The News
According to FOX Sports, Casey Mears will replace Jeff Burton in the RCR No. 29 in this weekend's Nationwide race at Texas.

Our View:Burton wrecked in the first practice session for the Nationwide race on the exit of Turn 2. The swap was precautionary, and Burton is expected to be fine for the Cup race. However, fantasy owners should remember to remove Burton from their Nationwide lineups.

The News
When Juan Pablo Montoya begins the 2010 season, it could be behind the wheel of a Toyota, according to Yahoo! Sports.

Our View:The organization is reportedly considering a switch from Chevroley to Toyota, but the nothing has been finalized. With GM's financial issues, a move to Toyota offers the organization more security. However, Teresa Earnhardt is apparently holding up the swap because she is worried about going with a non-American manufacturer.

The News
According NASCAR.com, John Wes Townley has reached a deal to drive full-time in the Nationwide Series for Richard Childress Racing in 2010.

Our View:In 2008, Townley finished seventh in the ARCA Series standings. The 19-year-old driver is 24th in the Nationwide standings this year, having competed in 23 of 32 events. It is unknown what his car number will be, but Zaxby is expected to be the sponsor.

The News
Dale Earnhardt, Jr is close to signing IRL driver Danica Patrick to a two-year deal to drive for his JR Motorsports Nationwide team.

Our View:Rumors have swirled around a possible NASCAR ride for Patrick for several months now, but this deal appears to be almost a done deal. Patrick, who recently signed an extension with Andretti Green Racing is sure to attract plenty of sponsorship offers in NASCAR.

The News
According Yahoo! Sports, Brad Keselowski will replace David Stremme behind the wheel of the No. 12 car for the final three Cup races of 2009.

Our View:Stremme was 31st in points through 33 races this year so there was no reason not to make the switch. Keselowski will continue to drive for JR Motorsports in the Nationwide Series for the rest of this season, before taking over duties in the No. 12 full-time in 2010. Fantasy owners should feel free to utilize Keselowski down the stretch this year in both series.

The News
Despite Dale Earnhardt, Jr's ongoing struggles, crew chief Lance McGrew will return full-time next season atop the pit box of the No. 88, according to RacingOne.com.

Our View:While it can be argued that McGrew has made Junior more competitive, he hasn't been prodcuing better results. Bad luck continues to plague Junior. With all of his Hendrick Motorsports teammates thriving, Junior has to turn things around soon.

The News
Brad Keselowski will be the last driver to win at Memphis Motorsports Park, after track officials decided to close the track, according to RacingOne.com.

Our View:Nashville Superspeedway will replace Memphis on the Nationwide Series schedule, and the event will swap dates with an event at Gateway International Raceway. It is always sad to see a track close down, particularly one as unique as Memphis.

The News
After his recent drunk-drviing arrest, A.J. Allmendinger has been placed on probation by NASCAR, according to Yahoo! Sports.

Our View:Allmendinger was also fined $10,000 for the incident. Prior to the practice sessions at Talladega Friday, he was given a breath test which he passed.

The News
This weekend's race at Talladega will be the final race for Kyle Busch with Steve Addington atop his pit box, according to Yahoo! Sports.

Our View:Dave Rogers, who currently serves as crew chief on the No. 20 JGR Nationwide team, will take over crew chief duties for Busch's NO. 18 Cup team. Rogers led the No. 20 Nationwide team to an owner's title last season, and it is no secret that Busch fell short of expectations this year. Busch has plenty of talent, and maybe a change will lead to more consistent results.

The News
According to Yahoo! Sports, A.J. Allmendinger was arrested early Thursday morning on charges of drunk driving.

Our View:Allmendinger admitted to having a few drinks with dinner and apologized for poor judgement. He is scheduled to move to the Richard Petty Motorsports No. 43 next season with Best Buy as a sponsor. However, Petty has always been very vocal about his dislike of alcohol through the years. He refused to accept alcohol sponsors for many years, and he wouldn't field cars in the Busch Series because of the title sponsor. It is unknown if Allmendinger's arrest will have long-term ramifications.