NASCAR layoffs coming

Most expect the end of the season to bring with it a rash of layoffs as many NASCAR teams attempt to cope with economic hardships.

Among the uncertainties:

Team Red Bull is shutting down, at least in its present form. The team is owned by its primary sponsor, which is pulling out at season’s end. An attempt to find some form of investment to keep the two-Toyota team active in some form has thus far been unsuccessful. One of the team’s drivers, Kasey Kahne, is moving to Hendrick Motorsports, and the other, Brian Vickers, is looking for work.

The driver currently sixth in the Chase, Matt Kenseth, doesn’t yet have sponsorship secured for next year, though owner Jack Roush has said he will run the 2003 champion without sponsorship, if necessary. Roush Fenway Racing may consist of three, not four, teams next year.

Childress’s team may not field four Chevys, either. Clint Bowyer is moving on to Michael Waltrip Racing, leaving Harvick, Burton and Paul Menard with stable rides.

David Ragan, at Roush Fenway, and David Reutimann, being replaced by Mark Martin (part-time) at MWR, are looking for rides. Gaston Gazette