Cassill is also seeking an unspecified amount of money because, he claims, the team misled him about his contract for 2013. Cassill contends that the team deceived him into thinking he would drive for them in 2013 to ruin his chances of finding another open ride.

The suit has been filed in the North Carolina Superior Court.

Cassill issued a statement:

I really hated to go the legal route but at the end of the day I’m ultimately asking to be paid what I earned last season. I was excited to race for BK in 2013 and was disappointed when my contract was not renewed for this season.

BK Racing’s attorney, Adam Ross, said:

There is a dispute of what is owed to Mr. Cassill under the contract, which include disputes related to Mr. Cassill’s performance of his obligations. BK Racing and Mr. Devine had hoped to resolve those differences privately, amicably and without resort to the courts, but Mr. Cassill obviously felt otherwise.

Update: BK Racing co-owner Ron Devine responded to the lawsuit filed by Cassill, according to Godfather Motorsports. Devine said:

He had some things he wanted us to agree to that we weren’t willing to do. One of them was [agreeing] that he was the number-one, full-time starter. We had three drivers [who] shared the rides last year and we were set to do that again. … We were not prepared to run three cars and when I went to the other two drivers and said they would have to share the ride, they were fine with it. When we talked to Landon, he didn’t want to do that. We were trying to work something out with all three of the drivers where they could share the [monetary] pool, no matter who was driving the car. Landon didn’t want to do that. I understand that he’s young and wants to run every week, but we felt that for the size of our team, it was better for us to have a stable of three [drivers] and share the ride.

Devine said that pay was not a factor in deciding to part ways with Cassill.

Blickensderfer replaces Mike Ford, who served as crew chief of the No. 9 team without a contract. Ford is said to have been offered a crew chief job at BK Racing.

Luke Lambert, crew chief of RCR’s No. 2 Nationwide Series team and driver Elliott Sadler, will take over as crew chief of the No. 31 Sprint Cup team in 2013.

In the interim, Shane Wilson will serve as crew chief for Burton and the No. 31.

Team owner Richard Childress said:

I want to thank Drew for all of his effort with the No. 31 Caterpillar team this season. He’s a great crew chief and I can’t say enough about his dedication to RCR. Making the move now, before the season is over, gives Drew some additional time to pursue other opportunities.

Tryson stepped down from his position with Michael Waltrip Racing. Since then, he has served as a consultant for JTG Daugherty Racing. He was recently granted his release from that contract so he could join BKR immediately.

Tryson said:

I’m not exactly sure what the plan is yet. We’ll see as we go along. I’ve been asked to look around, assess the situation and see where I think they can use some help. Once I do that, I’ll know more.

BKR owner Ron Devine added:

Pat is obviously crew chief capable, but he’s also competition director capable. We’ll see where he feels he can be of the most use.

Reutimann spent the 2012 Sprint Cup Series season driving for Tommy Baldwin Racing in the No. 10 that he shares with Stewart Haas Racing and Danica Patrick. He also drove for BK Racing in the team’s No. 93 Toyota Camry in two races, and one race in the No. 51 for Phoenix Racing, filling in for the suspended Kurt Busch in the Pocono 400.

Reutimann could drive a second car for JTG in 2013, if sponsorship can be found. Or, he may replace Bobby Labonte in the No. 47. No word has been given.

The team will continue to field the No. 83 Toyota for Landon Cassill and the No. 93 for Travis Kvapil in the series, which means that the addition of Reutimann will make the team a three-car operation. Reutimann drove in the 2012 Daytona 500 for the team, finishing 26th.

Scott Gunderson, president of BK Racing, said:

Everyone at BK Racing is excited to solidify a third car on our team for David Reutimann. I know that he will strengthen our organization with the talent and experience that he brings to the table. Reutimann has been a big part of BK Racing this year and we look forward to working with him for the rest of the season. I want to thank Burger King and Dr Pepper for helping make this happen.

Reutimann said:

BK Racing has great equipment and personnel. They’ve shown that they can get the job done and I’m really excited to continue racing with them. We’re already off to a good start and the team is continuing to improve. Travis and Landon are terrific teammates and I think having a third car among us will give us better information and more resources to keep strengthening.

The No. 73 team attempted the Bojangles’ Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway with Kvapil behind the wheel. The team had to qualify on time because it is not in the Top 35 in owner’s points. Kvapil qualified for the race and finished 32nd after a fuel pressure issue. Reutimann will also have to qualify on time, as the team is not in the Top 35 in owner’s points.

Reutimann has won two Cup series races in his career, both with Michael Waltrip Racing.

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