Lagasse out; Denny Hamlin to drive #11 in 2 races

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Lagasse out at CJM after Iowa: CJM Racing has announced that Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing, will pilot the #11 CJM Racing Toyota at the upcoming races at Watkins Glen and Michigan. Scott Lagasse, Jr., will continue to drive the #11 entry at O'Reilly Raceway Park and Iowa. An announcement regarding the future driver lineup will be made at a later time.(CJM Racing PR)(7-24-2009)

Another NW driver replaced by a Cup driver in the NATIONWIDE series.

Sad...

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UPDATE 2: hearing that Kelly Bires could run some races in the #11 later this year.(7-25-2009)

That would be good!

I would like to see that since Bires is still a Nationwide driver.

Looks like since the team let Lagasse go, the Pizza Company dropped their funding of the #11! Talk about a total backfire!

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UPDATE 3: The team's sponsor, America's Incredible Pizza Company, will remain on the #11 through the Iowa race, a news release said. Company president Rick Barsness said it will continue "our branding with Scott through new store openings and other promotions." That could mean Lagasse could end up with another Nationwide team, with sponsorship from the Pizza Company. "The Pizza Company, from what I know, is [going] continue their branding and they're very happy with me," Lagasse said. "What that means, I don't know. I have not had those discussions."(SceneDaily)(7-25-2009)

-Jayski

Seems like they didn't think that decision through very well. I'm sure they didn't know their sponsor would leave if they fired Lagasse! Oops... lol