Mears in for Burton: Following #29-Jeff Burton's wreck in Turn 2 during first practice for the Dickies 500, team owner Richard Childress has decided to replace him with Casey Mears for the NASCAR Nationwide Series race on Saturday. The driver change was done as a precaution according to Childress and Burton is expected to be fine for Sunday's Sprint Cup Series race.(FoxSports)(11-6-2009)

Bayne to return to MWR? Trevory Bayne made 13 starts in 2009, including 10 races for #99-Michael Waltrip Racing, where he is expected to drive next year. The 19-year-old Knoxville, Tenn.-native's best finish was seventh on two occasions. Once at O'Reilly Raceway Park and again at Richmond. Bayne also won the pole at ORP.(FoxSports)(11-6-2009)

Yeley back to Nationwide? More than three months after suffering a neck injury in a Midget race at Lakeside Speedway, J.J. Yeley isn't cleared to race a car just yet, but he was walking around without a neck brace talking to people about 2010 in the garage Friday at Texas Motor Speedway. Still focused on NASCAR, Yeley said he feels he has a good chance to secure a Nationwide Series ride for 2010.(SceneDaily)(11-6-2009)

Townley to RCR? UPDATE: official catchfence.com has learned that current RAB Racing with Brack Maggard driver John Wes Townley could be headed to Richard Childress Racing for the full 2010 NASCAR Nationwide Series season behind the wheel of a Zaxby's-sponsored Chevy. Townley currently is in his first full-season of NASCAR Nationwide Series competiton driving the #09 Zaxby's Ford.(Catchfence)(10-28-2009)
UPDATE: RAB Racing with Brack Maggard announced today that John Wes Townley, driver of the No. 09 Ford in the NASCAR Nationwide Series and sponsor, Zaxby's, will be moving on following the conclusion of the 2009 NASCAR Nationwide Series season. "The rumors are true," stated Robby Benton, RAB Racing Co-Owner/General Manager. "I have been informed that both Zaxby's and driver John Wes Townley will be moving on. I'm sure they will make an announcement regarding their new home in the coming weeks," continued Benton, "I will leave that news for them to announce. The Townley's are great people and Zaxby's has been an outstanding partner over the past two years. We are grateful for the relationship we have had with them and wish both John Wes and Zaxby's the best of luck in their future endeavors." As for RAB Racing, "We are currently entertaining other opportunities for 2010 as we would like to remain a fulltime competitor in the NASCAR Nationwide Series," stated Benton. (RAB Racing PR)(10-29-2009)
UPDATE 2: Richard Childress Racing has partnered with Zaxby's, a southeast favorite for Buffalo wings and chicken fingers, to be the primary sponsor for a NASCAR Nationwide Series team in 2010 with John Wes Townley as their driver. The number to be used by RCR for the Zaxby's Chevy has yet to be determined.(RCR PR)(11-6-2009)

Bliss back in the #1 at Homestead: Mike Bliss, the Camping World Truck Series champion in 2002, also will drive for #11-CJM next week at Phoenix but will return to Phoenix Racing's #1 in the season finale.(< A HREF="http://www.sportingnews.com/nascar/article/2009-11-05/bliss-finds-success-mind-boggling-season">Sporting News)(11-5-2009)

Camo scheme back on the #99: For the third and final time in 2009, Aaron's, Inc. of Atlanta, GA, the Aaron's Outdoors television program and Mossy Oak Brand Camouflage will bring a special camouflage paint scheme to the track. On Saturday Nov. 7, the #99 Aaron's Dream Machine will be transformed into the Aaron's Outdoors Mossy Oak Camry for the NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) O'Reilly Challenge at Texas Motor Speedway.(Aarons' PR)(11-5-2009)

Nationwide COT test at Homestead? UPDATE: Though rumors continue to swirl that NASCAR will conduct another Nationwide new car test at Homestead on Monday Nov. 23, [Nationwide Series Director Joe] Balash declined to confirm any test dates. He said tracks will open one day early for practice next year during the five weekends when the new cars will be in competition.(Racin Today)(11-4-2009)
UPDATE: Hearing there is NOT a Nationwide Series new car test scheduled for Homestead on Monday Nov. 23. This date also conflicts with the NNS awards banquet.(11-5-2009), for all the information on the new Nationwide Car, see my Nationwide new car news page.

StopRepairBills.com and Key Motorsports team with St. Jude: StopRepairBills.com and Key Motorsports have teamed up with St Jude Children's Research Hospital for the Texas race on November 7th. The partnership will include St Jude logos on the #40 car. In addition to bringing the Peel Family from Dallas. The Peel's have had their 11 year old daughter in remission for one year. Curtis Key, who owns the #40 team, said "This family has been through the trenches and has come out to lead us by example. At Key Motorsports it is an example of how we should give thanks everyday. We are so humbled to have the Peel Family as part of our team this weekend. The Peel Family will wear StopRepairBills.com pit crew shirts, hats and sit on the pit box with Gary Showalter our crew chief," stated Key.(StopRepairBills.com PR)(11-5-2009)

Buescher to drive #1 in 2010: The 2010 NASCAR season will prove to be a busy one for current NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) competitor James Buescher. The 19-year-old will compete full-time for Phoenix Racing, piloting the #1 Miccosukee Resort & Gaming Chevy in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. In addition to the 35-race schedule for NASCAR's second-tier series, Buescher will drive the No. 31 Chevrolet Silverado for Turner Motorsports, LLC in a minimum of 19 Truck Series events.(Buescher PR)(11-4-2009)

Milwaukee Mile promoter pulls out: UPDATE: Tony Machi, whose investor group wanted to promote races at the Milwaukee Mile, told Wisconsin State Fair Park officials on Tuesday that his group is pulling out. Machi's decision means the future of the historic racetrack is in jeopardy. The 106-year-old track is the oldest continuously operated speedway in the country. Machi said Tuesday that his group, which includes local businessman Jim Beaudoin, could not reach agreement with NASCAR. NASCAR has scheduled two races next summer at the track, but wanted Machi's group, Historic Mile LLC, to pay sanction fees run from last summer's races as well as the fees for the two races next summer. Machi said he had funding for the 2010 races, but could not come up with funds to pay NASCAR. With Historic Mile out, the focus now shifts to the Giuffre brothers, local businessmen who have promoted races at the track before. The Giuffres had made their intentions known months ago, but State Fair officials elected to negotiate with Historic Mile first.(Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)(11-4-2009)
UPDATE: Despite the latest setback in dealings to save big-time racing at the Milwaukee Mile, NASCAR hasn't given up hope of coming back next year. "We're in touch with the Fair board, and Milwaukee is a very important market to us and we're considering every option available," Ramsey Poston, managing director of corporate communications for NASCAR, said Wednesday. Poston refused to place any sort of timeline on the decision-making process. Most observers have been surprised to see NASCAR keep Milwaukee on its 2010 Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series schedules this long. But there isn't a huge demand for those dates, and many of the options would result in the need to shuffle other races around on the schedules.(Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)(11-4-2009)

No Danica at Phoenix: UPDATE: Don't look for Danica Patrick to make her first NASCAR Nationwide Series start in the #5 JR Motorsports car at Phoenix International Raceway in two weeks, according to NASCAR team owner Rick Hendrick. When asked before Sunday's Sprint Cup race at Talladega if Patrick, who has signed to stay in the IndyCar Series with team owner Michael Andretti, would make her first NASCAR start near her Scottsdale, Ariz., home, his answer was short and simple. "No," Hendrick said. "That's not going to happen."
According to sources within the NASCAR garage area, Patrick's asking price to compete in Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series races is $300,000 per race. If she were to run a truck race and a Nationwide race on the same weekend, the price is $600,000. Even with the sheer amount of publicity that Patrick would bring to NASCAR, team owners don't appear interested in paying that price.(Sports Illustrated)(11-4-2009)
UPDATE: IndyCar Series and crossover media star Danica Patrick is nearing completion of a two-year contract with JR Motorsports, the NASCAR Nationwide Series operation owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr., and a source close to the negotiations described them as "in the final phase." A second source close to the situation confirmed the deal is moving forward, saying "talks are moving in a very positive direction and it would probably be a surprise if it didn't happen." The partnership is expected to make its on-track debut during next February's Daytona Speedweeks, with Patrick's first action coming in the ARCA race. Patrick, the 2005 Indy 500 Rookie of the Year and the first woman to win an IndyCar Series race, will compete in NASCAR's second-largest series for JR Motorsports while continuing to race full-time for Andretti Green Racing in IndyCar.(ESPN.com)(11-4-2009)

Busch going for 4th consecutive Texas win: Busch, driver of the #18 Z-Line Designs Toyota Camry for Joe Gibbs Racing, enters Saturday morning's O'Reilly Challenge at Texas having won three consecutive Nationwide Series events at the 1.5-mile oval. He'll go after his fourth consecutive Texas Nationwide Series victory with a special paint scheme featuring the logo of the new WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010 video game. Busch's JGR teammate, Joey Logano, will have a similar paint scheme on his #20 Toyota at Texas. Last week, the duo served as guest hosts of WWE Monday Night Raw in Buffalo, N.Y. In addition, Conn's, a Beaumont, Texas-based appliance and electronics retailer, will also be featured on Busch's #18 Toyota. The company recently announced the opening of its 20th store in the Dallas/Fort Worth area (Joe Gibbs Racing PR), see images of the cars on the 2009 Nationwide Series paint schemes page.(11-4-2009)

Raybestos Rookie Notes for Texas:
" Brendan Gaughan was the Raybestos Rookie of the Race in the Kroger On Track For The Cure 250 at Memphis Motorsports Park. Gaughan scored a fifth-place finish, his third top-five and eighth top-10 of the season. He took top rookie honors for the seventh time this season and led the race once for eight laps.
" Justin Allgaier won the pole at Memphis, his first in 36 NASCAR Nationwide Series races. Allgaier is the third Raybestos Rookie to win a pole this season joining Gaughan and Erik Darnell.
" Allgaier leads Brendan Gaughan by 10 points (227-217) entering the O'Reilly Challenge at Texas Motor Speedway.
" Allgaier is fifth in the series championship standings, best of any Raybestos Rookie.
" At least one Raybestos Rookie has scored a top-10 finish in 26 of 32 NASCAR Nationwide Series races this season.
" Three Raybestos Rookies are in the top-10 in the NASCAR Nationwide Series championship standings. Allgaier is fifth followed by Gaughan (10th) and Micheal Annett (tenth). (Raybestos / Camp & Assoc PR)(11-4-2009)

Full time ride for Eggleston: hearing that Chris Eggleston will be racing for Keith Duesenburg and Leik Racing full time in the Nationwide Series for the 2010 Season. Chris is the 2009 ASA North Champion driving for 5K motorsports. No word on sponsorship or what the car number will be. The Duesenburg and Leik team debuted in 2006 with the #01 and merged with Johnny Davis in 2007.(11-4-2009)

Nutone returns to the #01: Mike Wallace will again pilot the #01 WinWholesale NuTone Heating and Cooling Products Chevy at the Texas NASCAR Nationwide Series race.(J-D Motorsports PR)(11-4-2009)

Final 2009 race for Vickers: This weekend marks the 17th and final 2009 race for Vickers behind the wheel of the #32 Camry. He has led the team to seven top-five and 11 top-10 finishes this season. He has also claimed the runner-up spot twice, finishing second at both Michigan and Auto Club Speedway, led for 133 laps and earned the pole position at Michigan (August).(Braun Racing PR)(11-3-2009)

Hillin in the #81 at Texas: Retirement is never easy for a race car driver but in 2000, after 18 years of racing, Bobby Hillin, Jr. decided it was time to move on. Question waswhat now? Applying the ambition and drive he had from success in racing at a very young age, Hillin founded T-Rex Companies with just one truck and a prayer. Today, he overseas two companies Texas ReExcavation, L.C., a non-destructive sub-surface vacuum excavation company, and T-Rex Engineering & Construction, L.C., a subsea design and fabrication concern that caters to the offshore oil & gas industry. This weekend marks the return of what many have since called the "Original Young Gun" to Texas Motor Speedway. T-Rex had already planned on entertaining clients during Texas race week which begins November 6. "It has always been hard for me to be at the track and not race," Hillin stated. "So when we had the opportunity to sponsor the #81 car and I could drive, well---- we jumped on it. For me, this is equivalent of going back and playing in a high school football game, and I know so many men can relate to that!" (MacDonald Motorsports PR)(11-3-2009)

World Craniofacial Foundation on the #70 at Texas: ML Motorsports, a developing team in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, is honoring the boys and girls of the World Craniofacial Foundation (WCF) with a special decal on the hood of the #70 Foretravel Chevy driven by Shelby Howard this weekend at the 1.5-mile Texas Motor Speedway located in Ft. Worth. The decal will feature the images of Ahmed and Mohamed Ibrahim, the now famous twins from Cairo, Egypt, who were separated at the head and then cared for under the direction of the WCF headquartered in Dallas. The WCF focuses on craniofacial surgeries, which provide care for children with deformities of the skull and face. The foundation strives to help all people with craniofacial abnormalities, regardless of economic class.(Breaking Limits PR)(11-3-2009)

Associate sponsor returning to Jay Robinson: Acredale Vending & Coffee Service will return to Jay Robinson Racing in 2010 as an associate sponsor for the #28 and #49 cars.(Acredale PR)(11-3-2009)

Nationwide New Car test on Monday: UPDATES: The first superspeedway test for the NASCAR Nationwide Series new car will be held Monday, November 2 from 11am-5pm at Talladega Superspeedway. The new car previously tested in 2008 at Richmond International Raceway and Lowe's Motor Speedway. Drivers scheduled to participate include: #12Justin Allgaier (Dodge); #16-Colin Braun (Ford); #17 Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (Ford); #29-Jeff Burton (Chevy); #33-Kevin Harvick (Chevy); #88-Kelly Bires (Chevy); #99-Trevor Bayne (Toyota).(NASCAR PR)(10-31-2009)
UPDATE: One more Chevy in the mix at NNS new car test: James Buescher in the #1 for Phoenix Racing(NASCAR)(11-2-2009)
UPDATE 2: According to Robin Pemberton, NASCAR's vice president of competition, the purpose of today's six-hour test was to gather information relative to the size of the tapered spacer that the car will need in order to achieve its desired speed at tracks such as Talladega and Daytona International Speedway  where the new car will make its points-racing debut in July, 2010. Additionally, the test helped to better identify the proper gear ratio that the new car will need to generate the proper RPM. The first few hours of the test were spent in single runs, followed by drafting during the afternoon. Following its debut next summer at Daytona, the NASCAR Nationwide Series new car also will compete in points races at Michigan International Speedway in August, at Richmond in September and at Lowe's Motor Speedway in October. Full integration for the new car into the series is targeted for 2011.(NASCAR PR), see images of all the COT cars on my 2010 paint schemes pages.(11-2-2009)

2010 scheme posted an image of the 201 #60 Copart Ford on the #60 Paint schemes page.(11-2-2009)

Bowles to run Phoenix race: As the 2009 champions from across North America take the stage for the NASCAR Touring Series Awards Gala in Concord, N.C., on Saturday, Nov. 14, Jason Bowles will be more than 2,000 miles away. But the 2009 NASCAR Camping World Series West champion has a great excuse: He'll be driving in the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Phoenix International Raceway. For Bowles, who parlayed a victory at Phoenix this spring in the NASCAR Camping World Series event to his first championship, the chance to take the next step and run in the Able Body Labor 200 is an opportunity too good to pass up. Bowles, who has finished third, second and first in consecutive years in the NASCAR Camping World Series West, is hoping a good run at a familiar track will open more doors for the 2010 season. Bowles will be driving the #61 Specialty Racing Ford for car owner Doug Taylor.(PR)(11-2-2009)

Leffler and Kahne running matching cars at Texas: You just can't go to Texas without thinking of a good, old-fashioned duel. In next weekend's NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Texas Motor Speedway, that is exactly what Kasey Kahne and Jason Leffler will provide  a "great" duel of sorts, though as teammates, when they take on 41 other competitors. Both drivers will carry matching Great Clips paint schemes  Leffler in Braun Racing's #8 Toyota and Kahne in the #10 Toyota.(Braun Racing PR)(11-2-2009)

Toytoa COT: have an image of the Toyota Camry COT posted on the Toyota COT schemes page.(10-31-2009)

Dodge introduces Challenger to Nationwide Series; Penske announces 2010 plans: Dodge Motorsports revealed the Dodge Challenger as the "New Car" for the Nationwide Series and announced an expansion of its partnership with Penske Racing beginning in 2010. Dodge will provide support for Penske Racing's two-car operation in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, in addition to Penske's three teams in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Penske Racing will field two teams, both running the full-season schedule. The Dodge Challenger will be used at the four "New Car" races. Joining #12-Justin Allgaier will be Brad Keselowski in the #22 Discount Tire Dodge. He also will compete in the Dodge Challenger for the four designated races and in a Charger for the remainder of the schedule.(Dodge PR), see an image of the car on the 2010 #12 team paint scheme page. Penske also announced that they will field a part time team next season for ARCA driver Parker Kligerman.(10-30-2009)

Chevy COT: A couple images of the Chevy Impala COT have also been posted on the Chevy COT schemes page.(10-30-2009)

Dover Motorsports shuts down Memphis track: Dover Motorsports, Inc. announced that it was ceasing all operations at Memphis Motorsports Park and that it would not be promoting any events in Memphis in 2010. As previously announced, the Memphis facility had been under an agreement of sale to Gulf Coast Entertainment but Gulf Coast was unable to secure financing. "This was a difficult decision for us, but one that ultimately was dictated by economics," said Denis McGlynn, President and CEO of Dover Motorsports. "We greatly appreciate the many years of dedication shown by our Memphis employees and their efforts to make Memphis such a great destination for the racing community - from racing fans and drivers to sponsors, team owners and sanctioning bodies. For all concerned, including the Memphis community, it is truly sad to see Memphis Motorsports Park taken off the racing schedule. NASCAR has approved the realignment of our NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and NASCAR Nationwide Series events from Memphis Motorsports Park to our Nashville and Gateway facilities." The realigned events and dates are as follows:
NASCAR Camping World Truck Series, Nashville Superspeedway, April 2, 2010, (together with NASCAR Nationwide Series event on April 3, 2010)
NASCAR Nationwide Series, Gateway International Raceway, October 23, 2010.(Dover Motorsports PR)(10-30-2009)

Fugle takes over as Annett's crew chief: While Germain Racing General Manager Mike Hillman Sr. has been noted as Crew Chief of the #15 Nationwide Series entry since April, Ryan "Rudy" Fugle now resumes the leadership role as Crew Chief of the No. 15 Pilot Travel Centers Toyota Camry driven by rookie driver Michael Annett. Fugle is no stranger to the Nationwide Series, the Germain Racing organization or the #15 Nationwide Series team. Fugle has three years of experience working in NASCAR's second ranked series. He first entered the series as an engineer and shock specialist for Robert Yates Racing's Nationwide Series team until the organization ended its Nationwide Series program in 2007, which brought Fugle to Germain Racing along with many of his former RYR teammates to work on the #15 car.(Germain Racing PR)(10-30-2009)

Changes possible at RWI? UPDATE: hearing that David Stremme could be looking to run at least a handful of races in 2010 with Rusty Wallace, Inc. and could bring some sponsorship. The #66-Steve Wallace team has sponsorship for 2010 from 5-Hour Energy, but the #62 is looking for additional money. No word on the status of driver Brendan Gaughan, but he has expressed an interest in staying full time in the Nationwide Series next season with RWI.(10-29-2009)
UPDATE: Brendan Gaughan told Sirius NASCAR Radio's Sirius Speedway with Dave Moody Thursday that while his sponsorship situation for 2010 is uncertain, but that he expects to return to Rusty Wallace, Inc. Steve (Wallace) has sponsors signed full-time for next year, but I don't," he said. "We have a couple of races with the South Point Hotel and Casino, and a couple with Loan Max. We're working on the rest of schedule and all of RWI's marketing resources are going toward that. Rusty and I have always been straightforward with each other. I hadn't heard the Stremme rumor, but the bottom line is that we need sponsorship. Until we find that, I can't tell you for surw what's going to happen, but I'm certainly not calling any race teams saying, `I need a ride for next year.' My whole goal is to come back and race for RWI."(Sirius NASCAR Radio)(10-30-2009)

Memphis TV Ratings: ESPN2's live coverage of Saturday's NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Memphis Motorsports Park earned a final household coverage rating of 0.9, averaging 1,161,156 viewers. No direct comparisons can be made to the 2008 race as the event was simulcast on both ESPN Classic and SPEED.(ESPN PR)(10-29-2009)

Buescher in the #1 for next 2 races: Camping World Truck Series competitor James Buescher and Phoenix Racing announce the 19-year-old Texas native will pilot the #1 Miccosukee Resort & Gaming Chevy in the next two Nationwide Series races, to be held at Texas and Phoenix. In addition, Buescher will participate in the NNS Car of Tomorrow test session at Talladega Superspeedway this Monday, November 2nd, driving the new Chevy for team owner James Finch.(Buescher PR)(10-29-2009)

Roush swaps crew chiefs: Roush Fenway Racing announced that they have made a crew chief change among their #6 and #60 Nationwide teams. For the final three races of the 2009 season, Mike Kelley will assume crew chief duties with the #60 team and Carl Edwards while Dan Stillman moves to the #6 team with David Ragan and Erik Darnell. The change is effective immediately and was made in an effort to strengthen both teams moving into the 2010 season.(Roush Fenway PR)(10-28-2009)

Steve Wallace fined: NASCAR announced today that Steve Wallace, driver of the #66 Chevy in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, has been fined and penalized due to rule violations that occurred immediately following this past weekend's event at Memphis Motorsports Park. Wallace has been fined $5,000 and placed on probation until Dec. 31, 2009, for violating Section 12-1 (Actions detrimental to stock car racing: Hitting another competitor's car on pit road after the completion of the race) of the 2009 NASCAR Nationwide Series rule book.(NASCAR PR)(10-28-2009)

Memphis Penalties Announced: NASCAR announced that two NASCAR Nationwide Series teams have been fined and penalized due to rule violations discovered during this past weekend's event at Memphis Motorsports Park. Jay Robinson, owner and crew chief of the #49 Chevy driven by Mark Green, has been fined $2,500 and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31, 2009 for violating Section 12-1 (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-I (any determination by NASCAR officials that the race equipment used in the event does not conform to NASCAR rules) and 20A-12-4B (Washers used to conceal slotted holes in the lower A-frame spring bucket) of the 2009 NASCAR Nationwide Series rule book. Robinson also was penalized with the loss of 25 NASCAR Nationwide Series championship owner points while Green was docked 25 NASCAR Nationwide Series championship driver points. Chris Rice, crew chief of the #70 Chevy driven by Shelby Howard, has been fined $2,500 and placed on NASCAR probation until Dec. 31, 2009 after he also was found to be in violation of Section 12-1, 12-4-I and 20A-12-4B. Team owner Mary Louise Miller was penalized with the loss of 25 NASCAR Nationwide Series championship owner points while Howard forfeited 25 NASCAR Nationwide Series championship driver points. The infractions were discovered on Oct. 23 during opening-day inspection.(NASCAR PR)(10-28-2009)

At least 6 teams for COT test: At least six cars are expected for the test of NASCAR's new Nationwide Series car next Monday at Talladega Superspeedway. Each manufacturer will be represented. Richard Childress Racing's Jeff Burton and JR Motorsports' Kelly Bires will drive Chevys, Roush Fenway Racing's Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Colin Braun will be in Fords, Penske Racing's Justin Allgaier will be in a Dodge and Michael Waltrip Racing's Trevor Bayne will represent Toyota. The one-day test Monday will last about six hours.(SceneDaily)(10-27-2009)

WWE schemes for Logano and Busch: Monday night on WWE Raw, #18-Kyle Busch and #20-Joey Logano debuted special WWE paint schemes they will each drive at the upcoming Nationwide Series race at Texas. The images are posted on the 2009 Nationwide paint scheme pages.(10-27-2009)

Lepage Looking: Derrike Cope has made the decision to not run his cars the final three Nationwide races of the season. Kevin Lepage is now looking for a ride for the remainder of the season.(10-27-2009)

Paint Schemes: added 22 images from the Lowe's Motors Speedway race and 45 cars from Memphis Motorsports Park to the 2009 Nationwide paint schemes pages.(10-26-2009)

Eury Jr. expects to stay as #88 crew chief: Tony Eury Sr. says he'll continue as a crew chief at JR Motorsports in 2010, even as driver Brad Keselowski leaves the NASCAR Nationwide Series team for Penske Racing. Eury Sr. also serves as competition director for JRM and had to be convinced to serve as a crew chief by team co-owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. "I guess I'm going to be," Eury Sr. said of next season. "I can't say 100 percent. We really don't know what all is going on with our program yet. We do know the #88's going to run full time. We possibly could have two full-time cars. We could even have a third car run part time." Kelly Bires is taking Keselowski's place and will likely drive the #88 with Eury Sr. as crew chief. But Eury Sr. said the team has talked to a lot of drivers about the team's second car, the #5 entry, for next season.(SceneDaily)(10-26-2009)

2010 plans for Raines and Wallace not set: #34-Tony Raines and #28-Kenny Wallace still have unknown plans for next season. Speaking during a press conference at Memphis Friday morning, Raines jokingly said team owner Bob Jenkins was the kind of owner that would make a decision a couple weeks before Daytona, so plans for next year were not settled. Kenny Wallace stated that this year's sponsor, the U.S. Border Patrol did not commit to this years sponsorship until December 23 of last year so it will be a while before anything is know about them. He said that team owner Jay Robinson told him the team would go to Daytona, with or without sponsorship.(10-23-2009)