Amid the high-stakes financial maneuvers and sponsorship shifts characterizing NASCAR’s eagerly awaited 2024 season, a seasoned spotter from Rick Ware Racing has dramatically raised the stakes. He candidly disclosed being left stranded by the team, baring his heartbreak on social media for all to witness the whirlwind of significant developments in the racing world.
This man who spotted drivers like JJ Yeley and Jenson Button during his brief appearances in NASCAR, has shocked the community with his recent revelation. Taking to “X,” the old-school Rick Ware Racing teammate revealed that he will not be a part of the team’s 2024 campaign as he looks forward to finding out what the future has in store for him.
Rick Ware Racing delivers a shocker to its long-time spotter Steve Barkdoll
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Noting down the saddening scenario on his “X” handle was Steve Barkdoll, who revealed the shocking news to the community. Amidst the money moves coming in from Spire Motorsports as they go about purchasing charter after charter and major teams acquiring new sponsors for their 2024 campaigns, the RWR spotter’s update was more of a bomb for ardent Rick Ware Racing fans.
The veteran, who is also the father of two kids, updated the fandom about the recent happenings hours ago. In his brief tweet, he wrote, “I was informed that @RickWareRacing is not bringing me back in 2024.
“Having wins throughout my career in every division of @NASCAR but not yet in @IndyCar. I hope to continue in motorsports and look forward to what lies ahead.”
I was informed that @RickWareRacing is not bringing me back in 2024. Having wins throughout my career in every division of @NASCAR but not yet in @IndyCar. I hope to continue in motorsports and look forward to what lies ahead.
— Steve Barkdoll (@spotterstevo) December 9, 2023
The statement highlights the spotter’s pain at parting ways. Moreover, the tweet was a call, mentioning his vast experience across the 3 divisions of NASCAR and getting his wish to transition to the open-wheel racing world of IndyCar across into the racing community, hoping for an opportunity.
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Other spotter changes in NASCAR
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Besides the awful news coming in from the Ford camp at Rick Ware Racing, there are going to be more spotter changes in NASCAR ahead of the 2024 season. Both Chase Elliott‘s spotter, Eddie D’Hondt, and Ryan Blaney’s Team Penske spotter will step down from their respective stands as news confirms the change.
Been a helluva run.. 12yrs, 26 wins, 2020 Champs🏆
Thank you to:
Mr. Hendrick @JeffGordonWeb @chaseelliott
Alan Gustafson👉468 races together, 26 wins & a🏆. Lastly, my dude Kevin Hamlin.🫶A career to many, a wonderful lifetime memory, for us all.
Excited for what’s next. 🏁 pic.twitter.com/Z888xmjSYC
— TheEddieD’ (@TheEddieDHondt) December 3, 2023
While we don’t have a name for Elliott’s spotter, D’Hondt has confirmed that it’s time for him to step down after 12 years of spotting his driver. He has even been the eye for one of the sport’s greatest players, Jeff Gordon, from 2012 until his retirement in 2016. On the other hand, Team Penske has announced Ryan Blaney‘s new spotter.
Bob Pockrass of Fox Sports broke the news to the community in his tweet, revealing that Tim Fedewa will spot #12 in the absence of Josh Williams, who will probably continue his role in the Truck Series.
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