Wallace out? UPDATE 3 Gordon In: hearing the NBC station in Charlotte reports that Mike Wallace was released from driving the #7 car earlier Tuesday evening UPDATE: no official word yet, but sources tell me Wallace has been released and will concentrate on finding another Cup ride and running in the BGN. No word on the replacement driver, but looks like Robby Gordon UPDATE 2: FSN’s Totally NASCAR reports that Robby Gordon will drive the #7 Ford at Chicagoland Speedway, crew chief Jim Long says it is presently a one race deal AND ESPN2’s RPM2Night reported that Wallace was informed of his release by the team secretary. Last Thursday the show mentioned Gordon would drive the car at Chicago. Gordon says it is not yet a done deal BUT NASCAR.com is reporting Wallace out, Gordon for Ultra at Chicago(7-11-2001) UPDATE 3: One week after Mike Wallace guided the No. 7 Ford to a 10th-place finish at Daytona, he was replaced for this weekend’s race at Chicagoland with Robby Gordon, who finished second in the car for Ultra Motorsports owner Jim Smith at Sears Point last month. Gordon said he was notified by Smith of the driver change on Wednesday. “It’s kind of a pretty last-minute deal,” he said. “Owners do what owners want to do, so I feel for (Wallace). I’m not trying to take his job or anything like that, but Jimmy wants to make a change and it’s Jimmy’s choice.” Smith said he is working out contractual issues with Wallace, Gordon and the team sponsor, NationsRent, and hopes to have the driver situation settled soon. “I’m proud of both drivers the last couple of weeks,” he said. “This team is starting to come alive. The main goal here is to run well.”(That’s Racin’)(7-13-2001) (7-12-2001)
