Garage Chatter: Texas

Truex out of DEI in 2006? Rumor is that Martin Truex, Jr. is entertaining other Cup rides for the 2006 season. He is the leading candidate for taking over the No. 25 Chevy currently occupied by Brian Vickers.

Truex has also talked to three other high-profile Cup teams. While nothing has been set in stone, it is highly unlikely that Truex will return to Dale Earnhardt, Inc. Racing next season where apparently a faltering program is causing tensions at the organizations highest level.

Martin Truex, Sr. stated that he hoped his son had a long future at DEI and was not aware of any offers being made to his son to court him away from his current commitment.

Whose getting Rusty's ride? Greg Biffle is reported to be the leading contender for the No. 2 Dodge seat next season. Rusty Wallace is due to retire at the end of the year. Other names in the rumor mill are Jamie McMurray and Kevin Harvick.

However, it is said of both Harvick and McMurray that contractual obligations would prevent them from being able to make the move to another team.

Biffle's contract with Roush is up at the end of this year.

Leffler out of 11 car? Motorsport.com has learned that the No. 11 Joe Gibbs Chevy team may be planning on replacing Jason Leffler with Ward Burton as soon as Darlington.

While denied by team officials, insiders Burton would fill the seat for the remainder of the season before a permanent driver was named to take over the ride. Burton stated that he has not been spoken to in regards to the No. 11 car but currently had several other offers in play.

Chad Norris has quit his role as car chief on the No. 12 Penske Dodge of Ryan Newman to go crew chief Matt Kenseth's Busch effort.