Porter-Cable/Delta announced it is withdrawing its sponsorship of Joe Gibbs’ Racing #4 BGN car, driven by Jeff Purvis. Company officials said the move in no way reflects lack of confidence or trust in Gibbs or the team. Isues related to the company’s recent consolidation forced them to re-focus their marketing initiatives. Word is that Gibbs intends to continue to run the 4 car in 2001(SpeedVision) – Joe Gibbs Racing will continue to run the car driven by Jeff Purvis during the 2001 BGN season(PR)(1-11-2001)
UPDATE: Joe Gibbs Racing has announced a reorganization for its BGN operation for the 2001 season. Jeff Purvis will move from the #4 Pontiac to the #18 MBNA Pontiac. Gibbs also announced that the #4 Pontiac will change car numbers to #20 to match those of the Joe Gibbs Racing Winston Cup cars driven by Bobby Labonte (#18) and Tony Stewart (#20). Doug Richert, team manager for the Busch Series teams, will continue to serve as crew chief for Purvis. Tim Shutt, will serve as the crew chief for the #20 Pontiac. The team members from the #4 car will also move with Purvis to the #18 MBNA Pontiac, with the former #18 team members moving to the # 20 team. A sponsor is being sought for the # 20 team after internal consolidation forced last seasons sponsor, Porter-Cable, to withdraw their 2001 sponsorship last week. A new driver is also being sought for the # 20 team. Despite the restructuring, the team members remain busy at work preparing both cars for the season opening at Daytona(Total Sports Marketing PR)(1-15-2001)
