Harvick, Kahne lead cast of free agents

RCR drivers answer questions from media (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Kyle Busch and Kurt Busch both confirmed that they are not jumping in the free agent pool in 2010. Kyle signed a multi-year deal to remain with Joe Gibbs Racing, and Penske Racing picked up the option to retain Kurt through the 2011. However, there are several drivers with contracts that expire at the end of 2010.

Kevin Harvick, Kasey Kahne, Denny Hamlin, David Reutimann, Jamie McMurray, Bobby Labonte, Elliott Sadler, and A.J. Allmendinger have contracts that end following the 2010 campaign.

It is an fascinating list of drivers. Every driver listed, sans Allmendinger, has won at NASCAR’s highest level, and has a lot of to offer as a driver.

Harvick and Kahne appear to be the most likely of drivers to depart their current situations. Harvick all but stated that he would be searching for other opportunities throughout his contract season. Were his statements based on frustration due to a lackluster season, or was he making Richard Childress aware that their time together is reaching its conclusion?

Harvick is Childress’ top driver, and has been ever since the tragic passing of Dale Earnhardt nearly nine years ago. They have enjoyed the fruits of triumph throughout the decade. Nevertheless, things have not always been peachy between Harvick and Childress, especially when there is a palpable deficiency in performance.

Harvick owns eleven wins, including the 2007 Daytona 500; however, there have been three winless seasons throughout the decade (2004, 2008, 2009). Harvick appears to have grown weary of the inconsistency and envisions greener pastures elsewhere.

Last summer, rumors surfaced that sponsor Shell/Pennzoil would accompany Harvick in a move to Stewart-Haas Racing. The rumors were declared absurd by Childress, and he staunchly stated that Harvick and Shell would return to the RCR stables in 2010. Tension seemed to be mounting, however.

Unless Harvick and the No. 29 group come out of the gate strong, the Harvick/Childress union could likely end. Harvick is a close friend of both Tony Stewart and Ryan Newman, so SHR appears to be the logical future destination as far as Harvick’s future is concerned. As of now, it appears unlikely that Harvick would expand his own flourishing operation to the Sprint Cup level.

Like Harvick, Kahne has not been a bundle of optimism as far as his current situation is concerned. Kahne has seen the former flagship operation for Dodge transform into a merging machine. Evernham Motorsports became Gillett Evernham Motorsports before merging with Petty Enterprises, becoming Richard Petty Motorsports. Last fall, Richard Petty Motorsports and Yates Racing initiated their incorporation. Therefore, RPM is now an operation closely aligned with Roush Fenway Racing and Ford.

Kahne seemed to be out of the loop with all of the changes, which can be frustrating as a driver. Moreover, the performance of the No. 9 team has rarely been consistent, even when it was Ray Evernham’s ship to steer. The 2004 and 2006 seasons were the only statistically sound seasons for Kahne. Sure, he qualified for the Chase for the Championship in 2009, but even Kahne will tell you that it was a taxing season for his team.

Kahne enters a contract year, and could search for other opportunities. Like Harvick, Kahne could emerge as a candidate to become a third driver at SHR. If Harvick leaves RCR, Childress could pursue Kahne. As the season progresses, additional opportunities may emerge.

As far as the other drivers mentioned, Hamlin, Reutimann, and McMurray will likely remain with their current teams. Labonte may become a driver that teams will consider, especially if he overachieves with TGR Motorsports. Sadler may find himself on the unemployment line if he does not pick up the pace, and RPM would be wise to extend Allmendinger’s contract, especially if Kahne decides to explore other opportunities.