it was reported towards the end of Richmond Nextel Cup qualifying by Speed Channel’s Bob Dilner, that National Guard, the sponsor of the #16 Ford that Greg Biffle drives [and is on the Richmond pole with], could be off the car after the 2006 season. Something to do with NASCAR’s rule that a team can only have four cars. No word on what would happen with the #16 car. team, Biffle or if National Guard would stay in the sport on a different team.(5-5-2006)
UPDATE: Geoff Smith, president of Roush Racing, says he last talked to NASCAR officials about a month ago on complying with NASCAR’s four-team limit. NASCAR announced last year that they would limit organizations to four teams. Roush fields five teams. Roush officials say contracts with sponsors and drivers go through the 2009 season. Smith says he’s hopeful the organization can fulfill those contracts before downsizing. “They’ve made it pretty clear that they don’t want an indefinite window,” Smith said about NASCAR. “Philosophically, it seems like we’re on the same page. I expect … we’re going to do this on a year-to-year basis with the view that if we can get it done before then we will.” Smith also said that the team is in talks with the National Guard about returning as a sponsor. The National Guard is scheduled to be the primary sponsor in 22 races for Greg Biffle this season.(Roanoke Times)(5-7-2006)
