October 20th, 2008 
T.C. With Martinsville now in the books, we march ever closer to the end of the 2008 season. And although the picture is starting to become clear for next season, there are still a few unknowns to sort out.
A.J. Allmendinger: Rumors continue to fly about Dinger’s future, but after a strong 15th place run following Martinsville, don’t be surprised if he’s in a fourth car next season for GEM. Apparently both Elliott Sadler and Kasey Kahne are pushing team owner George Gillett to sign Allmendinger up for the 2009 season. They see his talent, and would welcome him as a teammate. Along with this, the proposed GEM-BDR Cup team buyout would make sense in this case, as it would guarantee Allmendinger a starting spot in the first five races next season.
I know if I was a team owner with an open ride, Allmendinger has got to be your guy at this point. He has shown he is catching on, and the talent pool is all but dried up.
CGR’s Target Dodge: With four races remaining, we still don’t know who will take over the seat in the #41 Target Dodge for Chip Ganassi. The ride is being vacated by Reed Sorenson, who is moving over to GEM next season. I have heard that even though he will make his second try at his first Cup start this weekend at Atlanta, CGR development driver Bryan Clauson is not a candidate for the 41. Target is looking for an experienced driver, and Clauson needs more time in the Nationwide Series to develop his talent.
I think if the rumors are true about Allmendinger and Gillett-Evernham, Chip Ganassi has made a serious error. With Allmendinger out, the list of available drivers is very short, and not particularly attractive. Those with Cup experience without rides for next season are J.J. Yeley, Scott Riggs, Jeremy Mayfield, Scott Wimmer, Patrick Carpentier, Jacques Villeneuve, and Ken Schrader. Of that list, Allmendinger appears to be the top prospect. I believe Ganassi should have signed Allmendinger the day after Red Bull cut him loose.
Petty-DEI Merger: The latest merger talk now centers around Petty Enterprises and Dale Earnhardt Inc. We’ve seen NASCAR.com, ESPN, and the Winston Salem Journal all run pieces talking about the merger this week, but neither side is giving up any information.
This is yet another merger plan that makes absolutely no sense. With the loss of Paul Menard and his daddy’s money, DEI now only has three drivers, and only one funded team for 2009 (Truex and the Bass Pro Shops #1). The #8 of Aric Almirola and the #01 of Regan Smith have yet to find sponsors, and the #15 team is without a driver or a sponsor.
On the other side, Petty has a new boss with Boston Ventures buying in this season, and is missing sponsorship for their two, possibly three, teams. Bobby Labonte will return in the #43 next season, while plans for the #45 and possibly the #44 remain up in the air. Between the two organizations, they’ve got five, possibly six, unfunded teams for next season. On top of that, the teams currently run different manufacturers.
Because of all this, I cannot seem to find a way that either team benefits from a merger. And who would run this team now owned by the Pettys, Boston Ventures, and Teresa Earnhardt? Would it be Kyle Petty, David Zucker, Robbie Loomis, Max Siegel, or John Story? Too many owners, too many questions, and not enough benefits.
And finally: I just wanted to point out a couple of tidbits. First, NASCAR President Mike Helton denied last week that they are looking to make fields for any of the three top series smaller in the future. See the full interview from the Roanoke Times.
And after saying a few weeks ago they may have four cars next season, it appears as though Michael Waltrip Racing will be a two car operation next season. Executive VP Cal Wells told SceneDaily.com’s Bob Pockrass that they are going to run two teams, plus the third car of JTG Daugherty Racing next season. Add Michael McDowell to that list of available drivers for ’09.
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Boston Ventures knows there is excess capacity (race shops) all over the Greater Concord area and that Richard Petty signed a lease for the old Yates facility. While the Petty’s may have considered building a greenfield facility around Salisbury, BV knows Ganassi is one of those with the excess capacity, an engine program in-house, a big sponsor in Target, and two owners ready to do a deal.
Silly Season is truly in full swing his year, All we can do is wait,watch and listen.
i believe the best available driver is Jacques villeneuve
He had few races when we saw his speed. he needed some experience but he got the speed and knows how to win. Don’t forget he is F1 world champion, indy car champion and winner of Indianapolis.
It would be excellent for Nascar to have such a name and such a talent !