2009 Cobo Cup category #2.

Welcome back for a sneek peek at the 2nd category in the 2009 Cobo Cup. It is, of course, unofficial but pretty close to being official.

(1) Jeff Gordon is the driver of the #24 DuPont Finishes/Pepsi/National Guard Chevy. Nicorette will not be back as an associate sponsor. National Guard will be an associate sponsor of the car and will be the primary for 6-8 races. Pepsi will be the primary for 2-3 races. New black based paint scheme in 2009. DuPont signed thru 2010. Gordon is signed to a long term deal with Hendrick.

(2) Denny Hamlin is the driver of the #11 FedEx Toyota. He is signed through 2010 and there are no known changes in the team in 2009.

(3) Kyle Busch is the driver of the #18 M&M’s/Snickers/Pedigree/Combos/Interstate Batteries Toyota. Teammate of Hamlin, Kyle won the most races in 2008 but fell short in the chase. This team also has no know changes in 2009.

(4) Matt Kenseth is the driver of the #17 DeWalt Tools Roush Fenway Ford. Supposedly Drew Blickensderfer will be the new crew chief in 2009 as former crew chief Chip Bolin moves back to an engineering position. Kenseth re-upped in November 2008, a multi-year deal to stay at Roush, no word how long, his deal was due up at the end of 2009. Spotter Mike Calinoff returns in 2009. Roush needs to trim down to four teams from five AFTER the 2009 season.

(5) Dale Earnhardt Jr. is the driver of the #88 Mountain Dew AMP Energy Drink/Army National Guard Chevy. Looks like Army National Guard will be on the #24 Hendrick car for eight races. No word how that effects sponsorship on the #88. No other know changes for this team in 2009.

There you have it, the unofficial picks for category #2. Check back each day this week as I will be putting up the unofficial picks for category #3 some time during the week. Catefory #3 may surprise you!

Nuff Said.

Jimbo