Drivers RETURNING to their rides in '07

[Chris]

with so MANY drivers swapping rides in 2007,.. it's nice to see some drivers STAYing put...
Here are a few fairly solid rumors for 2007... and a few surprises...

Blaney back with BDR in 2007: Bill Davis Racing Competition Director Tommy Baldwin confirmed that Dave Blaney will drive one of the two [#22, #23] BDR entries in 2007, and said an announcement should come soon regarding the other seat

Raines back in #96 in 2007: Tony Raines is expected to be back behind the wheel of the Hall of Fame Motorsports #96 Chevy next season.(

Martin back in the #6 in 2007? hearing it is possible that Mark Martin may drive yet another full season in the #6 Ford for Roush Racing, seems the team doesn't think Roush Racing Busch Series driver Todd Kluever is quite ready for a full-time ride in the Nextel Cup Series.(

[Chris]

well first off,.. personally I think Blaney could do BETTER than BDR,... I don't think he has EVER got the chance to showcase his talents in the CUP series... with Toyota coming in and so many drivers swapping seats,.. this was the year for him to make a move.

Raines,... and Hall of Fame Motorsports,.. They'd be crazy to get rid of Raines.  He's done a SUPERB job driving that car this season.  Ever since the Pepsi 400 where they said he was basicly gonna have to "prove himself" the 2nd 1/2 of the season (which has just been 3 races.... he's finish just one lap down at Michigan (pitted out of sequence and then a yellow came out),.. and the other two racesposted a 21st and 22nd place finish.
I think thats REAL good for a driver that no one really "expected" much out of when the season started.  In fact if you compare results, Raines average finishes have been better than Labontes,.. but Labonte had the guarantee of being in the field the first 5 races.  SO I still support that move.

Mark Martin coming back full time AGAIN in 2007... WOW,.. I guess "WHY retire when you making the top 10 and being in the chase every year"... He's on top of his game right now,... running for a great owner, has top notch equipment, and he's probably in the best shape ever...
Just wonder if he'll ever look back and wish he had back this time he missed with Matt..??

[Colorado NASCAR Fan]

Raines and Blaney are both superb drivers.  I agree that Blaney should be in a better ride...I think he got a bum deal from Childress last year.  Raines better stay at HOF...That team couldn't ask for a better season than what he has been giving them.  Of course, you do have to give some credit to T. Labonte.  He got that team up high enough in points to make all the races and then Tony's kept them there.

I don't know what to think about Mark Martin...

[PlanoHarvickFan]

Raines and Blaney are both superb drivers.  I agree that Blaney should be in a better ride...I think he got a bum deal from Childress last year.  Raines better stay at HOF...That team couldn't ask for a better season than what he has been giving them.  Of course, you do have to give some credit to T. Labonte.  He got that team up high enough in points to make all the races and then Tony's kept them there.

I don't know what to think about Mark Martin...

I'm glad to hear people say that.  Heard a little grumbling around the office (FYI for anyone who doesn't know...I work for Texas Instruments) that the 96 car has only been doing "mediocre".  For a brand new team, I think they are doing great.  In addition to doing fairly well, TI DLP is getting lots of exposure....just what sponsors want, right? 

[Colorado NASCAR Fan]

In addition to doing fairly well, TI DLP is getting lots of exposure....just what sponsors want, right? 

Hi Plano 

Yes...I agree...TIDLP has been getting plenty of sponsor exposure!  I think it's great for a new team.

[PlanoHarvickFan]

I was so excited when I first heard about the sponsorship.  I NEVER in my life thought TI would do something like this.  Basically our management is ultra-conservative, but I guess we have some really forward-thinking people in the DLP group.  I love it.