Ray Evernham has decided that Bill Elliott, not Jeremy Mayfield will drive the No. 19 Dodge this weekend at Watkins Glen. Credit: Autostock

Elliott to replace Mayfield in No. 19 at The Glen

Mayfield said no one has told him about change in entry list

Jeremy Mayfield may be free to leave Evernham Motorsports for Bill Davis Racing sooner than he expected.

Bill Elliott will be in the No. 19 Dodge that Mayfield has driven for Evernham since 2002 this weekend at Watkins Glen International.

Jeremy Mayfield has been driving the No. 19 Dodge since 2002.

Inside the Numbers Jeremy Mayfield's 2006 stats Race Start Finish Status Daytona 26 36 running California 21 22 running Las Vegas 24 25 running Atlanta 20 41 running Bristol 10 16 running Martinsville 23 26 engine Texas 34 31 running Phoenix 28 26 running Talladega 36 13 running Richmond 38 32 running Darlington 30 38 running Charlotte 2 15 running Dover 2 18 running Pocono 26 23 running Michigan 18 36 running Sonoma 32 22 running Daytona 42 36 running Chicago 16 24 running Loudon 37 29 running Pocono 22 37 running Indy 15 41 suspension Average 23.9 27.9

Contractual agreements remain to be settled before it can be announced that Mayfield is out for the remainder of the season, sources close to the situation said.

A statement from Evernham Motorsports said the team has finalized its long-term plans for 2007 and expects to announce those in the coming weeks. Mayfield's name already has been removed from the team release where it lists Evernham's drivers.

Elliott Sadler, who last month was given his release from Robert Yates Racing after the season, reportedly already has accepted a deal to replace Mayfield in 2007.

Team owner Ray Evernham could not be reached for comment, but he released a statement saying Elliott gives the team its best chance to make the field with his past champions' provisional.

However, since Elliott was named the driver after the entry deadline, the No. 19 car is eligible for prize money but not for a provisional starting position.

Mayfield fell out of the top 35 in owners' points last weekend at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where he crashed on Lap 82. Only the top 35 are guaranteed a spot in each Nextel Cup race.

Elliott, the 1988 Cup champion, can make the race at Watkins Glen if he is the highest past champion not in the top 35.

"This team has a great deal of potential and we just haven't met the expectations this year,'' Evernham said. "We will do whatever we need to get this car in the show for Watkins Glen. It's important to our sponsors and it's important to this team.''

Mayfield, who said last weekend at Indianapolis he likely would not be with Evernham's team next season, said he had not been contacted by Evernham about a switch as of late Tuesday morning.

"It's not professional, that's for sure,'' Mayfield said of the way the matter was handled. "That's the way everything has worked around here for a while.''

A spokesperson for Evernham Motorsports said discussions with Mayfield Motorsports management began on Monday.

Elliott is not an option to finish the season. He drove for Evernham full-time from 2001-03 and part-time from 2004-present, and is committed to driving three races for Team Red Bull later this season.

He also has two races left on a five-race commitment to Michael Waltrip Racing.

Sadler also could be an option if he is released early from RYR.

SPEAK OUT •   Message Board:  Give your thoughts on this driver switch Do you agree with Evernham Motorsports' decision to take Jeremy Mayfield out of the No. 19 Dodge this weekend at Watkins Glen? Yes, Mayfield is on his way out No, that's not the way to treat people

Multiple sources told NASCAR.COM on Friday that Mayfield, who has one year and two option years left on his deal at EMS, was close to a deal to drive for Bill Davis Racing's new Toyota team next season.

Mayfield admitted he's had discussions with Bill Davis, as well as Michael Waltrip and several other car owners.

Mayfield, who made the Chase for the Nextel Cup the past two seasons, also said he wanted to finish this season in the No. 19.

"I really don't know what to say,'' Mayfield said.

Mayfield has been frustrated with the performance of his team most of the season. But the frustration began before the season when crew chief Kenny Francis and the rest of his crew were moved to Kasey Kahne's team.

Kahne crashed on the last lap of Sunday's race to fall to 11th in points, one spot out of those that qualify for the Chase that will be set after five races.

Mayfield said he hasn't talked to Evernham since leaving Indianapolis. He doesn't know if being replaced this weekend means his contract with EMS is null and void.