Who Will Drive For RCR In 2009?
Bobby Labonte, Greg Biffle, And Ryan Newman Are Free Agents
With General Mills moving over the Richard Childress Racing in 2009, the organization will finally field a fourth full time team.
For the past two years, Childress has flirted with the idea of fielding a fourth team. Now, the only question is who will drive the Cheerios #33 Chevrolet?
1. Bobby Labonte-
Bobby Labonte is the top prospect to drive RCR’s fourth team. Not only does he have a relationship with the sponsor, but also he is a past champion, which guarantees the team a starting spot in the first five races. Labonte is a solid qualifier, so it is doubtful that they will ever have to use the provisional. His contract with Petty Enterprises expires following the 2008 season, and he currently drives one of RCR’s entries in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. It is plausible to believe that Labonte will join Jeff Burton, Kevin Harvick, and Clint Bowyer; therefore, forming a group of drivers that rival those of Hendrick Motorsports, Roush Fenway Racing, and Joe Gibbs Racing.
2. Ryan Newman-
Ryan Newman and Greg Biffle have yet to sign contracts for the 2009 season. Because of their recent history of winning, they are arguably the two most sought after free agents in 2008. Newman and Biffle are nearly dead even on the talent meter, but Newman is eight years younger, he boasts a Daytona 500 trophy, and is a better qualifier. Three years ago, many considered Newman a perennial championship contender, but the Penske Racing organization has fallen behind. Just see how Kurt Busch’s performances have dropped off since leaving Roush for Penske. With RCR, Newman would immediately become a championship contender.
3. Greg Biffle-
There were whispers of Greg Biffle leaving Roush for RCR back in 2004. However, Biffle enjoyed a breakout season in 2005, winning six races and finishing second in the Sprint Cup championship standings. Since 2006, Biffle’s performance has waned, even though he appears to be back on his game in 2008. Both Biffle and Roush officials claim that they are 90% sure Biffle will remain at Roush Fenway Racing, but the organization must cut back to four teams in 2010. Because Biffle is the eldest of the Roush quintet, he could be the odd man out, even if he is outperforming Jamie McMurray and David Ragan. If so, then RCR could once again capitalize on a former Roushketeer.
4. Scott Wimmer-
Scott Wimmer is the underdog. Unlike Labonte, Newman, and Biffle, he does not possess star power. Nevertheless, Wimmer has emerged as a contender every time he cranks up the number 29 Holiday Inn Chevy in the Nationwide Series. Childress signed Wimmer in 2007, probably not expecting him to excel the way he has. Childress may almost feel obligated to give Wimmer another shot in NASCAR Sprint Cup competition. Before joining RCR, Wimmer drove for Bill Davis Racing and Morgan-McClure Motorsports.
5. Martin Truex Jr-
Martin Truex Jr is another driver who is unsigned for 2009. However, it is doubtful that he would leave his top dog status at DEI for another team, unless Hendrick, Childress, or Joe Gibbs offered him a paycheck that he simply cannot refuse. DEI and RCR share a strong alliance, so it is doubtful that Childress would pursue DEI’s best driver.
6. Reed Sorenson-
Regardless of his contract status with Chip Ganassi Racing, neither Sorenson nor Ganassi can be thrilled with how things have worked out. Sorenson is young and marketable and whenever Ganassi tosses him aside for another open-wheel veteran, he should have no trouble landing another solid ride.
7. Jamie McMurray-
McMurray’s contract expires in 2009, but he is the least productive Roush Fenway driver thus far in 2008. It would be surprising if another top tier teams risks signing McMurray. He does have a couple of wins under his belt.
8. David Ragan-
Ragan’s contract expires in 2008, and he has yet to prove that he is a consistent driver. He has dramatically improved from the 2007 season, which may save him from being the odd man out at Roush Fenway Racing. Being the youngest driver at Roush does not hurt him either. If Roush had his way, Biffle and Ragan would stay at Roush, leaving out McMurray, but of course, sponsors wear the pants in owner/sponsor relationship.
9. Tony Stewart-
Okay, this is a long-shot. Stewart is under contract with Joe Gibbs Racing through 2009, and is synonymous with the number 20 and Home Depot. The only reason why Stewart would leave Gibbs for RCR is that he has a soft spot for General Motors and Chevrolet.
10. Rusty Wallace-
Okay, this is ridiculous, right? Many would argue that Rusty Wallace still has the burning desire to compete in NASCAR. If he ever returns to the Sprint Cup series, and that is a big fat IF, it will be with a championship caliber team such as RCR.
