AS THE RUMOR MILL CHURNS, 7/14/08

It looks as though David Stremme is one of the drivers being looked at to replace Ryan Newman in the #12 Dodge next season. It was announced earlier today that Newman, whose contract runs out at the end of the 2008 season, would not be re-signed by Penske Racing. -- SOURCE: David Poole of the Charlotte Observer

A contract between Newman and Stewart-Haas Racing “is nearly completed, just some ‘i’-dotting and ‘t’-crossing left” an industry source told Stock Car Talk earlier this morning.

One report has labeled the deal between Newman and SHR as “done”, and that the announcement of said deal will most likely happen next weekend at Indianapolis. – SOURCE: David Moody of Sirius Radio and the Motorsports Soapbox

There is a quiet rumbling off in the distance that Juan Pablo Montoya could be headed to Joe Gibbs Racing, either as the replacement for Tony Stewart in the #20 car or as the driver of a yet-be-created fourth team at JGR. It’s believed Montoya has an owner-controlled option in his contract for the 2009 season, and it’s highly unlikely that Ganassi Racing would not exercise that option.

AS THE RUMOR MILL CHURNS, 7/12/08

The newly-created Stewart-Haas Racing team could be going to three teams, with Martin Truex Jr. joining Tony Stewart and Ryan Newman to form a quasi-super team. Burger King and UPS could become primary sponsors for the second and third teams. -- Source: Captain Thunder Racing

Speaking of Truex and sponsorships, word from garage sources relayed to Stock Car Talk is that there is a strong possibility that Bass Pro Shops will follow Truex wherever he goes. Rumors of Truex's future have ranged from staying at DEI to moving on to Richard Childress Racing or Penske Racing.

Newman has been offered ownership in an undisclosed race team. Rumor has it that the team in question was Chip Ganassi Racing, but that's highly unlikely. No word yet on what percentage of ownership Newman has been offered.

Bass Pro Shops is also a possibility to become the primary sponsor of Newman at SHR should he end up leaving Penske. It's also reiterated that UPS is a possibility for the sponsor of Stewart's second car. -- Source: Justin Long of the Virginian Pilot

MR. ASHLEY JUDD'S CUP FUTURE COMING TO A HEAD

Unceremoniously dumped by Ganassi Racing from the #40 Cup ride last week, Dario Franchitti will drive a Ganassi car in the Nationwide Series race tomorrow night.

However, a meeting with his former Cup boss before that appearance could go a long way in determining whether or not Ashley's husband has a future at the Cup level of NASCAR competition.

"Tomorrow is quite a big day with this meeting with Chip," Franchitti said according to Angelique Chengelis of ESPN.com.

"We're starting to look around, starting to talk, [but] nothing is going to happen until I talk to Chip and see what his plan is for the future and see if it's something I'm interested in. I certainly owe Chip that much."