NASCAR NEXTEL
New in '06
Find out what's new in 2006:
NASCAR Ford Fusion: Ford
unveiled the Fusion to replace the Ford Taurus in the NASCAR NEXTEL
Cup
Now the 3 model in NASCAR NEXTEL Cup
includes Chevrolet's Monte Carlo, Dodge's Charger, Ford's Fusion.
Although its not new in 2006, its
noteworthy that Toyota announced, in January they will be joining
NASCAR NEXTEL Cup and Busch series with the Toyota Camry.
Changes Everywhere: Over 17 team
and driver changes occurred between 2005 and 2006 NEXTEL Cup series.
That's not counting Crew Chief changes and team members.
Jamie McMurray leaves Ganassi to
replace 2004 Champion Kurt Busch at Roush Racing, after signing with
Penske Racing to replace retiring Rusty Wallace. Ganassi moves
Casey Mears from the #41 to #42 to replace McMurray. Ganassi fills
#41 with rookie Reed Sorenson, meanwhile Ganassi fires veteran
Sterling Marlin, replacing him with rookie David Stremme. Marlin is
then hired to drive #14 MB2 car. Marlin's #14 replaces
the whole #10 Valvoline team and driver Scott Riggs who left
MB2 Motorsports, to join Evernham Motorsports. At Joe Gibbs Racing,
after firing two drivers in 2005, former Champion Bobby Labonte, and
driver Jason Leffler. Leffler is replaced with rookie Denny Hamlin,
while J.J. Yeley replaces Labonte in the #18. Labonte then moves on
to replace fired Jeff Green in the #43 Petty Enterprise car. Green
moves on Haas Racing to replace fired Mike Bliss in #0 that changes
to #66 in 2006. At Dale Earnhardt Inc. they welcome 2004, 2005 Busch
Series Champion and rookie Martin Truex, Jr. to replace Michael
Waltrip, who leaves for Bill Davis Racing and to start his own team.
And there's so much more...
Rookie Class of 2006: Seven Star-studded drivers compete for
NASCAR's Rookie of the Year.
Clint Bowyer, #07
Chad Chaffin, #92
Denny Hamilin, #11
Brent Sherman, #49
Reed Sorenson, #41
David Stremme, #40
Martin Truex Jr., #1
J.J. Yeley, #18
|
