Who's Where for 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup (Part 3)

Racin’ with Russ

Here is Part 3 of who’s where for NASCAR’s Sprint Cup team lineup for 2011. You might keep a score card as there are many changes in store.

No. 21 - The Woods Brothers return to action for about the sixth decade of competition with veteran Bill Elliott and an occasional appearance by newbee Trevor Bayne.

Motorcraft may be the backer in this part-time operation unless team reps can put together a full-time gig. David Hyder will call the shots as crew chief.

No. 22 - Penske shoe Kurt Busch will jump into this newly configured Dodge Pennzoil ride. It will take some getting used to with a very different bright red and yellow paint scheme—nothing like the sponsor he had last year with Kevin Harvick.

Steve Addington will steer the ship as they look for a smoother road to the top. Yes, they made the Chase, but dropped out of the top 10 after the final outing with dismal results. Yes, they won two races and put together 17 top 10’s, two poles, and nearly $7 million in earnings, but they need to ride the top 10 train a little harder.

No. 24 - It’s hard to believe, but for the past 18 years, we’ve seen Jeff Gordon in a brightly multi-colored Dupont Chevy No. 24. That’s all about to change big time in the form of a new paint scheme, sponsor, and crew chief.

The sponsor list will be headed by AARP with Drive to End Hunger decals with a maroon and black paint job. Dupont will return for 14 shows while Pepsi will back two venues. Allan Gustafson is signed on for the next three years as crew chief and perhaps the young director can help Gordon back on to victory lane, something eluding the four-time champ for more than two years.

Too early to predict the outcome of this duo, but there certainly is a lot of talent aboard.

No. 27 - Paul Menard has managed to land as the fourth car in the Childress racing stable. With backing from his father’s home improvement retail store investments, Menard will maintain advice from crew chief Slugger Labbe and try to stay among the top 15.

With experience and top performing parts, this combo could very likely achieve their goals with a few top fives thrown in. Look for a neon yellow scheme with an orange swirl amidst the number.

No. 29 - Kevin Harvick returns to drive this Childress Chevy after coming off his best Sprint Cup season to date. Three wins and a third in points is nothing to sneeze at.

Look for a very red or very black paint schemed ride with Budweiser plastered on the hood and sides for 20 races. Can the Gil Martin/Harvick combo return to top form again? I’d say a return to the Chase is possible, but no title is seen in my crystal ball.

From Rumorville - Looking at the final money stats for Sprint Cup drivers, it’s amazing that not even the champion can re-coop operating expenses with a $13.3 million earnings total. Let’s see, it cost about $15-$20 million to run that team and they win $13.3.

I guess that’s a lot better than the $8.6 million won by runner-up Hamlin for his efforts despite a similar Fed Ex sponsor budget.

This goes back to the old saying in auto racing…how do you win a small fortune in racing? Start with a big one.

Carl Edwards actor? That’s right…don’t be surprised while you are watching an HBO civil war series, that ole Cousin Carl doesn’t pop up as one of the members of the military. The latest cast member will portray General John B. Gordon and contrary to yet other rumors, he will not be flipping or body slamming the other soldiers or wagons.

That’s it for this week. Next week’s RWR will continue with Part 4 of Who’s Where in 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup along with more racing news from around the globe.

Questions? Comments? Contact Russ at [e-mail]