Oct. 31, 2007 - Happy Halloween!

Snake Racing Announces Moves

• Don Prudhomme Racing announced Tuesday its plans for the 2008 NHRA Powerade drag racing series season which will include two-time top fuel champion driver Larry Dixon behind the wheel of the U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Co. Top Fuel dragster. Having first partnered with Don Prudhomme Racing in 1987, U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company (USSTC) returns for its 21st season with Snake Racing in 2008. Next season will see U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company's participation in the Top Fuel dragster category for the first time since Don Prudhomme's 1994 'Final Strike' retirement season driving the Skoal Bandit Dragster. For Dixon, his relationship with USSTC has now come full circle. Dixon began working for Snake Racing in 1988 as a crew member for Prudhomme's Skoal Bandit funny car operation. Now, 20 years later, it is Dixon who will be piloting the U.S. Smokeless car. Dixon, currently no. 2 in the 2007 NHRA point standings, began his driving career in 1995 with the backing of Miller Brewing Company for 11 seasons and two championships (2002-2003) before this year's association with SkyTel, which will not be returning to the NHRA in 2008. Current crew chiefs Donnie Bender and Todd Smith, as well as nearly the entire roster of Dixon's crew members will remain intact for next season. Don Prudhomme's Skoal Racing funny car team, driven by Tommy Johnson Jr., will finish out the year with this season's final race at Pomona. After this weekend's race, the funny car operation will begin a reorganization with plans to return to competition once new sponsorship has been secured. Johnson remains under contract with Snake Racing in 2008 however he will have the option of exploring new driving opportunities.

New Deal For Hendrick, Delphi

• Delphi Product  Service Solutions announced today at a press conference held at the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) in Las Vegas that it will continue its major associate sponsorship of Hendrick Motorsports during the 2008 NASCAR season. An associate sponsor of all of the 2008 Hendrick Motorsports entries, Delphi will also be the primary sponsor for the No. 5 NASCAR Nationwide Series Chevrolet fielded by JR Motorsports for four races. In addition, Delphi will receive preferred logo placement on the No. 5 Sprint Cup Series car driven by Casey Mears at Las Vegas, Indianapolis and the second Texas race. Hendrick newcomer Dale Earnhardt Jr. will drive the No. 5 Delphi Chevrolet in the Nationwide Series at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway in April and Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway in July. Mark Martin will drive the other two races for Delphi -- at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in March and Texas Motor Speedway in November.

Bill Davis Trucking Files Chapter 11

• Bill Davis Trucking, Inc., founded in 1975 by NASCAR team owners Bill and Gail Davis, announced Tuesday it has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Today’s action was necessitated by an injury accident and an ensuing lawsuit against the company, based in Batesville, Ark.  "This has been a very unfortunate chain of events and Gail and I certainly hate that it ever had to happen,” stated Bill Davis. “Bill Davis Trucking and Bill Davis Racing are two completely separate entities and the race team will in no way be affected by today’s announcement.”

Oct. 30, 2007 - No Deal For Sauter With Robby Gordon

• According to several media outlets, outgoing Haas-CNC driver Johnny Sauter won't be an option for Robby Gordon Motorsports's second team. The Haas-CNC lineup, which consisted of Sauter and David Green for most of this season, will change to David Riggs and Jeremy Mayfield in 2008. Mayfield has already usurped Green in the No. 66 Chevrolet. Gordon has plans for a second car, but no set timetable for the addition to his Cup efforts.

Sale Becomes Official

• Former NASCAR driver Andy Hillenburg, who recently purchased North Carolina Speedway in Rockingham, N.C., is reportedly about to close on the $4.4 million purchase.

Oct. 26, 2007 - Hmiel Lands With Ganassi

• CONCORD, N.C. — Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (CGRFS) announced today Steve Hmiel, former director of technical operations at Dale Earnhardt, Inc., has accepted a new position with the organization to serve as manager of competition of its Concord racing operation. John Fernandez will continue to manage the long-term strategic direction of the CGRFS race operations while Steve will focus more on the competition management and preparation – including race engineering.  Both Hmiel and Fernandez will report directly to Ganassi. Hmiel’s move to CGRFS follows what was already a stellar career in NASCAR.  He began working in NASCAR over 30 year ago with Petty Enterprises and promptly helped Richard Petty win Cup championships in 1975 and 1979 as car chief and the Daytona 500 in 1979 and 1981.  He would then go on to win another championship in 1984 as the crew Chief for Terry Labonte and Bill Hagan Racing. In 1987, he along with NASCAR executive Robin Pemberton, helped Jack Roush and Ford step up from Trans-Am racing to NASCAR to form the foundation of Roush Racing as their first general manager.  From 1989-96 he helped to create a racing dynasty, as Roush never finished out of the top-six in points during that span.  In 1998 he left Roush for Dale Earnhardt Inc. and that same year brought home both their first Craftsman Truck and Busch titles.  He would go on to work closely with Dale Earnhardt, Jr. while helping him win 17 Cup races including the 2004 Daytona 500.

McLaren To Cough Up $50 Million

• McLaren will pay half of the $100 million fine levied for its involvement in the Ferrari spy scandal in December, the Associated Press reports. FIA, which fined the Formula One team in September for possessing confidential documents belonging to rival Ferrari, said Wednesday the "sum in excess of $50 million" would be used to promote safety in the sport around the world.

Stremme To Drive For Wallace

• Dave Moody's Motorsports Soapbox reports that David Stremme, out at Chip Ganassi, will drive a 20-race Nationwide Series schedule for Rusty Wallace, Inc. in 2008, splitting the schedule with youngster Chase Austin.

Rodriguez Hoping For F-1 Seat

• Roldan Rodriguez is hopeful of securing a Formula One race seat with the new Force India team next season. Force India, formerly known as Spyker, before its sale to Indian billionaire Vijay Mallya, had planned to run a pair of Indian drivers in the shape of Narain Karthikeyan and Karun Chanhok. But Chanhok's assertion that he will remain in GP2 next season leaves no viable alternatives for the ride, and so Spaniard Rodriguez, 22, who has already inked a deal to become the team's chief test driver over the winter, is now in contention.

Oct. 25 - 2007 - Bill Davis To Sell?

• The Winston-Salem (N.C.) Journal has reported that Bill Davis is considering selling a significant portion of his race team to driver Jacques Villeneuve and/or his manager, Craig Pollock. Villeneuve is slated to drive for BDR full-time in 2008 and is currently driving in Craftsman Truck Series and Car of Tomorrow Nextel Cup events.

Oct. 24, 2007 - Skinner, Benson To Split Cup Time

• HIGH POINT, N.C. — Mike Skinner and Johnny Benson will share driving duties of the No. 36 Toyota Camry for the remaining four events on the 2007 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup schedule. BDR and Jeremy Mayfield, who had been behind the wheel since the season began, have parted ways effective immediately. Skinner, who currently leads the battle for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship in his Bill Davis Racing Toyota Tundra, will pilot the No. 36 Camry this weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway and again the following weekend at Texas Motor Speedway. Skinner has 244 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series starts to his credit including 10 top-five and 39 top-10 finishes. Benson, driver of the No. 23 Toyota Tundra for BDR, will take over the reigns of the No. 36 Toyota Camry beginning with the event at Phoenix International Raceway and will finish out the season in the car. During his 272 race Cup Series career, Benson has posted 18 top-five and 58 top-10 finishes.

...As Mayfield Heads To Haas CNC

• KANNAPOLIS, N.C. — In a related move, Haas CNC Racing announced Tuesday that Jeremy Mayfield will drive the team’s No. 66 NASCAR Nextel Cup entry for the remainder of the 2007 season, beginning this weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Mayfield will also drive for Haas CNC Racing during the 2008 Sprint Cup season although the car he will drive has not been determined. Mayfield replaces Jeff Green in the No. 66 Chevrolet.

Franchitti To Make Memphis Start

• Dario Franchitti, who will drive the No. 40 Nextel Cup car at Chip Ganassi Racing next season, will make his NASCAR Busch Series debut Saturday at Memphis Motorsports Park in the Sam's Town 250. The third official step in Franchitti's stock car learning curve will take place this weekend in the No. 42 Target Dodge Charger. Franchitti has also made ARCA and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series starts since leaving the IRL's IndyCar Series for NASCAR after the IndyCar's schedule ended.

Commission Rescinds Busch Series Penalty Against No. 5

• The National Stock Car Racing Commission heard and considered Tuesday the appeal of Hendrick Motorsports regarding penalties assessed by NASCAR to the No. 5 NASCAR Busch Series car driven by Kyle Busch. The commission voted unanimously to rescind the penalty, which was a $10,000 fine for crew chief Michael Bumgarner. The appeal concerned a penalty issued by NASCAR following post-race inspection on Sept. 29, 2007 for the NASCAR Busch Series event at Kansas Speedway for illegal alterations to the car's manifold.

New Mexico Driver Dies In Abilene

• ABILENE, Texas — According to an Associated Press report, a dirt track racer died after a crash during weekend qualifying at the Abilene Speedway. Ryan Bard of Farmington, N.M., died early Monday at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas, where he was being treated for burns, according to the International Motor Contest Association.The 23-year-old Bard, a competitor in the association's Southern SportMod division, was injured Sunday when his car rolled over and caught fire during a qualifying race for the Southern Challenge.

Oct. 19, 2007 - DEI, Hmiel Split

• MOORESVILLE, N.C. — Dale Earnhardt Inc. and director of competition Steve Hmiel have parted company.  Hmiel’s responsibilities have been redistributed throughout the organization and his replacement will be named soon. DEI made the announcement through a brief press release late Thursday. “I have enjoyed a wonderful association with Dale Earnhardt Inc. over the past nine years,” said Hmiel.  “It is time for me to pursue other endeavors and reestablish new goals for myself.  The management team at Dale Earnhardt Inc. has the company headed in the right direction and it has an exciting future as it continues to fulfill the legacy of Dale Earnhardt.” Also, “Steve has been a part of the success of Dale Earnhardt Inc. and we are grateful for his contributions to the company,” said John Story, vice president of motorsports at DEI.  “We wish him well with his future plans.”

Walker Wants Legge

• According to the Associated Press, Team Australia co-owner Derrick Walker says he's after Katherine Legge to drive a possible third team car on the Champ Car circuit in 2008. Legge, driving this year for Dale Coyne Racing but without a contract for next year, appears interested — Walker and Legge, 16th in the driver standings with two races to go, were seated together at the drivers' breakfast. "I am trying to persuade Derrick to give me a drive for next year,'' she said. "I really want to be part of Champ Cars next year because I still have a lot to prove.'' Walker said the team is seriously considering a third car next season. Australian Will Power and Simon Pagenaud of France are the other team drivers.

No Accord For Honda and Barichello?

• Eurosport reports that Rubens Barichello could be in his final Grand Prix for Honda this weekend in Sao Paulo, Brazil if Fernando Alonso leaves McLaren to return to Renault. Alonso is the key to the beginnings of a driver carousel that might include Heikki Kovalainen and/or Giancarlo Fisichella, who might be wooed by Honda as a replacement for the 35-year-old Barichello. Barichello has eight F-1 victories on his resume, but none since he left Ferrari in 2005.

GP2 Lineup To Remain The Same

• The GP2 Series announced today that the second generation of the championship, which will run between 2008 and 2010, will be composed of
the same 13 teams which completed the 2007 season. Despite many strong proposals from teams currently competing in a number of formulae,
the level of performance shown by the existing teams, their stability, their loyalty and the sense of community which has been built up over
the course of the first three seasons of the GP2 Series, was deemed too strong to be broken. 2008-2010 GP2 Series Teams (in alphabetical order): Arden International, ART Grand Prix, BCN Competicion, Campos Grand Prix, Dams, DPR, Durango Fisichella Motorsport International, iSport International, Minardi Piquet Sports, Racing Engineering, Super Nova Racing, Trident Racing.

Oct. 18, 2007 - Brad Coleman Signs On With Brewco

• CHARLOTTE, N.C. — After a successful rookie season in the NASCAR Busch Series, teenage driving sensation Brad Coleman has decided to leave Joe Gibbs Racing to pilot a full-time ride in the No. 27 Kleenex Ford Fusion with the new owners of Brewco Motorsports. In only 15 races to date for JGR in 2007, Coleman has posted three Top 5’s, five Top 10’s, seven Top 15’s, and nine Top 20’s, winning the Pole at Talladega and posting the highest finishing average of any non-Cup experienced driver in the series. Extraordinary statistics considering he was the youngest driver in the series for most of the season, seeing many of the race tracks for the very first time, and competing against a host of Nextel Cup drivers. Brewco Motorsports’ new owner and CEO Gary Baker feels fortunate to have Coleman on his roster.  “We believe Brad is one of the hottest young prospects on the circuit and when we found out he was not going to be in a full ride at Gibbs, we made a run for him,” stated Baker. “He is an impressive young man with a bright future ahead of him and is the kind of guy we want to build our organization around. He is not only talented on the track, but off the track as well and will add significant value to our sponsors. We think he can contend for the Nationwide Championship next year and the guys on the team are already excited about 2008.” In the move, Coleman will reunite with his former Crew Chief, Shawn Parker. Running Brewco’s development program in 2006, Parker guided Coleman to a successful ARCA debut, posting eight Top 5’s in just nine races and garnering a win at Kentucky in a double green-white-checker restart against nine time series champion Frank Kimmel. He knows his young driver is destined for a successful career in NASCAR and is enthusiastic about the 2008 outlook for Brewco.

Nationwide Series Logo Unveiled

• DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) and Nationwide Insurance today unveiled the logo for the NASCAR Nationwide Series. The introduction of the new logo is the latest step for the series’ transition to Nationwide as its title sponsor, after 26 years of sponsorship by Anheuser-Busch’s Busch brand. NASCAR and Nationwide announced a seven-year partnership agreement on Oct. 3, which also made the insurance company the official auto, home and life insurance provider of NASCAR. The logo was designed by St. Louis, Mo.-based Jump Co., following collaboration between NASCAR and Nationwide. “The logo is simple yet extremely effective in delivering a completely new look to the branding of the series,” said Steve Phelps, NASCAR’s chief marketing officer. “It’s good to be able to place a ‘face’ to a name now.”

Oct. 17, 2007 - Carpentier Formally Introduced Prior To NHL Game

• MONTREAL — Patrick Carpentier was introduced to the media Tuesday at a press conference prior to the Montreal Canadiens game at the Bell Centre.  Foster Gillett welcomed Carpentier on behalf of the Gillett family, who owns the Montreal Canadiens Hockey Club and recently purchased ownership in Gillett Evernham Motorsports.  Carpentier, a Quebec native, has had success driving in the IRL, Champ Car and CART series. He made three starts in NASCAR this season including securing the pole and a second-place finish at the inaugural Montreal Busch Series race. Carpentier’s Nextel Cup Series debut came this past August at Watkins Glen International where he led the race while driving for Gillett Evernham Motorsports.  “There is tremendous local support for our hometown sports figures here in Quebec and Canada,” said Foster Gillett.  “That is why we wanted to introduce Patrick to the local media and fans here at the Bell Centre.”  “These past few months have been a dream come true for me,” said Carpentier, driver of the No. 10 Dodge Avenger.

Lloyd Inks Developmental Deal With Ganassi

• Chip Ganassi Racing announced today the addition of young driving standout and 2007 Indy Pro Series Champion, Alex Lloyd to the team’s Driver Development Program. Lloyd, a native of Manchester, England joins the team after a record setting Indy Pro Series season that saw him dominate the field with eight wins and five poles positions. The team is in the developing process of the complete 2008 plan for Lloyd but it most likely it will include some combination of IndyCar Series races, Grand Am races and a great deal of testing. In August 2007, with permission from his Indy Pro Series team, Sam Schmidt Motorsport, the Target IndyCar team invited Lloyd to participate in a team test at Sebring International Raceway with IndyCar driver Scott Dixon. Lloyd was given the opportunity to get behind the wheel of an IndyCar for the first time and was able to set lap times that were comparable to Dixon’s.

Oct. 15, 2007 - Franchitti In Truck At Martinsville

• IndyCar series champion Dario Franchitti, who will compete in the Sprint Cup Series in 2008, hopes to gain stock car racing experience by competing in Saturday’s NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway. He will drive the No.41 Target Dodge Ram.

Braun To Make NCTS Debut

• Roush Fenway Racing driver Colin Braun is set to race the No. 50 F-150 at Martinsville Speedway (Va.) Saturday. It will be the first Craftsman Truck Series start for the 19-year old.

Oct. 12, 2007 - Garza Joining Forsythe For 2008

• At a news conference in his hometown of Monterrey, Mexican rising star David Garza today announced that he will join the Forsythe Championship Racing Team for the 2008 Cooper Tires Presents The Champ Car Atlantic Championship Powered by Mazda season. Garza, who will turn 20 years of age midway through the 2008 season, competed in his rookie Champ Car Atlantic season in 2007 with US RaceTronics. He earned career-best results in each of his first six starts, topped by best finishes of eighth at Cleveland and the first race of the doubleheader at Edmonton. He finished 10th in the Rookie of the Year standings and 17th in the overall championship. As was the case in 2007, Garza’s car will carry sponsorship from Monterrey, Mexico-based Axtel, a leading carrier of communications services in Mexico.

Hearn Fined $1,000 By DIRT

• DIRTcar 358-Modified competitor Brett Hearn has been fined $1,000 for the use of an unapproved fuel log on his No. 4 car during the running of the Gould's Pumps Salute to the Troops 150 at the New York State Fairgrounds on Oct. 6.

Oct. 11, 2007 - Roush Fenway Inks Stenhouse

• Roush Fenway Racing announced today the signing of Olive Branch, Miss. native Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. to a multi-year contract. Stenhouse will race full-time in the ARCA RE/MAX Series for Roush Fenway beginning in 2008. Stenhouse is currently racing in USAC’s National Sprint Car and National Midget Car Series. "I’ve been waiting for this for a while,” said Stenhouse. “I’m really excited about this opportunity. Since I was six years old and starting to race this is what I’ve wanted to do. To be racing for Jack Roush, John Henry and a team like Roush Fenway Racing, it’s a dream come true.” Stenhouse has looked brilliant in both a Sprint and Midget car in 2007 racing for Tony Stewart Racing. In 22 Sprint car starts, Stenhouse has chalked up two wins, seven top-five and 14 top-10 finishes and currently sits fifth in the overall point standings. In the USAC National Midget Series, Stenhouse has looked just as strong claiming five wins in 23 starts along with 10 top-five and 15 top-10 finishes while occupying third in the overall point standings. Stenhouse will fulfill his obligations in the USAC Series’ through 2007 but will begin testing with Roush Fenway in the coming weeks.

Younger Skinner Performs Well In NCTS Test

• Dustin Skinner, son of 1995 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Champion Mike Skinner, tested a Bill Davis Racing Toyota Tundra Monday and Tuesday at New Smyrna (Fla.) Speedway.  The younger Skinner exceeded everyone’s expectations. Mike’s No. 5 Tundra team tested at New Smyrna in preparation for next week’s event at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway.  Since the Skinners live in Florida, the elder Skinner decided to see how his son, Dustin would do behind the wheel. Dustin got good grades on the test from both his father and BDR officials at the test. Dustin could see action in the NCTS as early as next year, Mike Skinner said.

Posey Guest Speaker At Watkins Glen Event

• To thank its supporters, the International Motor Racing Research Center will hold an open house Oct. 13 at it’s headquarters in Watkins Glen, N.Y., featuring driver, author and commentator Sam Posey as the guest speaker.

Veteran PR Man Batson Passes Away

• Longtime motorsports publicist Bobby Batson passed away Oct. 10 at his home in Concord, N.C. after a three-year battle with cancer. He was 66. A public memorial service will be held to celebrate his life at 11 a.m. Saturday at First Presbyterian Church in Concord. Batson became Lowe's Motor Speedway's public relations director from 1974-76 when he accepted a similar position with Atlanta Motor Speedway. After that, Batson worked with several sponsors in the motorsports industry -- mainly the Chattanooga Chew and Swisher Sweets brands where he was national accounts manager. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Hospice and Palliative Care of Cabarrus County, 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, N.C.

Oct. 10, 2007 - Report: Jarett To Retire Early in 2008

• Several media outlets are reporting that Dale Jarrett will drive the first six races next season for Michael Waltrip Racing before retiring and giving way to David Reutimann in the No. 44 Toyota. Jarrett has scheduled a press conference this week at Lowe's Motor Speedway to address his future.

Report: Concord, N.C. Reverses Ruling On Dragstrip

• According to an Associated Press report, the dispute over a proposed drag strip near Lowe's Motor Speedway has switched gears. The Concord City Council has reversed its decision made last week that banned drag strips in the area. The council now wants planning officials to consider rezoning the area so they are allowed. Speedway Motorsports, Inc. Bruton Smith has threatened to shut down the speedway and relocate it because of the opposition.

Franchitti Enters Craftsman Truck Series Race

• On the heels of Dario Franchitti’s successful stock car debut in the ARCA race at Talladega Superspeedway last weekend, Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates (CGRFS) announced today the reigning Indianapolis 500 and IndyCar Series Champion will continue his development program in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.  Franchitti will qualify the No.41 Target Dodge Ram next Saturday at Martinsville Speedway. The Cunningham Motorsports-owned truck will be led by Ganassi Crew Chief Brian Pattie and his CGRFS team, who guided Franchitti through his ARCA debut last weekend. The 0.526-mile oval will mark Franchitti’s first run behind the wheel of a NASCAR Truck, and his first ever appearance at the Virginia short track.

Schatz To Formally Announce Sponsor

• As reported in National Speed Sport News in August, Armor All will sponsor the No. 15 sprint car reigning World of Outlaws champion Donny Schatz will drive for Tony Stewart Racing in the 2008 World of Outlaws season. Stewart and Schatz will be on hand for the official announcement Friday at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.

Report: Carpentier Finalizing Deal With GEM

• Former Champ Car driver Patrick Carpentier is finalizing a deal to drive the No. 10 Dodge next season for Gillett Evernham Motorsports, the Associated Press is reporting. Carpentier, who has one Nextel Cup and two Busch Series starts - all on road courses, will replace Scott Riggs in the seat at GEM. Riggs, who has failed to qualify for seven races this season, already has a deal in place with CNC Haas for 2008.

Braun In Truck For Martinsville

• Roush Fenway Racing’s newest driver, 19-year old Colin Braun, will race the No. 50 F-150 at Martinsville Speedway on Oct. 20.  This will be Braun’s first Craftsman Truck Series start. The announcement comes on the heels of Braun’s impressive ARCA RE/MAX Series race at Talladega Superspeedway where he qualified third and finished ninth after leading his first career laps in a stock car. Braun has three ARCA starts on his resume never finishing outside the top-10. In his first career ARCA start, Braun impressed Roush Fenway brass by qualifying 13th and finishing ninth then followed that up with a fifth place qualifying effort and third place finish at Chicagoland.

No. 41 Team Penalized

• NASCAR has issued penalties and fines to the No. 41 team that competes in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, as a result of rule violations found last Sunday in post-race inspection at Talladega Superspeedway. The No. 41 Dodge, driven by Reed Sorenson, was found to be in violation of Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used do not conform to NASCAR rules); and 20-12.8.1C (failed to meet minimum front car heights) of NASCAR Car of Tomorrow Technical Bulletin #3 dated April 10, 2007. Sorenson has been penalized 25 championship driver points, while car owner Chip Ganassi has been penalized 25 championship car owner points. In addition, crew chief Jimmy Elledge has been fined $25,000 and placed on probation until Dec. 31.

Oct. 3, 2007 - Franchitti To Race At Talladega

• Sources told National Speed Sport News Tuesday that Dario Franchitti will make his ARCA and stock-car debut at Talladega this weekend. Franchitti is expected to be announced as the driver of the Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates No. 40 Dodge in NASCAR Sprint Cup in 2008. Franchitti was released from his contract with Andretti Green Racing of the IndyCar Series on Monday.