The Buzz: June 18, 2001

June 19, 2001
4:16 PM EDT (2016 GMT)

Rumor has it that John Andretti could be in for a switch to the No. 96 Cal Wells Ford.

Andy Houston

According to the source, Andretti could be headed to Cal Wells' No. 96 Ford in 2002, replacing Andy Houston, who has endured a season full of headaches so far this year, his first in the series.

Andretti has long praised Richard and Kyle Petty for his being chosen to drive the hallowed 43 car, but it's been a tough year to swallow thus far. Aside from Andretti's runner-up finish at Bristol, he hasn't run very well. He also failed to qualify for the Coca-Cola 600.

Andretti has two career Winston Cup wins.

BODINE GETS VOTE OF CONFIDENCE

Cicci-Welliver Racing Monday issued a rebuttal to rumors that flew before and after Saturday night's NASCAR Busch Series Outback Steakhouse 300 that Geoffrey Bodine would be released as driver of C-W's No. 66 Phillips 66 Chevrolets following the event.

The talk started when Bodine crashed his primary and backup No. 66 Chevies Thursday and Friday. The team used a provisional to make the starting field for the Kentucky Speedway Busch Series inaugural and Bodine started the race in a backup car borrowed from the No. 36 Cicci-Welliver team.

Team owner Frank Cicci gave Bodine a vote of confidence, saying the driver was on his way Monday with the No. 66 team to a two-day test session at Chicagoland Speedway. The new 1.5-mile speedway in Joliet, Ill., is the site of the July 14 Hills Bros Coffee 300.

"It was an unfortunate situation this weekend not only for us but for a lot of other car owners," said Cicci, who employed Bodine's younger brother Todd on three different occasions previously. "Although the Kentucky Speedway is a premier facility, the track surface needs some work, especially if they are going to get a Winston Cup date."

"Geoffrey had trouble in a spot where 10 other guys had problems, including Mike Bliss in the No. 2 car," Cicci said of Turn 3. "I am confident in Geoffrey and I think things will work out."

GREEN OUT OF AOL RUNNING

Rumor has it that Jeff Green has removed his name from possible candidates to drive Richard Childress' third Winston Cup car full time in 2002.

Sponsor AOL reportedly told Green that they were looking for a hip, upstart driver.

Green said last month that he had begun negotiations with ppc Racing, his Busch Series owner, on a new contract.