Signings and movings

[Chris]

Looks as though there is going to be only one sponsor possibly and with Menard coming over someone goes.  Early indications are Kvapil. 

That'd be a shame... Kvapil is a better driver than Gilliland

[SMOKEN14]

That'd be a shame... Kvapil is a better driver than Gilliland

Agreed Kvapil is a better driver then Menard too

[DougS]

I think ALL three are developmental drivers. If I had to rank then I would put Travis first and then flip a coin.

I really do hope that there is a open door to RFR for these guys to use as a sounding board instead of a Varsity and VJ team mentality.

[20forLogano]

That'd be a shame... Kvapil is a better driver than Gilliland

Agreed here 100%.  Gilligan is just that.  As for RYR, it won't be long for Braun to be there and help get that team running and McMurray as well.  The only reason Menard is there is because he brought his dad as a sponsor.  RYR is nothing more than a JV team for Jack.

[Chris]

The only reason Menard is there is because he brought his dad as a sponsor.  RYR is nothing more than a JV team for Jack.

Well........  IMO I think Menard is as well off at RYR as he was at DEI...
As far as RYR being a JV team for Roush... I can't say I go along with that
Roush has all the technology figured out with the cars, chassis, areo, etc...  Yates has the power plants that make some awesome horsepower.  I think it's a great marriage.  They both need each other.
As far as which drivers are on what teams... I think that falls upon the teams to get their drivers... Obviously Jack does a GREAT job at that, even had the "Gong Show" and some great drivers came out of it.  Among the winners are Carl Edwards and Kurt Busch.  Eric Darnell "offically" won the last one, but it was so close between him and David Ragan Roush gave BOTH of them a ride.

[20forLogano]

Well........  IMO I think Menard is as well off at RYR as he was at DEI...
As far as RYR being a JV team for Roush... I can't say I go along with that
Roush has all the technology figured out with the cars, chassis, areo, etc...  Yates has the power plants that make some awesome horsepower.  I think it's a great marriage.  They both need each other.
As far as which drivers are on what teams... I think that falls upon the teams to get their drivers... Obviously Jack does a GREAT job at that, even had the "Gong Show" and some great drivers came out of it.  Among the winners are Carl Edwards and Kurt Busch.  Eric Darnell "offically" won the last one, but it was so close between him and David Ragan Roush gave BOTH of them a ride.

well thought Chris but Jack was winning before the powerplant and would have figured that out in due time.  When Jack has to get to 4 teams Mcmurray, Darnell, Braun, Ricky Stenhouse Jr from the ARCA Series, all Roush deciples will be under the RYR stable.  I agree though the marriage has something from both sides

[DougS]

No new announcements from Yates racing as to the status of the #28 and #38 except that they are still searing for sponsors. However the crew chief Cully Barraclough of the #38 is leaving Yates racing and transferring to Rousch Fenway in an undisclosed role.

IMO Not a good sign, YR brought up Cully due to his relationship (trust factor) with David from the nationwide series. Not sure wether this is the foreboding demise of the #38 but in todays percieved uncertianty it just might be.

[Chris]

No new announcements from Yates racing as to the status of the #28 and #38 except that they are still searing for sponsors. However the crew chief Cully Barraclough of the #38 is leaving Yates racing and transferring to Rousch Fenway in an undisclosed role.

IMO Not a good sign, YR brought up Cully due to his relationship (trust factor) with David from the nationwide series. Not sure wether this is the foreboding demise of the #38 but in todays percieved uncertianty it just might be.

I think you are on the right track Doug...
I'm also thinking if one of the RYR cars have to shut down it will be the #38 and Gilliland.  Could be Cully has some inside info on what is coming down the pike, and is making a manuver to make sure he has a job in2009
As I am sure you are aware... You can often read between the lines of what is going on of you know where to look, and how to read what you are seeing...

[DougS]

The only thing that keeps me wondering is that Todd Parrott left immediately after Homestead. At least Cully transfered into RFR. So both the #28 and #38 are out crew chief's. Not a strong selling point to a interested sponsor.

[scott b]

Now, Jayski is reporting Todd Parrott has not left Yates, after all.  That's usually the sort of thing you want to clear up right away, instead of waiting a few weeks.  Hmmm...

Also, CC Brad Parrott and developmental driver Bryan Clauson are out at the #40 in the Nationwide series, Ganassi is disbanding the team.  Fastenal sponsorship dollars to land somewhere else?  Like with a Cup team that needs a primary for part of the season? Hmmm...

[DougS]

I just saw that right before you posted it. This just doesn't pass the smell test. Todd is rumored to be gone then with the #19 at GEM and now his driver is saying he's still therre and under contract??? Once again if these owner don't remove head from retum and run thier buisness in an efficent manner they're not going to attract and/or keep sponsorships.

[DougS]

Petty Enterprises and Boston Ventures released Bobby Labonte from all contractual obligations this morning.

This really sucks! Having to watch PE basically tear its self apart. But then again I look at it Richard was a great race car driver, never a buisness man and as this buisness grew to new heights PE always seemed to be a step behind. I had really hoped when Bobby was announcd in the 43 it would see victory lane once again, now that hope is a fading memory.

[scott b]

I'm afraid you're right, by the time the 43 gets back into victory lane there will be few if any ties to the Petty family remaining.  Between the changes at BV/PE and the Wood Bros cutting back to PT, a lot of tradition has been lost. 

I do wish Bobby Labonte well, he's got class.

[20forLogano]

I get the feeling Boston Ventures is going to fail as did Ginn.  These big ticket people who have the money and business savvy are trying to come into the sport with name recognition and that is not the way to go.  Look at Hall of Fame with Staubach and Aikman.  They thought names would bring big things and look what happened.  Ginn has big pockets but knows nothing about Nascar.  During these times these owners need the background.  Stewart will make it happen at some point as an owner.  I bet Ginn never knew how to change a tire let alone bring a Nascar organization to the forefront.

[scott b]

If the release of Sadler is a sign the GEM merger talks are in trouble, where does that leave BV/Petty for 2009?  They've given Bobby Labonte his release, have a primary sponsor signed for all of 2 races for the 43, their relationship with Kyle went sour, the 44 and 45 will be part time if they are lucky enough to see track time at all, and Chad McCumbee is signed but in limbo as far as what he'll be driving.  I could see BV bailing out on motorsports quickly once they figure out how deep a money pit it can be when things go bad.