Is David Stremme the next on that list?

Jayski is reporting that Stremme is the front-runner to take over Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s seat. It’s not reported anywhere else, so we’ll have to take Jayski on his word (which may sound like a backhanded compliment, but really it’s not).

In seven and a half seasons, he’s gone through a ton of drivers – and the departures often weren’t because Ganassi wanted to replace a certain person.

McMurray left in the last great driver swap, replacing Kurt Busch at Roush Racing. Busch, of course, moved to Penske. Casey Mears went on to Hendrick. Both have won races since then.

Ganassi’s latest hire, Juan Pablo Montoya, finally got his owner back in victory lane; his last trip there had been in 2002. So, since 2003, drivers who have left Ganassi have more wins than anyone that had driven for him (if that makes sense).

That’s an unusual position to find yourself in. Usually, among the less-competitive teams, there are no hidden gems. Jeff Green or Johnny Sauter probably won’t be jumping to a Hendrick Cup ride anytime soon.

The elite teams find and lock up top talent until time or circumstances necessitate a change. Think of Kyle Busch signing at a young age with Hendrick, or all of the Busch drivers under 21 who are driving for big-time teams.

Ganassi Racing seems to be in the middle somewhere, a purgatory of sorts. Good enough to be competitive in spots, but not good enough to keep their drivers around.

Yes, this assumes that Stremme flees for DEI. But even if he doesn’t, the point stands. Stremme’s name is out there as a potential replacement driver.

Yet another one may fly the coop.

-- YES, I MISSED ANOTHER one yesterday. I do apologize for that, and don’t see any major disruptions in the future. Like me or not, I’ll be back.