After 10 Seasons, Dewalt Set to Leave Roush

It is always sad when we see long time sponsors leave the teams they have been associated with, or leave the NASCAR all together. Dewalt has been the primary sponsor, or one of the primary sponsors of Matt Kenseth’s No. 17 Roush Fenway team since Matt’s rookie season of 2000.

Over the past ten seasons Kenseth, mostly with Dewalt colors on board, has won 18 races, and one Cup title. Sadly though all good things must come to an end, and due to the miserable economy Dewalt will take a step back from the world of NASCAR sponsorship.

What their departure leaves is a lot of questions about the driver lineup for both Roush Fenway Racing and Yates Racing, their satellite team. Since Kenseth, Greg Biffle, and Carl Edwards have all been signed to long term contract extensions, and Roush must fall under the fur team ownership cap for the 2010 season, either David Ragan or Jamie McMurray would appear to be the odd men out at Roush.

Jayski is reporting that all of Roush’s drivers would accept a transfer to the Yates Racing banner, with the understanding they would still be driving the same equipment, but the sponsors do not seem to agree. So far UPS has flat out denied a switch of Ragan to Yates racing with their company on board.

In another report from Jayski, it seems that Roush Fenway has given Jamie McMurray permission to seek out rides outside the organization for the 2010 season.

The only way a move to Yates seemed possible was if Roush could maintain all of their sponsors and transition a full time and sponsor to Yates. In this economic climate that does not seem possible anymore.

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