Mayfield out at Penske Racing

Jeremy Mayfield

By Tim Packman, Turner Sports Interactive
October 2, 2001
11:01 AM EDT (1501 GMT)

MOORESVILLE, N.C. -- Penske Racing has announced the immediate release of driver Jeremy Mayfield from the No. 12 Ford.

No driver has been named to replace him for this weekend's Winston Cup race at Lowe's Motor Speedway.

Penske Racing has no comment at this time.

Winston Cup Standings  Mayfield’s 2001 Stats  Wheel to Wheel  Mayfield’s video archive  Lepage released  Last 6: Top 25  Best starts by driver  Best finishes by driver  Modern-era race winners

Mayfield, 32, had been driving the car since mid-1996 under the owneship of Michael Kranefuss. In 1998, Roger Penske became a part-owner of the team and then gained full ownership in the latter part of 2000.

Mayfield has recorded three victories -- a breakthough win at Pocono in 1998, and two victories in 2000.

Mayfield is 22nd in points with seven top-10 finishes in 2001. His best finish this year is third, which has happened twice (Bristol, Watkins Glen).

Qualifying problems have dogged the team all year -- Mayfield has started 30th or worse 12 times.