Garage Chatter: The Brickyard

Rain shuffles schedule: A steady persistent rain has put a damper on practice sessions scheduled for Cup teams at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The first practice has been postponed, NASCAR hopes to dry the track and get a practice session in later this afternoon.

Cup cars are set to qualify tomorrow at 10:10 AM CST.

Evernham/Bill Elliott/Stanley go into business: Stanley Tools announced on Friday a partnership with Bill Elliott and Ray Evernham to launch a line of signature tools for the automotive aftermarket.

"As someone who started out as a mechanic, I've always trusted MAC® and Stanley® tools for performance and durability," said Ray Evernham, president and CEO of Evernham Motorsports. "Stanley is the most trusted name in home improvement products, so it makes perfect sense that they would create a line of mechanics tools for automotive enthusiasts."

Silly Season rumors this week: As always these are just the hot rumors floating through the Nextel Cup garage: After comments made a few weeks ago by Matt Kenseth alluding to the fact that he might never serve as a teammate to Jamie McMurray since his contract is up soon; rumors are circulating that he may be in line to acquire the No. 15 Chevy ride available at DEI.

DEI Director of Motorsports Richie Gilmore told several newspaper outlets last week that they already have a driver lined up for the No. 15 who is a prominent member of another team.

While it has been speculated that Napa Auto parts may stay with Michael Waltrip wherever he lands, other sources say that Napa has made a commitment to stay on the No. 15 car.

Among other drivers looking for answers is Casey Mears who assumes he will remain with Ganassi Racing next year, but has still not received confirmation. It is expected for Reed Sorenson to move up to Cup next season with the possibility of a fourth team at that stable.

Ford to recruit girls: Ford Racing announced the development of a Female Driver Development Program

"Ford Racing has joined forces with Clorox and ST Motorsports to create the Clorox/Ford Racing Female Driver Development Program, the first time a corporate sponsor and manufacturer have worked together to develop young, diverse talent. This multi-year commitment, announced here today at Lyn St. James' "Women in the Winner's Circle" luncheon, is designed to develop a driver in USAC and graduate her to a NASCAR Busch Series team campaigned by ST Motorsports."

Editor's Note:
Friday practice canceled, please see Saturday revised schedule