Word from insiders is that Citgo, long-time sponsor of the Wood Brothers’ #21 Ford, could end up on Roush’s #16 next season, with Ford Quality Care, pushed off Robert Yates’ #88 (by UPS), taking over as the Woods’ primary sponsor. Other sources say, however, that Roush’s #16, with driver Kevin Lepage, is not on solid ground. Word is that Lepage has been allowed to look for other rides and that, if definite sponsorship is not soon forthcoming, the team might be folded(SpeedVision)(8-6-2000) UPDATE, #16 in trouble? Winston Cup driver Kevin Lepage said Tuesday his car owner, Jack Roush, has informed him that if a new sponsor isn’t found for his #16 Fords for next season, the team will shut down. Lepage entered this season without a sponsor, but Roush vowed he would run the team with or without one and run the team out of his own pocket, if needed. Shortly into the season, Roush added an Internet company as a sponsor, but it was a stock-option agreement, not immediate financial backing for the team. With the agreement ending at season’s end, Lepage said Roush is working to secure a new sponsor but will not commit again to running the team without necessary funding. Lepage said Roush has assured him that if he is unable to secure sponsorship, Roush will not hold Lepage back from other driving opportunities(That’s Racin’)(8-8-2000)
