A winning combination?

A few reports detail some changes going on at mid-level teams trying to reach the elite level of Hendrick, Roush, Gibbs and Childress. The question is will they work?

# Bobby Labonte appears nearly set to take over the No. 8 car at Earnhardt Ganassi Racing. The report states that Juan Pablo Montoya would get the Target sponsorship on his No. 42 car. Also, the report states that Martin Truex Jr.'s sponsor, Bass Pro Sports, won't sponsor the car all season, leaving about 15 races for the team to find a sponsor for Truex. Aric Almirola, originally set for the No. 8, will be in a fourth car that is unsponsored and how often it runs depends on money.

# The new unnamed merged team of Gillett Evernham Motorsports and the former Petty Enterprises will have former Petty boss Robbie Loomis serve as executive director of racing operations, according to this report. The team also has determined its crew chiefs for its four-car operation.

Kenny Francis remains the crew chief for Kasey Kahne in the 9 car. Kevin Buskirk joins the organization and is reunited as Elliott Sadler's crew chief for the 19 car. Mike Shiplett will be the crew chief for Reed Sorenson on the 43 team. Sammy Johns will be AJ Allmendinger's crew chief.

So, will such moves be enough to help these organizations join the elite and get at least one car in the Chase this year?

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