Rick Ware Racing has released Jeffrey Earnhardt from his full-time Camping World Truck Series ride effective immediately.
In the release announcing the move, RWR alleged that Earnhardt was testing the waters, resulting in a breach of contract.
“We have been informed by several team owners that our driver (Jeffrey Earnhardt) and his management company (Jeffrey Earnhardt Inc.) have been shopping around for another team, alluding that sponsorship was coming with them,” owner Rick Ware said.
“It is pretty amazing the amount of calls we have received from owners about this situation, asking us what is going on and their concerns that a young driver and his management company are aggressively looking for another team with less to offer than the position they are currently in.”
Earnhardt sits 10th in the driver standings after three races this season.
The team will now put the focus on finding a driver for the No. 1 Fuel Doctor Chevy at Martinsville and the rest of the season.
Earnhardt responded late Tuesday with his own statement, saying that he was surprised by the move and disputing Ware's claims.
“To read that release was very upsetting and I’m disappointed to hear the inflammatory and disparaging statements personally made by Rick Ware about me and my company," read Earnhardt's statement. "The facts support that we did reach out to other race teams after the sponsor notified Rick Ware and my group that they were pursuing alternative marketing venues and after we were contacted by Rick Ware informing us that he would be unable to support me without the sponsor’s funding. This past Sunday, Rick advised us that he would only race me in Martinsville providing we signed a release to allow him out of his contract with JEI. That release never arrived and we notified him in writing on Monday that we expected to drive the No. 1 truck in Martinsville, in accordance with our contract. To suggest anything other than these facts does not reflect the truth and is unfair to the fans and us.” Stated Earnhardt.
"We are extremely thankful for Fuel Doctor's support over the past two years and will avoid compromising our progress this season by giving credence to the misinformation coming from RWR. This news speeds up the need to find an alternative ride and we look forward to continuing our run for rookie of the year with a new team."
