Hamilton will NOT return to the #55 in 2003 UPDATE 2 nothing signed: #55-Bobby Hamilton said Saturday he’s not returning to Andy Petree Racing next season. “I just don’t like change. I’m afraid there might be changes in the organization in different areas or whatever. I’m not sure exactly what. I just don’t like change,” Hamilton said. “I know Andy is a good car owner and he’ll land on his feet in the future, but I don’t want to be in the middle of change. It’s too damn hard any more. I like to stay with established stuff.” Hamilton said he and Petree both had until June 30 to notify each other in writing they had intentions to work together next season. Neither exercised that option. Hamilton’s likely destination is Petty Enterprises, sources confirmed Saturday. Hamilton drove for Petty Enterprises from 1995 to 2000, where he won his first series race in 1996 at Phoenix and also had his best finish in the points race, ninth in 1996. “I’m not thinking about retiring. I just won last year. I could have won three races this season,” Hamilton, 45, said. “I don’t want to go through the building process again.” Asked about his destination, Hamilton said there was one team he was especially interested in, but elected not to name it. He did say he would like to join the Dodge camp. Petty Enterprises currently fields three Dodge teams – the #45 with Kyle Petty, the #43 with John Andretti and the #44 with Steve Grissom. Grissom came on board this season when the team released driver Buckshot Jones.(ThatsRacin.com)(7-6-2002) UPDATE: WNDB-AM 1150, Daytona Beach reported that a source told them Hamilton will be offered the #44 ride at the end of the season. Apparently this deal is all but done.(7-8-2002) UPDATE 2: a source tells me that Petty Enterprises has not signed Bobby Hamilton or anyone else for the 2003 season, nor have they made any decision as to who and/or when they will do so. All options remain open.(7-9-2002)
