November 8, 2005

Busch, McMurray, Mears Shuffle, Labonte Dumped

Silly season 2005 finally got respectable with a massive driver shuffle announced yesterday: Roush Racing released Kurt Busch to drive for Penske Racing next year and replace the retiring Rusty Wallace; Ganassi Racing released Jamie McMurray to drive for Roush next year and replace the departing Busch; Casey Mears will move from the #41 to the #42 in Ganassi, and will be joined by rookies David Stremme and Reed Sorenson. Whew.

This is the much-discussed and long-awaited solution to the whining that happened earlier this year when everyone (Busch & McMurray) wanted to be released from their contracts early. I'm glad to see it could be worked out so we don't have to listen to all the lame-duck commentating next year.

In other news, Bobby Labonte and Joe Gibbs are parting ways, with no replacements or new rides announced. The 2000 champion sounded pretty chipper, though with all the other deals floating around it's surprising he doesn't have something lined up. Maybe Mark Martin should give him a call.

And what does become of Mark Martin? Will he be back in 2006? With Kurt Busch leaving and Jamie McMurray filling that void, there isn't any new plan to replace Martin. Looks like he's probably back in 2006. The only reason he's coming back is because of loyalty. He's loyal to Jack Roush, the only car owner he's driven for in his entire NASCAR Nextel Cup career, who basically doesn't have a driver to fill the #6 car in 2006. Some fans are bashing Martin for redoing his "Salute to You" in 2006. Sorry, but I'm seeing a loyal driver worrying about more than contracts and money. Compared to all the other drivers who are jumping ship for greener pastures, I respect Martin for being willing to drive another year. There's a reason Martin is one of the most respected drivers in the garage.

And you can just see Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his fans sitting back and yawning. Unfortunately the best they can hope for is more Dale Jr. commercials.

Posted by kevin at November 8, 2005 8:31 AM

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