The U.S. Navy will not return next year as sponsor of the No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr. and driven by Brad Keselowski.

“We were informed last week that our sponsorship with the U.S. Navy will not renew at the end of the year,” said Mike Davis, director of communications for JR Motorsports. “It has been an exceptional partnership since 2005, and we look forward to a strong finish to the season.”

Brad Keselowski is currently second in the Nationwide Series champion standings and won at Nashville earlier this year. This announcement is another huge blow to the fledging Nationwide Series, which has also seen icons like Richard Childress Racing (RCR) – unable to retain their Nationwide Series sponsors. NASCAR continues to face tremendous obstacles – and yet, nothing is being done to help support the teams’ survival. Instead, NASCAR continues to implement “rules”, which are contrary to the best interests of the teams and the sport in general.

With growing financial uncertainty – NASCAR and teams should also fear – that the automotive manufacturers may begin pulling their financial support from the Nationwide series – this again, is another example of NASCAR putting their heads in the sand until reality comes knocking at the door.

One must believe – – if Dale Jr. is having a difficult time finding and retaining Nationwide sponsors -this series may face further set of debilitating setbacks.

Related posts:

1. Car of Tomorrow (COT) – Friend or Foe for the Nationwide Series?
2. The Nationwide Series Will Live Another Day – COT on Hold