Pardus Realeased form Midwest Transit Racing

Driver Dan Pardus was released by Midwest Transit Racing Friday.

The 36-year-old driver, who hails from Daytona Beach, Fla., was running for NASCAR Winston Cup Series Raybestos Rookie of the Year honors, but has been unable to qualify for any of this seasons events.

Pardus was given his unconditional release by team owners Hal Hicks and Mike Witters and will be free to pursue other racing opportunities this season. The team owners have offered Pardus the opportunity to stay on with the team in another position.

Pardus also races a stock car on ARCA's Bondo Mar-Hyde Series for Jim and Judie Motorsports.

According to team manager Lake Speed, the second-year team is currently looking for an experienced Winston Cup driver and interviewing for an experienced Winston Cup crew chief.

"I think Dan Pardus has a lot of driving talent", said Lake Speed, "But Dan lacks experience at the Winston Cup level. It is a shame that at this day and time you have to have the experience to compete at this level. One day Dan will have that experience, but this team need's experience now to be able to develop. I wish Dan the best of luck and I want to help him in any way I can with his racing career".

Speed said Midwest Transit Racing is looking for the right combination of driver, personnel and equipment to qualify for Winston Cup races this season.

Midwest Transit Racing is scheduled to make its next Winston Cup attempt for the Pepsi 400 at Daytona Beach International Speedway. Speed said the team will return to competition only after it has all the pieces to the puzzle firmly in place.