Sterling Marlin will be bumped from Ganassi Racing's No. 40 next year by Busch Series driver
David Stremme, team owners Chip Ganassi and Felix Sabates confirmed Sunday.
The car also will also have a second primary sponsor, as Lone Star Steakhouse joins Coors Light in sharing the Dodge.
Marlin, who turns 48 this month, will drive a Busch Series car for FitzBradshaw Racing,
co-owned by Sabates' son-in-law, Armando Fitz, next season. The longtime NASCAR star also has been offered a contract by Coors
and the Ganassi team to remain with them as a driver coach. But his current ride will go to Stremme, who celebrated his 28th
birthday Sunday and will race for Rookie of the Year honors in Nextel Cup next season.
Sabates also said the team would not stand in the way if Marlin finds another Cup ride for next season.
``I have a whole lot of respect for Sterling Marlin,'' said Stremme, who started with the Ganassi team as a developmental
driver and is in his third Busch season. ``I have full support behind him. But I'm also looking forward to this opportunity.''
Sabates acknowledged that a younger driver may better fit the Coors sponsorship. Marlin has driven the car for eight years.
``It's a young man's business these days,'' Sabates said. ``We have a beer car.''
Marlin also had a tough time on the track Sunday. His Dodge, running 17th, caught fire with 32 laps to go and knocked him
out of the race. He has 10 career Cup wins, the latest coming in 2002.
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