Reports were circulating at Nashville that #26 Dr Pepper team owner Dave Carroll was going to replace Amick with Winston Cup regular Mike Skinner. And while Carroll said it was true that tentative plans are being made for Skinner to run a second car as early as Richmond, he completely dismissed speculation that Amick would be fired. Thats really not true, said Carroll, who did not attend the Nashville event. Reports like that get started when were running the way we are. Were concerned about our performance right now, but were also doing what we can to get that corrected. Like Carroll, Amick denied that he would be leaving. Im not planning on going anywhere, Amick said. You know how big Randys (LaJoie) mouth is. Randys a good friend of mine, but hes already told me I was getting fired. If its up to Randy, I might get fired. But I dont know anything of it. Nobodys said anything to me. As far as I know, everythings cool. Everythings fine.(Winston Cup Scene – need sub to read)(4-18-2002)
UPDATE: sources say Elton Sawyer could be in the #26 Dr Pepper car soon.(4-20-2002)
UPDATE 2: According to one source, however, Amick could remain employed by the team, but give way in a few races to another, more experienced, driver. Carroll has talked to Winston Cup regular Mike Skinner about driving a second car, but the owner again wouldnt say if Skinner played into his plans for Amick. Still, Carroll did admit changes are probably on the way. If speculation around the garage is to be believed, he might act before the May 3 event at Richmond. Another possibility mentioned by the rumor mill is that Elton Sawyer would replace Amick, at least on a temporary basis. Carroll has talked to the Virginia native, but not in more than a month. (Winston Cup Scene – need sub to read)(4-25-2002)
UPDATE 2: Ron Hornaday will take over the #26 Dr Pepper Chevrolet for the remainder of the Busch Series season, replacing Lyndon Amick, who has been released by Carroll Racing.(NASCAR.com)(5-7-2002)
