November 27, 2005 ...National Sprintcar League moving forward despite
loss of Petty involvement -- By Bobby Gerould -- Rocklin, CA.
...National Sprintcar League officials learned Tuesday (November
22nd) that the Richard Petty Driving Experience, and Richard and Kyle
Petty would no longer be a part of the NSL. Citing overwhelming demands
in getting a start-up series off the ground, the Petty's informed
the NSL of their decision. Despite the loss, the National Sprintcar
League is moving forward with plans to race 410 winged sprintcars in
2006.
"Sure, we regret that the Richard Petty Driving Experience has
decided to withdraw from the new series. They're good race people
and we'll miss them, but that is the only thing that has
changed", said Steve Kinser. The 20-time World Champion driver
continued, "We look forward to forming the kind of relationships
between tracks, race teams, drivers, sponsors, and most importantly the
fans to carry 410 winged sprint car racing into the next decade."
The National Sprintcar League is in constant communication with major
track promoters in a continued effort to finalize a 2006 racing schedule.
"We are acutely aware that the fans want answers now", said
Brian Healey, NSL official. "The reality is that starting a major
touring series takes a cooperative effort of many of sprintcar
racing's major players, and sometimes that takes longer than we all
want it to take."
The National Sprintcar League is working on not only the 2006 racing
schedule but also the details of a new website, and naming of a series
sponsor. A television package is also part of the NSL master plan.
"Many pieces are in place to succeed", said Healey. "We
just need the full support of a few key race promoters to take our next
step."
The National Sprintcar League will participate in the Performance Racing
Industry (PRI) trade show in Orlando, Florida this week. Teams and
drivers committed to the NSL in 2006 include Steve Kinser Racing (Steve
Kinser), Tony Stewart Racing (Paul McMahan), Kasey Kahne Racing (Joey
Saldana), Elite Racing Team (Jason Meyers), Roth MotorSports (Danny
Lasoski), TW Racing (Brandon Wimmer), Rudeen Racing (Shane Stewart),
Selma Shell Racing (Lucas Wolfe), P&P MotorSports (Brian Paulus), Sides
MotorSports (Jason Sides), Parsons MotorSports (Tim Shaffer), and
Carnahan MotorSports (Jason Solwold).
-nsl-
