#14

Tony Stewart is going to pay tribute to his idol A.J. Foyt when he unveils his new car for next year - it's #14. Looks like Office Depot will be the sponsor...not sure who his driving partner will be...Ryan Newman has a few offers on the table.
Look for alot of things to be settled in the next couple of weeks...might see some driver moves come September for non-Chase teams...

MEDIA FOLKS...

We tend to think people on radio or TV are somehow different than us. After all, they are on radio or TV.
I had a chance to chat with Allen Bestwick of ABC/ESPN and he showed me a side I never really realized...I asked him about his demotion at NBC from lead announcer to pit reporter and he gave me a straight answer which I respected. Then he talked about Benny Parsons...it was obvious he missed his friend as he seem to struggle at times for words. Allen is a great guy to talk to and I wish him all the best.
Jamie Little is another person who you might not realize has alot on the ball. I've spoken with her twice and she was alot of fun to talk too. And she's got a sense of humor. You can catch her interview Thursday on the Locker Room between 3-6 on Fox Sports 1310.
ESPN Takes over for Sprint Cup coverage beginning this Sunday.

BUSHC AGAIN...GOODBYE NEWMAN...

Kyle Busch wins in Chicago...continuing the roll he's been on all season long...give him credit...great move around JJ....

With Ryan Newman leaving Penske, don't be surprised if Martin Truex, Jr. gets some consideration for the #12 car. He's still not signed with DEI...Funny thing - rumors are now that UPS will go to the #2 car in the new Stewart/Hass team with Newman. I offered all of my old UPS Racing gear to my ex, but she doesn't want it - not into hand-me-downs...

KYLE AGAIN...

Another win for Rowdy Busch...the July race is always a highlight on the NASCAR schedule and Saturday's race was very good...with alot of interesting twists and turns before overtime and a 15 car restrictor plate wreck. Once again, the younger Busch brother shows the way...

The Tony Stewart story to Hass/CNC continues to gain steam...now, there are a number of sponsor connections mentioned...also, Ryan Newman looks to be the second driver. The early move of Mears out, Martin in at Hendrick adds a very interesting twist to things...The #12 Penske ride could attract a number of interested parties including our hometown guy, Martin Truex, Jr.

A Saturday night in Chicago...this will be interesting...and TNT's last chance to screw up the broadcasts....

RUMOR MILL GETTING STUPID...

Folks will put anything out there just to create some talk...I think the Tony Stewart rumors have some truth to them...but I think until there something concrete, the 'unnamed sources' might want to keep their mouths shut.
One aspect of the new rumor floated by BSPN...Ryan Newman could be a part of the team...I find it hard to believe the Daytona 500 winner would leave Penske, but then, money talks...

New Hampshire is next on the schedule...interested to see what happens here...remember, NHIS is the first stop in the chase...

Speaking with my friendly neighborhood mechanic who's got ties to local racerRyan Seaman - he's getting more opportunities in the Craftsman Truck series and if he can get some good finishes and that turns into sponsorship, could find a ride there for next year.

BTW - Note I've added some widgets on the blog for some NASCAR news and schedule info...

KYLE AGAIN...

Another dominant performance from JGR and #18 Sunday...Kyle is the man on the road course at Sonoma. Kudos to David Gilliland and Jeff Gordon for their strong performances. Loved Tony Stewart verbally slapping Marty Snider after the race. There is no love between the two and it goes back to when both worked for Sirius on different shows. BTW - I can't stand TNT's coverage...the only good things - Kyle Petty, Larry Mac and Matt Yocum...I can't wait for their 'summer siesta' to end.

Gotta love the rumors flying around - looks like Casey Mears is out of Hendrick's #5...my, that's a quick change of heart...but, if you can get Mark Martin, I'd take the deal. I just wonder if Martin is a full-time or part-time ride with Bard Keslowski filling in. And does the Army stay with DEI or go with Martin? Still no word on the shore's favorite son Martin Truex's status with DEI? I have to wonder if folks are waiting for the Tony Stewart thing to be settled before they make their final plans. Tony's leaving JGR would open a very good ride up for someone.

DEATH AT ENGLISHTOWN

Sad story from Englishtown as Scott Kalitta died from injuries in a crash Saturday. His chute failed to open and had no chance at 300 MPH. It's a sad day around the racing community...