DLP HDTV is expected to sign a contract extension through 2009 to continue as the primary sponsor of the #96 car. Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman became minority owners in Hall of Fame Racing, a Sprint Cup organization, when a group led by Jeff Moorad and Tom Garfinkel bought controlling interest late last season. Aikman plans to invest in the team and attend some races every year. Staubach said he’s ready to retire from racing, probably after this season. “It’s not a goal of mine to continue,” said Staubach, who made it clear he likes the new management of Hall of Fame Racing. “They’ve given me an opportunity to stay involved, but I told them I’ve got a lot going on. I don’t like to be partly involved in things.” Aikman also has other business interests, including his job as analyst for Fox’s No. 1 announcing team. He said his role this Cup season isn’t much different than what it was the first two years of the team’s existence. Aikman was a majority owner, but Bill Saunders ran the daily operations. Now Garfinkel handles much of that role. Aikman will also be around at least through 2009 because he trusts and respects Moorad, Aikman’s agent and longtime friend. Aikman said he’s proud of what the one-car team has done. But to consistently finish in the top 20, it needs to get a second car and more resources. Moorad and Garfinkel plan to provide that. The second car could run as early as next season [supposedly with Brad Coleman as the driver].(Dallas Morning News)(4-1-2008) UPDATE: DLP HDTV officials announced that they will extend their sponsorship of the #96 Hall of Fame Racing Toyota driven by J.J. Yeley in the Sprint Cup Series. DLP HDTV, which has been the primary sponsor on the #96 car since its inception in 2006, will remain in that role through the 2009 season. “We’ve been extremely pleased with our sponsorship of the #96 DLP HDTV Toyota,” said Dave Duncan, sponsorship marketing manager, DLP Products, Texas Instruments.(Hall of Fame Racing PR)(4-2-2008)
