DEI’s Twighlight Zone

Imagine if you will…

In all seriousness, the end of this season could seem like the Twilight Zone to Dale Earnhardt Inc., if a lot of the rumors that are circulating turn out to be true.

First, it was rumored that Martin Truex Jr. would be leaving DEI to go to Haas CNC, where Tony Stewart would become part owner. If that happened, it was rumored that Bass Pro Shops would go with him to the team. 

Now, I know that it was reported that DEI picked up his option for next year, but as of yet, it has not been officially confirmed. I believe, at last report, that they were still working out the final details.

So, if he were to leave, that would leave the No. 1 Chevy without a driver, and possibly without a sponsor.

It’s also being reported that Mark Martin is looking to leave at the end of the season. Not a big deal, considering the team plans to put Aric Almirola in the No. 8 Chevy next season. I’ll take this time to point out that Aric Almirola has one Nationwide series win to his credit (even though Denny Hamlin actually won the race.)

But, now it seems Army is looking around at other teams for 2009. If it heads to Bill Davis Racing or Red Bull Racing, as has been rumored, that would leave the No. 8 without a sponsor.

Add in the recent reports that if DEI does not find sponsorship for the No. 01, which has struggled mightily this season, then it could eliminate that team.

So, after all of that, Paul Menard seems to be the only one who is safe. Or, maybe the word is safer.

Now, this is assuming a lot of rumors, so don’t put much stock into it. But, could you imagine…?

Mears/Martin Update

The AP is reporting more on Mark Martin replacing Casey Mears in the Hendrick Motorsports No. 5 Chevy next season.

Mears, who is having a disappointing season with the exception of finishing fifth at Infineon Raceway, still has one year left on his contract, but he may be out at the end of the season if he doesn’t improve.

Rumored to take his place is Mark Martin, who currently splits seat time with Aric Almirola in Dale Earnhardt Inc.’s No 8 Chevy. The plan is to have Almirola in that ride full time next year.

Martin could split the No. 5 seat with Brad Keselowski, driver of JR Motorsports’ No. 88 Chevy in the Nationwide series. This is intriguing but, seems like a bad idea. I think that Keselowski should get at least one more full Nationwide season under his belt before making the jump.

Keep in mind that several rumors have been surrounding Martin’s future as well. He was rumored to be splitting a Red Bull Racing ride with Scott Speed next year. I believe Speed denied that report on Wind Tunnel on SpeedTV, but I’m not 100% sure.

I hate to say it, but I think Martin should just retire. But, if he doesn’t want to, he could stay and work with Regan Smith or Paul Menard over at DEI. Those two teams struggle and maybe they need someone who can help them the same way Mike Skinner helped AJ Allmendinger.