Feb 27, 2008

Jon Wood Not Ready For Sprint Cup

Jon Wood will forego his 2008 Sprint Cup debut this weekend at Las Vegas and Johnny Sauter will drive the Wood Brothers Racing Ford Fusion. Wood, the grandson of team founder Glen Wood, was scheduled to race in the UAW-Dodge 400 before he admitted that he was not ready to compete in NASCAR's new car, formerly known as the Car of Tomorrow.

"Jon didn't feel he was ready," said Eddie Wood. "My gut told me to go with Johnny (Sauter). He ran well with the COT and he's a good qualifier. He tested at Vegas in the Nationwide car so he's familiar with the track. If it gets us into the show it will be great for everyone."

Wood is also scheduled to run eight other races throughout the season. Bill Elliott is the team's primary driver, however, he will not race as he will tend to other commitments.

What does this mean for Jon Wood? Last summer, he stepped out of his Nationwide Series ride after he encountered an adverse reaction to medication that he was taking. Kelly Bires assumed his ride. When Wood returned to the track later in the season, it was in the Craftsman Truck Series.

Wood appeared to be on the fast track to stardom when he began driving trucks for Roush Fenway Racing in 2002, however, he was never able to advance. He struggled in the Nationwide Series driving for the team that his family co-owned.