(WOMR file photo)
There are many new things in the offing at Stewart-Haas Racing this week! The full-time replacement for Tony Stewart will be announced this afternoon, in addition there is a rumor running around about another possibility that may come to fruition at SHR.
This morning SHR will announce that Mark Martin will be the replacement for “Smoke” while he is recuperating from his severely broken right leg. This announcement sounds very simple, however, there are many hoops that needed to be jumped through before this announcement comes to fruition!
First and foremost, Michael Waltrip Racing had to buy off on letting Martin out of his contract of driving the MWR #55 Aaron’s Dream Machine Toyota. Next, all the combined sponsors from MWR had to buy into the idea of letting Martin out of the sponsor commitments associated with the personal contract that Martin, no doubt, signed. Included in releasing Martin out of his commitments, Aaron’s had to buy into putting Brian Vickers into the #55 Toyota now, rather than at the beginning of the 2014 season!
Additionally, the sponsors associated with the SHR #14 Mobil1 Chevy had to agree with putting Martin into that race car, replacing “Smoke”, for the remainder of this season.
Now for the blockbuster news of the week!
Stewart Haas Racing has submitted a formal offer to Kurt Busch to drive a fourth Sprint Cup entry beginning in 2014, multiple NASCAR sources have confirmed to ESPN.com. The proposed deal would team Busch with team owner Tony Stewart, Kevin Harvick and Danica Patrick in the SHR stable.
Asked for confirmation Sunday, SHR spokesman Mike Arning submitted the following statement via email: “Stewart-Haas Racing constantly strives to improve itself, and expansion is something that is often discussed. If the right opportunity presents itself, it’s something the team will certainly consider.”
Busch was unavailable for comment Sunday night. Sources also said Haas/CNC would sponsor Busch’s car, should he choose to sign with SHR. Busch has performed quite well this season in the #78 Chevy from Furniture Row Racing, but team sources say Furniture Row Racing has yet to offer him a contract extension.(ESPN)
Just as a side note, I wonder how Ryan Newman is feeling this morning?
TIL NEXT TIME, I AM STILL WORKING ON MY REDNECK!
