The wait continues for Newburgh native and former NASCAR Nextel Cup driver Ricky Craven, who parted ways with the PPI Motorsports and the Tide No. 32 Chevy team in August after 31/2 seasons.

He said he has had discussions with Nextel Cup, Busch and Craftsman Truck series teams, but that’s as far as things have progressed.

“There will be an opportunity but it hasn’t materialized yet,” said the 38-year-old Craven. “I’m optimistic because I understand the business and it has always been that things happen when you least expect it. There will be an opportunity around the corner.”

Craven reiterated that he wants to drive full time for a competitive Nextel Cup team next season. And he didn’t rule out another single-car team if it’s a “solid program. I’m not limiting my opportunities to just a multi-car team.

“In two of the last three years [before this season], a single-car team has won,” said Craven, referring to his victories at Martinsville and Darlington.

He also hasn’t ruled out driving for a Busch or Craftsman Truck series team.

“If I felt like that would somehow lead me back to [landing] a competitive Nextel Cup ride, sooner than later, I would take it,” said Craven. “There’s one out there right now that has interested me. It has a lot of potential.”

He wouldn’t specify whether it was a Busch or Craftsman Truck series ride.

Craven made his Craftsman Truck debut at Loudon, N.H., and was trying to move into third place when his truck got loose and he wrecked. But he thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

“And the truck series is the only one I haven’t won at and that intrigues me,” said Craven.

He admits that this is not “necessarily a comfortable time for me.

“I would very much like to be at the racetrack. I miss the competitive side of it. I’m still ambitious. I still have the desire to compete,” said Craven, who finished a career-best 15th in points in 2002.

There has been speculation about Craven replacing Robby Gordon in the No. 31 car for Richard Childress Racing.

Gordon announced Tuesday that he’s starting his own team next season.

But Craven said, “I haven’t talked to Richard about driving for him.”

Dave Blaney is a leading candidate to be Gordon’s replacement.

For the time being, Craven will continue following his beloved Boston Red Sox and spending more time with his pregnant wife, K.K., and children Riley and Everett.

“I’m organizing things, things I haven’t gotten done over the last decade,” said the 1995 Nextel Cup Rookie of the Year.

During the 2001, 2002 and 2003 seasons, Craven’s two wins placed him in a tie for 17th with Joe Nemechek and Jeff Burton and his three poles tied him for ninth with Tony Stewart.

And those are among the credentials Craven hopes will entice a competitive Nextel Cup series team to hired him.