PAST NEWS JAN 13-19, 2003
THE PAST NEWS! YESTERDAY and BEYOND..
OTHER PAST NEWS PAGES
(1-19-2003)
- Hermie Sadler Cup news: #02-Hermie Sadler will make a sponsorship announcement in a few weeks about his Winston Cup team. Sadler was recently hired to drive a full BGN season for Rick Goodwin [#54 Toys-R-Us Chevy] but also plans to take his Cup team to 12 races.(Richmond Times Dispatch), Hermie Sadler will participate in some wrestling shows, see my Driver Appearances page for info.(1-19-2003)
- GIC and Mixon merge: #44 BGN team owners Gregg and Denise Mixon of Davidson, NC have teamed up with #93 GIC Motorsports owner James Whitener of Shafter, California, in an effort to move the #44 team in a more positive direction. The team will be known as GIC-Mixon Motorsports with new race shop headquarters in the Mooresville, NC area which will house the #44 BGN and #93 Cup Series teams, with Mike Harmon behind the wheel of both. Mike Byrd of Clarksville, TN will assume crew chief duties for the team and has success in Winston Cup and Busch Series. He is looking forward to his new role with the team and believes he will put the team in a more competitive position in the series. The 2003 NASCAR schedule for the new team will have Mike Harmon competing in all-34 BGN races along with 4 to 5 Cup races which will be announced at a later date.(Catchfence thru a GIC-Mixon Motorsports PR)(1-19-2003)
- McReynolds and Wally deal nixed? Fox analyst Larry McReynolds said he has investigated the possibility of becoming a co-owner of a NASCAR team with Wally Dallenbach, but the former crew chief said he is sticking to TV for the next two seasons.(Richmond Times Dispatch), see my Rumored News Teams page for past info.(1-19-2003)
- Compton and Melling together for some Cup races in 2003? Stacy Compton, running the full BGN season in the #59 Kingsford BGN car, is on the outside trying to get back in. "We have two scenarios for Daytona: Mark Melling and I are talking about putting something together, for about 10 races. And our Busch owner has been talking with Mark about putting together five races," he said. "So, best case scenario, we're looking at 15 races. Worst case scenario, we're not sure yet. "Mark is from Michigan, so I'm sure he'd like to go there. And Talladega has always been pretty good to us. Martinsville, Richmond, we've got some tracks in mind. And a little of it will be determined by what sponsors we have. If that comes through, hopefully we'll know something pretty soon." Compton missed Daytona testing and said he won't be in the 500. "There's no way at this point," Compton said. "Mark had looked at trying to get a car ready, and up till two weeks ago it was still a go. But we just didn't get everything put in place like we needed to."(in part from the Winston Salem Journal)(1-19-2003)
- Joy/Wimmer Helps Out: Russ Lake hosted the Motorsports Charities Recognition Dinner on Jan. 10 to benefit Ranch Community Services which has raised more than $300,000 for the Ranch since he started the benefit 12 years ago. The Ranch is a Menomonee Falls rehabilitation center for developmentally disabled adults and children who suffer the effects of mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, emotional or behavioral problems, autism and brain damage. Prior to the 12th annual dinner, a lineup of auto racing celebrities, all wearing black tuxedos and red rose boutonnieres, autographed souvenir booklets for those attending. Honorary chairman of the event was #23 BGN driver Scott Wimmer and FOX-TV NASCAR analyst Mike Joy. Master of ceremonies at the dinner was David Hobbs, owner of David Hobbs Honda and past race car driver in events such as the Indianapolis 500, Road America and the SCCA Trans-Am series. Assisting him as co-emcee was Jim Tretow.(Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)(1-19-2003)
(1-18-2003)
- Park - One or Two Year deal? In an interview reported on Florida Today (in part) - "It's not really a big secret that this is a make-or-break year for Steve [Park]," [Dale] Earnhardt Jr. said after testing at Daytona International Speedway. "We put a lot of thought into what to do there. That was a real tough decision. We felt we needed to give Steve a good opportunity this year and I think we have put good people into position to really make a difference on that team. The team morale was really awful last year at the end of the season. Now that's changed tremendously. So this season here, hopefully he can get some good finishes and get some confidence back, get the guys to get some confidence in him. We signed a two-year contract and hopefully he's going to give us good reason to extend that."(Florida Today)
However: it was announced in August of 2002 that: Dale Earnhardt, Inc.[DEI] has signed Steve Park to a one-year contract extension to remain as the driver of the #1 Pennzoil Monte Carlo through the 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup Series season. "Steve is a talented race car driver and has continually shown his dedication and commitment to our sport, " said team owner Teresa Earnhardt. "We look forward with anticipation and expectation that this continuity will ensure that the #1 Pennzoil Monte Carlo lives up to its potential."
"I feel great that all we've put into re-signing with Dale Earnhardt Inc. and Pennzoil has paid off," said Park, Dale Earnhardt Inc.'s first Winston Cup driver. "I'm really happy that I'll be in the #1 car for another season. Now that we have this behind us, we can concentrate on putting the #1 Pennzoil Chevy back in Victory Lane." Park, 34, has driven for Dale Earnhardt, Inc. since 1996.(Steve Park Site and Letter from Steve Park)(8-16-2002/1-18-2003)
- Schrader races next week in Arizona: Ken Schrader, driver of the #49 BAM Racing Dodge, will race at the Early Thaw 2003, a six-race series starting today at Central Arizona Raceway in Casa Grande, AZ. Because the Valley is one of the few venues available for winter racing, Schrader and several other out-of-state drivers already have entered. The series also includes two stops at Manzanita Speedway on Sunday and Tuesday. The series resumes Thursday at Central Arizona and a final two-day show worth $10,000 to the champion also is scheduled in Casa Grande on Jan. 25-26. Weekend shows start at 2 p.m., and midweek races begin at 7 p.m. Admission is $20 on Saturday and Sunday, and $15 for the Tuesday and Thursday races. A four-race winter series for International Motor Contest Association modifieds, pure stocks and bombers also begins today at Canyon Raceway. Racing starts at 1:00pm.(Arizona Republic)(1-18-2003)
- Engine Rules at Daytona: The number of engines a team will be allowed to use will be limited at Daytona next month, said John Darby, Winston Cup series director. Last season, the series' one-engine rule began after last year's Daytona 500. This year, teams must run the same engine from Saturday's first practice session (Feb. 8) through the twin-125 mile qualifying races (Feb. 13). If a team makes a change, then it must start at the rear of the field "at the minimum," Darby said. After the twin 125 races, teams can make an engine change before the next day's practice session. After that, they risk a similar penalty for changing engines.(News and Record)(1-18-2003)
- #28 Crew Elected NAPCM 2002 Season Pit Crew of the Year: The National Association of Pit Crew Members has announced that the NASCAR Winston Cup Robert Yates Racing #28 Texaco Havoline Crew has been elected the NAPCM 2002 Season Pit Crew of the Year. The online election was held at the NAPCM website, www.napcm.com, during the 2002 season. Cambria Laveck Padgett, Director of Member Services for the NAPCM had this to say, "The #28 Texaco/Havoline Crew sure earned this award. It was a tough season for Ray, Bobby and the rest of the #28 crew yet they consistently performed sub 14 and 15 second pit stops. Those guys are always lightening fast and a great group of competitors." In recognition of the award the #28 Crew
will receive a NAPCM "Pit Crew of the Year" award packet including items from participating sponsor Mechanix Wear. To vote for the 2003 Season NAPCM Pit Crew of the Year or to learn more about the National Association of Pit Crew Members, visit the Pit Crew Club at www.napcm.com.(PR)(1-18-2003)
- In Demand: The 'NASCAR in Car on In Demand' interactive TV offering debuted in June last year and, after a period of testing and refinement, the series is ready to market the product extensively to its fans. Despite the plug being pulled on a similar offering at Formula One after it failed to attract enough subscribers, NASCAR's vice president for broadcasting Jeffrey Pollack outlined to sportbusiness.com his confidence in the property's plans and expectations for its PPV service.(sportbusiness.com - need subscription to read)(1-18-2002)
(1-17-2003)
- UAW-GM Motorsports Media Tour starts Monday: The International Union, UAW and General Motors Corporation announced they will be the presenting sponsor of the 20th annual UAW-GM Motorsports Media Tour hosted by Lowe's Motor Speedway. More than 200 motorsports journalists from 23 states and as far away as The Netherlands are registered to participate in this annual season-preview event which begins Monday afternoon, Jan. 20, and continues through Thursday evening, Jan. 24. The largest off-season media function in NASCAR racing, the UAW-GM Motorsports Media Tour gives registered participants the opportunity to tour races shops, meet with drivers, crew chiefs and car owners, and discuss the latest developments and breaking news in motorsports with industry leaders. UAW-GM Motorsports is sponsoring the media tour for the seventh consecutive year. Joe Gibbs Racing, Dale Earnhardt Inc., Hendrick Motorsports, Robert Yates Racing, Petty Enterprises, Evernham Motorsports, Roush Racing and Penske South Racing are among the teams scheduled to host media functions during the tour while NASCAR will welcome the media to its new Research and Development Center for the first time. UAW-GM Motorsports' sponsorship of the tour is an extension of its involvement in NASCAR Winston Cup racing and commitment to educating the public and race fans. Since 1995, UAW-GM has sponsored the UAW-GM Quality 500 race every October at Lowe's Motor Speedway.(LMS PR)(1-17-2003)
- NASCAR Winston Cup Illustrated to release preview: NASCAR Winston Cup Illustrated's February issue is the largest in the
publication's history, at 264 pages. It is a complete and comprehensive preview of the 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup season, featuring a beakout of the magazine's selections as the drivers who will rank among the top 20 at the end of the year. Every driver scheduled to compete in 2003 is in the magazine, with their 2002 records, predictions on key races, keys to success, why they might win the championship and why they may not. Also there is a large section on fantasy racing, featuring complete statistics on every driver and their performances at every track. Full race reports from 2002 are included in the issue, along with previews of the BGN and CTS, 2003 schedules and more. The issue is highlighted by an in-depth and highly personal interview with Dale Earnhardt Jr. The February issue is on the newsstands or may be purchased by calling 800-883-7323.(1-17-2003)
- NASCAR TV Guide Issues: After the successful launch last year of its first-ever sports-themed standalone magazine, NASCAR 2002, TV Guide is rolling out its second-annual NASCAR preview magazine, TV Guide Winston Cup. Hitting newsstands January 20, the full-size publication (as opposed to TV Guide's customary digest size) is a comprehensive preview of the upcoming 2003 season. Targeted at the millions of NASCAR faithful, it also serves as the perfect primer for the many recent NASCAR converts. TV Guide Winston
Cup features two different collectible covers, one with 2002 Winston Cup Champion Tony Stewart and the other featuring Dale Earnhardt Jr.,
along with teammates Steve Park and Michael Waltrip. Each issue also includes a full-size poster of either Earnhardt Jr. or Jeff Gordon. Fans will also find one of two sets of collectible trading cards: one set features the top stars of Winston Cup racing, the other is a set of commemorative Dale Earnhardt tribute cards. The 96-page, full-color magazine provides an exciting look at the season to come, with several
features contributed by some of the nation's top NASCAR journalists, including David Poole, Monte Dutton, Mike Hembree and Jim McLaurin. TV Guide predicts the top 25 finishers (Can Stewart repeat? TV Guide says yes) and provides comprehensive driver info and stats, schedules for all three series, as well as lineup and track information. A look back at the outrageously unpredictable 2002 season through some of the most memorable photos of the year. In addition to newsstands, fans can order the new publication online at the TV Guide Store. Also: On newsstands for its February 15 issue (on sale Monday, February 10), TV Guide magazine will publish three different special-process, moving-image NASCAR collector's covers to highlight its regular 2003 NASCAR preview issue. Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart are each featured on one of these special covers of the nation's top-selling weekly magazine.(TV Guide PR)(1-17-2003)
- New Auto Racing Magazine: Dale Earnhardt Jr. graces this cover of Athlon's inaugural Racing magazine which provides a comprehensive preview of the 2003 NASCAR season. Athlon Racing profiles and ranks the top 40 drivers, details each track on the Winston Cup circuit and takes a look at some of the burning issues in the world's fastest growing sport. Athlon Sports has just launched a new magazine RACING. The magazine is edited by Charlie Miller, who also oversees Athlon's other sports publications. More info at www.athlonsports.com.(1-17-2003)
- Aikman and Staubach plan a Cup team for 2004 UPDATE 2: Former Cowboys quarterbacks Troy Aikman and Roger Staubach plan to become owners of a NASCAR Winston Cup team in time for the 2004 season, Aikman confirmed Thursday. Aikman, 36, retired after the Cowboys released him following the 2000 season. He led the Cowboys to three Super Bowl championships and was voted to the Pro Bowl six times. Aikman now is the lead color analyst for NFL broadcasts on the Fox network. He has been a regular visitor to Texas Motor Speedway since the facility opened in 1997, and has attended most of the NASCAR events at the track. Staubach, 60, was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985. He led the Cowboys to two Super Bowl titles and made the Pro Bowl six times. He won the Heisman Trophy while playing at Navy in 1963. Staubach now is the CEO of The Staubach Company, a diversified commercial real estate company headquartered in Dallas. Both Aikman and Staubach are discussing their plans with Winston Cup team owner Joe Gibbs, a former rival when Gibbs was the coach of the Washington Redskins. Gibbs will advise Aikman and Staubach on how to go about the process of starting a NASCAR team.(Dallas Morning News - need to register to read)(1-16-2003)
UPDATE: Troy Aikman and Roger Staubach quarterbacked the same NFL team. Now they're part owners of the same team - planning to enter a car in NASCAR's Winston Cup Series in 2004. The former Dallas Cowboys quarterbacks are partners in Hall of Fame Racing, which will be directed by former Trans-Am driver Bill Saunders, who will act as managing partner. "Roger and I have discussed this for a while, and all the pieces just came together. We're not naive going into this thing. We recognize it will be a real challenge," Aikman said in a telephone interview Thursday with The Associated Press. So far, Aikman said, the team has no shop, no equipment, no employees other than the three owners, no driver and no sponsor. The latter will be a priority, the three-time Super Bowl winner added. Aikman said Joe Gibbs, former coach of the Washington Redskins and now owner of Joe Gibbs Racing, which won Winston Cup championships in 2000 and 2002, has helped get the team off the ground. He also said it's premature to be talking about a driver. The team will be headquartered in Dallas while maintaining a race shop in Charlotte, N.C., where most of the Winston Cup teams are based.(ThatsRacin.com/AP)
UPDATE 2: The partners plan to tackle the Winston Cup schedule in February 2004 beginning with the season-opening Daytona 500 -- NASCAR's Super Bowl -- and a single-car team. A two-car team is planned for 2005 for an organization that will be headquartered in Dallas but operate out of the NASCAR hub of Charlotte, N.C. Hall of Fame Racing will spend this season hiring a director of racing operations, pursuing primary and associate sponsorships, courting manufacturers and compiling a list of prospective drivers and crewmen. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, who pulled out of a deal that would have seen him buy into the Cup team owned by Andy Petree in August, is not involved in this venture. The partners have not decided if they will buy an existing Cup team, merge with one or start from scratch -- as Gibbs did.(Fort Worth Star Telegram)(1-17-2003)
- Roush Guest of Honor: Jack Roush, multi-team NASCAR team owner [#6,16,17,97,99 in Cup, #9, #60 in BGN, #50, #99 in CTS], will be a guest of honor Saturday at the Michigan Automobile Racing Fan Club annual awards banquet. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. and will be held at the Imperial House Banquet Hall in Clinton Township. Stan Yee of Eastpointe, who has built cars for countless short-track drivers across the state, will be presented the lifetime achievement award. Thirty top Michigan drivers also will receive awards, as will 10 racetrack general managers. Club president Bill Barnhart said a half-dozen race cars, including an Indy car, midget, super late-model and Hooters Cup stocker, will be on display at the hall.(Detroit Free Press)(1-17-2003)
- Mast Update: been told by some readers that Rick Mast [who last drove in the Cup series last May in the #90 Ford] was interviewed by WDBJ 7 on January 16th 2003. In the interview the News stated that Mast's ailment was diagnosed in November of 2002. Mast stated that on a scale of 0% to 100% where 0% is dead and 100% is perfect health when he stopped driving, he was at 20% and he is now at 80%. Mast would not comment about his ailment, except to say that he has been working closely with NASCAR and a statement would be forth coming within a few weeks.(1-17-2003)
- Sacks to race at Daytona...but: NASCAR Winston Cup veteran and former Pepsi 400 winner Greg Sacks has filed an entry for the Feb 8th ARCA race at Daytona International Speedway. Sacks is entered in a Bobby Jones Racing Jiffy Lube-sponsored Ford Taurus.(Greg Sacks Fans). No word on Sacks #05 Cup team, nothing has been mentioned about that team since summer of 2002.(1-17-2003)
- Smaller Spoilers, Softer Tires in the works UPDATE: NASCAR Winston Cup Scene reports this week that NASCAR officials are moving toward smaller spoilers and working with Goodyear to use softer tire compounds, but the officials aren't ready to say when the changes will be made. While drivers such as Rusty Wallace are urging the change as early as the season's second race, the Subway 400 at North Carolina Speedway in Rockingham, Winston Cup Director John Darby told the paper that the changes may not come that quickly. He said Goodyear has agreed to produce softer tires if NASCAR can reduce downforce, which Darby said the sanctioning body intends to do. The changes would make cars less dependent on aerodynamics and might make for more competitive racing by reducing the aero-push and increasing passing. "It's going to take some time, and it's hard to pinpoint how long that will be," Darby said.(Winston Cup Scene Daily Newsletter)(1-2-2003)
UPDATE: Winston Cup series director John Darby confirmed Thursday that NASCAR is moving toward cutting the height of rear spoilers and softening tires to help reduce the aerodynamic problems that have plagued the series in recent years. For the first time, Darby put somewhat of a timetable on addressing the problem. During preseason testing the past two weeks, such drivers as Rusty Wallace and Mark Martin have expressed their desire to see changes come sooner, rather than later. The primary complaint is that the dependency on aerodynamics of the cars, combined with the harder tire compound, have made passing extremely difficult and put more emphasis on pit stops during races. "Obviously, Goodyear will have to have a lot of notice. It's easy to soften one tire, but they have to manufacturer tires enough for everyone to race on," Darby said. "That process alone is likely a three-month lead time." The tire change assessment itself indicates a change involving tires and spoilers would likely not be implemented before the second half of the season or even 2004.(ThatsRacin.com)(1-17-2003)
(1-16-2003)
- Shell and Yates? UPDATE yep: hearing that Shell Lubricants has signed a Exclusive Product-Technical Agreement with Robert Yates Racing, a multi-year product and technical agreement with Robert Yates Racing. As part of the sponsorship agreement, Shell Lubricants will supposedly be the exclusive lubricant supplier for the Robert Yates Racing teams.
UPDATE: Shell Lubricants today announced a multi-year product and technical agreement with Robert Yates Racing. As part of the sponsorship agreement, Shell Lubricants will be the exclusive lubricant supplier for the Robert Yates Racing teams. The company's alliance with Robert Yates Racing and its involvement in motorsports provide an opportunity for Shell Lubricants to further strengthen its brand, demonstrate the performance of its products and support its retailers and wholesalers. To highlight the relationship, the official ROTELLA T logo will be prominently displayed on the driver and team uniforms and on the racecars. The placement has the potential to reach 540 million people through races, television coverage and other special appearances. In addition to supplying specialty oil and greases to the Yates team, Shell will provide technical support including oil and engine part analysis in an effort to improve performance. Shell branded lubricants, including engine oils, transmission oil, gear box oils, greases and other products will be used in all Robert Yates Racing race cars. The sponsorship, which kicks off at the 2003 Daytona 500, provides numerous marketing, promotional and networking opportunities for Shell Lubricants as well as for its retailers and wholesalers.(Rotella PR)(1-16-2003)
- Teresa Earnhardt to be on Dateline: Teresa Earnhardt will give her first interview since the death of her husband, racing legend Dale Earnhardt, to Dateline NBC, a producer for the show said Tuesday. Producer Matt Lombardi said Teresa Earnhardt will be interviewed by Katie Couric on Tuesday in Charlotte, N.C., and the taped segment is expected to air in mid-February. The interview "will most likely look at how she and Dale met, their years together and how she has taken over much of the responsibility of running Dale Earnhardt Inc.," Lombardi said. The segment also will touch on Teresa Earnhardt's fight to restrict access to autopsy photos, he said.(Orlando Sentinel)(1-16-2003)
- Feisty France in better health, back at work: As stock cars roared around the track, a small black Volkswagen Jetta made a slow crawl through the Daytona International Speedway garage and pulled up to the NASCAR hauler. Bill France Jr. climbed out and gingerly walked the 10 steps toward the truck. At least a dozen crew members stopped and waved. A handful of officials asked if he needed any help. Nope, NASCAR's chairman is just fine after recent health problems and back at work keeping a watchful eye over the family business. "I'm feeling better, a lot better," the 69-year-old France said in an interview with The Associated Press. "My hip's a little sore, that's it. But the way I see it, things are good because I'm on the right side of the grass." France, the oldest son of NASCAR founder Bill France Sr., broke his right hip in August when he fell after misjudging a step in a Daytona restaurant. Before he could be treated for that injury, doctors insisted he have heart bypass surgery. The long recovery and a setback - one lung filled with fluid in early December - kept him away from most NASCAR functions and led to speculation that the cancer he beat in 2001 was back. A recent checkup, though, gave him a clean bill of health, he said. France is determined to look his best when he plans to make his first official appearance of the 2003 season next week at a NASCAR function at the annual media tour [in Charlotte].(See full interview story at FoxSports/AP, includes quotes about minorities, women, autographs, driver benefits)(1-16-2003)
- Petty Chairman: Richard Petty, the driver with the most wins in NASCAR history, will serve as chairman of the newly formed N.C. Motorsports Association. The association, which is based in Clemmons, was created last summer to promote the economic impact of the motorsports industry on the N.C. economy. "At a time when North Carolina is losing jobs in the manufacturing, agricultural and textile industries, the motorsports industry is creating hundreds of new jobs," Petty says. Other association directors include Doug Stafford of Lowe's Motor Speedway and Chris Browning with N.C. Speedway.(Charlotte Business Journal)(1-16-2003)
- Friendly's to Sponsor Cope: Friendly Ice Cream Corporation will sponsor Quest Motor Racing and the #37 Chevy of driver Derrike Cope in 2003. The announcement was made today. Friendly's, a family restaurant company serving signature sandwiches, entrees and ice cream desserts, will sponsor Cope for the majority of NASCAR Winston Cup races this season, continuing a sponsorship which began last season. The first race will be February's Daytona 500. “NASCAR and Friendly’s demographics are similar, becoming a sponsor and getting involved with NASCAR is a great fit for Friendly’s. This sponsorship fulfills a marketing objective for Friendly’s of increasing brand awareness. We believe Friendly’s and Quest Motor Racing make a formidable team and we look forward to a strong racing season,” stated Peter E. Bell, Senior Director, Marketing for Friendly’s. Cope is one of just eight active drivers to have won a Daytona 500, and one of just six since the start of the last decade. "A family sport needs family-type sponsors, and Friendly's certainly is that," Cope said. "No one in the sport is more cognizant of family than Friendly's, and that is good for all of us in NASCAR racing.. Having a company like Friendly's join us means a lot to me and to everyone at Quest Motor Racing," said Cope, a native of Spanaway, Washington. "We are excited they are going to be part of our program in 2003, and we're looking for a great year." Additional information on Friendly Ice Cream Corporation can be found on the Company’s website (www.friendlys.com).(Williams Company)(1-16-2003)
- Sirius Satellite May Face Bankruptcy UPDATE: Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. said it may be forced to file for Bankruptcy Court protection if the company, which offers more than 100 radio channels that can be heard across the U.S., can't complete a refinancing by June.(Los Angeles Times - need to register for free to read), Sirius is the sponsor for the #7 Dodge that Jimmy Spencer will drive in 2003, no word on how this effects that sponsorship, esp since it may not happen until June. KMart and Conseco left the sport after declaring bankruptcy.(1-14-2003)
UPDATE: Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. said on Wednesday that the U.S. Federal Communications Commission has approved its application to transfer control of its radio licenses to its creditors, giving the broadcaster the go-ahead to restructure its debts. The satellite radio company, which suffered a severe funding crush after struggled with costly delays on the launch of its service, is in the process of a restructuring needed to extend its funding beyond the middle of this year. Sirius, which plans to swap almost $700 million in debt and all of its $525 million preferred stock for common stock, said it hopes to complete the restructuring this quarter. The swap would remove the company's debts and provide it with funding until the middle of next year, Sirius said.(Yahoo Biz)
ANDShares of Sirius Satellite Radio Inc., which said Monday it may file for bankruptcy if its proposed restructuring isn't completed by June, rose 73 percent since trading began yesterday, after a Salomon Smith Barney analyst changed his rating on the stock from "in-line" to "outperform." None of the other eight analysts covering the company recommends buying the shares, according to Bloomberg analytics. The company will be in a stronger position if it completes its refinancing, because all debt will be eliminated, and i will have enough money "to operate close to break-even." Sirius has lost more than $800 million since it was founded in 1990. In October, Sirius proposed a restructuring plan to avert bankruptcy that would leave current shareholders with 8 percent ownership, giving 92 percent to lenders, preferred stockholders and new investors. On Monday, Sirius said again in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission that it faces possible bankruptcy if its shareholders and lenders don't agree to the company's refinancing plan.(Detroit News)(1-16-2003)
- More Toyota Stuff UPDATE: According to garage sources Toyota has placed at least one call to a third party engine casting company. The engine manufacurer is looking for support information and specifications for the V8 engine they’ll need if they want to go NASCAR racing in the future.(Ford Racing)
AND Toyota is expected to join NASCAR next season with some factory-backed trucks on the Craftsman's Truck tour, with the obvious aim of stepping up to the Winston Cup tour, probably by 2007. Toyota officials are working hard to recruit racing engineers from Detroit rivals for their NASCAR effort, and Toyota is seeking all sorts of proprietary engine information from Winston Cup engine manufacturers, according to Dodge sources. Toyota must submit a 358 c.i. V-8 to NASCAR for approval by Sept. 1, so the company should be quite far along in its development process. It is unclear which NASCAR operations might be helping Toyota with the project, although one unconfirmed report is that Robert Yates has an engine for testing.(Lap by Lap)(1-15-2003)
UPDATE: folks at Robert Yates Racing IS NOT working with Toyota on engines or anything else in any way, shape or form and that RYR is very committed to Ford.(1-16-2003)
- Racing tombstone raising eyebrows in small town: An 8-foot-tall, stainless-steel tombstone embossed with a race car has revved up a controversy in a tiny town southwest of the Quad Cities. The dispute has landed in the lap of the village's cemetery board, which is mulling ways to make the memorial coexist with the cemetery's more traditional grave sites. Brothers Dennis Begyn Jr. and Jesse Begyn hand-built the massive monument as a tribute to their father, Dennis Begyn Sr., who was killed last May when he lost control of his race car at an area drag strip. The brothers said they plan to add lights - a "Christmas tree" - like the ones that count down the start of a drag race.(ThatsRacin.com/Wires)(1-16-2003)
(1-15-2003)
- Earnhardt Jr. says contract with DEI awaiting signatures: Dale Earnhardt Jr. said Wednesday he submitted a contract proposal to Dale Earnhardt Inc. [DEI] three weeks ago but company officials have yet to sign off on it. Once they do, Earnhardt Jr. said, he will sign as well. Earnhardt Jr. has not worked with an "official" contract since 1998, when he began driving for the team started by his late father. He worked under a handshake agreement until DEI proposed a "lifetime" contract last season. The new contract will be for five years and Earnhardt Jr. said and it includes a cap on the number of sponsor and team appearances he will make away from the track during the season. "Since drivers are contract labor, my primary focus is to drive for the team, so I sell my services to the team. So, I have allotted the team 40 appearances for whoever or whatever," he said. "I had to put a cap on it. There was no control and nobody had hold of the reins. I just didn't want to give away every free day I had." Earnhardt Jr. said his team's sponsor, Budweiser, was also interested in extending its deal with the driver and DEI. "The Bud deal is good and they are wanting to extend their end of it, but they are waiting on me to be signed for good so they get their eggs in their basket," he said.(ThatsRacin.com)(1-15-2003)
- Bodine and Hooters UPDATE 2 signs for 2003: #11-Brett Bodine, among the last drivers who own their cars, is working on a partnership with Bob Brooks of Hooters Restaurants. Bodine, 44, says the move should give him a better outlook. "We just haven't been able to get ahead of things," Bodine says. "The last few years, we were going backward."(Sporting News)(1-13-2003)
UPDATE: actually hearing that Brooks is not interested in Bodine's team, not sure what this means in terms of the Hooter's sponsorship.(1-14-2003)
UPDATE 2: Winston Cup car owner/driver Brett Bodine said Wednesday he has secured sponsorship from Hooters for the 2003 season, but plans to have the restaurant chain's owner, Bob Brooks, buy into the team have been put on hold. "Mr. Brooks and Hooters were very involved in purchasing Pace Airlines and then spinning off Hooters Air, so that's taken up a lot of their time," he said. "How we come out of this test was going to determine some decisions down the road. We've got to take everything we've got as far as information and try to make the best decisions for the race team." Bodine said his team is behind in preparation for the new season and it brought just one new car to this week's test. "We don't have very many cars built and it's going to be very taxing for us to be prepared for the start of the season," he said. "We've got another car in the works, but I don't know how or when it's going to get done as far as testing at Talladega is concerned."(ThatsRacin.com)(1-15-2003)
- Frye to leave NASCAR for MRN? Hearing that Danielle Frye will leave her NASCAR PR position to become an MRN pit reporter. She would replace Jim Phillips who retired at the end of last season.(1-15-2003)
- Fittipaldi to Petree? UPDATE: Jeff Hammond reported on Speed Channel's Daytona Testing show [6:30pm/et] that is Andy Petree Racing finds a sponsor for the 2003 season, Christian Fittipaldi will drive the #55 Chevy the full season, with the Petty's OK.(1-14-2003)
UPDATE: after Christian Fittipaldi set the fastest time during the afternoon session, Petree said, "Hey, if he can do this, we can get a sponsor. He'll be driving my car all year long." That's a big statement for Andy Petree to make because Fittipaldi was scheduled to drive cars for Petty Enterprises this year. According to Petree, though, Kyle and Richard Petty have said if Andy Petree Racing can get a sponsor for this young man, they'd love to see him drive full-time in Winston Cup.(FoxSports)
AND no BGN? Fittipaldi said his plans with the Pettys are proceeding day by day. He said he does not expect to run Busch races, as originally planned. He will run the big-track ARCA races and will run various events (including the road courses) with the Pettys as he gains experience. The Pettys have two sponsored cars, the #43 Cheerios of John Andretti and the Georgia-Pacific #45 of Kyle Petty. Fittipaldi will run the #44, which at present has no full-time sponsorship, although Fittipaldi indicated that if sponsor presence is needed when he runs, Cheerios and/or Georgia-Pacific would provide paint and emblems.(Speed Channel)(1-15-2003)
- More on the #54 and #66 Carter teams: Owners Points, Creww Chief, Owner and Hideo Fukuyama:
Owners Points? Will This Be A Start-Up Team As Far As Owner Points Or Will You Be Able To Claim The 26? “No, it’s from the 26.
Who Will Be The Crew Chief? (of the #54): "Derrick Finley, who has been the engineer for us the last four or five years, has taken that role as crew chief. We really haven’t made an official announcement about that, but we have now.”
Can You Address The Hideo Fukuyama Situation Or The 66 Car? “I’m expecting to have a meeting in San Francisco with them next week about that, but, right now, it’s a little premature to predict what will happen. Not to detract from what we’re doing here, but dealing with that group is a little different. You kind of talk with them and expect certain things, and then you might not hear from them for four weeks and then they might just show up at your place the next day ready to do business. They take a different approach than we do.”
Would Carl [part owner Carl Haas] Be Involved In That? “No, Carl wouldn’t be involved in that either. Carl is gonna take a hiatus for a year or two from Winston Cup, it looks like. I’ve got to be honest with you, Carl doesn’t want to forego his involvement in Winston Cup forever."(Ford Racing)(1-15-2003)
- Earnhardt street signs safe as DEI drives on with trademark dispute: Street and directional signs leading to the Dale Earnhardt Tribute likely won't appear in ongoing legal discussions between Dale Earnhardt Inc. and Kannapolis officials over trademark issues, say lawyers from both sides. DEI and widow Teresa Earnhardt recently have accused Kannapolis officials of violating the Dale Earnhardt trademark on promotional material and billboards promoting the tribute site by not getting her permission. However, when it comes to naming rights, street and directional signs seem to be in a different category.(Independent Tribune)(1-15-2003)
- Childress Wine: NASCAR team owner [#29,#30,#31] Richard Childress and a business partner have announced plans to develop 70 acres for a winery, vineyard and hotel in Davidson County, NC. Childress said the initial investment would be from $6 million to $8 million. Childress and business partner Greg Johns of Greensboro plan to develop the land at the intersection of U.S. 64 and U.S. 52 west of Lexington. Plans include a 25,000-square-foot winery, a 25-acre vineyard, a hotel, restaurant and gift shop. Childress said construction on the winery could begin this year. It will likely be the spring of 2004 before the winery opens.(ThatsRacin.com/AP)(1-15-2003)
- Panasonic and DEI? hearing Panasonic could be an associate sponsor on one of the DEI [#1,#8,#15] cars in 2003.(1-15-2003)
(1-14-2003)
- Hillman leaves Foyt UPDATE Harrahs, Evernham, Dodge: crew chief, Mike Hillman, who worked most of the 2002 season at #14 A.J. Foyt Racing, left the team Monday. Team engineer Craig "Butch" Lamoreux, who had moved from Lewis Motorsports in the BGN [#46] at the end of last season, will assume the crew chief's role Tuesday at Daytona International Speedway when rookie Winston Cup driver Larry Foyt opens a three-day test. Hillman, 45, made the decision to leave and his future plans are unknown, a team spokesman said. The Foyt team has been busy engineering a switch from Pontiacs to Dodge Intrepids for this season and will use engines from Evernham Motorsports. The team has scheduled a news conference at Daytona, where it is expected Foyt will announce his son's plans to run for Rookie of the Year in 2003.(NASCAR.com)(1-13-2003)
UPDATE: A.J. Foyt Racing has ended its engine program and will utilize engines from Evernham Motorsports this season. Team owner A.J. Foyt said Tuesday the alliance with Evernham is one part of a vast reorganization of his Winston Cup program, which includes a change from Pontiac to Dodge and the addition of his son, Larry Foyt, as the driver of the team's #14 Dodges. "I needed to make some changes within my team because I wasn't satisfied with the overall performance," A.J. Foyt said. "We had some good races but we never found the consistency we needed to stay in the top positions. I believe the changes I've made will lead to much better performances and a much needed consistency throughout the season." Larry Foyt spent the past two seasons in the Grand National series, where he struggled. In his rookie season, Foyt posted five top-20 finishes. Last year, Foyt had two top-10s and nine top-20 finishes. "At times I had some doubts about keeping my head above water," Larry Foyt said. "But I got through it and I'm stronger and smarter for it, as a driver and a businessman." Among the other changes, Mike Chase, a former driver and most recently a shock specialist in the Grand National series, has been hired as the team manager. Craig "Butch" Lamoreuz, a former chassis specialist with Evernham Motorsports, has joined the organization and may take over the role of crew chief before the season starts. Former crew chief, Mike Hillman, left the team on Monday.(ThatsRacin.com), see an image of the car at NASCAR.com(1-14-2003)
- Conz Plans Changes: Brian Conz was recently informed by NASCAR that due to a rule change they have revoked Conz's approval to enter and run in the Daytona 500. NASCAR has now told Conz that at this time he is approved to run in Winston Cup at the race tracks that are 2 miles or less in length. NASCAR has told Conz that after he has competed in the first two ARCA events in 2003 at Daytona and Atlanta he will then gain unrestricted approval to run in Winston Cup including the remaining races scheduled at Daytona in July and the April and October races at Talladega. At this time, Conz's first Winston Cup event will be in Las Vegas. Testing for the #78 will begin tomorrow, Jan 15th with Mike Harmon stepping in for Conz in Daytona. Conz's shop is located in Mooresville, NC on Performance Dr. And Steve Bird, four time BGN Champ crew chief has signed on as crew chief. NASCAR has assigned #78 as the car number for the 2003 Winston Cup season. Currently the team has five cars completed and several more in various stages of production.(Brian Conz Site)(1-14-2003)
- Childress, others to visit overseas troops: Brendan Gaughan, Rick Crawford, Humpy Wheeler, Richard Childress, General Sadler and other NASCAR invitees will spend five days visiting overseas troops this month on the "Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve NASCAR Overseas Tour". Stopping in Germany, Bosnia, Sicily and England, they will attend rallies on five military installations, talking to troops from the U.S. Army, Navy, Airforce and Marines. "This is an incredible honor," say both Gaughan and Crawford. "Plus, it is a chance of a lifetime. We are both extremely honored and very excited about this opportunity."(ThatsRacin.com)
UPDATE: Jeff Hammond and Larry McReynolds will also be part of the group going.(1-14-2003)
- Rolex 24 At Daytona on TV: Grand American Road Racing Association announced that it has reached an agreement with SPEED Channel to broadcast 16 hours of live coverage of the 41st Rolex 24 At Daytona, Feb. 1-2. SPEED Channel's live coverage of America's great road race will begin on Saturday, Feb. 1 at 12:30 p.m. ET, with pre-race ceremonies. The green flag will fall at 1:00pm/et, and SPEED Channel will follow the action live into the night. Saturday's broadcast will end at 9:00pm/et Live coverage will resume Sunday morning at 6:00am/et, where SPEED Channel will update race fans with what happened during the night and follow the final hours of racing live to the checkered flag at 1:00pm/et and the Victory Lane celebration that follows.(ThatsRacin.com) - NASCAR connection: Kyle Petty, Kevin Lepage and Christian Fittipaldi will drive in the race.(1-14-2003)
- Evernham Motorsports Changes: Evernham Motorsports announced that several key personnel have assumed new duties within the organization. Effective immediately, Kenny Francis assumes the role of team director. Prior to accepting this position, Francis was race engineer for the #9 Dodge Dealers/UAW Dodge driven by Bill Elliott. Derek Jones assumes Francis' former duties in addition to his duties as senior engineer for Evernham Motorsports. Dr. Eric Warren, technical director, continues to oversee all engineering aspects related to the Evernham Motorsports Dodge Intrepids. Mike Shiplett assumes the role of lead mechanic for the #19 Dodge Dealers/UAW Dodge. Shiplett comes to Evernham Motorsports from the #7 Dodge Winston Cup team. Josh Browne assumes the role of race engineer. His responsibilities include supervision of all engineering aspects specific to the No. 19 Dodge Dealers/UAW Dodge. "We have a lot of knowledgeable people working at Evernham Motorsports, and we decided to distribute that knowledge a little differently," said Ray Evernham, President and CEO of Evernham Motorsports. "These changes reflect our commitment to bringing the best possible product to the race track for the Dodge Dealers and all of our valued partners. Kenny has been an integral part of the success of our organization, and I know he will continue to do so in his new role. The addition of Mike Shiplett and the transition of Josh to the #19 team solidifies Evernham Motorsports' commitment to using technological based decisions to enhance our on-track performance. We have restructured a little differently than the traditional Winston Cup operation, but this sport is growing in such monumental ways that sometimes traditional ways need to be updated." In 2002, Evernham Motorsports announced that the #19 Dodge team would run under a new management system consisting of a team director, a lead mechanic and a race engineer. The #9 Dodge team assumes this structure as well and remains intact with Mike Ford as the director of operations, Bobby Foley as the lead mechanic with Jones as race engineer for the team.(Golin Harris PR)(1-14-2003)
- DW's Truck plans include 'family'?...Mikey? will Darrell Waltrip run any CTS races in 2003? "I don't think Jim Harris, who we [with Stacy Compton] both drove for this past year, is coming back this season. I drove the Duckhead Dodge at Martinsville and the Tide Dodge at Indianapolis Raceway Park for Jim, and he was tied with Melling Racing, which has closed its doors. That's where Jim kept the trucks. I think he and Melling had an agreement of some nature so Jim called and said he probably wasn't going to race any in 2003. It looks like we're going to be able to put something together for a couple of races this year, and I think we'll have an announcement very soon about what we're planning on doing. We're going to try to keep it in the family -- just a little clue for you."(FoxSports)(1-14-2003)
- Gordon's SNL Exposure Results: Jeff Gordon’s hosting stint on NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” this past weekend enabled his main racing sponsor Du Pont and 10 other Hendrick Motorsports sponsors to earn nearly $1 million of comparable exposure value during the live, 1.5-hour telecast. Additionally, five other NASCAR sponsors got in on the act during Gordon’s appearance, bringing about a cumulative exposure value of more than $1.8 million for the brands more commonly seen on Sunday afternoons at the race track. According to research conducted by Joyce Julius and Associates’ Entertainment Marketing Research Services — which specializes in documentation and analysis of exposure stemming from product placements in television programs and motion pictures — Du Pont was the most effective of the 16 corporate brands monitored during the "Saturday Night Live" broadcast, appearing for one minute, 48 seconds (1:48) and leading to a value of $405,000 when comparing the on-screen time to the estimated cost of a 30-second commercial during the telecast. Other Gordon-related brands sharing the spotlight during the driver’s foray into the entertainment world included Chevrolet, Delphi , Haas, Eagle/Goodyear, Fritos,. GMAC, Pepsi, Quaker State and Tyvek.. Additionally, Coca-Cola, Interstate Batteries, MBNA, Pontiac and Thermos also received some camera time. The majority of the exposure value resulted during Gordon’s monologue at the beginning of the show when a pair of would-be NASCAR fans, clad in Gordon and Bobby Labonte team jackets, shouted their support of the driver from the stands. The remainder of the sponsors’ exposure originated from still photographs of Gordon in his driver suit coming in and out of commercial breaks throughout the telecast.(Joyce Julius and Associates)(1-14-2003)
- BH Motorsports dissolves But....and Todd Bodine news UPDATE 3: #54 BH Motorsports, which this season hoped to be the first black-owned Winston Cup team to run a full-time schedule, has dissolved, team officials confirmed Friday. The team was co-owned by Sam Belnavis, a native New Yorker and former director of sports marketing with Miller Brewing Co., and Tinsley Hughes, a former co-owner of #85 Mansion Motorsports, which has fielded cars in Cup on a part-time basis. Hendrick Motorsports was planning to assist the team with chassis and engines. BH Motorsports had also started a driver diversity program. The team attempted three Cup races with driver Ron Hornaday in 2002, but inclement weather canceled qualifying twice and Hornaday failed to make the field in the other. Hornaday did compete in the ARCA event at Lowe's Motor Speedway with the team, finishing second. Belnavis will remain in the sport. Within the next few weeks, he is expected to announce the formation of a new team, BelCar Racing – a partnership between himself and longtime Winston Cup car owner Travis Carter, ThatsRacin.com has learned. The new team will have sponsorship from the National Guard, which was initially signed with BH Motorsports, and will field Fords with driver Todd Bodine, utilizing Carter's equipment. The car number has not been determined. Bodine drove Carter's #26 Ford in 2002, but his future with the team was in doubt after the sponsor left at the end of the season. The new team will likely continue the driver diversity program began by the National Guard and BH Motorsports, sources said.(ThatsRacin.com)(1-4-2003)
UPDATE: Travis Carter is close to announcing a new partnership with Sam Belnavis, former director of sports marketing with Miller Brewing Co., and the National Guard for a full Winston Cup season with Todd Bodine as driver. However, crew chief Donnie Wingo moved to Ganassi Racing [#42], so finding a crew chief and a new crew will be Carter's first tasks once the deal is done.(Sporting News)(1-6-2003)
UPDATE 2: Sam Belnavis and Travis Carter announced today the formation of BelCar Racing. The minority-owned organization will field the #54 Army National Guard Ford driven by Todd Bodine for the entire 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup Series season. Belnavis, the majority shareholder, intends on making a long-term impact with BelCar Racing by being the first minority-owned team in NASCAR’s 55-year history to run a full schedule in the series top division. “Our involvement in racing is focused on enhancing the diversity effort in NASCAR as well as increasing the recruitment efforts and retention rates of our primary advertiser, the Army National Guard,” said Belnavis, chairman of BelCar Racing. “The Army National Guard, along with our driver, Todd Bodine and the resources that Travis Carter brings with him, are helping us lay the groundwork for a successful future in Winston Cup racing.” Having been around motorsports for more than 20 years as an executive with the Miller Brewing Company, Belnavis has been involved in several significant industry sponsorships. The Charlotte, N.C., resident brought Miller into the world of racing signing NASCAR Winston Cup Champion Bobby Allison to run the #22 Miller High Life Buick. “I’m committed,” added Belnavis. “My background in sports marketing and motorsports has given me an understanding of what it takes to be a championship caliber organization. It takes a lot of hard work, the proper resources and dedication. That’s what BelCar Racing is all about.” Carter, who will oversee race operations, also boasts an impressive NASCAR resume. Carter’s 32-year career includes winning the 1973 NASCAR Winston Cup Championship in his rookie year as crew chief for Benny Parsons. After working as crew chief for drivers Bobby Allison, Harry Gant, Rick Mast, Cale Yarborough and Benny Parsons, he joined the owner ranks in 1989 and has amassed six pole positions and more than $18 million in career earnings. “Sam and I have a lot in common as we are both eager for success,” remarked Carter. “With our combined resources, I know we’ll achieve the goals set for BelCar Racing in 2003.” In preparations for the upcoming season, the #54 Army National Guard team will conduct test sessions at the Daytona International Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway and North Carolina Speedway. The track time has Bodine excited to get back to work. “I couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity,” said Bodine. “I have driven for Travis for the last two years and know he has the equipment already in place to be competitive. Sam brings a new and valuable perspective to this team and I am looking forward to driving for BelCar Racing. The timing of this announcement is perfect. It gives us every opportunity to test and prepare for this season which will get us in better position to win.” BelCar Racing will operate out of the Travis Carter Enterprises complex located here.(Cox Marketing PR)
NOTE: not sure yet, but assume the team will use the 2002 #26 Owers Points for provisionals to use for the first four 2003 races.(1-13-2003)
UPDATE 3 - Geoffrey to practice: Todd Bodine met with Dr. Petty and Dr. Adamson on Monday, Jan 13th at Carolina Neurosurgery and has been released to drive. He and team owners decided to let his brother Geoffrey test at Daytona this week to give his back some additional time. "I feel great and have been increasing my strength and flexibility daily and could have gotten in the car for the test but with Geoffrey available there was not an urgency to get back in. We all feel two more weeks will be that much better. I will be at the test to help and have been working at the shop for the last couple of weeks fabricating and decaling and am excited about 2003. I will get back into a car at the Las Vegas test for my Cup and Busch cars at the end of the month."(Todd Bodine Site)(1-14-2003)
(1-13-2003)
- DEI and Kannapolis at odds over Earnhardt tribute: Dale Earnhardt's widow has asked city officials in Kannapolis to stop using the late driver's name and likeness on materials associated with a statue and park until they get her approval. George Taulbee, an attorney representing Teresa Earnhardt and Dale Earnhardt Inc., said Monday he asked officials with the Dale Earnhardt Tribute to end all use of fund-raising fliers and billboards until the materials have been authorized. "We're hopeful this can be resolved because everybody wants the statue and the park to be an appropriate memorial to Dale," Taulbee said. "But materials that display his name and image require approval before they are used, and that approval has not been obtained." Taulbee, of the Charlotte-based Alston & Bird, said Teresa Earnhardt and DEI support the statue and park but don't want organizers of the tribute using new materials to promote it until she signs off on them. Taulbee most recently expressed the widow's views in a Jan. 6 letter to Kannapolis leaders and Atlantic American Properties, which owns the site where the Dale Earnhardt statue and tribute center are located. At odds are materials such as a card soliciting donations for the planned park that shows a photo of the driver wearing sunglasses and a NASCAR uniform. Billboards along nearby interstate highways also use the Earnhardt image to advertise the tribute. City Manager Mike Mahaney said the city of Kannapolis has hired an attorney to help with the copyright and trademark issues.(ThatsRacin.com/AP)(1-13-2003)
- Harvick to run in the CTS and have team: Kevin Harvick, driver of the #29 GM Goodwrench Chevy for Richard Childress racing, announced that he plans to field trucks for 10-15 Craftsman Truck Series events in 2003. "We were really pleased with our truck efforts right out of the box," Harvick said. "My goal was to establish a top-notch truck team, and I think we've proven that our team is capable of winning each time we show up to the track. "I'd like to run another year of trucks, move to the Busch Series for a couple of years and then be a Winston Cup owner," continued Harvick." Harvick plans to run the majority of the scheduled truck races in 2003, along with Ed Berrier, Harvick's crew chief in the Truck Series, and Brandon Miller, a newcomer to the series. Berrier, who previously raced for Junie Donleavy in the Winston Cup Series and is a veteran of the BGN, will pilot the #6 Chevy for the season-opening event in Daytona. Miller, a 21-year-old resident of Bakersfield, CA, who has predominately raced Late Models on the West Coast will make his Truck Series debut at Mesa Marin Raceway in March. KHI's 2003 Truck Series Line Up (Tentative): Berrier will run at: Daytona; Harvick at: Darlington, Martinsville (both), Bristol, Richmond, Lowe's, Dover, NHIS, Phoenix and Homestead; and Miller at: Mesa Marin.(ThatsRacin.com)(1-13-2003)
- Wally and Larry Mac teaming up? UPDATE: Current television broadcasters [NBC/TNT] Wally Dallenbach and [Fox] Larry McReynolds may become NASCAR team owners in 2003. Sources report the duo is negotiating to create a team which will field BGN and Winston Cup entires at selected events this coming season with Dallenbach handling driving duties. Dallenbach drove in several BGN races last season while also working as a member of the NBC/TNT NASCAR broadcast team. The former Winston Cup regular will return to the booth again this year with his driving schedule worked around broadcast duties. McReynolds is a member of the FOX broadcast team and also does work for its affiliate SPEED Channel. The former championship winning crew chief would assume similar duties for Dallenbach with the new team. Sources have told RacingOne the new entity is close to finalizing sponsorship details and that an official announcement could come in days. A BGN debut is expected to come in July at Daytona with a Winston Cup entry next August at Watkins Glen.(RacingOne)(1-9-2003)
UPDATE: Fox Sports analyst and former crew chief Larry McReynolds is in discussions with NBC analyst and driver Wally Dallenbach to start up a new Busch Series team for the second half of the season. "We'd like to find an existing team and see if they're interested," McReynolds says. He says his ability to work on cars will enhance his value on the broadcasts.(Sporting News)(1-13-2003)
- Museum Celebrates Racing History: High Point Museum [NC] supporters and racing fans celebrated the museum's stock car racing exhibit with a gala at Bill Davis Racing Saturday night. The museum's exhibit, "When Racing was Racing: Stock Car Racing in the Piedmont Triad," ran from March through September last year. It highlighted the roots of stock car racing from the 1930s through the 1950s and focused on the local racing scene in that era. Barbara Taylor, the museum's executive director, said Bill Davis Racing on Old Thomasville Road [NC] seemed like a logical place to hold the gala, since the owners donated some of the items for the exhibit. Taylor said that the race shop is a natural extension of the exhibit because fans can tour the facility. Gail Davis, wife of Bill Davis, said Ward Burton's car, which won the Daytona 500 last year, will be on display at the shop after February.(High Point Enterprise)(1-13-2003)
- Sporting News Names Power 100: The Sporting News has named its Power 100 in the world of sports. Here are some of the highlights for racing fans (top 40 ranked by number and the rest split into categories):
8. Fox Sports Chairman David Hill - "Fox may lack ESPN's omnipresence, but it's darn close -- there's Fox Sports Net (nicely profitable in 2002), FX Channel and Speed Channel, plus a website and radio network. And Hill's bold approach often gives Fox products a distinctive (albeit frequently crass) identity. Fox's big spending on the NFL, MLB and NASCAR makes it the most important broadcast network. Of course, if Fox steps back, we may look back and say Hill and NBC's thrifty Dick Ebersol (see No. 33) should have been flip-flopped. But for now Hill is paying and he's a player.
11. Bill France Jr. - "NASCAR keeps zooming toward (past?) the big three of sports. Only shaky health and the lack of day-to-day involvement keep France from the top 10."
18. Fox Sports President Ed Goren - Runs last broadcast powerhouse, which aired the World Series, Super Bowl and NASCAR in 2002 and garnered 11 Sports Emmy awards last spring -- four more than the ESPN networks combined.
21. NASCAR President Mike Helton
33. NBC Sports Chairman Dick Ebersol
In the specific categories, Fox Chairman Rupert Murdoch was named the #2 Emperor, NASCAR's Brian France was named the #6 Sports Executive, Tony Stewart was the #6 Athlete, Turner Sports President Mark Lazarus was #2 and Fox Sports Net President Tracy Dolgin was #3 in the Media Executive rankings, and DEI chief engine builder Richie Gilmore was the #3 Technology Wonk.(MotorsportsTV)(1-13-2003)
- Las Vegas Open Testing Roster: Jan.27-30 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway:
#24-Jeff Gordon -- Jan. 27-28
#22-Ward Burton -- Jan. 27-28
#48-Jimmie Johnson -- Jan. 27-28
#25-Joe Nemechek -- Jan. 27-28
#16-Greg Biffle -- Jan. 27-28
#97-Kurt Busch -- Jan. 27-28
#19-Jeremy Mayfield -- Jan. 27-28
#49-Ken Schrader -- Jan. 27-28
#45-Kyle Petty -- Jan. 28-29
#18-Bobby Labonte -- Jan. 28-29
#20-Tony Stewart -- Jan. 28-29
#41-Casey Mears -- Jan. 28-29
#43-John Andretti -- Jan. 28-29
#42-Jamie McMurray -- Jan. 28-29
#01-Jerry Nadeau -- Jan. 29-30
#23-Kenny Wallace -- Jan. 29-30
#74-Tony Raines -- Jan. 29-30
#46?-Brandon Ash -- Jan. 29-30
#7-Jimmy Spencer -- Jan. 29-30
#07-Ted Musgrave -- Jan. 29-30
#0-Jack Sprague -- TBA.(LVMS PR)(1-10-2003)
#1-Steve Park -- Jan. 27-28 (Steve Park Site)
#10-John Benson -- Jan 27-28(Johnny Benson Site)(1-13-2003)
(1-12-2003)
see the Jan 6-12, 2003 Archived News Page
(1-5-2003)
see the Dec 30, 2002-Jan 5, 2003 Archived News Page
