Elliott replaces Mayfield at the Glen
The relationship between Jeremy Mayfield and Evernham Motorsports appears to have taken a turn for the worse a bit sooner than expected, with Mayfield being replaced by Bill Elliott for this weekend's race at Watkins Glen
Mayfield said last week that he didn't expect to be with the team next season despite his contract, and it is widely expected that Elliott Sadler will drive the number 19 Dodge next season.
However, Mayfield has now been unexpectedly dropped for this weekend's road course race and will be replaced by team favourite Bill Elliott.
However, the team claim they have made this decision because Mayfield has dropped beyond the top 35 in standings for the drivers that are guaranteed a starting spot in each race. Elliott carries with him a 'champions provisional' which means he can start the race no matter where he qualifies.
However, that won't apply this weekend because Elliott was registered too late, and he will instead have to rely on speed alone.
"This team has a great deal of potential and we just haven't met the expectations this year," said Ray Evernham, president and CEO of Evernham Motorsports.
"I believe in our system, our process and our people, and am committed to getting this program where it needs to be."
The team says no decisions have been made regarding Mayfield's long-term future with the team, but he is expected to join Bill Davis Racing's Toyota squad next year. Evernham expects to announce his team's 2007 plans in the coming weeks.
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