after a week to week rumor for months, Geoffrey Bodine has been released of his driving duties at Bessey Motorsports today, the story from ESPN(in part): Geoffrey Bodine, who missed the first 10 Cup races this season as he recovered from injuries suffered in a horrific CTS crash at Daytona, was fired Monday as driver for Joe Bessey Motorsports #60 Power Team Chevy. Bessey, an occasional driver on the BGN, called Bodine and told him he would take over the car for the remaining nine Cup races this season. Bessey was not available for comment and team manager Mark Stinson said he preferred to let Bessey discuss the decision. The 51-year-old Bodine was in his second season driving for Bessey. The firing was not completely unexpected. Bessey also had previously suggested he might drive the car himself next season. Bodine said the truck accident — and Bessey’s failure to land a sponsor for next year — caused the team to struggle this season. With only nine races left this season, Bodine was unsure what he will do the rest of the year. Bodine had been talking to team owners about next year, but is now going to start looking for the rest of this year(ESPN site)(9-11-2000) UPDATE: Bodine says he’s contacted car owners about finding another ride for this season and next. He said he’s also contacted NBC about working as an analyst for the network’s coverage of Cup races next season, although Bodine added he wants to continue to race(Roanoke Times)(9-13-2000)
