Movers and shakers

August 15

• Tony Stewart made the speculation official at Michigan when it was announced fellow Hoosier Ryan Newman will join Stewart-Haas Racing in 2009 and drive the No. 4 Chevrolet. Sponsorship deals have not been completed.
Full story
Video: Ryan Newman, Tony Stewart news conference
Also: Stewart-Haas puzzle nearly complete with Newman

July 25

• Tony Stewart took another step at ironing out the details of his new Cup Series team by revealing his primary sponsors and number for the 2009 season. Stewart will drive the No. 14 Chevrolet, chosen to honor his racing hero A.J. Foyt. Office Depot, which will be leaving the Roush Fenway No. 99 car, will co-sponsor Stewart's ride along with Old Spice.
Full story

July 14

• In the final year of his contract with Penske Racing and unhappy with the team's performance, Ryan Newman wanted to weigh his options for the 2009 season. Instead, the Penske organization decided to move on without him, and announced it was cutting ties with Newman effective the end of the year.
Full story
Also: Now the rest of the dominos able to fall
Also: Newman weighs option of joining Stewart-Haas


Stewart-Haas Racing
Deal Stewart couldn't refuse
Menzer: Gamble worth taking
Aumann: Driver-ownerships
July 9

• Add another line to Tony Stewart's resume: team owner. Joe Gibbs Racing announced it has agreed to release Stewart, a two-time Cup Series champion, from the final year of his contract. In turn, Stewart is purchasing what is believed to be a 50 percent stake in Haas CNC Racing and will drive for the team in 2009.
Full story
Video: Stewart-Haas news conference highlights
Also: Stewart's move hearkens to another era

July 4

• Team owner Rick Hendrick and veteran driver Mark Martin, 49, announced a multi-year deal that places Martin in Hendrick Motorsports' No. 5 Chevrolet. Hendrick said he thought placing Martin, who last competed full time in Cup in 2006, with highly regarded young crew chief Alan Gustafson would only be a positive for his organization and the fans.
Full story
Video: Martin on the move

July 1

• Aric Almirola won't need a Christmas present this December, because he just received a gift that he promises he'll play with all year long. Dale Earnhardt Inc. officials confirmed that Almirola will drive the No. 8 Chevrolet in all 36 races in 2009. Almirola finished eighth at Bristol in his DEI debut, which apparently accelerated discussions with the team about his immediate future.
Full story

• Chip Ganassi Racing officials announced the team will shut down the No. 40 Sprint Cup Series entry driven by rookie Dario Franchitti, effective immediately. The team cited a "lack of sponsorship funding" for cutting back the No. 40 team. Ganassi's No. 41, driven by Reed Sorenson, and the No. 42, driven by Montoya, will remain full-time.
Full story
Also: Franchitti looking for a ride, still shocked at shutdown

June 27

• Hendrick Motorsports announced that Casey Mears would not be returning to its No. 5 car next season, a de facto dismissal that becomes the first domino to topple in what is sure to be a long line of them before this season is over.
Full story
Video: Mears finds leaving Hendrick hard to do

• After weeks of saying he was close to signing a contract extension with Roush Fenway Racing, Greg Biffle announced at New Hampshire that he will drive the No. 16 Ford through 2011, with 3M continuing as his sponsor.

• Clint Bowyer returned to Loudon, site of his first Cup victory in September 2007, and chose that opportunity to confirm he has signed a contract extension with Richard Childress Racing through 2011.

June 11

• At the same time Petty Enterprises had entered into a partnership with private equity firm Boston Ventures, it was announced that Bobby Labonte had reached a four-year extension to remain in the famed 43 car.
Also: Pettys take first step on way back
Video: NASCAR 24/7 profiles Bobby Labonte
Head2Head: Right decision for Labonte?

May 2

• Carl Edwards brokered his own deal to remain at Roush Fenway Racing, announcing a multi-year extension. Jack Roush confirmed the deal was for three years. Aflac will become the No. 99 car's primary sponsor beginning in 2009.