Jeremy Mayfield's last win came at Michigan nearly one year ago. Credit: Autostock

Mayfield heading to Bill Davis Racing in '07?

Sources say driver is very close to a deal to drive for BDR

SPEEDWAY, Ind. -- Jeremy Mayfield is close to signing a deal to drive next season for Bill Davis Racing, multiple sources told NASCAR.COM on Saturday.

Mayfield, who has a year and two option years remaining on his contract with Evernham Motorsports, would not comment on specific plans for 2007.

Jeremy Mayfield has been driving the No. 19 Dodge since 2002. Credit: Autostock

Inside the Numbers Jeremy Mayfield in 2006 Race Start Finish Status Daytona 26 36 running California 21 22 running Las Vegas 24 25 running Atlanta 20 41 running Bristol 10 16 running Martinsville 23 26 engine Texas 34 31 running Phoenix 28 26 running Talladega 36 13 running Richmond 38 32 running Darlington 30 38 running Charlotte 2 15 running Dover 2 18 running Pocono 26 23 running Michigan 18 36 running Sonoma 32 22 running Daytona 42 36 running Chicago 16 24 running Loudon 37 29 running Pocono 22 37 running Average 24.4 27.3

But he admitted a return next season to the No. 19 Dodge, which reportedly already has been offered to Elliott Sadler, was unlikely.

"I doubt I'm staying,'' Mayfield said after qualifying 15th for Sunday's Nextel Cup race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

According to sources, Mayfield already has toured the facilities at Bill Davis Racing and agreed in principal to a multi-year deal to drive one of the organization's two Toyotas next season.

Team director Tommy Baldwin confirmed on Friday that Dave Blaney would drive the other car.

Mayfield also has been courted by Michael Waltrip to drive for his new Toyota team in 2007. But sources said Mayfield is leaning heavily toward taking the offer at BDR.

First, he must get his release from team owner Ray Evernham, who said the decision is not totally up to him.

"I've got so many partners like Dodge and UAW,'' Evernham said. "That's a decision that would have to be talked about with a lot of people.''

But Evernham isn't surprised Mayfield has choices outside of his organization.

"Jeremy has options the same as many other drivers,'' he said. "Why wouldn't he? He's been in the Chase two years in a row. If I was a team owner starting a new team, he'd be one of the guys I'd be looking at for sure.''

Mayfield indicated an announcement on his future at the organization he joined in 2002 would come soon.

After saying his return was unlikely, the line of questioning was cut off by a member of the Evernham Motorsports public relations department.

Mayfield has been frustrated with the performance of his team that is 34th in points, his worst position this late in the season since 2001 with Penske Racing. He made the Chase the past two years, finishing 10th and ninth, respectively.

The frustration began when Mayfield's crew chief, Kenny Francis, and most of his crew moved to the No. 9 team of Kasey Kahne, seventh in points.

Things came to a head last month at Chicago when Mayfield questioned why Evernham was at a Truck Series race with developmental driver Erin Crocker instead of there helping his team.

"I haven't talked to Ray much,'' Mayfield told reporters behind his hauler in Chicago. "We don't see Ray much. I don't know. He encourages us when he is around but we haven't seen him much lately.''

Evernham flew to Chicago the next day and held a press conference the following day to give Mayfield a vote of confidence.

"We're concentrating on this year, on getting this thing fixed,'' Evernham said at the time. "We don't have to talk about that option until August or September. Right now we want to fix this.

"Bottom line, we're not talking about not being there.''

Evernham said his priority is still to get the No. 19 team back on track.

"Me and Jeremy are good friends,'' he said. "We all understand the situation, but until we have something I can't change anything I said at Chicago. He and I have still got a lot of things we've got to work out.

"Right now both of us are concerned with getting the performance of the 19 up. Then, as we said at Chicago, we'll worry about what happens afterwards.''

Mayfield said he wants to finish the season in the No. 19 regardless of where he is next year.

There has been speculation that Sadler, who already has been released from his contract for next season, could leave the No. 38 at Robert Yates Racing late this year and drive a few races for Evernham.

Mayfield, trying to keep his sense of humor, jokingly said, "You know we're going to have two seats in the 19.''