It's Briscoe, hypothetically speaking

Back in March was the first time My Name Is IRL did any speculation on who would replace Sam Hornish Jr at Team Penske should he ever actually decide to leave the IndyCar series. Looks like I may have gotten a lucky guess.

Ryan Briscoe is the lead candidate to replace Sam Hornish Jr in the IndyCar Series if the American switches to NASCAR, this week's Autosport reports.

Three-time IRL champion Hornish has been tipped to move to NASCAR next season after making a handful of Busch Series starts this year with Penske, while Briscoe currently races for the squad in the American Le Mans Series.

Penske Racing president Tim Cindric said: "At the point where we make that decision if that seat is open, Ryan is certainly the lead candidate to do that." (MORE from Autosport.com)

Meanwhile, Curt Cavin thinks that Dario Franchitti might be planning a switch to Team Penske - for the ALMS team.

Question: Great blog. Silly season observation: Hornish leaves for NASCAR. Briscoe takes his place. Now, who takes Briscoe's ALMS ride? Maybe that's what Dario is talking to Roger about. After all, Penske fielded three cars (for all practical purposes) at Indy this year. Dario still gets to defend his Indy 500 win. And he gets an even better ride at ALMS. Furthermore, little brother keeps his ride at AGR with Herta. Possible? (Tim, Dayton, Ohio)

Answer: Possible? I like it so much I'm betting on it. Great thinking.

Sounds like a solid plan for a guy like Dario, but that would very much be throwing away all of the fan equity he's accumulated this season. With winning at Indy, taking a couple of flying trips, and battling to the wire for the championship, Mr Judd is probably second only to Danica! in publicity this season. He must really want his privacy to let go of all his newfound fame.

Then again he (Dario, not Curt) married a movie star, so I'll guess with you no matter what Cavin says.