Jack Sprague is a three-time Craftsman Truck Series champion. Credit: Autostock

Sprague, XPress Motorsports part ways

Bobby Labonte to run No. 16 Chevy at Martinsville

MOORESVILLE, NC - Xpress Motorsports, winners of the 2002 and 2003 Craftsman Truck Series Championships and driver Jack Sprague, the only three-time NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Champion, have decided to part ways for the remainder of the 2005 season.

	Inside the Numbers Jack Sprague's NCTS career Starts 217 Wins 25 Top-5s 113 Top-10s 156 Poles 28 Laps Led 5,736 Avg. Start 7.2 Avg. Finish 9.3

The move is effective immediately.

Xpress Motorsports won back-to-back championships with two different drivers in the two seasons leading up to the hiring of Sprague (Mike Bliss-2002 & Travis Kvapil-2003). The team has been active in the Craftsman Truck Series off and on since 1996, but made a full-time return to the series in 2002.

After Xpress Motorsports announced the hiring of Jack Sprague, many felt that the combination would see both picking up where they left off. After all, the two had combined for three championships in the Truck Series.

However, both Xpress and Sprague felt their relationship had not produced the on-track successes that they were accustomed to.

"Jack is a very experienced and accomplished driver and his record speaks for itself," said Dave Fuge, team owner. "My team is very good and our record also says a lot about the success that Xpress Motorsports has enjoyed in the series.

"Sometimes in this business, certain combinations just don't work no matter what achievements have been made in the past. Jack is a great driver and we wish him the best in the future."

Sprague agreed that something was missing.

"In NASCAR racing, team chemistry is the key to every level of success", said Sprague. "Xpress Motorsports and everyone associated with the team know how to win races and championships. They have given me fast trucks every week and while we have had some success, we have had a lot of bad luck along the way.

"It was hard on everyone and when the chemistry isn't quite right, it takes a toll on people much more quickly. I wish them the best of luck the remainder of 2005 and beyond."

Bobby Labonte will drive the No. 16 Chevy Trucks Silverado in the series' next race at Martinsville Speedway on Oct. 22nd. Labonte is the most recent winner at the track in the Craftsman Truck Series, scoring his first win in the series in the spring event.

Xpress Motorsports will name a driver for the remainder of the season at a later time.