Penske Racing owner Roger Penske and crew chief Steve Addington have denied a published report in the Charlotte Observer that Addington plans to leave driver Kurt Busch at the end of the 2011 season.
Steve Addington, Roger Penske Deny Report Crew Chief Leaving Kurt Busch After 2011 NASCAR Season
The Observer cited “multiple sources” who said Addington and the team would part ways after the Chase ends. But Addington denied the report, telling SceneDaily.com it was “pure rumors and speculation that has no leg to stand on.”
“I don’t know where this is coming from,” Addington told SceneDaily. “That’s all I can say.”
The veteran crew chief denied further comment to SB Nation, and Busch had no interest in speaking with reporters on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Penske told ESPN.com in Las Vegas (where the IndyCar Series holds its finale this weekend) he was concerned about the report because it was "a distraction" to his organization.
“He has done a fantastic job for us and I hope to keep him here long term,” Penske told ESPN.com. “I don’t know how this stuff gets started. But it’s unfortunate because it’s a big distraction to the team in the middle of the Chase.”
The rumor mill has Addington headed to Stewart-Haas Racing next season if he indeed leaves Penske.
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