The Motorsports Group and Circle Sport Part Ways

Jeffrey Earnhardt during practice for the Food City 500 in April
(Photo-Christian Koelle/CCK Photography)

The Motorsports Group and Circle Sport Racing have announced they will be splitting after the 2017 season.

"We wish them the best", stated TMG owner Curtis Key, Sr. in the team release. "I will continue on this journey and look to rebound for 2018".

This announcement comes just one season into the agreement between the two parties. The two joined forces so that the No. 33 would have a charter in all 36 races last season in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. Jeffery Earnhardt piloted the car in 34 of the 36 races with Boris Said racing the car in both road course races. Earnhardt had a best finish of 26th three times (Daytona 500, Indianapolis, and Kansas 2).

With the team splitting, a multi-year deal formed for Earnhardt is now off the table and adds him to a list of free agents for the 2018 season. Earnhardt took to Twitter to address the situation.

Well this comes as a shock to me just as much as everyone else but hey like your parents always tell u don’t cry over spilt milk one door closes for another to open so let’s see what’s behind this door #NeverGiveUp #comeback #aintscaredofhardwork 💪🏼 thanks for everyones support

— Jeffrey Earnhardt (@JEarnhardt1) December 12, 2017

The remainder of free agents available to The Motorsports Group includes Matt Kenseth, Danica Patrick, Landon Cassill, and Reed Sorenson, whose contract status is unknown. TMG could also pull a driver from the XFINITY Series which would mean the list would be a very long one.

As for Joe Falk and Circle Sport, He does hold a charter to his name as an owner. Falk secured the charter from the No. 33 of Circle Sport Racing. He teamed with Leavine Family Racing in 2016 and could team with a new team in 2017. Currently, two cars are planning on running 2018 as an open team;StarCom Racing and BK Racing's No. 83. Those two teams plans have not been revealed but with a charter, those teams would for sure make all 36 events in 2018. (Koelle,2017)