RCR declines to retain Park next season

MOORESVILLE, N.C. -- Steve Park will not drive the No. 30 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing in 2004 and intends to explore his options for the upcoming Nextel Cup season immediately.

	Steve Park

Park will complete the 2003 Winston Cup season with RCR as driver of the No. 30 AOL Chevrolet Monte Carlo.

To date in 2003, Park has won two poles (Fontana & Daytona) and scored one top-five and three top-10 finishes.

"I've had a great experience with RCR and Richard has been very supportive throughout our relationship. I greatly appreciate him giving me the opportunity to drive for his organization this season," said Park.

"I feel that I am in the best physical shape I have ever been and I know that I still have a lot to look forward to as a winning driver."

Park's career statistics during his six year career in the Winston Cup Series include two wins, four poles, 12 top-five finishes and 35 top-10 finishes.

"I want to thank Steve for stepping in and helping us with the No. 30 team. But this is a performance-driven business and the team's performance has not been up to our expectations so we decided to make a change for next season," said Childress.

"We're announcing this decision now so Steve will have time to find another ride for 2004 and we will have time to find a driver for the team for next season. I also want to point out that the performance of the No. 30 team at Talladega last weekend in no way played a role in this decision and our goal is still to win a race with Steve before the season ends."

Childress has yet to reach a decision on the new driver of the No. 30 Chevrolet for the 2004 season. An announcement will be made when plans have been finalized.