The Buzz: Oct. 15, 2001

Ryan Newman

October 15, 2001
4:23 PM EDT (2023 GMT)

Word in the garage Monday was that Penske Racing South is contemplating scrapping the No. 12 Ford team for 2002.

According to a team source, Penske might opt to run just the Fords of Rusty Wallace and rookie Ryan Newman, rather than replace the recently-fired Jeremy Mayfield and run a three-car operation.

SPEAKING OF MAYFIELD

Jeremy Mayfield

A source close to Richard Childress said Sunday night that Mayfield is the lead candidate to take over the No. 31 Chevrolet. The major issue, according to the source, is sponsor Cingular, who apparently requested that Robby Gordon drive the car.

Mayfield has been rumored in virtually every car on the circuit, including one rumor that has him in a Ray Evernham Dodge. Interestingly, a source close to Jim Smith's Ultra Motorsports team said he was told Mayfield would be in the No. 7 with McDonald's as sponsor.