NASCAR rumor warning.

[HotMop]

I've never started any real rumors before but I find this one compelling and somewhat out of left field. I was in Charlotte last week and went to a local pub in Birkdale Village. Me and a couple of co-workers were sitting in a booth and I heard this familiar voice saying that he didn't understand why but Jimmy Johnson would be leaving Hendrick and going to JGR. He also bluntly stated that Red Bull racing is done and this is their last season. I turn back and it's Marty Smith from ESPN. I asked him point blank, "seriously...JJ leaving Hendrick", once he realized someone heard him he stated, "uh no...Johnson has a lifetime contract." and turned away.

All of us at the table heard him say it since he was loud as hell about it. Most of all though, Marty Smith is a douche....spiked hair, side burns, loud obnoxious drunk, the whole nine yards. My friend at the table didn't recognize him and asked him if he did something cool in NASCAR, like change tires, this clearly blew his ego up in front of all his friends and he wasn't all that happy with us the rest of the night. I'm fairly certain the comments about side burns and wearing a blue tooth at the same time caused a social rift in the universe that could never be repaired. Good Times.

Comments?

 

[karlchilders.sixpack]

...</p>

 

[weblow]

 

[State82]

I have a very hard time believing that. But I guess stranger things have happened. I can't come up with any reason at all that JJ would ever leave Hendrick. No way money could be an issue there. Gibbs ain't chump change, but I don't see how his bank account could rival the stash Hendrick flashes around. This would be the biggest news in NASCAR in years.

 

[aTotal360]

nm

 

[HotMop]

I too was blown away but what he stated said was that JJ didn't like to stir up the waters and wasn't too happy with having JR on the team. Having the most popular driver in NASCAR on his team isn't sitting too well with him. Mr. 5 time doesn't like having the new guy in his shop that can't win a race but still receive more cheers than him.

I'll be shocked if this happens but I've put it out here. Myself, I think it's a crap rumor that Marty was throwing out there for his friends that night. It was still priceless though when my redneck buddy from Lexington called him out after he said he was from ESPN and said he thought he did something cool like change tires. Sucked the life out of the man.

 

[HotMop]

He actually didn't say JJ....He said Johnson, and 5 time.

 

[Topgundawg]

Last year they did have a couple of problems on the track. As I recalled they kept wreckin each other...

 

[HotMop]

aGain.

 

[State82]

rumor has legs, leave to the 6Pack to bust another bombshell!

 

[tupelotim]

Johnson is a good driver, but he doesn't win all those championships without Chad Knaus. Without Hendrick's money and Knaus calling the shots he is just another good driver that would make the chase and maybe win a championship. He better take Chad with him if the rumor is true.

If he did leave Hendrick it would be the biggest mistake in Nascar since DEI let Jr. go. Does DEI even exist anymore?

 

[State82]

I firmly believe Knaus is the reason Johnson has dominated the sport like nobody has ever dominated any sport before. I also believe that if my favorite driver, Mark Martin, had Knaus as crew chief, he would have won at least one, if not more, Cup championships.

 

[GTAdawg]

piece of rumor busting information if this turned out to be true. But for the record, I believe there would be NO WAY IN HELL that would happen. I mean ok, lets say he decides to leave Hendrick for some crazy *** reason....If Denny Hamlin found out he was coming to JGR he would probably blow a head gaskit(pun intended)! I just don't see that being a very good combination, especially when you throw Kyle Busch's crazy *** in the mix. Also, where ever JJ goes Knaus goes too....but I would think Chad would say there is no way he is leaving Hendrick. He could win with any guy behind the wheel.</p>

 

[WebbFreeman]

I can see this happening. Coach Gibb's organization is considered one of, if not the best, by the drivers and crews. JGR has made a huge difference in Rowdy's career. Johnson drives for a salary and Jeff Gordon owns his car. Why wouldn't he leave? He can possible get a ownership deal close to what Tony Stewart got. He will have excellent equipment and an organization committed to winning. It is not too far of a jump to see Red Bull going away. I don't think anyone would notice if they did. Good rumor HotMop. You heard it here first.

It is amazing the secrets some people will tell at a bar when they get a few drinks in them.

 

[WebbFreeman]

should have paid attention to the reply tutorial. Brilliant rely, hate y'all missed it.

 

[FlabLoser]

....star that thought he was bigger than the team. I can totally believe this rumor to be true.

Believable, yes. Probable...I doubt it.

 

[HotMop]

really sad to see that huge complex completely empty.

 

[Buford T. Justice]

I would think Gibbs would start a 4th team. I can't see Hamlin, Busch, or Logano getting bumped. Knaus is a smart guy, I've had a chance to talk to both him and Letarte, and Knaus is just a genius. Johnson knows that Knaus is a big part of his success.

There would be other issues involving sponsorship. Johnson does lots of stuff for Chevy. Gibbs uses Toyota. Would Lowes stay with Hendrick or would they move with Jimmie Johnson?

If Red Bull hangs around, I wouldn't be surprised to see Mark Martin driving for Red Bull next year. They could use Martin for a few years while Cole Whitt develops. Martin does have a connection with Jay Frye (now with Red Bull) from their days at Ginn Racing.