Evernham-Smith partnership is over

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Evernham, Smith dissolve partnership
By Tim Packman, Turner Sports Interactive November 7, 2002
6:24 PM EST (2324 GMT)




AVONDALE, Ariz. -- Ray Evernham and Jim Smith have disbanded their business arrangement that made up Ultra/Evernham Motorsports, effective immediately.


Ray Evernham
The team fielded the No. 7 Sirius Satellite Dodge this year with Casey Atwood behind the wheel. Earlier this week, Atwood was released from the ride and replaced with Jason Leffler for the Checker Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Speedway.

Leffler currently pilots the No. 2 ASE Dodge for Smith in the Craftsman Truck Series. Smith will continue as the owner of the No. 7 Dodge for the remaining two Winston Cup Series races this year.

"We probably wouldn't have been able to run a full season this year if it hadn't been for Ray coming on board with Sirius," Smith said. "I am grateful to him for helping Ultra Motorsports build this long-term relationship with Sirius and am looking forward to the 2003 season.

"Casey has contributed well to this team, and I wish him nothing but success in the future."

Atwood will drive the No. 91 Dodge that Evernham fielded for Hank Parker Jr. at North Carolina Speedway last weekend.

"Jim and I formed this team at the end of last season to give Casey some additional seat time in Winston Cup," Evernham said. "Without Casey driving the No. 7, there was no reason for us to continue our relationship.

"Sirius has been a great partner, and I wish them and Jim the best of luck in the future."

Smith will field the No. 7 Dodge next year with Satellite as the sponsor. However, no permanent driver has been named for the 2003 season.
 
i still think that Casey will end up driving the 9 after bill retires
 
Yet another long-overdue announcement.

It's going to be interesting to see where Casey Atwood goes from here. I think Evernham might very well try to run a third team for Casey Atwood, very possibly this #91 team if Everham can find sponsorship. Maybe Mountain Dew will want to jump on board?
 
There is some talk afoot that Ray has espressed an opinion that Casey might be better running in BGN next season.

It might, MIGHT, be possible that Ray is looking at fielding a BGN car for Casey or perhaps entering into some type arrangement with an existing BGN team to secure a ride in that series for Casey next season.
 
Smith said the 7 wouldn't have run full time if it wasn't for Evernham. What will happen next year for the 7? Sirius but will they run full time?
 
Yea, that ol Ray sure is a jerk bringing out another car for Casey to run for the last two races. Screwed the kid again:o
 
The 7 car is history under the present circumstances, Evernham has put him in an R&D car to finish the season. And this is screwing him?? What whould you suggest Evernham do to provide Atwood with a fair and equitable solution to what is considered by some to "screwing him"?
 
LOL,

I think ol 71Fan gotcha Whizzer!:)

Ya got watch some of us for sarcastic , tongue in cheek replies!;)
 
Running the Busch car might not be a bad idea. Evernham might not get Dodge factory backing if he runs a 3rd Cup team, and might have to put Casey in BGN even if he did want to run him in Cup.

There's something going on back there. We're going to find out pretty soon, I'm sure.
 
Last season, when Mayfield was unexpectedly released, Ray expressed doubts about the feasibility of his running three WC teams. He likely still holds those same doubts. Probably more so.

Course last year there were rumors afoot that Ray was not happy with Bill's laid back style and would look to find a more aggressive driver for his operation!

Don't ya love the rumor mill!

;)
 
The fact of the matter is that if ya don't produce, you got to go. Where the problem is (looking from the outside in) is anybody's guess.

And yup, being cereal is sometimes a matter of plain or frosted.
 
I too agree that Casey would be better off running in BGN next season. Young guns entering Cup is the rage but there is young and then there is too young. Casey IMO was put into Cup too soon. Instead of getting his seat time in Cup with resulting poor finishes put him in a good seat in BGN and let him experience success. And he will be successful.

It's pretty bad when a CC goes home half way through a race because the driver isn't racing. That's what Casey's CC implied. It doesn't matter what your circumstances are a driver is paid to race not to ride around. If that is what Casey was doing that shows immaturity. Casey needs to regroup, refocus and start again with his peers and I believe those are in BGN.
 
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