Whose going to replace Smoke?

Cynic · 12 Aug 2013, 11:54 (Ref:3288774)

By all accounts it's unlikely Tony will be back before the Chase starts, so who should the team get to fill in?

The latest comments from Greg Zipadelli suggest that they'd like to get a Nationwide driver doing double-duty where possible. As SHR and JRM are both effectively Hendrick B-teams I wonder if Regan Smith might be the option?

Marcus666 · 12 Aug 2013, 15:40 (Ref:3288861)

Too bad all the road course races are over now. Sweden has a new Nascar guy in production: Alx Danielsson. He's gonna drive at the Mid Ohio Nationwide race...

fieldodreams79 · 12 Aug 2013, 16:18 (Ref:3288870)

I think Derricke Cope is available.

HJJ · 12 Aug 2013, 20:03 (Ref:3288970)

Quote:

SHR has named 23-year-old Austin Dillon interim driver of the #14 Mobil 1/Bass Pro Shops Chevy for the Pure Michigan 400 event Aug. 16-18 at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn. Dillon is the 2011 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion and competes full-time in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, where he currently leads the championship standings. SHR has not determined who the interim driver of the #14 Chevy will be for the Sprint Cup Series following race Aug. 24 at Bristol Motor Speedway.(Stewart-Haas Racing)(8-21-2013)

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Lanky Turtle · 13 Aug 2013, 02:26 (Ref:3289087)

I was hoping Bill Elliott or Ricky Rudd would get the nod. Maybe Geoff Bodine. But not Lil' Cowboy.

fieldodreams79 · 13 Aug 2013, 03:09 (Ref:3289090)

Yeah, "Awesome" Bill is busy grooming Chase and the Rooster is acting on Dallas or something. Geoff or Geoffry is still having Daytona 2000 flashbacks.....

I hate the hat, but the boy has proven his worth; logical chose. And I am sure Pop Pop had nothing to do with it.

As for the remainder of the season, if Austin can't do them all (I haven't compared the NW and Cup schedule), chose an RCR driver or another driver whose team has Hendrick engines.

Biggest question now is when/if Smoke will come back this season. In all honesty, I've had a love/hate relationship over the years with him, but he is a throwback, and has been become my favorite driver. Losing interest in this season more and more.....

Wishing Smoke a quick recovery.

Cynic · 13 Aug 2013, 09:23 (Ref:3289179)

Have to admit I was surpised the choice of Dillon, but then I guess Grandad needs him to get as much cup seat time as possible...

Smoke strikes me as being from the 'if it has four wheels and an engine I'll race it' school. Logic would say if you're out of the chase then take the rest of the year off and get fit for Daytona, but somehow I can't see Tony relaxing on the golf course.

canamman · 13 Aug 2013, 11:26 (Ref:3289223)

I like the Dillon choice. Kinda suprised he was available from RCR. Thought they may of wanted him to stay focused on the nwide championship. Richard probably considered the bigger picture with the opportunity at hand. Is there any other sport in the world where you can play for 2 different teams at the same time? One has to ponder how deep in the shop Dillon will be allowed to wonder. Probably not to many secrets to be had but still curious.

JHamilton · 14 Aug 2013, 02:09 (Ref:3289501)

Quote:

Originally Posted by fieldodreams79

I think Derricke Cope is available.

Pick me!

HJJ · 18 Aug 2013, 15:09 (Ref:3291329)

Quote:

Deal could put Martin in #14 seat: A deal is in the works that would offer Brian Vickers more seat time in the #55 Aaron's Toyota and allow Mark Martin to pursue the opportunity to drive the #14 for the injured Tony Stewart. On Saturday, multiple sources told Fox Sports that Toyota offered Martin its blessing in order to enable Vickers who was named the full-time driver of the #55 Michael Waltrip Racing Camry on Tuesday additional races to gel with the team. Vickers is currently racing for the Nationwide Series championship with Joe Gibbs Racing. He is fifth in the NNS point standings. Before SHR inquired on Martin's behalf, the plan was for Vickers to race at Bristol, Martinsville and New Hampshire, where he raced last month. Team owner Michael Waltrip is scheduled to drive the #55 at Talladega. Martin originally was signed up for the balance of races. Certainly, MWR and Aaron's would have to sign off on Martin before SHR can green light the deal. If everything goes according to plan, he could be part of SHR's roster announcement expected late Monday.(FoxSports)(8-18-2013)

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HJJ · 19 Aug 2013, 11:43 (Ref:3291684)

Quote:

UPDATE 2: Mark Martin will be named Tony Stewart's substitute in the #14 Stewart-Haas Racing car. An announcement is set for Monday afternoon.(FoxSports)(8-19-2013)

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HJJ · 19 Aug 2013, 20:36 (Ref:3291843)

Smoke out the rest of the year. Dillon & Martin to replace him.

http://www.autoweek.com/article/2013...AR01/130819794

More time for soda cookies.

canamman · 19 Aug 2013, 23:52 (Ref:3291885)

Quote:

Originally Posted by HJJ

Smoke out the rest of the year. Dillon & Martin to replace him.

http://www.autoweek.com/article/2013...AR01/130819794

More time for soda cookies.

Just as well. No need to rush back. He may be working a 4th car for the team next year with Kurt Busch. Just a rumor right now I think. Either way he will be plenty busy while he is healing.