The economic pinch continues to be a factor in NASCAR after reports surfaced this week that Red Bull plans to end the sponsorship of its two cars at the end of the season. The move would impact the No. 4 team of Kasey Kahne and the No. 83 team of Brian Vickers.
It leaves Vickers with far greater uncertainty because Kahne, now in his eighth full-time Cup season, will join Hendrick Motorsports next season. Vickers is in the final year of his contract.
The Red Bull team has struggled since joining the NASCAR circuit in 2007.
"Red Bull Racing Team is currently seeking outside investors as we evaluate next steps in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series," company officials said in a statement. "We are not at liberty to comment on details while negotiations are under way.
"Red Bull fully supports NASCAR for the remainder of the 2011 season as we fight for victories and a position in the 2011 Chase for the Sprint Cup."