Sticklin released from Stavola ride

Stavola Brothers release Stricklin CONCORD, N.C. (May 23, 1998) "Silly season" on the NASCAR Winston Cup Series hasn't officially arrived yet, but one more driver is now looking for a job. Hut Stricklin was released from his duties as ...

Stavola Brothers release Stricklin

CONCORD, N.C. (May 23, 1998) "Silly season" on the NASCAR Winston Cup Series hasn't officially arrived yet, but one more driver is now looking for a job.

Hut Stricklin was released from his duties as driver of the Stavola Brothers' No. 8 Circuit City Chevrolet this weekend after failing to make the field for the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

For the next two races, Buckshot Jones will take over the No. 8 ride, driving at Dover Downs International Speedway and Richmond International Raceway. Both are companion events with the NASCAR Busch Series Grand National Division, where Jones is fourth in the standings.

The Stavola Brothers team's future concerning a driver following the June 6 Pontiac Excitement 400 at Richmond is uncertain at this point.

This weekend's race was the third straight that Strickin had missed qualifying for (Talladega Superspeedway and California Speedway), and it was the fifth time overall he's missed making an event. Prior to this weekend, Stricklin was 47th in the standings, with his highest finish coming at North Carolina Speedway in Rockingham in Feb. 29.

Stricklin becomes the second series driver this season to be released from his duties. Wally Dallenbach was let go by Team SABCO from the No. 46 First Union Chevrolet.

Jeff Green lost his ride with the No. 29 Diamond Ridge Motorsports team when the team shut down operations earlier this month.