The NASCAR Rumor Mill Churns as Another Sprint Cup Season Closes

As the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup season winds down, the silly season rumor mill continues to churn out stories of potential changes, partnerships, feuds and more.

In the wake of Kasey Kahne being released from Richard Petty Motorsports, it is now being reported that while minority owner 'The King' Richard Petty, searches for investors to regain control of his flailing monarchy, majority owner George Gillette's Booth Creek Resort Properties has sold their interest in Vail Resorts and Northstar at Tahoe Ski Resort for over $60 million. This equity may be used to bail out the financial crisis at Richard Petty Motorsports.

NASCAR officials reportedly confiscated a part from the #48 Lowes Chevy driven by Jimmie Johnson following the Tum's Fast Relief 500. Although foul play was originally suspected, the drive shaft cover reportedly had stress cracks and was not performance enhancing.

Jeff Gordon's #24 Chevy will carry a new sponsor in 2011. Drive To End Hunger will adorn the car for a majority of races as Dupont and Pepsico will continue to be primary sponsors for the remaining races in the upcoming season. Jeff Gordon had a run in with the #2 Kurt Busch last weekend, but admitted he stuck the nose of the car where it should not have been. Look for action between the two as the Chase for the Championship heats up at Talladega.

Paul Menard will switch from Richard Petty Motorsports to Richard Childress Racing for 2011. The switch will put Menard back in a Chevy that will carry the #27.

Fox Sports Lee Spencer is reporting that Richard Petty Motorsports is in talks with Toyota and Michael Waltrip Racing to switch from Ford to Toyota for the 2011 season. It was reported prior to last weeks that Roush-Fenway racing had repossessed, then returned Petty's Talladega cars for outstanding payments due. If Toyota could sweeten the manufacture sponsorship, we could see RPM's cars change.

Don't' forget the release of the Halloween comedy, The Legend of Hallowdega, from Monty Python's Terry Gilliam this weekend prior to the Talladega race. The movie features Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Darrel Waltrip.