No. 00 Michael Waltrip Racing Toyota2008 Driver(s): David Reutimann, Michael McDowell, Mike Skinner
2008 Sponsor(s): Champion Mortgage, Aaron's
What we know for 2009: David Reutimann has been announced as returning to this ride for the 2009 season after leaving the team to replace Dale Jarrett in the No. 44 early in 2008. He brings with him an 18 race sponsorship deal with Aaron's. That still leaves 18 unsponsored races that this team needs to deal with. No word on the status of Michael McDowell, who is still under contract with this team.
No. 01 Dale Earnhardt Inc. Chevrolet2008 Driver(s): Regan Smith
2008 Sponsor(s): Principal Financial Group
What we know for 2009: Not much. This team only had partial sponsorship throughout most of the 2008 season and there is no firm word on the status of this team for the 2009 season. If sponsorship doesn't come up I can't imagine this team will remain active in 2009.
No. 07 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet2008 Driver(s): Clint Bowyer
2008 Sponsor(s): Jack Daniel's
What we know for 2009: With the creation of RCR's long awaited fourth team, Richard Childress decided to do some driver shuffling. He has moved Clint Bowyer from this team to the new No. 33 team and replaced him with free agent driver Casey Mears. Sponsorship remains the same for this team.
No. 1 Dale Earnhardt Inc. Chevrolet 2008 Driver(s): Martin Truex Jr.
2008 Sponsor(s): Bass Pro Shops
What we know for 2009: There were lots of rumors about Truex Jr. leaving this team but they all ended up being wrong, as Truex Jr. signed a contract extension with the team and will remain with them for the immediate future. Bass Pro Shops should return as the sponsor.
No. 2 Penske Racing Dodge2008 Driver(s): Kurt Busch
2008 Sponsor(s): Miller Lite
What we know for 2009: There are no changes expected for this team, despite the fact that 2008 has been by far one of the worst seasons this team has ever faced.
No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet2008 Driver(s): Casey Mears
2008 Sponsor(s): Kellogg's, Carquest
What we know for 2009: Casey Mears leaves this team at the end of 2008 and will move to Richard Childress Racing to drive the No. 07 Chevrolet. Mark Martin will come out of semi-retirement and drive this car full time for one last shot at a championship. He will then run this car part time in 2010.
No. 6 Roush Fenway Racing Ford2008 Driver(s): David Ragan
2008 Sponsor(s): AAA
What we know for 2009: AAA has decided they will be leaving this team at seasons end, meaning Ragan and Roush Fenway Racing need to find a sponsor if they want to keep this team around. Considering the way Ragan is driving I have no doubt that this team will find some form of sponsorship for next season.
No. 7 Robby Gordon Motorsports Dodge2008 Driver(s): Robby Gordon
2008 Sponsor(s): Jim Beam, Menards, Camping World
What we know for 2009: Besides the constant question of sponsorship, I haven't heard about any changes for Robby Gordon and company in 2009. Of course, this team would would love to secure a full time sponsor rather then multiple sponsors like they've had for the last two seasons.
No. 8 Dale Earnhardt Inc. Chevrolet2008 Driver(s): Mark Martin, Aric Almirola
2008 Sponsor(s): U.S. Army
What we know for 2009: Aric Almirola will drive this car full time in 2009 and Mark Martin will move over to Hendrick Motorsports full time to take one last shot at at championship. U.S. Army has been shopping its sponsorship dollars around so they may or may not return to this team.
No. 9 Gillett Evernham Motorsports Dodge2008 Driver(s): Kasey Kahne
2008 Sponsor(s): Budweiser
What we know for 2009: No changes are expected or known for that matter. I don't see any reason to change anything. Despite a little bit of inconsistency this team has been strong in 2008, winning two races and fighting for a chase spot.
No comments:
Post a Comment