Tue Apr 8 11:08:09 2008

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Sauter to replace Mayfield at PIR

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Kannapolis, NC (Sports Network) - Johnny Sauter will replace Jeremy Mayfield in the No.70 Haas CNC Racing Chevrolet beginning this Saturday night at the Phoenix International Raceway. Sauter also drove for Haas last year. He finished ninth in the spring race at PIR and 15th in the fall event. Two of his three career top-10s have come in Phoenix.

After a 38th-place finish in Texas, Mayfield fell out of the top-35 which guarantees a place in the 43-car field for each race. His best finish this season is a 16th at Las Vegas, however he finished 30th or worse in five of seven events.

"Jeremys proven resume behind the wheel of a 'Cup' car was a real benefit to our team," team general manager Joe Custer said on the team's website. "He stepped into the seat and did everything we asked him to and more. Ultimately, we were unable to provide him with the right balance, handling and speed he needed to be successful."