T
TonyB
Guest
From That's Racin'
Penske Racing and Jasper Motorsports are considering an arrangement where they would split ownership of Jasper's No. 77 Fords and bring the team under the Penske umbrella next season.
NASCAR Truck series standout Brendan Gaughan is the preferred candidate for the ride if the new deal is completed, sources said. Dave Blaney, who currently drives the No. 77, would not return to the team next season.
Penske currently fields the No. 2 Dodges with veteran Rusty Wallace and the No. 12 Dodges with 2002 rookie of the year Ryan Newman.
The completion of the deal rests largely on the team's ability to secure a sponsor and a decision in that regard could come as early as Monday.
The Penske-Jasper deal is one of three teams from which Kodak, which bought out its remaining contract with Morgan-McClure Motorsports, will select as its new home in what will become the Nextel Cup Series in 2004, sources said.
Kodak is expected to make a final decision by Monday, choosing offers from Penske, Roush Racing and Dale Earnhardt Inc.
"There could be the possibility of a third team next season, but how that team is structured and who the driver would be remains up in the air," said Don Miller, Penske vice president, who was reached Friday by phone.
Team owner Roger Penske, in an appearance on the Speed Channel show "Wind Tunnel" Thursday night, was asked by show host Dave Despain about a possible third Penske team.
"There has been interest by our team to possibly look at a third car. Kodak has come back through and talked to four or five teams in Charlotte - they came to our shop and we made a proposal," Penske said.
"At this particular time, we have interest, we have engine capability with our Penske Jasper program ... to bring another young driver in might be a real opportunity for us for next year."
Asked specifically about Gaughan as a driver, Penske said, "Brendan is one of the young Dodge drivers and obviously with our relationship with Dodge with Rusty and Ryan, he could be a possibility."
Gaughan, 28, won six races this season and led the series points entering the season finale at Homestead, Fla. He was involved in a wreck in the race and ended up fourth in points.
In two seasons in Trucks, Gaughan has eight wins - four coming at Texas Motor Speedway - 21 top-five and 30 top-10 finishes in 64 starts. He is also a two-time Winston West series champion (2000 and 2001).
If he gets the ride, Gaughan would become the third member of the 2004 Nextel Cup rookie class, joining Brian Vickers and Scott Riggs. Gaughan in is Mexico racing this week and was unavailable for comment.
Several issues remain to be worked out before the Penske-Jasper deal is completed, including: the car's number; where the team would be based; the listed car owner; and whether it would keep car owner's points from the 2003 season.
The team would join the Dodge camp and utilize Penske engines, sources said.
Penske Racing and Jasper Motorsports are considering an arrangement where they would split ownership of Jasper's No. 77 Fords and bring the team under the Penske umbrella next season.
NASCAR Truck series standout Brendan Gaughan is the preferred candidate for the ride if the new deal is completed, sources said. Dave Blaney, who currently drives the No. 77, would not return to the team next season.
Penske currently fields the No. 2 Dodges with veteran Rusty Wallace and the No. 12 Dodges with 2002 rookie of the year Ryan Newman.
The completion of the deal rests largely on the team's ability to secure a sponsor and a decision in that regard could come as early as Monday.
The Penske-Jasper deal is one of three teams from which Kodak, which bought out its remaining contract with Morgan-McClure Motorsports, will select as its new home in what will become the Nextel Cup Series in 2004, sources said.
Kodak is expected to make a final decision by Monday, choosing offers from Penske, Roush Racing and Dale Earnhardt Inc.
"There could be the possibility of a third team next season, but how that team is structured and who the driver would be remains up in the air," said Don Miller, Penske vice president, who was reached Friday by phone.
Team owner Roger Penske, in an appearance on the Speed Channel show "Wind Tunnel" Thursday night, was asked by show host Dave Despain about a possible third Penske team.
"There has been interest by our team to possibly look at a third car. Kodak has come back through and talked to four or five teams in Charlotte - they came to our shop and we made a proposal," Penske said.
"At this particular time, we have interest, we have engine capability with our Penske Jasper program ... to bring another young driver in might be a real opportunity for us for next year."
Asked specifically about Gaughan as a driver, Penske said, "Brendan is one of the young Dodge drivers and obviously with our relationship with Dodge with Rusty and Ryan, he could be a possibility."
Gaughan, 28, won six races this season and led the series points entering the season finale at Homestead, Fla. He was involved in a wreck in the race and ended up fourth in points.
In two seasons in Trucks, Gaughan has eight wins - four coming at Texas Motor Speedway - 21 top-five and 30 top-10 finishes in 64 starts. He is also a two-time Winston West series champion (2000 and 2001).
If he gets the ride, Gaughan would become the third member of the 2004 Nextel Cup rookie class, joining Brian Vickers and Scott Riggs. Gaughan in is Mexico racing this week and was unavailable for comment.
Several issues remain to be worked out before the Penske-Jasper deal is completed, including: the car's number; where the team would be based; the listed car owner; and whether it would keep car owner's points from the 2003 season.
The team would join the Dodge camp and utilize Penske engines, sources said.
I was also wondering when they would do three cars. Isn't it wierd how the sport evolves, We had 1 car teams, then two car teams Now it will be 3 car teams soon.