hearing rumors that Bill Elliott, driver of the #9 Dodge Dealers Dodge with Evernham Motorpsorts is considering retiring at the end of the 2003 season. Rumored driver to replace him? Greg Biffle. HOWEVER two recent reports seem to indicate Elliott is racing in 2004 and Biffle is close to reupping with Roush Racing and the #16 team: Evernham not changing drivers: There has been talk that Brendan Gaughan, who leads the Craftsman Truck Series in points and victories (four), might move to Cup racing in 2004, possibly with Evernham Motorsports. Though Gaughan, 28, tested for the organization in the past, team owner Ray Evernham says the next logical step for Gaughan would be the Busch Series. One thing is certain: Evernham has no intention of replacing Bill Elliott or Jeremy Mayfield next year. For his age (47), Bill is one of the best drivers I’ve ever worked with, and he carries our deal on his back a lot of the time, Evernham says. I feel like I owe him a lot. Ã ( Sporting News )(8-20-2003) AND Biffle not signed…yet: during a NASCAR This Morning [Fox Sports Net – each Sunday at 10:30am/et] #16-Greg Biffle was interviewed and asked by John Roberts if he was signed for next year [2004], Biffle said no, but they are working on a contrat extension for next year and beyond and to do some Busch Series racing.(8-10/20-2003) UPDATE: #9-Bill Elliott isn’t giving any hints about his future driving plans, even amid widespread speculation that he’s contemplating retiring at the end of this season. “When I’m ready to talk, I’ll talk. When I ain’t, I ain’t,” Elliott said Tuesday. “That’s just plain and simple. When it’s time, it’s time and I’ll let you know.” This year has been a bit of a struggle for Elliott, who broke his foot in an accident in May but did not miss a race, driving with a special brace to help him shift. But he’s got just three top-five finishes and is 17th in the standings. Still, car owner Ray Evernham said Elliott can drive the #9 Dodge as long as he wants to. “Bill is one of the best drivers I’ve ever worked with, and he carries our deal on his back a lot of the time,” Evernham said. “I feel like I owe him a lot and he can drive my car until he doesn’t want to do it anymore.” But Elliott admitted Tuesday he has given thought to how long he wants to continue driving. If he’s come to a conclusion, he wasn’t saying. “I’m almost 50 now, so I’ve given it thought because I’m definitely on the shorter end of the stick,” he said.(see full story and quotes at ThatsRacin.com/AP )hi elliott9f(8-27-2003) UPDATE 2: Been told Bill Elliott is scheduled to run a NHL All Star Game Evernham Dodge at Daytona in 2004, that would seem to refute any retirement ‘rumors’. AND Ray Evernham may be in the market for a new driver, if Jeremy Mayfield leaves. Evernham and other Dodge team owners have been under heavy pressure from Dodge executives to improve performance. Bill Elliott, Evernham’s other driver, said he expects crew chief Mike Ford to continue in that position next season.( Winston Salem Journal ), that sounds like Elliott has no plans on retiring this at the end of this year.(8-30-2003)
