 This page will help you keep track of all the driver and sponsor changes for the new year. Items in blue font note new changes from the previous year. These are only full time Cup teams listed here. As new information is available, it will be posted here. Class of 2008(Drivers running for rookie of the year)#10: Patrick Carpentier 2008 Sprint Cup Teams 2007 Driver: David Reutimann2008 Driver: David Reutimann (1st 5 races)/ Josh Wise? Michael McDowell? 2007 Sponsor: Burger King/Domino's Pizza 2008 Sponsor: Unknown Crew Chief: Frank Kerr Team: Michael Waltrip Racing David Reutimann will be in the ride for the first five races of the 2008 season, then transfer to the #44 car when Dale Jarrett retires. Which driver or drivers will take over this ride are still unknown but it's possible that MWR development drivers Josh Wise and Michael McDowell could possibly share driving duties. Sponsorship remains unknown since it looks like Burger King and Domino's will not be returning.  2007 Driver: Mark Martin/Regan Smith2008 Driver: Regan Smith 2007 Sponsor: U.S. Army 2008 Sponsor: Unknown... Coors Light? Crew Chief: Tony Gibson Team: Dale Earnhardt, Inc. DEI aquired this team after they merged with Ginn Racing in 2007. Mark Martin and Regan Smith shared the ride, but in 2008, Smith will be running a full schedule. Mark Martin switches to the #8 with Aric Alimrola. The U.S. Army sponsorship also transfers to the #8. A sponsor for this ride has not been announced yet but rumors are that it could be Coors after they part ways with Ganassi at the end of 2007. Tony Gibson has been announced as the crewchief.  2007 Driver: Martin Truex Jr.2008 Driver: Martin Truex Jr. 2007 Sponsor: Bass Pro Shops 2008 Sponsor: Bass Pro Shops Crew Chief: Kevin Manion Team: Dale Earnhardt, Inc. There are no known changes for this team except for the new DEI/RCR engine package. Bass Pro Shops and Truex are signed through 2010 with DEI.  2007 Driver: Kurt Busch2008 Driver: Kurt Busch 2007 Sponsor: Miller Lite 2008 Sponsor: Miller Lite Crew Chief: Pat Tryson Team: Penske Racing No known changes for this team. Pat Tryson returns as crewchief after taking over in June 2007.  2007 Driver: Ward Burton2008 Driver: Ward Burton? 2007 Sponsor: State Water Heaters 2008 Sponsor: State Water Heaters? Crew Chief: Chris Carrier Team: Morgan McClure Racing It hasn't been announced what will happen with this team in 2008. If State Water Heaters returns as sponsor, Burton will most likely return.  2007 Driver: Kyle Busch2008 Driver: Casey Mears 2007 Sponsor: Kelloggs/Carquest 2008 Sponsor: Kelloggs/Carquest Crew Chief: Alan Gustafson Team: Hendrick Motorsports Casey Mears transfers to this ride from the #25 car. Kyle Busch left Hendrick after Dale Earnhardt Jr. was signed. Busch moves over to Joe Gibbs Racing. Kelloggs and Carquest remain as sponsors as does Alan Gustafson as crewchief.  2007 Driver: N/A2008 Driver: Sam Hornish Jr.? David Stremme? 2007 Sponsor: N/A 2008 Sponsor: Mobil One? Crew Chief: Roy McCauley Team: Penske Racing South This is the possible third Penske team in 2008. Sam Hornish Jr. should be the driver for this ride, but if he changes his mind and stays in Indycar or Penske feels he is not ready, David Stremme could be here. Stremme was told he will not be returning to Ganassi-Sabates and is looking for a ride. Mobil One was the sponsor for this car in the attempts that Hornish made in 2007 to make races. So far he has not qualified for any.  2007 Driver: David Ragan2008 Driver: David Ragan 2007 Sponsor: AAA 2008 Sponsor: AAA Crew Chief: Jimmy Fennig Team: Roush Fenway Racing There are no known changes for this team as Ragan begins his second season.  2007 Driver: Clint Bowyer2008 Driver: Clint Bowyer 2007 Sponsor: Jack Daniel's 2008 Sponsor: Jack Daniel's Crew Chief: Gil Martin Team: Richard Childress Racing No known changes for this team. Jack Daniel's is signed through 2009.  2007 Driver: Robby Gordon2008 Driver: Robby Gordon 2007 Sponsor: Jim Beam/Menards/Mapai/Motorola 2008 Sponsor: Jim Beam/Menards/Mapai/Motorola? Crew Chief: Peter Sozpenzo Team: Robby Gordon Motorsports No changes have been announced for this team although sponsorship could change up some. Peter Sozpenzo returns as crewchief after replacing Greg Erwin in September.  2007 Driver: Dale Earnhardt Jr.2008 Driver: Mark Martin/Aric Almirola 2007 Sponsor: Budweiser 2008 Sponsor: U.S. Army Crew Chief: Ryan Pemberton Team: Dale Earnhardt, Inc. Not much going on here... Seriously, with Dale Earnhardt, Jr. leaving DEI for Hendrick Motorsports, Mark Martin and Aric Almirola have been named to share the ride in the #8 car. Martin will supposedly run 24 races and Almirola 12. Budweiser has also left DEI for Gillette-Evernham Motorsports. U.S. Army transfers over from the #01 as the sponsor. Ryan Pemberton transfers over as the crewchief as Tony Eury Jr. also leaves DEI for Hendrick.  2007 Driver: Kasey Kahne2008 Driver: Kasey Kahne 2007 Sponsor: Dodge Dealers 2008 Sponsor: Budweiser Crew Chief: Kenny Francis Team: Gillett Evernham Motorsports Budweiser leaves DEI after Dale Jr. announced he would be leaving for Hendrick. Budweiser will sponsor Kahne's ride during the 2008 season although Allstate could also be a primary sponsor for a few races. Kahne is signed through 2010.  2007 Driver: Scott Riggs2008 Driver: Patrick Carpentier 2007 Sponsor: Vavoline/Stanley Tools 2008 Sponsor: Vavoline/Stanley Tools? Crew Chief: Rodney Childers Team: Gillett Evernham MotorSports Scott Riggs was told he would be released from GEM at the end of the 2007 season. Riggs was signed by Haas CNC Racing and will will be either in the #66 or #70 ride. Patrick Carpentier comes over from open wheel racing and will run for rookie of the year in this ride. It is possible the car number may change. No word on sponsorship yet, Vavoline could transfer to the #19 ride.  2007 Driver: Denny Hamlin2008 Driver: Denny Hamlin 2007 Sponsor: FedEx 2008 Sponsor: FedEx Crew Chief: Mike Ford Team: Joe Gibbs Racing The #11 team is one of the three Joe Gibbs teams that will be switching to Toyotas in 2008. Hamlin is signed through 2010.  2007 Driver: Ryan Newman2008 Driver: Ryan Newman 2007 Sponsor: allTel/Mobil One 2008 Sponsor: allTel/Mobil One Crew Chief: Mike Nelson Team: Penske Racing South No known changes for this team. Newman was rumored to be leaving for RCR, but he stays here for now. He is signed through 2008 with options after that. allTel should be returning as the sponsor although Mobile One is looking to become the primary sponsor for this team or a third Penske team possibly with Sam Hornish Jr.  2007 Driver: Joe Nemechek2007 Sponsor: CertainTeed Crew Chief: Pete Sospenzo Team: Ginn Racing Joe Nemechek moves over from the #01 ride after Mark Martin was hired to take it over. Nemechek moves to a new third team for Ginn Racing, formerly MB2 Motorsports. CertainTeed Corporation will sponsor this ride for 18 races. The primary sponsorship for the 2nd half of the season is still being worked on.  2007 Driver: Sterling Marlin2007 Sponsor: Waste Management/Panasonic Crew Chief: Richard "Slugger" Labbe Team: Ginn Racing MB2 Motorsports is renamed Ginn Racing after Bobby Ginn bought out the company. Marlin remains onboard for the 2007 season along with Waste Management. Panasonic will sponsor the car for 24 races. Richard "Slugger" Labbe took over as crewchief near the end of the 2006 season.  2007 Driver: Paul Menard2007 Sponsor: Menards Crew Chief: Tony Eury Sr. Team: Dale Earnhardt Inc. Paul Menard ran a limited schedule in '06 with Menards as the sponsor of this ride. In 2007 he will go full time and run for rookie of the year. The entire team moves up from the Busch Series, however Tony Eury Sr. takes over as crewchief.  2007 Driver: Greg Biffle2007 Sponsor: Ameriquest/3M/Subway? Crew Chief: Pat Tryson Team: Roush Racing National Guard moves from the #16 car to Hendrick Motorsports on the #25 car in 2007. Ameriquest was a partial sponsor in 2006 but now becomes the primary sponsor for 2007. 3M will sponsor 7 races and Subway could be a co-sponsor for this car as well. Pat Tryson takes over as crewchief for Doug Richert.  2007 Driver: Matt Kenseth2007 Sponsor: DeWalt Tools Crew Chief: Robbie Reiser Team: Roush Racing No changes have been announced for 2006. Kenseth signed a multi-year year in 2006. DeWalt is signed through the end of the year, no word yet if they are renewing. Arby's also comes on board as an associate sponsor.  2007 Driver: J.J. Yeley2007 Sponsor: Interstate Batteries Crew Chief: Steve Addington Team: Joe Gibbs Racing No word of any changes with this team.  2007 Driver: Elliott Sadler2007 Sponsor: Dodge Dealers Crew Chief: Chris Andrews Team: Evernham Motorsports Elliott Sadler replaced Jeremy Mayfield in August 2006 after Mayfield was released from the team. Sadler leaves Robert Yates Racing who hired David Gilliland to replace him. Jeremy Mayfield has signed a a deal with Bill Davis Racing.  2007 Driver: Tony Stewart2007 Sponsor: Home Depot Crew Chief: Greg Zipadelli Team: Joe Gibbs Racing No word of any changes for this team.  2007 Driver: Ken Schrader/ Jon Wood2007 Sponsor: Little Debbie/MotorCraft Crew Chief: Ernie Cope Team: Wood Brothers Instead of Jon Wood going full time in 2007 as originally anticipated, Schrader and Wood will share this ride. Schrader will run 18 races and Wood will run at least 10. Little Debbie will return next season as a sponsor along with Motorcraft. In July 2006, Michael "Fatback" McSwain took over crewchief duties from David Hyder. Ernie Cope will be the crewchief for the 2007 season with McSwain overseeing the team.  2007 Driver: Dave Blaney2007 Sponsor: Caterpillar Crew Chief: Kevin Hamlin Team: Bill Davis Racing Bill Davis Racing switches to Toyota in 2007. Dave Blaney returns and will be teammates with Jeremy Mayfield.  2007 Driver: Jeff Gordon2007 Sponsor: Dupont Crew Chief: Steve Letarte Team: Hendrick Motorsports No known changes for this team.  2007 Driver: Casey Mears2007 Sponsor: GMAC/National Guard Crew Chief: Darian Grubb Team: Hendrick Motorsports Casey Mears has been named to take over this ride from Brian Vickers in 2007. Mears leaves Ganassi Racing and will be replaced by Juan Pablo Montoya. Vickers is heading for Toyota with Red Bull Racing. National Guard leaves Roush Racing to become the co-primary sponsor with GMAC here. Darian Grubb who served as interim crewchief of the #48 crew for 4 races in 2006, was named crewchief in February.  2007 Driver: Jamie McMurray2007 Sponsor: Sharpie/Irwin/Rubbermaid/Crown Royal Crew Chief: Larry Carter Team: Roush Racing Larry Carter was originally hired by Michael Waltrip Racing but leaves to become crewchief of this team. Bob Osborne left as crewchief at the end of 2006 and went back to the #99 team.  2007 Driver: Kevin Harvick2007 Sponsor: Shell/Reeses Crew Chief: Todd Berrier Team: Richard Childress Racing In 2006 Harvick re-signed with Rich Childress through 2009. GM Goodwrench leaves as the primary sponsor but will remain as an associate sponsor. Shell comes on board and will be partnered with Reeses as co-primary sponsors.  2007 Driver: Jeff Burton2007 Sponsor: AT&T Wireless? Sylvania? Crew Chief: Scott Miller Team: Richard Childress Racing Cingular was bought by AT&T and if the name ceases to exisit anymore, this sponsorship will go away. Cingular was grandfathered as a sponsor when Nextel took over the Series name, but no new communication companies can come in. If Cingular disappears, word is that Sylvania could take over.  2007 Driver: Jeremy Mayfield2007 Sponsor: 360 OTC Crew Chief: Derrick Finley Team: Bill Davis Racing With Waltrip leaving Bill Davis Racing to start his own team, This will be the new 2nd team. Jeremy Mayfield was hired by Bill Davis in August 2006. Derrick Finley also signs with Bill Davis Racing and will be the crewchief for this car.  2007 Driver: David Gilliland2007 Sponsor: M&M's Crew Chief: Todd Parrott Team: Robert Yates Racing David Gilliland was named to replace Elliott Sadler in this ride after Sadler left in August 2006. Gilliland comes up from the Busch Series where he ran a partial schedule. Gilliland will not run for rookie of the year in 2007 since he was called upon to finish the rest of the season in this ride. M&M's stays aboard as the sponsor. Todd Parrot leaves Petty Enterprises and returns to Robert Yates Racing to become crewchief for this ride.  2007 Driver: David Stremme2007 Sponsor: Coor's Lite/Tums Crew Chief: Jeff Vandermoss Team: Ganassi/Sabates Racing No known changes for this team except Tums has come on board to sponsor one race and Lonestar Steakhouse has left as a sponsor.  2007 Driver: Reed Sorenson2007 Sponsor: Target/Tums Crew Chief: Jimmy Elledge Team: Ganassi/Sabates Racing No known changes for this team except Tums will sponsor one race.  2007 Driver: Juan Pablo Montoya2007 Sponsor: Texaco/Havoline/Big Red Gum Crew Chief: Donnie Wingo Team: Ganassi/Sabates Racing Casey Mears leaves Ganassi Racing to go race for Hendrick Motorsports. F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya leaves the series to come over to NASCAR. Montoya will run for rookie of the year in this ride. Big Red Gum is a new sponsor for three races.  2007 Driver: Bobby Labonte2007 Sponsor: Cheerios Crew Chief: Paul Andrews Team: Petty Enterprises Todd Parrott left as crewchief for this team in the middle of 2006. Paul Andrews came over midway during the 2006 season and will remain in 2007.  2007 Driver: Dale Jarrett2007 Sponsor: U.P.S. Crew Chief: Matt Borland Team: Michael Waltrip Racing This is the second of the three Toyota cars in Michael Waltrip Racing. Waltrip obtained the rights to this number from Hendrick Motorsports. Dale Jarrett leaves Robert Yates Racing to join Waltrip in this ride. U.P.S. comes with Jarrett and will be the sponsor. Matt Borland leaves Penske Racing to take over as crewchief here.  2007 Driver: Kyle Petty2007 Sponsor: Well Fargo/Marathon Oil/NTB Tire Kingdom Crew Chief: Paul Andrews Team: Petty Enterprises No known changes for this team, but Kyle Petty is rumored to run a partial season and join the TNT broadcasting booth.  2007 Driver: Jimmie Johnson2007 Sponsor: Lowe's Home Improvement Crew Chief: Chad Knaus Team: Hendrick Motorsports No known changes for this team.  2007 Driver: Mike Bliss2007 Sponsor: WhatsOnline.com Crew Chief: Lee McCall Team: BAM Racing Mike Bliss returns to this ride for 2007. WhatsOnline.com will be the primary sponsor. David Hyder was named crewchief in September but Lee McCall will take over for 2007. The team also switches to Evernham engines.  2007 Driver: Michael Waltrip2007 Sponsor: NAPA Crew Chief: David Hyder Team: Michael Waltrip Racing Michael Waltrip starts his own three car team with Toyota as the manufactor. This will be the flagship car with NAPA staying on board as the sponsor. David Hyder was named crewchief in December.  2007 Driver: Jeff Green2007 Sponsor: Best Buy/Sansdisk/Microsoft Crew Chief: Harold Holly Team: Haas Automation Harold Holly switched jobs with Robert "Bootie" Barker who went to the #00 Busch team.  2007 Driver: Brian Vickers2007 Sponsor: Red Bull Energy Drink Crew Chief: Doug Richert Team: Red Bull Racing This is the first of the new two car team of Red Bull Racing. The team is owned by Dietrech Mateschitz and will run Toyotas. Brian Vickers leaves Hendrick Motorsports to take over this ride. Doug Richert leaves Greg Biffle's team to become crewchief here.  2007 Driver: A.J. Allmendinger2007 Sponsor: Red Bull Crew Chief: Ricky Viers Team: Red Bull Racing This is the 2nd Red Bull Racing Toyota team. A.J. Allmendinger was named the driver of this ride in October 2006 with Ricky Viers coming on board as the crewchief.  2007 Driver: Ricky Rudd2007 Sponsor: Snickers Crew Chief: Butch Hylton Team: Robert Yates Racing Dale Jarrett leaves Robert Yates Racing to join Michael Waltrip Racing and takes U.P.S. with him. Yates calls Ricky Rudd out of retirement with Snickers as the primary sponsor. . Butch Hylton took over as Jarret's crewchief in 2006 and remains on.  2007 Driver: Tony Raines2006 Sponsor: Texas Instruments DLP Products Crew Chief: Brandon Thomas Team: Hall Of Fame Racing Brandon Thomas took over as crewchief in October 2006 and remains for the 2007 season.  2007 Driver: Carl Edwards2007 Sponsor: Office Depot Crew Chief: Bob Osborne Team: Roush Racing Bob Osborne ruturned for the final 2 races of the 2006 season and will remain for the 2007 season. Recent Cup Drivers Still Available For A Ride John Andretti: Full time Busch ride Casey Atwood: Full time Busch ride? Johnny Benson: Full time Truck ride Mike Bliss: Full time Truck ride Todd Bodine: Full time Truck ride Ricky Craven Bill Elliott: Heading for a Toyota ride? Brendan Gaughan Bobby Hamilton Jr.: Full time Busch ride Jason Leffler: Full time Busch ride Steve Park Jimmy Spencer Kenny Wallace: Full time Busch ride Scott Wimmer: Part time Cup & Busch ride |
 17 Feb 2004 |
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