Wells/PPI Motorsports in Trouble? Some who should know believe owner Cal Wells is worse off than many believe and could be out of the game after this season. Wells faces the loss of McDonald’s, sponsor of his #96 team, and is negotiating with Tide, sponsor of his #32. The McDonald’s unrest has kept Andy Houston’s #96 out of the past two races, and although the team will return at Indy, it may run only a limited schedule the rest of the way. McDonald’s plans, meanwhile, remain entirely unclear, although most believe the company will not be a team sponsor next year. Wells is trying to keep a brave face on his two-year-old effort, which began with much fanfare at Daytona in 2000 but has been hobbled by misfortune from the start. He said he expects to be able to clarify the McDonald’s/96 situation by mid-week. He adds that he and Tide are on good terms and that he hopes to have that side solid by the end of the season. Wells recently re-signed Ricky Craven, driver of #32.(SpeedVision)(7-30-2001)
