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Drivers trying to build resumes for 2010
AP File Photo
Casey Mears’ future at Richard Childress Racing is less than certain.
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Published: October 22, 2009
Casey Mears didn't expect to find himself looking for work so soon.
He started the year as the newest driver at Richard Childress Racing, taking over the No. 07 Chevrolet with hopes of reviving a career that couldn't get out of neutral at Hendrick Motorsports.
He has done that, and will enter Sunday's race at Martinsville 18th in points, ahead of established RCR stars Jeff Burton and Kevin Harvick. But the final five races could be another audition for Mears after primary sponsor Jack Daniel's chose not to return in 2010.
He knows that's part of the game, particularly in a recession, but that doesn't make it any easier.
"I was at the shop talking to the guys," Mears said, "and not knowing what the future holds can be a little unnerving."
He's hardly alone. Several drivers are updating resumes as they look for places to drive next season. Reed Sorenson, Jamie McMurray and David Stremme are in the final weeks of their contracts.
Team owner Richard Childress has spoken to several companies about coming on board but didn't sound optimistic last week about Mears' immediate future. He doesn't want to turn the car into a "start and park" -- slang for cars that qualify and then head to the garage after a couple of laps because of a lack of sponsorship.
"To be competitive, that isn't the way to do it," Childress said.
But that might be the best alternative, because there are plenty of former Cup regulars who don't even have the luxury of trying to qualify.
"If you're not in this garage or racing, you'll be forgotten about," Stremme said. "The thing is, there's always going to be somebody after your job, whether it's a crew chief or a driver or a team mechanic, whatever it is. There's somebody digging, trying to get in."
Stremme would know. Rising star Brad Keselowski will take over his No. 12 Penske Dodge when the season ends. Stremme, 30th in points, is keeping his options open but seems pretty certain he won't be driving at the Cup level in 2010.
He's not panicking yet, and he's not angry. Stremme said he's cordial with Keselowski and joked "he can come sit in my car, he can race it, whatever he wants."
Winning isn't the only consideration. Mears has as many victories the last three seasons (one) as Dale Earnhardt Jr., but Earnhardt's big fan base means he's in no danger of losing his job.
Whether a driver's imminent departure puts a strain between him and the rest of the team depends on the circumstances.
Kasey Kahne said that his relationship with Sorenson hasn't changed since Richard Petty Motorsports announced that it was moving forward without Sorenson when RPM merges with Yates Racing at season's end. The two drivers still talk about their set-ups, the tracks and strategy, although it rarely turns to the future.
"We're not even sure exactly what we're doing (at RPM)," Kahne said with a laugh. "It's hard to really talk too much about that."
Not all splits are as amicable. Penske Racing only allows Kurt Busch's crew chief, Pat Tryson, in the shop once a week since Tryson's announcement that he's joining Michael Waltrip Racing next year. It's not personal, but with Penske already planning for 2010 and Tryson joining a competitor, there is little to be gained.
Does playing out the string make things weird? It can. Ryan Newman felt like a "black sheep" after deciding to leave Penske at the end of 2008 to join Tony Stewart's new team, but there's a distinct difference between choosing to leave and not being asked back. Newman had a job waiting. Mears, Stremme and others do not.
It could lead to some sleepless nights. Until then, they have five chances to make an impression.
"I still have a lot of value, and I belong here," Stremme said. "If it doesn't work out, we'll look at other things."
Note: RCR will shuffle two crew chiefs after Sunday's race, with Todd Berrier taking over Jeff Burton's No. 31 team, and Doug Randolph moving up from Nationwide to Casey Mears' No. 07 team. Childress is continuing to evaluate personnel after all four of his drivers were shut out of the Chase for the Championship.
He swapped crews for Mears and Kevin Harvick earlier this season, and that change sent Berrier to the No. 07. This new move will be the third team this season for Berrier.
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