[Quality88]

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Bill Davis Racing has announced that it will tap into its pool of veteran Cup Series drivers to pilot the No. 27 Toyota Camry during the next several Sprint Cup Series races. Truck Series standouts Mike Skinner and Johnny Benson are both expected to step behind the wheel of BDR's No. 27 entry.
Bill Davis Racing will continue to support Jacques Villeneuve in his pursuit of a successful career in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Villeneuve failed to make the Daytona 500 when he crashed out of the second Gatorade Duel.
"We know that Jacques has the talent and the desire to be in NASCAR, and are diligently working on a long-term relationship with him," team owner Bill Davis said.
Mike Skinner, last year's Truck Series runner-up, will drive the No. 27 Toyota Camry next weekend at California Speedway.

NASCAR.COM - Villeneuve out of 27 Cup car for*foreseeable future - Feb 16, 2008

Talk about bein out of a ride quickly

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by Quality88

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Bill Davis Racing has announced that it will tap into its pool of veteran Cup Series drivers to pilot the No. 27 Toyota Camry during the next several Sprint Cup Series races. Truck Series standouts Mike Skinner and Johnny Benson are both expected to step behind the wheel of BDR's No. 27 entry.
Bill Davis Racing will continue to support Jacques Villeneuve in his pursuit of a successful career in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Villeneuve failed to make the Daytona 500 when he crashed out of the second Gatorade Duel.
"We know that Jacques has the talent and the desire to be in NASCAR, and are diligently working on a long-term relationship with him," team owner Bill Davis said.
Mike Skinner, last year's Truck Series runner-up, will drive the No. 27 Toyota Camry next weekend at California Speedway.

NASCAR.COM - Villeneuve out of 27 Cup car for*foreseeable future - Feb 16, 2008

Talk about bein out of a ride quickly

All I will say is lack of experience. Accidents can be unavoidable at times but when you watch an inexperienced driver such as Villeneuve and then watch Tony, Kyle, Jeff or another experienced driver handle the same situation ... you'll see a difference.

[wingkey1]

"Gut" says there's more to this than the printed word reveals.

[Quality88]

Originally Posted by wingkey1

"Gut" says there's more to this than the printed word reveals.

That's my thoughts as well.

[BringBackWilkesboro]

I thought we may see at least one of our open wheelers make a quick exit, but I didn't think it'd be this fast. I think the difficulty to adapt to stock car racing for these guys has been overrated, but with 4 of them coming in, there had to be at least one that couldn't make it.

I'll like seeing Skinner next week. Maybe there's a chance he can make some noise. These cars are very similar to the trucks, and he's been one of the guys to beat for a few years now.

[Lefty Noob]

Heck, and I even gambled on this kid in the fantasy league. Well, that was stupid.

[Quality88]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

Heck, and I even gambled on this kid in the fantasy league. Well, that was stupid.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[Lefty Noob]

Originally Posted by Quality88

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Well, it's not all bad. At least I was still able to swap him out.

[Racer Duck]

here's a little more info on this from NASCAR: No more NASCAR for Villeneuve... for now.

Davis' decision to stand Villeneuve down comes at the end of a whirlwind six months for the 1995 Indy 500 winner and CART champion that saw him qualify a stunning sixth for his Cup Series debut at Talladega before a crash put him out. Since then it has all been downhill for the 1997 world champion with a full-time sponsorship deal for 2008 falling through and the ending of his long managerial relationship with Craig Pollock.

Although Davis plans on having Villeneuve back if and when the necessary funding is found the Canadian born driver has already been snapped up as part of Peugeot's driving strength for the Le Mans 24 Hours in June, automatically ruling him out of the first Michigan International Speedway race this year.


no money, no racee....

[DOF_power]

"a full-time sponsorship deal for 2008 falling through and the ending of his long managerial relationship with Craig Pollock.

Although Davis plans on having Villeneuve back if and when the necessary funding is found "


So NASCAR ain't so different after all.

[bob101]

Just like Richard Petty said earlier this year. These open wheelers may have all the talent in the world. But they are not that marketable in the US. Even being from Canada is a drawback, further away makes it worse.

The sponsors in NASCAR have got to get someone that's marketable. I don't see non US drivers being that marketable in a US sport.

Just like Richard said they expose NASCAR in other nations and draw interest - but exposure and interest doesn't pay the bills, sponsorship does.

[clutch]

Originally Posted by bob101

The sponsors in NASCAR have got to get someone that's marketable. I don't see non US drivers being that marketable in a US sport.

Well they have been running a busch race in Mexico city and last year Montreal had one. Jacque would help increase the Canadian fan base......before the fist Cup race up there

[bears9]

I like Davis' decision, Villeneuve had one good run in Dega and everyone called him the best thing since sliced bread.

[WestCoast]

Originally Posted by Racer Duck

saw him qualify a stunning sixth for his Cup Series debut at Talladega before a crash put him out.
no money, no racee....

He did better than expected in his debut, and never got a second chance from Davis. I'm thinking politics +/-
That being said, if JV was determined to give this a "serious" try, he could just as easily sponsored the car himself for a couple of races if he wished, he must be worth close to a couple of hundred Mill, just from past Honda money.

[OrionBen]

Originally Posted by wingkey1

"Gut" says there's more to this than the printed word reveals.

There is the sponsorship deal, and also Villeneuve want to win Le Mans and Peugeot announced that he will drive for them

TSN : AUTO*RACING - Canada's Sports Leader
Peugeot has confirmed that Jacques Villeneuve will be part of its lineup for the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June.