Scott Riggs' Plans for 2009 Are Wide Open

While still unofficial, it appears that Scott Riggs will be the odd man out at Stewart-Haas. Riggs had been talking to several teams about opportunities in 2009. According to NASCAR.com, he's 99.99999 percent sure he won't be back with the team.

Meanwhile Joe Custer, the team's manager, stated that "no one's out" and expects a decision on the driver lineup next week (www.NASCAR.com).

While Riggs hasn't finalized anything yet, he is still looking for a Sprint Cup ride and is working hard to secure one. If the rumor about State Water Heaters staying with Riggs as a package deal is true, with our economy in shambles right now it could be a blessing for him and an incentive for a team to sign him.

I felt that he never really had a fair shot at MB2 and Evernham/Gillette and he's been handcuffed to losing Crew Chief Bootie Barker for six races at Haas/CNC this year. He did finish 20th in 2006 for Evernham, but shuffling crew members on the team hurt him the following year.

I should mention Valvoline and Checker's treated him fairly.

I would hate to see him have to go back to CTS or Nationwide where he won five races and four races respectively. Put Riggs in a quality ride at RCR, Gibbs, or HMS and he's a winner.

I feel he deserves another opportunity in Sprint Cup in '09, he can win in Cup, has talent, and is a class act. Should Stewart/Haas let him go, here's five Sprint Cup teams he could help in 2009.

Petty Enterprises

Riggs would take over the No. 45 car, bring the much needed State Water Heaters sponsorship with him, and Marathon could switch to the No. 43. Plus, with Bobby as a teammate, it's a win-win situation and Petty would be back in Victory Lane in 2009. Both would be Top 20 teams and finally Labonte would have a true teammate.

Wood Brothers Racing

Riggs could keep this legendary team in the game. State Water Heaters would basically replace the departing Little Debbie sponsor and maybe keep Air Force on board. Plus, they could add a second team with Jon Wood, Kevin Wood, and Bill Elliott.

Dale Earnhardt, Inc.

Riggs could drive in either the No. 1 or No. 15 car, and State Water Heaters would replace either Bass Pro Shop or Menard's. But we have to wait and see if either ride becomes available.

Robby Gordon Motorsports

Riggs would be a benefit for Robby by adding a teammate and making him more competitive. If Gordon wants a teammate, I can't see him passing on the package of Riggs/State Water Heaters.

Gillett/Evernham Motorsports

Only because Valvoline demanded it. A decision by the team on Carpentier's status is pending and Patrick's being out of the Top 35 is a big factor should Riggs remain 35th in points or better.

Riggs would come back to team, Evernham would apologize to him, and Valvoline would stay with the team. GEM could add State Water Heaters along with Checker's/Rally's and Valvoline.