NASCAR to nix Nextel, rename series Sprint Cup?

Race fans not too engrossed in the drama that is modifying the Car of Tomorrow could have probably smelled this one coming out of turn two, but according to numerous sources at ESPN, the Nextel Cup will be no more after 2007. Soon after Sprint decided to axe the whole "Together with Nextel" bit from its agenda, whispers are now saying that the 2008 season will feature the Sprint Cup Series. As expected, NASCAR declined to comment, but Sprint's NASCAR marketing director noted that Sprint-Nextel is "still sorting the proposition out with NASCAR." Ah well, different name -- same game.

[Thanks, Ben S.]