Sadler asks for release at year's end

CONCORD, N.C. -- Elliott Sadler confirmed Wednesday afternoon that he has asked Wood Brothers Racing for a release from his contract, starting at the end of the 2002 season, so that he might begin pursuing other options for 2003.

Elliott Sadler Credit: Autostock/NASCAR Images

Sadler was adamant about the falsity of reports that he asked for an immediate release, and said that, barring extenuating circumstances, he'll be in the No. 21 Motorcraft Ford for the remainder of the year.

"The only official thing right now is that, Sunday night, I did ask for my release from the Wood Brothers so that I can pursue other options for the 2003 season," Sadler said. "All that other stuff about (Dale Earnhardt, Inc.) or anyone else is way too premature at this point."

Wood Brothers Racing declined comment.

Ty Norris, DEI executive vice president, seconded Sadler's statement. He also suggested that May will be a pivotal month in DEI's future.

"There's nothing really to say at this point," Norris said. "We have talked to Elliott and we have talked to other drivers as well -- including our own. We will make a lot of decisions about the face of DEI's future by the end of May."

Sadler has driven for Eddie and Len Wood his entire Winston Cup career, which began in 1999. Last season, he won the spring event at Bristol Motor Speedway, marking his only career victory and the first for Wood Brothers in eight years.