Silly Season. Once a three- or four-month stand where teams swapped drivers, it's now a year long event where drivers, crew members, sponsors and even car manufacturers are changed.
The year 2008 proved to be one of the most exciting Silly Seasons in NASCAR history...
Ryan Newman won the Daytona 500 before announcing he'd be leaving the struggling Penske Racing.
Reed Sorenson ended years of frustration at Chip Ganassi Racing after he decided to jump ship for '09.
Paul Menard has left a now non-existent Dale Earnhardt, Inc. with his father's big sponsorship bucks along with him.
Casey Mears was once again booted from a ride.
Mark Martin decided to give it "one more shot," saying he would come back full time next season to make a final run at the title.
Clint Bowyer will stay with Richard Childress Racing, but will he change rides?
JJ Yeley was fired by Hall of Fame Racing. Joining him in the unemployment line are the likes of Patrick Carpentier and an emerging AJ Allmendinger.
Then, there was this crazy rumor that after 10 years, 33 wins and two Cup championships that Tony Stewart would be leaving Joe Gibbs Racing to drive for and own his own team.
Oh wait...that crazy rumor came true. And Smoke began a domino effect that would change the look of this sport for the 2009 season.
Stewart will become part owner of Stewart-Haas Racing, a two-car team with sponsors like ARMY, Old Spice and Office Depot.
The other driver? Why, defending 500 winner and former USAC Rookie of the Year Ryan Newman, of course!
Martin's move to the Hendrick No. 5 sends Mears to RCR to drive the Jack Daniel's No. 07. Current driver Clint Bowyer will head to the new No. 33 Cheerios/Hamburger Helper's Chevrolet, headed by crew chief Shane Wilson.
Sorenson will replace Carpentier in GEM's No. 10, which has the US Air Force on board for only two races.
Yates Racing will add the No. 98 Menard's Ford for Paul Menard.
David Stremme will give the Cup Series another try as he replaces Newman in the No. 12. They will have sponsor Alltel for one more season.
Regan Smith will lose his No. 01 at season's end because of the DEI-Ganassi merger. He could be in the No. 41 Target car.
Newcomer Scott Speed is a contender for Sprint Cup Rookie of the Year in 2009 after taking over for AJ Allmendinger.
Kyle Petty may be out of a ride at Petty Enterprises.
Michael McDowell was rumored earlier in the season to not be getting with owner Michael Waltrip, and isn't expected back at MWR, since the No. 00 will be going to teammate David Reutimann.
Max Papis will be driving the No. 13 Toyota for Germain Racing for 18 races in '09. That entry will be sponsored by GEICO.
Oh, and how could I forget? There's an 18-year-old kid who, after winning his first Nationwide Series race in only his third start, along with two poles in his first two, will have big shoes to fill as he replaces Stewart* in the No. 20 Home Depot Toyota.
His name? Joey Logano. The so-called greatest thing since sliced bread. Yeah, we'll see.
All these changes have left the likes of Scott Riggs, Yeley, Carpentier, Petty, Smith, and Allmenginger with unknown futures.
Which means even though the checkered flag has flown over Homestead and the 2008 season, Silly Season isn't over yet...
*No Smoke, that wasn't a fat joke.
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about 1 month ago
I think silly season is just beginning....and it may be more like scary season Jen. But for now, here's to Jimmie Johnson!
from about 1 month ago
Congrats to Jimmie on his three peat! And you're right, it's going to be a very scary off season for a lot of people- drivers and crew members alike...
about 1 month ago
Like your article, Jen. I didn't vote, since I'm predicting Petty Enterprises, will not be around in 2009 and Bobby Labonte will end up at Kevin Harvick, Inc driving as a teammate to Ron Hornaday.
from about 1 month ago
I thought that too, SM, but it was announced today that Labonte will have "five or six" sponsors next year... though it would be cool to see him drive for KHI!! Never say never, right?
from about 1 month ago
I need a score card or cheat sheet for who's primary sponsor for the card and that only for half of the 36 races next year.
about 1 month ago
Good article Jen. The picture gets even worse when you throw in the sponsor changes.
from about 1 month ago
No kidding! So many sponsors have left or switched teams and... that's a story all in itself! Thanks Heath!
about 1 month ago
Total silliness! Great recap of the year Jen!
from about 1 month ago
Thanks Kara!!
about 1 month ago
good job on this one!! yea let silly season continue.. just like the last election cycle silly season never really ended coming into Daytona. But the future of this sport really will be decided in 2009. but good job...
from about 1 month ago
Thanks Patti :) and you're probably right- it's literally Silly SEASON throughout the season! Ganassi still doesn't have a driver for the 41, teams are struggling to get sponsorship... when will the silliness end?
from about 1 month ago
I think that even when the season starts up in a while, still things won't be settled there are too many drivers still without rides and too many cars still without sponsors. It should be interesting...
about 1 month ago
LATEST NEWS; BUGS BUNNY WILL DRIVE THE #41 for DEI-GANASI RACING, DUFFY DUCK WILL BE THE BACKUP..
from about 1 month ago
Hahahaha, was that Sabates' idea or Teresa's?
about 1 month ago
problably both...lol ...anyone know if they are selling garb for the new team yet... hats etc...drop me a note if you see any....
from about 1 month ago
You may want to check their websites... or website... I haven't heard anything about new stuff but I know SHR is already selling stuff!
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