After deciding to run only a limited schedule in 2009, Furniture Row Racing officials announced they have bought out the remainder of driver Joe Nemechek's contract. One of the smaller teams in the garage, Furniture Row Racing finished the year in 42nd-spot in the owner's standings.

Qualifying for 32 of 36 races this year, Nemechek earned one pole position and finished a season-high 11th at Talladega in October, but also had six DNFs. Despite those numbers and being well outside the top-35, team president Joe Garone said performance was not a factor in this decision.

"Just like the reduced schedule announcement, this buyout of Joe's contract has nothing to do with his on-track performance," Garone said. "But our contract with Joe for 2009 was for a full schedule and we're not able to fulfill that part of the deal."

The announcement leaves Nemechek without a ride for the 2009 season in a garage full of available drivers. With a number of teams cutting back, the list of drivers without rides continues to grow, however, Garone believes the move will benefit Nemechek.

"Joe has been a great leader, mentor, and driver for Furniture Row Racing," Garone added. "This move is doing what is best for both Joe and our team. It doesn't require us to have him drive for Furniture Row in 2009, but it doesn't restrict  him from doing what he loves -- and that's racing at the highest level every week of the season."