After a challenging start to the Nationwide Series season and several key personnel changes including the release of both newly hired crew chiefs, Jon Wolfe and Newt Moore, #1 Phoenix Racing and Johnny Sauter have amicably parted ways. Sauter who just last year brought a brand new team into the top-35 in Sprint Cup points, is available to another organization effective immediately.(3-17-2008)
UPDATE: Johnny Sauter was released today by Phoenix Racing just five races into the 2008 Nationwide Series season. Sauter was 17th in the standings, and the team is already on its third crew chief. I got a call this morning from [general manager] Steve Barkdoll and he just said that pretty much my driving services werent needed anymore, Sauter said in a phone interview Monday afternoon. I understand that race teams have to do from time to time … what they have to do to try to improve their program. Its a tough deal, Im sure, and its a tough call to make. As far as me losing my job, it stinks. What are you going to do? Phoenix Racing officials opted not to comment on the driver change Monday.(SceneDaily.com)(3-17-2008)
