Yet, I knew that was my best chance of recovery. What I had to do was campaign a little bit, because when I wasn't at the racetrack, people dismissed it, I didn't exist. We did some good things last year, and I'm real grateful how the people on that team and Hal Hicks supported me, because out of that I got the opportunity to get back on-track. While the door was open for Craven to return to Hicks' team this season, Craven decided to roll the dice. Leaving a ride in Winston Cup at that time of year is extremely risky.
Most teams already have their drivers and crew members lined up for the upcoming campaign.
Few, if any openings, are available. Even so, Craven forged ahead in true gambler's spirit. In hindsight, Craven's timing couldn't have been better. At about the same time, Wells had decided to release Scott Pruett from driving duties of the No. 32 Tide Ford after just one season. While Pruett's racing resume was long and distinguished, primarily in open wheel and sports car competition, he never seemed to fully adapt to Cup competition.