RPM drops Parrott

Todd Parrott and Richard Petty Motorsports have parted company following Parrott's suspension for violating NASCAR's substance abuse policy. Greg Ebert has been named as his interim replacement as Aric Almirola's crew chief for the remaining four Sprint Cup races of the season.

NASCAR announced last week that Parrott had been suspended indefinitely, and RPM announced in a statement on Tuesday that the 19-year veteran is no longer employed by the team.

Ebert had been Almirola's crew chief for two seasons before Parrott moved across from the sister car of Marcos Ambrose in mid-2012, and RPM vice president of operations and competition Sammy Johns said that he was confident that the transition would be straightforward.

"We are confident in Greg's leadership abilities and we will give him the resources he needs to be successful," he said. "He is very familiar with our race program and gives us a seamless transition. More importantly, he gives Aric the best opportunity to finish the season strong."