by Lee Spencer

Around the track

Follow the action:

• Chicagoland practice speeds
• Chicagoland schedule, entries

Watch:

• Video Central

Picture perfect:

• Earnhardt at Goodwood
• 2010 Hall of Fame nominees

Read all about it:

• Dale Jr. would consider racing Indy 500
• Eury Jr.: Split with Junior was needed
• Mayfield won't race at Chicagoland

Analysis:

• Hammond: Battle Royale
• Larry Mac: Midseason report cards

Casey Mears contends that he is not on the hot seat at Hendrick Motorsports. Vice President of Development Doug Duchardt pointed to the "Hendrick" Motorsports on his shirt and quickly reminded it wasn't his name on the company's door — nor was it his place to answer questions regarding the status of HMS' drivers. Owner Rick Hendrick wasn't expected at Infineon Raceway until later this weekend, but others familiar with the situation say a combination of Mark Martin and Brad Keselowski will be partnering on a mentor/rookie program or Martin will run the full 2009 season on his own in the No. 5 Chevrolet.

Martin has excelled in both proposed roles before, and if he runs 29 races, Keselowski can run the balance and not lose his rookie eligibility for 2010.

So where might Mears be headed if he loses his ride at Hendrick? Try the fourth car at Richard Childress Racing or perhaps back to a Dodge in the Gillett Evernham camp as a replacement in the No. 10.

Could Mears be "Grrreat" driving for General Mills? Absolutely. Some might contend that he's already established a rep as the driver for Kellogg's, but it's only been one season for the combination. Just the association with RCR could be a perfect re-positioning for Mears, who turned 30 this year.

But what about the No. 8 ride? All signs point to Aric Almirola staying with Dale Earnhardt Inc. If the Army soldiers stay on with DEI, it would love a driver of Hispanic descent in that car to attract its target market audience. More than ever NASCAR needs another driver of color in the Sprint Cup Series that's capable of winning races. Juan Pablo Montoya is strong on road courses, but there are 34 additional races on the schedule.

And what about DEI's current flagship driver, Martin Truex Jr.?

Truex's name has been mentioned for Haas CNC Racing, Penske Racing and most recently GEM. Truex's continued success in the No. 1 Chevrolet is critical to DEI's survival. His team, including veteran crew chief Bono Manion, support him completely and Truex has been successful at DEI. However, the temptation of more accomplishments may be too strong to deny.

In a perfect world, Teresa Earnhardt would sell DEI to Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his sister Kelley Earnhardt Elledge and allow the family's racers to run the shop. Junior has proved that he can be a successful owner at the Nationwide level by implementing strong people in management roles. Under Hendrick's direction, the same could be accomplished with DEI — under the JR Motorsports banner.

Earnhardt has said that running the Nationwide cars are not cost efficient. In fact, he admits to losing $4 million on the proposition. If he could balance his own Sprint Cup responsibilities in addition to being a somewhat active figurehead at DEI/JRM, not only would he follow his father's footsteps and continue the dream of the children running the company, but Teresa Earnhardt could also go a long way in redeeming her reputation in the NASCAR history books.

For those that jumped to the conclusion that Reed Sorenson was in trouble because Scott Pruett was selected to replace him in the No. 41 Dodge this weekend, think again. Sorenson has been offered a contract from Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates and continues to be the driver that Target wants to build their NASCAR program around.

Verizon's current bid to purchase Alltel will not affect the No. 12 in 2009. However, Alltel's driver Ryan Newman hasn't appeared happy at Penske Racing for some time — especially since the departure of his mentor and former president Don Miller. Like Truex, Newman has been mentioned as a good fit with RCR and JGR in the No. 20. But like Keselowski, by winning at Nashville and opening the door for bigger challenges, folks at JGR tend to feel that Joey Logano is ready to take the plunge in Sprint Cup — and he's already under contract. Should Newman find a better fit, Penske's signing of David Stremme as a "test driver" in April means the Captain won't have to look far for a replacement.

Yes, silly season just keeps getting sillier.