Strunk and Hansell confirmed to the Reading Eagle by phone that they would not be together for a third season of small-block modified competition at Grandview Speedway and Big Diamond Speedway in 2013.
Strunk joined the potent No. 357 Hansell Motorsports operation prior to the 2011 season. In their first year together, they won the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series 358-modified title at Grandview (Hansell's first), the 358-modified crown at Big Diamond and Race of Champions-sanctioned races at New Egypt (N.J.) and Selinsgrove speedways. They also won the season opener at Penn Can Speedway.
They finished second in points at Grandview to Duane Howard and fourth at Big Diamond in '12, earning checkered flags at both tracks. The highlight of their season was an historic $50,000 victory in the September BPG Racing Freedom 76 at Grandview. They ultimately closed the curtain on the 50th anniversary season at the Bechtelsville oval with a win in the October Thunder on the Hill Series event.
The decision to end the relationship came via Hansell early this week at the race shop.
Hansell, a Royersford businessman who has fielded equipment for a long list of top drivers, wished not to comment on details of the split.
"It didn't work out between us," he said. "Jeff is a good driver. He really is. I'm sure he will find a ride."
Strunk, 44, who races dirt modifieds for a living, was admittedly disappointed with the decision. The Pottstown resident is a nine-time Grandview champion and has seven Big Diamond titles.
"The timing couldn't be any worse," he said. "Every day that goes by gets one day closer to the start of the season, and I've got nothing lined up at all. Even the deals where I might be able to partner a couple smaller teams to do everything are gone. There's not much out there right now. People have plans set already."
Strunk said he hadn't pursued other options earlier this offseason, thinking he was set with Hansell.
"I didn't go out and look for anything else because I was under the impression that we were good (for '13)," he said. "After the success we had at the end of last year - winning $50,000 at the 76er - I had no reason to believe we wouldn't be back together."
Strunk said he has already placed phone calls but has no firm plans lined up. He ideally would like to race regularly at Grandview and Big Diamond and in special events.
Hansell, meanwhile, will have a car on display at the Motorsports 2013 trade show Jan. 18-20 at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center with no name on the roof. He said he is exploring driver and schedule options for the approaching season and hopes to announce plans within the next month.
Contact Brett Deyo: sports@readingeagle.com.
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