Driver Michael Annett has been released from the team and will pursue other 2012 opportunities with his longtime family sponsor, Pilot Flying J.
Team owner Rusty Wallace said, "This was a tough decision to make, but it was the prudent one from a number of perspectives. While we had several great partners -- such as Pilot Flying J -- on board for 2012, we just didn't feel like we had enough sponsorship in place to accomplish all of our goals.
"A lot of teams would have run with the level of funding we have now, but we want to ensure that our team has the resources necessary to compete and to improve our operations. I promised myself and my family long ago that if the team wasn't funded to a level with which we were comfortable, we just wouldn't run it. I've worked way too hard to put part of my life savings into a race team.
"So, we collectively decided to take a break, regroup and focus on the future. We'll keep working hard on sponsorship programs for Steve (Wallace) and for future seasons. This also allows us to focus on the other aspects of our companies and our brand as well, whether it's our car dealerships, new track design projects, licensing, personal services or even something new.
"Nearly all of our current partners are staying on board with us to support Steve in 2012 and we're really grateful for their support. We're working hard on an exciting 2012 program for Steve and hope to have an announcement on his plans soon. We're all very excited about working with our great group of sponsors both this year and well into the future.
"Most of all, I really want to thank all of our employees for their hard work and dedication. One of the hardest parts of this decision was knowing the impact that it would have on our employees and their families. It's just the unfortunate reality that our sport is facing right now. We wish all of our employees the very best in the future."
Rusty, I want to wish you all the best in your future endeavors. It's a sad time for your fans, as well.
ReplyDeletewhat a joke !!
ReplyDeletePretty soon all there will be are the big Cup teams and about twenty start and parks. I'd say this series is in trouble.
ReplyDeleteToo bad you didnt make your mind up sooner! like a month or so ago...Many still would have had a chance at a job...Good luck too all your employee's on finding new job's this late!!
ReplyDeleteWhy would RWI pull the plug before they had exhausted all possible options to secure sponsorship? That doesn't make a lot of sense to me.
ReplyDeleteThe economy is killing us all except the politicians! Good luck RWI!
ReplyDeleteI can only imagine the pain that this MATURE decision caused all involved. Perhaps the REWARD will be that your team will become successful a bit later. KUDO'S to RWI. For what it is worth, RWI has my respect.
ReplyDeleteRusty, I would expect, HAS been chasing lucrative contracts for a son that has crashed more times than finished it seemed like last year. I think it's time Lil' Steve got out on his own and saw what it's like to really "need" that ride! Good luck to you Dave on your cruise....try not to smash back too many drinks with little umbrellas on the boat!lol
ReplyDeleteRusty all the best to you and your team
ReplyDeleteMaybe running an American car would have helped? Just my 2¢....
ReplyDeleteFYI little Steve finished tenth in the standings, and Rusty did what any father would do for his kid!
ReplyDeleteI simply cannot understand why some have such issues when somebody tries to better their or thier kids lives by helping or enhancing their chosen careers.