Ricky Craven and PPI Motorsports have agreed to terminate their working relationship, effective immediately.

Bobby Hamilton Jr. will drive the Tide No. 32 car in this weekend’s Pop Secret 500 at California Speedway.

“We are very grateful Ricky Craven chose to allow us the opportunity to get a head start on the 2005 season and let us put Bobby Hamilton Jr. behind the wheel of the No. 32 car,” car owner Cal Wells III said in a statement. “This will give Bobby Jr. and the team a chance to work together for the remaining events to build a foundation for next season.”

The surprise announcement comes six weeks after Craven and PPI decided to end their partnership at the end of the season. The season-long struggles have continued to frustrate the team. Wells had agreed to allow Craven to finish the season in the No 32 car, but published reports indicated that Craven made the decision after last weekend’s Bristol race to walk away now. He was involved in a pair of accidents at Bristol and finished 34th.

Craven will return to the Tide cockpit for one last race – Sept. 19 at New Hampshire International Speedway. He will also compete in the Craftsman Truck series race that weekend.

The local favorite from Newburgh could not be reached for comment, but released a statement on his Web site.

“Although it is not easy to step away from something that has been a major part of my life for the past 4 years, I will reflect on these 132 races with PPI with great pride and appreciation, not only for our two memorable wins and other accomplishments but the camaraderie, friendships and associations we have built along the way,” Craven said. “I will always appreciate the time spent racing with PPI, the Tide Racing Team and all the people that make up Procter & Gamble.”

Currently 34th in the Nextel Cup points standing and last among drivers who have competed in all 24 races, Craven has gone 31 races since his last Top 10 finish. His best effort this year is 16th, where he has finished three times.

Craven has no firm commitment for next year, but numerous rumors have swirled since July’s announcement about potential rides. While Craven refused to discuss his future plans in Wednesday’s statement to his fans, he added that would “share some news with you soon.”

Hamilton, a regular on the Busch circuit, has 12 top 10 finishes this year, including a second place at Nazareth Speedway. He has made 20 career Nextel Cup starts.