so where do things stand with news and rumors in the Sprint Cup Series? Let’s break down a few a day for the next week or so, also see my 2009 Team Chart for all the teams #14 The team that Tony Stewart will own and drive for in 2009 with Office Depot and Old Spice as the co-primary sponsors on the Chevy. The team will be known as Stewart Haas Racing, was Haas CNC Racing and ran the #66 and #70, will switch to #4 and #14 with Stewart in the #14 and the second driver [Newman?] in the #4. If the #66 stays in the top 35 in owners pts, it will probably switch to #4 for the other driver since Stewart has a past champion provisional to use. No word on crew chiefs for the team. Bootie Barker and Dave Skogs are the crew chiefs currently for the team #15 All indications are that Paul Menard will be back in this ride with sponsor from Menard’s. There were some rumors that Menard could be headed to a 3rd Yates team, but not much came of that and DEI denied it. Teresa Earnhardt was rumored to be selling DEI, but that was also denied, saying DEI may be interested in a partner but not to sell #16 Greg Biffle re-signed with Roush Fenway Racing thru 2011 and 3M also signed on as the primary sponsor, the team will probably still use a few other sponsors like DISH Network in a few races, #17 Kenseth is supposedly signed at Roush Fenway Racing thru 2009, so he could be the next big free agent. Looks like the sponsorship package will remain as it has been the past few seasons: DeWalt, USG, Carhartt and R&L Carriers. No word on any crew chief changes #18 Kyle Busch, crew chief and sponsor all stay the same, no word of any changes #19 Elliott Sadler recently signed thru 2010. No word if Best Buy or McDonald’s will be back in 2009. #20 Stewart leaves after the 2008 season to run for his own team [#14 Stewart Haas Racing]. Home Depot supposedly will be back as they are signed thru 2009, but could have a lesser role. Crew Chief Greg Zippedelli returns, supposedly to work with driver Joey Logano, who would run for Rookie of the Year. Unless Logano doesn’t do well the rest of 2008, this ride seems to be his. Newman was rumored, but supposedly to a 4th JGR team. Truex Jr. was another rumored driver for the #20. Gibbs recently said it was highly doubtful JGR would start a 4th team. See past posts: Silly Season 2008 # 00-5 See past posts: Silly Season 2008 # 6-12 (8-3-2008)
