Racing teams ponder Waltrip’s future
Where’s Michael Waltrip going? Dale Earnhardt Inc. is adamant Waltrip will not be in the No. 15 car next season. In fact, if NAPA does not return, another sponsor is waiting to support a research and development car that will offer seat time to Busch racers Paul Menard and Ryan Moore.
The rest of the garage is speculating on which organization will get Waltrip. The logical answer: Bill Davis Racing, with its existing Toyota Racing Development (TRD) relationship. Waltrip is expected to have a huge presence with Toyota when it goes Cup racing in 2007.
If NAPA does not accompany Waltrip to his next Cup car, other possible sponsors include Domino’s and Jim Beam.
Dodge plans nose job
Dodge, which has just two victories with the new Charger, has petitioned for a new nose in 2006.
Evernham Motorsports, Chip Ganassi Racing and Penske Racing collaborated on the new piece, which resembles the Ford front end but has the old Intrepid center.
The nose will be ready this week. It must be submitted by next Thursday to be approved for next year.
Mayfield makes move
Jeremy Mayfield put himself into solid position for making the Chase for the NASCAR Nextel Cup by winning last Sunday’s race at Michigan.
“We’re not afraid to take chances because we have a lot of confidence in each other,” Mayfield said.
The win boosted Mayfield to sixth in the standings, 399 out of first. More important, he’s 218 ahead of 11th-place Dale Jarrett.
Around the track
Sterling Marlin has talked to MB2 Motorsports about taking over what’s now the No. 10 car for next season. MB2 Motorsports G.M. Jay Frye said that Marlin is on his short list. Sponsorship and a car number have not been decided, but the team has petitioned NASCAR for 02 or 35. Current driver Scott Riggs, who finished a career-high second at Michigan, is expected to continue with Valvoline. … Jamie McMurray’s crew chief, Donnie Wingo, said he’s staying at Ganassi Racing regardless of where McMurray races in the future. McMurray, who has signed to drive for Roush Racing in 2007, would like to stay with Wingo.
•By 2007, Wood Brothers no longer will be asked why it races only one Cup car. Eddie Wood announced a partnership between Wood Brothers and Tad Geschickter’s ST Motorsports. That deal guarantees one Nextel Cup and two Busch Series cars, but Wood said to expect two teams each in Cup, Busch and the Craftsman Truck Series. Geschickter’s greatest asset will be his ability to attract sponsorship to the organization. … NASCAR will meet with teams at its research and development center in Concord, N.C., to review new rules and procedures for 2006. Template changes, the tire leasing program and the car of the future will be topics.