[as first reported at Speedtv.com] Valvoline announced an agreement in principle to end its NASCAR Nextel Cup Series team partnership with MB2 Motorsports effective at the end of the current [2005] season. The racing sponsor/owner will sell its 50% share in the team to MB2 principals Nelson Bowers and Jay Frye and will no longer be primary sponsor of the #10 Chevrolet after the 2005 season. According to Valvoline Designated Team Owner Jim Rocco, the parting was an amicable one. “We have nothing but respect and admiration for (MB2) owners Nelson Bowers and Jay Frye,” said Rocco. “Nelson and Jay gave us the opportunity to become more than sponsors when we took the historic step to become team owners.” Regarding Valvoline’s NASCAR plans beyond the 2005 season, Rocco said, “We will have something to announce soon.” Valvoline, a division of Ashland Inc., has been serving American motorists longer than any other motor oil company and is a leading innovator and supplier of quality, high-performing automotive and industrial products in more than 100 countries.(MB2 Motorsports), Valvoine is rumored to be going to Evernham Motorsports, possibly as the sponor of the 3rd team, #91 [or #98](6-29-2005)
