There was a bit of a surprise snuggled into an article about Ryan Pemberton becoming Brian Vickers's crew chief next season (which is a bit awkward since Brian is also one of our favorites, but anyway). Scott Speed, Team Red Bull's new obsession, is going to be in Michael Waltrip Racing's #99 Nationwide car for ten races in 2009. Michael seems to like Scott so it's not all that shocking when you think about it for a while, but it leaves only fifteen potential races for Josh Wise to run 
(since Michael and David Reutimann already have ten between them). Fifteen races isn't a small task, but I'm more concerned about not only Josh's future with MWR (I can't imagine he's going to want to sit around doing nothing), but also his experience level in general. NAPA is signed with MWR only through 2009 and if Michael doesn't improve his performance soon they may want a new, young driver. Josh could very well be that driver, but it sure would be nice if he had at least the majority of a Nationwide season to gain experience for Cup.
Aaron's only took the races Michael and David are going to run and I'm willing to bet the most valid reason Speed will now be in the #99 is the sponsorship he brings along. These days, Red Bull could probably put a crash dummy in a car as long as their cash came along for the ride. I wouldn't say Speed is a crash dummy but judging by the drama he got involved with in ARCA, he could potentially bring some headaches to Michael, Jerry Baxter and the #99 crew. However, because he's such a unique personality, he could bring positive (and humorous) attention as well!
Most of all I hope this doesn't mean the end for Josh at MWR. He would be a huge loss, for I believe he'll be amazing once he gets in a good, consistent ride.
(since Michael and David Reutimann already have ten between them). Fifteen races isn't a small task, but I'm more concerned about not only Josh's future with MWR (I can't imagine he's going to want to sit around doing nothing), but also his experience level in general. NAPA is signed with MWR only through 2009 and if Michael doesn't improve his performance soon they may want a new, young driver. Josh could very well be that driver, but it sure would be nice if he had at least the majority of a Nationwide season to gain experience for Cup.Aaron's only took the races Michael and David are going to run and I'm willing to bet the most valid reason Speed will now be in the #99 is the sponsorship he brings along. These days, Red Bull could probably put a crash dummy in a car as long as their cash came along for the ride. I wouldn't say Speed is a crash dummy but judging by the drama he got involved with in ARCA, he could potentially bring some headaches to Michael, Jerry Baxter and the #99 crew. However, because he's such a unique personality, he could bring positive (and humorous) attention as well!
Most of all I hope this doesn't mean the end for Josh at MWR. He would be a huge loss, for I believe he'll be amazing once he gets in a good, consistent ride.