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

According to multiple sources, a deal is in the works for George Gillett, majority owner of Gillett Evernham Motorsports, to buy out Bill Davis' Sprint Cup operation — including the No. 22 team, the Toyota affiliation, Triad Racing Development and their engine shop.

While Gillett could not be reached for confirmation, Gillett Evernham Motorsports Vice President and Managing Director of Competition Mark McArdle told FOXSports.com on Sunday that GEM was searching for a fourth car with a spot inside the top 35 in the owners standings. McArdle would not elaborate on which team or any possible terms, but Bill Davis has made it no secret in the garage that he is open to offers.

"We're looking forward to having a fourth car next year to help us with our current business plans," said McArdle. "That's where we stand. To get a sponsor, they want to know that you're going to be there to race on Sunday."

Although a deal has not yet been finalized, sources say Toyota has approved the plan. Davis will continue to field a Craftsman Truck Series team and add a Nationwide Series program to his High Point, N.C., operation.

With Dodge announcing that it will drop its support of the Truck Series, it appears to be just a matter of time before its Sprint Cup program is affected as well. For the future health of GEM, which served as the flagship operation when Dodge returned to the sport in 2000, Gillett looks to lock down a Toyota connection before the stable fills.

Gillett purchased controlling interest of Evernham Motorsports last August. His driver lineup currently includes Kasey Kahne, Elliott Sadler and Patrick Carpentier, but it was announced that Reed Sorenson would join the organization next season. While Carpentier is allowed to speak to other teams, there is an outside chance he will return to GEM next season if sponsorship is found.

"What we've asked Patrick to do is similar to asking Kobe Bryant and LeBron James to go from high school into the NBA," McArdle added. "The job he's done for us is nothing short of remarkable."

Davis, who was attending the debut NHRA event at zMax Dragway in Concord, N.C., could not be reached for comment. Representatives for the team declined comment when contacted by FOXSports.com. Sources in the garage said that Davis' current Cup driver, Dave Blaney, inquired last week about rides for next season.