Conway out, Raines in Front Row's No. 34 Ford

STATESVILLE, N.C. -- Kevin Conway, the leading 2010 Cup Series rookie of the year driver and ExtenZe Racing announced Friday that they are suspending their program with Front Row Motorsports with Yates Racing effective immediately.

Tony Raines will take the wheel of the No. 34 Ford for Front Row Motorsports this weekend at Michigan International Speedway.

Conway

Raines replaces Conway, the driver for the ExtenZe Racing program, which requested a hiatus in its racing agreement with Front Row Motorsports. The No. 34 car will be unsponsored but the team intends to run the entire race.

In 21 starts this year for FRM, Conway captured 21 consecutive Rookie of the Race awards while padding a 153-point lead in the rookie of the year standings. He also gave FRM its best finish in the team's history since when he finished 14th at Daytona on July 3.

"First, I want to thank Front Row Motorsports with Yates Racing and Ford for giving me an opportunity to drive for them this year," Conway said. "It has been a really big learning year for me and I certainly couldn't have made it this far without Front Row, support from Ford, and the veteran leadership of my crew chief Peter Sospenzo and my teammates David [Gilliland] and Travis [Kvapil].

"It was exciting for me to be able to give Front Row their best finish in the team's history and it's unfortunate that we can't work it out to remain in the car for the immediate future. From here, I am looking forward to what lies ahead for myself and ExtenZe Racing for the remainder of 2010 and beyond."

"ExtenZe and Alteril are 100 percent committed to Kevin Conway and the sport of NASCAR," said Robert Wilhovsky, director of motorsports marketing. "While we are currently evaluating our options for the rest of 2010 and next year, Conway has been and will continue to be the foundation of our NASCAR program in the years ahead. Kevin has a big future with us and in NASCAR and we look forward to what lies ahead."