However, DEI will only extend Waltrip's contract if he finishes in the top 10 next year. Since the likelyhood is that he won't, it opens up some questions for 2006. First of all, Bass Pro Shops have already signed Truex to drive the #1 car with their sponsor. So Truex won't be going to the #15 car. You know that NAPA wants a high profile driver and I'm sure they would love to have Truex drive for them, but I don't think it's possible in '06 or '07. Maybe in '08 since I think the Bass Pro Shops Contract ends then. Question is... who would DEI bring in to drive the #15 car? They'll try to do everything they can to keep NAPA as a sponsor I'm sure. Guess we'll just have to wait and see...
the Bass Pro contract is open ended....they have already said that as long as things progress with Truex's career they way they should that they will renew long term.....they just didnt yet because anything can happen.....retirement, personal injury, low productivity........this way they dont get stuck in a bad deal..........thats just good business.
as for Waltrip, i still think he will be fired this year and DEI brings in another veteran like Biffle, Mears, Gaughan, etc.................he's had semi-decent showings in only a quarter of the races and hes created bad chemistry at the plate races and it shows in the race results.
-----------although, i have been picking at work that Jr. and Theresa pulled Mikey to the side this week, and told him if he wants to keep his job, then something had better happen on pit road with the 24 this week....hehehehe
