Dale Jarrett To Retire From Full-time Competition

[Schwartz Fan]

DALE JARRETT TO RETIRE FROM FULL-TIME COMPETITION
Courtesy: Elevation Group
Release: 10/12/2007


HICKORY, N.C., Oct. 12, 2007 -- Dale Jarrett, the 1999 NASCAR Cup Series Champion, today announced he would retire from full-time competition in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series at the conclusion of the 2007 NASCAR season. While Jarrett is retiring from full-time competition, he will compete in six races during the 2008 season, including the season-opening Daytona 500.

The Hickory, N.C.-native made his first career start in NASCAR’s top touring series at Martinsville Speedway on April 29, 1984. Jarrett’s full-time Nextel Cup Series career started in 1987 when he was hired to drive for legendary NASCAR driver Cale Yarborough. The most successful stint of Jarrett’s career came during the 12 years he spent driving for Robert Yates Racing. From 1995 to 2006, Jarrett won the 1999 NASCAR Cup Series championship, 29 races and earned 16 Bud Pole Awards.

“This is obviously a decision that required a lot of thought and consideration and it is one of the hardest things I’ve had to do,” said Jarrett. “I’ve been fortunate to have one of the best NASCAR sponsors in UPS, and I’m first and foremost a competitor. The desire to compete is the reason why I have continued as a driver in the Nextel Cup Series. But I’ve come to the decision to get out of the racecar and while I’ll miss being a driver, I am looking forward to the next phase of my life and career.”

UPS, the Official Delivery Company of NASCAR, has been the primary sponsor for Jarrett since 2001. UPS will continue as a partner and primary sponsor of the Michael Waltrip Racing Toyota Camry and although Jarrett is retiring from competition, his relationship with UPS will continue off the race track.

“Dale Jarrett has been a terrific ambassador for the UPS brand during these seven years of our relationship,” said Ron Rogowski, director of sponsorship for UPS. “We support Dale in his decision to step from behind the wheel of the racecar and are thrilled to be able to continue the mutually beneficial relationship that started in 2001. We wish Dale and his family all the best in the future and will always count them as part of the UPS family.”

Jarrett, a 32-race winner in NASCAR Nextel Cup Series competition, is scheduled to make his final career start at Lowe’s Motor Speedway on May 17, 2008.



DALE JARRETT TO RETIRE FROM FULL-TIME COMPETITION - MichaelWaltrip.com—The Official Web Site of Michael Waltrip Racing