Jeremy Mayfield Tells His Side; Paul Tracy In Trouble Again

On Tuesday, Jeremy Mayfield told his side of the Ray Evernham saga. Paul Tracy is in trouble again with Champ Car officials.

On Tuesday, Jeremy Mayfield spoke with the media for the first time regarding his sudden split with Ray Evernham.

By now, most NASCAR fans are aware that Mayfield was fired from Evernham Motorsports last week, and replaced by the semi-retired Bill Elliott for the race at Watkins Glen. And now that Mayfield is out of the 19 ride, he mulls his future options.

It's no secret that Mayfield is expected to begin his tenure with Toyota and Bill Davis Racing in 2007, but what about now? Apparently, Mayfield will not drive the 38 Robert Yates Racing car that Elliott Sadler has vacated. By the way, Sadler is Mayfield's replacement.

David Gilliland will relinquish his rookie status for 2007, as he'll finish out the season in the 38.

Anyway, back to Mayfield. When speaking to reporters, Mayfield still appeared a little bitter about the divorce from Evernahm.

"We weren't running good, we weren't making changes on the team, and the owner says, 'If you want to, you can start looking.' Mayfield said. "That told me all I needed to know, so I did just that.'

"I knew then the writing was on the wall."

Mayfield felt even more unwanted after it became public that Evernham was pursuing Elliott Sadler to drive the 19 car.

Also, Mayfield explained his intentions for filing an injunction on Friday. He stated that Evernham was not willing to pay him monies earned in compliance to the contract. "That's what he wanted to do initially ... pay me nothing."

The good news for Mayfield is that he will likely become Bill Davis' premier driver, and this whole ordeal with Evernham may just light a fire under him.

Champ Car star Paul Tracy has been reprimanded again, just two weeks after his skirmish with Alex Tagliani, when he was fined, placed on probation, and docked seven championship points.

Towards the end of the Grand Prix of Denver, Tracy was bypassed by Sebastien Bourdais, and immediately locked his breaks. Tracy and Bourdais would make contact, and both cars were taken out of contention.

Bourdais confronted Tracy, and reportedly shoved him. Tracy's probation was extended until late October, and he was docked three more Champ Car championship points. As of now, Champ Car officials have not penalized Bourdais.

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