Won’t Go Away: Despite the insistence of Geoff Smith, president of Roush Racing, that all his drivers are solidly under contract, that he has no plans to let any of them buy out, and that all will back again next season, reports are hotter than ever that some of those Ford stars will be in Richard Childress’ Chevrolet camp next season. Greg Biffle has toured Childress’ shop south of Winston-Salem, according to team sources who insist Biffle is still a very strong candidate for a ride with Childress. However, Bobby Hutchens, general manager for Childress’ racing operations, denied reports that Jeff Burton had signed or was close to signing a five-year contract with Childress to drive a Lowe’s sponsored car. Lowe’s officials have said privately their big goal now is to back a team that can beat Home Depot’s Tony Stewart and that cost is not an issue(Winston Salem Journal), see the #17 Team News and Links page(Kenseth), #6 Team New and Links page(Biffle) and #99-Team News and Links page(Burton) for the past news on these rumors and denials(6-18-2001)
