DeWalt will not return to sponsor No. 17 next year

CONCORD, N.C. -- Roush Fenway Racing was informed Thursday that DeWalt Power Tools will not renew its sponsorship of Matt Kenseth and the No. 17 team for the 2010 NASCAR season.

Kenseth

"We would like to thank DeWalt for serving as a great partner for the past 10 years," said Geoff Smith, president of Roush Fenway Racing. "During that time we have seen great success for both their company and marketing program, as well as with Matt on the race track. They will always be remembered and honored as the sponsor of Jack Roush's first Sprint Cup championship team.

"Despite this success -- in the face of the significant worldwide economic decline in the construction industry -- DeWalt's decision to not return is not a great surprise to us. Fortunately, we have several great companies interested in taking over and we expect to begin finalizing those sponsorship arrangements in the very near future."

DeWalt has served as the primary sponsor on the No. 17 for the past 10 seasons. During that span Kenseth and the team matured into one of the most successful in the sport, winning 18 races, the 2000 rookie of the year award, the 2003 Cup Series championship, the 2009 Daytona 500 and qualifying for the Chase every year since its inception in 2004.

"All of us at Roush Fenway Racing remain committed to keeping the No. 17 DeWalt car running up front, winning races and to put them in a position to contend for a second championship this season," Smith said.