DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- NASCAR's Nextel Cup Series will be known as the Sprint Cup Series next season, series officials announced Saturday.

Sprint Nextel officials labeled the change a re-branding as they emphasize the Sprint name. The change is for all NASCAR events, so it will be known as the Sprint All-Star Challenge and the Chase for the Sprint Cup next year.

This will be the third different name for NASCAR's top series since 2003. It was known as Winston Cup that season and became Nextel Cup in 2004 before this change.

Nextel's 10-year contract with NASCAR permitted one name change. NASCAR chairman Brian France hinted that series officials might allow another name change if it was needed as the telecommunications industry evolves.

"There's contracts that we have and there's a partnership that we have," France said. "The contract says one thing, which is one change. We're optimistic that would be it, but one never quite knows.''

This takes place as NASCAR is fighting AT&T in a lawsuit because AT&T took over Cingular Wireless and put its logo on Jeff Burton's car. AT&T recently signed a three-year deal with Richard Childress Racing to be Burton's sponsor. NASCAR is trying to keep AT&T out of the sport since it was not one of the telecommunications company grandfathered in when Nextel came into the series.

Back again

Bass Pro Shops announced it has signed a three-year extension to be the primary sponsor for Martin Truex Jr.

One month away

Max Siegel, president of global operations for DEI said that he hopes to have a replacement for Dale Earnhardt Jr. hired by the end of the month. He would not discuss possible drivers for that seat.

Siegel also said that despite some speculation Paul Menard and sponsor Menards will return for next season.

Up in the air

Car owner Robert Yates said he is unsure of the status of Ricky Rudd's team for next year. Rudd is currently under a one-year contract. Yates said much will depend on what Rudd wants to do.

Pit stops

DEI hired Kevin Buskirk to lead its test team. Buskirk, who had been an engineer and crew chief at Robert Yates Racing, replaces Tony Eury Sr., who left to join JR. Motorsports. ... Jeff Gordon is scheduled to serve as co-host Monday on "Live with Regis and Kelly."