The Buzz: Bliss to replace McLaughlin?

With his name freshly engraved on the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship trophy, Mike Bliss may be leaving the Craftsman Truck Series.

The announcement may come as early as Monday.

Bliss, who drove the No. 16 IWX Motor Freight Chevrolet to his first crown this weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway, is reportedly headed to the Busch Series to drive for Joe Gibbs Racing.

Word has it that he will take over the Rockwell-sponsored car as a teammate to Coy Gibbs, who is also leaving the Craftsman Truck Series for the Busch Series.

Mike McLaughlin had been the sole Busch driver at Joe Gubbs Racing, but he was informed his contract wasn't going to be renewed earlier this year. He has since signed with Angela's Motorsports to drive their Fords in 2003.

When asked about his future plans on Friday after clinching, Bliss said, "Well, I guess you'll just have to wait until Monday and see what happens."