DERREK TOWNSEND TO RETIRE FROM RACING AFTER 2017 SEASON
WEEHAWKEN, NJ - After 17 seasons and over five hundred races, Derrek Townsend has announced that the 2017 season will be his last as a full-time driver in the World Stock Car Championship. Townsend, a twelve-time race winner, shared the news with members of his No. 30 Stephen Glass Enterprises team after the final race of the 2016 season in New York.
At a press conference held at the team's headquarters, Townsend, sitting alongside team owner Stephen Glass discussed his decision. Townsend has driven for Glass since 2013.
"I think, more than anything else, it was important that I go out on my own terms," Townsend, 41, said. "I wanted to determine my own future, not have it decided for me. I'd rather go out while I'm still competitive than overstay my welcome."
"Derrek has been every owner's dream as a veteran driver," Stephen Glass commented. "He's been a fierce competitor and an incredible mentor to young drivers like Abbi [Alonso] and Ethan [Galvin]. We look forward to making his final season as a full-time competitor a memorable one for all of us."
Townsend hinted that he was not retiring fully from racing, indicating that he would attempt to take part in special events (likely the Independence 1776), as well as racing at smaller short tracks.
"Racing has always been my passion, and that is not going to change any time soon. I'm just going to take it easier and race as much or as little as I want from here on."
No word has yet been given on who will replace Townsend in the No. 30 Cadillac. Stephen Glass indicated that fans should expect an announcement "early in 2017, if everything works out right." Favorites for the ride include Finland's Ari Kapanan, Walther de Coninck of the Netherlands, Yusuf Mardin of Turkey, and Americans Taylor Dawson and Trevor Richmond.