Thrivent Financial Leaving McDowell Following 2016 Season

McDowell last raced the Thrivent Paint Scheme last weekend in Texas
McDowell finished 24th in that Rain Shortened Race
Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

In rather shocking news this morning Thrivent Financial has told Leavine Family Racing that it will not be returning with McDowell in 2017.
The McDowell-Thrivent partnership has been going since Bristol back in 2014. Thrivent has sponsored McDowell's Car in 27 races since 2014 with a best finish of 14th a few weeks ago at Charlotte in the Bank of America 500.

Michael McDowell has been sponsored by Thrivent Financial since Bristol
of 2014 off and on. Following 2016 that Relationship comes to an end
Circle Sport Leavine Family Racing Webstie

It is unknown on if Thrivent Financial will be leaving NASCAR as a whole or if Thrivent Will be moving to another driver within NASCAR. Stay tuned to the Motorsports News Source as we hear more on this developing story.
Of course Circle Sport and Leavine Family Racing will be going their separate ways following the 2016 Season with Circle Sport obtaining the Charter. It's been rumored that Ty Dillon will pilot the car for Circle Sport unless something else works out.
Michael McDowell will apparently be returning to Leavine Family Racing for the 4th straight season but the team is in need of sponsorship. Apparently the Michael McDowell, Todd Parrott Relationship will continue into 2017 which has been very good for both parties so far this season. McDowell has had a career best season with his career best average finish. McDowell has gained 9 Top-20 finishes along with one Top-10. This season McDowell has been able to gain a 25th place average finish. McDowell also gained his first career victory in the Xfinity Series a few months ago at Road America. (Koelle,2016)