NASCAR: Could Crew Chief's Displeasure with Team Lead to the Success of Another?

That is a question that may be circulating around the garage this weekend at Daytona International Speedway. Speculation about Greg Zipadelli’s feelings toward Joey Logano, the #20 Home Depot Toyota and the driver’s performance this season has led to speculation that the driver’s crew chief may be looking to change rides and may be reunited with his former driver and close friend, Tony Stewart.

Logano is currently 23rd in the points chase with little hope of making a run at the title.

"I am unhappy with our results," Zipadelli said in a report from the Associated Press that appears on NASCAR.com. "Of course I'm not happy right now. Who would be happy 23rd in points?"

Zipadelli had been paired with Stewart since the first day he joined Joe Gibbs Racing. Together, they won 33 races and two points titles.

The reunion would seem like a no-brainer in light of the struggles the #20 team has had this season with only two top-10 finishes, but Zipadelli is also not committing to anything and downplaying the rumors.

Stewart, the majority owner of Stewart Haas Racing is currently looking for a director of competition. There has been speculation this is a position that the former crew chief could fill, but there are two years remaining on a contract with JGR. He said he has no plan to leave the team or the operation before his contract expires.

"I love Tony, he's as close to me as my brother," Zipadelli said. "But that doesn't mean anything. I love the organization I work for; they've been very positive and very supportive for over 13 years. I learned a long time ago to never say never in this sport about anything."

The only statement SHR has made is that the organization is nowhere near ready to hire someone to fill the open slot in its organization.

"We haven't got anywhere yet. We are still looking at our options," Stewart said. "It would be nice to have a person in that position. We definitely want to get that role filled. At the same time… we want to make sure we're hiring the right person. So we'll take our time on it."

With all that is going on with Logano’s team, there are other factors that JGR may consider next season. Carl Edwards has not signed a new contract with Roush/Fenway Racing. He could be a very sought after free agent if he decides to change organizations.

Rumors have circulated that the current points leader could look to JGR and drive the #20 Toyota next year and that Gibbs would move Logano to a fourth ride for the 2012 season.