The first 2011 Silly Season driver/team thread

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Originally Posted by Otto-Matic

I agree 100%. I rooted for RHR the most and if he still doesnt land a competative ride, after all he's proven, then i dont know how strongly I can follow ICS. yeah $$$ talks but at some point, if you want to be a legit organization that wants to win, talent has to mean something.

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I've not had much of a positive or negative opinion of RHR through the years. He has largely been a mid-packer. By that I mean he's not know to run with the top dogs day in and day out. I'm not saying he isn't an asset but, is he really that important? He ran a couple of great races this year but "after all he's proven" doesn't sit well in my opinion. Through his entire career, he's either on or off and that is what he was this year. Aside from those couple of great drives, he was largely mediocre wasn't he?

Weird, idk why it would work for me because I am not a subscriber. Here is a quick summary.

It says chip is the final stages of a deal with TBC to pay CGR $10 mil to field Graham. TBC will also pay Rahals salary and Chip can still sell some sponsorship on the car. Then it talks about businessman of Chips says he denied 3rd car possibility so TBC would give him more money. Then it tries to make GR looking bad bye saying TBC should maybe give that money to SFR since that is where he was at the time. It talks about release clauses, blah blah blah, GR is an american hopefully TBC will promote him well and it's good to see an american in good seat. Then it just goes on to say his stats for the past 4 or 5 years.

I don't think Graham "stole" anything from SFR.

He may have "stolen" the sponsorship from Jay Howard though.

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Originally Posted by TURN3

I've not had much of a positive or negative opinion of RHR through the years. He has largely been a mid-packer. By that I mean he's not know to run with the top dogs day in and day out. I'm not saying he isn't an asset but, is he really that important? He ran a couple of great races this year but "after all he's proven" doesn't sit well in my opinion. Through his entire career, he's either on or off and that is what he was this year. Aside from those couple of great drives, he was largely mediocre wasn't he?

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he was as good or better than his teammates on any given day.... and hte gy has never had a decent ride - often had teams capable of occasional wins but nothing consistent.... not saying he is great - just pointing out that his equipment has rarely given him the opportunity to showcase any talent he may have.....

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Originally Posted by Chris R

he was as good or better than his teammates on any given day.... and hte gy has never had a decent ride - often had teams capable of occasional wins but nothing consistent.... not saying he is great - just pointing out that his equipment has rarely given him the opportunity to showcase any talent he may have.....

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I totally agree. I just never jumped on the bandwagon of him being the chosen one. I realize we need more Americans and he is certainly talented, just not top level. But on those days where he's hooked up he certainly runs up front. Milwaukee several years back he was unreal.

RHR gets 2 more years at Andretti.
http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/artic...-through-2012/

No sponsors announced yet.

Bold is set-

Andretti Autosport
Marco
Danica
RHR

Penske Racing/Team Penske Racing
Power
HCN
Briscoe

If the Captain wants TK, the Captain will get TK.

Target Chip Ganassi
Dixon
Dario
Rahal

A.J. Foyt Enterprises
Vitor

KVRT
Ride buyer ~1
Ride buyer ~2

KV Renta Team

Panther
Wilson

Very close to being done.

de Ferran Dragon Racing
Pagenaud
TBD

HVM
SDS

Conquest
TBD
TBD

FAZZT
Tagliani

Newman Hass
TK/TBD
TBD

Trying to get TK. Muto to stay if TK is there?

Dreyer and Reinbold Racing
Conway
TBD 2
TBD 3

Money and ride rides buyers fill this team out. Maybe a deal with PT?

Sarah Fisher Racing
Fisher

Money, money, money. Team might rent itself out for road races, or put another driver in the car for the season.

Dale Coyne Racing
Ride buyer 1
Ride buyer 2

Wow, that raises some more questions...which apparently won't get answered either.

So I guess we'll see.

Just a few things...

Andretti is close to singing a two year deal for Ryan's sponsorship. I've heard its one of their existing sponsors who is stepping up to a primary role, so hopefully it will be a Dr Pepper/Snapple car.

I'm also hearing that Takuma Sato is set with KV and Lotus for next year. Don't be surprised if the Panasonic logo moves from NHR to his car next year. He's still popular in Japan and Honda wants him in the series.

Also heard that Rafa has been told he is no longer associated with de Ferran/Dragon.

TK and Briscoe at deFerran/Dragon?? That would be a pretty strong lineup to bring that team up a notch...

De Ferran couldn't raise sponsorship to start his own team as planned, so he partnered with Luczo.

Even with HP and Hamilton's Kingdom backing, they couldn't have been very well funded...Davey missed Texas when both cars were wrecked at Indy,and the team could only get one back on track for the following weekend.

Pagenaud, Briscoe, and TK do not have checks. TK likely has the best shot, and would be a perfect fit with Apex and De Ferran. If they run two cars , it would only be thanks to someone who is very well funded.

If Viso isn't running, hows come he was at Dallara for a fitting? There are plenty of other drivers as small in size...Marco was just in Italy last week.

AA is testing at Barber tomorrow, and somebody might be running at Sebring right now alongside the Lights testing. A bisquet on T* said that Hildebrand was testing for Panther today...they have pre-season data from Sebring, so that would make sense. Cars are on track, Sebring wouldn't say who.

De Ferran said on Trackside that Rafa was still in conversation...so I guess some pictures are being left fuzzy by intention, and others snapped too soon.

I'd say "indelicate" is a good word for today.

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Originally Posted by MDS

Just a few things...

Andretti is close to singing a two year deal for Ryan's sponsorship. I've heard its one of their existing sponsors who is stepping up to a primary role, so hopefully it will be a Dr Pepper/Snapple car.

I'm also hearing that Takuma Sato is set with KV and Lotus for next year. Don't be surprised if the Panasonic logo moves from NHR to his car next year. He's still popular in Japan and Honda wants him in the series.

Also heard that Rafa has been told he is no longer associated with de Ferran/Dragon.

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RHR should be in the AFS car, not sure about DR.P/Snapple.

Sato and Mutoh looking to buy seats at Renta Team, so Panasonic makes sense.

Rafa was told he was done after Homestead. SP unless they go for TK.

Many of the pieces are starting to come together...

Andretti- Marco in the #26, Patrick in the #7 and RHR in the #37

Ganassi- Franchitti in the #10, Dixon in the #9 and Rahal (I am thinking in the #42).

Panther- Hildebrand in the National Guard #4 and Wilson in the Z-Line Designs #2

Deferren/Dragon- Kanaan in the TBA #11 and Hamilton (for 3-5 oval races) in the HP #21.

KV- Sato in the Lotus #5


Other wild possibilities....

-Robby Gordon running a car out of the Andretti stable (and it being a Gordon/Andretti joint deal) at Indy. He and his brother-and-law will be teammates.

-Ed Carpenter doing the oval schedule for KV Racing or Dreyer and Reinbold Racing. Number will stay #20.

-Richard Petty Motorsports actively looking at putting some sort of Indy Car program together. Ray Evernham could be involved as could Allmendinger.

Why would Z-Line move to Panther, and possibly bring Wilson along for the ride, instead of other choices?

I read the Richard Petty rumor too, and maybe people should step back and think about that for a minute. Some think that Nascar is an evil empire, determined to step on the neck of IndyCar. Maybe, maybe not.

There are very few developments that would make noise to the general public. "Richard Petty Motorsports leaves Nascar to go IndyCar racing" would qualify. Nascar wouldn't do anything possible to prevent that? Any kind of a deal they could broker would be done to avoid that headline.

If RPM survives, it will be in Nascar and the possible affiliation with JA at the 500. Running a full IndyCar season is pure imagination.

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Originally Posted by Enjun Pullr

1. Why would Z-Line move to Panther, and possibly bring Wilson along for the ride, instead of other choices?

2. If RPM survives, it will be in Nascar and the possible affiliation with JA at the 500. Running a full IndyCar season is pure imagination.

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1. Good question. Z-Line is going to go with Wilson, wherever he goes. Hildebrand hasn't been meeting with the National Guard and isn't testing with Panther this week, for no reason. He fits exactly what the Guard would want (they also were interested in Americans RHR and Rahal). And it makes sense for Panther to take a flyer on a young American (like they did with Hornish).

Andretti's team and KV would also make sense for Wilson. But Panther and Wilson have been flirting for months. He would give them a experienced driver to team with a youngster in Hildebrand. If Panther has come up with a few bucks of their own, the Z-Line money would give Wilson a strong fully-funded ride and only 1 other teammate. At Andretti, things aren't all that rosy there now or for the future, once Patrick bails for NASCAR. And they seem more concerned with Hunter-Reay and Marco's future programs. Wilson could be the 4th wheel there (and actually be the best driver). Plus Andretti might be asking for more dough then Z-Line can give. Same deal with KV and KV isn't as good a team as either Andretti or Panther. Wilson would be better off staying with D&R then going to KV.


2. You very well might be correct. But lets connect the dots.

-Petty's team is now basically owned by George Gillette. Petty is a figure-head. And Gillette has very little history with NASCAR or stock car racing.

-RPM has one sponsor and one driver signed for 2011. The driver, is a former Indy Car driver.

-Ray Evernham was quoted on Indy radio months ago, as saying he was "intrigued" by being a part of a Indy Car effort and had been approached about doing something in 2011.

-RPM is having financial problems. And right now, Indy Cars are much, much cheaper to run then Cup is. If they want to stay in business (and these are all BUSINESS's), Indy Cars might just have to be an option.


It would not surprise me at all, if RPM (at the least) runs the Indy 500 next year with Allmendinger and John Andretti as its 2 drivers. I'd be shocked if they did anything more then that, but you never know....its EXTREME silly season.

From the public information available last year, and most of it was from Cavin, here's the way I remember it:

Z-Line was a sponsor for Dale Coyne Racing, and both were satisfied with Wilson as their driver.

Bill Pappas left Coyne for KV, it was unclear whether this was a concern for the sponsor or driver at the time.

Coyne announced the Boy Scouts endorsement (unfunded) and the intention to run two cars, but lacked money for the second car..this was long before Milka and Citgo were on the radar.

Z-Line was concerned about sharing branding: they were a primary sponsor and expected to run their car that way. So they went shopping, and chose D&R.

Wilson was then offered the seat, since he was acceptable to team and sponsor. Coyne was trying to sign a driver for a two year deal.

So it's not clear that Wilson is under contract with Z-Line, and they are shopping again. Where is the best shot to field a competitive car and get top billing?

I'd say Newman/ Haas. Sure, Wilson probably stays with Z-Line but I don't think it is carved in stone. Z-Line's other choice would be to continue at D&R.

AA has three cars locked in (unless IMG convinces Danica to buyout and bolt). A fourth car there is not necessarily a competitive or prominent choice for a primary sponsor to select.

Can Panther run two competitive cars for a full season, even if Z-Line pays for the second car? If you say so, but I'd be wondering. They remain as the National Guard car and the part time Fuzzy Vision team, in my fuzzy vision.

Whatever seat, I hope Hildebrand gets one. And I hope Dale Coyne lands a deal, because I doubt the Series is going to grant Duno a license.

Mr. Gillette I know nothing about, but as for him funding an Indycar team for RPM...well, I'd only believe that when the car is on the grid.

I find it a travesty that John Edwards, JR Hildebrand, Jonathan Summerton were sitting on the sidelines last season. Ignoring young American drivers who were successful in junior formulae is, in my opinion, one of the reasons IndyCar is where it is today. I'd be happy if Hildebrand found himself in the National Guard car. Even happier if Panther could run Carpenter on the ovals again with Fuzzy to coach JR. Wheldon should find himself a ride too, maybe the 2nd Lotus seat?

Regarding, RPM leaving NASCAR and moving to IndyCar: not a snowball's chance in hell. The France Family Cartel/Mafia will move mountains to keep that from happening, including (but not limited to) reaching for the family checkbook. There is no way they will ever let the Petty name leave the series and go to another. There MIGHT be a presence in both, but I'd be VERY surprised if that ever came to fruition.

Gary

two things:

I believe still that Go Daddy's girl will blow out to Nascab full time next year and that Andretti racing will be luck to field 2 cars.

Richard Petty Motorsports is almost OUT OF BUSINESS!!! Bud failed to send final sponsorship payment check, Gillette's interests have been taken over by the lender as he defaulted... SO PLEASE STOP foolish rumors of Petty to Indy" !!!

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Originally Posted by SoCalPVguy

SO PLEASE STOP foolish rumors of Petty to Indy" !!!

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Yep, zero chance of this happening outside of DR&R or someone else for Indy one-off in 2011.

The team is still talking with Best Buy about sponsoring A.J. Allmendinger in 2011 but they haven't come to terms yet. What might be driving some of this is that Best Buy's spend on the RPM team is rumored to be around $6 million which won't get you a full season NASCAR, but could get you 12 races with a top team, or a full season in Indy. Stanley Tools is signed for 2011 at around $10 million. Yeah, on paper you can make an argument that Best Buy and Stanley Tools (If they cut their total buy down to $6 million or kept at $10 and had two cars) could be better served with A.J. and another talented driver (of which there is no short supply) in open wheel but its too late really to finish the NASCAR season and then spin up for a full season in 2011 and then buy new equipment for 2012. They will be lucky to answer the bell in 2011.

Some people insist the team is considering it for 2012, but I can't see how it has gone past the exploratory phase at this point seeing how no one is sure if the team will finish out the season. Now could Richard Petty see the end of the Petty name in NASCAR and decide to start something new in Indy Car in 2012? Buy out Newman Haas and bring some NASCAR sponsors? Maybe. He has the money to do it, but does he have the will and drive? That's another question. He's 73.

Also moving to the ICS wouldn't "Save" most of the team. RPM has 340 employees, many of whom wouldn't have skills or experience that would transfer to open wheel. With a potential $12-$10 million sponsor you could carry a lot of people, but most NASCAR tech experience wouldn't translate to open wheel, althought most of their physical plant, which includes a seven-post shaker rig, would.

What RPM's failure will do is increase the chance of a cup driver ending up in the ICS. At best that's two less funded seats out their for cup drivers, and potentially four if the whole team goes under. The harder it is to get a non-start-and-park ride the better the chances are that someone like a Scott Speed would come to Indy.

Looks like a lot of the reporting is right on Nascar's own site, which was a first visit for me. Props to them for accuracy and full disclosure.

http://www.nascar.com/2010/news/busi...ble/index.html

Good article, Enjun Pullr. Yeah, lots of good info there.

Even though this is Silly Season, I think it's a bit too silly to speculate that RPM is spending any amount of time trying to put together a deal to enter the IRL. I've not seen the first, credible bit of information that makes that anything more than a fantasy. It's about the same as when Champ Car had its foot to the floor, headed for the wall, and many loyal CCWS fans wanted to believe that McLaren or Mercedes would/could/should leave F1 and come to Champ Car... because it was "cheaper". One of the most recent comments by Petty (that I've read) was this one from ESPN: "I've been here since 1949 and I'm going to be here till they run me off,” Richard Petty told ESPN Sunday at Martinsville. IMO, it would be more likely that Petty would take the #43 team (which he owns, according to ESPN) and get a sponsor for that team to run in Nationwide, or he merges it with Michael Waltrip's Toyota backed team... with whom he had discussions in Martinsville.

If Best Buy (or any other NASCAR sponsor that is on the fence) really could be swayed over to the IRL, then I suggest that Andretti Autosport, KV Technology, HVM, and all of the others who are starving to death for cash, CALL THEM. Get a meeting! But in the case of Richard Petty, I think it's more likely that he'll have a Nationwide team, and about as likely that he'll have a Grand Am team next year (or the year after, or the year after that) as an IRL team. He's fighting with his last bullet to stay in the sport that he loves, and that is NASCAR Sprint Cup.

Indycar fans mistake Richard Petty's involvement with the Indy 500 for the last two years as a genuine interest in Indy Car racing instead of what it really is; lending his name and involvement as a favor to John Andretti, with whom Petty has a genuine friendship. Andretti stayed with the Petty's in their home when he first got involved in NASCAR.

Once John Andretti is through with Indy, Petty will be too . . . . . if not sooner.

I missed this when it came out last month, and didn't realize Lotus was committed to staying with KV. Autosport confirmed it:

"Lotus to expand KV partnership
http://cdn.images.autosport.com/space.gif

By Matt Beer September 28th 2010, 13:59 GMT

Lotus Motorsport will expand its IndyCar partnership with KV Racing in 2011..."

So if the Lotus plans are true, they run two cars as had been announced at the beginning of 2010. In KV cars, not a new team of their own.

That is surprising news, indeed...

Well, this is why I hate silly season threads and should have stayed out of another one.

The bisquit who reported that Hildebrand tested for Panther was a liar. My apologies for repeating it here.

Panther tweeted on their account that they haven't tested anybody anywhere.

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Originally Posted by Enjun Pullr

Well, this is why I hate silly season threads and should have stayed out of another one.

The bisquit who reported that Hildebrand tested for Panther was a liar. My apologies for repeating it here.

Panther tweeted on their account that they haven't tested anybody anywhere.

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They have spoken to J.R. about 2011. Someone at the National Guard might had smartened up and decided that an American in their car would be a good idea.

I wonder if the GM announcement comes through, I wonder if they would look at placing a driver or two with teams they expect to have close connections with in 2012, for the 2011 season to get them accustomed to the teams and such.

Marshall Pruitt has a very informative article:

KV is working on a bigger deal with Lotus, but it isn't enough money for them to hire whoever they want so their still looking for drivers with funds/sponsorship. It sounds like Takuma will be back for sure, E.J. actually has sponsorship and they're waiting to see what Graham, TK and Wheldon are doing before finalizing their lineup.

Graham has apparently said there will be an announcement in the next 10 days.

Panther plans on testing a few drivers next month, which probably means they're not in the Justin Wilson sweepstakes, at least for the National Guard car.

HVM hopes to have funding/sponsorship for Simona soon

http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/artic...new-lotus-deal

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Originally Posted by MDS

Panther plans on testing a few drivers next month, which probably means they're not in the Justin Wilson sweepstakes, at least for the National Guard car.

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I would love to see Panther run only US drivers at this gong show test. JR, Summerton, Buddy Rice, Townsend Bell etc...

It sounds like JR has the inside line on the National Guard car. You have to wonder who would possibly be in the second Panther car, if they do decide to run a second program.

I guess you could look at Justin Wilson bringing the Z-Lines sponsorship to the team in a second car, TK maybe bringing some Brazil sponsorship for the second car, Rahal bringing his sponsor for the second car, or Ed Carpenter and Fuzzy's for an oval only schedule while bringing in a road course specialist for the twisties?

It will be a downfall if Panther chooses 2 drivers. 1 for ovals and 1 for road/street courses. Hildebrand is a decent road racer. If that is the case, I like to see a GP2 team take JR. Then F1.

Autosport link with Wilson's quote:

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/88151

I'm still hoping that a funded driver signs with Newman/Haas, and Wilson was one of them....

Kanaan testing for De Ferran/ Dragon, who has no funding:

http://www.indystar.com/article/2010...ndyCar-in-2012

Bold is set-

Andretti Autosport
Marco
Danica
RHR

Penske Racing/Team Penske Racing
Power
HCN
Briscoe

If the Captain wants TK, the Captain will get TK.

Target Chip Ganassi
Dixon
Dario
Rahal

A.J. Foyt Enterprises
Vitor

KVRT
Sato
Mutoh
Ride buyer ~3

KV Renta Team

Panther
TBD

Money is an issue-

de Ferran Dragon Racing
TBD

Money is an issue-

HVM
SDS

Conquest
Bag
TBD

FAZZT
Tagliani

Newman Hass
TK/TBD
TBD

Dreyer and Reinbold Racing
Wilson
Conway
TBD 2

Sarah Fisher Racing
Fisher

Money, money, money. Team might rent itself out for road races, or put another driver in the car for the season.

Dale Coyne Racing
Ride buyer 1
Ride buyer 2

Well the good news is that this year's silly season is both more productive and shorter than in years past as most of the major questions will be answered before Jan. 1.

de Ferran/Dragon Racing
2 Tony Kannan?

Team Penske
3 Helio Castroneves
6 Ryan Brisco
12 Will Power – Verizon Wireless

Panther Racing
4 J.R Hildebrand?/Jonathan Summerton National Guard

KV Lotus Racing
5- Takuma Sato Lotus
8- E.J. Viso Lotus/PDVSA?
32 Moreas?/Hinchcliff/Tracy/Wheldon?

Andretti Autosport
7 Danica Patrick Go Daddy
26 Marco Andretti Venom Energy Drink
37 Ryan Hunter Reay Snapple/Dr Pepper (Here there is a deal almost done that should be announced before the end of the month)

Target Chip Ganassi
9 Scott Dixon – Target
10 Dario Franchitti – Target
11 Graham Rahal – Service Central brands

AJFE
14 Vitor Meria ABC Construction

Walker Racing
15- Dan Clarke/Simone Pagenad/Sebastian Saavedra

Dale Coyne
18 ???
19 ???

Dreyer and Reinbold Racing
22 Justin Wilson Z-Line designs
24 Conway?/Hinchcliff?/Tracy?

AFS Racing
27 Adam Carroll

Conquest Racing
34 Bertrand Bagguette
36 will be available as a rent-a-ride

Sarah Fisher Raciing
67 Sarah Fisher/Sumerton Dollar General

FAZZT Race Team
77- Alex Tagliani

HVM Racing
78 Simona De Silvestro

Newman Haas Racing
Lots of rumors circulating around this team. I was told they were paid a potential buyer/sponsor who has a major presence in motorsports. Of course the most likely scenario is that they will be back with one or two ride buyers unless Phoenicia either finds some sponsorship or brokers a deal to a bull of a company.

Indy Only Programs
Redline Extreme/KV Racing
Sheckter/Tracy/Servia

Sam Schmidt racing
99-Townsend Bell?/Hinchcliff??

Dryer and Rienbold Racing
Two entries for ride buyers

Bryan Herta Autosport

Free Agents
Pedro Del La Rosa
Oriol Servia
Robert Doornbos
Alex Lloyd
Hideki Mutoh
Dan Wheldon
Rafa Matos
Ed Carpenter

Other news
Kasey Chane wants to do the 500, but it might be next year when he is with Hendrick and could be linked with another Chevy team. He's been dropping some hints that he would be open to making a start or two in 2011 though.

Robby Gordon has signed a deal with Chevy for his off road program and is spinning down his Cup program. I was told by good source that Robby was considering returning to Indy in 2011. I said well yeah, everyone knows that he wants to go back to Indy, and the response was “Yeah and few other places too.” Robby knows he's never going to be an elite team owner in NASCAR, but with the new formula in 2012 he's got time, and perhaps sponsorship enough to have a team (most likely with a younger full time driver who brings some money to the team and Robby making limited starts)

Tony Stewart has ruled out starting an Indy program, even with Chevy's help.

de Ferran/Dragon Racing
2 Tony Kannan?

TK is testing for them, to give them some baseline data heading into next year, but the team does not have the money for the whole year, let alone the money TK is looking for. could change, especially if the Capt. lends a hand.

Panther Racing
4 J.R Hildebrand?/Jonathan Summerton National Guard

The team might have a looming issue with money. They wanted Graham, and then turned to Wilson, hoping both would bring some money. If National Guard stays, they perfer an american.

Andretti Autosport
7 Danica Patrick Go Daddy
26 Marco Andretti Venom Energy Drink
37 Ryan Hunter Reay Snapple/Dr Pepper (Here there is a deal almost done that should be announced before the end of the month)

I am hearing the RHR will also have AFS backing as well. Right now, no money to run an AFS only entry.

Target Chip Ganassi
9 Scott Dixon – Target
10 Dario Franchitti – Target
11 Graham Rahal – Service Central brands

Certainly some major changes here, and good for GR!

Walker Racing
15- Dan Clarke/Simone Pagenad/Sebastian Saavedra

Slim and none? ONLY, if they get money, and we would love to see DW back.

Dale Coyne
18 ???
19 ???

Dreyer and Reinbold Racing
22 Justin Wilson Z-Line designs
24 Conway?/Hinchcliff?/Tracy?

AFS Racing
27 Adam Carroll

Not now, looking to be part of AA

Newman Haas Racing
Lots of rumors circulating around this team. I was told they were paid a potential buyer/sponsor who has a major presence in motorsports. Of course the most likely scenario is that they will be back with one or two ride buyers unless Phoenicia either finds some sponsorship or brokers a deal to a bull of a company.

No comment..but this is a make or break off season. The team SHOULD have two cars, in capable hands, but it is a strange time indeed. Congrats to Rocky and Newie for winning the F1 Championship. Kirby has a great piece on one of the best and classiast guys in the sport. A great person to work and room with. Well read, quiet, and knows a lot about the history of racing and baseball!

Indy Only Programs

Way to early to even begin to look at Indy, but there should be about 34-40 cars trying to make the race.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by EagleEye

de Ferran/Dragon Racing
2 Tony Kannan?

TK is testing for them, to give them some baseline data heading into next year, but the team does not have the money for the whole year, let alone the money TK is looking for. could change, especially if the Capt. lends a hand.

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Kannan may be looking at other options.

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IRL driver - Tony Kanaan on possible NASCAR trucks future:
Q) What is the status of your discussion with Kyle Busch of racing for his NASCAR truck series team?
Tony Kannan: Right now it's just talk. I'm going to go watch the race in Homestead. But obviously, I'm still trying to get something in IndyCar. That's where I have been all my life. I've been in talks with a lot of teams, but financially it's a very difficult situation for everybody. A lot of teams don't even have the budget for a full car, forget about paying me. So I've got to explore all my options. Me and Kyle know each other because we shared the same sponsor (Mars) and did a lot of the same functions. He has his own truck team and doesn't do all the races, so he called me up and I said, "Why not? Let's talk." People are making a big deal like I am going there already. Well, I've got to listen to anybody. Right now I don't have a deal. If I did I would have said 'no'. It's still baby steps. Right now I don't think he even has the sponsorship to run it, as well. You need to put all the ideas together. When did he call, because originally 2005 IndyCar series champion Dan Wheldon had been linked to that supposed opening? Two weeks ago. He's probably talking to other people as well, not just me. He's looking for a driver to do seven or eight races that he's not going to do.
Q) So there's been no formal offer?
Tony Kannan: No, not even talk of doing a test or anything. It was a friendly phone call. "Come over. Come watch it. Maybe then we'll sit down." And it wouldn't be a full-time job unless he can find a sponsor to put trucks out there and it would be financially worth it for him to run a full season. I can't say that right now.(Jamestown)(11-13-2010)

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http://jayski.com/cupnews.htm#20101113f

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MDS

de Ferran/Dragon Racing
2 Tony Kannan?

Target Chip Ganassi
11 Graham Rahal – Service Central brands

Tony Stewart has ruled out starting an Indy program, even with Chevy's help.

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If TK goes to Gil's team, that number will change to #11. That is TK's number and Andretti will give it up. Andretti's numbers will be 7, 26, 27 and 37. The #27 is likely not to be used, since Andretti is likely to run 3 cars.

deFerren's numbers will be #11 and #21 (for Hamilton).

Graham will either run the #2 or the #8 for Ganassi. I'd guess its the #2. With another owner, yet to be announced. ;)

And never take what Tony Stewart says, as gospel. By this time next year, I expect to see his team preparing for their first forray into the Indy Car series in 2012 (probably a ovals only deal). With Chevy help and with either Bryan Clauson or Levi Jones (whoever wins the Lights ride) as one of the drivers. It only makes sense. Might even get Ole' Smoke to climb back in a car for the Indy 500 too. I bet Mobil One would be for that.

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Originally Posted by Scotty G.

If TK goes to Gil's team, that number will change to #11. That is TK's number and Andretti will give it up. Andretti's numbers will be 7, 26, 27 and 37. The #27 is likely not to be used, since Andretti is likely to run 3 cars.

deFerren's numbers will be #11 and #21 (for Hamilton).

Graham will either run the #2 or the #8 for Ganassi. I'd guess its the #2. With another owner, yet to be announced. ;)

And never take what Tony Stewart says, as gospel. By this time next year, I expect to see his team preparing for their first forray into the Indy Car series in 2012 (probably a ovals only deal). With Chevy help and with either Bryan Clauson or Levi Jones (whoever wins the Lights ride) as one of the drivers. It only makes sense. Might even get Ole' Smoke to climb back in a car for the Indy 500 too. I bet Mobil One would be for that.

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I seriously doubt that ole' Smoke can even fit into an Indycar. They'd better get his fat ass in for a seat fitting at Dallara before they cast the mold!!

as one who lives in a glass (fat)house, i should certianly not cast stones - but there is no way Tony Stewart is fitting himself into an indycar anytime soon. Among the many other things he needs to go to Indy is a serious diet and workout regimine... I'd be pretty suprised if that happened but I hope it does....

SpeedTV reports indicate that FAZZT might be signing GP2 driver Ho-Ping Tung tomorrow.