[Team Yates]

Latest on Mears 2009 plans: RCR Announcement at Bristol? Although multiple sources say Casey Mears is headed to Richard Childress Racing next season, Mears contends it's not a done deal. Mears said on Friday at Michigan International Speedway that he is talking to more than one team about his Sprint Cup future. Penske Racing also has had discussions with the Hendrick Motorsports driver about replacing Ryan Newman in the #12. "Hopefully, I can get something squared here soon," Mears said. "I'm still not sure yet exactly what's going on. Hopefully, we can get something sorted out real quick. It's still up in the air on what is going on. I'm not going to say what team 'cause I don't know. If I knew I'd give some answers." Sources said RCR continues to work out details as ESPN.com's Terry Blount reported last week that would put Mears in the Jack Daniels sponsored #07 currently being driven by Clint Bowyer, who would move to the #33 that will be sponsored by General Mills. The switch would have to be made because General Mills reportedly isn't comfortable with Mears because of his association with rival sponsor Kellogg's at HMS. RCR then would petition NASCAR to move the points from the #07 to the #33 so Bowyer would be guaranteed a spot in the first five races next season. Asked about the possible switch, Bowyer said, "We're still working on that." RCR owner Richard Childress, who made Friday a target date to name his fourth driver more than a month ago, said "things aren't totally in place yet. Nothing is done," he added. "Nothing has been signed yet."(ESPN.com)(

UPDATE: Barring a major snag Richard Childress Racing will introduce Casey Mears as its fourth driver next weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway, multiple sources told ESPN.com on Saturday. Team owner Richard Childress declined to comment, saying only that he hoped to name a driver soon. Mears said on Friday at Michigan International Speedway that he has signed nothing and continues to talk to more than one organization. But sources said RCR already has made tentative plans for a press conference next Saturday. To be finalized are details of a deal that would put Mears in the Jack Daniels-sponsored #07 currently being driven by Clint Bowyer, who would move to the # 33 that will be sponsored by General Mills. The switch would be made because General Mills reportedly isn't comfortable with Mears because of his association with rival sponsor Kellogg's at HMS. RCR then would petition NASCAR to move the 07 points to the #33 so Bowyer would be guaranteed a spot in the first five races next season.(ESPN.com)(8-16-2008

[Bob Tanner]

and this is supposed to benefit RCR exactly how? Would someone explain to me how Mears is a significantly better choice than Scott Wimmer would have been, and Wimmer has been in the RCR system for 2-3 years?

If i were Wimmer, I'd be looking for a team owner who appreciated me.

[jks812]

Can someone explain why Jack Daniels would be willing to go from a car that has won and runs up front a good bit to a car that's gonna become a also ran car?

[Robertdjr]

I guess Richard needs a temporary driver for the 4th car until Austin comes up. When that happens, somebody's got to go, to make room for his grandson. Who better to fill that temporary seat than a driver who won't make a difference?

[Loki309]

Originally Posted by Bob Tanner

If i were Wimmer, I'd be looking for a team owner who appreciated me.

So true Bob, and I have to add one thing. With a name like Wimmer, given the propper equipment and a great team, he could be Wimming races. Sorry I couldn't resist it.

But yeah Wimemr should look outside of RCR. Mears isn't exactly the driver I would be asking to join my squad either. I always wondered why HMS cut Kyle, and not Mears. I know Kyle had some horrible runs in HMS, and hurt Gordon and Johnson. But Kyle had talent, Mears hasn't been that strong in HMS nor has he shown any chance of improving.

Either way I am glad Mears won't be a Hendrick boy in 09. Martin will look good on the roster for HMS.

[Jeffrey4396]

This is a stupid move on both parts. Wimmer deserves this chance, he has earned it. Mears needs to go back to NWS and build his rep back up. We all know where this is heading. Mears will be out of the ride by mid season next year, and RCR will be filling the ride with part timers until the end of the season where he will announce Austin will take it in 2010.

[Jeffrey4396]

Originally Posted by Loki309

I know Kyle had some horrible runs in HMS, and hurt Gordon and Johnson.

Seems to me Gordon and Johnson had much better years when Kyle was there. I also don't know how KB dominating with another team can't hurt any worse.

Kind of funny Rick could have made the single best decision in Nascar history (signing Gordon) and the single worst decision in Nascar history (releasing Busch).

[Loki309]

Originally Posted by Jeffrey4396

Seems to me Gordon and Johnson had much better years when Kyle was there. I also don't know how KB dominating with another team can't hurt any worse.

Kind of funny Rick could have made the single best decision in Nascar history (signing Gordon) and the single worst decision in Nascar history (releasing Busch).

I wouldn't say releasing Busch was the worst decision he's made. He still has time to make some blunders.

[loco4pablo]

I am amazed by the politics of NASCAR racing. I can never figure out how guys like Mears, Mcmurry and Sadler. Just go from major team to major team and never do much of anything and then there are guys like Wimmer who never get a chance.
If Mears couldn't produce at Ganassi and HMS, what gives Childress the idea that he can at RCR?
I just don't get it!!

[Loki309]

It's like playing the stock market. You can buy a stock and it could soar. Or you could buy it and it could bottom out. The trick is to ride it out, enjoy the ups, and bounce back from the downs.

[SteelPhoenyx]

Originally Posted by Jeffrey4396

This is a stupid move on both parts. Wimmer deserves this chance, he has earned it. Mears needs to go back to NWS and build his rep back up. We all know where this is heading. Mears will be out of the ride by mid season next year, and RCR will be filling the ride with part timers until the end of the season where he will announce Austin will take it in 2010.

The only snag in that is if Jack Daniel's stays with RCR beyond 2009 at the end of their contract, Austin will still be under 21.

I agree, Wimmer should have been given the chance to run the 07 in Cup. I like Mears & all, but I don't think he's worthy of the 07 Jack Daniel's car. The only driver that IS worthy of the 07 Jack Daniel's car is currently driving it.

Yes, I am DEVASTATED that it is likely Clint will be driving the 33 and not the 07. Rationally I know this is probably a lot better for him career-wise in the long run, but Jack & Clint just go well together.

And what am I going to do about that 07 tattoo? (no, no tattoo, just kidding).

Then again, maybe Jack Daniel's will stay with RCR beyond 2009, Mears will be out of the 07 when Austin is ready for Cup, take over the 33 (General Mills should love his youth, and hopefully his talent will continue to grow to Cup standards), and Clint will go back to the 07. Everything will be as it should.

[bob101]

Because the people who write the checkes like Casey Mears. He runs well enough to stay in the top 35 and he makes cute posters that companies stick everywhere with their logo on it. That's why.

Only a limited number of people can run at the top week in and week out. For the rest of them you better have people skills, lood good, be good at getting on TV because that's what matters.

Sure everyone wants a Jeff Gordon or Kyle Busch for a driver. But there are only 12 teams that will make the chase. Only about 15 even have a chance at the beginning of the season to make the chase.

When you look at an owner with 4 teams you think each team has the budget of exactly what their sponsors are paying? No. Look at Hendrick. The #6 makes a profit obviously and has a top name sponsor. You think 100% of that budget goes to the 5 team? No. It's a business. You take all your assests and income and put them where they can make the most difference. It's called reality.

I know this comes up a LOT. But I fail to see why so many people on these boards think differently about it. You think RCR thinks he is going to hire a 4th driver and get all 4 drivers in the chase? Hardly. He knows he can hire someone like Casey Mears, let him run up laps back there and still bring in the sponsorship money and have the occasional good showing, throw some test on the car etc....That's the way it works. Not every team in NASCAR's goal is to WIN. Hard to believe but it's a fact. There are many people associated with NASCAR who will make a great living for many years who never have any hope, expectation or plausible desire to win.

[Loki309]

Originally Posted by bob101

You think RCR thinks he is going to hire a 4th driver and get all 4 drivers in the chase? Hardly. He knows he can hire someone like Casey Mears, let him run up laps back there and still bring in the sponsorship money and have the occasional good showing, throw some test on the car etc....That's the way it works. Not every team in NASCAR's goal is to WIN. Hard to believe but it's a fact. There are many people associated with NASCAR who will make a great living for many years who never have any hope, expectation or plausible desire to win.

Guess I didn't really look at that aspect of it. I just always assume hes taking a gamble on the team, and the change of scenery might get the kid some wins, more sponsorship money, and more team merchandise sold.

[bob101]

You never know what changing teams might do for you tho. I'm not saying Casey Mears is a Kyle Busch by any stretch...but Kyle Busch was on the same team and wasn't winning races at Hendrick either like he is now.

There's been lots of examples of guys moving from one team to another and doing much better suddenly. Not always to a better team either.

[jks812]

Originally Posted by bob101

You never know what changing teams might do for you tho. I'm not saying Casey Mears is a Kyle Busch by any stretch...but Kyle Busch was on the same team and wasn't winning races at Hendrick either like he is now.

You never know. Most all of em that seem not able to do much at HMS does seem to get better when they leave HMS. Wonder why that is? You never know, maybe RCR and his other drivers can light a fire under Casey and he'll start running good. I think he has the potential, after he leaves HMS.