heard this was announced internally at Phillips 66 today: Phillips has agreed to release Welliver-Jesel Motorsports from its obligation for the 2003 racing season. Welliver-Jesel Motorsports is the company that manages the NASCAR Busch Grand National Series racing team sponsored by Phillips. Phillips will continue its sponsorship of the “66” car and driver Casey Mears for the remainder of the current season. In addition, operation of the Phillips hospitality tents at NASCAR Busch Grand National events is not impacted by this decision and will continue as planned for the 2002 season. While Phillips has no further plans for car sponsorships of any kind at this time, the company will continue its tradition of sponsoring and promoting other NASCAR events. Welliver-Jesel Motorsports is considering competition in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series.(6-3-2002)
UPDATE: Phillips 66 has elected not to exercise its option to extend its sponsorship with Welliver-Jesel Motorsports in 2003. Phillips 66 will continue its sponsorship of the #66 Dodge and driver Casey Mears for the remainder of the 2002 season. At this time there are no further plans for Phillips 66 to be involved as a car sponsor.(Phillips66 Racing site)(6-6-2002)
UPDATE 2: Despite Internet rumors that Phillips 66 will drop its sponsorship of Welliver-Jesel Motorsports and driver Casey Mears at the end of the year, owner Wayne Jesel said June 7 hes received no official word from the company and hopes their relationship will continue. Jesel has a meeting scheduled with Phillips 66 officials June 12 in Tempe, Ariz., after which he will probably have a better idea of whatll happen in 2003. Phillips 66 recently purchased Tosco, and is now in the process of merging with Conoco, which Jesel thinks mightve led to some of the speculation. As for additional speculation that the team would move to Winston Cup next year, Jesel again had no idea where it came from.(Winston Cup Scene – need sub to read)(6-13-2002)
UPDATE 3: Phillips 66, as had been rumored in recent weeks, will not return in 2003 as Mears primary sponsor.(Winston Cup Scene – need sub to read)(7-4-2002)
