Countdown to Daytona: Owner Point Style No. 31 (No Driver)

Today we focus on a car that has no driver.

No, it won’t be driven by an imaginary man, but right now it appears either Bobby Labonte or Elliot Sadler may be the leading candidates for the ride.

The car became vacant when last year’s driver, Reed Sorenson left to drive for Gillett Evernham, how ironic that a driver kicked out of the GEM stable, Sadler, may be replacing Sorenson in the car.

Anyway, the car will also be a Chevrolet this year. Last year this team was a Dodge, and we all know what Dodge has done lately—nothing.

Let’s get on to the preview:

Today’s Spotlight: No. 41

Team: Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing

Driver: None confirmed—possibly, Bobby Labonte or Elliot Sadler

Sponsor: Target

Driver 2008 Stats: Since it has yet to be released on who will be driving this car, I figured I’d give a brief overview of both the rumored drivers for 2009. Starting with Sadler, who managed eight top-10 finishes and two top-fives. Sadler led a dismal 21 laps (his lowest since the 2000 season) and earned just above $4.4 million.

Sadler’s average finish in 2008 was 24th.

Labonte spent 2008 behind the wheel of the No. 43 Petty Enterprise Dodge. During the season he managed two top-10 finishes and earned more than $4.6 million.

Labonte spent only four laps out front, (his lowest since 1994) and averaged a finishing position of 22nd.

Last year, the No. 41 was driven by Reed Sorenson who had two top-10 finishes and one top-five in 2008. Sorenson earned more than $4.2 million and averaged a finish of  26th.

News: The No. 41 team was involved in the merger between Chip Ganassi Racing and Dale Earnhardt Incorporated. The merge is the second time DEI has made drastic measures to keep the doors open. Following the 2007 season, DEI acquired Ginn Racing and became a four-car operation.

With sponsorships dwindling away and the loss of Paul Menard and his father’s sponsorship, the team was faced with four teams, and only one car fully sponsored.

Ganassi was also facing difficulties finding sponsorship and the merger appeared to be the only way to keep both afloat.

Either Labonte or Sadler will be a great pick-up for this team, as both would bring some leadership and experience to the table. DEI’s lead driver is Martin Truex Jr. who enters his fourth season in the Cup Series.

The merger was also needed to keep Truex and his primary sponsor Bass Pro Shops. Both have a clause in their contracts that mandate that DEI field two sponsored full-time rides, or else they can leave the company.

My Prediction for 2009: It’s about near impossible to make a prediction for a car that doesn’t have a driver landed yet. So, I’ll simply give a very broad range prediction for this team. Regardless of who they get, Sadler or Labonte, this team will be a upper-middle-packer. What does that mean?

Well no matter who is driver this car, it won’t be one that competes for wins every weekend, but it will finish regularly in the top-25, occasionally battling for a top-10 finish. I don’t think the team will be a Chase contender, but with DEI’s resume at restrictor plate tracks, this team could squeak out a win or top-five at either Daytona or Talladega.

Will this team remain in top-35: No matter who is driving this car, the team should have no problem remaining in the top-35. It’s always a toss-up with a new driver and crew to see how things mesh, but I don’t see them having problems remaining in the top-35. Automatically starting the first five races will give them a heads-up on the cars looking in from outside.

Up Tomorrow: No. 22 Dave Blaney

This story also appears on my blog: Sports 101

Reminder: Only 31 days until the Budweiser Shootout!

B-Blog