Mat Neely Manzanita preview

Mat Neely and Daron Clayton Teammates for Western World Championships ROBINSON, Illinois (November 8, 2006) -- Departing from the 2B Racing/Lucas Oil Products team this week, Mat Neely of Robinson, Illinois began making phone calls to see ...

Mat Neely and Daron Clayton Teammates for Western World Championships

ROBINSON, Illinois (November 8, 2006) -- Departing from the 2B Racing/Lucas Oil Products team this week, Mat Neely of Robinson, Illinois began making phone calls to see what he could do to maintain his fourth place position in the United States Auto Club (USAC) national sprint car points standings. With the Western World Championships at Manzanita Speedway this weekend, Neely knew it was his last weekend to race for the USAC points needed to stay in fourth place.

Reaching an agreement with the Clayton Fabrication team and driver Daron Clayton, Neely will be piloting the team car to the Modern Day Cowboy's yellow number 92 machine.

"I'm grateful to Daron and his family and crew chief Bubby Jones for giving me this opportunity. It was real important to me to be able to maintain fourth place in USAC points through the last weekend of racing," said Neely from the west coast.

Neely remains unsure on his plans for 2007, as he and Benic have parted ways. "Scott and his team are phenomenal people, and I wish them all of the luck in the world this weekend and in the future, I just was ready to step away and move on. The split was mutual, and we left each other on great terms," finished Neely.