McMurray, Labonte top candidates for Earnhardt Ganassi ride
By Bob Pockrass - Associate Editor
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Earnhardt Ganassi Racing still has one of the top rides available for 2010, and Jamie McMurray, who drove for team owner Chip Ganassi from 2002-05, is still one of the top candidates for the ride.
While most wouldn’t talk on the record, several sources say the decision will come down to McMurray or Bobby Labonte. Bass Pro Shops has sponsorship for half of next season for the No. 1 car, which has a driver opening because Martin Truex Jr. is leaving for Michael Waltrip Racing.
McMurray quickly became a top candidate when Truex decided to leave. Labonte, the 2000 Cup champion, has emerged as a candidate as Hall of Fame Racing’s plans for next year are still uncertain.
“We’ve made progress, but the final decision isn’t ready to be announced,” EGR President Steve Lauletta said Oct. 25. “The final decision is close to being made. …
There’s a lot of things that need to be considered, and it takes a lot of conversation that fits a sponsor’s brand and fits our needs as a team, and that’s what we’ve been working on all along.”
Representatives for the drivers wouldn’t comment on negotiations. McMurray’s No. 26 Roush Fenway Racing team is being cut so the organization can come into compliance with NASCAR’s four-team cap. Labonte has driven mostly for Hall of Fame Racing, which is not continuing its alliance with Yates Racing and is still looking for sponsorship for next year.
Labonte has driven a few races this year for TRG Motorsports, which reportedly is interested in keeping him for 2010 if he is available.
Among the other rides that could be open in 2010 is the No. 07 Richard Childress Racing ride. It needs sponsorship, and Casey Mears has said whether he returns is dependent on the sponsor.
Hall of Fame Racing also could be an open ride if it can land sponsorship. It would need to form an alliance with another team.
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