Full Throttle

What would a NASCAR race weekend be without rumors swirling fast, swift and often like the toilets in a Mexican restaurant?

Just because the NASCAR Circus in in the beautiful Irish Hills this weekend doesn’t make it immune from the rumor grist mill although the two that follow are given a bit more credence if only becasue they include quotes from active participants in them.

First up are rumors of a new suitor for Bill Davis Racing.

1985 Indianapolis 500 winner Danny “Mr. Personality” Sullivan is said to be looking to buy and run a racing operation. The bad news for open-wheel fans is that Sullivan is being linked to a series in which he has raced in only once, NASCAR. (Indy 1994 in a Chris Virtue owner Chevy)

Sports Illustrated is reporting the former Penske driver has approached long-time NASCAR Sprint cup team owner Bill Davis.

“I’ve been pursuing it but haven’t gotten a response from him (Bill Davis). He’s still dreaming on the price.” (Seems as if I’ve heard the same when Villeneuve and Pollack were chasing Davis - ed)

Apparently the man who helped Red Bull evaluate American talent for their Formula One driver’s search program has a partner “who has lined up the money to do this”. (A.J. Allmendinger, Scott Speed and Bobby East were part of the inaugural Red Bull Driver Search Program)

Team owner Davis admits he’s been talking to Sullivan, but his opinion of the situation diverges from Sullivan’s. Apparently the current difference of opinion regarding the value of the team is based on the fact that big-time sponsor Caterpillar is leaving the Davis-led operation after the 2008 season.

The second rumor to be spit out of the grist mill comes via KCCI TV 8 in Iowa.

Iowa Speedway CEO Stan Clement has confirmed to KCCI Sports that there will be a news conference “around 10 a.m” Tuesday concerning the 2009 NASCAR schedule, including the Nationwide Series.

The announcement comes amid growing speculation that NASCAR might bring a Nationwide race to the Iowa Speedway next year. NASCAR’s decision not to race in Mexico City next year created a possible opening in the schedule.

If true, congrats to Rusty Wallace and Iowa Speedway, there’s no other track in the nations that deserves a date more than Iowa. (Sorry Kentucky, no one needs another mile and a half long mirror of so may others.)

Technorati Tags: Danny Sullivan, Bill Davis Racing, “Iowa Speedway, Nationwide Series, Sprint Cup