Ginn Racing Re-evaluates
Ginn Racing laid off an unspecified number of employees as part of its re-evaluation process and has "hibernated" its Busch Series team as the company attempts to shore up its direction, Ginn Racing Chief Executive Officer Jay Frye said Sunday at Chicagoland Speedway.

Frye acknowledged there were recent layoffs at the company and said the Busch team would not enter any events in the near future. He also hinted that part of the evaluation process could include getting rookie Regan Smith some more seat time in a Nextel Cup car this season, which would mean bumping either Sterling Marlin or Joe Nemechek from their current full-time rides.

The evaluation process stems from several issues, including the lack of solid sponsorship for Nemechek's No. 13 car and the competitive gap between the teams of Nemechek and Marlin in comparison Mark Martin's No. 01 team.

Layoffs at the company included some of the Busch team's 22 employees and other positions within the organization that were consolidated.

"We grew so fast and had to do what we did and now you evaluate where we're at," Frye said. "Unfortunately, we had to do some things to shore up the company. It's not a pleasant experience."

Frye said the team wants to start getting ready for next year and look to the future - which may or may not include a cutback from three to two Cup teams. He said selling off the owner points for one of the teams has not been discussed.

The thinking, he said, is "Where are we at? What are we doing? Why are we doing it? It's really simple."

Smith will drive a Cup car full-time in either the No. 13 or 14 next season, meaning either Nemechek or Marlin - both of whom have contracts that expire after this year - will not return. If the organization cuts back to two teams, neither would return.

Frye indicated the evaluation process could result in a change sooner than later - possibly as soon as the next Cup race at Indianapolis.(scenedaily.com)

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