Jonathan Davenport discusses the parting of ways with Kevin Rumley

Jonathan Davenport was ‘surprised’ to hear the announcement but he ‘wishes him well’

Kevin Rumley bring bring the #6 back to the track with driver Mike Marlar

At the start of 2018, Lance Landers put the dream team together. A new car would be piloted by Jonathan Davenport. Jason Durham was signed as the crew chief. In addition, the mad scientist of Kevin Rumley came on-board as the team engineer.

The #49 team set out for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series tour. They collected eight LOLMDS wins, $292,448 in race earnings and in the first year they claimed the national dirt late model series title.

Meanwhile, Mike Marler claimed the 2018 World of Outlaws Late Model Series title. However, for 2019 the champion driver was set to be out of a ride. His car owner Ronnie Delk has elected to step back from car ownership in 2019.

Marlar caught wind that Rumley was looking to get off the road slightly. They stuck up a conversation and a new team was reborn.

A few weeks ago, Rumley posted a photo on twitter. Marlar #6 was written on a piece of aluminum. Essentially, that photo was the announcement of the new deal.

For 2019, Kevin Rumley will return to his family operation. Lee Roy Rumley, Kevin’s father will be the car owner. They have selected 2018 World of Outlaws Late Model Series champion driver Mike Marlar to join the North Carolina based team. The #6 team will return. As of now, they don’t have plans to run for any national title.

Jonathan Davenport, Rusty Schlenk, Jason Feger, Brandon Sheppard in the Gateway Dirt Nationals 3229
Jonathan Davenport, Rusty Schlenk, Jason Feger, Brandon Sheppard in the Gateway Dirt Nationals 3229

Jonathan Davenport on Kevin Rumley

What are your thoughts on Kevin Rumley breaking away to do his own deal?

“Whatever makes him happy to be honest,” Jonathan Davenport explained to RacingNews.co.

“I don’t care. It’s all good. We’re all friends.”

“He didn’t want to be gone so long on the road. It’s a long grueling schedule. Plus, they added more races this year. I can understand that. I really don’t like to be gone that long myself.”

The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series schedule featured 58 feature events. For 2019, the schedule will feature a record breaking 65 feature races.

“He also wants to bring his dad back into the sport a little bit. He didn’t get to come much this year. We wish him well in whatever he’s going to do.”

Did that come as a surprise to you? Or did you kinda see that coming?

“Yeah, it was kind of a surprise. I didn’t really know that was coming. But, it’s all good.”

Links

Jonathan Davenport | Rumley Engineering | Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series

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