Garage Chatter: Richmond II

Skinner in BDR truck? Sources say that Mike Skinner will get behind the wheel of a Craftsman Truck Series truck under a two-year deal with Bill Davis Racing.

AOL done with NASCAR? Garage insiders indicate that America Online may want to scale back their involvement in the sport next season. Currently, they sponsor the No. 30 Chevy of Jeff Burton.

It was not indicated what "scaling back" would involve.

Matt Crafton a possible replacement in the No. 31 Chevy? Matt Crafton, who currently pilots the No. 6 owned by Kevin Harvick has been mentioned as one of the driver's being considered to inherit the ride of Robby Gordon - IF (and that's a very big IF) Cingular and Richard Childress Racing decide not to renew Gordon's contract.

Blaney to Gibbs? Television commentator Larry McReynolds mentioned on-air that Dave Blaney had been hired in some capacity to assist the No. 11 Chevy next season. It was not clear whether Blaney had been hired to drive or mentor (whoever is hired for that ride).

Rumors continue to swirl that if Jamie McMurray can extricate himself from his contract at Ganassi Racing, he is the leading candidate to drive the third Gibbs Cup car.

Jr.'s spotter gets the boot: Stevie Reeves, Dale Earnhardt, Jr's spotter, was relieved of his spotter duties by Dale Earnhardt, Inc. racing. Reeves will remain with the team in some other capacity.

Steve Hmiel will spot for Jr. this weekend.

"We want to win, we can go for a win at all costs, and that means everything," said Earnhardt after he qualified the No. 8 DEI Chevrolet.

8 team members deduced that Hmiel may serve as a better umpire between Earnhardt and the Eury's.