cat-sass
06-07-2005, 10:57 PM
Inside Dish: Marlin's future still in question
Posted: June 5, 2005
Is a shakeup in the works in the Ganassi Racing camp? Sterling Marlin still hasn't been officially told what the plans are for the No. 40 Dodge in 2006, but he says he's not ready to retire. "I'd like to race another two or three years and then go fishing," says Marlin, who'll turn 48 on June 30. Marlin has spoken with several teams and hopes to have a plan solidified in the next two weeks. Busch driver David Stremme is considered the heir apparent in the 40. He could replace Marlin for the last seven races of the season, gaining experience while not jeopardizing his rookie status for next season. Changes are expected involving the No. 41 team and driver Casey Mears. Sources say owner Chip Ganassi plans to clean the entire house, making way for Busch Series rookie sensation Reed Sorenson and crew chief Brian Pattie. Mears' crew chief, Jimmy Elledge, has been mentioned as a potential crew chief for Stremme. . . .
Take Jeremy Mayfield's name out of the Silly Season discussions. In his fourth year as driver of the No. 19, Mayfield, 36, has re-signed with Evernham Motorsports. "There's no doubt that this is where I want to spend the rest of my career," Mayfield says. "Every week it gets better and better for us. I'm confident that we can run in the top 10 every week." Mayfield is 12th in points. . . .
Mayfield's crew chief, Slugger Labbe, was absent from the pit box last Sunday. Labbe was suffering from Rocky Mountain spotted fever. He lost 12 pounds last week and made several trips to the infield care center over the weekend at Dover. Engineer Kenny Francis, Mayfield's crew chief last year and a team director this season, stepped in. Mayfield finished 14th. . . .
Richie Gilmore, vice president at Dale Earnhardt Inc., says Dale Earnhardt Jr. apologized to Michael Waltrip and Waltrip's team for the accident at Lowe's Motor Speedway. "They talked a couple of times during the week, and we don't think we have any problems," Gilmore says. Earnhardt invited both teams to his house to race go-karts, but the racing was rained out. . . .
DEI is close to completing Martin Truex Jr.'s deal for next year and asked NAPA for an extension on contract discussions with Waltrip. . . .
Changes in NASCAR's gear rules mean competitors will not be able to shift through the turns this Sunday at Pocono. "I disagree with the gear rule," Jeff Gordon says. "At Pocono, we'll be way down on RPM, and we won't be able to shift. It's like putting a restrictor plate on the cars at New Hampshire. We won't be able to pass, and that's not a good thing." Many competitors feel the lack of horsepower will produce single-file racing. . . .
Rusty Wallace, Dave Blaney, Kasey Kahne, Tony Stewart and Carl Edwards were scheduled to test at Michigan International Speedway in preparation for the June 19 race there. Ryan Newman is the defending champion.
http://www.sportingnews.com/experts/lee-spencer/20050605.html
Posted: June 5, 2005
Is a shakeup in the works in the Ganassi Racing camp? Sterling Marlin still hasn't been officially told what the plans are for the No. 40 Dodge in 2006, but he says he's not ready to retire. "I'd like to race another two or three years and then go fishing," says Marlin, who'll turn 48 on June 30. Marlin has spoken with several teams and hopes to have a plan solidified in the next two weeks. Busch driver David Stremme is considered the heir apparent in the 40. He could replace Marlin for the last seven races of the season, gaining experience while not jeopardizing his rookie status for next season. Changes are expected involving the No. 41 team and driver Casey Mears. Sources say owner Chip Ganassi plans to clean the entire house, making way for Busch Series rookie sensation Reed Sorenson and crew chief Brian Pattie. Mears' crew chief, Jimmy Elledge, has been mentioned as a potential crew chief for Stremme. . . .
Take Jeremy Mayfield's name out of the Silly Season discussions. In his fourth year as driver of the No. 19, Mayfield, 36, has re-signed with Evernham Motorsports. "There's no doubt that this is where I want to spend the rest of my career," Mayfield says. "Every week it gets better and better for us. I'm confident that we can run in the top 10 every week." Mayfield is 12th in points. . . .
Mayfield's crew chief, Slugger Labbe, was absent from the pit box last Sunday. Labbe was suffering from Rocky Mountain spotted fever. He lost 12 pounds last week and made several trips to the infield care center over the weekend at Dover. Engineer Kenny Francis, Mayfield's crew chief last year and a team director this season, stepped in. Mayfield finished 14th. . . .
Richie Gilmore, vice president at Dale Earnhardt Inc., says Dale Earnhardt Jr. apologized to Michael Waltrip and Waltrip's team for the accident at Lowe's Motor Speedway. "They talked a couple of times during the week, and we don't think we have any problems," Gilmore says. Earnhardt invited both teams to his house to race go-karts, but the racing was rained out. . . .
DEI is close to completing Martin Truex Jr.'s deal for next year and asked NAPA for an extension on contract discussions with Waltrip. . . .
Changes in NASCAR's gear rules mean competitors will not be able to shift through the turns this Sunday at Pocono. "I disagree with the gear rule," Jeff Gordon says. "At Pocono, we'll be way down on RPM, and we won't be able to shift. It's like putting a restrictor plate on the cars at New Hampshire. We won't be able to pass, and that's not a good thing." Many competitors feel the lack of horsepower will produce single-file racing. . . .
Rusty Wallace, Dave Blaney, Kasey Kahne, Tony Stewart and Carl Edwards were scheduled to test at Michigan International Speedway in preparation for the June 19 race there. Ryan Newman is the defending champion.
http://www.sportingnews.com/experts/lee-spencer/20050605.html