There’s a period of time in racing where things get, chaotic. It’s a time around late April-early June when drivers, crew chiefs and others start swapping positions. It’s called silly season. I’m not sure why, but I’d like to know. Note to self, research this term.This season has official opened up with the speculation that Tony Stewart’s future at Joe Gibbs Racing could be in the air after it was rumored he has requested to be released of his 2009 obligations to JGR.
It is also speculated that Martin Truex, Jr. will not be back at Dale Earnhardt Incorporated in 2009 either. Rumor has it he’s told DEI he’s done. No surprise if that comes to head.
Richard Childress started the 'pre-season' about a month ago when his team announced that General Mills jumped the Petty ship and committed to a deal to create a fourth team to an already stacked stable. This gives Childress a fourth, and open, seat. Rumor has Bobby Labonte following his sponsor to the car, but nothing has been said since.
The other floating gossip is that Stewart has been approached by Haas CNC racing to dabble in the ownership side of cup racing, and would reunite Stewart with Chevrolet. (Gibbs is now fielding Toyotas) Chevrolet backs Stewarts other racing ventures in USAC and WoO competition. Interesting.
To put it into laments terms, Tony has some options. It will be interesting to watch this unfold, and even more interesting if any of the above will effect each other. The domino effect.
The other one to watch, Roush-Fenway Racing; they have five cars and must whittle the group down to four. One may be cut or Yates racing may pick up a third team.
Until mid-silly season…
-MO-
sarah
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