ML Motorsports has made the decision to resign all entries and will no longer be present in the remaining 2005 ARCA RE/ MAX Series schedule. The decision to resign from the series culminated shortly after the Request/Sara Lee ARCA 200, Saturday night, July 16 at Berlin Raceway by owners Mary Louise Miller and Stephany Mullen. This decision was not based solely on one race, it was based on a whole season of gregarious bias calls towards our team in races throughout the season, states Mary Louise Miller. It is unfortunate that we will not be able to complete the season, however my interest is in protecting my team from the continuous unfair judgments and penalties that have been placed on our driver, Chad Blount and our entire team.
Due to a post qualifying decision to change a rear gear recognized as going bad, the #67 Foretravel Motorhomes Chevrolet started in the back of the field. Pitting early in the race for needed adjustments, Chad Blount picked his way through the field to the 11th position. With the lead cars pitting, the #67 Foretravel Motorhomes Chevrolet moved into the lead for 13 laps. Late in the race Blount was holding his position in the 4th spot looking to pass the #62 of Bret Hudson for 3rd, when Hudson spun along the backstretch coming out of turn 2. ARCA Officials penalized Chad for rough driving that forced him onto pit road for a stop and go and also placed him to the back of the lead lap, putting the #67 Foretravel Motorhomes Chevrolet in the 10th spot with 24 laps remaining. Another caution caused the race to end in a green, white, checker finish placing Blount and Team 67 7th in the final spot.
ML Motorsports to date sits third in driver and owner point standings. With 4 wins, Blount holds the title thus far with the most victories in the 2005 ARCA RE/ MAX season with an additional 8 top five, and 10 top ten finishes.
ML Motorsports is not closing their doors by any means. This week plans will be set in motion to move into the NASCAR Busch Series. A limited schedule will be run for the 2005 season with a possible full schedule planned for 2006. We would like to thank all our sponsors, friends, families and competitors in the ARCA RE/ MAX Series for all of the camaraderie we have shared over the years, states President, Ed Mullen. It saddens us to leave our friends that are like family to us so abruptly, however it was a decision that we feel is necessary.(ML Motorsports site)(7-19-2005)
