Jimmy Spencer out of the #41? UPDATE 4 at end of season; Hamilton? Mears?: hearing rumors that Jimmy Spencer will not return to the #41 Target Dodge/Ganassi Racing team, not sure if it is immediate or at the end of the season or at all. If released, the only rumored driver I have heard is Jimmy Vasser of CART but could be an opening for Bobby Hamilton to get in that Dodge program.(11-5-2002) UPDATE: Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates announced today that Jimmy Spencer, driver of the #41 Target Dodge, will be released from his contract at the end of the 2002 season. Spencer will continue his driving duties for the team for the remainder of the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup season. “When we first made this deal, Jimmy and I agreed about what would happen if the results were not what either of us were happy with,” owner Chip Ganassi said. “Obviously, both of us are not happy with the results. I feel bad we weren’t able to get the most out of our relationship, but I’m sure I’ll remain friends with Jimmy. We all know he’s a colorful character that no one can help but enjoy being around. No one can deny Jimmy has a lot of energy and excitement about him.” Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates has not announced a driver for the #41 entry for the 2003 Winston Cup season.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(11-5-2002) UPDATE 2: The driver rumored to replace Spencer in 2003 is Bobby Hamilton. Other rumors indicate that longtime Travis Carter crew chief, Donnie Wingo, would join the Ganassi’ three-car stable to wrench Jamie McMurray’ Dodge in 2003.(Ford Racing)(11-6-2002) UPDATE 3: during an interview with Fox Sports Net’s Totally NASCAR, Jimmy Spencer said he was shocked by the being released from the #41 ride and it was not a mutual decision.(11-8-2002) UPDATE 4: Casey Mears was mentioned as another driver in the rumor mill with the #41 car.(SC’s Happy Hour Coverage)(11-9-2002) UPDATE 5: also add Scott Riggs of the BGN, Scott Pruett and CART driver Max Papis to the mix of rumored drivers.(11-10-2002)
