Posted at 7:21 a.m., Friday, October 12, 2007
Autos: Jarrett will conclude career with 7 races in '08
By JENNA FRYER
AP Auto Racing Writer
The 1999 Cup champion said today he spent months pondering his future, and approached Michael Waltrip Racing and sponsor UPS some time ago to figure out a plan to ease of out the driver's seat.
Several ideas were broached before Jarrett decided to run the season-opening exhibition race at Daytona International Speedway, the first five races and the non-points All-Star event at Lowe's Motor Speedway.
"It's been a difficult decision, but we knew this time was coming," Jarrett said. "With the things that transpired this year, it showed me we are ready to do this."
Jarrett, a two-time Daytona 500 winner, has struggled this season with the entire MWR organization. In its first season, the three-car operation has struggled to make races and Jarrett, Waltrip and David Reutimann have failed to crack the top 35 in points needed to earn an automatic berth in the field each week.
Jarrett has missed 10 of 30 races this season, and failed to qualify for Saturday night's event at Lowe's. He's 41st in the standings, and his 22nd-place finish in the Daytona 500 is his best result of the year.
Waltrip, who lured Jarrett away from Robert Yates Racing to drive a Toyota for him, thanked Jarrett for suffering through this season.
"When we knew Dale was coming, I just thought it brought us instant credibility," Waltrip said. "I want to thank Dale for putting us on the map. And I want to apologize to him and David for not having the team that they needed at the start of the season."
