I think DEI only offered Waltrip another one year deal because they are in the process of bringing up the young guns. They have Truex, Menard and now Ryan Moore coming up. I don't think DEI would have re-signed Waltrip in 07 in any case.
Waltrip decided he wanted something better and decided to walk. DEI didn't put up any fight.
I think their plan was to have a 3 car team in 2006 with Jr, Truex and Waltrip and possibly getting some seat time for Paul Menard in a 4th car maybe. I think they were planning on bringing Paul Menard up in 2007 to replace Waltrip in the #15.
So what will probably happen in 2006 is what happened this year. It will be mainly a 2 car team with Jr. and Truex. Paul Menard will get some seat time in the #15 car and come up full time the following year.
NAPA will probably leave DEI and go with Waltrip, but Menards will become the eventual full time sponsor for the #15 car.
As for where Michael will go, the #0 car has been rumored, but I think Waltrip will eventually drive a Toyota, maybe full time in the Busch Series next year, and full time in the Cup series in 2007 when Toyota plans to enter the series. His brother Darrell already owns a Toyota truck team. Wouldn't be surprised to see Michael drive for them too.
Waltrip has said that why he didnt wish to resign was that DEI would not guarantee that Eury Jr. would be his crew chief. (looks like back to the #8 since Bono will be with Truex)
also, Labonte is rumored to be unhappy with Gibbs lately and his contract ends soon, so maybe he will look for another ride. I would love to see him at DEI, Ritchie Gilmore wants very badly to run 3 cars next year and as of right now, he does have sponsership for all.
Well, I like Waltrip and all, I dont care where he goes, just as long as Lil E gets Tony Jr back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I didnt say to much when they changed, thought i would see what happen, well, I dont like it anymore, if there had been no switch, Dale would be #3 in the chase right now! i have heard both crew chief talk to lil E, and Lil E needs Tony Back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jr. didn't seem to click with Pete Rondeau, but with Steve Hmiel taking over, Jr. seems to be getting back up to par again. Took some time but I think the Bud team is back on track again. Bringing Eury Jr. back might hurt the team again. Leave Hmiel in... if for some reason he doesn't make the chase, then bring Eury back next year.
Hmiel is my first choice for this year and next. He took over when things were at the their worst and righted the ship........no the #8 isn't in the chase yet, but they are running well for the last three weeks with great optimsium for the next few races.
Eury Jr. would be an obvious second choice with Waltrip leaving, but I don't think anyone should jump to conclusions just yet. I say DEI runs three teams next year full time.
Yes, but who would that third team be? That's the big question. They don't have anybody within the organzation they would have to hire one of those drivers looking for a new ride next year.
Sterling Marlin, Bobby Labonte, Scott Riggs, Casey Mears all possible candidates.
Obviously Labonte would be the best choice and a good fit to replace Waltrip. They could even sign him to a multi year deal if they have a 4 car team in the works for '07.
Labonte is out of the rumor mill.......he adamantly denied wanting to leave Gibbs, and said that he wishes to stay for a good long time.
Besides the drivers you named, don't forget that Ward Burton is out there as well as a bunch of Truck Series Drivers who would love to have another crack the Cup level. (just so long as it isn't Benson or Spencer)
