Brian Scott to retire after 2016 season.

[twiss43]

BRIAN SCOTT TO RETIRE AFTER 2016 SEASON
By Team release | NASCAR.com | November 10, 2016 at 09.40 AM




MOORESVILLE, N.C. (November 10, 2016) - Richard Petty Motorsports and Brian Scott today announced Scott, driver of the No. 44 Richard Petty Motorsports Ford, will retire from full-time competition in NASCAR at the end of the 2016 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season. Scott has made the personal decision to focus on his young and growing family and also the next phase of his career.

Scott began competing in NASCAR's national series in 2007, debuting in the NASCAR Camping World Series. He competed full-time in that series in 2008 and 2009 and earned his first win at the Dover International Speedway in 2009.

From 2010 through 2015, Scott competed in the NASCAR XFINTY Series, racing for and against some of the sports best. Scott finished inside the Top 10 in championship standings in five of his six seasons. In 2016, Scott was signed by Richard Petty Motorsports to compete in his first full-season in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. This season was highlighted by a runner-up finish just weeks ago at the Talladega Superspeedway.

"This was a difficult decision, but one that I made myself for my family," said Brian Scott. "Racing and specifically NASCAR has been and will always be in my heart, but right now, I want to turn all my attention to my family and to be able to spend more time with them. Racing has blessed me with great opportunities, and I'm very grateful for everything that it has allowed me to do, but for me, it's time to move on. I can't thank everyone enough who helped me in my career. I would not have made it to where I am at today without their trust and commitment."

"Brian made it to and competed at a level that very few do in NASCAR," said Brian Moffitt, Chief Executive Officer, Richard Petty Motorsports. "Brian became part of the Petty family this year, and he committed himself to making our organization better. We feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to get to know Brian and wish him nothing but the best for him and his family."

RPM will continue to field the No. 44 Ford Fusion in 2017 with further announcements to be announced later.

[djblue43]

Lose a driver and sponsor in one shot. Can't catch a break for nothing. So, now, who do we look at for next year?

[kbeverley]

Enter Greg Biffle??

[pmossberg]

That about said it all, "can't catch a break." Happy for Brian to have the ability to "retire" at such a young age. Pretty sure none of us here had that opportunity. ;-)

Had to look up what dj... meant by losing sponsorships too.

Here's what Jayski reports:
Albertsons announced they were ending their NASCAR program after the 2016 season.
Shore Lodge and Whitetail Inn doubtful to return as sponsor as Scott brought those sponsors.
No word on the status of sponsors Twisted Tea, GoBowling.com or Goody's.

Hopefully Twisted Tea, GoBowling.com or Goody's will stay.

Goody's has been with RPM for quite a while. And I think the connection there is more to Richard. So hopefully they will stay.

And no word on the status of crew chief Chris Heroy

[maj45]

Whatever. He didn't really do much for RPM. Greg Biffle? Why leave slow Rousch Fords to come to RPM and drive....slow Rousch Fords?

[kbeverley]

Nov 11, 2016 19:18:47 GMT -5 maj45 said:

Whatever. He didn't really do much for RPM. Greg Biffle? Why leave slow Rousch Fords to come to RPM and drive....slow Rousch Fords?

Yeah, that makes good sense. It seems we've gotten a lot of seconds from Rousch whether it be crew chiefs, tire changers or whatever.

[pmossberg]

Jayski lists the following as possible free-agents after 2016 season:
("?" next to Biffle means it's jsut based on rumor)

Michael Annett (moves to NXS in #5 JRM car)
?Greg Biffle
Landon Cassill
Matt DiBenedetto
Jeffrey Earnhardt
David Gilliland
Michael McDowell
David Ragan
Reed Sorenson
Josh Wise
Cole Whitt

[djblue43]

I don't see Alex Bowman on the list. As of today, he doesn't have anything announced for '17.

[jlp4345]

Alex Bowman would be great, and I hope they are trying to get him, but I don't really see him leaving Hendrick even if he don't have a full time ride with them right now, to go to RPM with the way they are running. I'd probably say the driver would definitely come from that list up there. I wouldn't think Biffle though, if he goes anywhere it will be to that second JTG/Daughtery Car they've been talking about. I'd say we're looking at a David Ragan or possibly McDowell, unless they try to throw Jeb Burton in it or something. I don't see them getting anyone that's winning races anywhere much though unless they get away from Ford, I'm sorry to say because I'm a Ford guy, or figure out what Penske already knows and stay with them. If RPM was my company I'd be doing what ever it takes to align with Penske if I'm staying with Ford, and for the life of me I don't under stand why Ford as company wouldn't be pushing for that, or at least pushing for sharing info.

[pb1945]

Out of those names David Ragan may be the best driver. I'm sure there is some serious discussion going on about how to get some speed out of these cars it's FOR SURE not all driver. There isn't anyone with any kind of name going to come aboard and set in a 35-40 place car. You see where that's gone with Scott not a big name driver but couldn't get anything out of the car.

RPM's money may not be up there either. That's why I think there has to be some serious conversation of how serious they are about getting these cars in contention. I don't think a quality driver is going to sit in a 35-40 place car and waste 2-5 yrs of his career trying to get it in the top 25. Right now Aric is committed but that is essentially what he's doing. IMHO  I think Aric could be a top 15 driver with a much better car maybe even a occasional win.  

The way money is and the shrinking crowds, they better do something soon they may not lose all sponsors but they may not commit for a full ride. I know if I was Smithfield I would be looking to hear some good news. SOON  

Dan

[donmoos]

RPM Will keep two teams, Brian moffit's Son should be in xfinity in two years Cup 1-2 after that. may be moffit but still petty blood for sure

[pmossberg]

Doesn't sound like the Biff will be available on track:

In a news release, the 46-year-old said he was "excited about the next chapter of my life, and I look forward to exploring other opportunities — particularly in radio and television — both inside and outside of NASCAR."