Mayfield May Field Second Bill Davis Entry In 2007?

By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Published on Thunder Lounge.

[thumb:177:l:s=1:l=x]Multiple sources reported to Nascar.com Saturday that Jeremy Mayfield is very close to possibly signing a deal to drive the second Bill Davis entry in 2007. Quite a turn of events, really, as earlier reports had that seat being filled by Bill Lester.

So what happened to Bill? Sponsorship difficulties, or what? Not bringing Bill Lester into the seat could very well be Bill Davis’ worst move since dumping all over Ward Burton. Putting aside the big buzz from the press in the diversity category, Bill Lester could get it done. Not saying he would set the series on fire, but he has the patience, experience, and skill to be consistent and give Bill Davis their best season recent memory. Not to mention that he would be an incredible asset to any sponsorship marketing plan, as he is one of the most likable guys around.

This isn’t a cry against Jeremy either. He’s an extremely accomplished driver. However considering all the options he has on the table, he can do so much better. Even the standing offer from Michael Waltrip would be better. Laugh at that, you may. Think about it, you must. First, it’s the environment. MWR would provide exactly what Mayfield wants, and needs. That supportive environment, surrounded by friends, that Mayfield has said he finds important. On top of that, is the motivation, raw desire and passion for competition. As compared to BDR, Mayfield would not be guaranteed to start in the first 5 races either way, and BDR is not the most “friendly” environment to work in. Just ask Scott Wimmer, and of course, Ward Burton. BDR’s current environment doesn’t look to have much, if they indeed are shunning Bill Lester simply because now there is a better candidate on the market.

Furthering this along, Ray Evernham and Mayfield both agree that there isn’t a final decision that has been made yet, and they still have a lot of work to do with the #19 team. They’re first priority is fixing the problems there, and then sorting out the rest later. However, also according to the Nascar.com article, Mayfield did say that in the end it is unlikely that he would be returning to Evernham next season.

Current rumors have Elliot Sadler, who was granted release from Robert Yates a few weeks ago, stepping in to fill the seat at Evernham. Even as soon as this season, with a few races remaining. While Mayfield has stated that his focus is on the #19 for the remainder of the season, when asked about the possibility, he jokingly said that Evernham would just simply put two seats in the car.

Realistically, look at what happened last year as the Chase began. If you’re not in the top 10, you’re testing for 2007 and changes are made quicker than the spreading of an Oklahoma wildfire. At this time, there isn’t and reason to expect to see a similar approach as this year’s Chase heads off towards Homestead. Whether it is as it begins, or during it, and whom it will involve is still yet to be seen. Most likely half the changes that are likely to come haven’t even been fully laid out yet by those who will make them. Then again, who knows. If the car is firmly in the top 35, and runs over the last 10 races or so that resulted in finishing 20th to 30th wouldn’t likely kill the top 35 position, it just might be a fine time to get someone coming in next season some seat time as well as time to adjust to the new team combination. While it’s in serious doubt that an owner would sacrifice the opportunities in the Rookie of the Year eligibility next season for an extra couple of races, there could easily be adjustments made to accommodate just enough to keep them eligible next season. See: Denny Hamlin and Joe Gibbs last season.

Another note that did come to light during this whole thing, is that Bill Davis Racing confirmed that Dave Blaney would indeed remain in his current seat as they transition to Camry’s next season.

So, with this confirmation, here’s how the open/empty seats (that are known) currently sit. As a note, this is only a list of confirmed driver’s, not speculation.

Robert Yates (2 seats, 1 open. Might be 3 seats, according to Robert Yates.)

• David Gilliland
  (Not officially announced, but basically confirmed by Doug Yates “I think everyone knows who it is.”)
• Not announced
• Not announced
  (Third team possible, but not confirmed.)

Bill Davis Racing (2 seats, 1 still open.)

• Dave Blaney
• Not announced

Michael Waltrip Racing(3 seats, 1 still open.)

• Michael Waltrip
• Dale Jarrett
• Not announced

Red Bull Racing(2 seats, 1 still open.)

• Brian Vickers
• Not announced

While there are several drivers rumored to be headed to one of the open seats above, we’ve omitted anything beyond rumor or speculation. The exception above is David Gilliland. While he has not been officially announced, Doug Yates said in regards to their cancelled press conference Friday that (as noted above) “I think everyone knows who it is.” While Mayfield may be leaving, it’s not officially open yet. Although many a report has come out that Elliot Sadler is next in line.

Rumors for Yates are the most prevalent. They have RYR development driver Stephen Leicht moving up, and also there has been speculation and unconfirmed reports regarding Ward Burton as well. Yates said himself that it’s a sponsorship deal with Burton, and that he’d ink the deal tomorrow if sponsorship would line up. This is where the possibility of three teams at RYR comes into play.

The BDR rumors were noted above, so that leaves Michael Waltrip’s seat and Red Bull’s seat as the only two that don’t have rampant rumors running about with them. However, there has been mention of Ricky Rudd, as well as Bill Elliot in the thick of things. It was even mentioned a time or two that someone was trying to lure back Rusty Wallace. Unknown as to whom, Rusty said that his deal with ESPN would not allow it and that he was happy in his current role.

What has yet to be seen, is the extent of Elliot Sadler’s comment. One that isn’t receiving much attention, but absolutely can’t be ignored.

You’d be surprised at how many cars will open up next year.

That being from someone who obviously has fielded a lot of calls, from teams looking for a driver, and most surely has received even more since he made that comment a few weeks ago.

Keeping that in mind, all the currently open seats were known at that time. Reading into that a little more, we can only guess at what is still yet to come in terms of car hopping. If this comes to light, then the few seat announcements known to be coming are not the end of it. The ride on this roller coaster still has some surprises left around the corners between here and Homestead.

Filed Under: Nascar, Nextel Cup





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