It’s the time of year when the auto- racing rumor mill gets to spinning — sometimes on the verge of being out of control.
As we all know, some of the rumors turn out to be true, while others start out far-fetched and don’t get any better.
For months we’d all been hearing that the Indianapolis Motor Speedway would host a round of the Moto GP, the Formula One of motorcycle racing, and on Monday afternoon we all learned that the series will make its inaugural visit to the historic facility and its road course next summer.
Sadly, the announcement came only days after the speedway told the world the United States Grand Prix for Formula One would not be returning for the 2008 season.
• For months now, rumors have circulated regarding what Budweiser would do with its Nextel Cup Series sponsorship money next season since Dale Earnhardt, Jr. will drive for Hendrick Motorsports and Budweiser will not be part of the deal.
One of the rumors getting a lot of press of late is that Budweiser would like to sponsor the Evernham Racing car wheeled by Kasey Kahne.
Well, a well-informed source told us last week that Budweiser is indeed interested in sponsoring Kahne and team-owner Ray Evernham, but there is a twist to the story.
Evernham has been a frequent visitor to Dale Earnhardt, Inc. in recent weeks, and the story goes that Budweiser has said it would remain with DEI if it could secure Kahne’s services.
• Meanwhile, Evernham has been attempting to sell his team to millionaire businessman George Gillette, who owns the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League. While Evernham has openly said he is looking for a partner for his team, this particular rumor has Evernham selling his entire operation and going to DEI as crew chief for Kahne and the Budweiser Chevrolet team. I guess we’ll all wait and see what happens.
• Another rumor gaining steam has defending World of Outlaws champion and current point-leader Donny Schatz going to work for Tony Stewart next year, driving a second car in the team’s stable managed by Jimmy Carr. The rumor began when Ricky Warner, who crew chiefed Schatz to the title last year, was let go by Kahne’s World of Outlaws team a few weeks ago.
The rumor has gained a lot of momentum in recent days, and one thing we’ve learned through the years is that where there is smoke, there is usually fire.
• The future of auto racing at the Terre Haute (Ind.) Action Track seems in doubt, with the balance of this season cancelled and the real estate probably worth more than the actual race track. The rumor that Kevin Olson and Gary London were going to partner in an attempt to save the track turned out to be incorrect. However, it does seem Tri-State Speedway promoter Tommy Helfrich is one of a few that has at least minimal interest in stepping into the picture at the legendary half-mile oval.
• Oh, and there is always some kind of rumor regarding unification talks between the Indy Racing League and Champ Car. But when guys like Mario Andretti and Roger Penske can’t get anything done, you have to think that any talk about a single open-wheel series is nothing more than a rumor. A rumor in the air.