Truth & Rumors > Auto Racing

Views: 570
Comments: 0

08:18 AM ET 03.25 | Phoenix Racing General Manager Marc Reno said over the weekend at Nashville Supeerspeedway that the removal of Johnny Sauter as driver of the team's No. 1 Chevrolets was sponsor-driven. The team is sponsored by a resort owned by the Miccosukee Indian tribe, and Reno said, "It was a sponsor request to take Johnny out of the car. This is the first time that they've ever disapproved one of our drivers," Reno said. "That's why we took Johnny out." Sauter joined the team for 2008 and posted a best finish of 13th in the first five races. "I'm not president of the Johnny Sauter fan club, but I didn't have any problem working with him," Reno said. [Team owner] James [Finch] really likes him. It was hard. But it was either the sponsorship or him, and it doesn't take long to figure that math out." Sauter, in a statement, disputed Reno's account of why he was let go.

SceneDaily.com