DEI to fold? Truex to Gibbs?

[MRM]

Take this for what it's worth. Jerry Punch was on his weekly radio guest spot here in Knoxville and he mentioned the word around the garage in Phoenix was the possibility of DEI closing and Truex driving the #20 next year. Apparently Bass Pro Shops is thinking about getting out. And if they do, that's DEI's only sponsor and they'd probably close shop. He said they've already moved a big part of their operation somewhere else and they are on the verge of going under as it is now.

He also said despite what's being said publically, JGR is thinking about letting Logano run one more year of the Nationwide Series before putting him into the #20 full time. He said JGR is interested in Truex if DEI does close their doors.

 

[SST55]

Isn't Truex and Bass Pro are under contract for the '09 season with DEI? Not to say contracts can't be disolved. With 4 teams and one sponsor DEI has some serious decisions to make. Way to go Teresa. Take a viable organization and in 7 years run it into the ground.

I was under the impression that Truex would follow Jr when he started a cup team.

Remember, it is silly season. Rumors are flying everywhere.

 

[DanicaFan]

Yes, Joe Gibbs, himself denied this rumor.

 

[Magnethead]

Isn't Truex and Bass Pro are under contract for the '09 season with DEI? Not to say contracts can't be disolved. With 4 teams and one sponsor DEI has some serious decisions to make. Way to go Teresa. Take a viable organization and in 7 years run it into the ground.

I was under the impression that Truex would follow Jr when he started a cup team.

Remember, it is silly season. Rumors are flying everywhere.

I agree..truex has ability..just needs a team.

 

[TexasRaceLady]

Yes, Joe Gibbs, himself denied this rumor.

True, but how many rumors have later come to fruition?

I say, where there's smoke, there's got to be fire.

 

[VaDirt]

True, but how many rumors have later come to fruition?

I say, where there's smoke, there's got to be fire.

You're right. Seems everytime a rumour floats around, and the team denies it, it becomes fact within a few short weeks.

 

[Hoss]

From nascar.com

Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates and Dale Earnhardt Inc. have entered discussions that could lead to a merger between the two organizations, foxsports.com reported Tuesday.

Such a union would bring together the Nos. 41 and 42 cars of Ganassi and the Nos. 1 and No. 8 cars of DEI, according to the report.

Juan Montoya drives the No. 42 car, but Ganassi has not named a driver for the No. 41 car. Martin Truex Jr. is the driver of the No. 1 car, and Aric Almirola drives the No. 8, which has not named a sponsor for next year.

One of Montoya's current sponsors, Texaco Havoline, will not return to the car next year, but Ganassi has a partial sponsorship locked in with Wrigley's for the No. 42.

That the two organizations are aligned with different manufacturers is a complication. DEI runs Chevrolets and maintains an engine alliance -- Earnhardt-Childress Racing Technologies -- with Richard Childress Racing, which also is in the Chevy camp.

Ganassi has a contract with Dodge that runs through 2010. According to the report, the expectation would be for the newly formed team to move to Chevrolet, if details can be worked out with both manufacturers. General Motors, which produces the Chevrolet brand, and Dodge majority owner Cerberus Capital also have explored the possibility of a merger between the automakers.

 

[barelypure]

Heck, run both. By 2010 GM or Dodge and maybe both may be out of business.