Updated Dec. 18
The fallout from the potential Petty Enterprises-GEM merger continued to top the comments from our readers, with Bobby Labonte's future, the testing ban and the potential for a shorter Sprint Cup schedule also generating interest.
Also, a correction to some confusion regarding our Yates Racing review-preview and driver Paul Menard:
From: bigj8024
Since the Top 35 points are based on owner points, Menard's points will stay with DEI. If all three teams start the season with Yates, only two teams will have guaranteed starting positions in the first five races. Yates could assign these guaranteed spots to any two of his three teams regardless of who earned them. Why wouldn't Menard insist on having that written into his contract since he could not bring his top 35 points with him? But considering the premier sponsorship that he did bring, I look for that to happen!
Thanks to other readers for pointing out my oversight. Yes, Menard's points with the No. 15 stay with DEI and can't be transferred or sold to another team, per NASCAR's new mandate. So unless Yates assigns the points from its No. 28 or No. 38 to Menard's new No. 98 ride next year, he'd have to qualify for the first five races of the year and the free pass would go to teammates Travis Kvapil and David Gilliland.
From: eduardo
If Petty does not merge with GEM, what happens to the No. 43 next year and where does Kyle Petty wind up?
Boston Ventures, which bought majority interest in Petty Enterprises earlier this year, stated that if the proposed merger with GEM falls through, the team is prepared to campaign the No. 43 as a single-car effort in 2009 -- although without a sponsor it might be on a limited basis, à la what the Wood Brothers plan for their No. 21 entry. Kyle has told reporters he no longer works for Petty Enterprises and expects to increase his television work next year as well as drive in several Grand American Road Racing events.
From: vbx12
What other options does Bobby Labonte have if he doesn't wind up with Earnhardt-Ganassi and drive the No. 41 next year?
Not many. There is some speculation Labonte's former employer, Joe Gibbs Racing, would make room for him and somehow add a fourth car to its stable, but at this late date and with no sponsorship in place that is a long shot. With the way the NASCAR garage area is shrinking, Labonte's only choice might be with Ganassi.
From: kerry7
I've heard that although teams can't test at NASCAR-sanctioned tracks next year, some are planning to have testing programs in place regardless. I'd imagine the bigger teams like Hendrick and Roush don't really have to save any money and can go wherever they feel. Where might that be?
You're right that teams can go and test anywhere they'd like as long as it's not a NASCAR-sanctioned track that hosts either a Sprint Cup, Nationwide, Truck Series or Camping World East and West event. Rockingham Speedway outside Charlotte is the most logical place for teams to test, since it does not currently host a NASCAR event of any kind and is so close to most teams' headquarters. Sandusky Speedway in Ohio, the Virginia International Raceway road course and New Smyrna Speedway in Florida are also reportedly destinations teams will use to get around the NASCAR testing rules.
From: seantz
I heard a discussion on Sirius Radio that the economy could force NASCAR to drop races and make a shorter schedule. I think that would be a great idea and losing two trips a year to boring tracks like Michigan, California and even Texas would be the right move.
I really don't expect NASCAR to drop any races on the Sprint Cup schedule, even though there are several that currently don't have title sponsors for 2009. The estimate is that tracks make $7 million to $9 million in profit per Cup weekend, so asking any to give up their date is not realistic.
