[Bob Tanner]

Just read this on jayski:
Newman and Penske to part ways at end of season: UPDATE: Penske Racing and Ryan Newman have mutually agreed to move in new directions at the conclusion of the 2008 season. "We want to thank Ryan for his hard work and contributions to Penske Racing over the past nine years," said team owner Roger Penske. "We wish Ryan all the best for the future and we'll continue to focus our efforts on making the Chase with Ryan and the Alltel Dodge team this season." The driver of the Penske Racing #12 Alltel car for the 2009 NASCAR Cup season will be announced in the near future.(Penske Racing PR)(7-14-200
Statement from Alltel: "From the early days in the ARCA series to our team celebration in Victory Lane at this year's Daytona 500, Alltel Wireless has enjoyed a memorable, eight-year relationship with Ryan Newman," said Jeff Fox, chief operating officer, Alltel Wireless. "Ryan has been an outstanding representative on- and off-the track, and we're very proud of the results the partnership has delivered to our brand. We remain committed to our sponsorship of the #12 Alltel Dodge and look forward to having Ryan behind the wheel for the rest of the 2008 season. We wish him all the best in his next endeavor."(Alltel PR)(7-14-200

[loco4pablo]

I think it's a good move for both....it was time for them to go thier own ways

[Mindwarp]

Smoke and the Rocket Man! Sounds like a good movie title!

[onearmsteve]

i'm hearing Stremme to the 12. if not him, than Casey Mears?

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by onearmsteve

i'm hearing Stremme to the 12. if not him, than Casey Mears?

Stremme is, by far, the best choice. The way Casey let The Felon (bless his heart) walk over him tells me that he might have a touch of "wimp" in him.

[Phils20]

I like Stremee in the 12 as well. I think he might do well there.

[wingkey1]

The Altel official statement was interesting. Kinda like - been a long run, been nice, don't let the door hit you in the posterior on the way out.

Folks (drivers) might want to consider hanging where or moving to where sponsors of any significance seem drawn/attracted.

Sponsorship $$ may well become increasingly rare over the next several quarters.

[Mindwarp]

I think the 12 should go to Hornish.

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by wingkey1

The Altel official statement was interesting. Kinda like - been a long run, been nice, don't let the door hit you in the posterior on the way out.

Folks (drivers) might want to consider hanging where or moving to where sponsors of any significance seem drawn/attracted.

Sponsorship $$ may well become increasingly rare over the next several quarters.

Alltel was gone after this year anyway (Thank you very much, NA__AR and NexTel). Your last sentence is becoming rapidly clear. Maybe we'll again get to see sponsorship by Moe & Joe's Bar and Grill or Happy Howie's Used Cars and Bait Store again?

[Team Yates]

Newman says he has 4 options for 2009: UPDATE: Ryan Newman was "Mummy" on whether he will leave Penske Racing after this season. Newman, promoting the soon-to-be-released movie "Mummy" on his car in Saturday night's Sprint Cup race at Chicagoland Speedway, is considered the leading candidate to join Tony Stewart next season at newly-formed Stewart-Haas Racing. Sources have told ESPN.com that deal to join the Indiana natives is close to done and could be announced in two weeks at Indianapolis. Newman said he has three serious options outside of Penske and that ownership is part of at least one of the options. He also said re-signing with Penske is an option. Asked if ownership could be an option at Stewart-Haas, where Stewart was given 50 percent of the company, Newman said, "I won't answer that." Newman said last month he would not re-sign with Penske unless the performance of his team improved significantly. He said the team has made some strides to improve, but not enough to convince him it is ready to challenge for a championship. (ESPN.com)(7-13-200
UPDATE: Newman acknowledged on Saturday in Chicagoland that he has three serious options outside of Penske. A source close to the situation said Newman has been in discussions with Stewart Haas, Joe Gibbs Racing and Richard Childress Racing. The source added there is a firm offer from Stewart-Haas and that potential sponsors are set, but that the deal is not done. Newman said one of his options included ownership of equity in the company. Stewart-Haas general manager Joe Custer said his company is not looking to give up any more ownership than the 50 percent already given to Stewart. JGR officials have consistently said they are not interested in giving up ownership. Team owner Joe Gibbs and president J.D. Gibbs talked on Saturday as though 18-year-old sensation Joey Logano could replace Stewart in the #20 Home Depot car next season. RCR, looking for a driver for a fourth team sponsored by General Mills, and GEM already are divided into partnerships.(ESPN.com)(7-15-200 Comment here (JAYSKI)