From UPSers.com
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Dale Jarrett to Retire in March; David Reutimann Named Driver of the No. 44 Toyota
Former Cup Champ to Make Final Start on May 17 in All-Star Race.
Dale Jarrett has announced (related audio) that he will retire from full-time competition in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series at the conclusion of the 2007 season. While Dale will retire from full-time competition, he will compete in the first five races of the 2008 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series season, including the Daytona 500.
Replacing Dale as the driver of the No. 44 UPS Toyota Camry will be David Reutimann, beginning with the race at Martinsville Speedway on March 30, 2008. Reutimann is the full-time driver of the No. 00 Toyota Camry for Michael Waltrip Racing co-sponsored by BURGER KING Corporation and Domino's Pizza.
The Hickory, NC-native made his first career start in NASCAR’s top touring series at Martinsville Speedway on April 29, 1984. Dale'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 his career was during the 12 years he spent driving for Robert Yates Racing. From 1995 to 2006, Dale won the 1999 NASCAR Cup Series championship, 29 total races, and earned 16 Bud Pole Awards.
“This is obviously a decision in which I have put a lot of thought and consideration, and it is one of the hardest things I’ve had to do,” Dale said. “I’m first and foremost a competitor and the desire to compete is the reason why I have continued as a competitor in the Nextel Cup Series. 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.”
“We believe the UPS brand and Dale Jarrett have become synonymous during the last seven years of our relationship,” said Ron Rogowski, director of sponsorships 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 the Jarretts as part of the UPS family.”
The 37-year-old David Reutimann from Zephyrhills, FL, is currently competing in his first full season of Nextel Cup Series competition. David's big career break came in 2004 when he was hired by Darrell Waltrip to compete in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Reutimann scored his first win in the Truck Series one year later at Nashville Superspeedway.