Crompton leaves FTR; jumped or pushed?
14/9/2000 21:11 (V8 Wire - Jason Whittaker) - Neil Crompton has shocked the Motorsport community today with the announcement he will part ways with the Ford-Tickford Racing operation at season's end.
In a statement released earlier this afternoon, FTR have said it was decided Crompton won't pilot an FTR car in 2001, "through mutual agreement."
Crompton will compete in FTR colours at the next round at Sandown, and at the Gold Coast CART event. He will then partner Glenn Seton in the No. 5 FTR Falcon for Bathurst - his final race for the Factory Ford outfit.
"Neil has made a valuable contribution to FTR since it's inception and we wish him success in his future endeavours," the statement said.
Details of the divorce, and the impetus behind it, have not been released. Although in speaking to us this afternoon, FTR's Media Manager Paul Burfitt said neither party were happy with the results the Neil Crompton/FTR package was delivering.
"The program was not providing the results either party wanted so the decision was reached together that it would not continue," Burfitt said.
"Neil is a very professional guy who wants to succeed as much as the team do, but the package as a whole could not provide the results either party wanted so it was a mutual decision to part company," he said.
40-year-old Crompton joined the Glenn Seton-led operation in 1998 for the endurance events. His driving duties were extended to full-time status with the establishment of the Ford-Tickford Racing operation the following year.
Crompton currently sits a disappointing eleventh in the Shell Championship Series.
A replacement for next season has not been decided, and no announcement is expected until after the Olympics.
FTR's OzEmail 500 pilot Dean Canto, and swinging driver Craig Lowndes, would appear likely candidates. While not revealing drivers under consideration, Burfitt said the replacement list was, "a long and distinguished one."
Crompton's future in the sport beyond 2000 is unclear.
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