Contract Status: Sponsor: 2009; Driver: 2008+
- Childress Inducted into N.C. Sports Hall of Fame: Richard Childress Racing (RCR) president and CEO Richard Childress and six others were honored in Raleigh last night at the 45th Induction Banquet for the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame. The evening's event, which took place at the North Raleigh Hilton, was a who's who of some of the greatest sports figures in North Carolina history. Those inducted in addition to Childress, who was the 258th inductee of the now 260-member group, were former Duke University Athletic Director Tom Butters, former Duke University quarterback Leo Hart, sportswriter and promoter Bill Hensley, former UNC and NFL offensive lineman Ken Huff, former Guilford College men's golf and basketball coach Jack Jensen, legendary former Harlem Globetrotter Fred "Curly" Neal, and current University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill men's basketball head coach Roy Williams. "It was a very humbling experience and an honor for me to be nominated and inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame," said Childress. "Only in America can a kid with a dream to drive a race car be fortunate enough to be inducted into the hall of fame of his home state. I'd be remiss if I didn't give Dale Earnhardt a lot of credit for my induction. I also have to thank all of the long-time team members at RCR and the current team members who are keeping the RCR heritage strong. Racing is a team sport and I've been fortunate to have been able to surround myself over the years with people who are committed to success." Childress, an 11-time NASCAR championship-winning team owner, including six Cup Series titles with the legendary Dale Earnhardt (1986-87, '90-'91, '93-'94), is the ninth member of the motorsports fraternity to be honored by the North
Carolina Sports Hall of Fame. The others include Lee Petty (1966), Richard Petty (1973), Ned Jarrett (1990), Buck Baker (1992), Junior Johnson (1992), Herb Thomas (1992), Dale Earnhardt (1994), and H.A. "Humpy" Wheeler (2004).(RCR)(5-17-2008) Comment here
- Jack is back on the #07: After a three-race hiatus, Clint Bowyer's #07 Chevy returns to its traditional black and white Jack Daniel's paint scheme this weekend at Darlington. Jack Daniel's will be the primary sponsor on RCR's #07 entry for the remainder of the 2008 schedule with the exception of Dover in June and Watkins Glen in August when DIRECTV will assume the primary sponsorship position.(RCR)(5-7-2008)
- Bowyer wins at Richmond: #07-Clint Bowyer won the Crown Royal Presents The Dan Lowry 400 at Richmond International Raceway for his first win of 2008 and 2nd of his career after #18-Busch and #88-Earnhardt tangled with a couple laps to go, sending the leader, #88-Earnhardt Jr. into the wall. #18-Busch held on to 2nd, with the rest of the top-10 being #8-Martin, #20-Stewart, #1-Truex Jr., #12-Newman, #99-Edwards, #29-Harvick, #24-Gordon and #9-Kahne. #11-Denny Hamlin dominated most of the race, leading 381 of 382 laps before having a right front tire going down, giving way to Earnhardt Jr until he tangle with Busch, Hamlin finished 24th. #88-Earnhardt Jr. finished 15th on the lead lap. Points leader coming in to the race, #31-Burton finished 11th, but lost the points lead to #18-Busch 1495 to 1477 points. Bowyer started 31st, the fartheest back a winner has comer from at Richmond, Richard Petty held the old mark, starting 28th in March 1971. There were 11 cautions for 62 laps and 4 lead changes amongh 4 drivers.
Richmond Race Results Awards Page.
Points Standings on my Drivers/Owners Points after Richmond page.(5-3-2008)
- BB&T colors return on the #07: After showcasing a DIRECTV paint scheme the last two races, Clint Bowyer's #07 Chevy will be wrapped in burgundy and gold BB&T colors this weekend in Richmond. Jack Daniel's, Bowyer's mainstay primary sponsor, will be featured on the car's lower-rear quarter panels and deck lid. BB&T is the primary sponsor of Bowyer's #2 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS in the Nationwide Series and also sponsored the #07 at Martinsville in March.(RCR), see images of the scheme on my #07 Team Schemes page.(4-30-2008)
- DIRECTV returns to the #07: For the second race in a row, Clint Bowyer's #07 Chevy will feature a blue and white DIRECTV paint scheme. Jack Daniel's, Bowyer's traditional primary sponsor, will be featured on the car's deck lid and lower-rear quarter panels.(RCR), see images of the scheme on my #07 Team Schemes page.(4-25-2008)
- Childress Vineyards named one of America's Top 25: Wine Enthusiast magazine has selected Childress Vineyards as one of America's Top 25 Tasting Rooms. In the May issue, the magazine asked its editors and contributors to suggest tasting rooms that were memorable to them for a number of reasons. Wine quality was the top criteria considered, followed by décor, staff savvy, amenities and overall uniqueness. Reporter Lynn Seldon wrote that Childress Vineyards, founded by NASCAR team owner Richard Childress in 2004, has "quickly become a stand-alone destination in the Yadkin Valley American Viticultural Area." The write up encourages readers to "go for the Signature Tasting to reveal winemaker Mark Friszolowski's best work to date. The Reserve Syrah and the Signature Meritage are both sublime, as is the setting - a stone and stucco building, terra-cotta style roof and large tasting room, shop and The Bistro restaurant, all reminiscent of Tuscany." Childress Vineyards is open daily for tours, tastings and lunch at The Bistro. Tastings range in price from $10 to $15 and include a souvenir glass. Free tours are conducted at Noon, 2 and 4 p.m. each day.(RCR)(4-14-2008) Comment here
- DIRECTV colors for Bowyer at Phoenix: Clint Bowyer's #07 Chevy will feature a blue and white DIRECTV paint scheme this weekend at Phoenix International Raceway (PIR). Jack Daniel's, Bowyer's traditional primary sponsor, will be featured on the car's deck lid and lower-rear quarter panels. DIRECTV will strategically place four Mobile Pit Boxes throughout the PIR concourse and display area for fans to enjoy a free preview of NASCAR HotPass Only on DIRECTV. At the Mobile Pit Boxes, fans also have the opportunity to play DIRECTV's Spin to Win game. With one spin of the prize wheel, fans will win one of five great prizes: a DIRECTV Hat, a DIRECTV Diecast Replica Car, a free Fanview rental for the weekend - an exclusive DIRECTV offer, or the chance for an instant seat upgrade to the DIRECTV Zone. Winner's who are upgraded to the DIRECTV Zone will enjoy a bird's-eye view of the track from outside turn three, complete with catering, the chance to meet Bowyer, and watch NASCAR HotPass Only on DIRECTV on one of nine flat screen High Definition TVs at the Zone.(RCR), see images of the scheme on my #07 Team Schemes page.(4-9-2008)
- Special Salute the troops scheme at LMS in May: Memorial Day Weekend is always thrilling for race fans at Lowe's Motor Speedway. This year, a special celebration of America's military personnel takes place with the Salute the Troops program. Dale Earnhardt Jr and Hendrick Motorsports join the celebration of America's heroes with a special National Guard paint scheme on the #88 Chevy. This special paint scheme features the Salute the Troops logo on the hood, as well as the lower side panels. Salute the Troops will be an on-track program based around strength, patriotism and philanthropy. By positioning this program around Memorial Day, Motorsports Authentics and the teams involved will look to celebrate and honor one of the greatest federal holidays for Americans all year long. The program calls for teams to carry the "Salute the Troops" insignia and/or showcase a special paint out featuring a branch of the United States military. The Salute the Troops program will be on track in May for the Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. This program will celebrate the history and tradition of the military branches on this Memorial Day weekend. The pre-race show for Memorial Day will include a military demonstration for the fans and then followed by a concert for the troops. In support of this program, Motorsports Authentics will create a unique and collectible line of Salute the Troops merchandise. Motorsports Authentics will create a line of Salute the Troops die-cast and collectables that will raise money for military families. In addition, MA will work with corporate sponsors to raise money and awareness for the men and women of the armed forces.
Scheduled Participating Sprint Cup Drivers:
#88-Dale Earnhardt, Jr. - Carrying the logo on hood and rear quarter panels
#24-Jeff Gordon - Carrying the logo on the decklid
#8-Mark Martin - Full military paint out with program logos
#21-Jon Wood - Full military paint out with program logos
#07-Clint Bowyer - Carrying the logo on the rear spoiler, along with Toast the Troops logo on the deck lid
Scheduled Participating Nationwide Seires Drivers:
#88-Brad Keselowski - Full military paint out
See the schemes on my #88 Team schemes page, #24 Team schemes page, #8 Team schemes page, #21 Team schemes page and #07 Team schemes page and on the Nationwide Series schemes Gallery.(4-8-2008)
- BB&T colors on #07 at Martinsville: This week, Clint Bowyer's #07 Chevy Impala SS will feature a burgundy, gold and white BB&T paint scheme. Jack Daniel's, Bowyer's mainstay primary sponsor, will be featured on the car's lower-rear quarter panels and deck lid. BB&T is the full-time sponsor of Bowyer's #2 Chevy in the Nationwide Series. BB&T Corporation, headquartered in Winston-Salem, N.C., is a fast growing, highly profitable financial holding company. Bowyer will pilot Chassis No. 218 from, built new last season but yet to be raced, this is the same Chevrolet Impala SS Bowyer and his Gil Martin-led team tested last week at Greenville-Pickens Speedway. Condolences go out to Phil Gould, Car Chief of RCR's #07 Chevy, and his family on the unexpected passing of his mother Hazel Gould. Gould will miss this weekend's race at Martinsville but is expected to return to the track next weekend in Texas.(RCR PR)(3-26-2008)
- DIRECTV scheme for Bowyer at Atlanta: For the second time in three weeks, Clint Bowyer's #07 Chevy will feature a blue and white DIRECTV paint scheme. Jack
Daniel's, Bowyer's traditional primary sponsor, will be featured on the car's deck lid and lower-rear quarter panels. DIRECTV is the leading digital TV provider dedicated to the best entertainment experience available. With more than 16.8 million customers, DIRECTV is the industry leader in satellite service. DIRECTV will strategically place four Mobile Pit Boxes throughout the Atlanta Motor Speedway (AMS) concourse and display area for fans to enjoy a free preview of NASCAR HotPassT Only on DIRECTV.(RCR PR), see images on my #07 Team Schemes page.(3-5-2008)
- DIRECTV back on the #07 car: Clint Bowyer's #07 Chevy will feature DIRECTV colors this weekend at California Speedway. DIRECTV's corporate headquarters are in El Segundo, Calif., just 68 miles west of California Speedway. Jack Daniel's, the team's customary primary sponsor, will be featured on the
car's lower-rear quarter panels and deck lid.(RCR PR)(2-20-2008)
- RCR missing California win: Richard Childress Racing has earned a Cup Series victory at 18 of the 22 tracks on the 2008 schedule. The only tracks on the
current schedule where RCR hasn't earned wins are California Speedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Kansas Speedway.
Additionally, RCR has Cup Series wins at 21 tracks, the three defunct tracks being North Wilkesboro (N.C.), Riverside (Calif.) and Rockingham (N.C.).(RCR PR)(2-20-2008)
- New Young Guns Named: #07-Clint Bowyer and #11-Denny Hamlin are the latest additions to the Gillette Young Guns program. The pair join #2-Kurt Busch, #12-Ryan Newman, #99-Carl Edwards and #9-Kasey Kahne as clean-shaven drivers in the campaign. #48-Jimmie Johnson and #26-Jamie McMurray are no longer participating in the program. The company is unveiling a new ad campaign featuring the drivers with WWE veteran John Cena attempting to teach the group to wrestle. Cena learned to drive a Sprint Cup car as part of a reality television show last summer. The Gillette program is entering its fifth season.(SceneDaily.com) Comment here.
- New spotter for Bowyer: Mike Dillon had spotted for #07-Clint Bowyer but as vice president of competition at RCR, he said he needed to focus on the entire team and he has been replaced by former driver Jimmy Kitchens. "My job is to be as available to all three teams as I can be, and it kind of got one-sided a little bit - I didn't feel like that but the perception was that," Dillon said Friday at Daytona International Speedway. "I'm good with it." The team hired Kitchens away from Gillett Evernham Motorsports [was spotter for #10 car], and Kitchens began spotting for Bowyer at the Las Vegas and California tests. Kitchens worked with Bowyer in the Busch (now Nationwide) Series last year for a couple of races. Kitchens raced against Dillon in the Busch Series and had 47 career starts from 1994-2005. "Clint and I talked a lot, and so that was the thing that [the new spotter] was going to have to do," Dillon said. "He wants to hear a lot. Jimmy understands the racing, and he's been in the car, so he understands the tension and the pressure these guys are under." Kitchens will also work on the Bowyer car as a mechanic.(SceneDaily.com)(2-9-2008) Comment here.
- Pinnacle Foods Joins RCR to as Assoc Sponsors for Cup Teams: Pinnacle Foods, a leading producer, marketer and distributor of high-quality branded food products has joined Richard Childress Racing's (RCR) family of partners in a multi-year sponsorship agreement for all three of the 11-time championship winning racing organization's Cup Series teams. Pinnacle Foods will showcase its Hungry-Man meals, Armour canned meat and Vlasic pickles, peppers and relish brands on, the #07 Jack Daniel's Chevy (driver Clint Bowyer), the #31 AT&T Chevy (driver Jeff Burton) and the #29 Shell-Pennzoil Chevy (driver Kevin Harvick), respectively.(RCR PR)(2-9-2008)
- Goodyear to run tire test at Texas this week: Two Sprint Cup teams will conduct a tire test Tuesday and Wednesday at Texas Motor Speedway, a Goodyear spokesman confirmed today. #42-Juan Pablo Montoya and #07-Clint Bowyer will participate in the two-day test. Goodyear wants to come up with a tire that's suitable for the track, where NASCAR"s new car will be raced for the first time this year.(SceneDaily.com)(1-15-2008) Conversation
- Clint Bowyer Racing names driver: Clint Bowyer Racing has tabbed dirt late model standout Shannon Babb to handle the driving duties for its newly formed dirt late model team in 2008. The team, owned by Clint Bowyer, driver of Richard Childress Racing's #07 Jack Daniel's Chevy, will be entering its first year of competition among the elite ranks of
Dirt Late Model competition. The team plans to compete in more than 60 nights of racing from early February to late November. Clint Bowyer Racing will call Welcome, N.C., home for the 2008 season. The team will start the year with three new chassis in its shop. Clements Automotive will provide Chevrolet engines. The Bowyer/Babb combination plans to make its debut at East Bay Raceway Park in Tampa, Fla., on Feb. 4.(Clint Bowyer Racing)(1-11-2008)
- MLB team owner Hicks to join RCR? Nextel Cup team owner Richard Childress hasn't joined the trend of adding an individual partner to his organization. Not yet, anyway.
Childress paused and had a big smile on his face when asked if Texas Rangers team owner Tom Hicks might become a future partner of Richard Childress Racing. "Tom's a friend of mine," Childress said with a grin. "We talk a lot about different things." Hicks, who also owns the Dallas Stars NHL team, attended the Cup race at California Speedway on Labor Day weekend as Childress' guest. Hicks also is a business partner with George Gillett, who bought majority ownership in Ray Evernham's Cup team earlier this year. Gillett, who owns the Montreal Canadiens NHL team, partnered with Hicks to buy the Liverpool, England, soccer team earlier this year for $430 million. Childress said he has been approached this year by several corporations wanting to invest in RCR, but he already has a relationship with the New York firm of Chartwell Investments. "I brought Chartwell in here in 2002," he said. "They're still involved in a small percentage of the company. At this time, we still want to go in the direction we've been going."(ESPN.com)(11-17-2007)
- Bowyer on Rome in Burning: #07-Clint Bowyer will be a featured guest on ESPN's Jim Rome is Burning show on Wednesday, November 7 to discuss his position in the Chase for the NASCAR Cup and his season to date with veteran TV and talk radio host Jim Rome. Jim Rome is Burning airs weekdays on ESPN at 4:30pm/et.(11-7-2007)
- NASCAR studying how Hamlin, Blaney had water in fuel: MORE Denny Hamlin, who thought he had enough gas while leading when his car sputtered and didn't start with three laps remaining in the Pep Boys Auto 500, actually had water in his fuel cell at the time. Whether that caused him not to accelerate and get hit from behind by Martin Truex Jr. is uncertain, Joe Gibbs Racing Senior Vice President Jimmy Makar said Sunday night at Atlanta. But what is certain is that Hamlin and Bill Davis Racing's Dave Blaney had water in their fuel cells, and Roush Fenway Racing's Greg Biffle also might have had a similar situation. NASCAR Nextel Cup Series Director John Darby said that no water was found in the Sunoco pumps following the race. Darby said all of the Sunoco documentation from the weekend shows no water in the tanks.(SceneDaily.com)(10-28-2007)
UPDATE: Water found in the fuel tanks of cars driven by #11-Denny Hamlin and #22-Dave Blaney during Sunday's Nextel Cup race at Atlanta was not isolated to those teams, a NASCAR official said Monday. Water also was discovered in the fuel of the Penske Racing cars driven by #2-Kurt Busch and #12-Ryan Newman after returning to Charlotte, N.C. In addition, water was found in the fuel cell of all three Richard Childress racing team cars belonging to #29-Kevin Harvick, #07-Clint Bowyer and #31-Jeff Burton. #16-Greg Biffle believes his car may have had water in its fuel, although no evidence was found. NASCAR Nextel Cup Series director John Darby said the problem is more widespread than originally thought and that NASCAR has issued bulletins to all Cup and Truck Series teams to check for evidence of contamination so they can locate the source. Darby said everything from the underground fuel-holding tank at the track to the fuel trucks that deliver the gas to the individual gas cans are being analyzed. He said the underground tank is the least likely source because there is an alarm system located that can detect the slightest amount of contamination. Darby dismissed sabotage as a possible explanation, saying too many teams were affected for anyone to have been singled out.(ESPN.com)(10-30-2007)
- Holiday Inn Renews with RCR: Holiday Inn has exercised the option in its current contract with Richard Childress Racing by signing a multi-year contract extension as the Official Hotel of RCR and the primary sponsor of RCR's #29 Chevy in the Nationwide Series with co-drivers Scott Wimmer and Jeff Burton. At the same time, Wimmer has reached agreement with RCR on a contract extension with the 10-time NASCAR championship-winning organization. The 2008 season will once again feature Wimmer and Burton as co-pilots of the #29 Holiday Inn Chevy [in the Nationwide Series]. Wimmer will also run a limited schedule of Sprint Cup Series events next season.(RCR PR)(10-25-2007)
- Childress likely sticking to three full-time teams: Richard Childress said Friday he would likely not expand to four Sprint Cup entries for 2008 because he can't find the "right situation." Childress fields three Nextel Cup cars - for #29-Kevin Harvick, #31-Jeff Burton and #07-Clint Bowyer - and wanted to add a fourth team next year. But the lack of sponsorship appears to be the main issue. Busch Series driver Scott Wimmer would "probably" be the driver of the fourth team, Childress said. Cars were already built for the fourth Cup team, Childress said, but those would be used among the three current teams.(SceneDaily.com)(9-28-2007)
- DIRECTV back on the #07: Clint Bowyer's #07 Chevy will feature DIRECTV colors this weekend in Dover. Jack Daniel's, the team's customary primary sponsor, will be featured on the car's lower-rear quarter panels and deck lid.(RCR PR), see an image of the scheme on my #07 Team Schemes page.(9-19-2007)
- Bowyer wins at NHIS: #07-Clint Bowyer won the Sylvania 300 at New Hampshire International Speedway from the pole for the first win of his career in 64 races. He dominated most of the race, leading 222 laps on the day. #24-Gordon finished 2nd, followed by #20-Stewart, #5-Busch, #1-Truex, Jr., #48-Johnson, #17-Kenseth, #25-Mears, #12-Newman, and #18-Yeley. Other chase contenders: #99-Edwards was 11th, #11-Hamlin 15th, #29-Harvick 18th, #31-Burton 18th, and #2-Busch 25th. There were 7 cautions for 27 laps and 9 drivers led the race with 13 lead changes.
Race Rundown: see my NHIS Race Info/Rundown Page for my race rundown page, laps led, top 10, race notes, lucky dogs and more.
Race Results on my New Hampshire Race Results/Awards Page.
Points Standings on my Drivers/Owners Points after New Hampshire page.(9-16-2007)
- Sports Teams Owner is Childress' Guest at California: [MLB's Texas] Rangers and [NHL's Dallas] Stars owner Tom Hicks and members of his family were scheduled to attend the Sharp Aquos 500 Nextel Cup race at California. Hicks said it was a social invitation by team owner [#s 07, 29, 31] Richard Childress. He wouldn't comment on whether he has any interest in investing in a NASCAR team. But his sports empire has grown this year. In February, he became co-chairman of the Liverpool Football Club, one of the most storied soccer franchises in the English Premier League. Hicks' partner in that purchase was George Gillett, the owner of the NHL's Montreal Canadians and now a major investor in Ray Evernham's NASCAR team.(Dallas Morning News)(9-3-2007)
- Different look for Bowyer at Calif: After showcasing a flat-black paint scheme last weekend commemorating Jack Daniel's 157th birthday, Clint Bowyer's #07 Chevy will feature DIRECTV colors this weekend in Fontana. DIRECTV's corporate headquarters are in El Segundo, Calif., just 68 miles west of California Speedway. Jack Daniel's, the team's customary primary sponsor, will be featured on #07's lower-rear quarter panels and deck lid.(RCR PR), see an image of the scheme on my #07 Team Schemes page.(8-29-2007)
- Happy Birthday Jack scheme on #07 at Bristol: Clint Bowyer's #07 Jack Daniel's Chevy will sport a flat black paint scheme this weekend to commemorate Jack Daniel's birthday. Jasper Newton 'Jack' Daniel would have turned 157 in September. Located just over 300 miles from Bristol, the Jack Daniel's Distillery was officially registered with the U.S. government in 1866. The Jack Daniel Distillery, Lem Motlow, Proprietor, is the oldest registered distillery in the United States and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Jack
Daniel's is sold in over 135 countries, but every drop is distilled, matured and bottled at the Distillery in Lynchburg, (Pop. 361) Tenn., - located in a dry county.(RCR PR)(8-23-2007)
- Chevy and RCR continue partnership: Chevrolet, the winningest nameplate in NASCAR, will continue its partnership in NASCAR competition in 2008 with one of racing's elite organizations, Richard Childress Racing (RCR). "2008 marks Richard Childress's 39th year as a team owner and his cars proudly carry the Chevy bowtie," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. "At Chevrolet and GM Racing, we are very excited to continue a long and successful relationship with one of the best racing organizations in NASCAR, both on and off the track." RCR's lineup includes #29-Kevin Harvick, #31-Jeff Burton and #07-Clint Bowyer in the Cup Series and Harvick and Tim McCreadie in the #21, Burton and Scott Wimmer in the #29 and #2-Bowyer in the Buscg Series.(GM Racing PR)(8-18-2007)
- RCR to honor Prosser at Indy, run Wake Forest decals: Richard Childress Racing's (RCR) Nextel Cup Series teams will honor Skip Prosser, the former Wake Forest University men's basketball coach who died unexpectedly on Thursday, with Wake Forest decals in Sunday's Allstate 400 at the Brickyard at Indianapolis Motor
Speedway. RCR's three Chevys driven by Kevin Harvick (#29 Reese's), Jeff Burton (#31 AT&T) and Clint Bowyer (#07 Jack Daniel's) will carry a Wake Forest decal on the B-Post of each machine. Scott Wimmer will also attempt to qualify the #33 Holiday Inn Chevy for this weekend's Nextel Cup race. If the Wimmer makes the race, the #33 machine will also display the decal. "I grew up in Winston-Salem and have spent my entire life living and working in the area," said RCR president and CEO Richard Childress. "We just want everyone in the Wake Forest Community to know that we're thinking about them during this difficult time." Wake Forest University is located in Winston-Salem, N.C., just 14 miles north of RCR's campus in Welcome, N.C.(RCR PR)(7-28-2007)
- RCR-DEI Engine Debut at Daytona: Earnhardt-Childress Racing Technologies will debut the new common engine package this weekend at Daytona International Speedway. All six Richard Chiledress Racing [#07,#29,#31] and Dale Earnhardt, Inc. (DEI) cars [#1,#8,#15] will run the new engine.(RCR PR)(7-4-2007)
- Different colors for Bowyer at NHIS: Clint Bowyer's #07 Chevy will sport a blue and gold Camping World paint scheme for this weekend's LENOX Industrial Tools 300. Camping World will also sponsor Bowyer's #2 Chevy in Saturday's Camping World 200 presented by Rvs.com Busch Series race. Jack Daniel's, the team's standard primary sponsor, will be featured on the car's deck lid and lower-rear quarter panels.(RCR PR)(6-27-2007)
- Childress interested in Kyle Busch: Car owner Richard Childress was unable to sign Dale Earnhardt, Jr., but his team is hardly hurting as is. The car owner said Saturday that like a lot of car owners in the garage, he’s very interested in talking with newly minted free agent Kyle Busch, possibly for a long-rumored fourth Richard Childress Racing car. “Anybody would look at Kyle right now - any team in here,” said Childress. Childress, one of the most independent minds in the Nextel Cup garage, is not someone even remotely daunted by Busch’s reputation as a hot head. “I can name you eight or 10 guys in here at his age that were a handful. He's learning." Of Busch, Childress added, “He's the hottest property on the market right now.” In fact, some in the garage believe that Busch’s driving talent is equal to or even ahead of that of Dale Earnhardt, Jr.(SPEEDtv.com)(6-17-2007)
- Some teams looking to add 4th team: The season is not even half over and several teams say they want to expand for next season. Officials from Dale Earnhardt Inc., Evernham Motorsports, Richard Childress Racing have said they'd like to expand to four cars next year. There have been hints other teams might look add a team. How many actually do will depend on what kind of sponsorship they can find.(Greensboro News and Record)(6-16-2007)
- Burton says RCR 'likely' to add fourth team next season: #31-Jeff Burton thinks Richard Childress Racing will add a fourth Nextel Cup Series team in 2008, citing much recent discussion about the subject as partial evidence. "I think it's likely," Burton said of adding a fourth full-time team to the RCR stable. "Obviously we can't divulge what's on our minds but we have some exciting things that could happen." Burton wouldn't divulge details, rather said "there's a lot up in the air right now that we don't 100 percent know what's going to happen." The addition isn't a no-brainer, Burton said. He was quick to point out the negatives of adding another program: 25 percent more challenges, 25 percent more problems. The chief benefit of adding a fourth team is the additional knowledge added to the resource pool.(ESPN.com)(6-9-2007)
- Bowyer Enters Late Model Portion of May 25 Eckerd Outlaw Showdown: #07-Clint Bowyer plans to compete in the Goodyear Fastrak Challenge late model portion of the Eckerd Outlaw Showdown Friday night at The Dirt Track @ Lowe's Motor Speedway. The winged World of Outlaws sprint cars headline the program with the Goodyear Fastrak Challenge late models serving as the support division. Bowyer, of Emporia, Kan., is entered in the #07 Jack Daniels late model and will be among those chasing a $2,000 first prize in the 25-lap late model finale. Before joining Richard Childress Racing, Bowyer honed his racing skills at several Midwestern dirt tracks including Lakeside Speedway where he won the 2002 track championship. Also on the late model entry list for Friday's Eckerd Outlaw
Showdown is Austin Dillon, the grandson of Bowyer's Nextel Cup and Busch Series car owner Richard Childress. The Goodyear Fastrak Challenge series features late model stock cars powered by General Motors crate engines. Twenty-time World of Outlaws champion Steve Kinser, defending series champion Donny Schatz and 2001 titlist Danny Lasoski are among those scheduled to compete in the sprint car portion of the Eckerd Outlaw Showdown. Reserved seats for Friday night's Eckerd Outlaw Showdown are just $25 for adults and $10 for children ages 12 and under. Tickets can be purchased by calling the speedway ticket office at 1-800-455-FANS or online at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com.(LMS PR)(5-23-2007)
- DEI and RCR team up to build engines: One of NASCAR's greatest partnerships - Childress and Earnhardt - has been expanded with the creation of Earnhardt-Childress Racing Technologies. Richard Childress and Teresa Earnhardt announced today that the joint venture partnership will combine the Chevrolet engine departments of Richard Childress Racing (RCR) and Dale Earnhardt, Inc. (DEI), with engine development work to begin immediately. Construction of a permanent stand-alone facility located between RCR and
DEI will begin later this summer with completion expected by mid 2008. A specific site has not been announced, although a location has been identified pending zoning approval. Until that facility is complete, all work will be divided between the RCR's engine shop in Welcome, N.C. and DEI's shop in Mooresville, N.C. It is anticipated that all six RCR and DEI cars will run the first common engine at Daytona in July. Earnhardt-Childress Racing Technologies will develop and build engines for the Chevrolet Nextel Cup Series and Busch Series teams campaigned by the two companies. A long-term goal of the joint venture will include an engine leasing program for teams in NASCAR's top three divisions. The partnership also has long-term plans to diversify and expand beyond NASCAR by providing race engines to teams competing in series such as the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series, various off-road and stock car series, sports car series, etc. This is not the first time RCR and DEI have worked together in a technology partnership. RAD, an acronym for the three teams owned by Richard Childress, Andy Petree and Dale Earnhardt, was formed in the late 90's as an aerodynamic consortium between the programs. The partnership was considered wildly successful with the three teams dominating the aerodynamically sensitive restrictor plate tracks Daytona and Talladega for the next few years.(DEI PR)(5-18-2007)
- DIRECTV on the #07 at RIR: Clint Bowyer's #07 Chevy will sport a DIRECTV paint scheme this weekend at Richmond International Raceway. DIRECTV is the nation's leading digital television service provider and is also the official satellite television service provider of NASCAR. The team's customary primary sponsor, Jack Daniel's, will be featured on the car's lower-rear quarter panels and deck lid. This is the third time in 2007 Bowyer has run a DIRECTV scheme.(RCR PR), see images of the scheme on my #07-Team Schemes page.(5-3-2007)
- #07 Dialed in with DIRECTV at Phoenix: Clint Bowyer's #07 Chevy will sport a DIRECTV paint scheme this weekend at Phoenix International Raceway (PIR). DIRECTV is the nation's leading digital television service provider and is also the official satellite television service provider of NASCAR. The team's customary primary sponsor, Jack Daniel's, will be featured on the car's lower-rear quarter panels and deck lid.(RCR PR), see an image of the scheme on my #07 Team Schemes page.(4-17-2007)
- Camping World to sponsor Wimmer at Atlanta; Bowyer at other races: Richard Childress Racing (RCR) and Camping World have agreed on a multi-pronged sponsorship agreement for three of RCR's Nextel Cup Series and Busch Series teams for 2007. Camping World, based in Bowling Green, Ky., is the world's largest supplier of RV accessories and camping equipment with over 65 retail outlets in key regional locations. The multi-team program will include: Scott Wimmer in the #33 Camping World Chevy at the March 18 Kobalt Tools 500 Nextel Cup Series event at Atlanta Motor Speedway; Clint Bowyer in the #07 Camping World Chevy at Nextel Cup Series events at New Hampshire International Speedway (July 1) and Pocono Raceway (Aug. 5); and Bowyer in the #2 Camping World Chevy in the Busch Series races at Phoenix (April 20), Talladega (April 28), the Camping World 200 at New Hampshire International Speedway (June 30) and Chicagoland Speedway (July 14). For more information go to campingworld.com.(Richard Childress Racing PR)(3-15-2007)
- Triple at Atlanta for Bowyer: Clint Bowyer is scheduled to compete in all three NASCAR-sanctioned races this weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway. In addition to his duties behind the wheel of the #07 DIRECTV HotPass Chevy on Sunday in the Nextel Cup race, he will race the Kevin Harvick Inc.-owned #2 Camping World Chevy Silverado in Friday night's Craftsman Truck Series event and the #2 BB&T Chevy Monte Carlo in Saturday's Nicorette 300 Busch Series race.(RCR PR)(3-14-2007)
- Bowyer to run DirecTV hotpass scheme at Atlanta: Richard Childress Racing (RCR) and DIRECTV, primary sponsor of Clint Bowyer's #07 Chevrolet for six races on the 2007 Nextel Cup Series schedule, will unveil a new paint scheme for Bowyer's #07 entry at next weekend's Kobalt Tools 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. This unique paint scheme will prominently feature the logo for the
innovative new NASCAR HotPass service, exclusively available on DIRECTV. The new paint scheme is well-timed for DIRECTV as Bowyer continues an impressive start in his second year in NASCAR's top division. It also coincides with a strong overall start for RCR to the 2007 season. All three RCR entries are currently in the top six of the Nextel Cup Series championship point standings. Additionally, Kevin Harvick captured victory in spectacular fashion in last month's season-opening Daytona 500, the second Great America Race
victory in RCR's storied history. More information is available on www.directv.com/hotpass.(RCR PR), see image of a DirecTV scheme on my #07 Team Schemes page.(3-11-2007)
- Childress to Speak March 8 at Neurosurgeon Convention: Richard Childress will give a speech March 8 to the American
Association of Neurological Surgeons and Congress of Neurological Surgeons (AANS/CNS). The speech, entitled "The Importance of Teamwork," is part of the 2007 AANS/CNS Section on Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves Annual Meeting at the J.W. Marriott Desert Ridge Resort in Phoenix. The 10-time NASCAR championship team owner and winning team owner of the 2007 Daytona 500 was invited to speak to the group by his friend, Charles L. Branch Jr., MD, chair of the AANS/CNS Joint Section on Disorders of the Spine
and Peripheral Nerves, and a practicing neurosurgeon at Wake Forest University Medical Center in Winston-Salem, N.C.(RCR PR)(3-8-2007)
- Neighbors not happy with RCR engine noise, RCR working on problem: Until a few months ago, racing the engines at the Richard Childress Racing [#'s 07,29,31,33 in Nextel Cup] garage in Welcome, NC was never a problem, according to residents. Then, the team cleared 10 acres of forest between its buildings and nearby neighborhoods for its expansion. Those trees served as a muffler for the noise. Now that they're gone, people say the noise is unbearable. Some neighbors said the noise rattles their windows. Monday night, the Davidson County Commissioners granted RCR a zoning request that green lights the expansion. While the neighbors were disappointed with the decision, RCR spokesman Bill Patterson said the racing team will plant cypress trees along the back property line to create a buffer. Patterson also said the team has spent $500,000 on reducing noise and will do more. Neighbors said they'd like to see a sound reduction wall.(wxii12.com)(12-12-2006)
- BB&T Becomes Offical Bank of RCR; Will Sponsor Bowyer in Busch: BB&T Corporation and Richard Childress Racing have reached a two-year agreement for the full-service financial institution to sponsor RCR’s #2 Chevy and driver Clint Bowyer in the Busch Series and become the Official Bank of Richard Childress Racing. Bowyer is scheduled to compete in 17 races each in the 2007 and 2008 NASCAR Busch Series seasons.(RCR PR)(12-11-2006)
- Bowyer and crew chief to fly in F-16s: On Wednesday, November 8, Bowyer, along with his crew chief Gil Martin, are scheduled to fly the friendly skies in F-16s courtesy of the 56th Fighter Wing based out of Luke Air Force Base in Goodyear, Ariz. Luke Air Force Base is the largest and only active-duty F-16 training base in the world with more than 200 F-16s assigned. The host command at Luke is the 56th Fighter Wing, under Air Education and Training Command's 19th Air Force. More than 470 pilots graduate
from Luke annually and proceed to combat assignments throughout the world. The 56th Fighter Wing also trains more than 700 maintenance technicians each year. The unique opportunity presented itself back in April when Bowyer visited Luke on behalf of PIR's "Salute to Military Families" program.(RCR PR)(11-8-2006)
- Bowyer NOT heading to the back at Texas: I had it listed below that #07-Clint Bowyer was going to the rear/back of the field before the drop of the green flag of the DIckies 500 at Texas Motor Speedway due to an engine change, been informed that is NOT the case as the car had a miss in the engine at the end of Friday's practice, which proved to be a spark plug, but the problem was remedied without having to change the motor.(11-5-2006)
- #07 to carry Texas themed paint scheme: Clint Bowyer’s Jack Daniel’s #07-Chevy will carry a special Texas-themed paint scheme. Texas residents, 21 or older, voted online for one of three designs from April 1-June 4 and over 50% of those who voted chose the winning scheme. Die casts of this weekend’s car will be available for sale trackside at the Jack Daniel’s souvenir trailer.(RCR PR), see the scheme on my #07 Team Schemes Page.(11-1-2006)
- DirecTV back on the #07 at Talladega: For the fourth and final time this season, Clint Bowyer's #07 Chevy will sport a DIRECTV paint scheme. DIRECTV is the nation's leading digital television service provider. DIRECTV is also the official satellite television service provider of NASCAR. The team's customary primary sponsor, Jack Daniel's, will be featured on the car's lower-rear quarter panels and deck lid.(RCR PR), see images of the scheme on my #07 Team Schemes page.(10-5-2006)
- RCR Forms Partnership with Metris: Richard Childress Racing (RCR) is investing in a multi-million dollar partnership with Metris to utilize the Belgium-based company’s integrated metrology solutions for use in the production of the nine-time NASCAR champion racing organization’s engines and race cars. Metris, with U.S. operations in Detroit, California and Virginia, will supply RCR with proven high-technology metrology systems, both contact and optical, and the expertise to improve the aerodynamics and boost the performance of its engines. The partnership is another strategic move in RCR’s continuing bid to boost the performance of its cars with winning technology. “We’re partnering with Metris because of its impressive range of advanced metrology products,” said Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing. “We’re confident that the expertise its engineers have demonstrated will help us to push the performance of our race cars to the next level. The technology involved in NASCAR today continues to grow and RCR’s partnership with Metris will put us on the cutting edge in both the engine and fabrication shops.” Metris provides integrated solutions for automotive and aerospace metrology. The portfolio comprises Coordinate-Measuring Machines (CMM), Optical CMM, 3D Laser Scanners, Laser Radar and iGPS systems along with Focus, the leading inspection and reverse engineering software. “Having Metris’ equipment on-site at RCR will help facilitate our engine and body fabrication sides of the business,” said Bobby Hutchens, RCR’s vice president of research and development. “On the fab side, it will provide us with the technology to more precisely duplicate our bodies and, on the engine side, will ensure that both the parts we purchase from outside sources as well as those produced by RCR’s Okuma Technology Center meet our current specifications.” More info about Metris at www.metris.com. (RCR PR)(9-22-2006)
- Ex-employee's lawsuit claims improprieties in engine shop at RCR UPDATE Statement by Childress: .A lawsuit filed by a former Richard Childress Racing employee includes specific allegations that engines the team used in events at 2006 Speedweeks at Daytona were designed to defeat NASCAR rules. The team denies the allegations. Anthony Corrente, who lost his job as assistant manager for engine research and development for RCR earlier this year, filed his suit Wednesday in Mecklenburg County superior court. It alleges wrongful termination, defamation and breach of contract against the team, which fields Nextel Cup cars for #29-Kevin Harvick, #31-Jeff Burton and #07-Clint Bowyer. Corrente said he inspected an engine from Harvick’s #29 Chevy after the Budweiser Shootout and found it had been altered to allow more air to enter, which would be contrary to the purpose of carburetor restrictor plates used at the Daytona track. “Inserts were placed in the four outside corners of the cylinder head where the manifold is attached,” the lawsuit says. When tightened, the bottom of the bolts hit these inserts, leaving room for air to get in between the intake manifold and the cylinder head. Such air would get to the engine beneath the restrictor plate, which is designed specifically to limit the flow of air. More air means more power, at least in theory. The suit also says that Burton won the pole for this year’s Daytona 500 with another engine that had the same modifications. Burton’s engine passed NASCAR inspection following the qualifying session. David Hart, a spokesman for Richard Childress Racing, said Thursday that Corrente’s allegations are untrue. “We will deal with them in the courts,” Hart said. Corrente left Joe Gibbs Racing in July 2005, signing a three-year contract with a two-year renewal option at RCR. He said he was fired after a conversation with Harvick in May during a test at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, where Harvick’s team had tested an engine built to Corrente’s specifications that differed from what the team had been doing. See full story by David Poole at ThatsRacin.(9-21-2006)
UPDATE Statement by Richard Childress: The following is a statement from Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing (RCR), regarding allegations made in a lawsuit filed by a former employee: "The allegations made about RCR in a lawsuit filed by a disgruntled former employee are absolutely untrue. Specifically, our cars passed NASCAR inspection both before and after qualifying for the 2006 Daytona 500. Additional allegations made are also untrue. We will make no further comments until after the issue is resolved in a court of law."(RCR PR)(9-22-2006)
- DirecTV back on the #07 at Dover: For the third time this season, Clint Bowyer's #07 Chevy will sport a DIRECTV paint scheme. DIRECTV is the nation's leading digital television service provider. DIRECTV is also the official satellite television service provider of NASCAR. The team's customary primary sponsor, Jack Daniel's, will be featured on the car's lower-rear quarter panels and deck lid. (RCR PR), see an image of the scheme on my #07 Team Schemes page.(9-20-2006)
- Peters to RCR? UPDATE: Dodge released Timothy Peters as driver of the Craftsman Series #4 truck, Bobby Hamilton Racing announced Tuesday. However, Peters shouldn’t be without a ride for long. After racing for two seasons with Bobby Hamilton Racing, Peters is expected to sign with Richard Childress Racing as early as this weekend in New Hampshire. Phone messages left with Richard Childress Racing were not immediately returned, and Peters said he couldn’t comment on his future. “I’m not at liberty to say anything,” he said. In 17 Truck Series races this season, Peters has one top-10 finish - placing sixth on June 23 at Milwaukee. He has three career top-10 finishes in 33 Truck Series starts, and is currently 19th in the points standings. “We brought Timothy Peters in as a rookie, and with some seat time under his belt he has proven to be a hot commodity,” team owner Bobby Hamilton said in a release. A potential deal with RCR would join Peters with Danville native Peyton Sellers, who is in RCR’s development program, and South Boston native Jeff Burton. For now the plan is to team back up with his Bailey’s South Boston team for the Bailey’s 300 late model race at Martinsville Speedway on Oct. 1.(Danville Register Bee)(9-15-2006)
UPDATE: Richard Childress Racing has signed Timothy Peters as a driver for its 2007 NASCAR Busch Series program. Peters raced the past two seasons in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series for Bobby Hamilton Racing. A determination is forthcoming as to which of RCR’s Busch teams he will drive for. RCR is also scheduled to field a car for Peters in the Oct. 7 ARCA race at Talladega.(RCRRacing.com)(9-19-2006)
- Happy Birthday Jack scheme at Bristol: Mr. Jack . Bowyer's Jack Daniel's Chevy will sport a commemorative "Happy Birthday Jack" paint scheme this weekend at Bristol. Jasper Newton 'Jack' Daniel would have turned 156 in September.(RCR PR), see an image of the scheme on my #07 Team Schemes page.(8-24-2006)
