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NASCAR WCUP: Kenny Wallace Obtains Release from Andy Petree Racing

1 September 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

Driver will finish season, Square D to remain with Andy Petree Racing through 2001

FLAT ROCK, N.C.,-- NASCAR Winston Cup Series driver Kenny Wallace has been granted his release from the driving duties of the No. 55 Chevrolet fielded by Andy Petree Racing for the 2001 Winston Cup season.

Wallace and Petree will continue their association through the remainder of the 2000 season.

"Kenny approached me and asked for his release from the last year of his contract and I granted it to him," said team owner Andy Petree. "He wanted to pursue some other options for next year, and I wasn't going to stand in his way. He has been an integral part of this race team since he arrived here in late 1998, and we wish him the best in his future endeavors."

The amicable parting that will be made official once the last race of the season takes place on Nov. 19 at Atlanta Motor Speedway will mark a two-year run for Wallace with Andy Petree Racing. During that time, Wallace notched three top-five and seven top-10 finishes while qualifying for all of the events the team entered.

"We had our successes at Andy Petree Racing, but at this point in my racing career I feel a certain urgency to do more with the time I have left," said Wallace. "Andy is an excellent car owner who has been very good to me by surrounding me with top-notch personnel. Between my crew chief, Jimmy Elledge, and the people that Jimmy assembled for our race team, we have a lot of talent. But for whatever reason, we haven't realized our potential this year. In the best interests of myself and everyone at Andy Petree Racing, I felt that a change was in order. That's why I asked for my release.

"We'll continue to work as hard as ever for the rest of the season, as there is still a ways to go before we get to Atlanta. Despite the fact that next year at this time I'll be in a different situation, I haven't given up on finishing this year on a high note."

While Wallace's six-year relationship with sponsor Square D will come to an end, Square D's sponsorship of the No. 55 team will continue through the remainder of its contract with Andy Petree Racing.

"Kenny Wallace has been an excellent spokesman for Square D on and off the race track," said Ralph Harris, Square D director of marketing. "The impact he has made with our customers and employees is a testament to Kenny's character and goodwill. He has certainly made his mark within our company, and I know that everyone at Square D supports his decision to fulfill the goals he has set for himself as a professional race car driver.

"Our relationship with Andy Petree Racing is as strong as ever, and I know that everyone involved is working to make the rest of this season the best that it can be. Once the year is over, we look forward to working with Andy Petree on finding a driver of the highest caliber to represent Square D on the race track and off with our customers and employees."

In coordination with Square D, a driver search conducted by Andy Petree Racing to fill the No. 55 seat for the 2001 Winston Cup season has begun. No official deadline on when a driver will be selected has been made at this time.

Text provided by Steve Barkdoll

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