2002 BGN Points-fund distribution (and 2003 plans):
1) #60-Greg Biffle $1,016,244 (to Cup, #16)
2) #57-Jason Keller $508,122 (no change)
3) #23-Scott Wimmer $431,903 (no change)
4) #18-Mike McLaughlin $381,091 (to the #03 BGN team)
5) #24-Jack Sprague $330,279 (to Cup, #60)
6) #27-Jason McMurray $279,467 (to Cup #42)
7) #48-Kenny Wallace $228,665 (to Cup #23)
8) #25-Bobby Hamilton Jr 190,545 (no change)
9) #59-Stacy Compton $165,139 (no change)
10) #10-Scott Riggs $149,896 (no change) AND
Clevite Engine Builder of the Year: Edgar Aleman, Roush Racing, $10,000
Raybestoes Rookie of the Year: #10-Scott Riggs $10,000
Gatorade Front Runner: #57-Jason Keller $15,000
Most Popular Driver: Greg Biffle
Bud Pole Award: Greg Biffle, $20,000
76 Official Fuel of NASCAR Award: Greg Biffle $10,000
Goodyear Point Fund: Greg Biffle $40,000.(Winston Cup Scene need subscription and Acrobat to read online)(11-29-2002)
Mike Wallace looking in 2003: No deal has been signed by Mike Wallace to drive the #14 AJ Foyt Racing car for next year and he is exploring any viable option for Winston Cup rides and sponsors for Cup and BGN.(Mike Wallace Fanclub)(11-25-2002)
Biffle Honored: Greg Biffle was honored as the 2002 NASCAR Grand National series champion Friday night at the season-ending series awards ceremony in Orlando, FL. He also received a record winner's payoff $1,016,244. It was the first time the champion's point-fund share has exceeded $1 million. Biffle, driver of the Jack Roush-owned No. 60 Grainger Ford, also is a former NASCAR Truck series champion. Next season he will move to the NASCAR Winston Cup series. Biffle won four races in 2002, tying two others for the second-best victory total in the series. He also had a series-leading five poles. Biffle's race winnings this season totaled $1,275,410. In addition to Biffle, the rest of the top-10 drivers in the final standings were honored Friday night, receiving their shares of the series' point fund which includes a $2.5 million contribution from series sponsor Anheuser-Busch.(ThatsRacin.com) The banquet will be televised, tape-delayed, on TNT, Friday, Dec 6th at 3:00pm/et.(11-24-2002)
#92 Plans to run in 2003 UPDATEs: Rumors that the #92 Herzog Jackson Motorsports team will shut down at season’s end are false, co-owner Stan Herzog said. He also said the team’s future should be solidified within the next few weeks. “We’ve got leads on sponsors and have a few meetings (this) week,” he said. “Things are looking very bright. A couple weeks ago I wasn’t so optimistic, but I think we’ll be fine.” The team’s primary sponsor, Bristol-Myers Squibb [Excedrin], is leaving the sponsorship game because of its own financial troubles. That leaves Herzog Jackson scrambling for a 2003 big-money sponsor in an almost barren sponsorship market. Herzog won’t disclose possible suitors. Regardless, the team still needs to find a 2003 driver. Current driver, Todd Bodine’s Winston Cup future is unclear, which makes his status with Herzog Jackson Motorsports unclear. Regardless of the problems they’ve had with Bodine, the Herzogs like him. “He’s a heck of a race car driver and we’d like to keep him, but a lot of it is going to come down to the sponsor” Herzog said. Translation? They already have a driver lined up and it’s not Bodine. Again, Herzog remained tight lipped on this issue, but he added, “I can tell you this. You’ll be surprised.”(St Joseph Daily Press)(11-10-2002) Vasser testing BGN car? UPDATE: hearing CART driver Jimmy Vasser was testing a Busch car at Lakeland [FL] this week. Ganassi? Braun?(11-20-2002) UPDATE: hearing that Vasser and David Reutimann (who drove a few BGN races for Joe Nemechek) tested the #92 Herzog-Jackson Motorsports Chevy at Lakeland and will testing next week at Kentuck with Vasser, Reutimann, and another driver. Also the #92 supposedly laid off ten team members earlier this week including the Engineer, shop forman, lead fabricator, and several mechanics.(11-21-2002) UPDATE 2: Herzog Jackson Motorsports plans to run full time in 2003 and massive layoff rumors are unfounded. Ten people did NOT get laid off, three were laid off and one person quit. Departed crew members will re replaced. The search for a sponsor continues as Excedirin (as reported before) will not return in 2003.(Winston Cup Scene need subscription and Acrobat to read online)(11-29-2002)
Spencer Receives Certificate: Jimmy Spencer received a certificate and the American Flag flown over the skies of Kuwait & Irag on a combat mission in an F-16 Falcon during Operation Southern Watch & Enduring Freedom - Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base, Kuwait. The certificate and flag are on display in the fan viewing area at Spencer's Busch Series shop in Mooresville, NC.(Spencer Motor Ventures)(11-26-2002)
Thanks to Spencer Motor Ventures for the image - click on image to see larger version
RYR BGN team to shut down? UPDATE: Hearing that the Robert Yates-owned #98 team will close down at the end of the season. Team Rensi assumed day-to-day management of the team earlier this year. Driver Kasey Kahne has 18 starts with the first-year team, with a best finish of 10th coming at Michigan. The team was supposed to compete on a full-time basis next season.(11-05-2002) UPDATE: The #98 team will officially shut down Nov. 30. Kahne is under contract with Ford, so they are helping him find a ride. As reported last week in the Winston Cup Scene, he seems headed for ppc Racing.(11-12-2002) UPDATE2: Now been told that Channellock will not be back with Kahne next season, but they are working on another deal.(ALL from BGNRacing.com)(11-12-2002) UPDATE 3: been told Yates will not run a BGN team in 2003 and that ChannelLock will not return to the series as a sponsor.(11-26-2002)
GNC will NOT return UPDATE 2 both teams to fold?: hearing that GNC Live Well informed Team Jesel today that they will not be returning as a sponsor of the #36 team in 2003 and that GNC is ending all involvement in NASCAR racing after this season. Supposedly, Team Jesel will continue as a one-car team next season. No idea on who the driver will be, but this weekend's race at Homestead is supposedly Hank Parker Jr.'s last with the team. UPDATE: Hank Parker, Jr. told NASCAR.com that General Nutrition Centers, the primary sponsor for his #36 Dodges owned by Wayne Jesel, sent a letter to the team's shop Tuesday to inform the team that they have opted not to extend the current contract. That contract terminates following the 2002 season, leaving Parker without sponsorship and, according to a source close to the team, without a job. The source told NASCAR.com Tuesday that Jesel plans to run just one car in 2003, the #66 Dodge driven by Casey Mears. Parker, who made his Winston Cup debut two weeks back at Rockingham, said he's been in discussion with several teams. Rumors surfaced earlier this season that he was in discussion with both Roush Racing and ppc Racing, but both deals were contingent upon sponsorship.(NASCAR.com)(11-12-2002) UPDATE 2: now hearing that BOTH Jessel Motorsports BGN teams, #36 and #66 will be closing their doors, so many people will be looking for jobs.(11-13-2002) Jessel Layoffs? hearing personnel layoff's have begun at Jessel Motorpsorts [#36 and #66 teams].(11-20-2002) More layoffs: hearing that Team Jesel [#36 and 66] laid off all but about 4 people and doesn't have any sponsors lined up(11-23-2002)
New #59 Assoc Sponsor: Bush’s Baked Beans announced plans to team up with ST Motorsports and driver Stacy Compton for the 2003 BGN Season. Mike Morris, Bush’s Baked Beans senior brand manager explained the partnership, “We are extremely excited to be teaming up with Kingsford Charcoal and the other barbecue brands on the #59 car next season. We know that our consumers love NASCAR and this is another way of showing them we appreciate their loyalty. The partnership also gives us new and exciting merchandising ideas for our retail partners during the 2003 grilling season.” Team owner Tad Geschickter commented, “We are the ‘Barbeque on wheels’ car and we’re excited that Bush’s Baked Beans is partnering with other barbecue category leaders on our entry next season. Shoppers will be able to get all of their grilling needs met next year by supporting the sponsors of the #59 car - Kingsford Charcoal, KC Masterpiece BBQ Sauce, Hidden Valley Salad Dressing, Johnsonville Sausage, and Bush’s Baked Beans. It’s fun to see a plan like this come together. Retailers will be impressed with the NASCAR tools available with our
program to help jazz up their stores next year.” For recipes and more information, visit www.bushbeans.com.(11-22-2002)
Bessey back to the BGNN: Busch North Scene is reporting that former Winston Cup team owner and part time Busch Grand National driver Joe Bessey will become a team owner again in 2003, this time focusing on the NASCAR Busch North Series, where he started his career in the late 1980's. Details can be found at www.neracing.com. Note: Bessey will be appearing with Ricky Craven and 2002 Busch North Series Champion Andy Santerre at a Portland Pirates hockey game in Portland, Maine on November 30.(11-22-2002)
Vickers Layoffs? hearing that #40 Vickers Motorsports has laid off some personnel due to a lack of a 2003 sponsor. No word on Vickers 2003 plans...yet....maybe to the #5 Hendrick Motprsports team.(11-20-2002)
APR laying folks off? UPDATEs and links to possible jobs: hearing Andy Petree Racing has laid off many of their employees and crew as no sponsorship has been found for 2003 yet. UPDATE: heard from the team and been told that as of today they do not have anything signed for next year, but are very close, and did lay some people off Monday. APR is very close to signing a full deal for next year and beyond and they hope to announce a deal within 10 days. Plus on Speed Channel's Inside Winston Cup, Kenny Schrader, who is rumored to drive for APR in 2003 said for he hopes to announce a sponsor deal on Speed News (on Speed Channel Sunday's at 7pm) soon.(11-18-2002) UPDATE 2: Racing Resumes is offering help to those laid off from this team and others (including the BGN and CTS series) as is other Job placement servies, see my Racing Schools/Jobs page for links and info.(11-20-2002)
Bliss hired to drive for Gibbs: Joe Gibbs Racing announced today that it has hired Mike Bliss to drive the #20 Rockwell
Automation Chevy for the 2003 season. Bliss, who won his first Craftsman Truck Series Title this past weekend, will be a teammate with Coy Gibbs in the #18 MBNA Chevy. "This is a great opportunity for me," Bliss said. "I didn't want to move to the Busch Series just to race in the Busch Series. I wanted to make sure that I was with a solid team with quality equipment and a great sponsor. The Joe Gibbs Racing and Rockwell Automation organizations speak for themselves. I look forward to being a part of this great team." Work on that chemistry building began immediately. Bliss, who celebrated his CTS Championship at the banquet Saturday night, began work this morning testing the 2003 Chevrolet with his new team at Homestead-Miami Speedway.(Rockwell Automation Racing PR)(11-18-2002)
Gibbs to drop McLaughlin UPDATE 4 Bliss or Kvapil? Joe Gibbs Racing is expected to announce today that Mike McLaughlin, driver of the team's #18 MBNA Pontiac in the BGN, won't be returning to the team next year, NASCAR Winston Cup Scene reporter Rick Houston has learned. No replacement driver is expected to be named. McLaughlin, who has six top-five finishes in this year's first 28 races, is fifth in the Busch Series championship standings.(Winston Cup Scene Daily Newsletter)(10-4-2002) UPDATE: Joe Gibbs Racing announced today that Mike McLaughlin will not return to the organization for the 2003 BGN season. McLaughlin, a Waterloo, NY, native, has driven for the Joe Gibbs Racing organization for the past two seasons and currently sits in the fifth position in the BGN Championship points race. Joe Gibbs Racing announced earlier that Coy Gibbs would move up from
the CTS with his current sponsor MBNA and race the #18 Joe Gibbs Racing Busch Series car. Those plans remain in effect and a driver will be named in the near future to replace McLaughlin in the #20 Rockwell Automation Chevrolet. "Mike has been a tremendous asset to Joe Gibbs Racing over the past two seasons," said JD Gibbs, President of Joe Gibbs Racing. "His personality and competitive spirit have helped our team and sponsor, MBNA, have success on and off the track. A tough decision has been made by Rockwell Automation and Joe Gibbs Racing to go another direction in 2003. We know Mike will be successful in the future and we wish him the best."
"I want to thank Joe Gibbs Racing and MBNA for giving me the opportunity to compete over the last two years," McLaughlin said. I
have enjoyed working with Tim Shutt (crew chief) and all the guys on this racing team. We have accomplished a lot and built this team into a top Busch Series Racing team." McLaughlin added, "I know I am capable of winning a Busch Series Championship, now I have to find the right organization to accomplish that goal." McLaughlin will remain behind the wheel of the MBNA Pontiac for the remaining six races in 2002.(PR)(10-5-2002) UPDATE 2: CTS drivers Mike Bliss and Travis Kvapil are supposedly the two leading canadidates to drive the #20 Rockwell Automation Chevy in 2003. Bliss' CTS owner, Steve Coulter says the #16 CTS team will return in 2003 but they are looking for a sponsor.(Winston Cup Scene need to sub to real online)(10-10-2002) UPDATE 3: Hearing Mike Bliss has already signed with Joe Gibbs Racing to run the #20 Rockwell Automation Chevy and is not planning on returning to the #16 XPRESS Motorsports truck in the CTS.(10-15-2002) UPDATE 4: 2002 CTS Champ Mike Bliss may be leaving the CTS. The announcement may come as early as Monday. Bliss is reportedly headed to the Busch Series to drive for Joe Gibbs Racing. Word has it that he will take over the Rockwell-sponsored car as a teammate to Coy Gibbs, who is also leaving the CTS for the BGN. When asked about his future plans on Friday after clinching, Bliss said, "Well, I guess you'll just have to wait until Monday and see what happens."(NASCAR.com) AND on Speed Vision's Trackside, Bliss mentioned there would be an announcment Monday concerning his 2003 plans and he would probably not be back in the #16 truck.(11-16-2002)
Wimmer wins at Homestead: #57-Jason Keller ran out of fuel on the next-to-last lap while leading the Ford 300 at Homestead, allowing #23-Scott Wimmer to claim victory for his second consecutive win and fourth of the season. #36-Hank Parker Jr. ended up second, 1.112 seconds behind Wimmer. #87-Joe Nemechek was third, #60-Greg Biffle - who clinched the series championship last weekend at Phoenix - was fourth, and #25-Bobby Hamilton Jr. rounded out the top five. Biffle ended the season with a 264-point lead over Keller. The rest of the top-five in points: Wimmer, #18-Mike McLaughlin and #24-Jack Sprague. The race was slowed four times by caution for 19 laps. There were 15 lead changes among nine drivers.(ThatsRacin.com)
For results see ThatsRacin.com or BGNRacing.com.(11-16-2002)
Renshaw Update: Deborah Renshaw, injured in an Oct. 9 ARCA wreck at Lowe's Motor Speedway in which driver Eric Martin was killed, says she is determined to return to racing after healing from a concussion, seven broken bones in her left foot and three compressed discs in her back. "I think it would be cheating myself if I didn't try again," Renshaw said in an interview published in this week's issue of "NASCAR Winston Cup Scene." Renshaw has signed to drive in the BGN with Team Bristol [#54] and car owner Rick Goodwin. She was to have made her debut on Oct. 16. Renshaw said the last thing she remembers is being on pit road preparing to make a mock qualifying run. After that, her first memory is being in the ambulance with two emergency workers on her way to the hospital after being treated in the infield care center. She doesn't remember whether or not she heard any warnings that Martin has spun from her spotter, Bob Schacht, before she came around the track and T-boned his car. "I wish I could answer that question for myself, but I don't have an answer to that," she said. "...When I run a (mock qualifying) lap, I can tell you that I'm totally focused on one thing ... and that's laying down a good number, putting down a good lap and getting everything our of that race car I can. There's no answer to what happened. It just happened. It's a tragic accident."(ThatsRacin.com)(11-16-2002)
New Rule - 2002 cars for plate races: In an effort to reduce costs associated with restrictor-plate racing in the BGN next season, NASCAR officials are prohibiting the use of 2003 model cars in the three superspeedway races (two Daytona race and one at Talladega). Teams are allowed to use any currently approved make of Ford, Chevrolet, Dodge or Pontiac in those races next season, officials confirmed. Officials hope the rule reduces the amount of money teams will need to spend on the three or four new superspeedway cars they would normally would have had to build.(ThatsRacin.com)(11-14-2002)
Holly to Angela's Motorsports? UPDATE: hearing former ppc Racing crew chief will be the new crew chief for the new Angela's Motorsports/WiredFlyer #02 [to be #03 in 2003] BGN team and driver Mike McLaughlin. UPDATE: After flirting with the idea of moving to the Winston Cup series, veteran crew chief Harold Holly has decided to remain in the BGN and has joined Angela's Motorsports, which will field Fords next year with driver Mike McLaughlin. Holly, who left his position as crew chief and team manager at ppc Racing two weeks ago, is already at work with his new team this weekend. Holly won a BGN championship with Jeff Green in 2000 and considered joining Green in Cup at Richard Childress Racing. "I looked at it and I had to figure out what was best for me and where the stars lined up for me, and the opportunity to build a brand-new race team, hanging new bodies, that's something I love to do," Holly said. "I love building projects like that. Right now, there are just a few people in place and I will be part of hiring a whole brand-new team, be part of hiring administrative people up front, everything." Holly said he and McLaughlin had a good relationship and didn't expect any communication problems to plague them. "We've raced 10 years against each other. We've talked before about working together and this just kind of all fell into place," Holly said.(ThatsRacin.com)(11-14-2002)
Jeff Green wins the pole at Homestead: #21-Jeff Green won the pole for the Ford 300 with a speed of 152.031mph
He will be followed by #40-Brian Vickers(151.882), #25-Bobby Hamilton, Jr.(151.801), #66-Casey Mears(151.532), and #87-Joe Nemechek(151.193). #92-Todd Bodine qualified 30th at 149.003 but crashed on his 2nd lap and will have to go to a backup and to the rear of the field at the start of the race. #47-Shane Hmiel's speed was disallowed because of an unapproved spring and he was forced to use a provisional to make the race.
See ThatsRacin.com or BGNRacing.com for the starting lineup.(11-14-2002)
Evernham has no 2003 plans for Atwood: in this weeks Winston Cup Scene, there is a story where #9, #19 and #91 team owner says he has no no plans or oppurtunities for Casey Atwood in 2003. There are no plans to run the #91 Dodge in anymore then a handfull of races next season. AND back to the BGN? Clarence Brewer, who was driver Casey Atwood’s [#27] car owner in the BGN before he moved to Winston Cup in 2001, said he has spoken to Atwood about returning to the team next season. "I told Casey we might have a seat open if he’d like to drive it and he said he'd like to drive it if he could, so I don’t know. That’s where we left it," Brewer said. "I think he would be wanting to prove something. He’s definitely a candidate for one of my cars if it works out. I don’t know what his contract says." Brewer owns the #27 and #37 Chevy [will be Pontiacs in 2003] and is looking for new drivers in 2003. Jamie McMurray is moving full time to Cup and the #37 has been without a full-time driver since Jeff Purvis was seriously injured earlier this season at Nazareth(ThatsRacin.com)(11-14-2002)
J.J. Yeley to NASCAR? has test lined up UPDATE 2: J.J. Yeley, a Phoenix, Ariz., native who could lock up his first Silver Crown points title by finishing seventh or better in the season-ending Little Trees Salt City 100 on Saturday at Syracuse. Yeley, who has driven IRL cars and finished ninth in the 1998 Indianapolis 500, said he is leaning toward trying to follow former USAC stars such as Stewart and Newman into NASCAR racing rather than pursuing an open-wheel series. Yeley said he already has a test lined up in a Busch Series car, one step below Winston Cup. "I think the opportunities are a little easier or better in NASCAR right now," Yeley said. "I would love to do a Craftsman Trucks race."(Post Standard)(10-11-2002) UPDATE: Yeley hoped this season's combined performances might lead to an Indy Racing League ride, and it still might. But with nothing firm on the table, he's beginning to look toward NASCAR, the current home of past USAC Silver Crown champs Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart. "I've got a couple of Busch Series tests lined up in December with (ppc Racing), and I've been assured that it's going to happen," said Yeley, a Phoenix native who moved to the Indianapolis area two years ago. "The doors are finally starting to open for me. Hopefully, I'll get through one of them."(Arizona Republic)(10-18-2002) UPDATE 2: Ford will give USAC Silver Crown champion J.J. Yeley a test with a Busch team next month, a spokesman for the manufacturer said Saturday.(Indianapolis Star)(11-10-2002) UPDATE 2: J.J. Yeley, of Phoenix, AZ, will have his first experience behind the wheel of a BGN car when he participates
in a test for ppc Racing at Greenville-Pickens Speedway. Scheduled for the first of December, Yeley will receive a full two days of testing in one of ppc's Fords. 2002 BGN championship runner up, Jason Keller will be on hand to offer his experience and provide assistance. Yeley, is both excited and appreciative of the test. "Ford has given me a great opportunity by helping to set up this test with ppc Racing," said Yeley, "The team has won championships, and was in the championship hunt this years, so I'm really excited. It's going to be awesome" A two time USAC national champion, Yeley gave Ford their first USAC Silver Crown championship this year driving a car owned by Bob East and Winston Cup star Tony Stewart.(J.J. Yeley Site)(11-14-2002)
Purvis Update: Jeff Purvis continues to recover from a near-fatal BGN crash [at Nazareth in the #37 car] this spring, but it is unlikely that he will race next season. Purvis has indicated that he might want to race again, but will not rush his comeback.(Tennessean)(11-14-2002)
Angela's Motorsports to run two cars at Homestead: The Angela's Motorsports - wiredflyer.com-sponsored team will consist of two cars at Homestead: #02-Jay Sauter and #71-Kevin Lepage.(Catchfence via BGNRacing.com)(11-12-2002)
Brevak Racing in the BGN: Brevak Racing and Davis Motorsports have teamed up in an effort to make a splash in the BGN as the season comes to a close this weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Kertus Davis will drive the #0 car.(Brevak PR via BGNRacing.com)(11-12-2002)
Benning to attempt Homestead - BGN: ARCA driver Norm Benning and the #84 Crew are Headed to Miami Florida and Homestead Speedway to try and Qualify for the BGN race. The #84 Chevy is all white with orange C-pillars and black numbers.(Benning Motorsports PR)(11-12-2002)
HRT cancels Phoenix to concentrate on Homestead UPDATE 2 Carlos Contreras in: The Hispanic Racing Team (HRT Motorsports) has decided not to enter this week's Bashas' 200 at Phoenix International Raceway with the #09 CICLON Energy Drink Chevy. Instead the team will turn its attention to Miami [Homestead], where it will compete in the BGN season finale. Roberto Guerrero was originally scheduled to make his stock car racing debut at Atlanta with the team but qualifying was rained out, sending the part-time team home early. Now the team and sponsor have both agreed to focus efforts on Miami, where HRT made its own NASCAR debut in 1999, instead of making the long haul out to Phoenix. "CICLON Energy Drink has not fully built its channel of distribution in Phoenix and in the West Coast," said Mike Vazquez, co-owner of HRT. "So we decided to concentrate our efforts on Miami, a huge Hispanic market with a high concentration of NASCAR fans. We are disappointed because Phoenix is such a great track and area, and because Roberto has a great history there, winning a CART race there a few years back. But one thing we have learned in our four years in NASCAR is that we have to roll with the punches and play the cards that we are dealt¦and that's what we are doing."(TMDG - The Motorsports Decisions Group PR)(11-4-2002) UPDATE: HRT Motorsports has made a last-minute decision to put Carlos Contreras in its #09 CICLON Energy Drink car. Contreras will drive the car at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Nov. 16, replacing Roberto Guerrero, for the BGN season finale. Contreras was originally signed last month by HRT to run a full schedule in 2003 in the #41 car. . The driver change means Contreras will pull double duty at Homestead as he finishes his truck season and starts his Busch series career. Contreras has run the past two seasons in the CTS with Petty Enterprises. HRT co-owner Mike Vazquez said a series of unfortunate circumstances led to replacing Guerrero for the team's final race of the season. "Unfortunately, the rainout at Atlanta and out sponsor's last-minute decision not to run Phoenix put a damper on our plans," Vazquez said. "We had hoped to get Roberto in at least two races this year and that just didn't happen. Many things were in the mix in ultimately making this decision. After signing Carlos, we got many requests from potential sponsors who were looking to see him in a BGN race before committing. We also couldn't squeeze in a test for Roberto in Homestead, yet Carlos has already raced there and will benefit from the additional practice time during the week. We know Roberto is upset, as he should be and as we all are for him, but he is a team player and understands the greater cause, which is getting HRT's Hispanic NASCAR program off the ground," Vazquez continued. In the meantime, the first and only Hispanic-owned, -sponsored and -driven team in NASCAR will forge ahead to Miami, a key Hispanic market where almost one-quarter of the fans are Hispanic. Contreras, a native of Mexico, is looking forward to giving the fans a 'hometown favorite' to cheer for. "Mike and Rudy came to me just a few days ago with the opportunity to run Homestead-Miami Speedway, and to be honest, I couldn't sleep that night," Contreras said. "I can't wait to run my first Busch series race. It is going to be a little crazy running from Truck practice to Busch practice, then qualifying back to back, but it's what I have been waiting for."(TMDG - The Motorsports Decisions Group PR) UPDATE 2: HRT Motorsports has signed an associate sponsor of the #09 CICLON Energy Drink car for this weekend's race at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Children International, which provides aid to impoverished children throughout the world, will be on the rear quarter panels of the car. "HRT has teamed up with Children International to help poor children in Spanish-speaking countries around the world," said team co-owner Mike Vazquez. "Although we may never win the race against poverty, we can sure help these children get a better start in life. By sponsoring a child, like we at HRT have done, we can give these children real help and real hope." Vazquez, co-owner Rudy Rodriguez and Contreras have all signed on to sponsor kids through the Children International program.. The three children are from Ecuador and the Dominican Republic, and range in age from two to six. Children International helps more than 230,000 children throughout 18 field projects in 10 countries around the world.. Its sponsorship programs bring health, education and other opportunities to poor children and help them become contributing members to society.(TMDG - The Motorsports Decisions Group PR) (11-11-2002)
ASA Champ and ROTY are looking at BGN: American Speed Association series champion Joey Clanton and the series' rookie of the year, David Stremme, are exploring options to move to Grand National next season. Clanton is pursuing a full-time ride, while Stremme expects to compete in ASA as well in 2003.(ThatsRacin.com)(10-23-2002) UPDATE - ASA Driver under contract? ASA Driver, David Stremme, is under contract for next year with either Chip Ganassi or Dale Earnhardt Incorporated.(St Joseph Daily Press), for BGN?(11-10-2002) UPDATE: hearing it is with Ganassi for a part time BGN deal or as a Test Driver.(11-11-2002)
Blaney to run the Homestead BGN race UPDATE: Dave Blaney, driver of the #77 Jasper Engine's Ford in Cup, will drive the #31 Whelen's Chevy in the Homestead BGN race.(11-7-2002) UPDATE: Dave Blaney will drive the #31 Whelen Chevy this weekend in the BGN race at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Blaney tested with the Ted Marsh Racing team at the flat 1.5-mile oval two weeks ago. The successful test led to Blaney's entry in the race. The part-time team from Old Lyme, Conn. posted seven top-10 finishes in the last three years in the BGN where it has overcome
several hurdles. Johnny Benson was hurt at Richmond in May and unable to race the rest of the season. David Green filled in for Benson in three races then Tim Fedewa also raced in three races. Blaney is 19th in Winston Cup points driving the #77 Jasper Engine
Ford.(PR)(11-11-2002)
Sadler back in the #43: Hermie Sadler will again drive the #43 Curb-Agajanian Motorsports Chevy in the Ford 300 this weekend at Homestead. The team has had solid qualifying runs but a mechanical failure at Charlotte and an accident at Rockingham, both with less than 10 laps to go, have kept them from the finishes they deserve. The team is looking for sponsorship for Homestead and for 2003. Interested parties should call 804-586-8215.(11-11-2002)
Larry Foyt to Cup in 2003? UPDATE 2 Yes and Wallace back in the #14 in 2003:Motorsport.com reports that Larry Foyt might end up in Winston Cup next season because sponsor Harrah's wants to be on the top circuit. "Harrah's definitely, I think their goals are to go to Winston Cup," said Foyt, son of legendary racer A.J. Foyt. "I've been trying to fight it because I'm still pretty new to the stock cars. (I) didn't really wanna move up to Busch as fast as I did. I've always kind of left it up to my dad. He's directed my career the way it's gone and I trust his judgment on that."(Daytona Beach News Journal)(6-5-2002) AND some more from the interview: MFR: So what is your timetable for going to Winston Cup, and is your sponsor, Harrah’s going to go with you?
FOYT: I don’t know, we’re kind of in negotiations right now. I’m leaving it up to them and AJ, what they want to do with me. I’m open
to anything. If we do go to Cup, I just want to make sure that we do it right, because I know that’s just so tough. That level is the top,
and it’s so tough. I’d really like one more year of Busch. I feel like we’ve made a lot of improvements, but we still haven’t done the things
we want to do. We’ve gotten some top tens, but we’re not running up front consistently like we want to, so I feel like one more year of
Busch would be really good for us.
And when asked about Indy cars: "The Indy car, when I drove it, is a pretty different feel and I never raced it in a crowd, so I’d be pretty curious to see what it’s like. I’m really pushing to try and run Indy next year before I get too far away from that. That race is still so special to me and I still go every year. I haven’t missed one yet, so I’m really pushing for Indy next year, to give it a shot.(6-6-2002) UPDATE: hearing Harrah's Racing is planning on moving up to Cup, from an email from Harrah's: "We are no longer sponsoring the Foyt team in the IRL division. However, we will continue to sponsor Larry Foyt, A.J. Foyt's son, in NASCAR. For 2003 he is moving up to the Winston Cup series.(11-7-2002) UPDATE 2: A.J. Foyt said Friday that his son, Larry Foyt, will move from the Busch series to Winston Cup in 2003. Larry drives the #14 Harrah's Chevy [in the BGN]. Harrah's will sponsor the team again next season. Foyt ranks 20th in the Busch standings with two top-10 finishes. He will be listed as the owner of the new Winston Cup team. The team will be headquartered across the street from A.J.'s #14 Winston Cup team that is sponsored by Conseco. A.J. said he wants to keep Mike Wallace as the driver of the Conseco car next year.(Dallas Morning News)(11-10-2002)
Martin back in the BGN in 2003 UPDATE or/and the CTS?: during TNT coverage of the Rockingham Cup qualifying, it was mentioned that Mark Martin, driver of the #6-Viagra Ford in the Cup series and 2nd in the Drivers Point, will drive five(5) BGN races in 2003. No details given, like what car or a sponsor or which races he will drive in. Martin is the all time wins leader in the Busch series.(11-2-2002) UPDATE: There’s been some talk of Mark Martin’s extra curricular driving in 2003, which has Martin doing some CTS races and BGN races. However, no firm schedule is in place because Roush Racing needs to find the financial support for the Martin’s limited schedule. Roush Racing’s President, Geoff Smith, told teamfordracing.com, today, that Martin wants to help with the truck entry that Kyle Busch will start driving fulltime in May of 2003. The offer for help is to run the truck in the companion Winston Cup events (gathering a few points on the truck) until Busch drives. The BGN talk is very preliminary. Smith said that once he heard of Martin’s interest he started placing a few calls looking funding for a four, five or six race schedule for Martin. Smith, who has had two formal and one informal talks with potential sponsors seems very optimistic about finding enough money to make the deal go.(Ford Racing)(11-10-2002)
Baldwin's BGN Team News: Veteran crew chief Tommy Baldwin may not know what his next Winston Cup role will be -- but after another top-10 finish by his NASCAR Busch Series driver, Wally Dallenbach -- he's sure his Busch Series team can compete. "We're definitely having fun with this," Baldwin said after NBC/TNT TV commentator Dallenbach scored his third top-15 finish in three starts, in Saturday's Bashas' 200 at Phoenix International Raceway. After four seasons' worth of races with Bill Davis Racing, Baldwin split with the team and driver Ward Burton after the Protection One 400 at Kansas Speedway. In the weeks since, in addition to operating his own Busch team with co-owner Eddie D'Hondt, he has also been entertaining Winston Cup crew chief offers. "We're close to putting a deal together to go to a Cup team and build a good, solid program over there," Baldwin said. "I am real excited about that for the future. We've got a couple more times to talk over there (and) hopefully we're close to a good deal for the future for me. I could have been at six different places already but for some reason they don't like that I own a Busch team," Baldwin said. "It's been kind of rough, for that, but we've got a couple of good teams that want to build a program and they've got real good people and equipment already (and) we just have to come in there and pick up where they are already to build a program. We're real close to putting something together to run Wally in more races next year," Baldwin said. "We're real close to a lot of exciting news. We hope in the next two weeks to be able to announce some things."
"We hope by Homestead to be able to announce something -- at least a letter of intent," Dallenbach said. "We've got three or four sponsors that are looking hard at this program (and) frankly, with the three races that we've had, if we can't sign anybody I am going to go back to the booth to stay."
"We've got a lot of good things happening with three good race car drivers we want to work with and it's going to be pretty exciting," Baldwin said. "It's a full-time program -- I don't know about a full season (but) we're working on it."(see much more at NASCAR.com)(11-10-2002)
A Phoenix Win For Jason Keller Is A Victory In The Battle Against Breast Cancer UPDATE: With a win by #57-Jason Keller at Phoenix, Yoplait Yogurt will donate $100,000 to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation on behalf of Keller's sponsor Albertsons. This is the second consecutive year that the Albertsons Racing Team has played an integral part in both Yoplait and Albertsons fundraising and awareness efforts during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Yoplait, a General Mills product, is currently conducting its Save Lids To Save Lives' campaign. For every pink lid from Yoplait yogurt cups or six-packs mailed in before Dec. 31, 2002, Yoplait will make a 10-cent donation to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, up to $750,000. Although Keller desperately wants a win in order for the donation to take place, his efforts will reward the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation as long as he finishes in the top five. Yoplait will donate $75,000 if Keller finishes second, $50,000 for third, $35,000 for fourth and $25,000 for fifth.(IMG PR)(11-7-2002) UPDATE: #57-Jason Keller today earned more than a top-five finish for the Albertsons Racing Team. His fourth-place effort in the BGN race at Phoenix earned the Susan G. Komen Foundation a $35,000 donation made on behalf of Albertsons and Yoplait Yogurt, a General Mills product. The significance of the donation is personal for Keller, whose mother-in-law is a breast cancer survivor. This was the Albertsons Racing team's second chance to race to benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, and Keller is proud that he, his team and sponsor are able to aid in making such a significant donation. The $35,000 donation is linked to Yoplait's "Save Lids To Save Lives"ä pink lid redemption program. For each pink Yoplait lid received from consumers by December 31, 2002, Yoplait will donate 10 cents to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, up to $750,000. Additionally, in October, Albertsons and Yoplait ran a program to donate one dollar - up to $50,000 - to the Foundation for every 10 cups of Yoplait Yogurt bought in a single purchase and turned in with an Albertson's receipt.(IMG PR)(11-10-2002)
Manufacturer Championship Tidbits: Ford has won the Bill France Performance Cup twice (1995, 2002). Ford has accumulated 233 points so far this season with six drivers contributing. Ford has captured 16 wins this season, compared to Chevrolet’s 12, Pontiac’s four and Dodge’s one.(Ford Racing)(11-10-2002)
Starr and Cup or BGN? David Starr said he is weighing his options for next season, including interest from several Winston Cup teams. Starr said it's possible he will return as the driver of the #75 Spears Manufacturing Chevy in the Craftsman Truck Series, but it's also possible he will accept an offer to move up to Busch or Winston Cup. "For now, I'm just focusing on finishing the season strong," Starr said. "After that I will go over some of the things that have been offered me. I've very fortunate to have the situation I have now, and I want to be sure I do the right thing."(Dallas Morning News)(11-10-2002)
Wimmer wins race, Biffle clinches championship: #23-Scott Wimmer won the Bashas' 200 at Phoenix, his third win of the year. #59-Stacy Compton was 2nd, #60-Greg Biffle, who had dominated the race, finished 2nd and wins the 2002 BGN Drivers Championship, 4th was #57-Jason Keller and 5th was #5-David Green.
For results, see ThatsRacin.com or NASCAR.com or BGNRacing.com.(11-9-2002)
Biffle wins pole at Phoenix: BGN Points leaders #60-Greg Biffle won the pole at Phoenix with a speed of 132.193mph. 2nd was #7-Randy LaJoie at 132.134, followed by #5-David Green at 131.815, #40-Brian Vickers at 131.805 and 2nd in points, #57-Jason Keller at 131.772. Brian Vickers qualified fourth, but his car was found to have unapproved springs and his speed was disallowed. He will now start 39th. So 5th starter will be #9-Jeff Burton at 131.680.
See lineups at ThatsRacin.com, BGNRacing.com or NASCAR.com.(11-7-2002)
Third ppc Racing team for Kahne? ppc Racing is putting the finishing touches on a deal that would bring Kasey Kahne to a third ppc BGN team with an undisclosed sponsor. The team also fields the BGN teams #10 Ford for Scott Riggs and #57 Ford for Jason Keller.(Winston Cup Scene)(11-08-2002)
Brewco switching to Pontiac and be aligned with MBV: Brewco Motorsports owner [#27 and #37] Clarence Brewer doesn't know who'll be behind the wheel of his cars in 2003, but they'll be Pontiac and his organization will be aligned with Johnny Benson's #10-MBV Motorsports Winston Cup team. AND Casey Atwood is being considered for BGN ride, but only on a part-time basis with Brewco Motorsports in a new third team, not in a full-time ride.(Winston Cup Scene) The #27 is looking for a sponsor, supposedly the #37 team will have Timber Wolf back. Atwood is expected to be in some kind of Evernham-affliated Winston Cup team in 2003.(11-8-2002)
Reutimann in a Dodge at Homestead: David Reutimann will run at Miami-Homestead Speedway in the BGN race. The car will be the #88 Dodge with sponsorship from Publix Supermarkets.(David Reutimann site)(11-7-2002)
Parker and Roush? Jack Roush is talking to Hank Parker Jr. and his Busch Series sponsor – General Nutrition Center – about fielding a second full-time Busch team in 2003. Parker currently is without a ride for the coming season.(Times Argus)(11-7-2002)
Harvick to run 15 BGN races in 2003: Kevin Harvick will drive the #21 PayDay Chevy for Richard Childress Racing in 15 BGN events at 13 different tracks in 2003. His season starts begins at Daytona International Speedway for the Koolerz 300 on Feb. 15. He will want to win that one for his sponsor, Hershey, which makes both PayDay candy bars and Koolerz gum. Current RCR talent Johnny Sauter will assume duties as secondary driver of the #21 PayDay Chevy beginning on February 22, at North Carolina Speedway in Rockingham, NC. Along with his duties as secondary driver, Sauter will play a vital role in maintaining the #21 PayDay team's run at an owner's championship. Harvick will not compete in more than three consecutive Busch Series races. His three-race stints are in August and November. Harvick is not scheduled to compete in any BGN events that are not accompanied by a Cup event on the same weekend at the same venue. Sauter will compete in all the non-companion events. Here is Harvick's entire 2003 NASCAR Busch Series schedule:. Feb. 15, Daytona; March 1, Las Vegas; March 22, Bristol; April 26, California; May 2, Richmond; May 24, Lowe's; May 31, Dover; July 19, New Hampshire; Aug. 16, Michigan; Aug. 22, Bristol; Aug. 30, Darlington; Oct. 10, Lowe's; Nov. 1, Phoenix; Nov. 8, North Carolina; Nov. 15, Homestead.(Keystone Marketing PR)(11-7-2002)
New Team? got this today - Dale Francis Engineering Racing out of Painsesville, OH is planning on fielding a car to run in the Busch Series in 2003. Dale Francis Engineering is a highly successful engine shop that builds high performance race engines for many teams throughout the country. The Dale Francis Engineering Racing Shop currently consists of 11,000 sq. ft. of space, an engine dyno room, a shock dyno, complete engine assembly and testing facility, complete engine manufacturing facility, 55 total machines, 6 complete cars, 53' race hauler w/ overhead storage for 2 cars, full chassis and body fabrication capabilities and more. They have fielded cars in the past in a variety of racing divisions including, Winston Cup, ARCA, ASA, and many weekly racing series feature wins and championships in Late Model Stock Cars.(more info contact Todd at lakeeriespeedway.com)(11-7-2002)
Special #25 Happy Birthday Scheme: The United States Marine Corps will celebrate its 227th birthday at Phoenix International Raceway on November 9, 2002. As a tribute to all Marines, past and present, that have made personal sacrifices protecting our country, Team Rensi Motorsports is giving the #25 Team Marines Ford a new look for the Bashas’ 200. Celebrating the birthday of the Marine Corps is a time-honored tradition and one that is never forgotten by a Marine. It was on November 10, 1775 that the Marine Corps was created by a resolution of the Continental Congress, however, formal commemoration of the birthday didn’t begin until 1921.(Team Rensi PR)(11-7-2002)
Harmon sponsor for Phoenix: The #44 Mixon Motorsports team will have a primary and an associate sponsor at Phoenix. Royal Bath and Body Products, a new luxury line of hand-made bath and body products and custom scented candles, will be the primary sponsor of the Mixon Motorsports’ effort driven by Mike Harmon at Phoenix. Another Phoenix area business, Stock Car Café, of Glendale, a stock car themed restaurant serving a wide variety of menu items for breakfast, lunch and dinner, is very excited to be the associate sponsor of the #44 Busch Series race car for this weekend's Basha's 200 at PIR. Ben and Christina Adair, owners of Royal Bath and Body Products, are no strangers to racing. Together with Mike Rothschild, owner of Stock Car Café, the Adair’s
have been running Adair Motorsports, a NASCAR Winston West Series race team. Mike Harmon will be making several appearances with his sponsors this weekend. Thursday, following qualifying, Harmon will head to the Phoenix Children’s Hospital to give gifts to ill children on behalf of Royal Bath and Body Products. Following that, he’ll appear at the City of Phoenix’ racing festival, Zoomfest, at the Arizona Center in downtown Phoenix from 7-9pm. On Friday, Harmon will sign autographs at the Stock Car Café where Catchfence.com will also be represented. This session is from 7-9pm. Look for Mike Harmon to be featured on TV3 this weekend, too. (Mike Harmon Motorsports)(11-7-2002)
Jones back? hearing that PJ Jones is going to be making his 2002 BGN debut in Phoenix with a new team in the #97 Tuttle Motorsports Chevy with Menards and Color Fast as the sponsors. They are testing in Phoenix this week.(10-28-2002) UPDATE - P.J. Jones Returns to Action in the No. 97 Menards/Colorfast Chevy: P.J. Jones will be the driver of the #97 Menards/Colorfast Chevy in this weekend's Bashas' 200 race at Phoenix. Dexter Tuttle is the team owner and the businessman behind Colorfast Industries. Tuttle had always wanted to go racing, and figured the best way to accomplish that would be to start up his own team. And so he formed Tuttle Motorsports, joined up with Jones and went shopping to find a co-sponsor to share the car's hood with Colorfast. Jones and Tuttle, filled with excitement about the possibilities, went to Menards, a home improvement retailer that distributes Colorfast products. They also happen to be heavily involved in open wheel racing. In fact, P.J. was driving for Team Menard as an interim driver when his own crash and injury occurred this year. The sponsorship turned out to be a good fit, and Menards signed on to run eight to 10 races next season with Tuttle Motorsports. In preparation, the brand new team will attempt its first race at Phoenix, armed with engines from Bill Davis Racing.(TMDG - The Motorsports Decisions Group)(11-7-2002)
Free Sponsorship on the #19: Tim Sauter and the #19 BGN team are trying to attract a marketing partner for the 2003 season and Sauter's come up with a unique concept to help push that search along. For all interested parties in next year's campaign, he is offering the rest of this year "Free of Charge." Sauter's offer is simple. Sign up with the team for the 2003 season, or show serious interest in the possibility of being a part of next season, and you can have the rest of this season at no cost. In recent weeks, Sauter and his AP Performance Team announced plans to cease operations after this successful season if sponsorship help cannot be found by the end of the calendar year.. That is a tough pill to swallow for Sauter, who has taken the start-up operation from nothing and turned it into a front-running team in NASCAR's Busch Series. Sauter has accomplished this by doing everything with the team, from running day-to-day operations to driving the car. "The deal is pretty plain and simple," states Sauter. "If there is some company out there that really wants to get involved with a top-notch Busch Series program, but they are teetering on the edge of making that decision or not, we will give them the opportunity to get a taste of what it is like. If they are really serious about it, then we will put their name on the car and allow them to see what a small portion of or our primary marketing plan can do for them. My hope is that helping them see what it is like will be just what they need to push them over the top in making a decision to go racing with us in 2003." Sauter is quick to point out, however, that this offer is also good for a company that already knows they want to sponsor a car for 2003. Two free races with a top-flight NASCAR team, in the number two motorsports series in the country, is worth a lot to any company. Tim has had several one-race deals during the season, partnering up with Mac Tools, Cox Communications, St. Jude Research Hospital, West Virginia Tourism and Loctite.. All were a big help for a team that is funding itself out of pocket, but still not enough to be able to compete with the top teams on the circuit, who have sponsors in the $4-6 million range. For all interested parties, please contact either Tim directly at (704) 658-9832 (shop) or team representative Jeremy Troiano at (704) 726-6849 (cell) to discuss the possibilities.(11-6-2002)
Congrats: Lyndon and Melanie Amick are the proud new parents of William Lyndon Amick, Jr. Billy, as he will be known, was born Monday (November 4) morning at 7:53 a.m. and weighed eight pounds, eight ounces. He was born at Lake Norman Regional Medical Center in Mooresville, North Carolina. Lyndon will once again be driving the third ppc Racing entry during the BGN race at Homestead-Miami, Florida. In his first event for ppc Racing this season at Kansas Speedway, he drove to a ninth place finish.(11-6-2002)
Kitchens in the #84 at PIR: This weekend Hueytown, AL, native Jimmy Kitchens will be racing in the BGN Basha’s 200 at Phoenix International Raceway. Kitchens, who has driven in several BGN events this season, will drive the #84 Chevy this weekend for the Basha’s 200 at PIR. Look for the black and silver Monte Carlo on track(PR)(11-6-2002)
Berrier staying, Holly NOT moving UPDATE oops, Holly leaves: Richard Childress says he's not going to release #30 crew chief Todd Berrier from the final two years of his contract, but Childress hasn't said how he might reorganize his three-car team next season. There has been speculation that Harold Holly [#10 ppc team in the BGN], the BGN crew chief who worked well with Jeff Green, could take over the reins of Green's Cup team next season.(Winston Salem Journal) BUT in the latest Winston Cup Scene there is a story about Holly who says he os NOT leaving ppc Racing and denies this rumor.(11-4-2002) UPDATE: Harold Holly, the director of race operations at ppc Racing and crew chief for #10-Scott Riggs in the BGN, left the team today, NASCAR Winston Cup Scene reporter Rick Houston has learned. Holly was the crew chief for Jeff Green when he won the Busch Series championship by the largest margin in the division's history, and he has been rumored to be a possibility to join Green with Richard Childress Racing's #30 Winston Cup team.(Winston Cup Scene Daily Newsletter)(11-5-2002)
Stacker 2 to sponsor a BGN team too: hearing Stacker 2, who will sponsor the #23 Bill Davis Racing Dodge and Kenny Wallace in 2003 on the Cup circuit, has signed with the #23 Bill Davis BGN team and driver Scott Wimmer as the primary sponsor for half the 2003 season and the other half of the season they will be the secondary sponsor with a company called Stamina RX, which is a natural alternative to Viagra. Stacker 2 is coming out with a line of high protein, low carb protein bars and a meal replacement drink [like Slim Fast in a way] and plans are to use the BGN and CUP cars to promote both Stacker 2 diet aids and the new line.(11-4-2002)
McMurray wins again when the leaders tangle: #27-Jamie McMurray was in the right place at the right time and won as #21-Jeff Green and #99-Michael Waltrip tangled while fighting for the lead late in Saturday's Sam's Club 200 at North Carolina Speedway. McMurray jumped from third to the front for the victory. Green restarted first after a late-race red flag, then battled to hold off Waltrip as the laps wound down. The two touched and spun, opening the door for McMurray. It was McMurray's second series win in a row. Points leader #60-Greg Biffle finished 2nd and now leads #57-Jason Keller in the Drivers Points by 212 points. With two races to go Biffle needs to finish 24th in the last two races (Phoenix and Homestead) or better and nothing Keller can do to win the championship. And if Biffle leaves Phoenix with a 185 point lead or better, he can skip Homestead (but of course will not). The remaining top five were #7-Randy LaJoie, #5-David Green and #59-Stacy Compton. #21-Green finished 6th and #99-Waltrip finished 8th.
See ThatsRacin.com, BGNRacing.com or NASCAR.com.(11-2-2002)
A Green Front Row: #21-Jeff Green captured his fourth BGN pole of the season with a lap at 153.355mph for Saturday's Sam's Club 200 at North Carolina Speedway. #5-David Green, qualified second fastest, with #27-Jamie McMurray third, #99-Michael Waltrip and #33-Tony Raines complete the top five. #60-GregBiffle, the series points leader, will start 16th. #57-Jason Keller, second in points and 119 behind Biffle, was 13th fastest.(ThatsRacin.com)
See lineup at ThatsRacin.com, BGNRacing.com.(11-1-2002)
