Mayfield

STATESVILLE, N.C. -- Jeremy Mayfield signed a contract extension with Evernham Motorsports through 2005.

"Jeremy Mayfield remains a valuable asset to our organization," team president and CEO Ray Evernham said Wednesday. "We have learned and accomplished a lot in the two years that Jeremy has been with our organization."

Mayfield was 26th in the points and had only two top-five finishes and four top-10s in his first season driving the No. 19 Dodge for the Evernham's team. With only four races remaining this season, Mayfield is 20th in the standings and has three top-fives and nine top-10s.

The 10-year Winston Cup veteran, whose last of three wins came in 2000 when he was driving for Penske-Kranefuss Racing, has been the subject of speculation throughout the season that his job was in jeopardy.

"Over the past few years, driving for Evernham Motorsports has been the best opportunity for me to showcase my strengths as a driver," Mayfield said. "That's why I'm excited that we are going to continue what we started out to do.

"Our team has pulled together, and were beginning to show what we are capable of on a weekly basis."

Bill Elliott, who also drives for Evernham, is 10th in the standings.