Landon Cassill won't be returning to BK Racing in 2013. Last season, Cassill drove for the team full-time -- his first full season in the Sprint Cup Series -- and finished 31st in the points standings.
"We couldn't work it out," Cassill told USA TODAY Sports on Wednesday. "It's unfortunate because it's so late in the game. I had planned on being on BK Racing all through the offseason and hadn't explored any other opportunities. It just didn't work out."
Cassill declined to go into specifics about why he felt it was best to separate from the team at such a late date. As recently as Friday, Cassill was working on his helmet and talking to the team about firesuits; by Monday, he felt a change was necessary.
Before coming to BK Racing, Cassill drove for Phoenix Racing in 32 races in 2011. The 23 year old driver got his start in the Nationwide Series in 2007 driving for Hendrick Motorsports, and first moved to the Cup Series in 2010 driving for multiple start-and-park teams. Cassill's highest finish of the season last year was 18th (twice).
BK Racing started last season after purchasing the assets of the now-defunct Red Bull Racing team after the 2011 season. Travis Kvapil, who also drove for the team last season, tested for the team at Daytona, and will be in the No. 93 car again in 2013.
Cassill acknowledged to USA Today that the decision to leave BK wasn't the best scenario for his short term future but that it was the right decision for his career. There aren't any opening among teams planning (at the moment) to run the entire Sprint Cup schedule, so Cassill may be looking at a start-and-park ride or partial schedule if he elects to stay in the Cup Series. But since he's only 23, an opportunity (if it arises) to run in the Camping World Truck or Nationwide Series in good equipment may be the best thing for his career.
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