Stacey from Phoenix: I heard rumors UPS is interested in Kasey Kahne, but is Brian Vickers going to the No. 88 car? Also, is it a done deal that Casey Mears will go to Hendrick? You'd think that would be a wonderful match.

Jeff Hammond: Jimmie Johnson and Casey Mears are good friends. Johnson came from the off-road series, where he raced against Casey and his father Roger. The friendship and respect for what they accomplished somewhere else in racing led to this opportunity for Mears. It could be great for them. We were beginning to wonder whether what we've seen out of Casey Mears this year really existed. Crew chief Donnie Wingo has given him a very solid race car, and he's done a great job with it. As strong as the Hendrick cars look at the moment, it's a great opportunity for him.
As far as Brian Vickers is concerned, I've heard some rumors that UPS would like to have that caliber of driver with his background. I'm also hearing that he's being courted pretty heavily by Red Bull Racing, the big Toyota team that's going to be racing next year. Honestly, I wouldn't be one bit surprised to see him go over there. They've got to fill two seats.
picking up a former Busch Grand National champion who has some experience with a top organization like Hendrick Motorsports can add some knowledge to a young and up-and-coming team. At this point in time, I wouldn't say for sure that he's going to go over to Robert Yates Racing. I would be looking really hard at the possibility of Vickers going to the Toyota camp.
I think Kahne is going to be better off if he stays where he is right now. This group is coming together. The biggest wins in his career have come with Evernham Motorsports. As they move forward, Ray is going to make the team concept work better. Kahne and team director Kenny Francis have a great relationship. If Kahne elects t make that kind of a change, he needs to take a serious look at what he's got now.

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