BUSCH: FritzBradshaw, Atwood part ways

FitzBradshaw Announces No. 14 Driver Change

MOORESVILLE, NC-- FitzBradshaw Racing announced today that Casey Atwood will not drive the No. 14 Navy Accelerate your life - Chevrolet Monte Carlo for the remainder of the year. The driver change is effective immediately.

Team co-owners Armando Fitz and Terry Bradshaw indicated the decision to make the driver change was part of FitzBradshaw Racing's evolution and preparation for 2005.

"We have some significant operations changes underway for 2005, and that includes incorporating new personnel that we feel can get us and our sponsors into Victory Lane," said Fitz. "The changes we're making are designed to enable us to take the next step toward the top and are, in my view, in the best interests of FitzBradshaw Racing."

Bradshaw echoed Fitz's sentiments, noting the difficulty of the decision. "I'm disappointed it didn't work out, because I think Casey will be a great driver," said Bradshaw. "We're splitting up the team with five races left so we can evaluate the entire team and make the right decisions for the future. This move will give us all an opportunity to move forward."

The decision was mutually made by FitzBradshaw Racing and Atwood. "I've enjoyed my time with FitzBradshaw Racing, representing the Navy," said Atwood. "But so many driver decisions are discussed and made over the next two months, and this gives me the opportunity and the time to structure what's best for me for next year."

"FitzBradshaw Racing has been growing and working to perfect its operation since 2002," stated Fitz. "Casey has been a key asset to our organization and contributed tremendously to our upward momentum."

The U.S. Navy began sponsoring the No. 14 Chevrolet Monte Carlo in 2003 for 10 races and ultimately announced that it would sponsor a full-season for 2004. Atwood has been the sole driver for the No. 14 team. He started 29 races in 2004, with his best finish--second place--coming in Richmond in September.

Dave Blaney will drive the No. 14 this Saturday at Memphis Motorsports Park. The Sam's Town 'He Dared to Rock' 250 is televised on TNT beginning at 3:30 p.m. EDT.

Blaney became familiar with FitzBradshaw equipment Saturday in Charlotte, driving FBR's No. 82 Goulds Pumps Chevrolet in the NASCAR Busch Series race at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte.

He qualified 15th and ran as high as 7th, but was tapped into the wall by Kyle Busch with 13 laps remaining. Blaney finished 25th after running in the top ten for most of the night.

He has 75 career starts in the NASCAR Busch Series, posting seven Top-5 and 22 Top-10 finishes.

"We're reviewing all our options for the remainder of the season," said Fitz. "Dave did a fabulous job in Charlotte and is familiar with our equipment, so he'll take the wheel in Memphis. We'll have our plans in place for the other four races very soon."

FitzBradshaw Racing is owned by NASCAR veteran Armando Fitz and Pro Football Hall of Fame member and FOX broadcaster Terry Bradshaw. The team fields three cars in the NASCAR Busch Series: the No. 12 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, sponsored by Supercuts, Hot Tamales, and Bicycle Playing Cards; the No. 14 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, sponsored by the Navy; and the No. 82 Chevrolet Monte Carlo sponsored by Jani-King and Goulds Pumps.

FitzBradshaw Racing is featured all season on the SPEED Channel reality show NBS 24/7. The show airs every Monday night at 8:00 pm and re-airs Mondays at 1:00 a.m., Tuesdays at 4:00 p.m., Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m., and Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

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