NEW OXFORD, Pa. — Officials from the Pennsylvania-based Premier Racing Team confirmed Saturday morning that driver Brian Montieth has left the team after 17 years.

Montieth had wheeled the familiar No. 21 Premier sprint car since 2004.

The team released a statement regarding Montieth’s departure from the team on social media, adding that they intend to be in action for the season finale at Lincoln Speedway in Abbottstown, Pa., on Saturday night.

“After 17 years, it comes with great sadness that we announce that sprint car driver Brian Montieth has parted ways with the Premier Racing Team,” the statement read. “At this time, Brian would like to pursue new opportunities for 2021 and will not be behind the wheel of the No. 21 for the remainder of the season. We wish Brian the very best in all his future endeavors. He will always be considered family to our racing team and we are truly appreciative of all the great memories.

“The team would like to respectfully complete the remainder of the season tonight at Lincoln Speedway without Montieth. As for the 2021 season, it is unclear who will be piloting the No. 21.”

Montieth, a successful businessman in Central Pennsylvania, earned seven top-five and 25 top-10 finishes in 74 World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series feature starts with Premier Racing Team, dating back to 2005.

He was a five-time All Star Circuit of Champions feature winner with the team, making 56 feature starts on that tour since 2004, all with Premier Racing team.

On the local level, Montieth won 23 times with the Central Pennsylvania Sprint Car Point Series, as well as five times during the annual Red Robin Pennsylvania Speedweek.

He’s also a two-time winner of the Kevin Gobrecht Memorial at Lincoln Speedway and an eight-time track champion at the three-eighths-mile dirt oval — all with Premier Racing Team. Montieth had won the last three 410 sprint car titles at Lincoln in the No. 21.

Montieth, fifth on the all-time Lincoln Speedway sprint car win list with 66 victories, released a statement of his own on social media late Saturday morning regarding his split from the Premier organization and confirming the end of his full-time racing career.

“Effective immediately, I am stepping away from the Premier (No.) 21 team and full-time, committed racing,” Montieth wrote. “I would like to personally thank Jerry Parrish (of Premier Auto Works) for believing in me enough to give me whatever was needed to succeed. I can’t say enough about (crew members) Scott, Todd and Keith to put in perspective the dedication and hard work they have given me. A huge thank you (goes) to all the sponsors that have given their time and money over those years.

“There are also no words other than ‘thank you’ to all my fans!”

Matt Campbell confirmed to SPEED SPORT’s Kyle McFadden early Saturday afternoon that he will wheel the Premier No. 21 in Saturday night’s season-ending race at Lincoln Speedway.

Campbell made one appearance in the car earlier in the season, filling in for Montieth while the latter was on vacation.

Further announcements on the future plans for the No. 21 Premier Racing team sprint car will be made at a later date.