While NASCAR has hinted at the idea, they have yet to levy such a penalty. Peltz contends that “there seems to be a double standard at work.”

Although the driver is docked points and incurs fines, they’re allowed to race the next week. Imagine if they weren’t.

He writes, “Much of NASCAR’s popularity is built on the individual popularity — and brand recognition — of its drivers. Some fans drive hundreds of miles to see their favorite driver. Or consider the corporate sponsors.”  Could you imagine “all their sales pitches and other hospitality events planned for a race were negated because the driver had been sent home?”

Michael Waltrip Racing, which has already lost UPS as a sponsor, has been struggling too. Aaron’s Rent re-signed with the team to sponsor David Reutimann’s car for half of next season. This team is trying to secure sponsorship for the rest of the season for that car.

So, the two teams could possibly merge next season. That would mean that the combined team would filed four cars, and Juan Pablo Montoya would drive a Toyota.

This move is not all too suprising. Many NASCAR teams are struggling financially, and with the economy in the state it is currently in, sponsors have to reevaluate if it is worth the cash to stay in the sport. Carmakers are reconsidering, as well.

Dodge pulled its factory support from the Craftsman Truck Series, and it is hard to believe that if things don’t improve for an extended period of time, they will stay in the Nationwide or Sprint Cup series.

With the exception of Kasey Kahne’s two victories, and Ryan Newman’s one, the team has struggled immensely, putting no cars in the Chase. Not to mention the fact that Dodge isn’t known for its small, fuel-efficient vehicles. The carmaker is struggling to attract consumers, which is why all other makes are beating it, in terms of sales.

So, in a year, if things haven’t fully recovered, I would question Dodge’s committment to the sport. I’m pretty sure Chip Ganassi Racing would be.

I always wondered how Michael Waltrip could afford a three car race team. He hasn’t exactly been raking in the dough with good finishes. He never signed a huge contract, though at Dale Earnhard Inc. he did win a few races. Still, he doesn’t seem to have that much money. I know NAPA, UPS, and Aaron’s Rent probably kick in a good portion of the money, but still. He doesn’t have Richard Childress, or Rick Hendrick money. So, a merger would make sense.

Skinner will evaluate the team, suggesting ways to improve its on-track performance. Skinner will also drive the car in the Sharpie 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway, and the Pepsi 500 at Auto Club Speedway (California).

Team owner Waltrip said:

Michael Waltrip Racing is fully committed to our sponsors, the success of our race teams and ensuring Michael McDowell, Josh Wise, David Reutimann and I have the necessary tools to succeed as drivers.

Waltrip hopes that Skinner will be able to provide similar insights that he used earlier in the season when he drove five races for Red Bull Racing in the No. 84 usually driven by AJ Allmendinger. Skinner’s presence helped the team improve.