Silly Season 2012 is Under Way

Like the other NASCAR Seasons, this is about the time Silly Season starts.

Red Bull Racing was in the news today, where they plan to leave NASCAR after the 2011 NASCAR Season is over. This won't hurt Kasey Kahne, since he'll be driving for Hendrick Motorsports next year in the 5 car. The driver that this hurts most is Brian Vickers, who's contract was going to end after the 2011 too. And as of now, Brian Vickers is listed as a free agent

And not to long ago, Carl Edwards is rumored to take over the #20 Home Depot car for the 2012 Cup season, and the current driver, Joey Logano, will end up driving the 4th Joe Gibbs Racing car, most likely will be the #02 car, as they used it for the 2008 and 2009 season for Joey Logano and David Gilliland for a small handful of races.

Now some of my predictions of what might happen (will feature drivers who's contracts end after 2011 season):

Mark Martin: With Kasey Kahne moving to the 5, this will make Mark Martin a free agent. There's a good chance that Martin will move to the Nationwide Series for Turner Motorsports, and it is rumored that Turner is prepping up a Cup car for the 2012 Season, so I wouldn't be surprised if Martin ends up being the driver for that ride if it happens.

Brian Vickers: Most probably have him going to the 99, but I have other predictions on who will fill the 99 if the Carl Edwards to Joe Gibbs Racing is true. For Vickers, like Martin, I see him going back to the Nationwide Series. Don't know what team though, could be a part-time driver if he can find a one-ride deal for Daytona NNS 300.

Carl Edwards: Carl Edwards is one of the biggest names out there that could be a free agent if his contract doesn't get extended. There's a chance he'll move to the 20, or could be the 4th JGR car, according to the rumor. Let's say this is true, I see his Nationwide teammate, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. taking over the 99 ride if Edwards heads over to JGR. But we still have half a season left, things can change in the RFR group.

Ryan Newman: Ryan Newman's contract, and U.S. Army, for Stewart-Haas ends after the 2011 Season. I see Newman getting a contract extension before this season is over, probably in the next couple months we'll know about this.

Juan Pablo Montoya: Like Newman, I see Montoya getting a extension in the next couple months, but if he is unable to get a extension, expect a surprise taking over the ride.

Joey Logano: With the rumors of Carl Edwards moving to the 20, where will this lead for Joey Logano. I expect him to stay in the Nationwide Series in the #20 car. For the Cup Series, I see him staying with Joe Gibbs Racing, but will be in the #02 car, but that will depend on sponsorship.

(UPDATE 6/21/11: Red Bull GM, Jay Frye, says he expects to have a two car team next year. If he does have the two cars, I wouldn't be surprised if Brian Vickers is one of the drivers.)