Brian Scott will retire from driving after 2016 NASCAR season

Sprint Cup Series driver Brian Scott will retire from full-time NASCAR competition at the end of the 2016 season, Richard Petty Motorsports announced Thursday.

Scott spent two full seasons (2008-2009) competing in the Camping World Truck Series and six full seasons in the Xfinity Series (2010-2015), before moving up this season to Sprint Cup full time to join RPM and drive its No. 44 car.

The 28-year-old Scott has struggled in 34 starts this season, with a 28th-place average finish and crashing out of five races. He currently ranks 33rd in the standings, and is the second-lowest of the 30 drivers who’ve contested all 34 races. His lone top-10 was a career-best second at Talladega Superspeedway, a restrictor-plate track, in October.

“My decision to end one chapter in my life and change my focus going forward was not a decision I made or approached lightly,” Scott wrote on his Facebook page. “Racing has always been a passion of mine, and that will never change.

“Over the past couple of years I have begun a family of my own, and it has grown. I’m blessed to have an amazing wife and two incredible kids. The Sprint Cup Series schedule has taken its toll on me and caused me to re-evaluate what I want in life for myself and for my family. Through countless time in prayer with my family, the Lord has made it clear its time for me to focus on my family and put them first. I would be lying to say I wont miss racing, in fact I will miss it very much, but I’m looking forward to making memories with my family hunting, fishing, camping, ball games, recitals, and being there to support them in whatever they decide to do!”

Coinciding with Scott’s retirement, Albertsons Companies announced it would discontinue sponsoring RPM’s No. 44 car at the end of the current season. Albertsons was founded by Scott’s grandfather, and the driver brought the funding with him to RPM. Another Scott family-owned company, Shore Lodge, also served as a Scott primary sponsor this season.

A midsize operation, RPM’s had difficulty attracting a full allotment of sponsorship in recent years. Part of the reasoning behind signing Scott was his ability to bring additional funding, with Albertson’s and Shore Lodge sponsoring Scott in 21 of 34 races this season.

RPM said in a statement it would continue fielding the No. 44 car in 2017, though did not immediately name a replacement for Scott. Aric Almirola drives RPM’s No. 43 entry and will return to the two-car team next season.

“Brian made it to and competed at a level that very few do in NASCAR,” said Brian Moffitt, Chief Executive Officer, Richard Petty Motorsports, in a statement. “Brian became part of the Petty family this year, and he committed himself to making our organization better. We feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to get to know Brian and wish him nothing but the best for him and his family.”