too and then he could try to get back with RedBull on a limited basis with some associate sponsorship. I mean they are still throwing away money with Scott Speed, they could throw so RGs way and at some tracks like the road courses and Plate tracks even get good finishes...

QUOTE]

i never thought of it that way, but would he be a satellite of the team, or a member of RBR? im hoping for a member of RBR, because RGM has almost started de-evolving since they have been established, which is hard to do.

bajafox

September 25th, 2009, 16:29

Hope he announces something soon, I'm pretty much all but done with NASCAR, it's become more like the NBA for me, I only watch the playoffs. I dont even think I would watch anymore if RG didn't race...

Offspring

September 25th, 2009, 19:30

Ya know, the whole Jack thing with RCR was a battle with RG and RCR.... RG had proposals with Jack first in 2005. RCR got real cheap to get that deal. Then RG got some Jim Beam scraps. I really think if RCR didn't swap Mears/Boyer so they could get the General Mills cash Jack would have stayed and hence Beam would have stayed with RGM. Once Jack pulled the plug Beam had no reason to stay and battle with Jack.

Sooo.....Mears sucks bad, Jack is pissed, Jack leaves which causes RG to lose Beam? Mears has had rides with just about ALL the top teams, he is toast, finally. He can't blame anyone about that.

FlyHiFlyLo

September 26th, 2009, 00:51

Sooo.....Mears sucks bad, Jack is pissed, Jack leaves which causes RG to lose Beam? Mears has had rides with just about ALL the top teams, he is toast, finally. He can't blame anyone about that.

Cha Cha Choke!

Mears uncertain of 2010: With the announcement this week that Jack Daniels will not continue as a sponsor for the #07 Chevy, Casey Mears finds himself in a predicament for 2010. "I don't know what we're doing yet," Mears said. "I do know that Richard (Childress, team owner) is working hard to secure sponsorship for the fourth team." According to team sources, several potential sponsors toured the Richard Childress Racing campus in Welcome, N.C. this week. Possible driver/sponsor combinations for the fourth team could include a deal with Hall of Fame Racing/Ask.com or Paul Menard with the Menards brand. Another name that continues to be mentioned is Bobby Labonte. Childress admitted on Friday that there has been interest from sponsors, but would not elaborate on specifics. Mears signed a three-year deal last August that locked him in for 2009. The final two seasons were contingent on performance and Mears said that he is "just short" on the stipulations.(FoxSports (http://msn.foxsports.com/nascar/story/10125680/Mears-unsure-of-future-at-Richard-Childress-Racing))(9-26-2009)

Ryan_P

September 29th, 2009, 10:02

Menard says he will not be going to #07 car: #98-Paul Menard denied speculation that he is a candidate to replace #07-Casey Mears in the fourth car [Chevy] at Richard Childress Racing next season. Reports this past weekend from Dover International Speedway had Menard, sponsored by his father's company, touring the RCR facility in Bienvenido, N.C. He supposedly is unhappy with the merger between Yates and Richard Petty Motorsports and is looking for a new home.(see more at ESPN Insider)(9-28-2009)

I'm gonna call BS on this one. Daddy John I'm sure isn't happy with the merger, just as he wasn't with Earnhardt/Ganassi. He denied rumors he was going to Yates when their were stirring up last year, right up until it was announced he was leaving.

I'm gonna put a $100 on it that Paul jumps ship for another team. He can go anywhere with an open seat.

FlyHiFlyLo

September 29th, 2009, 14:42

I bet Paul goes to Stewart haas..... I mean think about it... Hendrick stuff without the Hendrick.

NicksTrix

September 29th, 2009, 16:51

paul can pretty much go anywhere that doesn't have 4 teams set already. with the number of 0's behind his package. he isn't the best wheel man, but he isn't the worst, mainly he brings the almighty dollar.

FlyHiFlyLo

September 29th, 2009, 20:56

Mumzy

September 30th, 2009, 05:07

I bet Paul goes to Stewart haas..... I mean think about it... Hendrick stuff without the Hendrick.
Menards and Lowes kissin' cuzins ???? I doubt it.

If RGM had a top 20 team, Paul Menard would be his team mate next year.
Menard is stuck....maybe RCR???

woundedyak

September 30th, 2009, 07:11

With everyone trying to lock up sposonsorship, I bet any team would welcome Paul with open arms. But daddy is pretty smart. I don't see him going to team and paying them to keep the lights on. RCR would make sense,but with Harvick not happy,Mears getting the boot,the poor decision to move Bowyer out of the 07, and the engine program not panning out. I don't see it happening.

michael_loomis

October 8th, 2009, 21:10

Menards and Lowes kissin' cuzins ???? I doubt it.

If RGM had a top 20 team, Paul Menard would be his team mate next year.
Menard is stuck....maybe RCR???

I wouldnt exactly call them cousins per se...

Tony buys all his stuff, so i wouldnt imagine Hendrick turning away the business over another teams sponsor. SH isnt a true satellite team... right?

bajafox

October 8th, 2009, 21:42

I wouldnt exactly call them cousins per se...

Tony buys all his stuff, so i wouldnt imagine Hendrick turning away the business over another teams sponsor. SH isnt a true satellite team... right?

I definetely don't see it that way, it's like saying someone buying an RG TT chassis is a "satelite" RGM team.

michael_loomis

October 8th, 2009, 21:52

Right.. like Andy having an RG TT with a Red Bull paint job... :)

Chris Tobin

October 20th, 2009, 15:17

According to Jayski.com RG has a new crew chief (again)...

Here is their post:

New crew chief for Robby in 2010? UPDATE: hearing that Robby Gordon's current crew chief, Kirk Almquist, will leave the team at the end of the 2009 season, supposedly to retire and head back to California.(9-19-2009)
UPDATE: Robby Gordon Motorsports announced Doug Richert as the crew chief of the #7 Camry for the remainder of the 2009 season. Richert, a NASCAR veteran with more 25 years of experience and 15 Cup wins, will assume the crew chief responsibilities starting at Martinsville this weekend. "Doug brings experience and knowledge to our team, which I hope will help elevate our Cup performance. He has spotted for us since early June, but we are happy to have Doug come on board as crew chief this weekend. He will fill this role for the final five races, and we will see where it goes from there," commented Robby Gordon. "I am really looking forward to this opportunity. Even though I have helped Robby and the #7 team as a spotter, I haven't been associated directly with a team since last May. This opportunity will allow me to be more hands-on in the decisions of the #7, which I hope will directly improve the team's performance. I am looking forward to the rest of the year and continuing to push forward," commented Doug Richert.(RGM)(10-20-2009)

If I remember correctly Richert was Greg Biffle's old crew chief and had a few wins with the Biff so maybe he can help get RG back to victory lane or at least get RGM a few top 20 or dare we say top 10 finishes. I do like the fact that he has been with them as a spotter for some time now and knows what to expect so he isn't going in blind and knows how RG is with his crew and CC as well as his driving style. I also think it is a positive sign that they are signing a new CC now and working toward a good finish to this season but more importantly a good showing next season. This is positive in that RG is not scrambling for leftovers but being proactive in trying to make the team better.

Whats your take???

Ryan_P

October 20th, 2009, 15:22

My take? Revolving door all over again. Doug will be a nice asset, but working for RG has been a challenge for EVERY crew chief he's ever had.

If RG let's Doug do his job, it might work out. However, over-ruling a multiple race winning CC won't last long in my eyes. We'll see how it does the next few races..

Mumzy

October 20th, 2009, 18:16

I wonder if Richert is on Kurt Busch's short list of potential crew chiefs????

michael_loomis

October 20th, 2009, 18:16

Ya, I dont really see the point of having a CC in the first place if you call all the shots from inside the car...

FlyHiFlyLo

October 20th, 2009, 20:26

Ya, I dont really see the point of having a CC in the first place if you call all the shots from inside the car...

He can text suggestions.

RGFan

October 23rd, 2009, 16:48

I definetely don't see it that way, it's like saying someone buying an RG TT chassis is a "satelite" RGM team.

That is not the case though....They are sharing chassis, engines, engineering info, etc.. If a team bought a RGM TT chassis, with set up info, etc, then yes, that would be a satelite RGM team

RGFan

October 23rd, 2009, 16:49

He can text suggestions.

Only if the driver reads them

Mike_McCluskey

October 29th, 2009, 02:18

This would be interesting. 2 cars in the top 35 for the first 6 races?

Bobby Labonte visits RGM? hearing that Bobby Labonte, who drove the #96 Hall of Fame Racing Ford for the majority of the 2009 season and will finish out the season in the #71 TRG Chevy, recently visited Robby Gordon Motorsports. Supposedly Robby Gordon is considering starting a 2nd team for 2009. Gordon owns and driver the #7 Toyota. And having a driver with a past champion provisional [Labonte won the 2000 Cup Championship] would be attractive to sponsors and a start up team with no owners points as Labonte has a past champions provisional to use.(10-29-2009)

Mumzy

October 29th, 2009, 05:09

I'll believe it when I see it.

Tristar Racing

October 29th, 2009, 09:46

I figured I would get yelled at by the Robby drones on the other site, so Ill post my comment here:

So, does this mean there will be two uncompetitive RGM cars that more often then not break while running at the back? :)

michael_loomis

October 29th, 2009, 11:45

Come on now.. The real danger here, is after the pros are used up, the team owner is racing his hired driver for the 35th spot!

I do however feel, that they both would be ok and around 30th.... Possibly better with good input from the former champ.

FlyHiFlyLo

October 29th, 2009, 12:22

I think a guy like B-Lab in RG's camp would bring more than just another source of input. I think Toyota would bump support for a guy like B-Lab. It would also bring more Cred to RGM as a whole for future associate sponsors on both cars. I'm sure John Menard has some experience with B-Lab now too being in the Yates team, I bet John knows some things that B-Lab could offer.

Or maybe, Bobby just wanted to check out RG's new chase trucks.

RGFan

October 29th, 2009, 16:41

Does RGM Suck in nascrap now? Yes, they do, they are one of the worst. With that being said, they suck because they are a underfunded single car effort. I will be the first one to say it because up to now, RG has chosen to go it alone, he has had opportunities to partner with people to grow the Nascrap operation (John Menard and he buying yates, or he going 50/50 with Red Bull a couple of years ago) and did not because he wanted to do things "his way". We all know where that has gotten him up to now.........A single car, under funded effort, which sucks to watch. But what other single car, underfunded effort do you see doing better than RGM now........

Now if RG were to do a second car, he would only do it because he had funding for it. Having a second driver with a PCP would be a smart move, funding would help improve Engineering, R&D, testing, etc. Having a second car on race weekend would help dial in set ups as well.

So IF this were to happen, and that is a big if, I think it would be a good thing. RGM will not get any better until he gets the funding for a second car and gets a second car with a respectable driver on the track. Nascrap is a multicar team world and the single car efforts for the most part are start and parks.....Except for Robby.

NicksTrix

October 29th, 2009, 18:11

RGFan

October 30th, 2009, 17:32

you can only use a past champ prvl so many times in a year. DW took care of that. so one would only be guaranteed so many get in free tickets.
if you suck, you suck. there's really no way around it. so you get a free pass in, it's just a money thing at that point since you'll be running around the back anyhow.. how many times do you see someone getting a freebie and really doing something in a race?
heck partner up with front row joe. he can suck it up and get it in the show. he's racing to the back now and parking it. let the guy run for a while, he might put some points on the board.he's a mid pack guy these days.
just my .02

A good 2 cents......But in all reality, is Joe Nemechek as sexy as Labonte. RG would not do a second car without sponsorship, bottom line, and Labonte can bring it and Nemechek can not.

Purely speculation, but maybe RG bringing in reputable folks, such as Richert and maybe/maybe not Labonte is an effort to get more support for his program, maybe trying to convince John Menard that he is now serious about doing things "the right way", whatever that may be and that Paul could flourish in that program. He could not do any worse than he is at Roush/Yates Racing. Maybe RG is finally seeing that his way does not work in nascrap....At least from a sponsor stand point.

RGM needs money money and more money to obtain more engineering/technology/R&D, talented man power to grow as a group IMO. He has tried it his way and what has it gotten him..........A crappy Nascrap team and a great Dakar Team (I know I know, 2 seperate entities).Maybe, just maybe fatherhood is finally maturing RG and making him see the big picture.

I Know, I guy can dream, right. Hopefully, whatever is going on turns into something legit. It is painful watching RG be a back marker week in and week out.

bajafox

October 30th, 2009, 18:08

At least with a second car he wont be alone when he gets out of line at the plate tracks when he has a good car with nobody to push him

bajafox

November 4th, 2009, 22:54

This is TOO silly

http://sports.yahoo.com/nascar/blog/from_the_marbles/post/Danica-and-Dale-Earnhardt-Jr-Together-at-last-;_ylt=AgbiybHDijOqRB9q.S2UGps5nYcB?urn=nascar,2002 54

michael_loomis

December 24th, 2009, 11:36

Not really silly season, but how cool is it that Road America is replacing the Milwaukee Mile?

I feel bad for the fans at the Mile, but I'm glad to see another road course on the schedule!

Tristar Racing

December 28th, 2009, 11:18

Not really silly season, but how cool is it that Road America is replacing the Milwaukee Mile?

I feel bad for the fans at the Mile, but I'm glad to see another road course on the schedule!

Its too bad Robbys program might not be around long enough to run it...

RGFan

December 29th, 2009, 09:05

Its too bad Robbys program might not be around long enough to run it...

Too bad???????I call it a blessing in disguise......Put that team out of it's misery......Let RG drive for a good team, run/grow RGM in the minor leagues or another league all together again if he chooses.

Just my 2 cents

Tristar Racing

January 1st, 2010, 14:36

Too bad???????I call it a blessing in disguise......Put that team out of it's misery......Let RG drive for a good team, run/grow RGM in the minor leagues or another league all together again if he chooses.

Just my 2 cents

Oh I completely agree, but I'm not sure anyone would be willing to hire him to drive at this point. Rgm might have been viable with the older cars, but with the cot it's impossible.

NIKAL

January 7th, 2010, 21:29

While Robby is racing Dakar his Cup team just announced a partnership with BAM racing. BAM Racing #49 will move into RGM's shop and RGM will supply chassis and support to BAM's #49 car. The good news is while the RGM #7 has limited sponsorship for 2010 so far, this will help cover the daily costs and make sure his staff have jobs next year. Who knows maybe this will help while Robby and staff continue to look for sponsorship for the #7 car.

bajafox

January 8th, 2010, 10:19

who drives the 49 currently? I think any amount of $ helps RG at this point...

NIKAL

January 8th, 2010, 10:28

who drives the 49 currently? I think any amount of $ helps RG at this point...

Driver to be announced! But both Casy Mears and David Gillian are available and both have relationships with Robby, so who knows maybe one of them could land in the #49 car. I guess Robby had told David earlier that if he could land sponsorship that he could drive some races in the #7. So I would think Robby would push BAM to sign David? A course this is just my speculation.

FlyHiFlyLo

January 9th, 2010, 17:11

Who cares who's driving> It's not RG's team. RG is just providing cars.

Pro-Lite Brian

January 9th, 2010, 23:34

That's got to be a hard spot to be in when you're relegated to a tech transfer from RGM. Especially when RGM is in dire need of a team to drop some tech scraps down to the little kids table...

At least Robby can have a clearer concience when he directs more of his time to the sports where he actually accels ----> racing in SCORE and TORC! It ought to be exciting to see how he does with a little more focus on the dirt thing...

woundedyak

January 25th, 2010, 12:06

No testing and they finally concluded that the wing didn't work! With the spoiler back and supposedly "putting the car back in the drivers hand." Are we going to see some good racin' this year? With Nascar losing/abandoning it's fan base, are they going to let the drivers swap paint and the crew chiefs play with grey areas? Or is it going to be another Hendrick domination? The first few races are always good, but by race 10 we will know. I'm not really a Vickers fan, but for some reason I think this is going to be his break out year.

michael_loomis

January 26th, 2010, 18:20

I think the only way to seperate the REAL drivers, is to remove the wing/spoiler all together!! :)

michael_loomis

April 13th, 2010, 16:41

WTH??

Kahne to Hendrick in 2012? No word on what he will do next year. Just got that in an email from NASCAR.com

Chris Tobin

April 13th, 2010, 16:56

I got the email too...

This is what jayski posted:

Kahne to Hendrick? [Stewart-Haas?] UPDATE: #9-Kasey Kahne, the hottest potential free agent in NASCAR entering the season, has signed a multiyear agreement to join Hendrick Motorsports in 2011, multiple sources close to negotiations confirmed to ESPN.com Tuesday. The details of the deal, such as which car Kahne will drive, are still being finalized, sources said. The prevailing thought is Kahne will occupy the #5 car currently driven by Mark Martin, sources said. Martin signed a contract extension last year through the 2011 season. There is room for Martin and Kahne in the Hendrick family. Stewart Haas Racing receives chassis, engines and technical support from HMS. So Kahne could be housed there until Martin's contract was up, if necessary. In 2008 Dale Earnhardt Jr. signed a five-year deal with Hendrick. Jimmie Johnson last year signed an extension through 2015, and Jeff Gordon has a lifetime contract. Kahne is in the final year of his contract with Richard Petty Motorsports, and plans to finish the season in the #9 Ford, sources said. It is unknown whether Kahne's sponsor, Budweiser, will accompany him to HMS [which sponsored Hendrick's #25 Chevy for years]. Hendrick Motorsports officials had no comment. Calls placed to Kahne, who turned 30 last weekend, and to his agent were not returned.(ESPN)
UPDATE: Richard Petty Motorsports announced that driver Kasey Kahne has informed the team he will not renew his contract at the conclusion of the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season. Kahne, driver the #9 Budweiser Ford Fusion, has been with RPM since entering NASCAR's premier series in 2004. "Kasey is a very talented driver and I have enjoyed watching him race. We all wish him nothing but the best and hope he succeeds in anything he chooses to do," said team owner Richard Petty. "Drivers like Kasey Kahne are the very reason we got into this sport. Kasey has helped us get to where we are today," George Gillett, owner of Richard Petty Motorsports said. "We wish him well in his future however we have the rest of this season to race together and we're looking forward to a successful remainder of the year."(RPM)(4-13-2010)

That makes more sense, that he will start racing with Hendrick (in one way or another) next season after his contract with RPMS is up...

It even makes sense that he would replace MM in the 5 and turn it back into the 25 and put Bud on it again, then move MM over to Stewart Hass in the 5 and keep Go Daddy.com on it then Danaca comes and takes over for MM in 2012...

michael_loomis

April 13th, 2010, 19:35

uhhh ok. haha.

Hendrick doesn't want an alcohol sponsor though. Not that Kahne wouldn't make an excellent kelloggs spokes kid. LOL

Chris Tobin

April 13th, 2010, 20:45

Why wouldn't hendrick want a beer sponsor??? They were with Bud for years before Earnhardt took it away for DEI and Dale JR... Ken Schrader drove the 25 Bud Car so did Ricky Craven and maybe even Geoff Bodine and a few others... Hendric was one of the original Beer sponsored cars so I would think Bud would be happy to be with them again...

NicksTrix

April 13th, 2010, 22:07

chris, geoff drove the bud car but it was for junior johnson. bill elliott replaced him after he split with melling and coors. after bill at left jj's at the end of 94 to do his own deal with mcdonald's AB went to hms.
as you mentioned schrader, craven, plus nemecheck and lajoie drove it before AB left for greener pastures at dei.

it's all about money folks. don't be fooled by the bright lights ;)

Chris Tobin

April 13th, 2010, 22:26

I knew he drove a Bud car, just didn't realize it was for JJ not Hendrick...

It will be interesting to see who goes where and how they shuffle people around... The way I see it Hendrick now has 5 drivers for 2011: JG, JJ, MM, DE and now KK with 5 for 2012 and beyond as well: JG, JJ, DE, KK and Danica Patrick. I figure Danica and MM will share the Cup car for 2012 then in 2013 they will put her in it full time. With the 4 car limit it would seem that Hendrick will need to put a driver in a third Stewart Haas car or a 1st JR Motorsports car... Either way it should be interesting!!!

RG1Baja

April 13th, 2010, 23:06

Either way them putting a limit on how many cars you have is a joke. There is always a way around it and Im sure Hendrick will show.

NIKAL

April 14th, 2010, 00:23

Chris Tobin

April 14th, 2010, 01:34

When Jr went to Hendrick it was said that Hendrick's tight sponsorship affiliation with PepsiCo is why Bud was not welcomed back in the Hendrick camp. I doubt if Bud and Jr could not make it happen with Hendrick and PepsiCo then there is no way Kahne is going to make it happen. And really I never thought Kahne was a good fit for Bud anyways.

Actually, if I remember correctly it was because Bud still had 1 more year under contract with DEI not with Dale Jr. Remember Mark Martin and Aric Almirola shared the #8 Bud car for a season, then the Bud sponsorship left DEI at the end of their contract, to go with Kahne at Evranham (sp)... I think Bud could and probably will stay with KK over at Stewart Haas or Hendrick...

Chris Tobin

April 14th, 2010, 11:42

Here is the latest according to jayski:

Kahne to Hendrick in 2012 UPDATE 2 HMS PR: #9-Kasey Kahne, the hottest potential free agent in NASCAR entering the season, has signed a multiyear agreement to join Hendrick Motorsports in 2011, multiple sources close to negotiations confirmed to ESPN.com Tuesday. The details of the deal, such as which car Kahne will drive, are still being finalized, sources said. The prevailing thought is Kahne will occupy the #5 car currently driven by Mark Martin, sources said. Martin signed a contract extension last year through the 2011 season. There is room for Martin and Kahne in the Hendrick family. Stewart Haas Racing receives chassis, engines and technical support from HMS. So Kahne could be housed there until Martin's contract was up, if necessary. In 2008 Dale Earnhardt Jr. signed a five-year deal with Hendrick. Jimmie Johnson last year signed an extension through 2015, and Jeff Gordon has a lifetime contract. Kahne is in the final year of his contract with Richard Petty Motorsports, and plans to finish the season in the #9 Ford, sources said. It is unknown whether Kahne's sponsor, Budweiser, will accompany him to HMS [which sponsored Hendrick's #25 Chevy for years]. Hendrick Motorsports officials had no comment. Calls placed to Kahne, who turned 30 last weekend, and to his agent were not returned.(ESPN)
UPDATE: Richard Petty Motorsports announced that driver Kasey Kahne has informed the team he will not renew his contract at the conclusion of the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season. Kahne, driver the #9 Budweiser Ford Fusion, has been with RPM since entering NASCAR's premier series in 2004. "Kasey is a very talented driver and I have enjoyed watching him race. We all wish him nothing but the best and hope he succeeds in anything he chooses to do," said team owner Richard Petty. "Drivers like Kasey Kahne are the very reason we got into this sport. Kasey has helped us get to where we are today," George Gillett, owner of Richard Petty Motorsports said. "We wish him well in his future however we have the rest of this season to race together and we're looking forward to a successful remainder of the year."(RPM)(4-13-2010)
MORE: It was reported initially that Kahne's deal with Hendrick would begin in 2011. A source close to the situation told ESPN.com that Kahne will take over the #5 car for the 2012 season, but his 2011 plans are still undecided. "I've actually thought a lot about that but I'm not sure what I'm going to do next year," Kahne said after taking batting practice with the San Francisco Giants at AT&T Park on Tuesday. "I've given it some thought though." Sources confirm that Mark Martin will drive the #5 car through the 2011 season. There is room for Martin and Kahne in the Hendrick family. Stewart Haas Racing receives chassis, engines and technical support from HMS. So Kahne could be housed there until Martin's contract was up. Kahne is in the final year of his contract with Richard Petty Motorsports, and plans to finish the season in the No. 9 Ford, sources said. It is unknown whether Kahne's sponsor, Budweiser, will accompany him to HMS. Mark Wright, vice president of media, sports and entertainment marketing for Anheuser-Busch, Inc., said Budweiser is currently focused only on the current season with Kahne. "There have been no discussions relative to our sponsorship as of yet. We look forward to having those at the appropriate time," Wright said.(ESPN)(4-14-2010)
UPDATE2 - HMS PR: Beginning with the 2012 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season, Kasey Kahne will drive the #5 Chevys of Hendrick Motorsports after signing a long-term contract with the organization. Mark Martin, 51, the current driver of Hendrick Motorsports' #5 team, will complete the 2010 and 2011 seasons. When Kahne takes over in 2012, he will join teammates Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr. in Hendrick's four-car stable. "In Kasey, we saw an opportunity to cement a big piece of our future," said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. "He possesses incredible talent and a tremendous dedication to his craft, and we know he'll be a great fit within our company. Kasey has earned the respect of his future teammates by the way he's handled himself on and off the racetrack, and we know he'll be a contributor to the success of Hendrick Motorsports for many years to come. To have someone of his caliber join our team is an unbelievable opportunity for us."
"I have a comfort level with Mr. Hendrick, my future teammates and the culture of the organization," said Kahne, whose contract with Hendrick Motorsports will run through the 2015 Sprint Cup season. "For me, it's the right fit on every level, and I think it gives me a great chance to win races and compete for championships. "Determining the next step in my career has been an important process, and I'm excited and relieved to have the decision made and announced. Now it's my responsibility to put all of my energy into winning races and having a successful 2010 with my current team and our sponsors." Although 2012 and beyond has been solidified, Kahne is not scheduled to drive a Hendrick Motorsports entry in 2011 due to NASCAR's four-car limit. While who he will race for has not yet been determined, Kahne intends to drive a full Sprint Cup Series schedule next season. "If this opportunity was going to happen, I knew having some unanswered questions would be part of the scenario at this stage," Kahne acknowledged. "Hendrick Motorsports has a commitment to Mark Martin that they want to fulfill, and that's important. It's part of what attracts me to the team."(Hendrick Motorsports)(4-14-2010)

I wonder if he will drive for Stewart Haas for 2011 then Danica will take over that seat in 2012 or if he'll drive his own car or even a JR Motorsports cup car... Who knows?????:confused:

michael_loomis

April 14th, 2010, 12:06

woundedyak

April 14th, 2010, 13:09

I think MM was hired to get the #5 team straighten out. Looks like he's getting it done. I think KK will do very well over there. The guy can drive and he's had nothing but crap equipment for most of his career. I say in the next four to five years, all chevy teams will fall under Hendrick. Same goes for Ford and Roush.

NIKAL

April 14th, 2010, 15:25

Actually, if I remember correctly it was because Bud still had 1 more year under contract with DEI not with Dale Jr. Remember Mark Martin and Aric Almirola shared the #8 Bud car for a season, then the Bud sponsorship left DEI at the end of their contract, to go with Kahne at Evranham (sp)... I think Bud could and probably will stay with KK over at Stewart Haas or Hendrick... Actually Mark Martin left Roush and went to Ginn. Mark shared the Army sponsored #01 car with Regan Smith. When Ginn folded and merged with DEI the #01, Mark Martin and the Army sponsorship came with. The next year when Dale Jr left for Hendrick, so did Bud for Gillett/Evernham's #9 car with Kahne. DEI then moved Mark Martin and the #01 Army sponsor to the #8 car. And instead of keeping Regan as the part time driver with Mark DEI put Aric Almirola in that seat. I think they did that because they did not have a sponsor for his car and he was under contract with DEI.

michael_loomis

April 16th, 2010, 16:28

It's official.. MM in the 5 car thru 2011.

So where will Kahne reside in 2011? One year deal in the 9?

NicksTrix

April 18th, 2010, 18:45

i'd guess SHR, start up a team there. then swap seats with mark the next year. keep it all in the family..

woundedyak

April 19th, 2010, 07:28

It's official.. MM in the 5 car thru 2011.

So where will Kahne reside in 2011? One year deal in the 9?

Jr motorsports moves to cup and KK takes over the 88?

Chris Tobin

April 19th, 2010, 08:27

It's official.. MM in the 5 car thru 2011.

So where will Kahne reside in 2011? One year deal in the 9?

I highly doubt that Hendrick or Chevy would allow Kahne to race anything other than a Chevy in 2011... In fact I bet there is a provision in the 2012 start date contract that says that he can race for any team he wants as long as its a Chevy!!!

i'd guess SHR, start up a team there. then swap seats with mark the next year. keep it all in the family..

Seems the most logical choice so far...

Jr motorsports moves to cup and KK takes over the 88?

I doubt that Jr will leave Hendrick to drive for himself... I could see JRM with a cup team and Kahne driving but I dont see shuffling drivers back and forth year over year, that would give bad results for all the drivers and teams involved...

Of the Chevy teams that Kahne could drive for in 2011, I see SHR as the most likely, but could also be RCR or even EGR... Actually EGR has decent cars but has been struggling with sponsorship so I could see them taking the sponsorship that Kahne would bring and running a car for him for 2011 then trying to keep the car going with a new driver in 2012... KHI or JRM could start a Cup effort that Kahne could drive for in 2011 then either of the teams could get a new driver for 2012 and beyond...

Either way it should be interesting... Joe Gibbs thinks that they have a plan in place already but just haven't announced it yet, and he is certain it is not with JGR.

Chris Tobin

April 21st, 2010, 09:05

Here are some unexpected moves as reported by jayski.com:

•Shell/Pennzoil sponsorship moves to Penske Racing in 2011: Shell Oil Company and Penske Corporation announce a multi-year cross business alliance starting in the 2011 racing season. The new alliance allows Shell and Pennzoil to expand their motorsports presence as it includes a primary sponsorship with Kurt Busch and the #22 car, as well as associate sponsorships promoting Shell V-Power with IZOD IndyCar Series drivers Helio Castroneves, Will Power and Ryan Briscoe. The global business alliance provides an opportunity for Shell and Pennzoil to expand their presence not only within motorsports, but also as a preferred supplier of fuels, lubricants and related products to the Penske organization. Beginning in 2011, Shell and Pennzoil will be the "Official Fuel and Motor Oil Supplier" to the Penske organization in the U.S and the organizations will look to extend their alliance with business development opportunities in several other countries. The Penske organization is one of the world's most successful and recognized automotive-based business enterprises and provides unique activation opportunities. Additionally, this alliance continues to enable further product development for Shell and Pennzoil both on and off the track through the invaluable knowledge gained surrounding fuels, lubricants and engine technologies. Like Shell and Pennzoil, Penske Corporation has a close relationship with Chrysler and Ferrari, both part of the Fiat Group. Winning is a tradition for Penske, an organization that has earned more than 315 major race victories including 15 Indianapolis 500 wins and the 2008 Daytona 500, more than 370 pole positions and 22 national championships.
As part of the alliance, Pennzoil will become the "Official Motor Oil" of Penske Racing in 2011 which includes all of its entries in the NASCAR Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series as well as the IZOD IndyCar Series. For Pennzoil, returning to Penske is a homecoming of sorts as Pennzoil first aligned with Penske as part of its IndyCar teams in 1983 and won the 1984 and 1988 Indianapolis 500 Mile Races with driver Rick Mears. In addition, Kurt Busch won his 2004 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Championship driving a Pennzoil-supported car for another team.(Pennzoil Racing/Penske Racing PR)(4-21-2010)

•RCR Statement about Shell/Pennzoil leaving: The following is a statement from Richard Childress, president and chief executive officer of Richard Childress Racing, regarding the announcement by Shell Oil Company that it will end its sponsorship of the #29 Shell-Pennzoil Chevy at the conclusion of the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season: "Shell and Pennzoil have been great partners with Richard Childress Racing since our first race together, when Kevin Harvick and the #29 team won the Daytona 500 in 2007. I'm disappointed that our partnership will conclude at the end of the year but understand some of the reasons that went into their business decision. RCR will continue to provide Shell-Pennzoil the highest caliber program possible, keeping in sharp focus the ultimate goal of winning the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship. What this creates for RCR is the opportunity for a new partner to forge its own relationship and identity with Kevin Harvick and the championship-level team led by crew chief Gil Martin, our other race teams and drivers, and our other 35 partners. The #29 team has had only two primary sponsors since it began in 2001 but the number 3 has played a significant role at RCR for decades. We feel strongly that the third chapter of the #29 team's partnership history will be a successful one."(RCR)(4-21-2010)

•Keselowski to the #2; Budweiser to RCR?: Kurt Busch has signed a multiyear extension with Penske Racing that includes moving from the #2 car with Miller Lite as his primary sponsor into the #22 with Shell/Pennzoil as the sponsor, team officials said on Wednesday. Brad Keselowski will move from Penske's #12 car into the #2, with Miller Lite, which has been with the organization for 20 years, remaining the sponsor for the #2. Keselowski currently is sponsored by Verizon, but because of NASCAR's exclusivity deal with Cup series sponsor Sprint, Verizon's brand logo is not allowed on the car. "Brad is one of the hottest young drivers in NASCAR and we're thrilled to welcome him to the Miller Lite Racing family," said Andy England, chief marketing officer at MillerCoors. "Rarely in this sport are you presented with the opportunity to build a relationship with a top-tier driver at the start of his career."
The addition of Shell/Pennzoil means that Mobil 1, a competing motor oil that sponsors Penske's #77-Sam Hornish Jr., will not return in 2011. But Jonathon Gibson, the vice president of Penske Racing, said Penske is committed to remaining a three-car operation with Hornish in the third car. "We'll be prepared to announce a new sponsorship deal for that car in the next few weeks or months," Gibson said. "We're very excited. For us to have the opportunity to bring in a great brand like Shell and extend our relationship with Miller puts us in a place where we can build for the future."
Kevin Harvick, in the last year of his contract with Richard Childress Racing, is without a sponsor. Harvick is negotiating with RCR to find a new sponsor and stay with the company, according to a source. Harvick has been with RCR since he succeeded the late Dale Earnhardt in 2001. A source said discussions between RCR and Budweiser, in its last season with Richard Petty Motorsports' #9-Kasey Kahne, have taken place. Kahne signed last week a deal with Hendrick Motorsports to replace Mark Martin in 2012 and drive a car to be determined by team owner Rick Hendrick in 2011.(ESPN.com)(4-21-2010)

WOW, after all the years of Mobil 1 sponsorship over at Penske they are swapping out to Penzoil and Shell... That was a huge surprise. I wonder is Mobil 1 will be leaving NASCAR or if it will go over to RCR for the 29 and Harvick if he is still with the team???

I could see Bud going over there too, Harvick seems like a better guy for Bud than Kahne anyway...

But will Harvick even stay with RCR??? I think there is a big possibility that he will start a KHI cup team and drive for it or join SHR, there is also the outside chance that Gibbs and Toyota pay harvick enough to leave Chevy and go drive for them in a 4th JGR car...

2010, 2011 and even 2012 are getting silly already!!!

michael_loomis

April 21st, 2010, 11:51

Crazy... No longer Silly Season's.... more like Silly Era's....

Ryan_P

April 21st, 2010, 12:02

Roger Penske is a smart, smart man. Penske Auto Group for one is comprised of over 250 auto dealerships; imagine the cross-branding that went on there. LOTS of shelf space will be cleared of Mobil 1 and replaced with Shell-Penzoil products!

woundedyak

April 21st, 2010, 12:12

What I find funny, Is that most of this stuff got leaked out right before the season ended. Now they are announcing it a year or two ahead of time.

bajafox

April 21st, 2010, 12:36

NIKAL

April 21st, 2010, 12:48

I don't think we'll see Harvick in a Toyota, when Toyota first came in they offered him a ton of money and resources and he stayed with RCR, I think he'll stay there or start his own team. Personally, I'd like to see Harvick in a Toyota

I think your right that Harvick would not go to Toyota for the very fact that KHI's truck and NW teams are both well supported by Chevy. Also his #1 truck series driver Ron Hornaday has always been with Chevy and making the switch would probably mean loosing Ron Hornaday as his driver.

michael_loomis

April 21st, 2010, 12:58

Chris Tobin

May 13th, 2010, 16:38

Vickers is out for Dover and Casey Mears will drive in his place... I wonder what happened to Vickers??? It is odd that he ran fine last weekend, in fact his best run all season I think and now this... Very odd!!! It will most certainly keep him out of the Chase this year by missing a start! My guess is that it is some kind of rehab, I hate to say it but if it were an injury or illness they would have mentioned it in the release and they also would have probably had him start the race to get the points... I would look at the possibility that he has some problems and Red Bull is standing behind him, helping him get treatment and that Casey might be in the car for a while, if not the rest of the season... Pure speculation on my part, but Vickers sure has not been the same driver behind the wheel this year as he was last year, Speed has done better than him at almost every track... Time will tell, I am guessing this is not the last we will hear of this story.

Here is the story from jayski.com:

Vickers hospitalized, undergoing tests; Mears to drive: #83-Brian Vickers was being treated Thursday for an undisclosed medical condition that will prevent him from racing this weekend at Dover International Speedway. Red Bull Racing said Vickers was hospitalized Wednesday night and being held for further testing. The team did not reveal where he was hospitalized, although Vickers was scheduled to visit Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., on Thursday and tour the Capitol with U.S. Rep. Doc Hastings. Red Bull said Casey Mears will replace Vickers this weekend in the #83 Toyota. "It is unfortunate that I will not be able to participate in the Dover race," Vickers said in a statement. "Casey is a good friend of mine, and I know he will do his best for the #83 team this weekend." Red Bull general manager Jay Frye called Vickers' illness a "minor setback."
"Our main concern right now is with Brian and his health and recovery," Frye said. "All things are looking good at the moment, this is just a minor setback. We appreciate Casey filling in this weekend and know he will represent the team well." He's currently ranked 20th in the standings, but only 160 points out of the 12th Chase qualifying position. Missing a start almost certainly will make it impossible for Vickers to make the Chase this season.(Associated Press/ESPN)(5-13-2010)

What do you guys think??? I like Vickers, but I think something major is about to happen... I hope he is well and this is just a hick-up but I don't think so...

bajafox

May 13th, 2010, 16:44

I like Vickers too, I would hate to see him leave Red Bull

Chris Tobin

May 13th, 2010, 16:54

I'm thinking its not looking good for him, they are obviously standing behind him now, but if he is in rehab, NASCAR may suspend him and then RB will have no choice but to drop him...

bajafox

May 13th, 2010, 16:57

I think it's because he's a ginger...lol

Chris Tobin

May 14th, 2010, 07:46

Good News/Bad News... According to jayski.com report Vickers is not in rehab, but he is hospitalized for blood clots in his chest... Wow, its good that he wont be in trouble, but why the heck does a young kid like Vickers have blood clots??? Man I hope he is gonna be OK!!!

From jayski.com:

Vickers to skip Dover due to medical condition UPDATE blood clots: Red Bull Racing Team officials announced that due to a recent diagnosis of a medical condition, Brian Vickers will not compete in this weekend's NASCAR racing activities at Dover International Speedway. Vickers, age 26, driver of the #83 Red Bull Toyota, was hospitalized Wednesday evening and continues to undergo testing and further evaluation. Casey Mears has been selected to drive for the team this weekend. "It is unfortunate that I will not be able to participate in the Dover race. Casey is a good friend of mine, and I know he will do his best for the #83 team this weekend," said Vickers. "Our main concern right now is with Brian and his health and recovery", said Jay Frye, RBRT General Manager and Vice President. "All things are looking good at the moment; this is just a minor setback. We appreciate Casey filling in this weekend and know he will represent the team well."(Red Bull Racing)
Mears was scheduled to run the #36 Chevy for Tommy Baldwin Racing, Johnny Sauter will be in the #36 Chevy at Dover.(5-13-2010)
AND #83-Brian Vickers was being treated Thursday for an undisclosed medical condition that will prevent him from racing this weekend at Dover International Speedway. Red Bull Racing said Vickers was hospitalized Wednesday night and being held for further testing. The team did not reveal where he was hospitalized, although Vickers was scheduled to visit Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., on Thursday and tour the Capitol with U.S. Rep. Doc Hastings. Red Bull said Casey Mears will replace Vickers this weekend in the #83 Toyota. "It is unfortunate that I will not be able to participate in the Dover race," Vickers said in a statement. "Casey is a good friend of mine, and I know he will do his best for the #83 team this weekend." Red Bull general manager Jay Frye called Vickers' illness a "minor setback."
"Our main concern right now is with Brian and his health and recovery," Frye said. "All things are looking good at the moment, this is just a minor setback. We appreciate Casey filling in this weekend and know he will represent the team well." He's currently ranked 20th in the standings, but only 160 points out of the 12th Chase qualifying position. Missing a start almost certainly will make it impossible for Vickers to make the Chase this season.(Associated Press/ESPN)(5-13-2010)
UPDATE: many Twitters reporters at Dover International Speedway report that Red Bull Racing's Jay Frye said that Vickers had discomfort in his chest during his visit to Washington, DC on Wednesday and Dr. Jerry Petty suggested he go to an emergency room. There are several blood clots in his veins which were found during a CT Scan. Vickers is on medication to dissolve the clots. Frye says there's no timetable for Vickers' return, but he's been given a clean bill of health and clots are being dissolved.(5-14-2010)

ttucker77

May 14th, 2010, 10:13

Robby losing Monster? I'm just curious because Mikey Waltrip has been throwing out hints on twitter about some new sponsors. And Monster sounds like one of them.

bajaherbie

May 14th, 2010, 11:48

i just glad to hear that vickers hasn't been hanging out with jeremy mayfield......LOL

Chris Tobin

May 14th, 2010, 12:01

i just glad to hear that vickers hasn't been hanging out with jeremy mayfield......LOL

Me too!!!!

There is more on jayski.com now:

UPDATE: Brian Vickers has multiple blood clots in his veins that will keep him out of Sunday's Sprint Cup race at Dover International Speedway and off the track for the unforeseeable future. Jay Frye, the general manager of Red Bull Racing, confirmed Vickers' medical condition on Friday at Dover. On the advice of the team's physician, Vickers entered an undisclosed hospital in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night complaining of chest pains. It was discovered several clots had developed in his veins, including one in or around his lungs and one in his legs. Vickers was immediately put on high dosages of medication to thin his blood and break up the clots. When it became apparent he would not be able to drive this weekend, Red Bull officials contacted Casey Mears as Vickers' replacement. Frye said there is no timetable for Vickers' return to the track. "In our press release [Thursday] we said this is a minor setback," Frye said. "It is a minor setback in a young man's life and career. Obviously it is a major setback for the race team and this weekend. As far as a timetable for his return, we're not sure." Missing the race likely will end any chance the 26-year-old Vickers has of making the 12-driver Chase for the championship for the second straight season. He is 20th in points, 160 points out of the 12th and final spot for the 10-race playoff. By missing a race, he will lose at least 156 points to the 12th spot and up to 190 to the race winner. "He's a long-term player with Red Bull Racing," Frye said. "Our main concern is his health." Frye, without being specific, said some of the things Vickers does as a driver on a daily basis could have contributed to the condition. He discounted the condition had anything to do with Vickers breathing a heavy dose of carbon monoxide inside his car after a recent incident at Texas. "At Texas we had damage," Frye said. "We had to park the car early because of stuff going on inside the cockpit. In conversations with Brian, that never was mentioned." Frye said there was a chance Vickers could be released from the hospital as early as Friday, adding the uncertainty made it necessary for the team to move forward with Mears in the #83 car. He indicated having Vickers take the first lap on Sunday, which would allow the driver to keep any points the car earned in the race, was not an option. Frye did not sound optimistic that Vickers would be in the car for next week's All-Star Race at Charlotte. He was unsure if another driver could drive the car in the non-points event that Vickers qualified for by winning at Michigan last season. "There's really no hurry for him to get out," Frye said of Vickers. "Our real focus is to get through the weekend and then evaluate. We'll know more next week. There are questions about the All-Star Race. Are we in or out? I am trying to get clarification." NASCAR doctors must give Vickers clearance before he can race again. Spokesman Ramsey Poston said the governing body is working in conjunction with the team.(ESPN)(5-14-2010)

Chris Tobin

May 14th, 2010, 12:03

Robby losing Monster? I'm just curious because Mikey Waltrip has been throwing out hints on twitter about some new sponsors. And Monster sounds like one of them.

Man that would really suck, but it wouldn't surprise me for MW to go after one of RGs sponsors after he outed him in public!!!! MW is a real piece of work!!!!

I hope that Monster has the guts to stay with RGM!!!!

ttucker77

May 14th, 2010, 12:29

Well, Mikey just tweeted a photo showing the 56 from this weekend. It's got "Monster Diesel" on it, so it's not the energy drink; which is good to see.

Chris Tobin

May 20th, 2010, 06:55

This is the latest report on Vickers from jayski.com:

Vickers to miss at least three months? Sprint Cup driver #83-Brian Vickers is expected to miss at least three months while undergoing treatment for blood clots, a source close to the situation told ESPN.com on Wednesday. Red Bull Racing officials said they continue to wait for final recommendations from doctors and that details of Vickers' prognosis will be announced on Friday at Charlotte Motor Speedway, where the 26-year-old driver and general manager Jay Frye will appear at a news conference. Casey Mears replaced Vickers last weekend at Dover International Speedway and finished 22nd. Mears again will drive the #83 in Saturday night's All-Star Race after Red Bull requested a driver change on Wednesday. Vickers' former boss, Rick Hendrick, said Wednesday on his Amp Energy video conference that he has spoken to Vickers. "We are good friends and I actually hooked him up with my doctor," Hendrick said on the chat. "He's doing well. They have to be careful. When you're dealing with blood clots you have to be extremely careful."
Team officials have not used a specific medical term in defining Vickers' condition. Dr. Victor Tapson, an associate professor for the division of pulmonary medicine at Duke University and co-chair of the Council for Leadership on Thrombosis Awareness and Management, and two other doctors said Vickers' symptoms are a sign of deep vein thrombosis with a pulmonary embolism. Tapson, who is not treating Vickers, described the driver's condition as life-threatening and said the length of treatment ranges from three to six months to possibly a lifetime. He added that Vickers was lucky somebody sent him to the hospital so quickly. "Most people die before they're diagnosed," Tapson said last week. "Most people that die aren't even expecting it. Once it's diagnosed you're certainly not out of the woods, but you're ahead of the game." Tapson said he was surprised more drivers don't develop clots because immobility is one of the contributing factors in clotting and drivers are confined to a tight space and have little motion for long periods of time. He said the concern for Vickers is that if taken off blood thinners a clot could develop, move to the brain and be fatal. He said if left on blood thinners, any sort of accident on the track that causes trauma could result in the driver bleeding to death. "Usually when we treat this we treat it with blood thinners," Tapson said. "Usually people on blood thinners, if it's what we call a reversible risk factor, you treat them for three months, sometimes six months. If you decide the patient has a continual list of blood clots then sometimes they take medicine for a lifetime. A lot may depend on what is his apparent risk. If they can't come up with any reason why he has a blood clot other than being a race car driver, then the option may be don't race cars anymore."(ESPN)(5-19-2010)

WOW, what a bummer, he actually may be out of racing for good... I wonder why at such a young age he developed these clots??? I hope that doctor is wrong and that he'll get a chance to slide behind the wheel again. If not I really feel sorry for the kid!!!

bajaherbie

May 20th, 2010, 11:32

that is not good for brian, could be the end of his carrer.

michael_loomis

May 20th, 2010, 12:28

I dont think it will be the end of his career. I know if I lived my entire life around racing, and made it to the pro level, I would take the medicine and live with the concern. Hire a doctor and add a larger fridge into the motorcoach, stock up like a vampire, and keep racin!

Best wishes to Brian Vickers!!

ttucker77

May 20th, 2010, 12:55

For anyone that doesn't know, Brian Ickler will be with Roush Fenway in the #16 car for the Nationwide race at Lowes. I take it he's left Kyle Busch's team?

woundedyak

May 20th, 2010, 13:38

He drives for kyle only in the truck series! Im stoked he has a chance to drive a Roush car setup by the Biff.
Best of luck!

Chris Tobin

May 20th, 2010, 16:12

For anyone that doesn't know, Brian Ickler will be with Roush Fenway in the #16 car for the Nationwide race at Lowes. I take it he's left Kyle Busch's team?

Wow, that's very cool!!! Hope he does well!!!

bajafox

May 20th, 2010, 22:52

Good reason to actually watch the Nationwide race

NIKAL

May 21st, 2010, 13:01

I would think Brian is out at Kyle Busch's truck program. From what they are saying Kyle owes several hundred grand to contractors for his building and cant pay. Kyle was quoted in an interview saying he wishes he would nave never started the truck team as it is costing way more then expected. Also at the beginning of the season Kyle took Miccosukee Casino sponsorship from Billy Ballews truck team, and then Miccosukee changed their mind and pulled out of NASCAR completely leaving Kyles 2 truck teams without a primary sponsor.

Part of the article about Kyle;
Busch knew starting a truck team would take a significant capital investment, but he didn't realize just how expensive it would be. Had he known what he knows now, Busch didn't hesitate to say he wouldn't have done it. "No," Busch said quickly, speaking during a break in a test at Daytona International Speedway. "No, I wouldn't do it. Bad idea. I was kind of misled on some things and didn't understand the financial burden of getting started," Busch said. "The getting started costs have been way over what expectations were, so that set us back." Recently contractors hired to work on a new building for the team filed a lien against KBM, saying they were owed hundreds of thousands of dollars by the company, according to a report in the Charlotte Observer.

On another subject did you guys read where Brian Vickers is out for the rest of the season due to blood clots. Casey Mears is scheduled to be the replacement driver for the balance of the season. This is not good for Vickers, if he has to stay on blood thinners he might not be able to return to racing ever.

Offspring

May 21st, 2010, 13:28

That Vickers deal is really bad news for him. Mears once again slides into a quality ride and once again will do nothing with it. He is so over-rated in cup. Nobody in the history of nascar has had as many quality rides as he has had a shot at, nobody.

NicksTrix

May 21st, 2010, 15:11

who twisted kyles arm to build a fancy new mega shop? why does a 2 truck team needs 60+K sq ft? it's not like he couldn't have found some of the other empty shops to purchase or rent to get going. don't cry the blues kyle, with the multi millions a year you're making, you aren't struggling at all. don't forget you can't take it with you. share the love and pay your damn bills, cheapscape!

once again we will mears do anything... what is the common denominator here?

Mumzy

May 21st, 2010, 15:46

That's a REAL bummer for Vickers, but some serious sheot to take care of. Those blood clots are nothing you can blow off. The thinners are on the banned substance list, so that is probably why he is out for the year.

Kyle is either an idiot, or his contractor is a good salesman. I have seen more of my high end competitors SLAM those people with $$$$ in this economy. Unfortunately Shrub will end up having to pay the piper.

ttucker77

May 21st, 2010, 18:57

Ickler is gone, Johnny Benson will now be running the races Ickler was going to.

Earlier this week, Brian Ickler, who was driving the #18 truck when Busch could not due to Sprint Cup conflicts, took a job driving a car for Roush Fenway Racing in the Nationwide Series. Busch will use Johnny Benson, who he had hoped to drive the scrapped third car he had planned, in Ickler's place starting in two weeks at Texas. "I have no reason to hold Brian Ickler back. It's all for his best interest," Busch said. "I feel like I've done what I've needed to do to help him move up, so hopefully he can make a name for himself and a place for himself over there at Roush and do a good job."

woundedyak

May 21st, 2010, 21:14

Maybe if KB had a little more respect for his peers. I'm sure Harvick would of gave him the low down on how to do it with follow up question from Billy Ballew.

That was a swift kick in the nut's for Vickers from a twelve yr old. I hope he can come back from this! Best wishes!

Chris Tobin

June 11th, 2010, 13:56

Here's a solution to running Kahne in a Hendrick car for 2011 and keeping Martin in the 5 for 2011 until Kahne takes over in 2012... This was posted on jayski.com this afternoon:

Kahne to the #09 car in 2011?: Hendrick Motorsports and James Finch are working on a partnership to put Kasey Kahne in the #09 Chevy for 2011. Multiple sources indicate the deal could be completed within the next few weeks. Hendrick will not be allowed to own the car under NASCAR's four-team rule, leaving Finch in the position of ownership, although engines and chassis would continue to come from Hendrick. Once completed, the partnership solves the HMS dilemma of where to put Kahne next season. Signed to take over the #5 Chevy in 2012, Kahne leaves RPM at the end of the year but Hendrick already has four signed drivers -- Mark Martin, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson -- under contract for 2011. Stewart-Haas Racing was the first option for Kahne, but sources claim sponsorship and financial constraints for that team have made such a move impossible.
Instead, the partnership with Phoenix Racing is a compromise solution. Under a one-year deal, Kahne will be installed with a single-car team that gives him the opportunity to continue running full-time. Here's the kicker: once Kahne moves to HMS, sources claim the man he's replacing, Mark Martin, may be interested in purchasing the Phoenix team for 2012 as he scales back his driving career. Spokesmen on both sides have denied a deal is in the works. According to Hendrick spokesman Jesse Essex, "Our position with regard to 2011 has not changed. We continue to be open to various options, and nothing has been determined at this time." The 51-year-old Martin also remains uncommitted to his future beyond 2011."(Sports Illustrated)(6-11-2010)

Seems like a pretty good solution to me... It will allow Kahne to drive for a Hendrick car for the year and satisfy all existing contracts up to the switch... It also works for Finch where he will have a star driver in his car for a year and should get a decent points finish and payday possibly even making the chase which will greatly increase the value of his team should he choose to sell or make his team more appealing to attract another top level driver should he decide to keep the team.

I did read somewhere that Mark Martin has already said he does not want to be a team owner, but who knows things change...

Chris Tobin

June 22nd, 2010, 17:13

According to jayski.com we have good news for RGM fans!!!

Front Row Appeal UPDATE: Front Row Motorsports' [#38-Travis Kvapil] appeal for violations at Pocono will be Tuesday in the Charlotte area.(Roanoke Times), no word when an announcement on a decision will be made.(6-22-2010)
UPDATE: On June 22, 2010, the National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel heard and considered the appeal of Front Row Motorsports regarding the #38 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series car. The appeal concerned two penalties issued by NASCAR stemming from the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event at Pocono Raceway on June 6, 2010. The penalties concern Section 12-1 of the NASCAR Rule Book "Actions detrimental to stock car racing"; Section 12-4-J: "Any determination by NASCAR Officials that the Race Equipment used in the Event does not conform to NASCAR Rules"; and Section 20-10.7J: "Unapproved modification to valve stem hardware." Originally, a total of 5 penalties were assessed for the infractions, including a deduction of 150 NSCS owner points for Doug Yates; a deduction of 150 NSCS driver points for Travis Kvapil; and a $100,000 fine, 12-race suspension, and probation for crew chief Steven Lane. Subsequently, those 3 penalties were withdrawn from the appeal, and the crew chief has begun serving his suspension. The two remaining penalties were appealed:
-suspension from the next 12 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series racing events; suspension from NASCAR until Sept 15, 2010, and probation until December 31, 2010 for crew member, Richard Bourgeois (car chief)
-suspension from the next 12 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series racing events; suspension from NASCAR until Sept 15, 2010, and probation until December 31, 2010 for crew member, Michael Harrold (tire specialist)
The Appellants requested and were granted a deferral of these suspensions until such time as the hearing could be convened. The Appellants and team representative argued that, unbeknownst to the team management or the Appellants, valve stem caps designed to bleed air were developed by rogue elements of the team; that for some reason this hardware was mistakenly brought to the Pocono event on the team hauler; and that the caps were then accidently placed on the race car just prior to the start of the race. A small hole had been drilled in the top of each of the valve stem caps in question, and a foam material had been added to the interior of each cap. These valve stem caps were located on the left front and both rear tires of the race car upon discovery. The Panel did not find the Appellants explanation to be plausible. The Panel found the penalties to be correct for the nature of the infraction. Therefore, it is the unanimous decision of the National Stock Car Racing Appeals Panel to uphold the original penalties assessed by NASCAR. The periods of suspension shall be adjusted from the date of the hearing. The Appellants have the right under Section 15 of the Rule Book to appeal this decision to the National Stock Car Racing Chief Appellate Officer. The panel who heard the appeal were: Leo Mehl, Waddell Wilson and Humpy Wheeler along with George Silbermann - Appellate Administrator and non-voting member.(NASCAR)(6-22-2010)

They upheld the penalties, but I wish they would have raised them!!!

Chris Tobin

June 22nd, 2010, 17:18

And...

Another pothead!!! What a dummy!!! I wonder if this will effect the seating company??? Will drivers want to trust their lives to his seats still?!?!?!?! I call BS on the one time mistake thing!!! Of course there is a first time for everything, but at his age, this May was not likely the first time!!! It was just the first time he got caught!!!

What do you think?

LaJoie suspended by NASCAR: UPDATE: Two-time NASCAR Nationwide Series champion Randy LaJoie told Sirius NASCAR Radio's Sirius Speedway with Dave Moody that he is guilty of violating NASCAR's substance abuse policy. LaJoie won the then-NASCAR Busch Series championship in both 1996 and 1997, and has recently worked as an analyst for both ESPN and Sirius NASCAR Radio, in addition to manufacturing racing seats for his company, The Joie Of Seating. He said he expects an announcement from NASCAR within the hour, confirming his suspension, but wanted to "get out in front of it" by speaking out now. "I screwed up," said LaJoie in an exclusive Sirius Speedway interview. "NASCAR tested me Day when I wanted go spot for someone at Nashville. I already have two NASCAR licenses, but they said I needed a spotter's license, and that included taking a drug test. I took the test, and got a call a few days later saying I had tested positive for marijuana." LaJoie called the incident "a one-time, isolated situation," saying he smoked marijuana just once, immediately following the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. "I volunteer my time driving a golf cart taking people back and forth," he said. "I dropped one group off in the campground after the race, and there was a pretty good party going on. I did something I shouldn't have done, and while I sure wish I had picked up a different bunch, I don't blame any of them. I blame myself. You can't fix stupid." LaJoie said he will do whatever NASCAR requires in order to be reinstated. "I have already spoken to my own drug abuse counselor, and I am waiting for a call back from NASCAR's doctor," he said. "I'll go wherever they tell me to go, and I'll do what they tell me to do."(6-22-2010)
UPDATE: Randy LaJoie, a crew member for the #18 team in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, has been indefinitely suspended from NASCAR for violating the sanctioning body's substance abuse policy. On June 11, LaJoie was found to have violated Sections 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 19 (violation of the NASCAR substance abuse policy) of the 2010 NASCAR Rule Book. (NASCAR PR)(6-22-2010)

michael_loomis

June 22nd, 2010, 18:44

Spoke to a drug abuse counselor for a one time use? LOL

racer56

June 22nd, 2010, 19:05

Everyone always says it was their first time when they get busted.

Mumzy

June 23rd, 2010, 05:21

Everyone always says it was their first time when they get busted.

Dude will turn 49 in August. I am turning 50 next month, and for my birthday I have decided to try heroin (since it is one of the only drugs I have never tried).

ya right!:cool:

Chris Tobin

June 23rd, 2010, 08:46

More news from jayski.com this morning:

Labonte not in the #71 at NHMS: Andy Lally, and not Bobby Labonte, will drive the #71 Chevy for TRG Motorsports in the Sprint Cup race this weekend in New Hampshire. Despite rumors that Labonte and TRG have parted ways, owner Kevin Buckler said that wasn't the case. "We're still trying to work through everything," Buckler said. Lally, 35, has won three Grand-Am Rolex Series titles and also competing in the Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge. Lally is a six-year TRG veteran.(FoxSports)
AND: Bobby Labonte plans to part ways with TRG Motorsports, sources said Tuesday. An announcement is expected Wednesday that Labonte has left the team. Labonte possibly could end up in the #7 Robby Gordon Motorsports Toyota and run the full race this weekend at New Hampshire. The team and crew chief Doug Randolph parted ways a few weeks ago.(SceneDaily)(6-23-2010)

That would be nice to see Bobby bring a little sponsorship money and run the whole race!!! Even if her were to start and park, I'm sure the team would benifit from the race notes they would get from a Championship/Veteran driver like Labonte behind the wheel for a limited practice, qualifying and race weekend... and if they turn him loose for the whole race he could do something decent with it. Also having him available in case the car slips back out of the top 35 is great too especially if it will be S&P'd for any number of races... I think it is great that it is even be spoke of even if nothing happens from it... Keep our boy RG in the media eye and good things might happen!!!

Chris Tobin

June 23rd, 2010, 09:47

CONFIRMED!!!!!

This press release was just emailed to me from RGM pr:

Bobby Labonte to Drive for Robby Gordon Motorsports at Loudon

Former Champ to Pilot No. 7 Toyota at NHMS

Charlotte, NC (June 23, 2010) – Robby Gordon Motorsports will put 2000 NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Bobby Labonte behind the wheel of the No. 7 Toyota at New Hampshire Motor Speedway for the Lenox Industrial Tools 301 this weekend in a current one-race deal.

“When we found out that Bobby was available to drive for us, we jumped at it,” said team owner Robby Gordon. “To have a past champion driving your car is a good opportunity. I think we can learn from him this weekend and it will help our program moving forward.”

Robby Gordon Motorsports finished second in last weekend’s race at the Infineon Raceway.

“I can’t thank Robby and his folks enough for this opportunity,” said Labonte. “We’re going to New Hampshire with the goal of having another solid run for his team. They had a great finish at Sonoma and have some momentum right now. I’m just thankful for the opportunity and hope to get another solid finish for his team.”

Labonte will be making his first start for Robby Gordon Motorsports and plans on running the full race this Sunday.

Sounds like they wont be an S&P team either!!!! Gas on!!! Go RGM and BL!!!

woundedyak

June 23rd, 2010, 10:09

This might be a interview for a full time driver for the "07"

Chris Tobin

June 23rd, 2010, 10:39

This might be a interview for a full time driver for the "07"

Now that would be AWESOME!!!!!!

NIKAL

June 23rd, 2010, 11:00

I doubt their will be any second full time team any time soon. RGM cant find full time sponsorship for 1 car little lone two. Now RGM has said they have funding for two cars at a few races later this year. They were suppose to be races where both the BAM and RGM each ran a car. But from what I have gathered the BAM deal has ended do to finances. So if RGM still has funding in place to run two cars at those specific race tracks then yes you might see the #7 and #07 on the track together again. I think the original plan of having PJ drive for Robby this week was to get him more seat time if the two car plan comes together.

Now if Bobby has brought a few dollars to RGM for this one race and they can run the whole race, I can see why Robby would rather have Bobby in the car vs. PJ. Also I would expect if Bobby is still available in a few weeks that he will end up in the #83 Red Bull car after the 3 race deal with Read Sorenson is up. Until Vickers gets better Red Bull will need a driver and unless Read does well, they will probably pull him like they did Mears. Also I would guess the Red Bull ride is a paying ride and Bobby would rather get paid, vs not.

Ryan_P

June 23rd, 2010, 11:00

This might be a interview for a full time driver for the "07"

Unlikely. Full funding for 1 team is hard enough for RGM, but one can only wish this were the case!

This is a good thing for RGM as an organization. Maybe this will give Gene Nead a shot at calling a race on his own with a veteran driver like Bobby Labonte behind the wheel. Bobby has a career avg finish of 15.7 at Loudon, just sayin'...

Chris Tobin

June 23rd, 2010, 11:13

michael_loomis

June 23rd, 2010, 11:26

Why is RG unavailable this weekend?

bajafox

June 23rd, 2010, 11:31

I think he went to Argentina for DAKAR reasons....could be wrong though

NIKAL

June 23rd, 2010, 12:10

I think it would be a lot easier for RGM to get sponsorship $s for 2000 Cup Series Champion Bobby Labonte in a second car or in the primary 7 car than it is for Robby Gordon 3 time cup series winner... Not a slight againsta RG, but a multiple winner and past Champion like Labonte has got to be an easier sell to sponsors... It would be great to see RGM expand to 2 cars even if it was part time... They could even put PJ in a car at The Glenn and run 3 cars there. I think they would get all three in the race too!!! So even if two start and park it would be a good payday for RGM!!!

Maybe, Maybe not? TRG was not able to find sponsorship for Bobby. Taxslayer came back from last season, but only wants to sponsor around tax time. With Robby I think he sells his sponsorship as a Global Marketing package as it seems many of his sponsors are or get tied into the Baja and Dakar stuff. Last year he had sponsors like SPOT, Freightliner and Polaris. I doubt without his other programs would these companies have come on for one or two races.

Chris Tobin

June 23rd, 2010, 14:18

Well, Bobby Labonte will be driving the '09 also, according to jayski.com:

Labonte to run #09 car for two race: Phoenix Racing and team owner James Finch announced that Bobby Labonte will drive the team's #09 Chevy in a two-race agreement. Labonte will race the #09 Chevy in the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway on July 3rd. He is also slated to drive the LifeLock.com 400 at Chicagoland Speedway on July 10th for the team. The team will compete for wins in both events. "It's good to know that we'll have a past champion in our car for these two races," said team owner James Finch. "I've known Bobby for a while and he always works hard behind the wheel. This is a good opportunity for us to race for a win." Labonte, a veteran of the Coca-Cola Racing Family, will be making his 600th career start at Daytona during the Coke Zero 400. The team is currently looking for sponsorship for the two events and will secure Labonte for additional events if sponsorship can be acquired. "Any driver wants the chance to win at Daytona," said Labonte. "It's awesome that James has given me this opportunity and also the chance to compete at Chicagoland. I'm looking forward to these two races and making my 600th start at Daytona during the Coke Zero 400."(Breaking Limits / PR)(6-23-2010)

I'd still like to see him in an RGM car more than just this 1 time, but I'm sure he'll help the team even as a 1-off drive...

NIKAL

June 23rd, 2010, 15:16

1 race for RGM 2 races for Phoenix and I bet we see Bobby at Red Bull after that. Read Sorenson as a three race deal with Red Bull in Vickers #83 car, and unless he does well I bet we see Bobby in the #83 after that.

woundedyak

June 23rd, 2010, 18:34

NIKAL

June 24th, 2010, 13:56

Bobby Labonte and RGM update. Both were on Sirius Trading Paint show. Bobby spoke about how he and Robby talked last winter when Bobby stopped by and toured RGM, and if the opportunity ever came up that maybe they could work together. Well this weekend is the first week for that. Both Bobby and Robby spoke about attempting to do some more races together this year. Robby said he would like to have two cars at the Brickyard 400 this year and have Bobby drive the 07 car. Also this would be a good test as Bobby said he wants to help RGM if possible and Robby said if the sponsorship can be found he would like to have two cars next year with Bobby in the second car. But first thing was to get threw this weekend and see what else can be put together for more races this year.

This weeks race was suppose to be a start and park with PJ Jones but when Bobby became available Robby felt it was worth pulling extra money out of RGM to make sure that Bobby gets a fair chance to run the whole race. Bobby pretty much said that is why he left TRG #71 team as he was frustrated doing the S&P thing.

Prior to Bobby and Robby coming on the show it was mentioned that Bobby might run a few races in the Red Bull #83 car. But in Bobby's interview he never mentioned the #83, only racing the #7 this week, the 09 for two weeks and then hopefully getting back in a RGM car for a few more races this year. Also not mentioned in the interview but from what I heard when BAM was still involved, was that Robby has sponsorship funding for two cars at a few selected races this year. I would guess these are the races he is hoping to have Bobby drive the second car in now.

Also Robby said his new company venture www.speedfactory.tv which is a behind the scenes reality show about RGM and what goes on at the shop and with Robby has been getting good feed back and he is hopeful this web based TV show can get picked up and be an actual TV series showing what Robby and RGM doing on a weekly basis. This is another one of Robbys new marketing tools to get sponsors and show the fans what Robby and RGM are all about.

michael_loomis

June 24th, 2010, 14:06

Great news! I wish BL and RGM the best of luck, and hopefully BL can help get an RGM car setup to go fast!

Chris Tobin

June 24th, 2010, 14:29

I hope it works out too!!! Man it would be nice to see RGM expand and grow AND be more competitive!!!

Chris Tobin

July 8th, 2010, 06:40

How's this for some silly season stuff???

Per jayski.com this morning:

Martin to Red Bull in 2011?: on the Sirius NASCAR Radio Facebook page, it is reported: "Randy Pemberton says that Mark Martin will move over to Red Bull Racing next year and Kasey will come to Hendrick and race the #5 car next season." Doesn't say which Red Bull car the #82 Scott Speed drivers, the #83 that Brian Vickers is supposed to return to in 2011 or a third Red Bull Racing team.(7-7-2010)

I wonder if that means that Mark Martin will be driving a Toyota or if Red Bull racing is finally going to switch to Chevy as they have been rumored to over the past couple years??? I can't see Rick Hendrick letting someone like Mark Martin go to a Toyota team when he has the opportunity to keep him in the Chevy family... What do you think??? Time will tell for sure...

bajafox

July 8th, 2010, 11:04

I would love to see MM in a Red Bull Toyota!!!

bajaherbie

July 8th, 2010, 11:26

MM is my favorite driver but NO WAY IN HECK am i drinking Red Bull...

Chris Tobin

July 8th, 2010, 12:22

I would love to see MM in a Red Bull CHEVY!!!

There I fixed it for you!!!!

They've been talking about Red Bull switching to Chevy's for a while now, this is the strongest sign that it may happen...

Unfortunately it may also be a sign that Vickers will have to retire from racing due to his medical condition... Bummer for him! I liked the kid!

woundedyak

July 8th, 2010, 14:23

I can totally see RB moving to Chevy and having motors and maybe chassis supplied by Hendrick. MM on hand to tune!

Chris Tobin

July 8th, 2010, 15:03

Isn't the Red Bull GM a former Hendrick/Chevy guy? I think his name is Jay Frye, but I could be wrong...

NicksTrix

July 8th, 2010, 16:06

rumor denied

woundedyak

July 8th, 2010, 17:05

rumor denied

That's it? That's all you are going to give us? You are like our TMZ for the Cup world. Do we half to start buying you Steekers for info?

NicksTrix

July 8th, 2010, 18:21

wounded- just read jayski, it tells the story.
think about it, why would mark leave a top shelf team for team red bull, other than a boat load of money. he already left roush for a boat load to begin with when he went to ginn. personally i think he just wants to be able to win races, can he do that at TRB?

NIKAL

July 9th, 2010, 00:13

At the end of 2009 Red Bull signed a 3 year extension deal with Toyota. So even if the rumor was true that Mark Martin was looking to go to Red Bull in 2011. Red Bull would not be changing manufactures because of it. They are contracted with Toyota threw 2012. Looking at it in a financial aspect, Red Bull gets way more as Toyota's #3 team vs. going over to Chevy and being lucky to be the 5th team in the Chevy camp. I'm guessing the 5th team in line with Chevy does not get a lot of manufacture money and tech support is probably much less then what Toyota is offering.

michael_loomis

July 28th, 2010, 01:08

Man, does Jack Roush have 9 lives, or what?

Chris Tobin

July 28th, 2010, 08:03

Acording to jayski.com the latest speculation is that Ambrose will be in the RPM #9 with Bobby Labonte taking the #47...

And yes "The Cat In The Hat" must have 9 lives, he is a cat afterall... seriously though, after all the deaths and accidents with drivers/teams flying themselves I'm surprised they still do it at all!!!

michael_loomis

August 6th, 2010, 12:39

Menard to RCR.... really?

woundedyak

August 6th, 2010, 14:18

Menard to RCR.... really?

Makes sense. 4th car and brings a check book with him

NicksTrix

August 9th, 2010, 20:46

read KK might go to red bull for a year until MM is out of the seat.
i can see rick buying a ride for him. they need a driver (well really 2) over there, so it could be a decent fit for a year.
also recently heard another juicy rumor about RBR that i'll hold onto a little longer. it will be interesting to see what goes on with that team come seasons end. it could just be bs as well..;)

michael_loomis

August 9th, 2010, 23:54

Anything to do with Hendrick Chevies? hmmm

bajaherbie

August 10th, 2010, 04:29

RG and BAM have split...... robbie is gonna take it to court for breach of contract is what i heard (read on jayski).

Chris Tobin

August 10th, 2010, 07:16

RG and BAM have split...... robbie is gonna take it to court for breach of contract is what i heard (read on jayski).

I read that too, and based on past RG legal situations. I would guess that we probably won't see BAM on the track again but RGM will be thanks to funding by BAM... He really seems to lock things down airtight legally!!!

Chris Tobin

August 10th, 2010, 08:38

According to jayski.com it is official that Kahne will be driving for Red Bull next year... Wild huh??? I am very surprised that Rick Hendrick is cool with him going to a Toyota team rather than a Chevy team like they had planned!!! I don't know why he didn't put him in a Stewart/Haas Chevy. I know Stewart says his team is not ready to add a third team yet, but if Hendrick supplies the chassis, engines and personell is it any hardship on Stewart at all?!?!?!? Khane would be a very bankable draw for a 1 year sponsorship at any team and then Stewart could hire another driver to replace Kahne in 2012 giving him more than a year to be fully prepared to take on the full responsibility of the 3rd team...

Yes, as Pat will no doubt point out I am not at all a Toyota fan, but really even if Hendrick was a Toyota team and RBR was a Chevy team, it still would seem odd to me! Its bad enough that you are putting one of your future drivers in a car fielded by the competition, but it isn't even from the same make... Just seems like an odd business practice, that is unless RBR switches to Chevy or maybe even adds another car and runs one Chevy...

pdailey

August 10th, 2010, 13:36

That is funky CT. Hmmmmmmm

Chris Tobin

August 10th, 2010, 14:26

Pat, doesn't it seem weird that Hendrick would "loan" out Kahne to a non-Chevy team??? I have read multiple announcements now and it seems to be a legit done deal, so I guess we'll see Kahne in a Toy next year... I think the quote from Jay Frye said Red Bull Toyota but the one from Kahne and Hendrick did not...

bajaherbie

August 10th, 2010, 16:24

kasey will probably just mumble the word "toyota" in any of his interviews next year!

michael_loomis

August 10th, 2010, 17:11

So what makes you think RBR is a lock to run Toyota next year?

NIKAL

August 10th, 2010, 17:32

So what makes you think RBR is a lock to run Toyota next year?

Red Bull signed a 3 year deal with Toyota at the end of 2009. Better to be #3 with Toyota and getting your engines from TRD then to be#5 with Chevy and be leasing engines from your competitor at a higher price.

And here is the official Red Bull Press Release regarding Kahne for 2011;

MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Kasey Kahne will drive a Red Bull Racing Team Toyota in 2011, the team announced Tuesday.

“We were fortunate to have the opportunity to hire a very talented driver for the 2011 season and we took it,” said Jay Frye, Red Bull Racing Team Vice President and General Manager. “This is a unique situation that doesn’t happen every day. Kasey is a perfect fit for our company, team and Red Bull.”

Kahne, 30, owns an impressive NASCAR Sprint Cup Series résumé. He has 11 wins, 17 poles, 47 top-five and 84 top-10 finishes and twice was a Chase participant in 2006 and 2009.

“This opportunity places me with an established, competitive team that has proven they can win races and make the Chase,” Kahne said. “I have great respect for Red Bull, so to have the opportunity to drive for Red Bull Racing Team in 2011 is a great fit for me, both personally and professionally. It feels good to be able to finally put this to rest and focus my energy on finishing the season strong for the 9 team and our sponsors.”

“This obviously all happened very quickly,” Frye added. “Over the next month, we will finalize the specific team details.”

Red Bull Racing Team’s final driver lineup for 2011 will be confirmed later this year.

michael_loomis

August 10th, 2010, 18:42

JPBart

August 10th, 2010, 20:06

Maybe Kahne told HMS instead of picking his nose for a year he was going to bail on his contract and go race for RBR? It's not like RBR couldn't afford to buy him out.

JPBart

August 10th, 2010, 20:06

Well then whats this all about!! Spill it! haha

RGM to merge with RBR? please? lol

We can wish but.....

Chris Tobin

August 10th, 2010, 21:11

I'd be happy to see RG mend the Red Bull bridge and get behind the wheel of one of there cars making them a three car team for 2011 with Speed, Kahne and RG then either stay with three cars or go back to 2 cars for 2012 depending on the economy and such... Also, as long as he keeps the 7 in the top 35 RBR will be happy to "buy" his team to add the 3rd car to the fold since it has a start... Works for me and I see why they couldn't announce it until the end of the year, we know how good RG is at honoring his contracts so he wouldnt do anything to let Monster out of their Personal Services agreement. Does anyone know how long the PSA was with Monster and RG?

As much as I'd like to see RG in a Chevy again, if he is gonna stay in a Toy, might as well be for one with a good team. It also makes sense on the desert side of things too since RB put all the desert funding into VW, they can get back on RGOR trucks and have a desert presence again. It gets fuzzy for Dakar but I'm sure they have the money to fund RGORs effort in addition to the VW team...

Could be cool. I would definately love to see RG competitive again in NASCAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Chris Tobin

August 11th, 2010, 09:32

Per jayski.com:

•Robby Gordon in the #07: Robby Gordon tweeted that he will be in the #07 this week and the driver for the #7 will be announced soon.(8-11-2010)

I wonder why??? What is prompting this decision??? I guess he feels that he can wheel the 07 into the show and wants the 7 in on owners points. My guess is that this was one of the BAM and RGM scheduled weekends so he doesn't want to do anything that would be a breach of contract on his side so he is putting himself in the 07 (which would be the BAM car I guess) and a lower quality driver in his own 7 car showing the judge or arbitrator that he put the best possible effort into making things work and even at the sacrifice of his own team. Man RG is one smart cookie, and he seems to manipulate things behind the scenes in ways that most people can't even imagine!!!

Go RGM, Gas on!!!!

Mumzy

August 11th, 2010, 11:46

Stremme

Chris Tobin

August 11th, 2010, 13:28

He'd be a good one for the ride... But if it is gonna be a start n park, I'd say to put anyone in it that can wheel it for a lap or two without hitting the wall!!! Heck put Steve Park in it, he was a good driver before his wreck and he seems to be wheeling good again in other series, thats someone that needs a break and RG could put him in it and let him run the whole race...

NIKAL

August 11th, 2010, 13:36

Sounds like RGM's NASCAR program will be part time next year.

From Showtimes Inside Nascar show;

http://sports.sho.com/inside-nascar/video-portal.html?id=490915072001

The new Speedfactory.tv episode #9 comes out tonight. I wonder if this will be talked about since Watkins Glen was a disaster.

Racer21(Roberto)

August 12th, 2010, 09:24

Looks like they're trying to keep Kasey in a Chevy, but it seems the only way to do that is to have him in a Stewart-Haas car, and I don't think Tony wants that yet.
From 4wide.com-3 sources
"NASCAR vetoed moves that would have put Kasey Kahne in Phoenix Racing Chevys supplied by Hendrick Motorsports in 2011"

Chris Tobin

August 12th, 2010, 11:36

WOW, I wonder why NASCAR wouldn't allow him to run with Phoenix Racing in Hendrick Chevys... That is the same deal they allow with HMS and SHR as well as RFR and RPM... Seems odd to me, that NASCAR wouldnt allow it, but NASCAR stopping it does explain why Hendrick would let him go to a non Chevy team as they vetoed his primary plan which was what we though all along that he would be in a Hendrick satelite team...

Chris Tobin

October 26th, 2010, 09:28

Mumzy

October 26th, 2010, 12:37

CT....it's called $$$$

Once you get the taste of racing on someone else's dime, you never want to go back. It's like a drug. Chevy (GM) is going to be under more and more pressure to NOT give away Obama bucks so a bunch of Red State rednecks can race for what the Government sees as on our tax payers dollars. Ganassi is no dummie. Ford just announced huge profits today, and if they keep on track, they will be "debt free" by this time next year. They would

NIKAL

October 26th, 2010, 12:39

Now here is a story from jayski.com that I truly consider SILLY!!!!

•Earnhardt-Ganassi to Ford? While Chip Ganassi brushed off the possibility of switching from Chevy to Ford as "just a rumor" last week at Charlotte Motor Speedway, sources told FOXSports.com that Ford initiated discussions with the team in July, and a decision could come as early as next week at Talladega Superspeedway. Although Ganassi's NASCAR drivers Jamie McMurray and Juan Pablo Montoya failed to make the 2010 Chase for the Sprint Cup field, the pair has delivered four wins this year. McMurray, who won the Daytona 500 in his return to Ganassi this season, moved from Ford's Roush Fenway Racing at the end of last year. In four years at RFR, McMurray posted just two wins. Ganassi stands to benefit through the support the company would receive from Ford both on a financial and technological basis. When it comes to the pecking order at Chevrolet, Earnhardt Ganassi Racing lulls far behind Hendrick Motorsports, Richard Childress Racing and Stewart-Haas Racing, who shares an allegiance with Hendrick. At Ford, Ganassi would be second only to Jack Roush. The area that would hit Ganassi the hardest would be the loss the company's partnership with Earnhardt Childress Racing Technology engines currently one of the top programs in the garage. ECRT engines have won eight races this season. Only Mark Cronquist's engines at Joe Gibbs Racing have accounted for more (9) wins. With teams already preparing for the 2011 season, ECRT has been told a decision will come from Ganassi by Talladega. ECRT currently provides engines for Richard Childress Racing, EGR and Tommy Baldwin Racing. Furniture Row Racing will join the program next year.(FoxSports)(10-23-2010)

It would make no sense for EGR to switch to Ford, they already have more wins this season than all of the Ford teams combined being with Chevy, so why would they think that relying on Rousch and Ford for EVERYTHING would have the team in better shape than they currently are in. This is a truly dumb idea and I really hope that it is just a rumor that was sparked because of the RPM problems and that Ganasi is not dumb enough to consider it!!!!

UPDATE: Earnhardt Ganassi Racing officials don't deny that Ford has approached them about switching manufacturers in 2011. They also say there are no plans to leave Chevy, in part because of the long-standing relationship the Earnhardt part of this equation has with General Motors, not to mention the Earnhardt Childress Racing engines that arguably are the best in the business at the moment.(ESPN.com(10-26-2010)

There are way to many ties to Chevy for EGR to make the switch. Plus by switching to Ford you are leaving your fate to Roush as he builds all the Ford engines and most Ford teams get their chassis from Roush. I would think you would get less tech support from Ford then where they are with Chevy. Because Ford's tech alliance is with Roush and if you were to build your own chassis or motors then what support Ford would have to give would most likely not transfer over, as it is all based around Roush's info. EGR even has their own Carbon Fiber room. They build all their own carbon fiber parts minus the seats which come from Hendrick's seat shop.

Chris Tobin

October 29th, 2010, 07:55

Here is a copy of the "Media Advisory" that was in my in-box this morning from RGM's PR. Hopefully the TV show got picked up by SPEED!!!

***MEDIA ADVISORY***

Robby Gordon to Address the Media at Talladega Superspeedway on Run in With the Law that involved high levels of Octane and SPEED

MORE INFO: SPEED and running on high Octane are nothing new for Robby Gordon - that’s what Robby Gordon Motorsports is built around. But on Thursday, October 28, 2010, Gordon was caught driving an illegal NASCAR race car at a high rate of SPEED on Highway 77 in Huntersville, NC that slowed down portions of the interstate due to the scene. Gordon was questioned before being released by local authorities. He will be on hand at Talladega Superspeedway and available to answer any questions regarding this event and how it could affect the future of Robby Gordon Motorsports.

WHO: Robby Gordon, driver of the No. 7 Toyota Camry

Steve Nichols, General Counsel

WHEN: Friday, October 29, 2010 – 10:45 AM CDT

WHERE: Media Bullpen at the No. 7 Robby Gordon Motorsports Hauler in the Cup Series garage

CONTACT: Alison McCabe

Robby Gordon Motorsports

704-652-8907

AMcCabe@teamgordon.com

Adam Colborne

eXclaim Marketing

704-222-4122

adam@exclaimracing.com

This is what jayski.com said about it...

•Robby Gordon holding press conference Friday: From a media advisory: "SPEED and running on high Octane are nothing new for Robby Gordon - that's what Robby Gordon Motorsports is built around. But on Thursday, October 28, 2010, Gordon was caught driving an illegal NASCAR race car at a high rate of SPEED [see an image at Planet Robby] on Highway 77 in Huntersville, NC that slowed down portions of the interstate due to the scene. Gordon was questioned before being released by local authorities. He will be on hand at Talladega Superspeedway and available to answer any questions regarding this event and how it could affect the future of Robby Gordon Motorsports.(RGM), sounds like something relating to a TV show on SPEED next season.(10-28-2010)

Since it mentioned the "Future" of RGM in the press release, hopefully it is VERY good news!!!! Gas on RG!!!

fishd00d

October 29th, 2010, 09:05

http://www.planetrobby.com/forum/topics/robby-gordon-pulled-over-by

NIKAL

October 29th, 2010, 09:10

This car is not really one of RGM's Cup race cars. This is the street legal show Cup car RGM has. It used to be wrapped in Jim Beam and Monster colors. I would guess the Polaris colors would make me think that not only is the possibility that SpeedFactory got picked up by SPEED TV but that Polaris might be on the car next year for some races. What ever it is it must be good for RGM and next year.

In an article RG did a few months back he talked about good things coming for 2011, he just needs to get threw 2010.

This video is suppose to be hwy 77, but it looks more like the new hwy right behind RGM that is not yet open.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_hlxtNy-XY&feature=player_embedded

Chris Tobin

October 29th, 2010, 09:51

The latest from jayski.com har RG back in the 7 through Phoenix from KCs facebook page!

•Gordon in the #7 through Phoenix: According to a post on his Facebook page, Kevin Conway said, "Just wanted to let everyone know that I will be in the car at Homestead. Robby Gordon will be in it through Phoenix." Cownway was originally listed as the driver of the #7 this weekend, but Gordon will drive.(10-29-2010)

I thought there wasn't much of a chance of RG letting KC race Talladega in the 7! Gas On RG for a top 10 finish!!!

NIKAL

October 29th, 2010, 10:33

Looks as if RG announcement is or part of it is that he owns or is sponsored by a new Energy Drink called SPEED Energy.
I wonder if there is still any truth to the Speed Factory TV show or if this was the only announcement?

NIKAL

October 29th, 2010, 10:45

Offspring

October 29th, 2010, 11:37

Here what was told said about RG' Speed Factory TV.

SpeedFactory.tv was just a branding campaign to get the logo out there - really nothing more. If you notice the "Factory" has gotten smaller and smaller. Keeping the logo and word SPEED larger.

Two questions come to mind; I have always thought that logo was too close to Specialized bikes, with all the hoopla surrounding this will it garner some unwanted attention?

What will this do to his Monster sponsorship? Dakar and Baja?

Offspring

October 29th, 2010, 11:54

http://www.rfcexpress.com/lawsuit.asp?id=64632

Well I guess RG is suing Specialized bikes? wtf? lol

Tristar Racing

October 29th, 2010, 13:40

Can we intelligently discuss our thoughts on this new sponsorship here? Or will it get deleted because its not pro ra-ra "this is awesome" type comments?

Seriously, can anyone explain how supposedly choosing to opt out of a sponsorship (if thats actually what happened, I have a feeling Monsters new contract was going to offer significantly less $$$ than the past two years) and creating a new energy drink brand is better than taking the guaranteed money with Monster? I voiced my concern over this over at Planet Robby (until it was deleted after a pissing match with one of the mods) and I seem to be the only one that doesnt think this is great news.

I cant be the only one questioning this, can I? And now another lawsuit? I am almost certain Specialized had that logo before "Speed Energy." Yikes...

spalind

October 29th, 2010, 14:43

Can you fund a race operation through lawsuit winnings?

Mumzy

October 29th, 2010, 16:08

I would be shocked if Robby is able to pull this lawsuit off. The first time I saw the Speed TV logo, I thought of Specialized. I'm sure the Specialized Attorneys will use this thread in Court.:p

Offspring

October 29th, 2010, 16:19

Can you fund a race operation through lawsuit winnings?

Can you fund race operations without selling one can yet?

Tristar Racing

October 29th, 2010, 16:33

Can you fund a race operation through lawsuit winnings?

Not sure, but I wouldnt bring the Specialized lawsuit or the fact this is just Speed Unlimited (http://www.speed-unlimited.com.ar/home.html) being introduced to the US over at Planet Robby. Both types of posts get deleted...

spalind

October 29th, 2010, 18:06

Not sure, but I wouldnt bring the Specialized lawsuit or the fact this is just Speed Unlimited (http://www.speed-unlimited.com.ar/home.html) being introduced to the US over at Planet Robby. Both types of posts get deleted...

So Robby is just the American owner/distributer of Speed energy drink? And I don't mind the orange but the pink and yellow are kind of...well...feminine...

Tristar Racing

October 29th, 2010, 18:54

So Robby is just the American owner/distributer of Speed energy drink? And I don't mind the orange but the pink and yellow are kind of...well...feminine...

It looks that way, but I cant be sure. I inquired for more info from someone apparently in the know after I was told to "do my homework," but was informed he "didnt owe me $h*t."

In my opinion, the similar name and logo probably mean its the same stuff just branded slightly different for America. Hey, it worked for Red Bull. (Of course Red Bulls success can be attributed to their viral campaign that gave the stuff away on streets, bars, etc; motorsports came later)

spalind

October 30th, 2010, 06:59

It looks that way, but I cant be sure. I inquired for more info from someone apparently in the know after I was told to "do my homework," but was informed he "didnt owe me $h*t."

In my opinion, the similar name and logo probably mean its the same stuff just branded slightly different for America. Hey, it worked for Red Bull. (Of course Red Bulls success can be attributed to their viral campaign that gave the stuff away on streets, bars, etc; motorsports came later)

My own thought is that the market is SOOOO oversaturated with "energy drinks" that it would take something TRULY different to make an impact. A different package and logo just isn't going to do it. Sure it may grab like 1/10 of 1% of the market simply by people running into a store and grabbing the first thing that catches their eye...but really?? Hitching your wagon to ANOTHER energy drink? That's all ya got? I'm not impressed...

woundedyak

October 30th, 2010, 13:21

I would be shocked if Robby is able to pull this lawsuit off. The first time I saw the Speed TV logo, I thought of Specialized. I'm sure the Specialized Attorneys will use this thread in Court.:p

If Specialized has no trade mark on the logo and speed does, it's open and shut case.
When I worked for Duffs shoes, We got a letter from fox broadcasting to stop using the name "Duffs" since that was the name of the Beer from the Simpsons. After digging into it. The name "Duffs" was never trademarked or branded because it was a nontangable, nonexistent product. So Duffs Shoes ( which was worth about 16 cents at the time)trademarked it and sued fox. So,If you ever wondered why the Simpsons changed "Duffs Beer" to "Duff" This is why.

NicksTrix

October 30th, 2010, 20:32

today i was getting gas at a truck stop, i saw playboy has an energy drink as well. no they don't have a scratch and sniff can.. ;)
steven segal had his own branded drink for a while at walmart. i think they eneded up giving those away.
as previously mentioned, that is a pretty saturated market....

Chris Tobin

November 14th, 2010, 06:54

You heard it here first, I said this before the Texas race...

Oh, ok then... Again I am not ready for Toyota to win the Championship either... NASCAR complains about ratings and thinks part of that might be due to loss of interest with JJ repeating, but how will the good ol' boys take to having a Toyota driver as the Cup Champion??? I think ratings will suffer even more...

I would like to see Harvick win it and think that will be a feel good thing, but I don't really see JJ and CK loosing it, and it is definately their's to loose!!!

On a manufacturer note, Since RG is not campaining a full season anymore I really would like to see him rekindle his relationship with RCR and enter into an agreement with them to get cars, engines and tech from them. Then at least in the "fun" events that he does enter he will have a chance at running well!!! As it sits running full time with Toyota support and engines hasn't done anything for him, the only competitive Toyota team is JGR and the only competitive Ford team is RFR and Penske is the only dodge team so it would make sense for RGM to rekindle the relationship with RCR and then atleast he could go for some wins!!!

And now we have confirmation over on jayski.com...

•Robby back to Chevy: #7-Robby Gordon says the Chevy-to-Indy move is just perfect for him, and he says he'll be a part of the new Chevy Indy operation. Gordon is preparing to run next spring's Indy 500 with his own team (it will of course have to be with a Honda engine). And Gordon says he expects to make the NASCAR jump next season from Toyota back to Chevrolet. Gordon, who heads back to Mexico in a couple of days to run the Baja 1000, says he's one of five men with a shot to win the 16-hour marathon. But it hasn't been such a great year for Gordon, who last year's off-road championship but who this year has been hit with mechanical issues, most recently with his off-road transmission. Gordon said it was not true that the Specialized bike company was suing him over the 'S' he is using for his new energy drink: "I'm suing Specialized, because I've had that 'S' for years."(MikeMulhern)(11-13-2010)

Gas on RGM, hopefully we'll see the team in victory lane again in the next year or two!!!!

bajaherbie

November 14th, 2010, 07:23

hopefully it will be RCR cars and engines for RG....

Chris Tobin

November 14th, 2010, 08:43

hopefully it will be RCR cars and engines for RG....

RCR and HMS are really the only teams that can support "customer" cars and with the past and existing RCR relationship I don't see any reason it wouldn't be with RCR support. But either way it will be good for RGM as with support and equipment from either source RG should be able to make something happen!!!!

Mumzy

November 14th, 2010, 10:49

Gordon said it was not true that the Specialized bike company was suing him over the 'S' he is using for his new energy drink: "I'm suing Specialized, because I've had that 'S' for years."(MikeMulhern)(11-13-2010)

I would like to see ONE example of Robby Gordon using that "S" on ANYTHING prior to a month ago.

Robby....that is a LIE. If you can't even BS your core fans, how in the world do you expect to BS a Judge.

Offspring

November 14th, 2010, 10:57

I would like to see ONE example of Robby Gordon using that "S" on ANYTHING prior to a month ago.

Robby....that is a LIE. If you can't even BS your core fans, how in the world do you expect to BS a Judge.

I had to laugh over that one too. Here's my take on that spin; Speed has been an energy drink in South America (I have no idea how long) for some time, RG forms some kind of partnership/distributorship with this company to bring it to the US market, he now claims he (SPEED S. America) has used it down there for a long time. The first I saw of the "S" here was when he was pumping his SPEED TV program during the summer, and when I saw it first thing I thought of was the bike company.

Mumzy

November 14th, 2010, 11:07

Ya I'm wrong....he used it with the Speed TV stuff. Robby is no more than a regional distributor of the stuff. Sure, he may own the distribution and packaging rights, but to claim that he has "been using that "S" for years" is absurd. I think he might be still suffering from that hit he took in the Hummer.

bajaherbie

November 14th, 2010, 11:41

i've been wondering when junior earnhardt will get bumped from the 88 team.....

he better have a win next season or i say it will be his last season at hendrick. maybe give him chad knaus for the first 10 races next year and see how he does. i wonder if rick hendrick reads RDC?

NicksTrix

November 14th, 2010, 18:55

RG is drinking his own koolaid now.

Tristar Racing

November 14th, 2010, 19:22

I would like to see ONE example of Robby Gordon using that "S" on ANYTHING prior to a month ago.

Robby....that is a LIE. If you can't even BS your core fans, how in the world do you expect to BS a Judge.

Yea, I have had about enough of the nonsense. Sadly if you even question it on the Robby message boards, it gets deleted. This is slowly turning into a bs and excuse generating PR machine, not a race team.

michael_loomis

November 14th, 2010, 19:31

Yea, I have had about enough of the nonsense. Sadly if you even question it on the Robby message boards, it gets deleted. This is slowly turning into a bs and excuse generating PR machine, not a race team.

seems like the only thing you post over here for, is to complain about the RG message board. :p

Tristar Racing

November 14th, 2010, 20:06

seems like the only thing you post over here for, is to complain about the RG message board. :p

Come on, a few comments in various posts and it's all I do
now?:)

Does anyone know if this move back to GM is actually happening? Or just wishful thinking?

pdailey

November 14th, 2010, 20:08

Chris Tobin

November 14th, 2010, 20:53

Come on, a few comments in various posts and it's all I do
now?:)

Does anyone know if this move back to GM is actually happening? Or just wishful thinking?

I quoted directly from jayski.com and I believe it was either an RG interview or RGM press release... either way jayski.com is pretty accurate, usually. It also makes sense for RG to go with GM. Penske does not want to do a chassis/engine program for other teams, they helped RGM in the short term when GEM and RGM had their issues, but he did not want to continue it. Toyota has its favorite teams that they support, RGM is getting table scraps from them currently. Ford has Rousch and we all know how well that works out for anyone other than RFR drivers... So with GM and Chevy RGM continues their successful relationship and getting table scraps from RCR or HMS would be better than RGMs current situation so why wouldn't he do it??? RCR in particular knows how much RG helped their program and if they partner-up RCR will be able to get that kind of help and support from RG again while having RGM field cars that have a chance to win and bring RCR and ECR Engines more publicity, just like how nearly every time SHR is mentioned they mention Hendrick... It makes a lot of sense and I hope it works well and RG gets back into victory lane soon!!! He will also give them another bullet in the gun at Indy in 2012!

It's hard for JR to win when he only gets leftovers.....
Pat, I agree!!! Look at the HMS team structure they are not a 4 car team they are two 2 car teams and it is clearly evident that they are not equal!!! Look at how MM is performing this year, did he suddenly forget how to drive??? The 248 shop (that is how CK calls it not the 24 & 48 shop but the 248 shop) is the cream of the crop and the 5 & 88 shop gets hand-me-downs and they do good with them but except for the rare occasion that they stumble onto something on their own (that gets transfered to the 248 cars immediately so that they can rise above again) they do not get the chance to flourish like JJ and JG!

Tristar Racing

November 14th, 2010, 21:03

I quoted directly from jayski.com and I believe it was either an RG interview or RGM press release... either way jayski.com is pretty accurate, usually. It also makes sense for RG to go with GM. Penske does not want to do a chassis/engine program for other teams, they helped RGM in the short term when GEM and RGM had their issues, but he did not want to continue it. Toyota has its favorite teams that they support, RGM is getting table scraps from them currently. Ford has Rousch and we all know how well that works out for anyone other than RFR drivers... So with GM and Chevy RGM continues their successful relationship and getting table scraps from RCR or HMS would be better than RGMs current situation so why wouldn't he do it??? RCR in particular knows how much RG helped their program and if they partner-up RCR will be able to get that kind of help and support from RG again while having RGM field cars that have a chance to win and bring RCR and ECR Engines more publicity, just like how nearly every time SHR is mentioned they mention Hendrick... It makes a lot of sense and I hope it works well and RG gets back into victory lane soon!!! He will also give them another bullet in the gun at Indy in 2012!

Here is the reason I asked if anyone knew if this was definate or not:

Factory-backing is key to the Dakar, and Gordon's sponsorship has been with General Motors, for its Hummer marketing. GM is of course dropping Hummer, but Gordon is banking on what appears to be a major new GM commitment to racing. He's ready to sign up for the new Chevy Indy 500 deal, just announced Friday and maybe GM's marketing plans for that honking-big new truck will include one of the world's best off-roaders. It's a Chevy deal off-road, though he runs Toyotas in NASCAR. How Gordon fits into the NASCAR Toyota program isn't all that clear, but it doesn't look like much of a factory deal at all. Gordon is shopping for a new NASCAR manufacturer for 2011, and he says he wants to return to Chevrolet. Part of the behind-the-scenes key to Gordon's career has been partial backing from long-time friend John Menard, he of Menard's fame. Menard apparently still owns part of the Ilmor company that GM has picked to build its new Indy engines (for the 2012 season). That could be a key 'in' for Gordon.(in part from a long article at MikeMulhern.netmore info about Robby at the Baja 1000 at robbygordon.com)(11-14-2010)

So it seems like he wants to return, but its not a deal as of yet. I hope he can work back into the GM fold, and get some help from RCR. Robby wont be running the full schedule, so it might be a good team for RCR to use as R&D. Of course that would require Robby to use their chassis stuff, and he wants to keep running his in-house stuff. RGM had its best years with GM, period.