Richard Childress Racing has parted ways with Nationwide Series driver John Wes Townley. Although the decision has not been made public by RCR, sources close to situation state that the move is already a done deal. Speculation surrounding Townley’s future in the #21 car was set in motion after he was “sent home” by RCR officials after smacking the wall during the first Nationwide practice out in Phoenix. Rumors about Townley’s future resurfaced again a couple of weeks ago when David Green (Townley’s spotter) was let go by RCR. Green’s removal signified that major changes were soon in store for the #21 team. According to the sponsorship agreement between Zaxby’s and RCR, Zaxby’s will continue to be the primary sponsor of the No.21 car for at least 12 more races in 2010 despite Townley’s absence. Once Zaxby’s sponsorship obligation is up, RCR plans to sell or “rent” the #21 car out to up-and-coming drivers who are looking for valuable seat time. However, RCR hasn’t ruled out shutting the #21 team all together if they are unable to sell/rent the car out on a week-to-week basis.(Spotters Stand)(5-7-2010)
UPDATE: John Wes Townley remains as a Richard Childress Racing development driver, a spokesperson for the NASCAR Nationwide Series team said Friday at Darlington Raceway. Team spokesperson Jackie Franzil said that while she didn’t know the upcoming driver schedule for RCR’s #21 Chevrolet, she said Townley is still under contract as a development driver.(NNS Racing)(5-7-2010)
