Nascar Silly Season is Year Round
The term silly season is an extensively used term in the world of NASCAR. It refers to the period during the season when drivers, sponsors, and other various team members announce their plans for the following season, usually meaning that they are moving to a different team. The NASCAR silly season usually began around mid-summer and lasted until early autumn, in plenty of time to prepare for the succeeding season. Throughout the silly season, many rumors regarding drivers and teams and their future whereabouts swirl through the garage and into the World Wide Web.However, much has changed in the world of NASCAR, and silly season is not immune to changes. For an assortment of reasons, silly season begins much earlier in the season, and does not seem to end, and if it does, it is weeks before the Daytona 500. Each year, it has become increasingly lengthy.
Take the 2007 season for example. Even before the drop of the green flag at Daytona in February, it was common knowledge that Dale Earnhardt, Jr. was entering the final year of his contract with Dale Earnhardt, Inc. Add his contract situation to his purported feud with his stepmother Teresa Earnhardt, who owned the majority of DEI, and you had a wide variety of rumors as to what Dale Earnhardt Jr was going to do in 2008. From January to May, fans wondered where NASCAR’s most popular driver was going to call his home.Some thought it was with Richard Childress Racing while others swore he was headed to Joe Gibbs Racing. Others thought he would join the now defunct Ginn Racing. In the end, Dale Earnhardt Jr signed to drive for Hendrick Motorsports. Therefore, Kyle Busch had to find a new home, and eventually signed with Joe Gibbs Racing.Silly season can begin as early as March in today’s NASCAR. In 2008, Roush Fenway Racing driver Jamie McMurray found himself in the midst of silly season discussions. Following the race at Bristol in March, which is only the fifth race of the season that encompassed 36 races, McMurray’s team had fallen outside the top 35 in owner’s points. Immediately, there was speculation regarding his future. That did not end until late-summer when he and Jack Roush stated that McMurray would return to the organization in 2008.
By April,Tony Stewart and Ryan Newman dominated silly season headlines.They ended up leaving Joe Gibbs Racing and Penske Racing respectively and are now teammates at Stewart Haas Racing.Silly season never really ended in 2008. Due to sponsorship woes caused from the feeble economic conditions, many teams closed shop, while others merged with rival teams. In either case, hundreds of people were laid off. Following the 2008 season, DEI and Chip Ganassi Racing became Earnhardt Ganassi Racing, and they have yet to seal their 2009 driver lineup and sponsorship plans. Petty Enterprises merged with Gillett Evernham Motorsports, which meant that the 45 team is no more, and the 10 team may become a part-time effort.
Bobby Labonte left Petty Enterprises to join Hall of Fame Racing, which merged with Yates Racing. Due to the merger and other sponsorship dilemmas, the futures of David Gilliland and Travis Kvapil are unclear. Let us rewind back to the Gillett Evernham Motorsports soap opera. In December, team officials revealed their desire to replace Elliott Sadler with A.J. Allmendinger. Sadler threatened to sue the team, and they ultimately retracted their plans. Allmendinger may end up driving a partial schedule if sponsorship continues to lack within the organization.The bottom line is that silly season is no longer a season. It is now a way of life. It is unremitting in NASCAR, and unless you are firmly established with your team and your sponsor, no driver is immune from the drama that is NASCAR silly season.
About the Author
Jeremy Dunn writes Nascar Racing articles for http://www.nascapper.com and handicaps nascar weekly. Check out his Nascar Racing Picks in his articles.
2008 Daytona 500 Starting Lineup
|
|
Indianapolis 500 Starting Grid 1996 Micro Machines Set $135.00 This is the Indianapolis 500 1996 Starting Grid Micro Machines Set. It includes 33 Different Race Cars plus one Dodge Viper Coupe Pace Car all sealed inside a Special Display Packaging! The bottom of the box shows information on all 33 cars, their drivers, the make of car, their qualifying speed and finish position for this 80th Indy 500 Race! For 200 tough, grueling laps, 33 drivers battle it out… |
|
|
1997 – Kenner – Starting Lineup – Winner’s Circle – NASCAR – Dale Jarrett Action Figure – 4 Inch Fig – Ford Quality Care – Ford Thunderbird – w/ Accessories – Limited Edition – Collectible $2.49 1997 – Kenner – Starting Lineup – Winner’s Circle – NASCAR – Dale Jarrett #88 – 4 Inch Action Figure – Includes: Racing Helmet & Trading Card – Raced for Robert Yates Racing – Sponsored by Ford Quality Care & Ford Credit – Items on Jarrett are getting harder to find – Jarrett is now retired – Items are no Our of Production – Limited Edition – Collectible… |
|
|
1997 Winner’s Circle Dale Earnhardt Nascar Racing Starting Lineup Figure $1.50 … |
|
|
NASCAR Racing Hooded Sweatshirt $39.99 Keep cozy and comfy while you are cheering for your favorite NASCAR driver with this stylish NASCAR Racing Hooded Sweatshirt. When you are seen wearing this sweatshirt everyone will know that you live and breath NASCAR. Drawstring hood Front pouch pocket Machine washable 50% cotton and 50% polyester blend Officially licensed |
|
|
NASCAR Racing Welcome NASCAR Fans 3×5 Flag $28.99 Get your NASCAR Racing Welcome NASCAR Fans 3×5 Flag NOW! This flag is 3 feet long and 5 feet wide and has the NASCAR Racing driver logo and colors proudly placed on one side.. Flag also has two grommets for flying the flag outdoors- but also makes a great wall decor indoors. The flag has an extra wide headband and is made of 150 denier polyester. Officially licensed by NASCAR. Please Note: The design of this item changes frequently. As a result the image displayed is a representative image. The exact design may vary from the image shown. |
|
|
NASCAR Racing NASCAR Nation 3×5 Flag $28.99 Get your NASCAR Racing NASCAR Nation 3×5 Flag NOW! This flag is 3 feet long and 5 feet wide and has the NASCAR Racing driver logo and colors proudly placed on one side.. Flag also has two grommets for flying the flag outdoors- but also makes a great wall decor indoors. The flag has an extra wide headband and is made of 150 denier polyester. Officially licensed by NASCAR. Please Note: The design of this item changes frequently. As a result the image displayed is a representative image. The exact design may vary from the image shown. |
|
|
NASCAR Racing Tradition T-Shirt $14.99 Since its humble beginnings in 1948 to the national phenomenon it is today- professional racing fans from coast to coast will agree that there’s just something about NASCAR that amps up the adrenaline. Celebrate the sport of racing and show off your devotion with this NASCAR Racing Tradition T-Shirt. Stylish and comfortable- this NASCAR t-shirt features 100% cotton construction and has a bold screen print graphic front and center to highlight your fandom. Short sleeve t-shirt Rib knit collar Screen print graphics 100% Cotton Officially licensed |
|
|
NASCAR Racing Striped 3×5 Flag $28.99 Get your NASCAR Racing Stripped 3×5 Flag NOW! This flag is 3 feet long and 5 feet wide and has the NASCAR Racing driver logo and colors proudly placed on one side.. Flag also has two grommets for flying the flag outdoors- but also makes a great wall decor indoors. The flag has an extra wide headband and is made of 150 denier polyester. Officially licensed by NASCAR. Please Note: The design of this item changes frequently. As a result the image displayed is a representative image. The exact design may vary from the image shown. |
|
|
NASCAR Racing Checkered 3×5 Flag $28.99 Get your NASCAR Racing Checkered 3×5 Flag NOW! This flag is 3 feet long and 5 feet wide and has the NASCAR Racing driver logo and colors proudly placed on one side.. Flag also has two grommets for flying the flag outdoors- but also makes a great wall decor indoors. The flag has an extra wide headband and is made of 150 denier polyester. Officially licensed by NASCAR. Please Note: The design of this item changes frequently. As a result the image displayed is a representative image. The exact design may vary from the image shown. |
|
|
NASCAR Racing Helmet Display Case $133.99 Display your NASCAR helmet with one of the deluxe acrylic cases. Each case has a mirrored back (Great for showing off your helmet). Each case is hand crafted in the United States. Measurements: Inner: 15â€? x 11â€? x 12 1/2″. Outer: 17â€? x 12â€? x 14 1/4â€?. |
|
|
NASCAR Racing Double Sided 3×5 Flag $44.99 Get your NASCAR Racing Double Sided 3×5 Flag NOW! This flag is 3 feet long and 5 feet wide and has the driver logo and colors proudly placed on both sides of flag. Also reads correctly on both sides and has a liner that prevents light distortion. Flag also has two grommets for flying the flag outdoors- but also makes a great wall decor indoors. The flag has an extra wide headband and is made of 150 denier polyester. Officially licensed by NASCAR. Please Note: The design of this item changes frequently. As a result the image displayed is a representative image. The exact design may vary from the image shown. |
|
|
NASCAR PARKING SIGN $7.99 Nascar metal wall sign recognizes the fervent enthusiasm of the true racing fan with this fun room accent. Great in bedroom, family room or den. Makes a great gift. 17 1/2 x 12 1/4”. |
|
|
1993 Talladega – NASCAR DVD $24.99 1993 NASCAR Winston 500 Talladega Super speedway Now this is what racing’s all about! One of the most storied tracks in its short history- the Talladega Super speedway is the setting for NASCAR’s closest race to the finish line ever. 1993 was a difficult year for NASCAR as it mourned the loss of Alan Lukwicki in a plane crash near Bristol- Tennessee. Tragedy continued to haunt NASCAR nation as Davey Allison died from injuries suffered in a helicopter accident in the infield at Talladega. As NASCAR attempted to cope with these losses- the racing continued. In typical Talladega style- the racing was fierce for the DieHard 500. The lead changed four times in the final lap alone. Dale Earnhardt and the #3 car edged out Ernie Irvan by a mere six inches- or .005 seconds. This was the closest margin of victory since the advent of electronic timing. Now is your chance to witness one of NASCAR’s greatest heroes prevail in true Earnhardt fashion as “The Man In Black” powers his way to victory lane. Officially Licensed by NASCAR |
|
|
History of NASCAR V1.0 DVD $20.99 A look at the best moments in the history of America’s largest spectator sport. As NASCAR celebrates more than six decades of car racing action- this program takes viewers all of the most important happenings from the 1940′s through today’s Winston Cup Championship. Great photo’s- rare footage- and interviews with some of the greatest drivers and their families complete this wonderful biography of one of the biggest sports of all time. 90 minutes and is officially licensed by NASCAR. |
|
|
NASCAR HOOD CLOCK DALE JARRETT $29.99 NASCAR Hood Clocks feature racing’s brightest stars. Jeff Gordon, Rusty Wallace, Kevin Harvick and more are featured with their cars in vivid, full-color. Hood-shaped clock makes a terrific gift! Battery included. Wood, 10 x 12”. |
|
|
NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race Event T-Shirt $14.99 Gear up for the All Star Race in style with this NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race Event T-Shirt. Racing t-shirt features screen print graphics and 100% cotton construction. NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race Event T-Shirt Rib knit collar Screen print graphics 100% Cotton Officially licensed NASCAR gear |
|
|
Ford Racing Hooded Sweatshirt $39.99 Keep cozy and comfy while you are cheering for your favorite NASCAR driver with this stylish Ford Racing Hooded Sweatshirt. When you are seen wearing this sweatshirt everyone will know that you live and breath NASCAR. Drawstring hood Front pouch pocket Machine washable 50% cotton and 50% polyester blend Officially licensed |
|
|
JumpFly NASCAR Sports Sweatshirt by CafePress $42.5 Promote JumpFly Support McGlynn Racing. Sports Sweatshirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt Warm up in our stylin’ Hanes Heavyweight 90/10 cotton/polyester sweatshirt. Thick but not bulky, for maximum comfort and durability whether you’re working out or hanging out. 10.1 oz. patented PrintPro174; fabric in a 90/10 cotton/polyester |
|
|
Class of 2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame All Inductees Adjustable Hat $22.99 Searching for a simple yet timeless way to show that you are a die-hard Ford Racing fan? Look no further than this officially licensed Class of 2012 NASCAR Hall of Fame All Inductees Adjustable Hat. This comfy piece of Ford Racing apparel features team colors and is adjustable for desired comfort. When you are seen sporting this hat- everyone will know you are a die-hard fan. Adjustable back closure for desired comfort Features teams vibrant color scheme Six panel construction with eyelets Dynamic colored team logo Officially licensed |
|
|
Cale Yarborough NASCAR Hall of Fame Inductee Adjustable Hat $22.99 Searching for a simple yet timeless way to show that you are a die-hard Ford Racing fan? Look no further than this officially licensed Cale Yarborough NASCAR Hall of Fame Inductee Adjustable Hat. This comfy piece of Ford Racing apparel features team colors and is adjustable for desired comfort. When you are seen sporting this hat- everyone will know you are a die-hard fan. Adjustable back closure for desired comfort Features teams vibrant color scheme Six panel construction with eyelets Dynamic colored team logo Officially licensed |
|
|
Dale Inman NASCAR Hall of Fame Inductee Adjustable Hat $22.99 Searching for a simple yet timeless way to show that you are a die-hard Dodge Racing fan? Look no further than this officially licensed Dale Inman NASCAR Hall of Fame Inductee Adjustable Hat. This comfy piece of Dodge Racing apparel features team colors and is adjustable for desired comfort. When you are seen sporting this hat- everyone will know you are a die-hard fan. Adjustable back closure for desired comfort Features teams vibrant color scheme Six panel construction with eyelets Dynamic colored team logo Officially licensed |
|
|
Glen Wood NASCAR Hall of Fame Inductee Adjustable Hat $22.99 Searching for a simple yet timeless way to show that you are a die-hard Ford Racing fan? Look no further than this officially licensed Glen Wood NASCAR Hall of Fame Inductee Adjustable Hat. This comfy piece of Ford Racing apparel features team colors and is adjustable for desired comfort. When you are seen sporting this hat- everyone will know you are a die-hard fan. Adjustable back closure for desired comfort Features teams vibrant color scheme Six panel construction with eyelets Dynamic colored team logo Officially licensed |
|
|
Nascar Tony Stewart Tote – Red $18.39 Nascar-NASCAR Tony Stewart Tote |
|
|
Nascar Jeff Gordon Tote – Black $18.39 Nascar-NASCAR Jeff Gordon Tote |
|
|
Nascar Jimmie Johnson Tote – Blue $18.39 Nascar-NASCAR Jimmie Johnson Tote |
|
|
Nascar Dale Jr Tote – Green $18.39 Nascar-NASCAR Dale Jr Tote |
|
|
2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion Tony Stewart Sterling Silver 3X Champ Enamel Charm On Rollo Bracelet $116.99 Tony Stewart proved he is the undisputed champion of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series! Now- you too- can celebrate his dramatic win with this NASCAR charm bracelet! This solid sterling silver bracelet is beautifully crafted with gleaming interlocking links and adorned with Tony Stewart’s 3-time championship charm. The charm is handcrafted in solid sterling silver- the official NASCAR Sprint Champion logo is embossed in the middle along with Tony Stewart’s number and his facsimile signature proclaiming victory! For added impact- the medallion’s background is precisely enameled in Tony’s color: racing red. |
|
|
2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion Tony Stewart Sterling Silver 3X Champ Enamel Dangle Earrings $99.99 Indulge yourself with this object of desire. What better way to subtly- yet fashionably congratulate your driver for winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series? These sterling silver drop earrings are embossed with the official NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Logo- Tony Stewart’s number- facsimile signature and the three years he has won! For added impact- the medallion’s background is precisely enameled in Tony’s color: racing red. |
|
|
2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion Tony Stewart Sterling Silver 3X Champ Enamel Charm On Key Chain $59.99 Turn on your ignition while turning heads with your Tony Stewart 3-time NASCAR Sprint Champion Key Chain! Fused with timeless elements and fashionable looks- this silver tone key chain is adorned with Tony Stewart’s 3-time championship charm. The charm is handcrafted in solid sterling silver- the official NASCAR Sprint Champion logo is embossed in the middle along with Tony Stewart’s number and his facsimile signature proclaiming victory! For added impact- the medallion’s background is precisely enameled in Tony’s color: racing red. |
|
|
2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion Tony Stewart Sterling Silver 3X Champ Enamel Charm $54.99 Capture the moment that Tony Stewart won the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for the third time with this Champion charm! Handcrafted in solid sterling silver- the official NASCAR Sprint Champion logo is embossed in the middle along with Tony Stewart’s number and his facsimile signature proclaiming victory! For added impact- the background is precisely enameled in Tony’s color: racing red. |
|
|
2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion Tony Stewart Sterling Silver 3X Champ Enamel Post Earrings $99.99 Indulge yourself with this object of desire. What better way to subtly- yet fashionably congratulate your driver for winning the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series? These sterling silver post earrings are embossed with the official NASCAR Sprint Cup Series logo- Tony Stewart’s number- facsimile signature and the three years he has won! For added impact- the medallion’s background is precisely enameled in Tony’s color: racing red. |
|
|
2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion Tony Stewart Sterling Silver 3X Champ Enamel Pendant Necklace $64.99 Capture the moment that Tony Stewart won the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series for the third time with this Champion charm! Handcrafted in solid sterling silver- the official NASCAR Sprint Champion logo is embossed in the middle along with Tony Stewart’s number and his facsimile signature proclaiming victory! For added impact- the background is precisely enameled in Tony’s color: racing red. Supported on an 18″ sterling silver chain. |
|
|
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Plaque Details: Chevrolet 100th Anniversary, Hendrick Motorsports, Sublimated, 10×13, NASCAR Plaque $29.99 Celebrate Chevrolet’s 100 Years of Racing with this commemorative plaque. Each plaque comes with an image of Dale Earnhardt Jr. sublimated onto a pressboard plaque with a black overlay finish. It measures 10 1/2 x13x1 and is ready to hang in any home or office. Officially licensed by NASCAR. |
