Park to Lose the #1 Ride? UPDATE: The Sporting News has learned that Steve Park will be released from the Dale Earnhardt Inc. No. 1 Pennzoil Chevrolet following the Coca-Cola 600 later this month. Kenny Wallace is expected to take the seat at Dover. While Park has continued his recovery following his crash in last September’s Busch race at Darlington, his results in the car are not what the team had hoped for since his return. Park’s best finish this season was 20th at Texas, but his average showing is 27th. Park may not be the only driver facing dismissal at DEI. Sources say that teammate Michael Waltrip’s job isn’t necessarily secure either. Although Waltrip’s contract is up for renegotiation, it has been inferred that Elliott Sadler, who asked for his release last Sunday night from the Wood Brothers team, will be in the car in 2003. Ty Norris, executive VP of motorsports for DEI, denied that Park will be replaced or that Waltrip’s status is in jeopardy. But Norris did say that he has talked to several drivers and “there are 43 available in either (the Winston Cup or Busch) garage.” He expects to have a decision by June.(Sporting News), heard from sources that DEI is adamant Park will not be released.(5-4-2002) UPDATE: Reports that Winston Cup driver Steve Park will be released by Dale Earnhardt, Inc. following the Coca-Cola 600 in three weeks are false, DEI executive vice president Ty Norris told NASCAR.com. “It was irresponsible reporting to make a ridiculous comment like that, when they asked me point blank and I said ‘Absolutely no way,'” Norris said. “That rumor is very, very false.” Norris also said that conversations between DEI and any future talent are focused solely on the future.(NASCAR.com)(5-4-2002)
