The Buzz: Gibbs to Chevy; Hamilton to Petty?

Joe Gibbs Racing reportedly will hold a news conference Sunday morning to announce that it is switching its Winston Cup entries from Pontiacs to Chevrolets for drivers Tony Stewart and Bobby Labonte beginning next season.

Reports say Tony Stewart and Bobby Labonte will be in Chevys in 2003. Credit: Autostock

The move has been rumored for much of this season. Further speculation arose last month that, in fact, the deal was done and that the official announcement was being held up by Pontiac, who hoped to entice a new addition to its team lineup to replace the Gibbs teams.

Late last month, team president J.D. Gibbs didn't confirm or deny the speculation.

"We're still evaluating things at Joe Gibbs Racing right now," Gibbs had said at the time. "General Motors has been a great partner of ours and we're working together with them to determine what is best for both them and Joe Gibbs Racing. We're trying hard to get things better, and we really want to do what's best for them and for us."

After 17 of 36 races this season, Pontiac is in fourth place in the manufacturers' championship with 77 points and three wins. Chevrolet is second with 95 points and three wins. Ford leads the standings with 119 points and six victories.

In the drivers standings, Stewart is seventh with wins at Atlanta and Richmond. Labonte is 22nd in points with a win at Martinsville.

Hamilton on the move

Bobby Hamilton, feeling unwanted at Andy Petree Racing, is disgruntled with his current situation and reportedly will leave the team following the 2002 season. Rumor on Friday had Hamilton moving to Petty Enterprises. He may ink the deal with the Pettys at Pocono in two weeks.