LR2 Motorsports, the Busch Series partnership between Les Lyons and Rick Russell, has been dissolved. Conflicts developed while preparing to field the #01 Chevrolets for driver Troy Cline in the NASCAR Busch Series this year, and Lyons and Russell have mutually agreed to terminate the partnership. Despite this setback behind the scenes, Cline and Russell still plan to compete in 2005. We still have a race team, Russell noted. We still have Troy Cline as our driver, we still have Haas Chevrolets with Hendrick engines, and we still have Bill Ingle as our crew chief. The desire to compete is still there, and Troy is raring to go. What we dont have right now are primary sponsors.
Driver Troy Cline shares Russells disappointment, but sees the big picture. Naturally, Id prefer to be on the track every week, said Cline, but I understand the teams approach. Rick Russell and all the folks at Haas are determined to put a program together that will be competitive, week in and week out. It may take us a little longer to put everything in place now, but we plan to get it right. Although no primary sponsors have yet stepped forward, there has been plenty of interest. Ive talked with several people who are legitimate possibilities, noted Russell. Even our associate sponsors are beating the bushes and trying to make some things happen. There has been a lot of fan interest in our efforts thus far, and we all appreciate the encouragement. Cline, Russell, and the team will re-evaluate their planned 2005 schedule and make adjustments as sponsorship materializes.(Racing Underdog)(4-11-2005)
