Alltel, Herzog Motorsports Part Ways for 2001

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - ALLTEL has chosen not to renew with Herzog Motorsports for the 2001 NASCAR Busch Series season. ALLTEL is currently the primary sponsor for Herzog's No. 92 entry driven by rookie Jimmie Johnson. The sponsorship will remain in place for the duration of the 2000 season.

"We have enjoyed our association with ALLTEL this year and wish them the best in all future endeavors," Co-owner Stan Herzog said. "We look forward to a dynamite finish to an already successful season and plan to come out of the gate running next year at Daytona."

Johnson and Herzog Motorsports currently sit 15th in driver point standings, and Johnson is fourth in the chase for the rookie title. The 24-year-old driver has earned three top-10's already this season, and recently recorded a career-best finish of sixth at South Boston.

"We're just getting started," Johnson said. "Where we are at right now, if we can finish in the top-15 in points, we've had a good year. If we can finish in the top-10, it would be an awesome year."