Who is next?

Last year about this time word broke out about Tony Stewart possibly leaving Joe Gibbs Racing to be a part owner in Haas CNC Racing. Two years ago about this time Dale Earnhardt Jr. was announcing he would leave DEI after that season.

 

So, what will happen this year?

 

Adding a unique twist to things is the economy. With the recession so deep, the question becomes what kind of sponsorship is out there and is there a sponsor with enough money to buy a driver and have him change teams.

 

There looks to be little movement among the sport's top teams. Provided Mark Martin runs another full season for Hendrick next year, the stable at Hendrick would be full with Martin, Gordon, Johnson and Dale Jr.

 

Roush Fenway Racing has to cut back from five teams to four after this year. With Kenseth, Biffle, Edwards and Ragan getting new contracts in the last year, Jamie McMurray looks to be the odd man out. He could end up at Yates Racing (Roush LIte as some call it because of its affiliation with Roush).

 

Joe Gibbs Racing would seem to be stuck at three. One would question if JGR couldn't get a sponsor for a fourth team in better economic times, how might it happen now? As for if Joey Logano will remain with the team, it would seem like a lot of wasted money to dump the guy when he's got so much going against him that's not his fault -- minimal experience in COT and NASCAR policy against testing. Expect him to stay. If JGR can lure a fourth sponsor, there will be a hot seat available. If not, don't expect any driver movement there.

 

OK, so what about Richard Childress Racing? Burton and Bowyer seem set. As well as Harvick, whose contrct originally was to have expired after this season but an extension was added to it last  year to carry him beyond this season. That leaves Casey Mears. His start hasn't been anything worth talking about but running a guy out after one year? It's possible _ and this is a performance-driven sport _ but doesn't seem likely as of now.

 

One intriguing ride could be Michael Waltrip's. He's already said he might get out of the car after this season. It might be a good time. His seat could attract some good people. Why? Well, he's got Toyota backing so you don't have the worries others might have with other manufacturers. That team is on the rise -- just look at how far it has come the last couple of years. Might be a good fit for a McMurray or a Martin Truex Jr., who is in the final year of his contract at EGR or someone else out there in the last year of their deal or anyone looking to move on.

 

Another interesting situation is what will happen to Elliott Sadler?  Remember that he nearly lost his ride in the offseason to AJ Allmendinger. Instead the team added a fourth car and is putting together sponsorship here and there to try to have Allmendinger drive the entire season. Allmendinger is 20th in points; Sadler is 25th. There are other questions at RPM that could lead to other changes down the road.

 

That's just a part of what you could be seeing in the next few weeks. So, what do you think will happen?

 

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