Recent rumors regarding Joe Gibbs Racing’s #20 crew chief/driver lineup along with the team’s sponsor, Rockwell Automation, have all been denied by JGR vice president Steve deSouza. Some talk had crew chief Steve Addington leaving the team for either the #25 Team Rensi Ford (whose current driver and crew chief Bobby Hamilton, Jr. and Harold Holly have already signed a contract in Nextel Cup for 2005) or the third JGR Cup team. Addington said on Friday prior to qualifying that he had no plans to leave the #20 team. His option with the team is up for renewal by the end of next month. deSouza reiterated Addington’s comments by saying at this point, the team has not yet discussed replacing the veteran crew chief or for that matter the driver. Bliss’ name on the other hand also floated through the garage being linked to Rensi. Reportedly Bliss had a meeting with the powers that be at Rensi earlier this week. Bliss however, denied the meeting but did say he is on an option year with JGR and everything is currently in negotiations for next season.(BGNRacing.com)(8-3-2004)
