Around this time every year people start looking forward to next season and moves that are expected to be made. Rumors run rampant and names and sponsors are thrown around like free agents in other sports. Affectionately known by many as "silly season" this becomes a time in the year where some focus more on what is happening off the track and in the board rooms than race results and competition.

Last year's movers included one of the sport's biggest names - Dale Earnhardt Jr. - Kyle Busch was wrapped up in the move, while Toyota made headlines announcing they had joined forces with Joe Gibbs Racing.

This year another of the sport's movers and shakers - Tony Stewart - sent the rumor mills in motion. Stewart announced earlier in the season that he was exploring his options and would personally like to be a part-owner in whatever team he drives for next season. The two-time series champion has been linked to Haas CNC Racing, but nothing has been announced.

If Stewart does move on in '09, this opens up his spot at Joe Gibbs Racing. Team owner Joe Gibbs has already stated he wants to get young standout Joey Logano behind the wheel of a Cup car before the end of the season, so don't be surprised if the 18-year-old sensation is a contender for the Chase in the third JGR ride in 2009.

Richard Childress Racing also has many in the garage and in the stands talking. The team will be adding a fourth team in 2009 and has already secured a sponsorship - General Mills. Some said early on that Bobby Labonte would follow his sponsor to RCR, but an announcement a few weeks ago secured his spot at Petty Enterprises. RCR made more news last week when they announced a partnership with long-time Bill Davis Racing sponsor Caterpillar to replace AT&T.

Another team that is in desperate need of change - and will undoubtedly make some - is Chip Ganassi Racing. Many have said Target is disappointed and frustrated with Reed Sorenson's performance - very understandable. What started out as a promising year quickly turned to junk, with the No. 41 now in danger of falling out of the top-35 in owner points. Expect major changes to continue at Ganassi Racing and look for Sorenson to be on the chopping block.

The most recent rumor hitting the series centers on Casey Mears, Mark Martin and the U.S. Army. Mears earned his first top-5 in 23 races last week in Sonoma, but it appears too little, too late. With Aric Almirola poised to take over the Dale Earnhardt Inc. No. 8 full-time in 2009, Martin appears free to move on. Word is Martin is interested in making one final run at the championship and Rick Hendrick is willing to give the veteran driver that chance. Hendrick stated this week he is committed to getting the No. 5 running better, and this move would appear to make that happen. If Martin does make the move, expect him to share the ride with JR Motorsports' Brad Keselowski.

Questions have been raised concerning the U.S. Army's sponsorship and whether or not that would follow Martin, remain at DEI or move on to another team. Just imagine the marketability of the U.S. Army teamed together with the National Guard, with two of the sport's most popular and recognizable figures behind the wheel.

Again all of this is hearsay, but the majority of it has some truth behind it. Silly Season is something that has been a part of NASCAR for years and years and gives fans and media alike something to talk about besides Kyle Busch's dominance. For drivers on the cutting block, Silly Season can be a tumultuous time, while for those looking for greener pastures it can be a time of relief. Either way moves will be made and many teams will have a new look for 2009, so be sure to stay tuned to HardcoreRaceFans.com for all the updates.