Cole Anderson and Anthony Campi Racing were one of the hottest teams in Late Model racing during 2016, but now that relationship has come to an end. Speed51.com has learned that Anderson and Campi have parted ways effective immediately as a result of a “minor contract issue” that both parties could not resolve.
Campi told Speed51.com on Monday afternoon that he and Anderson were scheduled to run 30 races together in 2017, but a contract issue arose that the two sides could not overcome. The team was entered for both the Super Late Model 200 and the Pro Late Model 125 this Sunday at SpeedFest, but now will only race the Super Late Model with Campi behind the wheel.
“This happening so close to SpeedFest and the start of some big southern Late Model events was not what anyone expected or hoped for on either side,” Campi said. “A contract issue arose and we simply couldn’t come to terms. We have decided that I will race the Super in the 200 lap event on Sunday. With all the planning and footwork done for the race, I felt like it was the least I could do for all the guys who had committed so much to the start of this season.”
Anderson confirmed in a statement to Speed51.com that he and Anthony Campi Racing had parted ways.
“We had a lot of success with Anthony Campi Racing in 2016,” said Anderson in a statement. “We just could not get a deal together that worked for everybody for this coming season, I wish them nothing but the best and will remain friends with the team. I’m still working on my plans for 2017. Thank you to all the great fans that we had last year and to my sponsors and most importantly my parents for carrying me this far.”
Anderson and Campi started off the 2016 season on fire by winning the Red Eye 100 and Orange Blossom 100 at New Smyrna Speedway (FL). They followed that up with a top-five finish at SpeedFest one year ago. The pair also scored two Southern Super Series wins as well as a win at New Smyrna Speedway during the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing in the Pro Late Model.
Campi said that beyond SpeedFest his seat is “wide open for the national races,” which he said is a result of the contract negotiations that he had with the Anderson family.
“We have turned down various big name drivers in the past four months to keep this relationship going, but things just changed late in the going and no one could come to an agreement on the season, unfortunately,” said Campi. “We are thankful that the Southern Super Series and Speedweeks and other various shows aren’t quite upon us yet. I am confident in our operation and what my guys bring to the track each and every race. Once we return from Georgia, we will sit down and review the interest of some young up and coming drivers and see who would best fit our team and image.”
