There are all kinds of rumors in the garage about where he is going, but all of them involve a team finding sponsorship. Tony made a business decision to release him because he didn’t have sponsorship for the car next year. Harvick will bring Bud with him for 20 or so races so it was a no brainer. If you listen to the rumors he could go to RCR, Ganassi, Penske, or to Furniture Row.

Personally I think Austin is more likely to get the nod a RCR especially if Richard has to find the sponsor. If Ryan can bring a sponsor than he might get a seat at RCR. Richard is very focused on bringing Austin up to Sprint Cup and it will be in the 3 car. He won’t take Ryan if he thinks it will slow Austin’s development.

Penske is in the same boat, he will need a sponsor to put him in a seat, and Sam is first in line if an extra sponsor becomes available.

Furniture Row is a long shot I think they are happy with Kurt and rumor has it they have already offered him a new contract. For Ryan to get in there they would have to add a second team. A second team there is not very likely unless it involved Ryan bringing big money; basically a primary sponsor signed for the whole season might get Mr. Visser to take a chance. They are building a solid team around Kurt so don’t look for the team to do anything that will jeopardize that.

The wild card is MWR; Waltrip seems to always be able to find sponsors he could add a car for Ryan, but I don’t think it is likely.

I will go out on a limb and predict that he goes to Ganassi. McMurray’s contract is up at the end of the year and Ganassi still has sponsorship. For that matter Montoya also has no contract for next year. Let’s face it both McMurray and Montoya have been less than impressive. Not all of the blame can be placed on the drivers at Ganassi but they under preform given their equipment. Ryan happens to also be fairly good friends with Kevin Manion who crew chiefs the 1 car, as a matter of fact Kevin normally fields Ryan’s modified car for him. I think Manion will put the idea in Chips head that they need a change and Ryan will get the call and I think he will replace McMurry. I look for them also to make a switch back to ECR engines, as the support from Hendrick has not met expectations.

That’s the view from my shop take care.