Not Gossip, Honest

by Diecast Dude on Jan 5, 2008 7:07 PM EST in News

Reading this story about Tony Stewart's participating in this year's Chili Bowl -- have fun but try not to get hurt, okay Smoke? -- with the picture reprinted here reminded me of some idle speculation I've indulged myself in lately. Please note this is strictly and only idle speculation. Not trying to start or spread a rumor. It's just surmising. Period. That all said...

The big news from last year was Dale Earnhardt Jr. leaving DEI to sign with Hendrick. Almost lost amidst this long-running story was Joe Gibbs Racing switching to Toyota starting this season. Almost.

Now comes the idle speculation, based on absolutely nothing outside of "it could happen, maybe."

Tony Stewart and Chevrolet have long been connected with each other.
Stewart's contract with JGR runs through 2009. Although JGR has tried to sign Stewart to an extension, so far he has declined, stating he wants to take this off-season completely off.
Chevrolet is not happy about someone it has long supported and had a solid relationship with now driving a Toyota in Cup.
Hendrick is the undisputed ruler of the Chevrolet roost.
Hendrick's roster includes three of NASCAR's four crown jewels: Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, and Dale Jr.
Now comes the idle speculation...

Chevrolet quietly offers Stewart enough money to fill a Dairy Queen to not re-sign with JGR. It also drops broad hints to Hendrick that while a nice guy, Casey Mears' services might be better off elsewhere. Next thing you know, hey presto a news conference featuring Hendrick sitting next to the head of Home Depot along with Gordon, Earnhardt, and Johnson all smiling broadly as they welcome their new teammate Stewart (with Home Depot in tow, natch) to the Hendrick family.

Remember, this is all idle speculation.

But if it comes to pass, remember where you heard it first...

0 recs | Comment 11 comments

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OMG

Dude, what are ya doing? are ya trying to make me have a heart attack? Just reading your "speculation" put a huge knot in my stomach and sent shivers down my spine. Your going to give me nightmares. If the day ever comes, I will blame YOU for giving them the idea in the first place. >:( :P

by Crazy20fan on Jan 6, 2008 12:04 AM EST 0 recs

I've wondered about Tony...

I really can't see him going to Toyota as easily as he claims. I think if he COULD find a way to stay with Chevy, he would. Sadly, Hendrick would be the way to go, but isn't there an anti-monopoly something or other in place so the other teams don't just walk away in dispair?

by MindyL78 on Jan 6, 2008 12:50 AM EST 0 recs

Lowes and Home Depot In The Same Organization?

No way, not going to happen. Tony will go with Hendrick, but not in the Home Depot car. If Home Depot and Stewart are a package deal then look for him to go to RCR instead. DEI might be an option, but again, like Lowes, I think Menards might have an issue with Home Depot being on board with the same car owner as them too.

by 4ever3 on Jan 6, 2008 2:13 AM EST 0 recs

Good point...

... wonder if Lowe's would be intrigued by the possibility of egging on one of the brands it carries to pony up as a primary sponsor so it can go, "See? See? One way or another everyone comes to us!" Never overlook the power of board room bragging rights to conjure up funds.

by Diecast Dude on Jan 6, 2008 4:30 PM EST up 0 recs

Ice water tossed

Hate to cool off your hot rumor but I don't buy it for one major reason. (I think) Stewart runs Toyota engines in the midget and sprint car teams he owns. I say I think because he ran Chevys last year and believe (too short of time to look) switched one or both teams to Toy power this year.

by Marc on Jan 6, 2008 5:35 AM EST 0 recs