Rumors are swirling that Jamie McMurray, currently the driver of Roush Fenway Racing’s #26 Crown Royal/Irwin Tools Ford, will be the driver of Richard Childress Racing’s 4th team, to be sponsored by Cheerios/General Mills.

Could this be a sign that Roush Fenway Racing is unable to secure a replacement sponsor for the American Automotive Association (AAA); and perhaps plans to accelerate its mandatory downsizing one year earlier?

On the other hand, it’s no secret that both Jamie McMurray and Jack Roush are extremely disappointed by their performances and both would welcome a change. However, with the enhanced marketing competition from Stewart Haas Racing, it’s unlikely that Roush Fenway will find a suitable replacement for the AAA and will be forced to move David Regan into the Crown Royal/Irwin Tools Ford.

As NASCAR Silly Season comes to a peak at the end of August, expect more announcements on the future plans of Ryan Newman, Martin Truex Jr., Casey Mears and Jamie McMurray.

Last year, undoubtedly was the most dramatic year for racing fans in NASCAR Silly Season history with Dale Jr. moving from Dale Earnhardt Inc. (DEI) to Hendrick Motorsports. But this year may prove to be the most crucial for team owners, as sponsors and drivers play musical chairs as they navigate through the myriad of sponsor changes. With the enhanced expectations of corporate sponsors, drivers must be careful to choose the right team for 2009 and the future. Just look at DEI, Michael Waltrip Racing, Chip Ganassi Racing, Hass CNC Racing, Richard Petty Enterprises and Yates Racing – all are in dire need of sponsorship. And yet, you must give credit where credit is due – Travis Kvapil (my former driver at Bang! Racing) is doing an exceptional job for Yates Racing – but honestly, I don’t believe that sponsors are lined up at Yates door.

Every year, there is always one driver who defines all of Silly Season and in 2008 – that man is Tony Stewart. But to be realistic – you must believe that most, if not all sponsors considering a change (or any potential new sponsors – are there any?) will wait until Stewart makes up his mind before finalizing their 2009 plans.

It is well known that Stewart wants back into the Chevy camp where he has won two NASCAR Sprint Cup Championships and over 30 races. So that leaves Stewart with only two legitimate options – Hendrick Motorsports or Richard Childress Racing (RCR). Yes, RCR has won more races than Hendrick in 2008 but I would be shocked to see Stewart join RCR and race the Cheerios car. But on the other hand, Hendrick already has four drivers – didn’t they say they had “no room at the inn” last year before signing Dale Jr.? Could Casey Mears be moved to a satellite team like Hass CNC? Let’s just imagine – Dale Jr., Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson and Tony Stewart all as teammates?

Only time will tell where Tony Stewart lands in 2009 – but the drivers better be ready to grab a seat because once Stewart decides on his plans – it will be pretty easy to be left without a seat once the music stops in the high stakes game of NASCAR Silly Season 2008.

Recently, Richard Childress Racing (RCR) made a major announcement – General Mills (NYSE: GIS) has agreed to a multi-year partnership to sponsor the No. 33 Cheerios®/Hamburger Helper® Chevrolet Impala SS beginning with the 2009 NASCAR Cup Series season.

This is the final nail in the coffin for NASCAR’s oldest team – Petty Enterprises. With its dismal performance in the past two decades, NASCAR’s old boys’ network continues to crumble. The trend of corporate sponsors to gravitate to the elite stables of Hendrick Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing, Roush Fenway Racing, Richard Childress Racing and Gillette Evernham Motorsports continues to challenge the sustainability of the remaining fledgling racing teams.

The days of former drivers and crew chiefs operating inefficient poor performing racing teams and shaving millions of dollars from major corporate sponsors are clearly over. The future of NASCAR is clear – there will be six to eight teams, each with four cars. The most elite will thrive; the others will fight for survival and the appeal of NASCAR with its core fans will continue to deteriorate.

Sincere congratulations to Richard Childress Racing and General Mills and best of luck in 2009.