Newton: Competitive fire still burns for MartinMichael Jordan couldn't do it. Neither could Joe Montana. Brett Favre? Time will tell. How can an athlete walk away when the passion still burns? Don't ask Mark Martin. He simply can't, writes David Newton. Inside The Hauler: Rebuilding project continues at DEIMark Martin is leaving. Martin Truex Jr. hasn't signed an extension. And the ghost of Junior still looms large. But the pity party is officially over at Dale Earnhardt Inc., writes David Newton.DEI's Menard, Martin sweep Coke 400 front rowDEI swept the front row in qualifying for Saturday night's Coke Zero 400 and ended up with three drivers in the top eight positions.Source: Stewart, Office Depot in sponsorship dealTony Stewart reached a deal that would make Office Depot a primary sponsor on his car if he finalizes a deal with Haas CNC Racing, a source close to the talks said on Thursday.Randy Moss buys stake in Craftsman Truck teamAll-Pro receiver Randy Moss is now a NASCAR team owner, announcing Thursday he's purchased 50 percent of a Truck Series team.Mauricia Grant speaks out about NASCAR lawsuit Visit ESPN.com for the complete story.Truex resorts to backup car after failing inspectionMartin Truex Jr. was forced to his backup car before Thursday's first practice at Daytona International Speedway after the primary car failed to make it through inspection.Unemployed Franchitti hopes to stay in NASCARDario Franchitti isn't sure what his future holds, but the former open-wheel star said Wednesday he'd like to remain in NASCAR.K. Earnhardt to drive for DEI in Nationwide raceKerry Earnhardt will drive the Dale Earnhardt Inc. No. 8 Chevy in the July 4 Nationwide race at Daytona International Speedway.Martin to drive No. 5 full-time; Almirola to No. 8An official announcement that Aric Almirola will drive the No. 8 car at Dale Earnhardt Inc. full-time next season will be made on Tuesday, sources close to the situation said. Stewart triumphs for fifth Nationwide win Tony Stewart drove away Saturday with his fifth victory in seven Nationwide starts in 2008. Hornaday tops Truck standings with Memphis winRon Hornaday Jr. won the O'Reilly 200 on Saturday night to take the Craftsman Truck Series points lead, leading the final 129 laps and enduring a green-white-checker finish.
Stewart isn't denying interest in Hendrick opening Tony Stewart said Friday the new opening at Hendrick Motorsports could affect his decision about where he drives next season.
Winless Mears driven out of Hendrick's No. 5 carHendrick Motorsports made it official Friday by announcing that driver Casey Mears would leave the team at the end of the 2008 Sprint Cup season. Biffle commits to Roush Fenway for next 3 yearsGreg Biffle confirmed Friday that he has signed a new three-year deal to remain in the No. 16 Ford for Roush Fenway Racing through the 2011 season.Sources: Stewart shopping for car sponsorshipsTony Stewart is shopping for car sponsorships in anticipation of a potential partnership with Haas CNC Racing, multiple sources told ESPN.com.Stewart, Kenseth, Busch compete in exhibitionTony Stewart spent Tuesday night with series leader Kyle Busch and Matt Kenseth competing in a super late-model race at Madison International Speedway, a half-mile asphalt oval in this town near Kenseth's hometown of Cambridge.ESPN.com has launched many new NASCAR widgets that offer scores, stats, and newsVisit the ESPN Widget Center.
