Post by labontefanboy on Apr 6, 2014 19:40:43 GMT -5
Jason Leffler signs with RCR
Richard Childress Racing announced this morning that popular NASCAR Nextel Cup Series driver Jason Leffler has signed a contract with the team to take over the #31 Chevy for Jeff Burton beginning in 2008. Burton departs the team he has driven for since 2005, and sponsor Cingular Wireless, which is being forced out of the sport due to Sprint's impending takeover of Nextel, will be replaced by video-game company Activision. Leffler departs Evernham Motorsports, the team he has driven for the past two seasons, earning a 23rd place finish with 2 top 10s in 2006, while currently running 27th with 1 top 10 thus far in 2007. "This is a huge upgrade for me personally," said Leffler. "Obviously, my struggles back in 2005 with Joe Gibbs Racing have been well-documented, but I'm a changed person, and I believe I am also a much better driver now. I'm really grateful to Richard Childress for giving me the opportunity, booting out such a talented and well-respected vet like Jeff Burton for an unproven driver like me is quite a sign of faith and I can't wait for 2008 to get here." Leffler will also run a partial schedule in the Nationwide Series for RCR's #29 Holiday Inn Chevy, with the number of races to be determined later. With the RCR ride filled, that leaves Roush Racing's #99 as the only premier seat available in the Cup Series, with two top-tier drivers in Kyle Busch and Jeff Burton still looking for a ride. With Leffler at RCR, many garage area insiders believe Busch has the seat locked down, as Burton previously drove the #99 and was forced out due to sponsorship woes. (ESPN.com) (6/5/07)
Richard Childress Racing announced this morning that popular NASCAR Nextel Cup Series driver Jason Leffler has signed a contract with the team to take over the #31 Chevy for Jeff Burton beginning in 2008. Burton departs the team he has driven for since 2005, and sponsor Cingular Wireless, which is being forced out of the sport due to Sprint's impending takeover of Nextel, will be replaced by video-game company Activision. Leffler departs Evernham Motorsports, the team he has driven for the past two seasons, earning a 23rd place finish with 2 top 10s in 2006, while currently running 27th with 1 top 10 thus far in 2007. "This is a huge upgrade for me personally," said Leffler. "Obviously, my struggles back in 2005 with Joe Gibbs Racing have been well-documented, but I'm a changed person, and I believe I am also a much better driver now. I'm really grateful to Richard Childress for giving me the opportunity, booting out such a talented and well-respected vet like Jeff Burton for an unproven driver like me is quite a sign of faith and I can't wait for 2008 to get here." Leffler will also run a partial schedule in the Nationwide Series for RCR's #29 Holiday Inn Chevy, with the number of races to be determined later. With the RCR ride filled, that leaves Roush Racing's #99 as the only premier seat available in the Cup Series, with two top-tier drivers in Kyle Busch and Jeff Burton still looking for a ride. With Leffler at RCR, many garage area insiders believe Busch has the seat locked down, as Burton previously drove the #99 and was forced out due to sponsorship woes. (ESPN.com) (6/5/07)