Jul 17, 2008

Would Penske Consider Wallace

Now that it is official that Ryan Newman will not return to Penske Racing in 2009, a replacement must be found. Casey Mears and David Stremme are two leading candidates for that ride. Both drivers are linked to Penske in some form. Casey's uncle Rick Mears spent years driving for Roger Penske in the open wheel ranks.

Stremme is a test driver for Penske . Additionally, he drives for Rusty Wallace in the Nationwide Series. Wallace and Penske remained friends after they parted ways in 2005.

Michael McDowell, Reed Sorenson, and Martin Truex Jr are rumored drivers as well. However, no one has mentioned Steve Wallace as a candidate for the 12 ride. Rusty's son struggled mightily in his first full season in the Nationwide Series, but he is improving. He has two top five finishes and three top ten finishes in twenty starts, which is by no means striking, but it would make sense for Roger to hire young Wallace.

It seems inevitable that Wallace will end up at Penske one day. No offense to Mears or Stremme, but they have been there done that in Sprint Cup . Neither driver enjoyed much success. Of course, everyone deserves a second chance, which is why Stremme or Sorenson could end up in the ride. But Mears has had several chances. Wallace would be a fresh face.

Some new blood could do that organization some good. Obviously, Wallace would wreck a few cars before he becomes a contender.

Stremme is the logical choice based on the fact that he has tested extensively with Penske's COT program and has outperformed Wallace in the same equipment. He is the best candidate unless Penske can lure Truex Jr away from DEI and other opportunities. But would it surprise anyone if Steve Wallace emerged as a candidate to replace Newman?