hearing that Smithfield Foods has notified Team Rensi they will not continue sponsorship beyond this season. The team reportedly laid off several employees Tuesday morning, but will continue to search for sponsorship opportunities for 2009.(9-9-2008)
UPDATE: Bobby Hamilton Jr. said Team Rensi Motorsports will close its doors in December if a new sponsor to replace Smithfield Foods isnt found by then. Hamilton Jr. is in his second stint with Team Rensi and nearly was without a ride this season until a sponsor was found in early December. Smithfield told the team last Monday it would not return next season, Hamilton Jr. said. Crew chief Chris Wright remains with the team, though a source said nearly half of the teams payroll was cut via layoffs. Hamilton Jr. blamed the current status of the Nationwide Series for the problems independent teams like Team Rensi are facing. The series has no identity, Hamilton Jr. said. It doesnt have anything going on, theres nothing to watch. Theres no drama because its all the same stuff. Hamilton Jr. said he has been fishing around for other rides. Im about 40 percent, talking to a Cup deal, Hamilton Jr. said. Ive been on the phone several times with a top-notch organization on the truck side. The Nationwide cars, theres just none out there. Everybody Ive talked to, if youve got a sponsor, theyll take you. There are some when you could run a handful of races whenever a Cup guy doesnt want to. I wouldnt turn my back to that because its in really good equipment. Id like to run full time but if you cant, youve got to take what you can take. Hamilton Jr. said he even could end up owning his own Nationwide team next season. The five-time series winner isnt ready to quit driving.(SceneDaily.com)(9-14-2008)
UPDATE 2: Team Rensi was informed last week that current sponsor Smithfield Foods had made a business decision to end their NASCAR marketing program. According to Smithfield Vice President, Jim Schloss, the decision was based on rising costs in the meat industry. With todays economy and the out of control expenses of participating in the Nationwide Series, Team Rensi is now searching for opportunities to continue competing in either the Nationwide, Truck, East or in the ARCA Series.(Team Rensi PR)(9-17-2008)
