Silly Season 2020

Joe Gibbs' driver lineup for 2020...?

Busch, Truex, Jones, Bell...?
Busch, Truex, Hamlin, Bell...?
Busch, Truex, Hamlin, Jones...?

Lots of possibilities here. Who is more "family" between Hambone, that Jones Boy, and Bell?

Also the possibility of Jones, Hamlin, or Bell driving for Leavine Family (which may expend to two cars, or may stay at one).

I think it depends a lot on what sponsors are likely to sign long term for better coin.
 
Silly. Bunch of drama queens around here. Jones signs. Bell stays. Hambone stays. KB stays. MTJ stays.....and a couple more get added on down the road. Plenty for everybody. All good.

Would have loved to read the 2017 version of this post where Kenseth is staying as long as he pleases and Suarez is good for a decade minimum and there's room for the whole pipeline over at FRR.

I'm just playing. ;)
 
Silly. Bunch of drama queens around here. Jones signs. Bell stays. Hambone stays. KB stays. MTJ stays.....and a couple more get added on down the road. Plenty for everybody. All good.

and you win the lottery. Bets on something is going to happen in Yoder world. Too many Chiefs and not enough horses
 
and you win the lottery. Bets on something is going to happen in Yoder world. Too many Chiefs and not enough horses

It will be fine, but the narrative is sure fun for now, isn't it?
 
It will be fine, but the narrative is sure fun for now, isn't it?
Byron fine or Larson fine? :p Personally, I think the one thing that is keeping Bell under the Yota umbrella is the midget and dirt sprint car program. It might keep him in a preacher Xfinity car next year. Unless?
 
Would have loved to read the 2017 version of this post where Kenseth is staying as long as he pleases and Suarez is good for a decade minimum and there's room for the whole pipeline over at FRR.

I'm just playing. ;)

Naw, the bigger shock was Carl Edwards bailing. Easy to assume that the whole passing out his business card thing was because he had desire. He had desire, but that was more about overalls, a plaid shirt, and God's country.....I guess that's what he is doing....
 
I think everybody in this thread totally forgot about XCI Racing 81 car is attempting 2 Cup races with Jeffrey Earnhardt with JGR support & finished top 10 at Texas.
 
Naw, the bigger shock was Carl Edwards bailing. Easy to assume that the whole passing out his business card thing was because he had desire. He had desire, but that was more about overalls, a plaid shirt, and God's country.....I guess that's what he is doing....
Sometimes you get what you really did desire, only to find it wasn't what you thought it would be.
 
^ I wonder what is going through Kyles head listening to that.

Kyle will be just fine until one day the Preacher looks at him with a gleam in his eye. :D:rolleyes:. Now the Jones Boy on the other hand as the season wears on the press will be ruthless because they smell a story. I wouldn't think Kyle or any of them will be jumping for joy if Bell gets a cup ride. Bell has shown that he can wheel a car.
 
Kyle will be just fine until one day the Preacher looks at him with a gleam in his eye. :D:rolleyes:. Now the Jones Boy on the other hand as the season wears on the press will be ruthless because they smell a story.
Yup. He never truck me as a cunning driver who could get the most out of a poor car.
I don't think JGR made any improvement dumping the Mexican.
Kyle's brand is about #1 in Nascar now, negotiating new contracts could get very expensive very soon and if his compensation makes a big jump, Bell's will also.
Personally I think Bell should consider being #1 at another top team and that could very well be HMS.
 
Yup. He never truck me as a cunning driver who could get the most out of a poor car.
I don't think JGR made any improvement dumping the Mexican.
Kyle's brand is about #1 in Nascar now, negotiating new contracts could get very expensive very soon and if his compensation makes a big jump, Bell's will also.
Personally I think Bell should consider being #1 at another top team and that could very well be HMS.
Kyle has already signed, Truex and Hamlin also if you can believe what Denny said. Eric Jones isn't signed, his contract is up at the end of the season.
 
Nascar turned down the 20 million Monster was paying. Could it be because they were tired of getting screwed around by Monster?
 
Nascar turned down the 20 million Monster was paying. Could it be because they were tired of getting screwed around by Monster?
They just figure they will make more money under the new model and because of that want to get it up and running ASAP. $20M from one partner for one more year or starting getting $20M from multiple partners.

The new sponsorship model will have three tiers, with top-tier partners receiving the best assets and NASCAR asking around $20 million annually for those slots. Monster is more likely to land a second-tier slot, according to a person familiar with the talks. It’s not yet clear what NASCAR is asking for second-tier positions.
 
Nascar turned down the 20 million Monster was paying. Could it be because they were tired of getting screwed around by Monster?

Monster wanted out and agreed to stay on one year. Nascar cannot get a deal like it used to have with Sprint so it is going with some fuzzy plan that may or may not come to fruition.
 
They just figure they will make more money under the new model and because of that want to get it up and running ASAP. $20M from one partner for one more year or starting getting $20M from multiple partners.

I would be surprised if this plan pans out. I am definitely from Missouri on this initiative.
 
Kyle has already signed, Truex and Hamlin also if you can believe what Denny said. Eric Jones isn't signed, his contract is up at the end of the season.
To be replaced by Bell??
Maybe Jones will go be a partner in the second tear team..................... Again.
 
Monster wanted out and agreed to stay on one year. Nascar cannot get a deal like it used to have with Sprint so it is going with some fuzzy plan that may or may not come to fruition.
you have your facts if ya can call them that wrong..you are a year off. That was last year. o_O
 
They just figure they will make more money under the new model and because of that want to get it up and running ASAP. $20M from one partner for one more year or starting getting $20M from multiple partners.

I like them trying this system, its been proven to work. Lets just hope it will pan out for them because this could be something great for sport. Its worked previously with other sports, but lets see if it can work for NASCAR.
 
you have your facts if ya can call them that wrong..you are a year off. That was last year. o_O

Monster did Nascar a solid by hanging around and Nascar would have kept them if they would have signed for longer.
 
I like them trying this system, its been proven to work. Lets just hope it will pan out for them because this could be something great for sport. Its worked previously with other sports, but lets see if it can work for NASCAR.

I agree as I want to see if it works for Nascar. I am skeptical but anything is possible.
 
Monster did Nascar a solid by hanging around and Nascar would have kept them if they would have signed for longer.
I don't guess you can read. Take your beer goggles off.

.@MonsterEnergy's offer signals that the company remains satisfied with the @NASCAR title sponsorship, which is worth around $20M annually. Monster is now in talks about becoming a lower-level official partner in the new three-tier model, most likely as a second-tier partner.
 
hot off the press, nothing concrete just a little debate and what not to break up the monotony around here. Wouldnt be surprised if HMS got rid of Alex, I think it was done as a favor to Jr to get that dude in the car he really didnt show me a whole lot to merit the ride. I think hes a good driver but maybe a reach at Hendrick when they were also going to put Byron in the 24 at the same time. I would have maybe went with a veteran driver/winner for the 88 initially and then decided between Bowman/Byron for the 24. It will be interesting to see who they get to replace Bowman if they go that route, cant help but think Denny Hamlin would be a candidate and maybe just maybe Kurt Busch. But if I was Rick and Jeff I'd be recruiting Kyle Larson 24/7 to come to HMS.
Well, if you're just looking for something to kick around and have fun with, I have a feeling based on whispers & opinions (meaning gossip: nothing factual, nothing in motion) that the "catalyst" of next year's Silly Season could be the 88 (just like one of the big catalysts last season was the 78). If they decide to replace Bowman (big if), I think they will most likely throw money at a more seasoned replacement to try and get that program back on track which could potentially lead to some dominoes. Or, they could throw money at a very proven youngster like Bell, which might trigger events at JGR to keep him, also more dominoes. So if you're looking to discuss/debate/predict etc, I would start with the 88, and the series of events that might happen should they decide to replace Bowman (again, important to stress, I have no knowledge of any changes being made to the 88 other than people talking about how badly things need to change there, which, I think would be fairly obvious to any casual observer).

Obviously I guess you could also start with where Bell goes, but I could see a situation where Toyota tries to strengthen Leavine for him or Jones or Hamlin or something, or convert another team for another seat or two. I think that will likely all take care of itself. Starting with the 88 seems like more fun.

Will also be interesting to see what happens at SHR if Custer keeps racing the way he's been racing. Though I could see Harvick doing one more season next year before being replaced by him.
 
IMO Bell knows he is coming to cup and he will get offers, probably already is. All Toyota has at this point are 4 cars and a leftover. Somebody will have to get the knife or a brand new unproven team with big promises opening, compared to an established well run top level team if there are any seats open? He is in a good position is about all I know for sure.
 
IMO Bell knows he is coming to cup and he will get offers, probably already is. All Toyota has at this point are 4 cars and a leftover. Somebody will have to get the knife or a brand new unproven team with big promises opening, compared to an established well run top level team if there are any seats open? He is in a good position is about all I know for sure.
My thinking is if Bell has a solid deal from someone and is intent on going to Cup and The Preacher has to lead someone to the slaughter house to keep Bell, itd have to be Denny right? Maybe Erik Jones? Who is more family than the other?
 
love the fact how everyone seems to be thinking Bell needs to be elevated RIGHT NOW to cup. The real people in the sport know that winning in a gibbs NXS car is not that huge of a deal, its just not. please realize this. There is a huge equipment disparity in that series right now. Gibbs and the people in the know, understand that the hauler driver could win in his car. So calm down and quit hyperventilating that eric jones needs to be fired. put eric in Bell's car and he would win at the same rate as bell is winning right now. So really what is the point of making a driver change? I think JGR knows this already and that is why Eric is looking at a contract extension. people forget that denny hasn't set the world on fire either the last couple years. The 18 has been the one winning all the races in cup while the rest of their cars don't run all that great most of the time. I can't stand denny frankly, but if I wanted to win races I wouldn't fire the guy for some kid that is winning in a lower series with a car that the hauler driver could win in.

the thing that could hurt eric is he isn't as marketable as Bell is, to me bell seems more sharp, clean cut and a better sell to sponsors. We can't say for sure if he is really actually better or not. but money does drive decisions.
 
My thinking is if Bell has a solid deal from someone and is intent on going to Cup and The Preacher has to lead someone to the slaughter house to keep Bell, itd have to be Denny right? Maybe Erik Jones? Who is more family than the other?
good chance for blood letting, walking the plank, or disinheritance from the family. Worse yet, be exiled to Leavine family racing
 
love the fact how everyone seems to be thinking Bell needs to be elevated RIGHT NOW to cup. The real people in the sport know that winning in a gibbs NXS car is not that huge of a deal, its just not. please realize this. There is a huge equipment disparity in that series right now. Gibbs and the people in the know, understand that the hauler driver could win in his car. So calm down and quit hyperventilating that eric jones needs to be fired. put eric in Bell's car and he would win at the same rate as bell is winning right now. So really what is the point of making a driver change? I think JGR knows this already and that is why Eric is looking at a contract extension. people forget that denny hasn't set the world on fire either the last couple years. The 18 has been the one winning all the races in cup while the rest of their cars don't run all that great most of the time. I can't stand denny frankly, but if I wanted to win races I wouldn't fire the guy for some kid that is winning in a lower series with a car that the hauler driver could win in.

the thing that could hurt eric is he isn't as marketable as Bell is, to me bell seems more sharp, clean cut and a better sell to sponsors. We can't say for sure if he is really actually better or not. but money does drive decisions.
so you're saying at age 24 Bell isnt ready for Cup right now? I'd put him in a Cup car right now if I could. and I wasnt saying Erik Jones should be fired, I'd hire him in a second too if I had a Cup car, hes a good driver future champion. I hope Erik keeps his ride.
 
hot off the press, nothing concrete just a little debate and what not to break up the monotony around here. Wouldnt be surprised if HMS got rid of Alex, I think it was done as a favor to Jr to get that dude in the car he really didnt show me a whole lot to merit the ride. I think hes a good driver but maybe a reach at Hendrick when they were also going to put Byron in the 24 at the same time. I would have maybe went with a veteran driver/winner for the 88 initially and then decided between Bowman/Byron for the 24. It will be interesting to see who they get to replace Bowman if they go that route, cant help but think Denny Hamlin would be a candidate and maybe just maybe Kurt Busch. But if I was Rick and Jeff I'd be recruiting Kyle Larson 24/7 to come to HMS.

Before everybody writes off Bowman, did you all see the race yesterday? 2nd place from the back with a team that STILL isn't good as it should be. How about the week before? Lest we already forget that Alex was a couple of bad luck finishes away from advancing to the third round of the playoffs last year.
As far as Hamlin or Busch at HMS, I wouldn't be any more shocked if I woke up with my head sewed to the floor if either of those guys ends up in a HMS car. Even a reformed Kurt Busch isn't really HMS material. Hamlin most certainly is not. Not enough of a "team player" for one thing.
 
Before everybody writes off Bowman, did you all see the race yesterday? 2nd place from the back with a team that STILL isn't good as it should be. How about the week before? Lest we already forget that Alex was a couple of bad luck finishes away from advancing to the third round of the playoffs last year.
As far as Hamlin or Busch at HMS, I wouldn't be any more shocked if I woke up with my head sewed to the floor if either of those guys ends up in a HMS car. Even a reformed Kurt Busch isn't really HMS material. Hamlin most certainly is not. Not enough of a "team player" for one thing.

Agreed.

The only way Bowman loses that ride is if he's replaced by Larson, IMO.
 
Before everybody writes off Bowman, did you all see the race yesterday? 2nd place from the back with a team that STILL isn't good as it should be. How about the week before? Lest we already forget that Alex was a couple of bad luck finishes away from advancing to the third round of the playoffs last year.
As far as Hamlin or Busch at HMS, I wouldn't be any more shocked if I woke up with my head sewed to the floor if either of those guys ends up in a HMS car. Even a reformed Kurt Busch isn't really HMS material. Hamlin most certainly is not. Not enough of a "team player" for one thing.
Saying I wouldn't be surprised that Bowman wouldnt be in the 88 in 2020 is not the same as me saying I hope he gets axed. I hope he doesnt. I would say that as an HMS fan like I am, I was scratching my head when Rick went with both Willy B and Bowman at the same time. If I had my way I think I'd launch Ives and see what another crew chief could do before I launched Alex. I did say he didnt show me much before he got the 88 but I dont think he's a bad race car driver. I think hes a good driver that is suffering from Chevy, Ives and HMS being behind the curve.
 
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