Wednesday, July 29, 2009

RPM Contraction Not Yet A Done Deal

An internet report claiming that Reed Sorenson will be released by Richard Petty Motorsports as part of a downsizing of the team's Sprint Cup roster appears to be premature.

The Ford Racing website dished a little dirt on the competition this week, reporting on rumors that Sorenson will be replaced by former Champ Car star A.J. Allmendinger when Allmendinger's #44 Dodge is mothballed within the next few weeks. However, a source close to the team -– speaking on the condition of anonymity –- said today that while the move is being discussed, Sorenson's release is not yet a done deal.

"No one is sure that it's going to happen," said the source, "but it's definitely being talked about. The team is working on the details right now." If RPM does indeed decide to trim its roster from four cars to three, Allmendinger's current sponsors would transfer to the #43 Dodge.

Calls to Richard Petty Motorsports seeking comment were not immediately returned.

Mayfield Trial Date Set: A trial date has been set for Jeremy Mayfield's lawsuit against NASCAR.

U.S. District Judge Graham Mullen has ordered that the jury trial begin on September 13, according to documents filed yesterday. Mayfield is currently suspended from NASCAR competition after a May 9 drug test allegedly revealed high levels of methamphetamine in his system. His suspension was lifted by Mullen last month, but reinstated by the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals last week.

Mayfield is asking for reinstatement to NASCAR, and monetary damages.

#26 Team Out At Roush Fenway: Roush Fenway Racing President Geoff Smith confirmed yesterday that the team’s driver lineup for 2010 has been finalized.

After inking a partial-season sponsorship with Crown Royal for Matt Kenseth’s #17 Ford, Smith said, “Roush Fenway Racing's Sprint Cup driver lineup will see Greg Biffle, Carl Edwards and David Ragan joining Matt Kenseth to round out our four approved entries. We are still hoping to be able to transfer the #26 team intact to Yates Racing, in order to keep everyone employed and racing within the Ford community."

Driver Jamie McMurray is rumored to be talking to Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing about the seat in their #1 Chevrolet next season.

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