Do you guys know if you'll be running the entire 2010 schedule yet? And if so, is Regan staying aboard with you guys? And how much support do you guys get from Hendrick anyway? Just bodies and engines? Or is there some insider knowledge trading between drivers -- and to go along with that another question of mine would be that now that Tony Stewart and SHR are getting similar support from Hendrick that FRR is, do Tony and Ryan share info with the FRR #78 team at all/as well?

Thanks guys, good luck next weekend btw.

GO 78!

I do not really know how much actual support we receive from Hendricks. We are using their engines so *** that we get a tech or two of theirs to *** in dropping them in or if there are issues.

As far as tips from other teams we will have to revert to Joe G but I think that is doubtful. The Drivers might BS with each other over a frosty beverage but not sure how far that goes.

Would be an interesting topic for our twitter account. Maybe post it there too!

We are still working on sponsorship opportunities for 2010 so our plans are not yet defined.

As far as Hendricks we get engines only, with little non-formal knowledge swap.

Some of the other teams receive varied levels of support from Hendricks we receive less than most. This is dependent on the relationship and services purchased etc.

And as far as the other drivers there isn't really a swap of knowledge per say, as it is not helpful to share hard earned lessons etc.

Just saw this tweet on the 2010 Media Tour....you use engines from HMS, what technical alliance do you have with RCR and what would you get from them?

#nascar ... Childress says RCR has technical alliance with 78 (Regan Smith) & team could get 07's points guaranteeing 78 start spot early

Doesn't HENDRICK, no s...also provide an engine person to support HMS engines. I swear I've seen one standing on pit road with the 78 car and crew during quals! I was at a few races last year NH, Altanta, PA. etc. cheering the 78! Big Cheer out to the team...Great bunch of guys!

Antie,
I think you are correct about having and HMS representative of some kind in our area during quals and probably the actual races too.

As far as partnerships and points, I too have heard rumors, but until we see an actual press release or hear otherwise they may just be that...rumors.

Don't want to read between the lines...but am I to *** you have cut your relationship off with HMS and will be building your own engines or your alliance with RCR with provide that resource? I never like to *** anything, one of the 7 deadliest sins of business. Best of luck in 2010
Article from Nascar.com

Furniture Row alliance with RCR delivers 07's points
Team hopeful of running full season with Smith in No. 78
By Team Release
January 30, 2010
02:01 PM EST

DENVER -- Furniture Row Racing has expanded its personnel roster in anticipation of running the full Sprint Cup Series schedule, and it will start the season locked into the starting lineup for the first five races thanks to a technical and engineering alliance with Richard Childress Racing, which includes a set of owners' points.

RCR had the 21st-place owners' points from 2009 that were accrued by driver Casey Mears in the No. 07 Chevrolet. That team has been eliminated due to no sponsorship.


Smith"Being a single-car team against the mega, multi-car teams has put us at a huge disadvantage over the years," FRR general manager Joe Garone said. "Now that we have formed an alliance with RCR, we will have the ability to be secured in the top 35 and keep a better pace with the other multi-car teams. RCR has always been a leader and a winner, and we are proud to be affiliated with Richard Childress and his outstanding organization."

On the surface Furniture Row looks basically the same. But behind the scenes it's a whole new look as the team made significant personnel moves during the offseason as it readies to return to a full 36-race schedule in 2010. Furniture Row owner Barney Visser started his team in 2005 and has run a mix of full and partial schedules since.

The team's driver (Regan Smith), car number (78) and car manufacturer (Chevrolet) remain the same. But beyond that the Denver-based team is quite different than it has been in recent years. For starters, more than 20 new employees were hired during the offseason, increasing Furniture Row's growing staff to more than 60.

"No question we stepped it up the past few months," Garone said. "We have a deep commitment to excel and went after and acquired some of the best and experienced talent in the NASCAR garage to go along with our already talented staff. The excitement and anticipation levels at the shop are at an all-time high."

Regarding the team's decision to return to full-time Cup racing, Garone said, "Furniture Row Companies is a national chain with more than 330 stores in 31 states. Utilizing the NASCAR sponsorship has proven to be the most cost-effective way to advertise on a national level."

The newness of the behind-the-scenes Furniture Row Racing team includes a new crew chief (Ryan Coniam), new car chief (Pete Rondeau), new managing director of competition (Mark McArdle) and two new race engineers in Cole Pearn and Josh Browne. Each comes to Furniture Row with an experienced NASCAR background.

Coniam was a race engineer at Michael Waltrip Racing, McArdle was an engine and technical specialist in Indy Car racing with Penske Racing and Ilmor Engineering. For the past six years, he oversaw the engine program at Evernham Motorsports, which eventually transformed into Richard Petty Motorsports. Rondeau, a former crew chief at Dale Earnhardt Inc, was the director of research and development the past four years at Richard Petty Motorsports. Engineers Pearn and Browne also came from high-profile positions -- Pearn at RCR and Browne at Red Bull Racing Team.

"I went to the shop last week and it was like I was entering it for the first time -- it was just a different atmosphere," said Smith, who begins his second season as driver of the No. 78. "The new people, the RCR alliance plus an already strong foundation bring a new spirit and it's all great. I've never been this pumped prior to the start of the season. And to know that we don't have to go through the gut-wrenching qualifying process -- especially at Daytona -- is an incredible relief."

Antie,
As far as I know we are still using HMS engines. I have not heard other wise.

Joe and the team are traveling for Daytona so may not get an answer from them right away. I will see what I can find out in the mean time.

I attended Media Feb 1, 2010 and you can see my write up at www.motorsportsnews.net

Furniture Row will continue to use HMS engines this year.

I also confirmed with Joe Garone that for the 2010 season the plan is in fact to stay with HMS engines.

Future plans beyond this season have yet to be decided let alone discussed.