J.R. Todd confirmed with CompetitionPlus.com on Monday afternoon that he was released from his employment from Morgan Lucas Racing as well as his crew. The former NHRA Rookie of the Year joins the growing list of drivers unemployed headed into the 2009 season.

"We were notified this afternoon and my pay ends in two weeks," Todd said. "The talent pool of quality drivers is pretty deep now.

J.R. Todd confirmed with CompetitionPlus.com on Monday afternoon that he was released from his employment from Morgan Lucas Racing as well as his crew. The former NHRA Rookie of the Year joins the growing list of drivers unemployed headed into the 2009 season.

"We were notified this afternoon and my pay ends in two weeks," Todd said. "The talent pool of quality drivers is pretty deep now. 

Todd said he's not giving up on his season although his prospects appear slim.

"I'm just going to pass out some resumes and knock on some doors," Todd pointed out. "I'm going to have to find some money to bring along. The largest reason most teams are parked is the lack of money. If I can come up with some funding to take to a team, I will be back out there. I'll be in Pomona but on the other side of the fence."

The irony of this latest announcement is that the only two drivers who beat 2008 champion Tony Schumacher during his second-half championship run, Todd and Hot Rod Fuller, are both out of racing for 2009 having lost their rides due to sponsorship issues within the last 30 days.