Marcis had made just nine races this season, had not made the top 25 at all, and had qualified on speed just three times. He said the real push came down to final drive, which everyone struggled with Friday, running gear combinations between 2.85 and 3.20. Again, Childress was the catalyst. He said we had to make a gear change. We did, and it picked up the car considerably.
Word is the deal is done, with only contract formalities remaining.
That is news, or not news, to driver Rick Mast and crew chief Phillipe Lopez, who appear to have heard the same rumors. Owner Foyt is in Texas for the Indy Racing League race. Hornaday and Graves had been said clearly to be headed to Jim Smith's No. 7 team three weeks ago. None of the three was on the lot Friday, with Smith said to be in Mexico for the Baja races. In sponsor news, we hear the new Kansas City and Joliet, Ill., tracks are asking sponsors for a package deal including the three weekends at their tracks.