Melling Layoffs UPDATE: #92 Cup team owner, Mark Melling, announced today that in order to reduce operating costs at his facility, while continuing to seek sponsorship for the 2002 season, it was necessary to layoff many of his employees. Though still searching heavily, to date, the team has not secured a sponsor, and without proper funding Melling cannot continue to operate, full-scale, throughout the off-season. “My greatest concern is that current Melling Racing employees have the best possible chance at landing on their feet,” explained Melling. “If nothing were to materialize, sponsor-wise, in the near future, the employees would be out looking for a job after all the other teams have filled their positions. I don’t want that on my conscience. I would like to think that Melling is known as and organization and family that is fair to its employees.” “My marketing department is still working full-tilt,” continued Melling, “and I am talking to everyone possible about putting something together for next year. I feel confident that if something were to materialize, we will still be able to put a quality product on the race track, as our facilities and equipment remain in place. My family has owned a car in the Daytona 500 field for the past 20 years. It’s going to be a heartbreaker if that string is snapped. However, we need something in place very soon to make it 21 years.” During 2001 NASCAR Winston Cup Series season, Melling Racing sat on the outside pole and finished 10th in the Daytona 500, captured the pole position for both Talladega races, and registered five top-15 finishes with Stacy Compton as their driver(Melling PR) AND Stacy Compton has been offered the ST Motorsports ride by team owner Tad Geschickter, but Compton is still waiting to see what happens with his Winston Cup ride with Melling Racing. Geschickter set a deadline for the week of Nov. 26. Other possibilities for the ride include Mark Green, David Green and Kevin Grubb, as well as Elton Sawyer. (Winston Cup Scene – need sub to read) UPDATE: Melling Racing may consider a partner if they bring a sponsor, Compton says he has a deadline of Dec 1st and he homes to have ride by then(PRN Garage)(11-29-2001)
