BY TEAM FORD RACING CORRESPONDENT

Richmond, Va. — Greg Biffle will run in Saturday night’s Winston Cup show, but the assignment came at the expense of Winston Cup regular Bobby Hamilton. Biffle will assume Hamilton’s ride, a Chevy, after a last lap wreck in the Craftsman Truck Race, Thursday, resulted in numerous injuries for Hamilton.

Hamilton was collected in a massive Turn 1 wreck on the last lap. The wreck, which collected many of the back half of the Top-10 runners, broke Hamilton’s left wrist, and right scapula.

Hamilton will be sidelined for three weeks, but car owner Andy Petree has not determined the plan beyond this week’s event.

NOT SO FAST
As shocking as it may sound, the rumored announcement by Chip Ganassi that would have put John Andretti in a third Gassasi-mobile with sponsorship will not come to reality. This time, unlike the Rudd deal, it’s not because it was canceled, but rather because the whole story is not true — or at the very least very, very premature.

Andretti is vigorously denying stories on the Internet after the Darlington, S.C. event that had Andretti leaving Petty Racing. Andretti said he never said more than a “Hi, How are you?” to the reporter who first broke the story.

That’s not to say that Andretti has a signed deal with Petty at this time, but rather he’s still working on next year’s plans in general. Andretti said to TFR, “I’m more worried about this week’s race than next year.”

STODDARD NOTE
You’ll likely be reading tomorrow about Frankie Stoddard’s big deal with Bill Davis to take over as crew chief of the No. 23, Kenny Wallace, Dodge. The story, while intriguing – and possible, will be premature if it should make it to print.

Davis, as he rocked Stoddard’s newborn in his arms while playing gently, he said, “We’ve been good friends with Frankie for years. Of course we’re interested in talking with him —when he’s ready.”

Stoddard’s wife, Heidi, works for Davis and told TFR that Frankie is going to take a little rest this weekend and clear his mind. Frankie will have options with Roush, but nothing has been offered firmly to the displaced crew chief.

RUMOR MILL KEEPS CHURNING
The latest widespread rumor sweeping through the Richmond garage has the motor builders shaking their heads in disbelief.

The rumor, and that’s all it is right now, is that NASCAR wants to put a standard set of points and coil in the cars. This move, if it should come to fruition, would replace the magnetic pick-up/MSD ignition system run now in NASCAR’s top series.

Many motor builders responded, “Are you kidding,” while others simply walk away shaking their heads.

In theory a straight points system will keep traction control out of the garage. But as one motor builder pointed out, “The traction control goes between the MSD and coil, delaying the spark. Why would using points stop a system like that from working? You’d just put the traction control between the points and coil, rather than the ignition box and coil.”

The engine builder then added, “Not that I know anything about traction control.”