Stricklin will drive the No. 93 Dodge, replacing Dave Blaney, who is moving to the No. 77 Ford, taking the place of Robert Pressley.

Hills Bros. Coffee issued a statement regarding its decision to stick with Stricklin:

"As a member of the NASCAR family, Hills Bros Coffee Racing, its 500 employees and driver Hut Stricklin, we were shocked this week to learn of Hut's termination from the No. 90 car and its team. Hut has been the cornerstone of our Hills Bros Coffee Racing program since we joined the NASCAR family in 2000 and we don't want to sever that tie between Hut, our company and his fans."

"While we realize that traditionally, the team owner decides which driver takes the wheel on Sundays, we will not compromise the integrity of our endorsement deal which included Hut Stricklin behind the wheel on the No. 90 car for 2001. Hut is our business partner and direct link to NASCAR fans, which remain the core of our business. Hills Bros Coffee Racing has far too much equity in our long-standing partnership with Hut and his fans, than to sit by idly and watch someone else represent our brand and our family for the remainder of this season."

"Given that we were notified of this decision Tuesday of this week, the next logical step was for Hills Bros Coffee Racing to identify which team better represents our business philosophy and our competitive spirit, while providing Hills Bros Coffee Racing and driver Hut Stricklin with the best opportunity to win in the sport of NASCAR Winston Cup racing. Without a doubt, all roads led to Bill Davis Racing and the No. 93 Dodge."

"On Friday of this week Hills Bros Coffee Racing Team announced a landmark agreement that marries Hills Bros Coffee Racing and NASCAR Winston Cup Driver Hut Stricklin, as primary sponsor and driver of Bill Davis Racing on the Hills Bros Coffee Racing No. 93 Dodge for 2002."