Mayfield, career over, resigned to Busch and Trucks

After taking one too many shots at Penske Racing as Jeremy Mayfield tried to get out of his contract, Penske fired him in 2001.

Mayfield landed with Evernham Motorsports, but his mouth got him in trouble again last season and led to an ugly split that included a lawsuit attempting to block his firing.

He was relegated to accepting an offer from Bill Davis Racing this year, but midway through the season both sides agreed it was a lose-lose relationship and announced plans to part ways for 2008.

After acrimonious exits from powerful teams and a peaceful one with a lesser one, Mayfield agreed he might have to settle for competing in the Busch and Craftsman Truck circuits because a top-level Cup ride might be out of reach.

"I'd rather win races in another series than just be out here with any team," he said. "My first option is to stay at this level with a competitive team, but I'll do whatever it takes to get another shot with a good organization." Detroit News