Slayer got a farewell send-off, but not the one it wanted.
The thrash metal band, which was announced last week as the primary sponsor of J.J. Yeley's No. 54 car for the NASCAR Monster Energy Cup Series Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway on Saturday night, announced its sponsorship has been removed.
"Today, reportedly due to reactionary concerns from other long-time participating sponsors, Slayer has been pulled as the primary sponsor," the band said in a release.
The car's owner, Rick Ware Racing, said PODS Moving & Storage will now be the primary sponsor of the No. 54 for the race in Tennessee.
That's right fans!! @slayer is going to be on my @RickWareRacing @nuclearblastusa #54 next week @BMSupdates 🤘🤘🤘🎸🎸 #RockBristol pic.twitter.com/gWX8V3YHtb
— JJ Yeley (@jjyeley1) August 9, 2019
That @PODS paint scheme this weekend @BMSupdates is 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Rfi9YWVLHU
— Rick Ware Racing (@RickWareRacing) August 16, 2019
In a statement, Rick Ware Racing said its image and beliefs and those of its longtime partners did not align with Slayer's and that "there were no contracts or monetary transactions between either parties."
"As a team owner, we thought it would be best to forgo the partnership," the statement said. "RWR wishes nothing but the best to Slayer and their fans and wishes the band a successful Final World Tour."
Known for albums such as "Reign in Blood" and "Seasons in the Abyss," Slayer was promoting its farewell tour that began last May and concludes in November after more than 130 shows, wrapping up a career that began with its first album in 1983.
"After nearly 40 years," the band's release said, "Slayer apparently remains as terrifying to some as ever."