Hendrick Motorsports is seeking a major sponsor of its third team since Budweiser announced it will sponsor Dale Earnhardt Jr’s Cup car. Anheuser-Busch has another year on its contract with Hendrick and will honor its commitment, if necessary, but the brewery would like to be released from the contract. A source close to the situation says that Wally Dallenbach Jr. “needs a miracle” to hang on to his ride in the Hendrick car currently sponsored by Budweiser. The leading contender to replace Dallenbach appears to be Ward Burton, serving his third consecutive winless season with Bill Davis. Ted Musgrave is another contender, though at present his best offer is with the #13 Ford, which Musgrave will pilot at Charlotte, Talladega, Phoenix and perhaps Atlanta. Musgrave is committed to drive the #15 Ford, owned by Bud Moore, at Daytona in the Pepsi 400.(SpeedNet/Monte Dutton), sources tell me that Burton’s contract is Ironclad and he plans to be back in the #22, also hear the Bill Davis Racing team will make an announcement at Charlotte that Caterpillar will come aboard as the sponsor.(9-27-98)
