People Places & Racing News

MAYFIELD REPLACES GREEN FOR 2008 SPRINT CUP SERIES AND OTHER RACING NEWS

DRIVER SWAPS: With just four races remaining in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series season, CNC Haas Racing has released driver Jeff Green. He will be replaced by veteran Jeremy Mayfield, who will drive the team’s No. 66 next season. As a result, Craftsman Truck Series regulars Johnny Benson and Mike Skinner will split time in the Bill Davis Racing Toyota vacated by Mayfield.

THE CHAMP: Doing what he had to do, Kimi Raikkonen won the Brazilian Grand Prix and collected the World Driving Championship by a single point. However, he could lose that title if Team McLaren wins its appeal regarding the fuel used in the cars of Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld, which finished ahead of Lewis Hamilton. If those two drivers, were penalized and Hamilton elevated two positions, he would claim the championship.

CLOSING DOWN: The RUSPORT Champ Car World Series team will close its doors after the Mexico City season finale, leaving the embattled series without another regular entry in its championship.

WENT HOME: Twenty-seven days after the worst crash of his racing career, 14-time NHRA Funny Car champion John Force left the Baylor University Medical Center and flew home to California on Saturday. He will continue therapy there and hopes to return to the cockpit next season.

HIRED: Indy Pro Series champion Alex Lloyd has signed a driver-development contract with Chip Ganassi Racing and is expected to compete in both the IndyCar Series and the Grand Am Rolex Series for sports cars.

DIED: Longtime Los Angeles Times motorsports reporter Shav Glick died Friday at age 87.

NUMBER ONE: World of Outlaws point-leader Donny Schatz retained the top spot in the NSSN Power Rankings for the fourth-straight week, edging NASCAR Nextel Cup point-leader Jeff Gordon.

SUBSCRIBE: National Speed Sport News has been published weekly since 1934. To subscribe to National Speed Sport News, click on the following link for a special industry rate: www.nationalspeedsportnews.com/subscribe.html?pid=NQ%2BVfhkepT4%3D.