PAST NEWS MAY 12-18, 2003
THE PAST NEWS! YESTERDAY and BEYOND..
OTHER PAST NEWS PAGES
- Jerry Nadeau news and updated on the #01 Team News and Links page
(5-18-2003)
- Atwood in the Navy? UPDATEs and a combo of stories: hearing the U.S. Navy will sponsor a Winston Cup team in some capacity and an announcement will come soon. The Navy sponsors Jon Wood in the #50 Roush Racing Ford in the Truck Series.(5-13-2003)
UPDATE: Roush Racing announced today that the U.S. Navy will not continue its sponsorship of driver Jon Wood and the #50 Truck Series team. “We are extremely disappointed that the Navy elected to withdraw from the Craftsman Truck Series in the middle of the year,” said Jon Wood. “Our team has really jelled this year, and I hope that someone will step in to help keep us going.”
“The Navy, through General Motors’ lead agency, Campbell-Ewald, submitted bid criteria to us only two weeks ago, that had no chance of being fulfilled by the Jon Wood’s Craftsman Truck team,” said John Miller, director of sponsor development for Roush Racing. “The criteria were clearly targeted to allow the winning bidder to be only by a Winston Cup or Busch team.”(Roush Racing), looks like maybe a GM Cup or Busch team?(5-13-2003)
AND Atwood up for a Busch ride? Casey Atwood may be a candidate for a Busch Series ride as FitzBradshaw Racing studies the possibility of adding a partial schedule for a second team, this week’s NASCAR Winston Cup Scene reports. Busch Series Editor Rick Houston reports that team owner Armando Fitz has talked to Atwood, who has been out of racing since leaving the joint Winston Cup effort of Jim Smith and Ray Evernham last year. The story says former Busch Series competitor Tim Fedewa is another possibility for the car that would be sponsored by JaniKing in at least five races. The story goes on to say that rumors say Kerry Earnhardt job has been rumored to be in jeopardy but owner Fitz denies it, also the story says Earnhardt may be looking elsewhere for a ride in 2004.(Winston Cup Scene Daily Newsletter)(5-15-2003)
UPDATE: hearing the US Navy will sponsor a 2nd FitzBradshaw Racing Busch Series team with Casey Atwood as the driver, not sure if it is a limited or full time schedule, if it happens of course.(5-16-2003)
UPDATE 2: The Navy recruiting effort now appears to be directed toward the next NASCAR levels, either Busch and/or-eventually, Winston Cup. Word on the street is that FitzBradshaw Racing, which fields the No. 12 Busch cars for Kerry Earnhardt, could inherit the Navy sponsorship, under the assumption that Campbell-Ewald steps it up to the $4m annual Busch level. Casey Atwood, in limbo after a poor rookie season with Ray Evernham, is believed to be the top candidate for the Navy sponsorship, which naturally targets young men of about Casey's age.(Speed Channel)(5-17-2003)
UPDATE 3: Two-time Busch Series race winner Casey Atwood is expected to return to the series this season driving a second entry fielded by FitzBradshaw Racing, ThatsRacin.com has learned. Sources said the team is also the likely new home for the Navy sponsorship, which earlier this week pulled out of the Roush Racing NASCAR Truck series team driven by Jon Wood. "I have no comment other than that nothing has been signed with a sponsor or a driver," said team publicist Tara Gudger. FitzBradshaw currently fields the No. 12 Chevrolets in the series driven by Kerry Earnhardt. Atwood did not return calls for comment.(ThatsRacin.com)(5-18-2003)
- Former Philly Eagle to be involved in NASCAR former Philadelphia Eagle [Jayski team] and Green Bay Packer [booo] Reggie White and one of his old rivals announced a partnership on Saturday they hope will increase minority involvement in motorsports. With the financial backing of Joe Gibbs Racing, Gibbs and White said they will start looking for promising young minority drivers, mechanics and crew chiefs to run Late Model Sportsmen races at Charlotte-area tracks in 2004. "Black kids haven't had a chance to get into this sport," said Gibbs. "We want to do what's best for young people and for the sport." NASCAR hasn't traditionally been a large draw to blacks - either as fans or participants. A team that was to be owned by former NFL player Joe Washington and the NBA's Julius Erving never got off the ground. The late Wendell Scott won a race and a pole in the 1960s and was followed by Willy T. Ribbs, who experienced limited success. Bill Lester was the first black to win a pole for a modern-era NASCAR race when he qualified first for Friday's inaugural Truck Series event at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Gibbs said he has already identified a few young black drivers and is looking for more. He also said that while he will concentrate on finding black drivers, he won't ignore other minorities. "That's our push," he said. "But we're not restricting it (to blacks)." Gibbs said he hoped to begin with two to five teams in 2004. His team will fund the operations - each costing between $50,000-$100,000 a year - whether sponsors step forward or not. "I'm intrigued by this," said White, who lives in the Charlotte area and got interested in racing after he played for the Carolina Panthers in 2000. "I think it boils down to black children not being able to afford getting into the sport. Look at golf, where there was the same situation. Tiger Woods helped there, and maybe we'll find the next Tiger Woods in NASCAR." Said Gibbs: "I think it's coming. This should be a sport for all Americans, for everybody. When you go to a race track, there should be huge following of all kinds of cultural backgrounds, I think. Because everybody loves cars."(in part from ThatsRacin.com)
AND Former NFL rivals Joe Gibbs and Reggie White announced yesterday they will field several Late Model cars at short tracks in the Charlotte, NC, area next season in hopes of fostering minority involvement in NASCAR. White and Gibbs had talked over the past 18 months about White's hopes to form a NASCAR team. But because sponsors were difficult to find, Gibbs decided on a grass-roots approach. "This will be good for Reggie because he'll get in on the ground floor," Gibbs said. "We're looking for sponsors, but it isn't subject to it. We'll start immediately, spend our own money and go full speed ahead." White became hooked on NASCAR only recently but is interested in being an owner. "I'm really intrigued by the opportunity to get into sport and help minorities," said White, a star defensive end who played for Green Bay, Philadelphia and Carolina. "I know it's been a big concern for NASCAR. One of the things I'm excited about is it also gives inner-city kids a chance to make contacts with corporate America. We could raise up a kid who could be the next Tiger Woods in NASCAR." Gibbs and White are soliciting applications from potential drivers and crew members who are at least 18 and have a high school diploma or equivalent. Resumes should be mailed to Joe Gibbs Racing Diversity Program, c/o Steve de Souza, 13451 Reese Blvd. W, Huntersville, NC 28078.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(5-18-2003)
- Sad News: The Auburn family lost a true friend Thursday when lead announcer Jim Fyffe passed away from a brain aneurysm at Jackson Hospital in Montgomery. He was 57. He is survived by his wife, Rose, five children, five grandchildren and one great grandchild. Donations can be made to the American Diabetes Association in the name of Jim Fyffe. Fyffe spent 22 seasons as the play-by-play announcer for Auburn football and men’s basketball games. Fyffe, who called games for the Auburn Network, was employed by WACV-AM in Montgomery. He also served as the play-by-play voice for the USFL’s Birmingham Stallions and Columbus Steeldogs arena football team. He was also public address announcer at Talladega Superspeedway.(Sand Mountain Reporter)(5-18-2003)
- Roof Hatch - Day III: NASCAR drivers could be riding in cars equipped with roof exits before the end of this season. Gary Nelson, NASCAR's managing director of competition, said recent developments have put the roof hatch program on the fast track. "We made a big step in the last week or so," Nelson said. "What we hope to have happen is to make it optional [for teams] very soon." Nelson said the hatch will open from several directions, allowing drivers to escape no matter how the car lands after a crash. He also said the hatch, which is designed to be easily operated by rescue workers as well as drivers, could be used for routine entry and exit from the car. "One of our engineers said that if we get this thing right, it'll be so slick that a lot of drivers will just put one foot on the door and jump through the top," he said. Nelson also is working on energy-absorbing materials that can be placed between the door bars and the sheet metal on the driver's side door. That would offer protection in crashes like Jerry Nadeau's at Richmond and Kyle Petty's at Bristol. In those wrecks, the driver's door slammed squarely into the wall, creating the highest impact readings since NASCAR began equipping cars with "black box" impact data recorders. "They were just flush hits, and we haven't seen many like that," Nelson said. "That got us stirred up to where we're putting a lot of resources into that area."(Atlanta Journal-Constitution), see past news about this on my Safety Page.(5-18-2003)
- Mural at LMS: David Arrigo, the artist who painted a mural of Wayne Gretzky at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, is working on a mural on the concourse at the entrance to the Ford Grandstand at LMS. The 16-feet by 6-feet painting will take six days to complete. It will depict scenes of drivers like Rusty Wallace, Dale Jarrett, Jimmie Johnson, Ryan Newman and others. Race fans attending events this week can watch Arrigo work on the painting. After it is finished, it will be moved to Charlotte Douglas International Airport for permanent display.(NASCAR.com)(5-18-2003)
- 3rd Davis Team at Dover: Bill Davis Racing will field a third [#27] Winston Cup entry at the June 1 race at Dover, Del., for its Busch series driver Scott Wimmer, team officials confirmed Saturday. BDR currently fields the #22 Caterpillar Dodges for Ward Burton and the #23 Stacker 2 Dodges for Kenny Wallace. Wimmer is scheduled to test his Cup car Monday and Tuesday at Dover.(ThatsRacin.com)(5-18-2003)
- Flyboy: #31-Robby Gordon completed five laps at Indianapolis Motor Speedway yesterday before rain ended practice and sent Gordon to Lowe's Motor Speedway for last night's Winston Open. Gordon is attempting to run the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same day for the fourth time. He has signed a deal with jet and helicopter companies to ensure swift transportation from the Brickyard to Lowe's Motor Speedway.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(5-18-2003)
- Park tested by Childress..passes: Richard Childress said he has no qualms about hiring Steve Park to replace Jeff Green: 'Steve is a proven winner. We tried to pick him back when Dale (Earnhardt) was looking at him. We just want consistency from Steve. We told him, 'Don't go out there and put a bunch of pressure on yourself. Just race and have fun. If you do that, the rest will come. Don't let the pressure get to you.'' On the medical issue, Childress says 'We've talked to the doctors and he's in real good shape, his reflexes and everything are perfect. He's already got a baseline (mental agility exam at Wake Forest's Bowman Gray School of Medicine). We may end up getting a new one, but we feel good about where he's at.'(Winston Salem Journal)(5-18-2003)
- No More Free Fuel? The identity of the official fuel of NASCAR for 2004 is still not known, but whatever company it is, the gasoline may no longer be free.(Winston Salem Journal)(5-18-2003)
(5-17-2003)
- #09 Car? Who drives? been asked, have not heard who will drive the #09 Phoenix Racing Dodge in future races [Daytona and Talladega, maybe Homestead] since Mike Wallace is now with the #01 US Army car.(5-17-2003)
- Rusty to be on Beyond the Glory: Fox Sports Net will profile Rusty Wallace in an episode of its documentary series "Beyond The Glory." The one-hour biography of Wallace will premiere Sunday, June 1, at 8:00pm. Fox Sports Net is in the process of putting the finishing touches on the show. It delves into Wallace's youth growing up and racing cars in St. Louis, his beginnings in NASCAR as a Midwesterner in a Southern sport and his rivalries with Dale Earnhardt and Jeff Gordon. "Beyond The Glory" is a weekly Emmy-nominated sports documentary series that profiles many of the biggest names in the contemporary sports world. The subjects profiled in the series tell their own story in a unique format. Other drivers who have been the subject of "Beyond The Glory" profiles include Dale Earnhardt, Dale Jarrett, Sterling Marlin, Mark Martin, the Petty family and the Waltrip family.(St. Louis Post Dispatch)(5-17-2003)
- Sad News: Leo "Mac" McCullough, injured April 18 when his car hit a wall head-on after a collision in a stock car race at Ocala (Fla.) Speedway, died May 9, according to news reports. He was 74. Since 1990, there have been at least 306 people killed in U.S. auto racing, according to an Observer study. He is at least the eighth person to die in 2003, and is the oldest driver in the newspaper's study to die. He is survived by his wife, three children, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.(ThatsRacin.com)(5-17-2003)
- Panther Power: The Jasper Motorsports Panther Power paint scheme that will compete at Lowe’s Motor Speedway for the Winston weekend was designed by Timothy G. Freed for Freed Motorsport Designs. Freed Motorsport Designs have been designing unique and distinctive paint schemes and promotional items for race teams since 1996. You can see his work in every major racing series this year with the Jasper Panther Power car in NASCAR, the Roush Racing Odoban car in the Busch Series, the Kenny Brack Pioneer/Miller Lite car in the Indy Racing League, the Michel Jourdain Jr. Gigante car in the CART series, and the Danica Patrick Argent car in the Toyota Atlantic Series.(see the image on my Paint Scheme Gallery Chart/Page)(5-17-2003)
- Testing to be banned in 2004? Bruton Smith believes NASCAR will ban testing next year to help contain costs. NASCAR limited teams to five tests this year at Winston Cup tracks, sending many to ovals in Lakeland, Fla., and Sparta, Ky. "It's very simple," said Smith, whose company owns six tracks that play host to Winston Cup races. "If you're going to California and you want to test, you come in one day early so you don't make another trip. That would free up these teams an awful lot and save millions and millions of dollars. This sport is expensive to begin with. You can't continually add expense to it."(Richmond Times Dispatch)(5-17-2003)
- More on Carbon Monoxide Filter System: NASCAR is close to approving a carbon monoxide filter system for Winston Cup cars as well as escape hatches on the cars' roofs. Gary Nelson, NASCAR's managing director of competition, said Friday he believes the carbon monoxide system, called a catalyst and based on space technology used to clean air, will be available for use in the Winston Cup series in the coming weeks. Nelson would not put a definite timetable on approval, but said drivers wanting to test the system in a race leading up to its official approval were welcome to do so. Track safety workers at all NASCAR tracks are also being trained on detecting symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, so drivers can be treated effectively, Nelson said.(ThatsRacin.com, see past news on my Safety News page)(5-17-2003)
- More on Roof Hatches: Roof escapes, which have been promoted by some of the series' larger drivers who have a more difficult time exiting cars following crashes, should be available for use by the end of the season, Nelson said. One of Nelson's engineers at NASCAR's research and development center came up with the idea currently being tested on the escape hatch, which utilizes a pull-cord to allow two different ways of opening the hatch. The roof hatch will be optional, not required.(ThatsRacin.com, see past news on my Safety News page)(5-17-2003)
- Drivers beat Media: A team of drivers and athletes from other sports defeated a media team 59-38 in the Hoops for Hope charity basketball game hosted by Elliott Sadler at UNCC's Halton Arena Thursday night. The event raised money for the Autism Society of America.(ThatsRacin.com), see photos of the event at The Sadler Bother Fanclub site.(5-17-2003)
(5-16-2003)
- Data Wanted from NASCAR: Dan Davis, the head of Ford's racing division, said he still hasn't been told what happened in Jerry Nadeau's crash at Richmond two weeks ago, and he's calling for a more open investigation, including a complete reconstruction of the accident and a computer analysis of the possible G-forces on Nadeau's head and body through computer simulation. "What I would like to do with the Nadeau thing - and we have not been involved up 'til now in any great degree - is let's go analyze what happened," Davis said yesterday during a tour of NASCAR race shops. 'Let's computer-model that situation. "I don't know how his head hit, I don't know the actual physics of what occurred. But it would seem to me it would be important to understand the physics of what occurred. I have a vested interest, no matter who the driver is. We will do everything we're allowed to do, and we will push as hard as we can."(Winston Salem Journal)(5-16-2003)
- Air Bags? Would side impact air bags have helped protect Jerry Nadeau better? "We did look at air bags about six or seven years ago, in TransAm, and there are a lot of issues,' Dan Davis, the head of Ford's racing division, said. "The more you tried to make that work, the more you found there were situations where it didn't work. There was a crash test done, there were systems being designed. But the further we got into the program the more nervous we got about it working. For example - multiple hits. How does the bag react?"(Winston Salem Journal)(5-16-2003)
- Drivers May Soon Have Cleaner Air in Their Cars: NASCAR is close to approving an air-purifying system for racecars to reduce the carbon-monoxide fumes to which drivers are exposed. Gary Nelson, NASCAR's managing director for competition, said today [Thursday] that a new system, called a catalyst, could be installed in the passenger compartments of cars in time for the Coca-Cola 600 on May 25 here at Lowe's Motor Speedway. NASCAR began studying carbon-monoxide exposure when Rick Mast, a longtime driver, stopped racing last year after learning he had chronic and acute carbon-monoxide poisoning, which causes headaches, nausea and dizziness. Nelson said some details must be worked out before the system was approved, but he said he wanted the catalysts available by the Coca-Cola 600. It is the only 600-mile race on the schedule and exposes drivers to carbon monoxide for a longer period. Even if the catalysts are available, Nascar officials will make them optional, not mandatory. NASCAR also will continue to test drivers' carbon-monoxide levels before and after races. The tests are voluntary, with 5 to 10 drivers tested each race. Nelson said that he would not reveal the results of the tests until Nascar's study is complete, but that carbon-monoxide levels found in drivers were not dangerously high.(New York Times may be to register to read)(5-16-2003)
- 2003 Legends in Racing Inductees: The dean of American motorsport journalists leads a class of six inductees into Legends in Racing, the hall of fame of the American Auto Racing Writers and Broadcasters Association (AARWBA). Also elected is a man who set several land speed records and was a drag racing pioneer, the only one of the Chevrolet brothers to race in the Indianapolis 500, a pre- and post-war sprint car builder, a three-time Winston Cup champion, and the King of the Outlaws. The six inductees: Chris Economaki, Art Arfons, Arthur Chevrolet, Floyd "Pop" Dreyer, Darrell Waltrip and Steve Kinser. Economaki and Arfons both easily won election this year. The other four made it in under "Rule Two" which elects the one top vote-getter in a category under a reduced minimum if nobody in that category meets the first standard. Both Chevrolet and Dreyer were elected because they tied in the Historic Non-Driver vote. Unusual this year was that someone was elected in each of the five categories.(AARWBA PR)(5-16-2003)
- Stewart, Earnhardt Jr., 3 Doors Down music video: on Monday night, March 10th in Concord, NC, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Tony Stewart filmed a music video for the band 3 Doors Down. The group chose Concord for its video locale because of the racing theme behind it. The plot line, loosely, is that a woman is stopped at a red light (at the square in downtown Concord) in a red Jeep Wrangler when Earnhardt Jr. pulls up beside her and begins flirting. Soon after, Stewart pulls up on the other side and begins to compete for her attention. The two rival drivers appear to quickly forget the girl and set off drag racing, leaving her behind. The racers in the video will tear through the streets and barrel through the woods only to emerge at a race track (Concord Motorsports Park) where a 3 Doors Down concert is in progress [along with a late model race]. They circle the track a few times and tear off into the woods again. For the links to the video (Real Audio or Window's Media formats) see the Drivers/NASCAR Personalities On TV section of my Driver Appearances page(pretty cool video by the way).(5-16-2003)
(5-15-2003)
- Going to Charlotte for the races? check out Sam Bass and...: The walls of the Sam Bass art gallery, located less than a lap away from Lowe's Motor Speedway's high-banked oval, are alive with vivid recollections of racing's most exciting and endearing events. Visitors are often overcome with a sense of time frozen in place as they view the paintings - as if Jeff Gordon's first win were only yesterday; Richard Petty's seventh championship had just happened; and Mark Martin is just beginning to celebrate his $1 million victory in the Coca-Cola 600. Individual moments, protected from the present behind the glass plates of their frames, hang in anticipation of being freed by the imagination of race fans. The Sam Bass Gallery displays dozens of examples of team graphics packages and car paint schemes he has designed. The 10,000-square-foot building on Performance Drive in Concord that is currently home to the Sam Bass collection of original paintings and fine art, limited-edition prints also gives visitors a look at some of the artist's rare personal racing mementos such as historic sheet metal, driver helmets and uniforms. A tour of the Sam Bass Gallery is a pilgrimage thousands of race fans a year eagerly anticipate. Adjacent to Lowe's Motor Speedway, the gallery is open from 10:00am to 5:00pm/et, Monday through Saturday, year round. Visit www.sambass.com on the Internet or phone 800/556-5464 for more information. Admission is free. Tours may be arranged through the gallery coordinator.
ALSO: check out the North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame and Memory Lane Museum, both in Mooresville, NC (15-20 minutes from the track) and to check out Team Race Shops, see my Team Address page.(5-15-2003)
- North Carloina Governor declares May 'Motorsports Month: Gov. Mike Easley declared May "Motorsports Month in North Carolina" on Thursday, another gimmick in the state's campaign to keep NASCAR from moving its annual all-star race. The Winston has been held at Lowe's Motor Speedway 16 straight years, and all but once in event history. But NASCAR has been toying with the idea of rotating the non-points race to other venues. So city and business leaders launched a $650,000 campaign this spring aimed at convincing NASCAR the event should stay where it is.(Charlotte Observer/AP)(5-15-2003)
- Escape Hatch Proposed: The extensive injuries suffered by Winston Cup driver Jerry Nadeau in a crash at Richmond International Raceway this month have some of the series' physically bigger drivers talking to NASCAR about escape hatches. Similar to the setup found in the roofs of NHRA Funny Car bodies, the hatch idea for NASCAR was proposed last summer by native Texan Bobby Labonte. #38-Elliott Sadler, who is 6-foot-2 and 195 pounds, said the idea definitely has merit. "I would really like to see that come, being a big guy," said Sadler, driver of the No. 38 Ford Taurus at Robert Yates Racing. "I cannot sit here and tell you that if my car hits driver-side and catches on fire, that I can get out of the right side. It's an easy thing to do in the shop when there is no panic, but if there's a fire or something going on, I think it would be hard to do that. I would really like to see the hatches be put in place." Exiting a Cup car in duress has become increasingly difficult since NASCAR mandated use of the HANS Device.(Fort Worth Star Telegram)(5-15-2003)
- RCR Museum Opens Friday: North Carolina Governor Mike Easley will give remarks and make presentation to Richard Childress Thursday afternoon as part of opening ceremonies for RCR Museum & Gift Shop, which opens to the public Friday, May 16, at 9:00am/et at Richard Childress Racing, 239 Industrial Drive, Welcome, N.C.. (336) 731-2208, see past news on this and what the museum will be like at my Hall of Fame/Museum Links and News page.(5-15-2003)
- NASCAR says deal on title sponsor isn't close: A NASCAR spokesman said Wednesday it would be premature to name any company as a leading candidate to replace R.J. Reynolds Tobacco as title sponsor of the Winston Cup series. "In terms of finalizing any kind of a deal, I see another 60 days minimum," said Jim Hunter, vice president of corporate communications for NASCAR. "There are serious conversations going on, but as far as putting a timetable on it, I don't think we can." Earlier this year RJR officials confirmed they had told NASCAR that if another title sponsor could be found the tobacco company would step aside despite the fact it last year signed a five-year contract extension. Discussion about a new sponsor will likely be part of the upcoming weekend at Lowe's Motor Speedway, where RJR is also the sponsor of The Winston all-star race scheduled for Saturday night. McDonald's, Coca-Cola, Gillette and Visa are among the companies that have been named as possible candidates to replace RJR in the title sponsor's role. Speculation that VISA has emerged as a front-runner has picked up in recent days, but Hunter said Wednesday that was not true. A Visa spokesperson declined to comment. Dean Bonham, president of The Bonham Group, a Denver-based sports-marketing agency, said he thinks NASCAR offers a potential sponsor on of the most attractive demographics in professional sports. "The NASCAR demographic is more diversified than many people realize," Bohnam said. "It's broad in terms of age, income and education, and its fans are much better educated and have a higher income than most people realize."(ThatsRacin.com)(5-15-2003)
- Jesse Jackson Defends NASCAR Work: The Rev. Jesse Jackson tells NASCAR Winston Cup Scene this week that he got involved with NASCAR to help bring more diversity to the sport and says the sanctioning body has shown a commitment to providing more opportunities to minorities. "We reached out to [NASCAR] because of so many black drivers and engineers who couldn’t get in," the civil rights activist says in an exclusive interview with contributing writer Doug Johnson. "We wanted to open up the industry…. Race car driving is an American sport. And African-Americans are part of that one big tent of American interest…. I think that there is now a very definite commitment [by NASCAR]. I think they appreciate the undercapped market and the untapped talent."(Winston Cup Scene Daily Newsletter, there is also a full column by Doug Johnson in this weeks magazine)(5-15-2003)
- Buyout of RJR? The latest on the rumored buyout of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco by British-American Tobacco - RJR has been cutting back considerably on its sports marketing and has also shut down what it has termed "lifestyle" marketing, promotions in places such as bowling alleys, pool halls and bars. RJR has also shut down its convenience-store program, where a customer in to buy Marlboros, for example, would be offered free packs of Winstons as an incentive to change brands.(Winston Salem Journal)(5-15-2003)
- Atwood up for a Busch ride? Casey Atwood may be a candidate for a Busch Series ride as FitzBradshaw Racing studies the possibility of adding a partial schedule for a second team, this week’s NASCAR Winston Cup Scene reports. Busch Series Editor Rick Houston reports that team owner Armando Fitz has talked to Atwood, who has been out of racing since leaving the joint Winston Cup effort of Jim Smith and Ray Evernham last year. The story says former Busch Series competitor Tim Fedewa is another possibility for the car that would be sponsored by JaniKing in at least five races. The story goes on to say that rumors say Kerry Earnhardt job has been rumored to be in jeopardy but owner Fitz denies it, also the story says Earnhardt may be looking elsewhere for a ride in 2004.(Winston Cup Scene Daily Newsletter)(5-15-2003)
- GM Boss to Retire: General Motors announced Wednesday that Herb Fishel, executive director of GM Racing, will go on special assignment to GM Service and Parts Operations on June 1 and retire Sept. 1. Doug Duchardt, group manager for GM Racing's oval track group, will assume Fishel’s responsibilities at GM Racing effective June 1. Pat Suhy Jr., an engineer at GM Powertrain, will replace Duchardt. Duchardt, 39, has been responsible since 1999 for all program management and technical development for engines, chassis and aerodynamics for the Chevrolet and Pontiac entries in NASCAR’s Winston Cup, Busch and Craftsman Truck series.(Winston Cup Scene Daily Newsletter)(5-15-2003)
- Cleaning Up: Clean Control Corp., which manufacturers a disinfectant called OdoBan Odor Eliminator, sent all Winston Cup and Busch series teams its product to help battle viruses. As the world deals with the threat of SARS, the company, which sponsors Stanton Barrett's car on the Busch Series, decided it would be good business to give its racing competitors gallons of the product.(Augusta Chronicle)(5-15-2003)
- Alcohol to be watched: Law enforcement officials plan to crack down on alcohol and drug violations during the upcoming races at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, sources said. The Alcohol Law Enforcement Agency, the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Department and the Concord Police Department will target vendors selling alcohol to minors and bartenders who over-serve patrons. Alcohol Law Enforcement Agency Agent Joe Barringer said ALE plans to use at least four teen-agers to be sent in to local businesses to try and buy alcohol from vendors.(Independent Tribune)(5-15-2003)
- CART Driver to NASCAR: Confirming months of speculation about his future in motorsports, Toyota Atlantic star driver Rocky Moran Jr. has signed a management contract with Motorsports Management International, all but assuring that a move to NASCAR is in the cards for the two-time Toyota Atlantic race winner. Moran, Jr., son of multiple Indy 500 starter and CART veteran Rocky Moran, Sr., has been in the news lately for his essays on the state of American open-wheel racing. His views, shared by a majority of drivers, express the difficulty for a young American to break into CART because of a growing sentiment of car owners to accept money from less talented foreign drivers, leaving many young Americans out of a ride for the 2003 racing season. For Moran, Jr., he now looks to NASCAR as his next home. Moran, Jr., who has finished in the top-five in the Toyota Atlantic Championship, the top feeder system into CART, two of the last three years has already fielded opportunities from Trucks and Busch Series teams.(Insider Racing News)(5-15-2003)
- Testing at Kentucky UPDATE: on Wednesday, May 14th four drivers will test. Two Cup drivers: #30-Steve Park and Hank Park Jr in an Evernham Motorsports Dodge. And two testing Busch cars: #23-Scott Wimmer and Eric McClure for Morgan McClure Racing. On Tuesday, #88-Dale Jarrett tested two cars at Kentucky, one of which will be on the track at Charlotte in The Winston. The team also documented aero performance notes for the upcoming Coca-Cola 600 to be held at Charlotte in two weeks.(Kentucky Speedway PR)(5-14-2003)
UPDATE: Drivers making Winston Cup Series research and development runs at Kentucky Speedway included Scott Wimmer in the Bill Davis Racing R&D #23 Dodge, Eric McClure in the #4 Kodak R&D machine, Damon Lusk in the Ultra Motorsports #7 Sirius Dodge and Hank Parker, Jr., in the #91 Evernham Motorsports R&D Dodge.(Kentucky Speedway PR)(5-15-2003)
- Going to Charlotte for the race? check out Sam Bass and...: The walls of the Sam Bass art gallery, located less than a lap away from Lowe's Motor Speedway's high-banked oval, are alive with vivid recollections of racing's most exciting and endearing events. Visitors are often overcome with a sense of time frozen in place as they view the paintings - as if Jeff Gordon's first win were only yesterday; Richard Petty's seventh championship had just happened; and Mark Martin is just beginning to celebrate his $1 million victory in the Coca-Cola 600. Individual moments, protected from the present behind the glass plates of their frames, hang in anticipation of being freed by the imagination of race fans. The Sam Bass Gallery displays dozens of examples of team graphics packages and car paint schemes he has designed. The 10,000-square-foot building on Performance Drive in Concord that is currently home to the Sam Bass collection of original paintings and fine art, limited-edition prints also gives visitors a look at some of the artist's rare personal racing mementos such as historic sheet metal, driver helmets and uniforms. A tour of the Sam Bass Gallery is a pilgrimage thousands of race fans a year eagerly anticipate. Adjacent to Lowe's Motor Speedway, the gallery is open from 10:00am to 5:00pm/et, Monday through Saturday, year round. Visit www.sambass.com on the Internet or phone 800/556-5464 for more information. Admission is free. Tours may be arranged through the gallery coordinator.
ALSO: check out the North Carolina Auto Racing Hall of Fame and Memory Lane Museum, both in Mooresville, NC (15-20 minutes from the track) and to check out Team Race Shops, see my Team Address page.(5-15-2003)
(5-14-2003)
- What happens to Park and Chance 2? Been asked....UPDATE Park out, Parker In: Steve Park's departure last week from DEI has created a chance for another driver in DEI's affiliated Busch Series team. When Park was released it created a four-race vacancy in the seat of #8/81 Chance 2 Motorsports' Chevy that owners Teresa Earnhardt and Dale Earnhardt Jr. field in select Busch Series events. A DEI spokesman said that the organization was close to naming a driver for the next race the team was supposed to do, the CARQUEST Auto Parts 300 next week at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Chance 2 started the season with an approximate 14-race program: Three races for Earnhardt, five for Park (Las Vegas, Michigan in August [Tont Stewart?], Kansas and Atlanta), and six for Martin Truex Jr.(ran #81 at Richmond, others scheduled: Dover in June, Richmond, Charlotte in Oct, Rockingham and Homestead). Hermie Sadler is mentioned as one possible driver for Lowe's as is Hank Parker Jr.(NASCAR.com)(5-13-2003)
UPDATE: Chance 2 Motorsports, the team co-owned by Teresa Earnhardt and Dale Earnhardt Jr., will enter driver Hank Parker Jr. in the Charlotte Busch race. Parker Jr. also is scheduled to be in the car for three other Busch races this season, ThatsRacin.com has learned. Former Dale Earnhardt Inc. driver Steve Park was scheduled to run four races in that car, but was released from the team last week.(ThatsRacin.com), should call it Team Junior: Dale Jr, Martin Jr and Hank Jr.(5-14-2003)
- Biffle to run Lowe's Busch race: Roush Racing confirmed that reigning Busch Series champion Greg Biffle would be in the Carquest 300 at Lowe's Motor Speedway in the #9 Ford. That car was fielded with Winston Cup driver Jeff Burton last season in Busch competition.(ThatsRacin.com) AND Greg Biffle is set to make his first Busch Series start since wrapping up the 2002 championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Nov. 16. The event: the Carquest Auto Parts 300 at Lowe's Motor Speedway on May 24. The car: the #9 Uh-Oh! Oreo Ford prepared by Roush Racing. Kraft Foods North America is extending its partnership with Roush Racing, taking the opportunity to introduce one of its newest products to race fans with a one-race sponsorship of the #9 Uh-Oh! Oreo Ford
Taurus. Kraft Foods' involvement with Roush Racing also consists of the Team Kraft sponsorship, which includes an associate sponsorship of Biffle along with teammates Mark Martin, Matt Kenseth, Jeff Burton and Kurt Busch in the Winston Cup Series. The #50 Craftsman Truck Series team will setup the car and service it throughout the weekend with Jon Monsam performing the crew chief duties.(Roush Racing PR)(5-14-2003)
- NHRA hires from DEI: Last week, defending NHRA Pro Stock champ Jeg Coughlin Jr., brought a new research and development expert aboard. The new employee brings a wealth of racing knowledge with him -- especially in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series. Jim Gamache will head up Team Jeg's R&D efforts and attempt to bring a much-needed boost to their lukewarm season to date. Gamache most recently served as Engineering Manager for Dale Earnhardt Inc., where he and Team Manager Steve Hmeil supervised the engine, vehicle dynamics and powertrain elements for the organization. Gamache also brings an impressive drag racing background to the table, having worked for long-time Pro Stock engine supplier Reher & Morrison some 20 years ago.(ESPN)(5-14-2003)
- Leather at DEI: Wilsons Leather announced that it will unveil an exclusive line of Dale Earnhardt Incorporated products, beginning today in all of its 478 mall stores and 111 outlet stores. The products, including leather jackets and accessories bearing the marks of Dale Earnhardt Jr., the Dale Earnhardt Legacy program and NASCAR, will be sold exclusively through Wilsons Leather stores nationwide as well as on its website www.wilsonsleather.com.(NewsStream)(5-14-2003)
- Bodine's at The Glen... Native sons Geoffrey and Brett Bodine will return to Watkins Glen International to co-drive a Daytona
Prototype in the June 20-22 Sahlen's Sports Car Grand Prix. The pair will join Darren Law in the 95.1 The NerVe/Sahlen's G&W BMW Picchio for the Sahlen's Six Hours of The Glen, marking the first time the Chemung drivers have driven together in their careers. The Daytona Prototypes are the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series new lead class and will be coming to Watkins Glen International for
the first time. Geoffrey won in his first sports car race at The Glen, joining Jack Baldwin behind the wheel of a Camaro in taking GTO honors in the 1986 Camel Continental. Brett's first trip around The Glen was as driver of the Ford pace car for the 1985 New York 500. His best finish in 14 Winston Cup races here was a third in 1990, trailing only Ricky Rudd and his brother, Geoffrey. Tickets for the Sahlen's Sports Car Grand Prix, as well as the entire 2003 racing season at Watkins Glen International, are now available by
calling The Glen's ticket office at 607-535-2481 or online at www.theglen.com.(Watkins Glen International PR)(5-14-2003)
- Tennesse NASCAR Tags: A NASCAR-themed specialty license plate that will give a bulk of its proceeds to the Tennessee State Museum is racing toward becoming reality in the legislature. Already approved by the House, the plate gained unanimous approval of the Senate Finance Committee yesterday. Now it needs only full Senate approval. Under the unusual arrangement, the Tennessee State Museum would get 65% of the plate's annual proceeds: at least $22,750 a year. A minimum 1,000 people must sign up and pay in advance for the plates before they are designed and sold. The bill is sponsored by Sen. Micheal Williams, R-Maynardville, a NASCAR fan, and by Sen. Douglas Henry, D-Nashville, a patron of the museum. The museum is looking for money after losing $228,500 to budget cuts, including $92,100 that it said it needs to buy artifacts to preserve the state's history. Museum executive director Lois Riggins-Ezzell said the match may be a stretch but is not that unnatural. The museum helped build the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame at the downtown arena and owns the sports collection there, she said.(Tennessean), past info on this at my Collectible Links/News page.(5-14-2003)
- Casey Mears to run four ARCA races Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates driver #41-Casey Mears will compete in four
ARCA races starting at Lowe's Motor Speedway on May 21, 2003. The remaining three races will include Pocono (June 7), Michigan (June
14), and Pocono (July 26). Mears will drive a Target Dodge in all four races. In order to obtain existing owner's points, Braun Racing will enter Mears' #77 Target Dodge for the ARCA races. Matt Chambers, CGR test team manager, will serve as crew chief and the crew will be compiled of the CGR test team.(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR)(5-14-2003)
- Announcement 'Fuels' Speculation: With NASCAR’s current fuel supplier announcing intentions to make its way out of the sport at the end of this year, there’s little wonder that the engine builders in the sport are showing some early anxiety signs. Fuel, which in NASCAR-style racing dictates engine builds, is one of the often-overlooked commodities in racing. Tosco [76], the current supplier, offers remarkable consistency from track-to-track. Therefore, it’s very easy for engine builders to take the engine to the limit every week. In this costly process, all of the fuel used in NASCAR’s top series is made in one Texas-based refinery, then shipped directly to each track for dispensing to the teams gives the teams. But with a new entry on the horizon, that could change. However, NASCAR Winston Cup Director John Darby gives an emphatic “No” to a change in blending from the new official supplier, which is scheduled to be named sometime later this year. “Our goal in bringing a new fuel supplier on board would be that the competitors realize there’s a different sign at the fuel pumps and everything else is the same as it’s always been,” Darby said regarding his goals for the supplier change. “A lot of that process is going on now with the fuel suppliers that we’re talking to, which there are a number of right now,” said Darby. “One of things they’re most amazed about is the accuracy and consistency of our current fuel from track-to-track-to-track all the way across the country. Darby told TFR that NASCAR hasn’t given out a recipe or formula for the fuel to any possible supplier, adding, “We’re not chemists. Anybody can go get a fuel sample from any one of our race tracks and they can figure that out. We don’t need to do that for them.” Darby added a “No,” reply to a possible switch to a no-lead blend during the changing of the fuel guard.(Ford Racing)(5-14-2003)
- Testing at Dover: A trio of racers (one Winston Cup and two Busch Series), will be testing at Dover International Speedway on Monday and Tuesday, May 19-20. #22-Ward Burton of the Winston Cup Series, and #23-Scott Wimmer and #18-Coy Gibbs of the Busch Series will be on the Monster Mile those two days. No word on if testing is open to the public.( Dover International Speedway PR)(5-14-2003)
- Chevy TV Commercial: hearing that filming of a new Chevrolet commercial wraps up this week at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The commercial will prominently feature the #8, #18, #24, & #29 Chevys. The commercial should begin airing sometime this summer.(5-14-2003)
- Shepherd on TV: A filmed segment featuring veteran race car driver, Morgan Shepherd [#89 Ford in Cup], will be aired on Wednesday, May 14th on the ABC Family Channel on the 700 Club television show, which is part of The Christian Broadcasting Network. Shepherd, who has been a Christian since 1979, uses his race car and truck to display his love of God with "Racing With Jesus" in bold letters on the hood. Recently Shepherd has been competing in the NASCAR Busch Series, driving for team owner Johnny Davis but plans to run at Charlotte in his own Winston Cup car in the Winston Open. This TV special on Morgan will air at 10:00am/et, 11:00pm/et and again at 2:00am/et [the 15th] and on the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) at 3:00pm/et.(Catchfence)(5-13-2003)
- NASCAR fan pleads in e-mail barrage: A NASCAR fan who flooded Fox with angry e-mails after a Red Sox game pre-empted an auto race pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge Tuesday. Michael Melo acknowledged that he fired off more than a half-million e-mail messages to WFXT-TV 25 in Boston after the Red Sox game was broadcast instead of a NASCAR race in 2001. The e-mail messages were automatically forwarded to Fox-25's Los Angeles parent company, Fox Entertainment. The network, thinking it was a hacker attack, shut down Internet communication with the affiliate and was forced to spend about $36,000 to clean up the barrage. Melo pleaded guilty to a federal misdemeanor charge of damage to a protected computer system. Under a plea agreement, the government recommended a sentence of six months' confinement in a halfway house. Melo's sentencing is Aug. 12. After the hearing, Melo and his lawyer, Andrew Good, declined comment.(ThatsRacin.com/AP)(5-14-2003)
- Where’s Mongo Contest: You, your dog and a guest could win a VIP weekend at MIS for the SIRIUS 400 NASCAR Winston Cup Series event on Father’s Day weekend, June 14-15. The lucky winner will enjoy a VIP weekend at MIS which includes: A chance to be a part of pre- and post-race ceremonies for the June 15 SIRIUS 400, passes to the SIRIUS luxury suite, hotel accommodations, an opportunity to meet Jimmy Spencer and the entire #7 SIRIUS crew, SIRIUS gear to wear all weekend and kennel accommodations for “Mongo” during the weekend.(MIS PR), see more on the contest on my Racing Contest page.(5-14-2003)
- CITGO Launches Peel Out, Reel In and Win! Million Dollar Challenge: CITGO Petroleum Corporation announced plans to
roll out its second annual "Peel Out, Reel In & Win! Million Dollar Challenge" that could result in two grand prize winner millionaires in
the fall of 2003. More than $250,000 in additional consumer prizes will be awarded in the national promotion, which runs from May 23
through July 6, 2003. The grand prize winner will be drawn on September 15, 2003, to participate in the selection of one of the challenges, and the big chance to win the $1,000,000.(Cox Marketing PR), for more info on the contest, see my Racing Contests page, also a special paint scheme will be run, not sure what, see an image of the car on my Paint Scheme Gallery.(5-13-2003)
UPDATE: the scheme will be run in the Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway on May 25th.(5-14-2003)
(5-13-2003)
- Humpy Picks Johnson: H.A. "Humpy" Wheeler, president and general manager of Lowe's Motor Speedway, today predicted #48-Jimmie Johnson will win Saturday night's 19th running of The Winston and claim the $1 million first-place prize. Wheeler, known for his promotional flare and Karnac-type ability, has correctly picked the winner of NASCAR's all-star event eight times in the past 14 years. "I'm going to ruffle some feathers on this," said Wheeler. "These picks are not pulled out of some black hat. During the recent test session, I watched guys run into the corners and studied where they got back on the throttle. Most any idiot can run down a straightaway! But this is a real tough track and past winners of The Winston know how to get into the turns with a bunch of guys breathin' hot radiators down their back," Wheeler explained. "There are guys that can get in and out of the turns fast by themselves and are good qualifiers but don't do so hot when the big-toothed dogs are bitin' at 'em." Johnson and his Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouse team had an impressive test at the 1.5-mile superspeedway two weeks ago, posting the second-fastest speed during the two-night session. In addition, the young California native was impressive in last May's events, including The Winston. "All of that is why I'm picking Jimmie Johnson to win this year," Wheeler said. "He runs very strong here and was one of the fastest in testing. I liked the way he dug into the turns. He looked like Jeff Gordon-running deep and keeping it smooth." Though not really a dark horse, Wheeler said #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. is his "Wildcard" pick if Johnson doesn't get the job done. For The Winston Open, the final transfer spot into The Winston, Wheeler predicts veteran #99-Jeff Burton will win and move into the big show.(LMS PR)(5-13-2003)
- Special Paint for the #22 at The Winston: This year’s Winston All-Star event will mark the fourth straight season that Ward Burton, driver of the #22 Caterpillar Dodge, will compete in the race that features NASCAR’s most recent winners from it’s elite series – Winston Cup. Burton earned his place in the event through his wins last season, the Daytona 500 and the New Hampshire 300. It is typical of most teams to use the Winston to showcase a special paint scheme and the Caterpillar team is no different. The #22 will showcase ACERT Technology, a standard feature being offered by the CAT Engine division. ACERT Technology is a breakthrough technology for on-highway diesel truck engines that meet compliant emissions regulations while maintaining reliability, durability and fuel economy. It is comes standard on five engine models in a range of 190-550 H.P. When the line of engines meets full production in October, it will culminate over 10 million miles of testing. The #22 Caterpillar Dodge will sparkle with silver and black as it competes in NASCAR’s All Star event under the lights at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.(Bill Davis Racing PR), see images of the car and other special Winton and Winston Open schemes on my Paint Scheme Gallery.(5-13-2003)
- #11 Crew Member Injured: #11 Hooters crew member, Brent Glastetter was injured Friday evening while racing in a dirt modified event at Buffalo, SC. He is in Carolinas Medical Center awaiting surgery for injuries to his arm.(BBR PR)(5-13-2003)
- Kenseth Commercial: #17-Matt Kenseth will be featured in television commercials to promote responsible drinking. The Smirnoff Ice Triple Black spots begin Monday. The commercials depict Kenseth arriving at a party in his #17 Ford. He slides out the window and reaches back to grab a six-pack of Triple Black. As he walks away, his pit crew rushes to the car, strips off the tires and places it on blocks. The pit crew then leaves, rolling the tires and carrying the steering wheel.(Rocky Mountain Times)(5-13-2003)
- Future Cup team? TWG Motorsports, owned by Wright Group Event Services of Denver, has its sights set on joining the Winston Cup Series in a few years. President Tom Wright, president of both companies, said he hopes to move Tim Schendel, currently on the International Truck and Small Engine Tour, into the Craftsman Truck Series next year, then the Busch Series and, finally, Winston Cup. "We are putting together the marketing partners to make that all work," Wright said. "We want to move him up to Busch within two years minimum, then Winston Cup. We're shooting for within two years to do that. So we're pretty aggressive."(Rocky Mountain Times)(5-13-2003)
- TRAC gets some funding:Team Sports Entertainment, parent company of Team Racing Auto Circuit (TRAC), announced today that it has completed a private placement of $900,250 in convertible notes. To date the company has received $376,000 of the $900,250 financial commitment with the balance due on May 31, 2003. The notes can be converted, at the holder's option, into common stock at a conversion price of $0.20 per share. The financing announced today was completed under the same terms as the note holder agreement announced on August 26, 2002. With the financing announced today and the amount raised last August, the total raised pursuant to the convertible notes is $3,170,250. The net proceeds of the offering will be used to fund working capital requirements of the company pending the anticipated receipt of cash proceeds from the sale of team operating rights over the next several months.(TRAC PR), see more on my TRAC page.(5-13-2003)
- Woman wins breakfast with the King: Marie Mullins, 38, is one of two national winners who will be having breakfast Thursday with NASCAR legendary driver-owner Richard Petty in his hometown of Level Cross, NC. "It was a total shock," Mullins said. "I really didn't think it was possible to win." Mullins won the Pillsbury Grands! Biscuit contest after submitting an entry before December. She said she saw the contest advertised in a Port Charlotte [FL] Publix. She was notified in a March 5 letter that she had won the contest, which allows her to treat three guests -- sons Christopher, Michael and Timothy -- to breakfast with the 65-year-old champion, nicknamed "The King" by his peers during a driving career that ended after the 1992 season. Then they will tour Petty Enterprises and the Petty Museum. According to the itinerary provided by Pillsbury, Mullins said, a limousine is scheduled to pick up her and the boys from the hotel at 6 a.m. for the 7:45 a.m. breakfast. "From what I understand, his (Petty's) whole team is going to be there," she said. "The boys are going absolutely crazy over it." Mullins used some of the $1,000 in spending money she received to spring for an airplane ticket to fly husband Sid to North Carolina to enjoy the family vacation as well. All will attend The Winston at Lowe's Motor Speedway on Saturday, which she said includes a tour of the pit before the race. The five regularly watch races on television and have their favorites: Richard Petty's son, Kyle, and John Andretti, both drivers for Petty Enterprises. Andretti drives the #43 Dodge car owned by Richard Petty.(See full story at the Sun Herald)(5-13-2003)
- Bodine Announces Licencing Partner: Romawat Racing, makers of one-of-a-kind, custom stained glass artwork, is pleased to announce a licensing partnership with Brett Bodine Racing. As a result, they are now able to offer a beautiful stained glass panel of the NASCAR Winston Cup #11 Hooters Ford driven by Brett Bodine. The design shows the #11 Hooters Ford set into a checkered flag backdrop. The entire piece is constructed of high-quality art and cathedral glasses which were selected for their color, pattern, and reflective qualities. All work is done by hand and no piece gets released unless its meets meticulous standards. Because each glass is constructed by hand with carefully selected art glass, each piece is individually numbered and will be a unique and special work of art. More information at www.romawat-racing.com.(PR)(5-13-2003)
(5-12-2003)
- Mayfield to drive truck at Charlotte: Ultra Motorsports owner Jim Smith announced that Jeremy Mayfield will drive the team's third Dodge Ram entry in the inaugural Truck Series race at Lowe's Motor Speedway this Friday night. Mayfield tested the #7 Dodge for Ultra Motorsports last week at the 1.5-mile speedway. Jimmy Spencer, who drives Smith's #7 Winston Cup Dodge Intrepid, was scheduled to drive, but soreness in his ribs from a hard crash at Richmond International Raceway two weeks ago prevented him from testing the truck last week. Mayfield will be driving the #7 American Tire Distributors Dodge, the third truck in an elite lineup of Ultra Motorsports entries. Friday night's Hardee's 200 is slated to start at 8:30pm/et and will be televised live on SPEED.(Golin Harris PR)(5-12-2003)
- Park and Green short timers only? Silly Season doesn't get any better than this: Steve Park and Jeff Green, released last week, were hired almost immediately by each other's former car owner. Now Park is in the #30 AOL Chevy, owned by Richard Childress, and Green is in the #1 Pennzoil Chevy, owned by Teresa Earnhardt of Dale Earnhardt Inc. So who gets the best of this embarrassing blockbuster, a trade of two drivers outside the top 30 in points? The boys in the fabrication shop at DEI -- because Green doesn't have a history of crashing cars on his own. Crunch these numbers: Since returning from a head injury last year, Park finished 20th or worse in 34 of 43 races in the #1. Green ran 20th or worse in 32 of 56 races for Childress dating to 2001. Sponsorship for both cars is in question for next season, and it would be a surprise if either driver returns. Green's contract with DEI runs through the end of September. Expect a Busch Series driver such as Jason Keller or Shane Hmiel to run the last seven races of the season. They, along with IRL driver Sam Hornish, might be candidates for the ride in 2004. Road racing ace Ron Fellows will take over for Green in the two races on road courses.(Sporting News)(5-12-2003)
- Vasser to Winston Cup in 2004? UPDATEs NOPE: AutoRacing1.com is reporting that CART driver Jimmy Vasser signed last week to run a full season of Winston Cup for 2004.(AutoRacing1.com - need subscription to read), didn't say which team.(5-7-2003)
UPDATES: AR1 has learned that the Johansson American Team Spirit Champ Car team has an option on Vasser for next year. Therefore, we [AutoRacing1.com] are downgrading this rumor to speculation. AND [AutoRacing1.com] are downgrading this rumor to 'false.' [AutoRacing1.com] spoke to Vasser today who told them that he would love to drive in Winston Cup someday, but right now he is committed to CART and his team and he has not signed a contract to race in Winston Cup in 2004. He reiterated that the Johansson team has an option on him for next year.(AutoRacing1.com)(5-12-2003)
- Pit Instruction and Training: Pit Instruction and Training, L.L.C. (PIT) announces the acquisition of 5 Off 5 On Race Team Performance in Mooresville, N.C. 5 Off 5 On specializes in training pit crew personnel and offers reality experience packages. Principles from PIT involved in the acquisition include Tom DeLoach, former CFO of Mobil Corporation and President of Global Midstream, Michael Dryman, founder and CEO of IMPACTSports and Jeff Hammond, former NASCAR Winston Cup championship crew chief and current analyst for NASCAR on FOX. The founder of 5 Off 5 On, Breon Klopp, will continue with the organization as Senior Director of Motorsports
Development. In addition to training teams and pit crew personnel, 5 Off 5 On also offers a school for those interested in becoming pit crew members. 5 Off 5 On also offers corporate and fan based reality experience packages including special programs for youth. PIT will begin construction of a 24,000 sq. ft. building on 5.5 acres located adjacent to the NASCAR Technical Institute in Mooresville, NC. after finalizing the investor group. The PIT facility will feature a state-of-the-art physical conditioning and rehabilitation facility, multi-purpose training room, therapy room, steam room, motorsports training shop, 98-person auditorium, merchandise shop, locker rooms, catering kitchen, classrooms, offices and more. The PIT campus will include a 1/4-mile track and pit road with six pit stalls, eight-lane competitive running and jogging track, 1/2-mile natural terrain fitness trail, regulation beach volleyball court, natural turf multi-sport training area and 15 garage stalls to store and maintain racing vehicles and equipment. Those interested in pit crew training, a reality based experience or investment opportunities should call (704)799-3869.(Byrnes Enterprises PR)(5-12-2003)
(5-11-2003)
see the May 5-11, 2003 Archived News Page
(5-4-2003)
see the Apr 28-May 4, 2003 Archived News Page
(4-27-2003)
see the Apr 21-27, 2003 Archived News Page
