No Fourth Team For RCR Next Year
He (Richard Childress) hasn't quite found the right combination for a fourth car, so any expansion will likely be on hold until 2009.

"We're working on it, but right now we're about at the point of no return [for next season]," said Childress, who has all three of his current drivers -- Jeff Burton, Clint Bowyer and Kevin Harvick -- competing in NASCAR's championship Chase.

"It isn't looking really good right now. There are opportunities out there, but none that we want to pursue. I'd rather hold off a year and make sure that we get the right combination. It has to fit into our whole program. We'll run some races next year with [Scott] Wimmer or something, but right now, we don't know really what we're going to do."(nascar.com)

Franchitti's Plans Set Back
Dario Franchitti's plans to kick off his stock car career with Chip Ganassi Racing in two weeks' have been put on hold because of the Scotsman's contractual commitments with Andretti Green Racing.

Chip Ganassi has been working on a deal to try to get Franchitti some stock car experience as soon as possible, with the aim of having him well-prepared to drive for his team in the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup.

However, negotiations have apparently hit a stumbling block as Franchitti is still under contract with AGR, has further commitments to the team, and an early release from his obligations has not been reached.

He is scheduled to race for AGR in the Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta on October 6, driving an Acura in the LMP2 class, alongside his brother Marino and Bryan Herta. He raced the car earlier this year at Long Beach and Sebring, and has already tested it at Road Atlanta.

Chip Ganassi said last Sunday at Dover that he was trying to get Franchitti in an ARCA race at Talladega on October 5, which is one day before the American Le Mans event. Despite both venues being just 150 miles from each other, there are conflicting schedules that would make it very difficult for the Scot to compete in both.(autosport.com)

No Penalty For Petty
NASCAR will not penalize Kyle Petty for slapping the visor of Denny Hamlin in the garage area following their accident in Sunday's Dodge Dealers 400, a NASCAR spokesman said.

Petty was angry after Hamlin hit his rear bumper, sending him into the wall Sunday at Dover International Speedway. After being released from the infield medical center, Petty went over to Hamlin's car in the garage, unhooked Hamlin's window net, yelled at him and slapped his visor. Hamlin got out of his car but was restrained by crew members and NASCAR officials.

Earlier this year, a shoving match between Richard Childress Racing's Kevin Harvick and Chip Ganassi Racing's Juan Pablo Montoya also resulted in no penalties - "no harm, no foul," NASCAR Vice President Jim Hunter said at the time.(scenedaily.com)

Haas CNC Racing Looking
Haas CNC Racing could be the next Nextel Cup Series team looking to make a driver change for the 2008 season. Haas has yet to exercise the one-year option on the contract for Jeff Green, who drives the organization's No. 66 Chevrolet, and the team has been exploring other driver possibilities, multiple sources confirmed on Wednesday. One possible target is Scott Riggs, who has yet to solidify his future with Gillett Evernham Motorsports for next season. Green, the 2000 Busch Series champion, is 29th in Cup points with just three top-10 finishes this season. He has not finished in the top five of a race since the 2002 season.(thatsracin.com)

Evernham To Host Custom Bike and Auto Show
Ray Evernham and Racing for a Reason are hosting a Custom Bike and Auto Show Fundraiser in the heart of racing country at Cabarrus Arena in Concord, N.C. This unique event, brought to you by Freightliner Trucks, will showcase NASCAR Team Owners', Drivers' and Crew Members' custom bikes and automobiles along with appearances by NASCAR stars and custom bike builders. Proceeds from the event support Racing for a Reason, which provides funding for cancer research and education efforts.

"NASCAR fans are always looking for ways to connect with their favorite drivers and NASCAR celebrities, and they are always willing to support causes for those in need," said Ray Evernham, Co-Founder of Racing for a Reason and CEO, Gillett Evernham Motorsports. "Our Custom Bike and Auto Show creates an exciting event where fans can meet top drivers, see some amazing vehicles and help raise funds in support of our mission - to help those in need and fund the ongoing research to find a cure for cancer. We're excited about the opportunity to bring this event to Charlotte during the race week, and appreciate the support of the drivers and NASCAR celebrities who are sharing their vehicles and time with the event."

There will be more than 70 exciting custom bikes and cars owned by the biggest names in NASCAR including Elliott Sadler, Travis Kvapil, Kyle Petty, Richard Petty, Mike Helton, Kenny Wallace, Todd Kluever, Steve LeTarte, Kyle Busch, Dale Jarrett, JD Gibbs, Ray Evernham, Kasey Kahne, Kenny Francis, Scott Riggs, Dale Earnhardt. Jr, Mike Bliss, Greg Biffle, Mike Helton, Roger Penske and special guest Dave Perewitz.

The event gears up on October 10th from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and on October 11th from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Event festivities will include vehicle displays, appearances by numerous NASCAR celebrities, opportunities for photos with top drivers, a silent auction for autographed memorabilia, race tickets, a Gillett Evernham Motorsports Experience, a Dave Perewitz custom painted trash can and more.

October 10th

A number of NASCAR drivers and celebrities will appear at the Custom Bike and Auto Show on Wednesday afternoon and evening, including Kasey Kahne, Greg Biffle, Elliott Sadler, Ray Evernham, Mike Helton, Kyle Petty and Kyle Busch. Legendary bike builder Dave Perewitz also will appear. A complete schedule of events will be available at (www.racingforareason.org) on Monday, October 1st.

The event will also include onstage interviews by celebrity emcees - Paul Schadt from 96.9, Bob Dillner from SPEED and Doug Rice from PRN.

October 11th

Includes additional appearances, giveaways and fun!

A special thanks to event sponsors Freightliner Trucks, Bank of America, Ingersoll Rand, Valvoline, Bond Auto Parts, ProCal and Bulldawg Marketing for making this fundraiser happen. All proceeds raised from this event will benefit the causes Racing for a Reason supports including their biggest beneficiary, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Event tickets can be purchased in advance of the event by visiting the Cabarrus Arena box office in person, by calling the arena box office at 704.920.3976 or by emailing dplong@cabarrusarena.com. Advance purchase tickets will be $5 a day, $10 day of tickets, 12 and under free. Fans can visit the Cabarrus Arena website at (www.cabarrusarena.com)

For more information on how to catch Racing for a Reason's draft and for event updates please visit (www.racingforareason.org).