Sept. 23 newsstand

A new driver coming from the other side?
Some interesting news: Autosport catches up with displaced Champ Car driver Ryan Dalziel. In the story, Dalziel is quoted as saying he is considering a return to Grand Am or a move to the IRL. He has driven GA races for SAMAX Motorsports, which fielded an IRL team for the terrifyingly slow Milka Duno this year. If Milka gets booted, could SAMAX continue with Dalziel (or Tomas Enge)?

Going to the other side: Buddy Lazier
A Q&A (looks like from a press conference) with Buddy Lazier was posted on PaddockTalk.
Says Buddy: "I think everyone has a little different reasoning and I know my reasons are a little different than others, but its NASCAR. There is a lot of opportunity with the different divisions, there are a lot of seats. Its also just good hard racing and its something I have always wanted to do." ... (on the alleged "exodus") "I know some guys say they have been there and done that and want to move on to something different. You know, everybody wants to round their career around something different. So you know, obviously there is a lot of money with NASCAR and they have really got everything together so I can see the appeal from across the board as anybody that has got the opportunity to do it."

Going to the other side: Chip on Dario
Motorsport.com catches up with Chip Ganassi. Here's what he has to say:
"The background of open-wheel drivers does not represent a free pass to NASCAR and the Chase."
"We are trying to get Dario in there but there are still a few hurdles to be addressed before an announcement can be made. We are confident that we are going to be able to put something together for him."

Also, Chip says Dario will NOT be bringing sponsorship with him if he does come, and he expects Dan Wheldon to stay in the IRL "for a while."


More on going to the other side
I'm adding one that I missed a couple of days ago, and it was picked up by My Name Is IRL: a defection-to-NASCAR story that has a clue, from the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.

Venue stuff
Speaking to the Salt Lake Tribune, Mario Andretti would like to see either the IRL or CC run at Miller Motorsports Park in Utah (which is a great track, but another parade).

Dancing with the Stars ... back in ink
The Charlotte Observer has five reasons why Helio Castroneves will win Dancing with the Stars.

And finally
A.J. Foyt IV was running a Late Model in Houston tonight.