Forum: HoseHeads Sprint Car General Forum (go)
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INDIANAPOLIS (Sept. 25, 2007) – Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) and World of Outlaws (WoO) Sprint Series driver Paul McMahan will part ways following the conclusion of the 2007 racing season. McMahan will finish the year with TSR driving the No. 20 Bass Pro Shops/Chevrolet machine, with his final race being the Nov. 3 WoO Sprint Series finale at The Dirt Track @ Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C.

“After two seasons of racing, it was decided that we needed to make a change and start fresh in 2008,” said team owner Tony Stewart. “We sincerely appreciate the effort and dedication that Paul has shown to TSR and our sponsors. He is truly a professional in every sense of the word, and we wish him nothing but the best as he begins another chapter in his racing career.”

McMahan, who has won two WoO Sprint Series A-main events in 2007, understands the need for change within TSR.

“The organization and sponsors have high expectations, and ultimately, our performance as a team did not achieve our targeted goals,” said McMahan. “We were strong at times, but we simply didn’t mesh as well as we would have liked.

“While I am disappointed that things didn’t work out as we had planned, I’d like to thank Tony Stewart for the opportunity to be a part of his organization. I also appreciate all of the support that Bass Pro Shops, Chevrolet and J.D. Byrider have shown me in the past two years. I sincerely appreciate all of their efforts.”

McMahan joined TSR at the beginning of the 2006 racing season, where he drove the No. 20 Bass Pro Shops/Chevrolet entry in the WoO Sprint Series and the National Sprint Tour (NST) Series before competing in the WoO Sprint Series full-time in 2007. He earned a sixth-place finish in the NST championship in 2006 and is currently ranked eighth in the WoO Sprint Series standings.

TSR is currently exploring its options for a new driver and will make an announcement in the near future.

Not a shocker, was surprised he lasted this long.

I never understood the people who say that kind of stuff. Paul is a good racer and a hell of a guy. He is professional and sponsor friendly and a good role model for the young fans. He is 8th in points and has a few wins this season and last season. More than you can say for a lot of the guys on the tour. Shoot - out of the Top 10 there aren't many with a friendly personality. Or any personality for that matter. Then there are the few who get in too many fights and draw negative attention about every other weekend. I don't see why people don't like Paul. Oh well. I hope he lands on his feet with another ride somewhere.

I ran into Haud this morning and he confirmed that the Wright team is done on the outlaws after the season and he is looking for a ride too.

IMHO which isnt worth much, no matter who they put in the 20 car it will get the same results as the last 2 drivers as long as mr carr is the head wrench spinner.

there is life after TSR. good luck paulie!!!

infidel since 1970

Some of those in the know will tell you that Paul's been a "test pilot" during most of his time at TSR. The team was continuously trying different stuff, enough so that they never really settled on a combination that "clicked". Granted, the results have not been there in terms of wins, but they're 8th in points right now. And 2008 should be interesting - let's see what Ricky adds to the soup over at TSR.

Let's wish Paulie and the TSR folks the best next year. Paul is a good enough shoe to land another ride, if one becomes available. Maybe the Pettys will step up.....

Chuck.....

Buck, Ive known Paul for 20 plus years. Cant say I am his biggest fan, but not a hater either. I was surprised when TSR hired him and didn't expect it to be long term since Paul wasn't a young gun, wasn't expected to move on to the next level, or won many WoO races. He has a lot of talent and has accomplished what few have from Northern California. I only wish I could have made it that far. My comment was directed toward TSR. With Schatz under contract not many people were buying that there would be a two car team, or that Paul would retain his ride. Tony expects nothing but wins. Lazoski won the nationals, has many more accomplishments, and didn't last either.

Understood. But I have seen lots of other posters who don't have very much respect for Paul. Glad you didn't mean any disrespect. I think he'll probably end up in a Cali ride or maybe back in Ohio again? Didn't he run with the All Stars before stepping up to the WoO a few years ago?

He ran Warren Johnson's u2 in 1999 and finished 7th in the All Star points and was the All Star Rookie of the Year.

Maybe that means Joey Saldana will be the new driver for Tony Stewart?!?

David Smith Jr.
www.oklahomatidbits.com

If what i have heard is true tony stewarts team is going to be using jei chassis next year. Who ever gets this ride had better be able to win more then two or three races a year. Personnally i think tim kaeding or kraig kinser will be in this ride.

from www.ibracn.com

SILLY SEASON IS ON - (9-24-07 @ 10:30 pm) - FACT - Bobby Gerold is reporting on www.hammerdownusa.com that 2008 silly season is on. In his recent article, he states that Paul McMahan is indeed out of the #20 car. Also, he goes on to say that Jac Haudenschild is looking for a new ride as the Wright One Construction car will be parked at seasons end. The Selma Shell #11H is looking for additional sponsorship otherwise that team will be parked. The big surprise is that Gerold is stating that the Dennis Roth Motorsports #83 will be done at the end of the 2007 season as well.....at least for a short time. Wow, there are a lot of good drivers looking for a ride for 2008.

DRIVER WANTED AT TSR - (9-23-07 @ 7:45 am) - RUMOR - I've received an email stating that the following information is factual regarding the WoO TSR #20 team. The email states that Paul McMahan will be released at seasons end by Tony Stewart Racing. I'm told that Paul was told of his dismissal at Eldora, before the races began. Paul has driven for two seasons for TSR and has three wins in that timeframe. Currently, Paul is sitting in 8th place in WoO points as the season winds down. UPDATE #1 - (9-24-07 @ 10:30 pm) - FACT - Paul McMahan has been told that he will not be back in the TSR #20 for the 2008 season. Front runners to replace him are said to be Kraig Kinser, Jason Solwold, and then Tim Kaeding.....in that order.

joey has 2 more years with the number 9

Look for Jason Sowald or Kraig Kinser in this ride for 2008.

i am guessing Ricky Stenhouse JR.

The David "The Herrmannator" Herrmannator is rumored to advance from his job with the HoF to the seat of the #20 car.Good Luck to you David!

Save your butt, get a colon screening TODAY

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The Outlaws had more cars following the tour this season than I can ever remember. The costs of owning a competitive car and running up and down the highway are higher than they have ever been. Fans have commented on the boards about how they've had to share rides and cut some of their favorite events out of their schedules because of a lack of funds. In view of the economic conditions it's no surprise to hear that some owners will be dropping off the tour at the end of this season. Unfortunately, that's going to leave some talented drivers without any options to run with the Outlaws. There were so many cars following this deal at their own expense that you knew it couldn't last. Even if it drops from the mid 20's down to 16 to 18 that would still be more than they have had running with them a lot of years.

It will be interesting to see how this shakes out for the start of next season. Tough way to make a living for a driver. They have to find someone with a lot of money and convince them to spend it all summer just so they can see their name on the side of a transporter and race car. We fans love it but for an owner they've got to be looking for a tax write off.

Stan Meissner

Twenty8 have you ever said one positive thing about a driver??? And dont give me the bull that you use to drive because that has nothing to do with all your negative comments.

There was nothing negative said about a driver. Maybe you should have someone read the posts to you before responding, You also said "comments" so why don't you refresh my memory where I talked negative before ? The only one I recall was on a moral issue and not his driving skills. FYI.......... I didn't "use to drive".

Twenty8, you really need to step back and take a look at what you have to offer to this board. I've never seen you say anything good about anyone or stand behind anyone. If you really hate life that much, please keep it to yourself.

Savage