Sprint Gas Racing has announced that Jason Richards has been released from his contract with the Holden outfit.

Richards, who has been part of the Tasman Motorsport-run team since 2004, will be allowed to leave the team early in order to pursue other drives for the 2009 campaign.

He becomes the second leading driver in a matter of days to confirm he will be moving teams for the new season, with Stone Brothers Racing having previously announced that James Courtney will move onto pastures new when his contract expires at the end of the year.

Although he shone at Bathurst alongside team-mate Greg Murphy, 2008 was ultimately a difficult season for Richards, who finished the year in 17th place in the points standings.