Landon Cassill cannot reach contract agreement, leaves BK Racing

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Landon Cassill said Wednesday he is leaving BK Racing to pursue other opportunities in NASCAR. Cassill joined BK Racing last season

Landon Cassill will be replaced by David Reutimann in the No. 83 car :: John David Mercer/US Presswire

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) -- Landon Cassill said Wednesday he is leaving BK Racing to pursue other opportunities in NASCAR.

Cassill joined BK Racing last season when team owner Ron Devine purchased the assets of defunct Red Bull Racing. Cassill ran all 36 races, with an average finish of 27th.

He said the decision to leave so close to the season-opening Daytona 500 was hard, but terms of his 2012 contract have not been fulfilled and Cassill has been unable to come to an agreement with Devine on a 2013 deal.

"This is a tough decision but with one month before the Daytona 500 I have no other option but to leave the No. 83 BK Racing Toyota and pursue other opportunities," Cassill said. "We simply could not close out our 2012 agreement and complete an agreement for 2013. I am motivated and driven to find a new opportunity in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series."

He thanked sponsors Burger King and Dr. Pepper, and said he was hopeful he can put together another deal before teams report to Daytona next month.

"I have proven myself as a championship caliber test driver, an exceptional qualifier, and I'd like to continue working toward my goal of becoming a race winner and champion in NASCAR," he said. "I'm looking forward to my next opportunity in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series."