Penske Racing officials say Sam Hornish Jr. will drive the team’s No. 06 Nextel Cup Dodge this weekend at New Hampshire International Speedway, the first of several Cup races he’ll attempt this season.
John Menard is reported to be considering moving his sponsorship from Dale Earnhardt Inc. to Roger Penske’s Dodge team, with Penske expanding to a three-car operation. Menard, according to sources, has chopped his list to two owners, and it appears that Robby Gordon is no longer in the running. Menard, who is supporting son Paul on the Cup tour at DEI, has been reported interested in purchasing DEI from Teresa Earnhardt.
Penske Racing announced on Tuesday that Pat Tryson will become crew chief effective immediately of the No. 2 Dodge driven by Kurt Busch. Tryson replaces Troy Raker who has served as interim crew chief of the team since Texas. Troy will return to his previous role within the Penske engineering department. Tryson, a 10-year veteran Nextel Cup crew chief, led Mark Martin to the Chase in each of the last three seasons while working for Roush Fenway Racing. Most recently, he served as crew chief for Greg Biffle and the No. 16 team.
Roger Penske said Sunday he plans to field two Dodge-backed Nextel Cup Series teams in 2008. Recent reports said Penske Racing may leave Dodge next season in favor of a move to Toyota, a rumor Penske dismissed. “Our Dodge commitment is a long-term contract,” said Penske, one of the world’s largest Toyota dealers.
Jayski.com is reporting that Mobil 1 is in negotiations to be a full-time, primary sponsor for a third Penske Racing Nextel Cup Dodge in 2008. No word on a driver.