KANNAPOLIS, N.C. — Jeremy Mayfield parted ways Tuesday with Haas CNC Racing, and Johnny Sauter will drive the No. 70 in Phoenix this weekend.
The team said the split was mutual, but it comes after his 38th-place finish Sunday in Texas. It dropped Mayfield to 36th in the standings, and the car must now qualify on speed to make the race at Phoenix International Raceway.
Mayfield has five finishes of 30th or worse in seven events this season, and his best result was 16th in Las Vegas.
“Jeremy’s proven resume behind the wheel of a Cup car was a real benefit to our team,” team general manager Joe Custer said. “He stepped into the seat and did everything we asked him to and more. Ultimately, we were unable to provide him with the right balance, handling and speed he needed to be successful.”
Sauter, meanwhile, returns to the ride he drove all of last season. But he was replaced by Mayfield at the end of the year when the team dumped Sauter and Jeff Green to hire Mayfield and Scott Riggs.
Sauter had an average finish of 26th in the car and finished 30th in the points.
The team was not clear if Sauter will remain in the car the rest of the season, saying only that several scenarios are being considered for a replacement driver.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
