HARRISBURG, N.C. - - Jeff Gordon will be getting a new teammate at Hendrick Motorsports. Wally Dallenbach takes over for Ricky Craven, who resigned as driver of the #50 Budweiser Chevrolet on Tuesday. Craven had recently returned from post concussion syndrome but had not posted a top 15 finish since returning. Dallenbach, who filled in for Craven in June, will drive the Bud Chevrolet for the remainder of 1998.

"The decision was a mutual one between Hendrick Motorsports and Ricky and was based on what was best for him and his career, the team and our sponsors," said John Hendrick. "Ricky is a talented driver, but sometimes these situations don't work out, and a change is in the best interest of everyone."

Craven joined Hendrick Motorsports in 1997, posting his best finish in his inaugural race for the organization by placing third in the Daytona 500. However, a series of injuries limited his time behind the wheel. After taking four months off this season, on track performance did not seem to improve. Craven has said that he'll wait for the right opportunity to come around before he goes back to Winston Cup. For the remainder of 1998, he'll drive in select events on the Busch Grand National circuit in his own #2 New Holland Chevrolet.

Best wishes Ricky.

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