Jeremy Mayfield will be driving the No. 36 Toyota in 2007. Credit: Autostock

Mayfield to drive No. 36 for Bill Davis in 2007

HIGH POINT, N.C. -- Jeremy Mayfield's impending move to Bill Davis Racing was confirmed Thursday when the veteran was announced as driver of the No. 36 Toyota for 2007.

Jeremy Mayfield has five victories in 14 years of Nextel Cup racing. Credit: Autostock

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

Mayfield, winner of five Cup races in 402 career starts, was released from his contract with Evernham Motorsports earlier this month.

"I'm very, very excited about the opportunity to be a part of Bill Davis Racing," Mayfield said. "I've always thought a lot of and had a lot of respect for Bill and Gail, and I'm thrilled to be a part of their organization.

"Obviously, I'm looking forward to working with Toyota, Todd Holbert [General Manager of Triad Racing Development, Inc.], Tommy Baldwin and everyone involved with the Toyota program.

"From what I've seen at Bill Davis Racing, they have the resources in place and the desire to do whatever it takes to be competitive, and those are the kinds of people and the type of place that I want to be involved with."

In addition, the team said Dave Blaney will return as driver of the No. 22 next season. Blaney, currently 29th in the standings, has a best finish of 13th in 2006, although the car has been on the lead lap at the finish in seven of the last nine races.

"We're happy to have Dave back in the Caterpillar car next year, and we're just as excited that Jeremy has decided to join our team," Davis said. "Both of these men are very talented and capable drivers who are veterans of the sport and yet still hungry to win. Both Jeremy and Dave are extremely knowledgeable and will play an important part in taking our race team to the next level."

Mayfield's car will be sponsored by 360 OTC, a brand of over-the-counter pain relief medications made by Rockford-Montgomery Labs of Athens, Ga.

"We feel like we've put together a winning combination," Davis said. "Rockford-Montgomery Labs, Inc. is a solid company which has learned in the short time they have been involved in the sport just how big a marketing tool NASCAR can be.

Dave Blaney

"They were interested in finding a spokesperson that can get their No. 36 Toyota to victory lane as well as appeal to the people in their market. Everyone agrees that Jeremy is that guy. He's a proven winner and is obviously a talented and consistent driver, as well as a smart businessman. He brings with him Chase experience and a great deal of excitement, and we feel fortunate to welcome both he and 360 OTC to our family."

"We have done an incredible amount of research to find the perfect combination of ownership, team chemistry, driver performance and manufacturers support," said Michelle Shearer, CEO of Rockford-Montgomery Labs. "There is no question that we have found the best business partner in NASCAR to entrust the value of our brand.

"Having Bill and Gail Davis, Tommy Baldwin, Jeremy Mayfield and Toyota behind our brand on the track every week is a direct reflection of our commitment to NASCAR fans, our retailers and our shareholders. We need to get the 360 OTC No. 36 Toyota Camry in victory lane, and we are very fortunate to have this winning combination at BDR to accomplish that goal."