David Powers discussed his decision further regarding the dismissal of Top Fuel driver Whit Bazemore yesterday with Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com.

Powers released Bazemore through a phone call yesterday afternoon.

Powers said the dismissal was largely a change in business direction but there were other factors that affected the decision.

“I read in September in an article where he [Bazemore] had indicated that he thought he had a good program with David Powers Motorsports but was also taking a serious look at the vacant seat of Gary Scelzi and that would be a very good ride and that no driver wants to limit his options,” Powers said. “Then he went on to say – as I recall – that I keep my options open. Who knows what might happen in the future I had a great relationship with Don Schumacher for the last couple of years.

“That creates a lot of insecurities with the team and our sponsors.”

David Powers discussed his decision further regarding the dismissal of Top Fuel driver Whit Bazemore yesterday with Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com.

Powers released Bazemore through a phone call yesterday afternoon.

Powers said the dismissal was largely a change in business direction but there were other factors that affected the decision.

“I read in September in an article where he [Bazemore] had indicated that he thought he had a good program with David Powers Motorsports but was also taking a serious look at the vacant seat of Gary Scelzi and that would be a very good ride and that no driver wants to limit his options,” Powers said. “Then he went on to say – as I recall – that I want keep my options open. Who knows what might happen in the future. I had a great relationship with Don Schumacher for the last couple of years.

“That creates a lot of insecurities with the team and our sponsors.”

Bazemore’s comments were published in Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com in an article where he clarified actions in the shut-down area in Denver between himself and teammate Hot Rod Fuller.

This past Wednesday Bazemore indicated -- in a conversation with Torco’s CompetitionPlus.com -- that issues, none outside of the ordinary, had been present within the team throughout the season but nothing that should have constituted a dismissal.

Bazemore had also pointed out that he’d asked Powers for a contract throughout the season, but was unsuccessful in procuring one. Bazemore was not comfortable continuing to drive on a handshake agreement.

Powers would not go into specifics on a contract in talking with us today, but did say one was offered at the start of the 2007 season.

“Some people are criticizing me for terminating him before the last two races,” Powers said. “My thinking is this would open him up to find something else for next year.”

Powers would not say who his replacement will be but did say the driver who will finish out this season will not be the same for 2008. An announcement, naming the replacement driver, is expected to be made today.