Ganassi later softened his stance on letting McMurray leave, saying he would do so if he could find a viable replacement for him in the No. 42 Dodge - one of four teams he planned to field next season.

But that changed Monday when Ganassi ended his relationship with Home123, slated to sponsor his fourth car next year. He instead decided to stick with three cars, moved Casey Mears into the No. 42 and granted McMurray his release.

"We've been working hard to find a driver solution for (sponsor) Texaco/Havoline and we are fortunate that we could offer them Casey," Ganassi said. "Some recent positive developments have allowed us to make this move and we couldn't be happier with how things are shaping up for the 2006 season."

ending a sponsorship relationship is a positive development?!?!?!!?!?!