TBK-Light.com

Apparently Reed Sorenson was released from Turner Motorsports, with Vickers replacing him at least the next two races. Very strange considering he's 3rd in points and still in realistic contention for the championship

This has something to do with Dollar General expelling themselves out of auto racing (they're slated to leave Sarah Fisher Racing at year's end), so although it's a shock move, this isn't exactly the type where you would be upset with.

doesn't sound like money was the issue here (after all DG were leaving at the end of 2011, not immediately).

•Austin Dillon to make Cup debut at Kansas: The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation's Centennial Celebration will be commemorated by Austin Dillon's NASCAR Sprint Cup Series debut driving the #98 Curb Agajanian/Reagan Centennial/Camping World/Curb Records Chevy in the Oct. 9 Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway. The original announcement of the program was made March 27 at Auto Club Speedway. The Ronald Reagan Centennial is a historic, year-long celebration to commemorate the 100th birthday of the 40th President of the United States of America. A series of substantive and celebratory events, partnerships, and initiatives sponsored by the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation are planned throughout 2011, including the Ronald Reagan tribute album which is being released nationally by Curb Records in connection with the Kansas race. Dillon currently leads the 2011 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series point standings with five races remaining in just his second full season in the series [in the #3 RCR Chevy truck]. Dillon finished fifth in the 2010 NCWTS point standings and was named rookie of-the-year. He recently equaled his win total from last year with his second victory of the season, in the Sept. 25 Fast Five 225 at Chicagoland. His NCWTS pit crew, led by crew chief Danny Stockman, will serve in the same roles for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race. The Kansas Speedway race by Dillon will be the 100th NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start for car co-owner Mike Curb and Curb-Agajanian Racing.(Richard Chidlress Racing PR)(10-4-2011)

Bowyers signs with Michael Waltrip Racing: Michael Waltrip Racing announced Clint Bowyer will drive the team's #15 Toyota with 5-hour Energy as the primary sponsor for the next three NASCAR Sprint Cup seasons beginning at the 2012 Daytona 500. The announcement ends months of speculation for the highly valued free agent. "This has been a very long summer, but I think for everyone involved, the best decision was made to be at Michael Waltrip Racing," said Bowyer. "I am a big fan of 5-hour Energy so I was really happy when they approached me about putting a deal together. We were diligent in working through our options and finally found the right fit. I have been so impressed with what's going on at MWR. Then when the 5-hour Energy executives met with Michael and his people, we knew this was going to be our home. I've been with one organization for my entire Sprint Cup career and leaving there was the hardest part of the decision. But now I'm ready to start the next chapter in my racing career."
Bowyer, 32, is a six-year veteran with four victories, two pole positions, 30 top-five finishes and 90 top-10s in Sprint Cup competition. MWR is finishing its fifth season competing in the Sprint Cup series and has scored two wins.
"This is a watershed moment for our young organization," said Michael Waltrip, who co-owns MWR with Rob Kauffman. "Clint is a proven winner and consistent Chase participant. He had a lot of options and it makes me proud that Clint and 5-hour Energy chose to race with us. "This announcement continues to show our partner Toyota, our sponsors, our employees and the entire NASCAR community that MWR is serious about success and dedicated to winning."
Bowyer, of Emporia Kan., unveiled the #15 Toyota in front of his home state fans at Kansas Speedway on Friday. "Michael Waltrip Racing is a growing team that is hiring a lot of the right people and on the brink of breaking out. I know I'm joining it at the right time," he said. Waltrip welcomed 5-hour Energy to the MWR partner family that includes primary sponsors NAPA Auto Parts, Aaron's and Toyota. "It is an exciting time in our company as we make the transition into the Sprint Cup series", said Scott Henderson, president of 5-hour Energy. "The chance to add a top notch driver and an avid 5-Hour Energy consumer like Clint Bowyer was one we felt like we could not pass up. As we both looked at options it became clear that MWR provided us the best opportunity to win races and continue to grow the 5-hour Energy brand. Michael, Rob and the whole team understand the importance of helping our company reach our marketing objectives. We are excited to be working with them, and we can't wait to see Clint and the 5-hour Energy Toyota in victory lane."(MWR)(10-7-2011)

Read Bowyer tried to bring the 5 hour deal to rcr but Richard refused. Guessing Austin will be in a cup car full time buy 2013 and Jeff Burton will be forced out after that season to make room for Ty. Read that they brought $13 million to the table.