JACK BECKMAN TO REPLACE WHIT BAZEMORE AT DON SCHUMACHER RACING
Beckman, 40, of North Hills, Calif., recently earned his
NHRA Funny Car license driving the Matco Tools Funny Car, which will retain the
Matco Tools sponsorship through the end of 2006.
"It was a very difficult
decision to make," said multi-team owner Don Schumacher. "When Matco Tools
informed me at the U.S. Nationals that it was moving its primary sponsorship to
another team for the 2007 season, I was left with little choice but to look at
my options for 2007 and beyond.
"I had already been in discussion with
Jack for a number of months as we were attempting to find a way to work
together. When Matco Tools made its surprise announcement, I had to look towards
the future, which helped me decide to place Jack in the Matco Tools Funny Car
before the end of the season.
"I could not assure Whit that I would
obtain a sponsor of the caliber of Matco Tools to support a Funny Car, and with
drivers accruing Skoal Showdown points as of the 2006 U.S. Nationals, I believe
this was the right decision. Whit also assured me that he had other
opportunities to consider as well.
"My wife Sarah and I have enjoyed not
only a solid professional relationship with Whit, but a rewarding personal one
since he joined DSR in 2001," added Schumacher. "He is an excellent driver, an
extremely marketable personality, and I have no concern about his finding a seat
with another well-funded, championship-caliber team."
In order for DSR to
make a smooth transition to a new sponsor for the car, Matco Tools had informed
Schumacher that it agreed with the driver change.
Bazemore's plans for
2007 are undetermined and he remains involved with DSR for the time
being.
"Don and Sarah Schumacher have given me the greatest of
opportunities in my professional career," said Bazemore, "and I want to thank
them both not only for those opportunities but for their friendship. Don has
said that the door is always open for me to return to his team and to me that
means more than anything. We enjoyed a lot of great victories together and we
also weathered some tough times together.
"I have a lot of friends at
DSR, especially on the Matco Tools team. And I can honestly say that I hope they
end up in the winner's circle again this year very soon, because they deserve
it."
Since joining DSR in 2001 with Matco Tools backing, Bazemore drove
to two championship runner-up finishes and has won 13 national events to date.