NASCAR is expected to introduce Nextel, a Reston, Va.-based provider of wireless communications services, today as the new sponsor of what is now known as the Winston Cup series.

The announcement likely will feature appearances by NASCAR chairman Bill France Jr., vice president Brian France and drivers Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Nextel would take over the sponsorship in 2004. R.J. Reynolds Tobacco has held the sponsorship of the series since 1972.

Last week, The Charlotte Observer reported the deal could be worth as much as $90 million per year, including about $40 million for television advertising and other media buys.

RJR last year signed a five-year extension of its contract to sponsor stock-car racing’s top series.

In February, RJR officials confirmed that, because of an uncertain business climate in the tobacco industry, they told NASCAR if a new title sponsor for its top series could be found, it should do so.

The future of The Winston all-star race also remains up in the air.

The Winston has been held at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C., every year but one since 1985.

However, The Winston’s existence is written into the contract with current series sponsor RJR. With the likelihood of RJR’s departure after this season, the future of The Winston — including its name and location next season — would have to be addressed.

Skinner out of a ride

Morgan-McClure Motorsports fired its Winston Cup driver, Mike Skinner, Monday, three days after Skinner failed to make the field for Sunday’s race at Michigan International Speedway.

No replacement has yet been named for Sunday’s road course race at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif.

Skinner has been with the No. 4 Pontiac team since the season opener at Daytona in 2002. Skinner had one top-10 finish with the team in 50 starts.

“We feel it is necessary to perform better for our race team and for our sponsor, Kodak. We appreciate Mike’s efforts in the car, but it is time for a change,” team owner Larry McClure said.

Citgo to leave No. 99

Roush Racing announced Monday primary sponsor Citgo would leave its No. 99 Ford team and driver Jeff Burton at the end of the season.

“I am committed to Jack Roush, Roush Racing and my entire No. 99 team,” Burton said. “Jack and I have had a very successful history together, and we look forward to sharing and extending that history with a new primary sponsor.

“We’re convinced that the best is still in front of us, and we’re both committed to attaining our goals.”

Burton’s team becomes the fourth at Roush this season to experience sponsorship problems.

Roush’s Truck teams both lack sponsors this season and Roush closed its No. 60 Ford team in the Busch series because of problems with that team’s sponsor.