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NASCAR: Dallenbach/Team Sabco Agree to Part Company

29 April 1998

MOORESVILLE, N.C. - NASCAR Winston Cup Series driver Wally Dallenbach Jr., who has driven the No. 46 First Union/Team SABCO Chevrolet Monte Carlo during the past two seasons, and Team SABCO owner Felix Sabates today agreed to sever ties. Dallenbach was granted a full release from his driving duties and other contractual obligations after the mutual decision was reached by both parties.

Veteran NASCAR Winston Cup Series driver Morgan Shepherd, who has been without a full-time ride this year, will serve as interim driver of the No. 46 First Union Monte Carlo beginning with this weeks NASCAR Winston Cup Series event at Fontana, Calif. Shepherds immediate availability and familiarity with the team were pivotal in his selection according to SABCO officials. Shepherd performed a fill-in role for an ailing Dallenbach during the March 27-29 Winston Cup event at Bristol, Tenn., where he qualified 12th.

In an effort to assemble the most competitive racing package available for upcoming road course races, Team SABCO also announced today that it has hired former SCCA Trans-Am Series champion Tommy Kendall to drive the No. 46 First Union entry during the June 26-28 Sonoma, Calif., and the Aug. 7-9 Watkins Glen, N.Y., events. Kendalls racing accomplishments on the road course lists nine drivers championships, including four Trans-Am (1990, 95, 96, 97) and the 1991 IMSA GTP Triple Crown championship. Kendall won an impressive 11 consecutive SCCA Trans-Am events in 1997.

Team SABCO and I have some unfinished business to settle on a road course

.. especially at Sears Point, Kendall said. I was filling in for (SABCO

driver) Kyle (Petty) in 1991 after hed broken his leg at Talladega. We qualified 5th and ran in the top-five for most of the race. Then I cut a tire while leading the final lap. It was a total heartbreaker. Im literally counting the days when I get to go back (to Sears Point) in a Felix Sabates- owned car again. That place definitely owes us one.