Reed Sorenson released from Turner Motorsports

Sorenson and crew chief Trent Owens
Credit: Jason Smith/ Getty Images for NASCAR

With just five races to go in the Nationwide Series schedule, Reed Sorenson has been released immediately from his ride at Turner Motorsports. Sorenson, who has piloted the No. 32 Dollar General and currently sits third in the points, will not be able to contend for the title this year.

Replacing Sorenson this weekend and in Charlotte will be veteran driver Brian Vickers. Beyond that, plans are to be determined.

This year has been a standout year in Sorenson's career. With one win at Road America, he has seven top-5 and 18 top-10 finishes. At one point, Sorenson led the points standings for a three-week time period and has consistently been in the top 5 all season long.

No reason has been given for Sorenson's release, though Turner Motorsports did announce that Dollar General is not returning in 2012 and notified team members of pending layoffs.

“We are continuing to evaluate our racing program as we look to the 2012 season," said team owner Steve Turner in a statement. "Brian Vickers is a proven winner at NASCAR's highest level in addition to being a [part-time] driver at Turner Motorsports over the last four seasons.

“He has worked with [crew chief] Trent Owens in the past, which will allow us to immediately focus on the task at hand. We are confident Brian can help assess where we are, as a company currently, and the direction we are going as we build our programs for 2012 and beyond."

At the time of his release, Sorenson trails current points leader Ricky Stenhouse by 49 points.