Sealy (? races) is scheduled to be the primary sponsor at the following races in 2013:
Charlotte, All-Star race - 5/18
Charlotte - 5/26
TBA

Simmons Beautyrest (7 races) is scheduled to be the primary sponsor at the following races in 2013:
Phoenix - 3/3
Atlanta - 9/1
the rest TBA

Serta (? races) is scheduled to be the primary sponsor at the following races in 2013:
Chicago - 9/15
TBA

Contract Status: Driver: 2013; Primary Sponsor: owner

#78 to pay tribute to Armed Forces Day at Sprint All-Star Race: With Armed Forces Day being celebrated on Saturday (May 18), Kurt Busch's #78 Furniture Row/Sealy Chevrolet will observe the annual holiday with a special paint scheme for Saturday night's Sprint All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Armed Forces Day, which was created in 1949 and celebrated annually on the third Saturday in May, was an initiative led by President Harry S. Truman to establish a single holiday for citizens to pay tribute to the men and women who served in the United States' armed forces. The paint scheme for Busch's car for the Sprint All-Star Race will include a ribbon on both the hood and rear quarter panels announcing Armed Forces Day. The inscription: "Thank You For Your Service" will also be positioned below the ribbon on the quarter panels.
"Honoring our members of the military at an all-star race is very appropriate because the true all stars in my mind are all the men and women who have served in the military to protect our freedom so we can do what we enjoy each week," said Busch, winner of the 2010 All-Star Race. "It's truly an honor to have our Armed Forces Day Furniture Row/Sealy Chevrolet honor these great American heroes on our special night of racing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Working with the Armed Forces Foundation and dedicating each race this season to a service member suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress or was killed in action is an honor I carry with me every time I get in the driver's seat."
Over the past year, Busch has worked with the Armed Forces Fondation by living up to its motto: "Serving those who Serve" and partnering in various events, such as the military inspired mud run "Busch Whacked" at Texas Motor Speedway. To further enhance its support for Armed Forces Day, Furniture Row Companies will have a nationwide celebration at all of its 330 stores on Friday (May 17) from 3  9 p.m. The celebration, which will take place inside of Furniture Row's specialty stores  Denver Mattress, Sofa Mart, Oak Express and Bedroom Expressions, is for all active duty, former and retired military, as well as reservist and members of the National Guard and their families. The evening activities will include multiple drawings for Apple iPads and a 60-inch Samsung 180p Plasma HDTV along with free gifts and refreshments. Every item in the stores will be specially priced for this one evening.
"The sacrifices our men and women in uniform have made, and will continue to make, are extraordinary and it is our honor at Furniture Row Companies to pay tribute to these brave heroes and their families at our stores and on our #78 Sprint Cup Chevrolet," said Woody Boyd, Furniture Row Companies chief operating officer. "Armed Forces Day hits home here at Furniture Row with so many of our employees, including our company founder, who have proudly served our country. We are proud of them, as well as every member of the military past and present, for their service and commitment to preserve freedom."(Furniture Row Racing PR), see an image of the scheme on the #78 Team Schemes page.(5-16-2013)

Kurt Busch passes Indy rookie test UPDATE: Kurt Busch wants to race an IndyCar at Indianapolis. Just not now. The 2004 Sprint Cup champion kept Ryan Hunter-Reay's primary car out of trouble Thursday, topping 218 mph on one of the world's most prestigious tracks. He became the first driver to pass this year's rookie test at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, likely creating a rumor-filled month of May. "I really couldn't do it this year because of the stamina," Busch said. "My hands were tense and firm and that was only after 10 laps. Michael (Andretti) wants to do it, but they've already got five cars committed this year, so I think the proper thing would be to get some experience with this car at another track. There's going to be a lot of swirling that goes on after day like today, after reaching 218 on your first day around this place," Busch said after posting a fast lap of 218.210 mph. "But that doesn't mean anything because I need more time." Andretti acknowledged that's a possibility later this year, if Busch can work out the details with his Cup schedule.(Associated Press)(5-10-2013)
UPDATE: Busch developed a relationship with Andretti Autosport owner Andretti through their mutual agent John Caponigro last season when Busch interviewed with potential teams for 2013. At the time, Andretti was entertaining a possible entry into NASCAR and a possible partnership with Dodge. Since then, Busch signed with Furniture Row Racing to run in the Sprint Cup Series, where he is currently 20th in the points standings. Busch has the blessing of FRR team owner Barney Visser to pursue this latest dream. "It's a bucket-list type item," he said. "It's also because I have the heart and desire to do anything in motorsports. So to wrap my arms around, moreso of what can happen next, we've just got to let things sit on the burner here and see where it goes." Although this year's Indianapolis 500 is not a practical option for Busch, he's mentioned the possibility of racing in IndyCar events at Pocono Raceway, Milwaukee Mile and Auto Club Speedway. Busch isn't sure what opportunities exist in IndyCar, but just the chance to say he's been on the yard of bricks in an open-wheel car is "a nice achievement." "Any opportunity in motorsports is what I'm looking for. I grew up in a stock car world. I've spent the last dozen years in the Sprint Cup garage. You never know what's around the next turn. I've been full-throttle on a quarter-mile and full-throttle at Indianapolis. There's a lot of cool things out there."(Fox Sports) (5-11-2013)

Stewart thinks Kurt Busch could make Indy 500: Consider Tony Stewart officially jealous that fellow NASCAR driver Kurt Busch gets to test an Indy car at Indianapolis Motor Speedway later this week. The five-time Indianapolis 500 starter said that he plans to call Busch "to see if there's anything I can do to help him." "There's not a doubt in my mind that he could make the (500's) field," Stewart said following a sponsor event at the garage where he stores his classic cars. "If he gets with the right team  and obviously he's going with Andretti  I don't see any problem making the starting field for sure." Busch isn't targeting this month's 500, but he has told reporters he's open to pursuing a ride next year if all goes well with this test.(Indianapolis Star)(5-9-2013)

Kurt Busch, Trevor Bayne to test at MIS on May 14-15: NASCAR's new Gen-6 Car has drawn rave reviews from drivers and fans alike after the first 10 races in 2013. On May 14-15, the car will make its debut at Michigan International Speedway when two teams conduct a test. And fans are invited to watch free of charge. Speedway officials will open the Turn One grandstands from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. May 14 and May 15 to watch testing. So far, #78-Kurt Busch and #21-Trevor Bayne are the only drivers schedule to test those days. "It will be exciting to finally see the Gen 6 Car at Michigan International Speedway," track President Roger Curtis said. "We became NASCAR's fastest track in 2012 during the Quicken Loans 400. So far in 2013, the new cars have been posting record qualifying speeds so it will be fun to see how fast they go here."
Last year, Marcos Ambrose posted a track qualifying mark of 203.241 mph for the Quicken Loans 400. That speed was the 11th-fastest pole-winning speed in NASCAR Sprint Cup Series history and the first time the pole winning speed was faster than 200 mph at a track other than Talladega Superspeedway and Daytona International Speedway. Dale Earnhardt, Jr. pulled into victory lane for his first win since June of 2008, also at MIS. Testing times, track schedule and drivers are subject to change due to weather or other circumstances. Fans are asked to park in Lot 10 off US 12 and enter the grandstands through Gate 17, just behind the water tower. The restroom facilities will be open. Fans are also allowed to bring in coolers that meet the MIS grandstand gate policies for any race weekend. MIS is once again host to a pair of NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races in 2013. The top series comes to the Irish Hills for the Quicken Loans 400 on Sunday, June 16 and returns just two short months later for the Pure Michigan 400 on Sunday, August 18. Tickets are on sale at MISpeedway.com or by phone at 800-354-1010.(MIS)(5-7-2013)

Kurt Busch to test Indycar at Indy: After two days of testing the #78 Furniture Row Racing Chevy NASCAR Sprint Cup car this week at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Kurt Busch left the track knowing he was going to get more seat time at the famed oval before the Crown Royal presents the "Your Hero's Name Here" 400 at the Brickyard in July. But this time, the additional seat time will be behind the wheel an IZOD IndyCar Series car. Busch will test a Chevrolet-powered Andretti Autosport Indy car Thursday morning, May 9, just two days before IMS officially opens for practice for the 97th running of the Indianapolis 500. Andretti Autosport team owner and IMS legend Michael Andretti will be on hand to provide driver coaching and assist in getting Busch up to speed quickly.
"I have always enjoyed racing at Indianapolis, and when IMS and Michael presented me with the opportunity to test an Indy car prior to opening day of practice of the Indianapolis 500, I jumped at it," Busch said. "The Indianapolis 500 is an iconic event and having an opportunity to go through the testing process with Michael and Andretti Autosport, the defending series champions and two-time winners of the race, is pretty cool."
Said Andretti: "I had the chance to get to know Kurt last year when we were working on another racing project. I respect his talent and am happy to give him the opportunity to experience the raw speed of an Indy car. It's a unique feel and perspective - it will be totally different than what he is used to driving each week on the Cup circuit." Busch left open the door to compete in "The Double" - racing in the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on the same day - in the future. "I am looking forward to this test and experiencing IMS at the speeds the Indy cars run," Busch said. "Let's see how the test goes, and then I can look at the opportunities that could be beyond this coming Thursday. Running the Indianapolis 500 would certainly be a highlight, and doing another 600 miles in a Cup car on the same day would make for a special weekend." Only three drivers have attempted the Memorial Day weekend "Double" - John Andretti, Tony Stewart and Robby Gordon.(IMS)(5-4-2013)

#78 to Carry Message Honoring Military for Armed Forces Day: In observance of Armed Forces Day (May 18), a holiday for citizens to come together to thank military members for their patriotic service, Kurt Busch's No. 78 Furniture Row Chevrolet SS will include an added message at the next two Sprint Cup races at Talladega (May 5) and Darlington (May 11). A ribbon on the hood and rear quarter panels of Busch's car will announce Military Appreciation Night on May 17. The hood will also communicate, At All Furniture Row Stores. This special messaging is in conjunction with the 330 Furniture Row stores nationwide hosting Military Appreciation Night celebrations for all active duty, former, and retired military, as well as reservist and members of the National Guard and their families on the eve of Armed Forces Day.
The Military Appreciation Night on Friday May 17 will be held from 3  9 p.m. inside all of Furniture Row's specialty stores  Denver Mattress, Sofa Mart, Oak Express and Bedroom Expressions. The evening activities will include multiple drawings for Apple iPads and a 60-inch Samsung 180p Plasma HDTV along with free gifts and refreshments. Every item in the stores will be specially priced for this one evening. "I am really proud of Furniture Row for its support of our military," said Busch. "Having the Military Appreciation Night message on our race car is special to me because I am also a huge supporter of our men and women in uniform with my passionate involvement with the Armed Forces Foundation." President Harry S. Truman led the effort to establish a single holiday for citizens to come together and thank our military members for their patriotic service in support of our country. On Aug. 31, 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force Days. The single day celebration stemmed from the unification of the Armed Forces under the Department of Defense (FRR), see an image of the scheme on the #78 Team Schemes page.(5-3-2013)

Kurt Busch to test V8 Supercar at COTA: Sprint Cup Series driver #78-Kurt Busch will add another form of professional motorsports to his driving resume. The former NASCAR champion, who has driven an Indy car, sports car and an NHRA Pro Stocker, will take part in a car swap Tuesday (April 23) with the Australian V8 Supercars Series during a media event at the Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas. While Busch will be testing a Holden Commodore V8 Supercar, his No. 78 Furniture Row Chevrolet SS will also be at the track with an offer to the Australian V8 drivers in attendance -- James Courtney and Fabian Coulthard -- to pilot the Sprint Cup car around the 3.4-mile Grand Prix circuit. "I'm flattered to be invited by Circuit of The Americas and the Australian V8 Supercars Series to participate in this unique event," Busch said. "Getting a chance to drive a V8 Supercar was high on my wish list, and the chance to do it at Circuit of The Americas makes this a dream opportunity." The V8 Supercars Series, Australia's premier motorsports category, is scheduled to compete May 17-19 at the Circuit of The Americas, which will also host the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix later in the year.(Furniture Row Racing PR)(4-22-2013)

Serta Mattress featured on #78 at Vegas: Furniture Row Racing driver Kurt Busch is banking on a "Lucky 13" start to beat the odds and fulfill a career dream of claiming his first Sprint Cup victory in his hometown of Las Vegas. "Not too many people beat the odds in Las Vegas, but after 12 attempts of trying to win there, I think I'm overdue," said Busch, whose #78 Chevy will feature a new associate sponsor  Serta Mattress  for Sunday's Kobalt Tools 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.(FRR)#78 Furniture Row / Serta schemes.(3-7-2013)

Mother of Kurt, Kyle Busch in golf-cart accident at PIR: Gaye Busch, the mother of #78-Kurt and #18-Kyle Busch, was among those taken to a Phoenix area hospital Saturday after a golf cart tipped over in the tunnel underneath Phoenix International Raceway. Kurt Busch tweeted last night: "Don't get in any moving vehicle w/ my mom. She was involved in a crash in the tunnel b4 the end of the race. A little banged up" He updated his twitter page this morning: "Thx again for all the nice comments about mom. She's here at the track & in great spirits. She was touched by all the concern" According to Fox 10 in Phoenix, Maricopa County Sheriff's deputies say the golf cart had too many people on it, causing it to roll over. No one was significantly injured. (Sporting News)(3-3-2013)

Kurt Busch to to Backup Car at Phoenix: After a solid first qualifying lap at the Phoenix on Friday, Kurt Busch's #78 Furniture Row/Beautyrest Chevy scraped the wall during the second lap due to a malfunction in the coolant system. The damage (right-front and right-side) was enough that the team will go to the backup car for Sunday's Subway Fresh Fit 500 Sprint Cup race. "Kurt did a great job saving the car from further damage," said team crew chief Todd Berrier. The culprit for the loss of grip was a parts breakage in the coolant system that sprayed water under the tires, causing Busch to wiggle and eventually lose control of the car. "The Furniture Row/Beautyrest Chevy steered to the right, brushed the wall and we'll be in a backup car come Sunday," said Busch. "You would think after Daytona we would fare a little better. But right now we need to suck it up and battle through this adversity." Going to a backup car will result in Kurt starting Sunday's race from the rear of the field. Busch was credited with the 25th fastest speed based on his first lap, which is usually the slower of the two.(Furniture Row Racing)(3-2-2013)

#78 Furniture Row Chevy will carry Beautyrest sponsorship in Phoenix: Joining Kurt Busch as an associate sponsor on his #78 Furniture Row Racing Chevrolet SS for the Subway Fresh Fit 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Phoenix will be Beautyrest, the Atlanta-based manufacturer of premium mattresses, which are sold at Denver Mattress locations nationwide. It will be the first of seven races that Beautyrest will have associate sponsorship on the #78. Busch has tackled the Phoenix mile 20 times in his Sprint Cup career. He has one win (April 2005), four top-fives, 11 top-10s and has led 750 laps. His average start is 13.0 and average finish 13.2.(Furniture Row Racing PR), see an image of the scheme on the #78 Team Schemes page.(2-28-2013)

Fourth Childress Car? The #78-Furniture Row Racing team that fields Kurt Busch's Chevrolets is based in Denver, Colo. Home to Richard Childress Racing is Welcome, N.C. Nevertheless, the two organizations have formed a bond that defies geography. Furniture Row's executive director of competition, Mark McArdle, doubles as director of racing operations at RCR, shuttling between the two shops. Asked whether he attends competition meetings with RCR drivers, Busch was adamant. "Absolutely," Busch said. "I was in Charlotte last year (for his first start with Furniture Row). The setups for all four cars were there on one sheet. The crew chiefs are in a meeting, the engineers are in a meeting, the drivers are in a meeting. You have all the top guys spread around into the meetings as well. It's like we're the fourth car. Instead of it saying '33' on the door, it says '78' and Furniture Row."(NASCAR Wire Service)(2-16-2013)

Patrick's #10 team using former #78 team crew: Frontstretches Mike Neff interviews Tony Gibson, crew chief for #10 Danica Patrick, Gibson was asked about the pit crew for the #10 team:
Neff: *One last question. Your pit crew this year that will be pitting Danica Patrick in the #10, is it your old crew from the #39, a whole new crew or a combination of old and new guys?
Gibson: "Actually, it is all guys that were working at Stewart-Haas last year that were pitting the #78 at the end of last year. That whole group of guys has moved over to the #10 team to pit Danica. The reason for that is that at least five of those guys work on the cars in the shop for our team. It makes more sense to take guys who work on the cars every day to be more connected to the cars when they get to the track. A lot of those guys I have worked with since the DEI days in the past. It pretty much just made sense to have those guys on the pit crew."(Frontstretch)(2-14-2013)

Kurt Busch one of the most disliked athletes: Forbes magazine ranked America's 10 most disliked athletes. "Feel-good stories can go sour pretty quickly, as Manti Te'o and Lance Armstrong can attest to. They lead the 2013 list of America's Most Disliked Athletes, based on the latest public surveys from Nielsen Sports and market research firm E-Poll. Candidates were limited to those scoring a minimum of 10% public awareness." Number 8 on the list was #78-Kurt Busch with an approval of 27%. They said, "Hot tempered and arrogant, Busch has feuded with teammates and reporters alike."(Forbes)(2-6-2013)

Furniture Row Racing announces associate sponsors: Three nationally-known mattress brands  Sealy, Serta and Simmons Beautyrest will partner with Furniture Row Racing and Denver Mattress as associate sponsors during the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season. Each of the three mattress brands will sponsor selected races, a total of 20 during the 36-event Sprint Cup schedule. The brands will carry top billing on the rear quarter panels of the #78 Furniture Row/Denver Mattress Chevrolet SS driven by Kurt Busch. The spacious Denver Mattress showrooms, which are part of the multiple-store Furniture Row Shopping Centers nationwide, carry the best of all the better brands of mattresses, including Sealy, Serta, Simmons Beautyrest and its own factory-direct line of Denver Mattresses.
"We are thrilled about having Sealy, Serta and Simmons Beautyrest coming on board to complement our Furniture Row/Denver Mattress NASCAR sponsorship," said Dan Visser, president of Denver Mattress. "Our Denver Mattress stores allow consumers the unique one-stop shopping opportunity to compare all the better brands of mattresses. We feel strongly that the powerful and highly-visible NASCAR stage will help us convey our customer-friendly message to the mattress shopper."
Part of the scheduled races for each of the mattress companies will be in the area of its corporate headquarters  Sealy (Trinity, N.C.) May 18 & 26 at Charlotte Motor Speedway; Simmons Beautyrest (Atlanta) Sept. 1 at Atlanta Motor Speedway; and Serta (Hoffman Estates, Ill.) Sept. 15 at Chicagoland Speedway.
"Having top-of-the-line national brands such as Sealy, Serta and Simmons Beautyrest on your race car is one more reason to get pumped up for the start of the 2013 season," said Busch, a 24-time Sprint Cup race winner. "NASCAR fans and NASCAR competitors all need a good night's sleep and there's not a better place to find that comfortable mattress than at a Denver Mattress store."(FRR)(2-5-2013)

2013 silly season notes for #78-Kurt Busch / Furniture Row Racing: Kurt Busch moved over to the #78 team with six races to go in the 2012 season, starting at Charlotte. Busch finished in the top ten the final three races. Crew chief Todd Berrier moved over for the #47 JTG Daughtery Racing team midway thru the season. The team is based in Denver, CO. FRR flirted and talked to Dodge about becoming their flagship team and starting a 2nd team, keeping former driver Regan Smith [now in the NNS with JR Motorsports and part time in Busch's 2012 ride, the #51 Phoenix Racing team] but Dodge decided to leave the sport instead after the 2012 season. FRR remains affiliated with Richard Childress Racing and gets chassis and engines from RCR/ECR. FRR willfield its own pit crew in 2013 rather than using a crew from Stewart-Haas Racing as they did the past few years. See images of the #78 scheme on my #78 Team Schemes page. See more about other teams on my 2013 Team / Driver Silly Season Chart.(2-5-2013)

Rondeau named Director of Competition at Furniture Row: Pete Rondeau, who has been affiliated with Furniture Row Racing since the 2010 season, has been elevated to the competition director position for the NASCAR Sprint Cup team. Rondeau initially joined the Denver-based Furniture Row Racing as the team's car chief. He assumed the crew chief role in May 2010 and served in that capacity until July 2012. In his new position as competition director, Rondeau will be the point person at the Denver race shop with the building and preparation of the team's #78 Chevys which will be driven by Kurt Busch. Rondeau will report to Mark McArdle, Furniture Row Racing's executive director of competition, who also serves as director of racing operations at Richard Childress Racing. Furniture Row Racing and RCR are partners with a technical and engineering alliance.(FRR)(1-31-2013)

Mark McArdle works for Furniture Row & RCR: Even before this season, Furniture Row Racing had a close relationship with Richard Childress Racing. Furniture Row gets its engines and chassis from RCR. The partnership was strengthened recently when Mark McArdle, managing director of competition at Furniture Row, took on a dual role as director of racing operations at RCR. With Furniture Row based in Denver, Colo., and RCR in Welcome, N.C.. The new opportunity for McArdle resulted from a standing offer by Furniture Row owner Barney Visser and general manager Joe Garone and hit critical mass when RCR hired Eric Warren as director of competition late in 2012. McArdle and Warren worked together at Evernham Motorsports. "Joe and Barney offered up my services to RCR if they could use me in any way to help that situation that they have there," McArdle told the NASCAR Wire Service. "Eric Warren and I had worked together for eight years at Evernham's. When he heard about that offer, he took us up on it and has asked me to operate as director of racing operations. The Cup teams, the Nationwide teams and the truck teams all report up through me. I report to Eric." With three Cup teams at RCR and one at Furniture Row, McArdle is spending more time in North Carolina as the organizations develop the Gen-6 car. "Right now, because of the intensity of the changeover process at RCR, we're doing kind of a two thirds/one third," McArdle said. "Two thirds of any given calendar month is being spent here in North Carolina, and about one third in Denver at this point. We hope that, as things become more stabilized and settled, that that will become more 50-50. Eventually the hope is to be able to train someone at RCR to step into that role."(NASCAR Wire Service)(1-24-2013)

Busch could stay at Furniture Row after 2013: #78-Kurt Busch says Furniture Row is a "strong option'' for him in 2014. Busch signed with the Denver-based Sprint Cup team late last season, finishing the year with three consecutive top 10s to build momentum for this season. There has been much speculation that the 2004 Cup champion was using the single-car team as a stepping stone to a top-tier organization after this year. Much of that speculation has involved Busch going to Richard Childress Racing, which supplies engines and chassis to Furniture Row. But Busch told ESPN.com during Day 2 of the Sprint Media Tour that he is happy at Furniture Row, which he already considers a fourth car at RCR. "It's a strong option,'' he said of signing an extension. Furniture Row general manager Joe Garone said preliminary discussions already are taking place with Busch. Asked if he thought it was possible a deal could be reached, he said, "Yeah, I do.'' Busch said serious negotiations for next season likely wouldn't start until sometime after April.(ESPN)(1-22-2013)

Furniture Row Racing Notes from the NASCAR Sprint Media Tour: #78-Furniture Row Racing opened Day 2 of the media tour, having Furniture Row recliners on stage for the team to sit in.
Driver of the #78 Furniture Row Chevy, Kurt Busch said "We want to be a western-based team that can compete w/ the big dogs."
Busch said. "It was great to have those six weeks to get team communication up and to feel comfortable."
Busch open to idea of more NNS races with Phoenix Racing (3 scheduled). Not set to drive any for his brother but not closing door.
Busch said heading into 2012 was bizarre, this is the moat comfortable I've ever felt (going into a season) and that he travels at least twice a month to the shop in Colorado.
#78 crew chief, Todd Berrier, says Goodyear will open the season with conservative tires.
Berrier says relationship RCRracing gives team a base line, able to work & adapt from there.
Berrier says Busch truly cares about the people he works with and says a team will work very hard for that type of person.
Furniture Row's Director of Competition Mark McArdle says parts from third-party suppliers are tight for all teams. Deck lids among them. Also of note, McArdle is also the Director of Racing Operations at RCR.(from many Twitter reports/feeds)(1-22-2013)

Kurt Busch to run three NNS race for Finch: Kurt Busch and team owner James Finch are rejoining forces for the three Nationwide Series restrictor-plate races in 2013. Busch competed for Finch in 30 Sprint Cup races in 2012. Their first win together, however, came at the Daytona Nationwide Series race in July. "He did a really good job for us on the plate races, said team owner James Finch. "We have a shot at winning all three." The team announced on Tuesday that Guy Roofing will sponsor the first NNS race on Feb. 23 at Daytona. Finch is optimistic that the relationship could blossom with additional support. Busch currently competes full-time in the Sprint Cup Series for #78-Furniture Row Racing.(FoxSports)(1-11-2013)

Furniture Row Racing to extablish own pit crew: Furniture Row Racing has taken another major step in a continuing effort to strengthen its NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team. The Denver-based organization, which showcases the #78 Chevy driven by 24-time Cup winner Kurt Busch, announced that it will develop, train and oversee its own over-the-wall pit crew starting with the 2013 season. Furniture Row Racing has been utilizing over-the-wall crews employed and trained by other NASCAR teams, most recently with crewmen from Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR). Mike "Tiny" Houston, a veteran over-the-wall crewman, has been hired as the pit crew coach for Furniture Row Racing. He will oversee and direct the specialized pit crew of six members, who will train at the 32,000-square foot Performance Instruction & Training (PIT) facility in Mooresville, N.C. Houston joins Furniture Row Racing from Hendrick Motorsports where he performed the front-tire carrier duties on Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s race car. During his seven-year stint at Hendrick Motorsports, Houston also worked as a front-tire carrier on Jeff Gordon's and Jimmie Johnson's cars.(FRR)(12-5-2012)

Smith out of the #78 after Talladega? UPDATES - Confirmed: SPEED's Race Hub reported Wednesday evening that Regan Smith's final race of the season in the Furniture Row Racing #78 would be at Talladega. Kurt Busch is expected to drive the car the remainder of the season.(9-26-2012)
UPDATE: Kurt Busch hopes to get a head start on the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup season by jumping in the #78 Furniture Row Chevy early. The next chapter of the Busch saga could begin as early as in two weeks at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Aligning with the team before the end of the season would offer Busch an opportunity to acclimate to the group and its systems for the final six races of the season. "He's going to be out after Talladega," said Phoenix Racing team owner James Finch, for whom Busch currently drives. "We're going to go down there and try to win that race. We were up front for most of the spring race, and Brad (Keselowski) dumped us with three or four to go. We'll be fine at Talladega." So who would fill the Phoenix Racing seat currently occupied by Busch? Since Finch has operated for most of 2012 sans sponsorship, he's looking at candidates "who have the potential" to bring financial support to the team for the final six race and possibly next year. Finch has spoken to representation for AJ Allmendinger, who has been sidelined since July 7, when he was suspended for testing positive for amphetamine the week before at Kentucky Speedway. Regan Smith, who will be displaced in the #78 Chevy by Busch, could be part of an easy swap with the #51 Phoenix team. Finch isn't limited to considering Sprint Cup candidates. He also has been approached by the camps of Nationwide Series drivers James Buescher and Justin Allgaier.(Fox Sports)(9-27-2012)
UPDATE 2: Regan Smith was interviewed on SPEED's Race Hub Thursday night and said he knew about two weeks ago that he would be out of the #78 for 2013, although he did not know what the team's plans were. Since that time he has been talking to several owners, but is just starting to decide what to do next. He said his priority is to be in good equipment next year, either Sprint Cup or Nationwide, and that the Nationwide Series might be a good option for him at this point in his career. There was no discussion of him being out of the car before the end of the season.(9-28-2012)
UPDATE 2: In a move to accelerate Furniture Row Racing's preparations for the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup season, Kurt Busch will take over the team's driving duties beginning with the Oct. 13th Bank of America 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Busch, who was announced earlier in the week as Furniture Row Racing's new driver for 2013, will replace Regan Smith in the #78 Chevy. Joe Garone, Furniture Row Racing's general manager, stated that Smith's Furniture Row Racing contract, which expires at the end of the season, will be fully honored.(Furniture Row Racing)(9-28-2012)

Kurt Busch to drive the #78 in 2013 UPDATE: Furniture Row Racing announced today that Kurt Busch has been hired to drive the team's #78 Chevy during the 2013 Sprint Cup season. Busch, a former NASCAR Cup champion, will replace Regan Smith, who joined Furniture Row Racing at the beginning of the 2009 season. "Though we have made strides as a resourceful single-car Sprint Cup team, we are not where we want to be, which led us to the difficult decision of making a driver change as we move forward," said Furniture Row Racing's general manager Joe Garone. "Kurt's exceptional driving talent has the capacity to take a team to another level. We look forward to having Kurt join our Denver-based organization and feel his racing experience will play an important role as we plan ahead to 2013."
Garone added, "As our team driver the past four years, Regan has represented Furniture Row Racing with both class and competitiveness. His win at Darlington in 2011  the first for Furniture Row Racing  will be a memory forever etched in our organization's history. He is a friend, and will always be a friend of Furniture Row Racing. We wish him all the best."
"Furniture Row Racing has the commitment, talent and resources to compete at a high level in the Sprint Cup Series," said Busch. "I have watched with admiration on how this team has grown over the years and that is why I am excited about the opportunity as I eagerly look forward to a new chapter in my racing career." Since the beginning of the 2012 season, Busch has driven the #51 Chevy for Phoenix Racing. His previous two teams in the Sprint Cup Series were at Penske Racing [#2 & #22] and Roush Fenway Racing [#97].(Furniture Row Racing)(9-24-2012)
UPDATE: Busch announced today on SPEED's NASCAR Race Hub that he has taken over as driver of the #78 Furniture Row entry for the 2013 season, moving on from Phoenix Racing. SPEED NASCAR Race Hub host Steve Byrnes sat down with Busch in an exclusive interview about his new ride. Here is what he had to say about 2013 read the full interview at SPEED: Kurt Busch Speaks About His Move To Furniture Row Racing.(9-25-2012)

Smith expects to be out of the #78 UPDATE: . Regan Smith, who piloted Furniture Row Racing to its breakthrough first victory on the Sprint Cup tour last season, has been told he won't be back in the organization's #78 car next year. Smith confirmed the news to NASCAR.com after qualifying Friday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. "I've been told it appears I won't be back here next year," Smith said. Furniture Row's general manager, Joe Garone, could not immediately be located for comment. Smith didn't want to speculate on the reasons behind the impending change and he said he's unsure if he will finish the season in the #78 Chevy (NASCAR.com).
AND Regan Smith does not believe he will return to Furniture Row Racing in 2013, possibly opening the door for much-maligned driver Kurt Busch. Furniture Row general manager Joe Garone has expressed interest in hiring Busch since January and the team has been seeking sponsorship to field a second car for him. Busch confirmed Friday that he has talked with Garone as well as other teams. "They've shown good interest and so have others," Busch said. "There's a handful of contracts sitting on my desk and it's just a matter of going through some detail with each of the teams." Furniture Row general manager Joe Garone said in an email Friday that his team is interested in Busch but that Busch has talked with other teams as well. Richard Petty Motorsports is among the organizations that has not signed its drivers for next season and also could be a candidate for Busch. When asked Friday if he would be back with Furniture Row next season, Smith said, "I don't believe so."
"There's a lot to it, is the best way I can put it," said Smith, who moved to Denver last year to be closer to the Colorado-based team. "It's a place where I've been for a while. I'm happy here. I like it here. But sometimes change isn't bad, either." Smith said he has been talking to other teams about 2013.(Sporting News)(9-21-2012)
UPDATE: That someone could be Kurt Busch or Brian Vickers. Both drivers are on the short list for Furniture Row  which recently re-signed its technical alliance with Richard Childress Racing. Busch met with Furniture Row principals back in early July.(FoxSports)(9-22-2012)

Crew Chief Changes #78? UPDATE: Todd Berrier is listed as the crew chief for #78-Regan Smith, Berrier had been #47-Bobby Labonte's crew chief and GM for JTG Daugherty Racing.(7-23-2012)
UPDATE: Furniture Row Racing announced today that Todd Berrier has been named crew chief for the team's #78 Chevy driven by Regan Smith. Berrier, who replaces Pete Rondeau, will take over the crew chief duties immediately. His first race on the pit box will be Sunday's Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. In making the announcement team general manager Joe Garone said, "Todd will be a great fit with our operation. The skill sets he has acquired during a successful crew chief career will be valuable assets as we move forward with a high level of energy and anticipation."
"Furniture Row Racing has a reputation in the Sprint Cup garage for its commitment and potential," said the 42-year-old Berrier. "I welcome this opportunity and can't wait to begin my new position at Indianapolis this weekend."(Furniture Row Racing)(7-24-2012)

Crew Chief Changes #47? UPDATE and new general manager: David Hyder is listed on NASCAR's entry list as the crew chief for #47-Bobby Labonte while Todd Berrier, woh was the crew chief, is listed as the crew chief for #78-Regan Smith.(7-23-2012)
UPDATE: Approaching the Indianapolis Motor Speedway race weekend, JTG Daugherty Racing announced today significant changes that include a new general manager and crew chief change for the #47 single-car NASCAR Sprint Cup Series operation. Bobby Hutchens joins the racing organization as general manager. "Bobby Hutchens is someone I have admired for a long time and the individual I've turned to many times for direction over my 18 years as a car owner," said JTG Daugherty Racing co-owner Tad Geschickter. "In my opinion, he is the best in the business and we are fortunate to have someone of his caliber step in to help steer our team in the right direction during this important transition."
David Hyder will assume the role as interim crew chief for this weekend's race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. "We have our eye on the crew chief that we want for the long term, but couldn't get it all done in time for the next few races," Geschickter said. "We would rather make the right decision for the long term. We are fortunate to have David Hyder working at JTG Daugherty Racing every day as crew chief for the K&N Pro Series East team that we have been preparing each week for Cale Conley. He has a wealth of Sprint Cup experience and we know he will do a great job until we make our decision." Todd Berrier, who joined JTG Daugherty Racing at the end of the 2011 season as crew chief and general manager, recently accepted a position with another team that was announced today. Labonte's team is prepared for the Brickyard this weekend as they display SCOTT Products on the hood of the #47 Toyota.(JTG Daugherty Racing)(7-24-2012)

Furniture Row has talked to Kurt Busch about second team: UPDATE: #78-Furniture Row Racing general manager Joe Garone confirmed today that talks have taken place between the team and driver Kurt Busch, but said those conversations are not a result of dissatisfaction with the team's current driver, Regan Smith. "I have talked to Kurt Busch," said Garone, "but it was about a team we don't even have yet. We are working diligently on getting a second (Sprint Cup) car for next year, and I'm trying to get my hands around some of the guys that will be available going onto 2013. I wanted to make an introduction to Kurt, and just let him know what our plans are for the future." Garone said he believes Smith and Busch would make good teammates, saying, "Kurt and Regan have worked well together on the superspeedways in the past. They have drafted well together and talked well back and forth. Adding a second team would be a major boost for Furniture Row Racing, and we're all working hard to try and make that happen."(Godfather Motorsports)(5-3-2012)
UPDATE: Furniture Row Racing has met with Kurt Busch, but not in an effort to replace driver Regan Smith. "I met with Kurt about starting a second team for next year," said Joe Garone, FRR's general manager. Since FRR made its debut in 2005, it became clear to team owner Barney Visser that the Denver-based organization would eventually have to expand to two teams to compete with the NASCAR powerhouses. "It's nice that people want to talk and that they're showing interest in me driving for them. And there have been other teams interested. It's very early. (Phoenix Racing team owner James) Finch knows and the rest of the team knows that I'm a free agent. But I'm committed to racing the entire year here at Phoenix Racing and (will) talk with whoever wants to talk about racing in the future." said Busch. Although an investor expressed interest in partnering with FRR, that deal fell through. However, Furniture Row has been mentioned as one of the top candidates for the Dodge Motorsports program. The sticking point in finalizing the deal appears to be which company will build the Dodge engines. Roger Penske currently builds Dodge engines for his teams. However, with Penske Racing moving to Fords for 2013, it's unclear what the future of Dodge's engine program will be. What is missing from the Dodge equation, however, is a marquee driver. Certainly, Busch would fill that void.(Fox Sports)(5-5-2012)