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Tuesday, August 08, 2006 3:54:47 PM
Elliott to replace Mayfield at Watkins Glen
By JENNA FRYER, AP Auto Racing Writer
August 8, 2006
Bill Elliott
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Bill Elliott will replace Jeremy Mayfield in the No. 19 Dodge at Watkins Glen this weekend, furthering speculation that Mayfield is on his way out at Evernham Motorsports.
NASCAR's official entry list Tuesday showed Elliott subbing for Mayfield, and the team later released a statement confirming the switch. It said Mayfield's long-term future with Evernham is undecided -- but his name had been removed from the company letterhead.
``This team has a great deal of potential and we just haven't met the expectations this year,'' car owner Ray Evernham said in a statement. ``We will do whatever we need to get this car in the show for Watkins Glen. It's important to our sponsors and it's important to this team.''
That meant putting Elliott in the car because as a former NASCAR champion, he's assured a spot in the field.
``Having Bill in the driver's seat gives us this guarantee,'' Evernham said. ``I believe in our system, our process and our people, and am committed to getting this program where it needs to be.''
This weekend's entry list also showed road-course ringer Scott Pruett filling in for rookie David Stremme in the No. 40 Dodge. That change wasn't a surprise considering Pruett replaced Stremme earlier this season for NASCAR's first road course race of the season.
The Mayfield swap is a much bigger deal, considering the driver is a NASCAR veteran with 21 road course starts.
But the team fell out of the top 35 in points -- the mark that guarantees a spot in the field -- and Mayfield has been increasingly frustrated about his performance. A participant in the Chase for the championship the last two seasons, he's currently 36th in the standings and said Saturday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway he doubted he would be back with Evernham next season.
Now it looks like he might not even complete this season. Evernham said he has finalized his 2007 lineup and will announce it shortly, and it's been widely speculated that Elliott Sadler will replace the disgruntled Mayfield.
The team is reeling following Sunday's race in Indianapolis. Mayfield crashed out early, and Kasey Kahne was involved in a last-lap accident that cost him a top-10 finish. He wound up 36th and dropped four spots in the standings to 11th -- out of Chase eligibility.
By JENNA FRYER, AP Auto Racing Writer
August 8, 2006
Bill Elliott
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Bill Elliott will replace Jeremy Mayfield in the No. 19 Dodge at Watkins Glen this weekend, furthering speculation that Mayfield is on his way out at Evernham Motorsports.
NASCAR's official entry list Tuesday showed Elliott subbing for Mayfield, and the team later released a statement confirming the switch. It said Mayfield's long-term future with Evernham is undecided -- but his name had been removed from the company letterhead.
``This team has a great deal of potential and we just haven't met the expectations this year,'' car owner Ray Evernham said in a statement. ``We will do whatever we need to get this car in the show for Watkins Glen. It's important to our sponsors and it's important to this team.''
That meant putting Elliott in the car because as a former NASCAR champion, he's assured a spot in the field.
``Having Bill in the driver's seat gives us this guarantee,'' Evernham said. ``I believe in our system, our process and our people, and am committed to getting this program where it needs to be.''
This weekend's entry list also showed road-course ringer Scott Pruett filling in for rookie David Stremme in the No. 40 Dodge. That change wasn't a surprise considering Pruett replaced Stremme earlier this season for NASCAR's first road course race of the season.
The Mayfield swap is a much bigger deal, considering the driver is a NASCAR veteran with 21 road course starts.
But the team fell out of the top 35 in points -- the mark that guarantees a spot in the field -- and Mayfield has been increasingly frustrated about his performance. A participant in the Chase for the championship the last two seasons, he's currently 36th in the standings and said Saturday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway he doubted he would be back with Evernham next season.
Now it looks like he might not even complete this season. Evernham said he has finalized his 2007 lineup and will announce it shortly, and it's been widely speculated that Elliott Sadler will replace the disgruntled Mayfield.
The team is reeling following Sunday's race in Indianapolis. Mayfield crashed out early, and Kasey Kahne was involved in a last-lap accident that cost him a top-10 finish. He wound up 36th and dropped four spots in the standings to 11th -- out of Chase eligibility.
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