Mayfield To Leave BDR, TGOM to Join Blaney Show

Bill Davis Racing announced today that driver Jeremy Mayfield has decided not to return to the #36 team next year and wants to explore other opportunities.

Mayfield:

"I've been in this sport long enough to know that it takes time to bring a brand new car up to speed in what is probably the most competitive racing series in the world.

"When I made the decision to move here to BDR with an untested car and a sponsor completely unfamiliar with NASCAR, I knew it would be somewhat of a gamble. I believed then, and I believe now, that Toyota has a bright future in the Cup Series and is making progress every weekend. You only have to look at their success in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and now in the Busch Series to see where it can go.

"I think Bill will be successful in resolving the issues that have hampered the #36 team this year. But I think I have delivered what I can to the effort and looking at the total picture-what's best for me, what's best for the team-I believe this is the right time for me to consider other opportunities. I can assure you, we will do our best to build on the first half of this season and put the #36 in front in this second half of the 2007 season."

I can't be the only one wondering if Mayfield decided on his own that now was the right time to consider other opportunities or this is PR speak for, "You're outta here at the end of the season. If you want to save face, we're willing to say it was your decision."

Whatever the case, it's not like Mayfield has gotten to drive a lot this season. I'm sure a change of pace would suit him just fine. I just hope he's realistic about the opportunities available to him in the Cup level at this point.

The Mayfield news comes not too long after BDR announced that Tommy Baldwin will reunite with the #22 car to serve as Dave Blaney's crew chief. Obviously, they're retooling things over there.

Speaking of Blaney, the Dave Blaney Fan Show has invited me to call in to the show tonight. I intend to oblige them, however, at the moment my schedule is a little iffy so I'm not sure exactly what time. The show airs from 8-9:30PM on Quickest Lap Internet Radio.

What are we going to discuss? They didn't say, but I'm pretty sure it will be related to the Blaney Challenge. I'll tell ya what (ha!), I'm really enjoying the Blaney fans.

Update: I tried several times but was unable to get through on the call-in line. I'm telling ya, the fans are passionate. They kept the lines busy! Next time!