Allmendinger, Ganassi still in limbo
AJ Allmendinger’s fate at Red Bull Racing should be determined by the time the series reaches Kansas Speedway next week.
“We should know something with that in the next couple days,” Red Bull General Manager Jay Frye said. “There’s a couple different scenarios with that that are going on. There’s a couple of them that are really good for all of us, and we’re hoping one of those works out.”
Allmendinger declined comment Friday at Dover. If he was released, he would be a considered a candidate for the No. 41 Dodge of Chip Ganassi Racing.
Ganassi president Steve Lauletta said Sunday the team is looking at several options for a driver as a replacement for Reed Sorenson
and no deal has been completed.
A change before the season ends is not out of the realm of possibility, especially if Red Bull Racing opts to replace Allmendinger with Scott Speed, and if Ganassi taps Allmendinger for the No. 41 ride.
“One of [those options] could include Allmendinger, sure,” Lauletta said. “We’ve got a lot of things going on. We’re taking our time. Some
things could happen sooner than later, but right now, we’re just focused on finishing up the year as well as we can and get ready for next year.”
That could also allow Sorenson to make an early move to Gillett Evernham Motorsports, where he already has signed for 2009.
If Allmendinger is released from Red Bull, he would join a current free-agent market that includes Scott Riggs, Regan Smith, Paul Menard, Michael McDowell, Dave Blaney, J.J. Yeley, Jeremy Mayfield, Johnny Sauter and Scott Wimmer.
