Lally was unavailable for comment today, but team owner Kevin Buckler confirmed the move, saying that veteran Mike Bliss will be in the #71 Ford this weekend at Homestead Miami Speedway. "Mikes a great qualifier, and we need to have a good run this weekend," said Buckler. "I'm not sure right now whether we will be able to run the entire race, but we're about 3/4 of the way there (on sponsorship)."
Buckler declined to speak specifically on reasons for the driver change, saying, "Let's jut say we're having some internal issues with who's driving the car this weekend, and leave it at that. We're working around some issues with Andy, but that's really all I want to say about it."
Lally said via Twitter this morning, “Had a hard decision to make this morning, but there are just some things you need to do on principle. I’ll keep you updated on things to come.”
Lally is currently 33rd in Sprint Cup Series championship points after failing to qualify last weekend at Phoenix International Raceway. He has run unopposed for 2011 Sprint Cup Rookie of the Year honors, and will secure that title despite his apparent dismissal. The #71 TRG Motorsports Ford recently dropped out of the Top-35 in owners points, and trails the #38 Front Row Motorsports team by 28 points in the battle for the final guaranteed starting spot in the first five races of next season.
A shame for Andy, he seems like a good guy just trying to make it in our sport. I'd be interested to hear what principle items were being cited.
ReplyDeleteI would bet its a start and park thing. It has to be tough for the drivers to only run a few laps per race.
ReplyDeleteI can think of a few reasons. He mentioned on Twitter a couple weeks back that he's driving at the 24hrs of Daytona but couldn't say what. I also think that it was a dick move for them to let someone else run his car a couple weeks ago.
ReplyDeleteAgreed with Anonymous at 6:05; had the pleasure to sit and talk with Andy for several hours this past weekend in Phoenix. A VERY genuine, humble guy. His character speaks for itself, as does the Rookie of the Year, and hopefully someone will pick him up next year full time.
ReplyDeleteI've met him a few times at the Grand Am races. He was really nice to us and seemed like a good guy. Kinda crazy since he has been driving for TRG for some time, long before Nascar stuff.
ReplyDeleteThe truth behind all this mess will come to a head very soon $$$$$ #look for the shop doors to have a pad lock on them???????
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