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 #21 The team will be back in 2009, but no idea who will drive. Bill Elliott, who is running a limited schedule, has said he plans to retire at the end of the season. Marcos Ambrose, who has run a race in the #21 will run a full Cup schedule with JTG Daugherty Racing in 2009. Jon Wood has attempted a few Cup races and a few Truck races, but have no heard if he plans to run the #21 full-time, or any series in 2009. As for sponsorship, Little Debbie will supposedly go with Ambrose. Motorcraft and the US Air Force may be back but have not heard. #22 Bill Davis Racing said when Caterpillar announced they were leaving and heading to the #31 RCR team, that the #22 would be back full time in 2009 and that they hoped to sign Dave Blaney to continue with the team. One rumored sponsor was the U.S. Army, currently with the #8 car of DEI. BDR also announced they planned to step up and run a 2nd full time team in 2009. They have run the #23/#27/#36 teams in the past and Bill Davis said they may talk to Jacques Villeneuve, who could return to BDR if he can bring sponsorship with him. Rumors have floated about that BDR could merge with Red Bull Racing [#83,#84] or BAM Racing, who suspended operations after six races but may come back late this year. #24 Jeff Gordon is signed with Hendrick to a ‘lifetime’ contract and DuPont is signed thru 2010. #26 Roush Fenway Racing needs to trim from five teams to four team AFTER the 2009 season. A few times this season, rumors have cropped up that driver Jamie McMurray may be the driver out of a ride or that he may leave of his own accord. At Indy, Jack Roush made a comments on his drivers and never mentioned McMurray, leading to more speculation. Supposedly McMurray was heading to Richard Childress Racing until the buyout became too high. But hearing another team owner [no idea how] made an offer and McMurray will leave this team at the end of the season. No idea if Crown Royal stays with Roush [and maybe moves to the #6 which needs a sponsor] or goes with McMurray. And does Roush get another driver for the #26 or go down to four team a season early? #28: No word on Travis Kvapil’s 2009 plans, but he has said he hopes to stick with Yates and has not been part of the rumor mill. The team has used 12-13 different sponsors in 2008 and no word on a full time sponsor in 2009. Rumors have the team possibly expanding to 3 cars, if sponsorship can be foound for this car and the #38 of David Gilliland. #29 Kevin Harvick is signed thru 2010 and it looks like Pennzoil/Shell will return as the sponsor. If UPS comes over to the #07 Bowyer team, Jack Daniel’s may be a part time primary for the #29 and #31. See past posts: Silly Season 2008 # 00-5 See past posts: Silly Season 2008 # 6-12 See past posts: Silly Season 2008 # 14-20 (8-4-2008)
