Over the next few days, we'll be looking at NASCAR's top teams and sizing up their 2009 seasons, based on both expectation and results. Next up: Earnhardt Ganassi Racing, and please welcome special guest star Felix Sabates!
Drivers (rank): Juan Pablo Montoya (9), Martin Truex Jr. (24)
Wins out of 19 races: 0 (Best finish: 6th -- Montoya at Michigan and Infineon; Truex at Darlington)
The story: Even as Juan Pablo Montoya makes his run at history by becoming the first-ever foreign-born driver to make the Chase, Earnhardt Ganassi racing is crumbling. Already down to just two cars because of sponsorship and financial concerns, they will be losing Martin Truex Jr. at the end of the year when he bolts to Michael Waltrip Racing.
We've covered the decline and fall of Dale Earnhardt Inc. many times in the past here, but it's worth noting again ... there's very little left of the company that The Intimidator created. How long will Montoya stay with the company? (He hasn't disclosed how long his contract is.) How long can the company itself stay afloat with just one car in the current economic climate?
The verdict: Good for Montoya, not so good for Earnhardt Ganassi. A Chase berth would bode well for Earnhardt Ganassi, but clearly some changes have to be made to move the company forward.
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