- Brett Bodine to the pace car? NASCAR is reevaluating its staffing on its pace car and chase vehicles and is seriously considering turning pace car driving duties in its Nextel Cup series races over to former Cup driver Brett Bodine, ThatsRacin.com has learned. Bodine, 45, who retired from active competition, was recently hired by NASCAR to tackle several special projects with its research and development team based in Concord, NC, including work on the "car of the future," which will incorporate new safety measures. Bodine would replace Buster Auton, who has served as pace car driver in the Cup series since 1997, following the death of Elmo Langley. Auton has missed only a handful of races due to medical reasons. Auton is expected to then move to the "chase car," NASCAR's first-response vehicle to accident scenes, generally followed by safety crews and ambulances. Jim Hunter, NASCAR's vice president for corporate communications, said no final decisions have been made on staffing changes. "Whether Buster is driving the pace car or the chase car or whatever Buster Auton is doing, he is a vital part of NASCAR's operations," Hunter said. Hunter said NASCAR is always evaluating its needs on the track and in the garage, attempting to find where its employees' talent can be best utilized. Bodine drove in Cup for 20 seasons. He had one win and five poles in 480 career starts. A formal announcement of any changes is expected within a couple of weeks.(ThatsRacin.com)(4-23-2004)
- Sad News: former Brett Bodine Racing's PR rep, Carolyn Carrier's Mom passed away this morning. Betty A. Carrier, age 76 - native of Atlanta but spent early adult life in Bristol, TN. passed away in her sleep early morning of 4/22/04 Visitation is Friday 4/23/04 6-8pm at RT Patterson Funeral Home, 5275 N. Buford Hwy, Norcross GA, Graveside on Sat 4/24/04 at 10:30-Westview Cemetery in Atlanta and Memorial Service at 2pm on Sat at Gwinnett Christian Terrace, Lilburn In lieu of flowers, donations can be made
to Gwinnett Christian Terrace, 414 Berkmar Way, Lilburn, Ga. 30047.(4-22-2004)
- Changes coming, a 'bigger' car UPDATE Bodine Project: During the Speed Channel show Inside Nextel Cup, Gary Nelson, head of NASCAR R&D was interviewed on the 'Hot Seat' and mentioned the 'car of tomorrow' is currently being worked on and tested and hopes are to possibly run it late in the 2005 season. The car will have a larger greenhouse [the upper inside of the car above the 'doors'], have a different areodynamic signature [meaning not as aerodynanic], have a squarer appearance, move the driver over to the right away from the 'drivers-side door' but not in the middle, be safer for the driver and maintain most of the safety features currently being used and that NASCAR does NOT plan to have a 'common engine' as had been rumored.(4-13-2004)
UPDATE: Brett Bodine has a mechanical engineering degree from the State University of New York at Alfred. He will work at NASCAR's research and development center in Concord, N.C., as a special project manager. In addition to working with safety issues, the research and development center is responsible for creating the car of the future - one that incorporates safety, competition and cost. The car will feature a larger greenhouse - the passenger area - to mirror the kind of competition currently displayed on the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. The new car will be less dependent on aerodynamics and will be easier to police since all manufacturers will basically share the same body shapes. Bodine's new job comes at a time of change at NASCAR. Joe Garone, a former crew chief for Bill Elliott, is leaving his job as director of officiating to return to the garage area; vice president Jim Hunter, the company's top spokesman, is being moved to a new position that oversees regional touring and weekly series, and Don Hawk, the former business manager for Dale Earnhardt, is joining NASCAR as the director of regional racing development.(Augusta Chronicle)(4-15-2004)
- Bodine Announcement this week? UPDATE 2: hearing Brett Bodine will be making some sort of an announcement this week concerning his NASCAR future.(4-12-2004)
UPDATE: Fox Sports Net's Totally NASCAR show reports that Bodine will go to work for the NASCAR R^D Center in Concord, NC.
UPDATE 2: The newest member of NASCAR's Research & Development team knows his sport well from behind the wheel. Now, he gets the opportunity to contribute behind the scenes. NASCAR president Mike Helton announced today that veteran driver Brett Bodine has joined NASCAR's R&D staff as special project engineer. Bodine, who holds a degree in mechanical engineering from the State University of New York at Alfred, will tackle several assignments. One project with priority is the "Car of the Future,"
where Bodine will work on cost-saving initiatives. Operating out of NASCAR's Concord, N.C.-based R&D Center, Bodine will work with Gary Nelson, NASCAR's managing director of research and development. A native of Chemung, N.Y., Bodine, 45, competed at NASCAR's highest level for nearly 20 years. He has one win (1990 at North Wilkesboro) and five poles in 480 career NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series starts. His career-high finish of 12th in the point standings also came in 1990. Bodine was a driver/owner from 1996-2003. He became an owner in 1996, buying the renowned #11 team from Junior Johnson prior to that season. His last on-track action came in June, 2003, when he qualified for the June 15 event at Michigan. Prior to 2003, Bodine had been a fulltime NASCAR NEXTEL Cup
Series competitor for 15 consecutive seasons (1988-2003). During his career, he drove for some of NASCAR's most successful owners, including Bud Moore (1988-89), Kenny Bernstein (1990-1994) and Junior Johnson (1995). Bodine's first race in NASCAR's premier series came in 1986 for owner Rick Hendrick (his only start that year). He drove 14 races for Hoss Ellington in 1987 before beginning his fulltime career in 1988. "We're delighted to have Brett on board," Helton said. "He's been such a steadfast member of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series garage over the years, and he's done it all - he's built race cars, he's worked on race cars and he's driven race cars. He brings a new perspective that we're glad to tap into."
Bodine's experience also extends back to the NASCAR Busch Series, where he was the series runner-up in 1986. Before that, he enjoyed success in northeastern modified circles, finishing second in the 1984 track championship at Stafford (Conn.) Motor Speedway, and winning the 1985 Modified Race of Champions at Pocono Raceway. Overall, he has three career victories in the NASCAR Featherlite
Modified Series. In 1998, he was named one of the Top-50 Modified drivers of all time.(NASCAR PR)(4-13-2004)
- Bodine still looking:
Brett Bodine, who was networking the paddock for work during the first two Nextel Cup events of the season, is trying to keep his unsponsored team from going out of business. "I'm looking to do whatever I can do," Bodine said in the Feb. 19 issue of NASCAR Scene. "I've got to make a living." Bodine, who has driven in the Cup series since 1988 and operated his own team since 1996, has a diverse resume in racing and plenty of skills to offer someone. "I'm a race car driver/team owner/team manager/advisor; whatever I need to do," he said. "I'm in a position where I'm looking for a job." Bodine was interviewed for the weekly publication during the season-opening Daytona 500 weekend. He did not return a phone call seeking further comment Wednesday. "I don't have any solid prospects right now," Brett told NASCAR Scene. "I'm just trying to be seen." Bodine also was seen canvasing the paddock for work at Rockingham, N.C. last Friday. "We are all still working, trying to find something -- whether it's a sponsor with enough funding that would allow us to rebuild or whether it's a ride for Brett with another team," team spokeswoman Carolyn Carrier said in a fan forum message on the Web site www.brettbodine.com. Older brother Geoffrey said last month that one of the options Brett was pursuing was to manage a start-up team out of the Brett Bodine Racing shop in Mooresville, NC. Brett's team has been idle since he failed to qualify for the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway last August. He raced an abbreviated schedule before his primary sponsor, Hooters restaurants, pulled out last June. The team negotiated a two-year contract with a new sponsor in mid-August. When the sponsor didn't follow through, Brett had no choice but to lay off the rest of his employees. Bodine is not giving up hope of getting his team up and running again. In fact, he said the latest sponsorship deal is still on the table. "It hasn't closed itself, it just hasn't happened," he said. "It's a start-up company and they're not in a position yet to start funding. I'm running out of time." To help pay the bills, Brett has been selling off some of his cars. Andy Hillenburg, who purchased one of them, drove it to a 34th-place finish in the Subway 400 on Sunday. "The stuff that he's selling needed to be gotten rid of, as it is pretty much dated or needed lots of work," Carrier said in a forum message.(Elmira Star Gazette)(2-26-2004)
- Brett Bodine/Jimmy Spencer at the Rock: Cup veteran Brett Bodine was among the interested observers in the garage area Friday. Bodine's 480th career start came last June at Michigan International Speedway, where he qualified his Ford, then suffered a broken collarbone during a crash in practice and had to press older brother Geoffrey into service to drive in the race. The team owner-driver said Friday that he is in the process of selling off the cars in his fleet, but retains all the other equipment necessary to operate a team. He sold another one Friday when Andy Hillenburg made the field for Sunday's race. Bodine's purpose for visiting the track? "Whatever. Driving or whatever else a team could use," he said. Also spotted at the track Friday was Jimmy Spencer, who competed in last Sunday's Daytona 500 but is now looking for work. Team owner Jim Smith shut down his Cup team for lack of sponsorship and will concentrate on the Craftsman Truck operations that fields entries for Ted Musgrave and Andy Houston.(Fayetteville Observer)(2-21-2004)
- Sad News: Eunice Dallaire passed away this morning after a bout with cancer. She is survived by her husband, Andy, twin daughters Diane Bodine and Donna Richeson, granddaughter Heidi Bodine and grandson Josh Richeson.(12-17-2003)
- Brick Cars have arrived: The #11 The Brick Car / Brett Bodine diecast have arrived. They will be shipping out this coming week. There are still some available at www.brettbodine.com. What is the 'Brick car all about'? see below for the past news around August. Also: no word on Bodine's 2004 plans or what happened to the sponsor but know the team and Bodine are still looking for one.(12-12-2003)
- Brett Bodine Not Racing at Homestead: Brett Bodine's Winston Cup sponsor status is also still an unknown. Team spokespersons have been tight lipped about when and if the deal with the sponsor they signed a contract with in August will be consummated. Bodine said two weeks ago that a payment from his team's unnamed sponsor was due Nov. 1. He also said, at the time, that his team may be able to compete in the final Winston Cup race this weekend. Calls to both Bodine and team spokeswoman Carolyn Carrier were not returned Wednesday. The team's receptionist said Wednesday that they will not be racing at Homestead-Miami Speedway but that Bodine would be there at the track.(Elmira Star-Gazette)(11-13-2003)
- Brick Cars For Sale: #11 Brett Bodine are offering the limited edition "Brick Car" Racing Champions diecast for sale on Brett's Bodine's website.(11-4-2003)
- Brett Bodine Close? #11-Brett Bodine told Ford officials last weekend that the financial commitment from a multi-year sponsorship package for his NASCAR Winston Cup team is due Saturday. That was reported on the Web site www.fordracing.com. If the money comes through, Bodine said he may be able to debut his yet-to-be named sponsor at the season finale Nov. 15 in Homestead, Fla. Bodine has been unusually closed-lipped about the sponsorship since he signed the contract back in mid-August. Perhaps it's because he doesn't want to jinx the deal, which he has said would be the largest in the team's eight-year history. Or it could be that the deal is indeed in jeopardy. Bodine told Ford officials he is tempering his excitement until the sponsor honors its commitment. On Tuesday, the Web site www.www.jayski.com reported that Bodine's crew chief, Mike Hillman, has left and joined the Arnold Motorsports Winston Cup team. Could that be another bad sign for Bodine's sponsorship deal? The team has been running on a shoestring budget. Many of its employees have been laid off. With the expected new sponsor signing, Bodine had hoped to be back racing by mid-September. That didn't happen, but Brett said several weeks ago that he might compete in the final three races of the season.(Star Gazette)(10-30-2003)
- What is up with Brett Bodine? Brett Bodine is at Atlanta working the garage. Unfortunately for Bodine, his role this weekend is that of radio broadcast announcer rather than race car driver. Bodine says that he’ll know more on Nov. 1, when the financial commitment from a sponsorship package is fulfilled. Asked when he might return to the track Bodine said, “hopefully at Homestead.” Bodine is tempering his excitement, as he needs to see the sponsor come through on its commitment before he can open the spigots to outfit his team.(Ford Racing)(10-26-2003)
- Brett Bodine to run final three 2003 races: #11-Brett Bodine was at the Kansas Speedway, but he left shortly before the command to start the engines. "I'm not a good spectator," he said. Bodine has a new sponsor signed for the 2004 season, but he plans to run the final three races of this year so his team can get used to working with each other.(Augusta Chronicle)(10-6-2002)
- Bodine's return delayed: It will be several more weeks before Brett Bodine Racing gears up for its return to the Winston Cup Series, team spokeswoman Carolyn Carrier said Wednesday night from her North Carolina home. "I know a lot of people have been asking, but it's just taking longer to get everything in place," she said. "It's business, and sometimes those things take awhile." Bodine hasn't raced since losing his Hooters sponsorship in June. He signed a two-year sponsorship deal with a still unnamed company on Aug. 12.[He did make an attempt in the #4 Kodak Pontiac at Pocono but didn't qulaify]. The team had initially hoped to compete in this weekend's Southern 500 in Darlington. Those plans have been scrapped so the sponsor, which is new to NASCAR, can finalize its marketing plan. "They are new in racing and just trying to get everything done and do it right," Carrier said. Carrier said it is difficult to say for sure when Bodine might make his return but said it could be "two or three more weeks." "We'll announce who the sponsor is once we decide when the (first) race will be," she said. "We'll make a big announcement, probably the week before (we race)." Carrier said the earliest Bodine could have his No. 11 Ford Taurus on the track again would be the Sylvania 300 in Loudon, N.H., on Sept. 14, or the Dover 400 in Dover, Del., on Sept. 21. "We have to wait to see how quickly things come together," Carrier said. "We're trying to get everything done, and do it right." Carrier said the team has yet to hire new people and begin to upgrade its equipment since signing the sponsorship deal. "We're just trying to get everything together to figure out what we need and how we are going to approach it," Carrier said. "We don't want to come back and not have everything ready to go."(Elmira Star Gazette)(8-28-2003)
Sad News: Sympathies go out to former NASCAR Busch North Series driver Eric Bodine of Waverly, NY whose wife, Leslie, died Sunday after an extended illness. The cousin to NASCAR racing brothers Geoffrey, Brett and Todd Bodine competed full time in the Busch North Series from 1996 to 1999 before taking time off for personal reasons to spend with his wife and family. Leslie Bodine, 38, a native of Towanda, is also survived by three daughters and a son.(Elmira Star Gazette)(8-28-2003)
- Bodine to announce sponsor soon UPDATE and a Truck ride for Geoffrey: Motorsports marketing agency, RKR MotorSports has inked a long-term primary sponsorship deal for Brett Bodine Racing's #11 NASCAR Winston Cup team. While the identity of the new sponsor has not yet been made public, this new sponsorship program will begin during the second half of 2003 and continue through completion of the 2005 season. Complete details will be announced at a press conference in the coming weeks.(BBR PR)(8-12-2003)
UPDATE: Brett Bodine's concerns ended Tuesday, when he signed the largest primary sponsorship contract his team has ever had. The deal, which is expected to begin at the Mountain Dew Southern 500 at Darlington, S.C., on Aug. 31, will last through the 2005 season. The deal was announced Tuesday on Bodine's official Web site, www.brettbodine.com. Bodine could not be reached for comment Wednesday. The name of the sponsor, which Bodine said in June would be new to NASCAR, will be announced at a press conference in a few weeks. "This is going to be more money than he's ever had," team spokeswoman Carolyn Carrier said from her North Carolina home Wednesday night. Carrier said Bodine told her, "This is such a huge relief to know we have a future. I definitely slept better last night." Bodine had been running a scaled-down Winston Cup schedule this year, with a small sponsorship from Hooters. Since Hooters left the team in June, Bodine has attempted to race in only one event, the Brickyard 400 earlier this month. Bodine had been courting this sponsor prior to learning of Hooters' decision to pull its money. Carrier said the money should be able to take the team up a level, though it will probably take some time to do so. "You can't just spend that kind of money overnight and expect to come out of the box and improve," she said. "It will help us get the people, the equipment, and get everything the way we had hoped to be all these years." She said real improvement should be seen heading into the 2004 season. "Every year we've been scrambling at the last minute not knowing what we were going to do," Carrier said. "This will be such a total relief to be able to plan ahead for a change. We've never been able to do that." Carrier, who said Bodine had to lay off "most everybody" on the team, said he is in the process of hiring people back. "We were bare bones," Carrier said. "We didn't have the funds to do anything and were not sure of the future." In addition, Carrier said a deal is in the works for the team to run in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2004, with Brett's older brother, Geoffrey, doing the driving. "That looks good," she said. "That would just be icing on the cake. It would be wonderful."(Elmira Star Gazette)(8-14-2003)
- Brett Bodine gets sponsor for Indy: In its second season as a sponsor of NASCAR Winston Cup driver Brett Bodine, U.S. Micro Corp. is taking over as primary sponsor of Bodine's #11 U.S. Micro Brick Car for the 10th running of the annual Brickyard 400, on Aug. 3. U.S. Micro, a national computer disposal, refurbishment, leasing and sales company, views the jump to primary sponsorship as a natural progression of its already successful NASCAR marketing plan. "As a pioneer among smaller NASCAR sponsor companies, we carefully weighed the benefits of NASCAR marketing before partnering with Brett's team last year," said Jim Kegley, president of U.S. Micro Corp. "Our sponsorship of Brett in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series has delivered everything we had hoped for: customer and prospect entertainment opportunities in all parts of the country; increased local and national exposure for our company through the media and the added marketing muscle of NASCAR; and enjoyable incentives and rewards for our employees. Based on those benefits, we embraced the opportunity to become Brett's primary sponsor for the Brickyard 400, one of NASCAR's most prestigious races." For the 2002 and 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup seasons, U.S. Micro has been the official computer provider to the Brett Bodine Racing team, supplying laptops, desktop PCs, monitors, servers, networking equipment, printers, digital cameras and other hardware. The equipment is used in every phase of the team's operation, from administrative functions to car engineering and testing. "Our relationship with U.S. Micro has enabled us to upgrade our computer equipment both at the shop and at the track, and we are very appreciative of their involvement with our team," said Brett Bodine. "Small businesses like U.S. Micro are what the country and our sport were founded on and help keep us going." In addition to U.S. Micro's assuming primary sponsorship for the Brickyard 400, Brett Bodine Racing is offering a unique way for NASCAR fans to become a "personal sponsor" of Bodine's car for this 10th running of the Brickyard 400. For $500, fans can purchase a "brick" decal with their name on it, to be integrated into the car's paint scheme on the bottom half of the car. Each personal sponsor receives a die-cast model of the U.S. Micro Brick Car autographed by Brett Bodine, as well as a commemorative certificate suitable for framing.(Brett Bodine Racing PR), more info on U.S. Micro at : www.usmicrocorp.com(7-28-2003)
SOLD OUT there were 85 bricks sold and they are now sold out.(7-30-2003)
- Morgan-McClure Plans for next three races UPDATE:
Pocono: the team has filed two entries for the Pennsylvania 500 at Pocono Raceway [#04 and #4 Kodak Pontiacs] but since David Reutimann didn't make the Cup race at New Hampshire [qualifying rained out and no attempts] and didn't get to test as planned at Pocono Raceway last week, team owner Larry McClure said, "I think we might enter David in the ARCA race at Pocono," McClure said. "I don't think it would be fair to put him in a Cup car there, when he's never seen the place and would be making his first Winston Cup start. We may ask Brett Bodine to qualify our Winston Cup car and race it."
Indianapolis: After that, McClure expects to run Reutimann in the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where the driver was impressive in a test session last week. "At Indy we're going to run two cars, David and somebody else," McClure said. "Right now we hope it will be Robert Pressley."
Watkins Glen: Then, McClure said he would again use Tennessean Johnny Miller, who ran for the team at Infineon Raceway, at Watkins Glen International.(more notes at NASCAR.com)(7-21-2003)
UPDATE Bodine in for Pocono: Morgan-McClure Motorsports will use Winston Cup veteran Brett Bodine as driver of its #4 Kodak Pontiac this weekend at Pocono Raceway. The 44-year old Chemung, N.Y.-native has one win which came at North Wilkesboro in 1990, 16 top-fives, 61 top-10s and five poles to his credit. In addition to the Winston Cup event, Morgan-McClure will also enter the ARCA race at Pocono with the #4 Kodak ARCA car and Busch Series driver David Reutimann. Reutimann, whose Winston Cup debut got rained out last Friday at New Hampshire, will gain valuable seat time at the 2.5-mile track. "The team is happy to have Brett Bodine drive the Kodak Pontiac at Pocono. Brett and I have known each other for a long time. He is one of the hardest working drivers and owners in the Winston Cup garage," said team owner, Larry McClure. "We are looking forward to going to Pocono with David in the ARCA car as well. We hope to build on last week’s momentum." Bodine is looking forward to his first race since he was injured in a practice session last month at Michigan. "I am looking forward to racing with Larry, Chris and all of the Morgan-McClure crew at Pocono. It will be my first race back since the accident. The doctors did a great job on the shoulder surgery and rehabilitation has been good," Bodine said. "It was way ahead of schedule and the doctor cleared me to race. I tested at Indy last week and the shoulder felt great, as a matter of fact the right shoulder feels stronger than the left."(ThatsRacin.com)(7-22-2003)
- Brett Bodine Ready to Return to the Track: After suffering multiple injuries in an accident last month at Michigan International Speedway, Brett Bodine has healed and is anxious to return to racing. Doctors have released him to race again after a successful recuperation period following surgery on his right clavical and some other minor injuries. Bodine is scheduled to test next week at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, with plans to return to competition at the Brickyard 400 next month. "I am really looking forward to getting back on the track. I'm afraid I don't make a very good spectator," Brett said following his return from the Pepsi 400 where he watched his brother race. "I really glad the Brickyard 400 will be my first race back. I love racing there and have a little history in my books from that place....a 2nd place finish in the inaugural race and the NASCAR speed record in 2000. This year, being the 10th running of the Brickyard, will also be special for us, as we will be running a special paint scheme specifically for this event. Fans, whether individuals, groups or small businesses,. have an opportunity to buy a "brick" on the car. The "bricks" will display their name and these special sponsors will receive a sponor's certificate and. a limited edition 1:24 scale die cast collectible car," shared Brett. "The interest has been good and we hope to have the car covered in "bricks". for the Brickyard 400. This opportunity is available either on my website or on eBay for two more weeks," he stated.(Brett Bodine Racing PR), plus buy a brick on the #11 car at the site www.brettbodine.com.(7-10-2003)
- Bodine offers fans a chance to sponsor #11 car at Indy UPDATE another brick in the wall: Brett Bodine Racing will offer fans an opportunity to become a sponsor on his #11 Ford Taurus entry for the 10th running of the Brickyard 400 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on August 3, 2003. The #11 Ford entry will have a special "brick" paint scheme for the event and fans will have an opportunity to help Brett Bodine build his Brickyard 400 entry, brick-by-brick, by purchasing a "brick" in the paint scheme. In addition to being known as a sponsor of this special "brick car", those participating will receive an autographed Sponsor Certificate and a 1:24 scale Racing Champions limited edition commemorative diecast replica of the "Brick Car" for each "brick" purchased. Information on how to participate can be found on Brett Bodine's website www.brettbodine.com. "I really like running the Brickyard 400. In addition to the prestige of racing at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway, I have a second-place finish at the inaugural Brickyard 400 and also broke the track record for the fastest stock car during qualifying in 2000," said Brett. "In addition to this being the 10th running of the Brickyard 400, this will be my first race since I was injured at Michigan last month. We plan on testing Indy in a couple of weeks and the team has had additional time to prepare while I was healing. Since we lost our sponsor mid-season, we have had lots of inquiries from fans who want to help us while we are searching for a full-time sponsor, so we thought we could make this race and this race car something extra special for all of us," he continued.(Brett Bodine Racing PR), see an image of the car on my Paint Scheme Gallery.(7-1-2003)
UPDATE: Brett Bodine has been courting a new sponsor for his NASCAR Winston Cup team to replace Hooters, which unexpectedly dropped its deal late last month. Bodine wants to run in the lucrative event at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Aug. 3 even if that deal doesn't materialize. An Indiana marketing man came up with a clever idea for Bodine to raise money for that race by allowing fans the chance to become sponsors on his #11 Ford Taurus. The car will have a special brick-colored paint scheme for the event and fans can purchase one of the bricks for $500. The promotion, which began Tuesday, allows fans to put a name on a brick decal that will be applied to the body of the car. Fans also receive an autographed sponsor certificate and a commemorative replica of the car for each brick purchased. "The response has been incredible," team spokeswoman Carolyn Carrier said Wednesday. "The fans have come up with some very creative ways to purchase a brick." Carrier said some fans are forming groups and pooling their money to buy bricks. Carrier said if Bodine's potential sponsor signs a deal before the race, the team may run a second car at the Brickyard 400 for Brett's older brother Geoffrey.(Elmira Star Gazette)(7-3-2003)
- Brett Bodine Plans UPDATE: For now, Brett Bodine's Winston Cup cars will sit idle in his Mooreseville, NC, race shop until another sponsor is signed. "The next 10 to 15 days are very critical to our future," said Bodine, who is trying to accelerate a potential sponsor deal that was meant for 2004. Regardless, he is planning to compete in the Brickyard 400 in August with a one-race sponsor. He is scheduled to test there in mid-July. Bodine had been running a scaled-down Winston Cup schedule with his limited Hooters sponsorship this year. He'd been courting this potential sponsor prior to learning of Hooters' decision to pull its money. "I feel real good about it (the potential sponsor), but I just hope the timing works out," Bodine said. "They weren't planning on this season and it might be tough to get them to speed up, that could be the issue. They are trying to make it happen. When you're asking people for a lot of money there are issues. They've got to get their issues taken care of so that this thing can come around and be a good sponsor for us." If the sponsorship comes through, Bodine said it will allow him to compete full time again. More importantly, he said it would be substantially more money than Hooters and his biggest deal ever, one that could take his team up a level. "It would be a long-term, multiyear deal," Bodine said of the sponsor, which would be new to NASCAR and would begin no later than the Brickyard 400. If so, he would also compete in the Sirius at the Glen on Aug. 10, an event that wasn't on his schedule with Hooters.(Elmira Star Gazette)(6-26-2003)
UPDATE: Brett Bodine said yesterday [at the Canada Day Shootout at Cayuga Speedway, where his brother Geoffrey subbed for him] he has a new three-year deal on the table and should have it signed within 10 days.(Toronto Sun)(6-30-2003)
- 60-G's for Bodine: Injured driver Brett Bodine [#11 Ford] says his car's black box data recorder registered a hit measuring 60-Gs when he crashed into the wall between turns one and two during [Last] Saturday's practice at Michigan knocking him out. Bodine is being evaluated by several doctors after suffering a concussion, a broken clavicle and a shoulder injury. His dentist is examining damage done to eight of Brett's teeth. Bodine says the accident won't deter him from getting back into the racecar, in fact he'll look into some sort of mouth guard when he's ready to get back into the racecar, however he won't come back until he's completely healed. And when he does, there's a strong possibility he'll have a new primary sponsor, backing Bodine says will give him the funding to finally be competitive with other teams.(PRN's Garagepass & XM Satellite Radio)(6-23-2003)
- News on Brett Bodine UPDATE 3: Brett Bodine returned to North Carolina on Sunday evening. He has dentist and doctors appointments the first part of the week but will be traveling to Watkins Glen for the Sahlen Six Hours at the Glen this weekend. Brett was scheduled to co-drive with brother Geoffrey and Darren Law, but will have to sit out and offer support to the team from the sidelines.(Brett Bodine Racing)(6-16-2003)
UPDATE: Brett Bodine will undergo surgery this afternoon at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte to repair the broken clavical, a plate will be inserted to allow the shoulder to heal. Dr. Patrick Connor of the Miller Orthopaedic Clinic will perform the surgery. Bodine will stay in the hospital overnight.(6-17-2003)
UPDATE 2: Brett Bodine underwent surgery last night on his right clavical. A plate was inserted to help the bone heal correctly.. He says his shoulder feels good and he has a good range of movement in his arm and shoulder. Bodine will be released from Carolinas Medical Center today.(BBR)(6-18-2003)
ALSO check out the new Brett Bodine Racing site, where you can leave Get Well Messages to Bodine.(6-18-2003)
UPDATE 3: Brett Bodine has successfully undergone surgery to repair a break in his right clavical from an accident during final practice on Saturday, June 14 at Michigan International Speedway. Dr. Patrick Connor performed the 90 minute procedure on Tuesday at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, NC. Bodine is expected to recover in 4-6 weeks. "I have seen the replay of the accident and realize how fortunate I am. The first thing I saw upon regaining consciousness was my brother Todd's face - what a welcome site that was! Everyone has been incredibly supportive. You just don't realize how many people truly care about you until something like this happens. In addition to having so many people remembering me in their prayers and thoughts, I have received cards, flowers, emails, and gifts from fans across the country. I am truly humbled that so many people - some I don't even know - care so much," said Brett.
Bodine is expected to make a full recovery from the broken clavical and broken tail-bone. "I am real pleased at how well the shoulder surgery went," said Bodine. "If all goes as anticipated, I hope to get back to racing by mid-July. I am so proud of my race team. They never missed a beat getting the job done. Everyone did a great job getting the back up car ready for my brother, Geoff, to drive the very next day and I truly appreciate it" continued Brett. In the meantime, the 44-year old driver will travel to Watkins Glen this weekend to support his brother, Geoffrey, who is co-driving in the Sahlen Six Hours at the Glen. Brett was to have also been a co-driver with Geoffrey and Darren Law, but the injury won't allow it. He will offer support and visit with friends and family. Brett will begin a physical therapy regime on Monday.
Bodine credits Robin Morrisey and Debbie King, the NASCAR Medical Liaisons for their help in coordinating the efforts of the team at the Michigan infield care center, Foote Hospital in Jackson, Michigan and the various medical exams and procedures upon his return to Charlotte. He also applauds Dean Kurtz, the ISC Chief Guest Services Officer, who assisted with other details at each facility."They have made the medical process so much less stressful and accommodating for the competitors, their families and teams," added Bodine.(Brett Bodine Racing PR)(6-19-2003)
- Bodine at the Track: Brett Bodine, who broke his right collarbone in a wreck during final practice Saturday at Michigan International Speedway, was on hand for Sunday's race as his brother Geoffrey Bodine drove the #11 Hooters Ford in his place. Brett Bodine hit the wall between turns 1 and 2, then his car shot down to the inside and he hit a wall of tires head-on. In addition to the collarbone injury, Brett Bodine suffered a concussion and knocked eight caps off his teeth. "To take two hard hits like that is a testament to our cars and safety stuff that we've put in these cars to make them safer for the drivers," Brett Bodine said. "The second hit on the inside was in the soft wall that the speedway had installed and that certainly did its job because I hit that running probably over 150 mph. I was unconsciousness and pretty much hit it straight on, so everything did its job for me to be here today."(ThatsRacin.com)(6-15-2003)
- Brett Bodine Injured in Practice at MIS UPDATE: #11-Brett Bodine was taken to a hospital for evaluation after crashing hard exiting Turn 2 at Michigan International Speedway in Saturday's final Winston Cup practice. The driver was conscious and alert as he was carried from the car to a waiting ambulance and was taken to the infield care center. He was then taken to a Jackson, Mich., hospital. Bodine's #11 Ford, which this week lost the Hooters restaurant chain as primary sponsor, hit the outside wall, then bounced back down the track and slammed into the inside wall. Bodine's brother, Todd, stopped on the track to check on him.(ThatsRacin.com)
UPDATE: Brett Bodine crashed during practice Saturday at Michigan International Speedway, but his crew chief thinks the driver was not seriously injured. Bodine was carried by safety workers to an ambulance and taken to the infield care center. He was examined and brought by ambulance to a hospital for further evaluation. Bodine, the only owner-driver in the Winston Cup series, was practicing for Sunday's Sirius Satellite 400. "He was alert and moving around and everything was OK," said Mike Hillman, Brett's crew chief. He said Bodine's brother, Todd, stopped by and "told me that he was OK but he took a pretty hard hit. Hopefully, he has no broken bones or anything seriously wrong." It appeared Brett Bodine's #11 Ford ran over a piece of debris left on the track by another car, cutting his right front tire. The car swerved into the outside wall, then continued along the track and slammed hard head-on into a tire wall at the bottom of the banked track at the exit of Turn 2. Todd Bodine was behind the car as it slid down the banking. He slowed quickly and parked along the inside of the track and ran to Brett's car to help remove his brother.(Michigan Live/AP)
AND The accident occurred some 30 minutes into the session, when according to Bodine's crew chief the right front tire blew on the Hooters Ford, sending Bodine hard into the Turn 1 wall. The car continued down the banking at high-speed, slamming head-on into a tire barrier on the inside of Turn 2. The impact lifted the car off the ground right in front of Bodine's younger brother, Todd. Hillman said the team, which loses backing from sponsor Hooters following Sunday's race at MIS, did bring a backup car that was run earlier this year. Adding insult to injury is Bodine's performance prior to the accident. He was 14th quick in practice at the time of the wreck.(NASCAR.com.
UPDATE 2: Brett Bodine suffered a broken collarbone in a frightening crash during Happy Hour, requiring the team to put Geoffrey Bodine in the car for Sunday's Sirius 400.(NASCAR.com), on FX's Happy Hour coverage, just before Bodine crashed, the #43-Christian Fittipaldi was shown with a plume of smoke, it was mentioned that a clutch or transmission may had gone out, reports now are that an engine blew, good chance Bodine got into some oil or fluid on the track.(6-14-2003)
- Hooter's Leaving Bodine as sponsor: Hooters Racing will end their sponsorship of the Brett Bodine Racing #11 NASCAR Winston Cup team at the end of June. After being the primary sponsor for most of the 2002 season and the first half of this season, Hooters' last event with the team will be the Sirius Satellite Radio 400 at Michigan International Speedway on June 15th.
"We are clearly disappointed in the performance of the team both this season and last. We respect and like Brett and really want to see him succeed. However, it does not make business sense to continue to pour money into a marketing venture that is not getting exposure on race days. We wish the best for Brett in the future, and hope that he is able to find support from a company looking to fund a NASCAR team," said Mike McNeil, Vice President of Marketing for Hooters.
"The #11 team failed to qualify for several races during last season and this season and has not finished within the top twenty this season. This year's schedule was reduced by one third - to 26 races - after BBR lost two of its key associate sponsors from last year. It was felt that this limited schedule would give the team, on its limited budget, more of a chance to be competitive based on having more time for preparation," continued McNeil.
"Naturally, we had hoped that by scaling back on the number of races on our schedule for this season, we would be able to improve our performance but without the help of major associate sponsors, we are still under-funded and it is extremely difficult to compete with teams who are running on two or three times the amount of money we have. I really do appreciate the opportunity Hooters gave us last year when they stepped up at the first Atlanta race and the consideration that was given on running a limited schedule this season. Hooters allowed us to continue our efforts as an owner/driver in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series but we must find adequate funding to continue," stated Brett Bodine.(Brett Bodine Racing PR), no word on if Bodine will run anymore races in 2003(6-11-2003)
- Sad News: Geoffrey, Brett & Todd Bodine's aunt passed away over the weekend. Marion Bodine Piper. (sister of Geoffrey, Brett, Todd's father, Eli), Age 88, Lived in Mooresville, NC. Viewing: Wednesday, 6/11 at 10am - Craven-Cook Funeral Home in Mooresville. Service: Wednesday, 6/11 at 11am - Cavin-Cook Funeral Home. Graveside Service:. Saturday, June 14 at 1pm - Roberts Funeral Home, Chemung, NY.(6-10-2003)
- Geoffrey Bodine Update: Geoffrey Bodine's race inactivity has caused him to downsize his World Wide Racing business. He laid off his business manager, Lisa Cox, and his motor-coach driver last week. Cox has taken a job with Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C. Bodine says he's exploring several avenues. "I'm looking at other business ventures," he said. "There are other things to do in life other than drive a Winston Cup car. There are a lot of different things I can get involved with." Among them is a possibility of forming a Craftsman Truck Series team with middle brother Brett. "Craftsman Trucks is one area Brett and I are investigating," Bodine said. "I'd like to get involved in that series. We're looking at several possibilities there." One Winston Cup race Bodine would like to compete in is the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in August. Bodine has no solid leads on a Cup ride for Indy and said it would be difficult for Brett to field a second car. Because of his light race schedule, Bodine has stepped into some potential post-race career jobs, among them broadcasting. He's already done the color commentary on one of two Winston West races this year for the Speed Channel. He'll be behind the microphone in that series' race at Madera, Calif., on May 31, then do two Busch North Series events in June. He also remains involved with the U.S. Olympic Bobsled team, where his annual fund-raising fishing tournament in Pampano Beach, Fla., on May 10 netted $50,000. And Bodine helped raised about $100,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation at his annual celebrity golf tournament in Huntersville, N.C., on May 14.(in part from the Elmiria Star-Gazette)(5-22-2003)
- 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)
- #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)
- 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)
- Sad News: Rudolp C. Hillman, the Father of Mike Hillman, crew chief, #11 Hooters Ford and grandfather of Mike Hillman, Jr., crewman and tire changer for #16 Ford - passed away from cancer on 5/4.
Rudolp C. Hillman
Prudden & Kandt Funeral Home
242 Genesee St.
Lockport, NY. 14094
716/433-6300
Visitation:... Tuesday. 7-9pm; Wednesday.. 2-4pm and 7-9pm
Funeral Services:. Thursday (5/8). 9:30am followed by mass of Christian burial at 10am at St. Mary's Church.(5-5-2003)
- Pre-Race Victory Lap UPDATE: before the start of the Food City 500 at Bristol, Chris Duncan, son of Dan Duncan, one of those killed in the airplane crash that killed 1992 Cup champ, Alan Kulwicki on April 1st, 1993, will drive the #11 Memorial Hooters Show car around the track, backwards, doing a Polish Victory Lap, made famuous my Kulwicki when he won his first Cup race at Phoenix in 1988.(XM Satellite- NASCAR Radio - Subscription Required)(3-21-2003)
UPDATE: Contrary to some reports the #7 Underbird will NOT be at the track or do the victory lap, the car that will do the Polish victory lap is a 2nd #11 Hooters Memorial Ford [2003 model, not 1992]. Kulwicki's real race car sits at Larry and Pam Bean's home in Daytona, staged for transport to a new display at the North Carloina Auto Racing Hall of Fame in Mooresville, NC [Jayski was there in Dec 2002, what a great place] and the Bean's were not invited to participate in the Bristol ceremonies.(3-23-2003)
- Hooters To Run Memorial Car in Bristol To Honor Alan Kulwicki and Others Lost 10 Years Ago Hooters Restaurants will run a memorial car in the NASCAR Winston Cup Race at Bristol Motor Speedway on March 23rd. The car is in honor of those lost in a tragic plane crash on April 1, 1993 heading to Bristol, which claimed the lives of NASCAR Winston Cup champion Alan Kulwicki, Mark Brooks (son of Hooters chairman Bob Brooks), Dan Duncan (Vice President of Motorsports Marketing for Hooters) and company pilot Charlie Campbell. The Bristol event marks the 10th Anniversary of the fallen champions. 2003 also marks the platinum anniversary of Hooters Restaurants. The first Hooters Restaurant opened 20 years ago in Clearwater, FL and was incorporated on April 1, 1983. The #11 Hooters Ford will run a special paint scheme of platinum (the 20th Anniversary is considered the platinum anniversary) and orange with the Hooters 20th Anniversary logo on the sides of the race car and a special Four Champions Memorial crest on the hood. The memorial crest displays the initials of the four men lost in the plane crash and features the slogan "We Race In Their Memory."
"It is a privilege to drive for Hooters again this year, but a very special honor to be able to run this particular paint scheme at Bristol to commemorate the fallen champions. To me, this is what racing is all about, celebrating milestones and remembering our heroes," stated #11 driver Brett Bodine.
A poster of the Hooters Bristol car with the memorial crest will support the significance of the commemorative car and will be available prior to race weekend at Hooters Restaurants across the country. The poster will also be sold at the Hooters team merchandise trailer in Bristol.
Hooters has honored the memory of Alan Kulwicki and the others over the past 10 years in addition to the memorial crest and commemorative car. Each fall Hooters hosts the annual Hooters Memorial Cup Golf Tournament at White Water Country Club in Fayetteville, GA. This tournament has raised over $2 million for scholarships, which are named for the four individuals, to Clemson University's Brooks Institute for Sports Sciences Study. Hooters also contributed $250,000 in the mid-1990's to the development of Alan Kulwicki Park in his hometown of Greenfield, Wisconsin.(Brett Bodine Racing PR)(3-14-2003)
- Brett Bodine to run the #57 car at Darlington: Brett Bodine, owner/driver of the #11 Hooter's Ford, who is running a limited 2003 Cup Schedule and had not planned to run at Darlington Raceway, will drive drive the #57 Team CLR Ford, which will fill out the field at Darlington to 43 cars.(Fox Sports Net's Totally NASCAR)(3-11-2003)
- Bodine gets domestic violence protective order UPDATE: NASCAR driver [#11] and Davidson, NC, resident Brett Bodine won a court order to shield him from his estranged wife after telling authorities she hit him and threatened to ruin him financially. The driver's action comes nearly two months after his wife, Diane Bodine, filed for divorce. Diane Bodine also sued a Georgia woman she accuses of seducing her husband and ruining her marriage. See the full story at ThatsRacin.com/Charlotte Observer.(3-7-2003)
UPDATE: The domestic violence protective order, signed Wednesday by Mecklenburg County District Court Judge Rickye McKoy-Mitchell, requires Diane Bodine to stay away from tracks where her husband is racing.(NASCAR.com)(3-8-2003)
- Bodine gets a side gig: Brett Bodine, owner and driver of the #11 Hooter's Ford NASCAR Winston Cup machine, will trade his helmet for a radio headset during the March 1-2 NASCAR weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Bodine will serve as an analyst for the Performance Racing Network's coverage of the Sam's Town 300 NASCAR Busch Series race on Saturday, March 1, and the UAW-Daimler Chrysler 400 NASCAR Winston Cup event on Sunday, March 2. "I am excited and looking forward to working with PRN," said Bodine, who is competing in only selected Winston Cup events this season. "I think I can bring added insights from both a driver and owner's perspectives and relay that to the listening audience."
"We are excited about working with Brett in the booth," said Doug Rice, vice president and general manager of PRN, who will co-anchor the broadcasts with Mark Garrow. "Brett brings an intimate knowledge of NASCAR that will be an asset to the broadcasts."
"If I can improve my broadcasting skills, it may be something I can pursue when I hang up my helmet," said Bodine, who has prior experience as a television broadcaster. PRN's broadcasts air on 450 affiliate radio stations across the country as well as on XM Satellite Radio and NASCAR.com. Rice and Garrow co-anchor the broadcasts with Brett McMillan, Steve Richards and Pat Patterson reporting from pit road. Chuck Carland and Rob Albright cover the action from the turns.(PRN PR)(2-20-2003)
- Bodine turns herself in: The wife of NASCAR driver Brett Bodine has been charged with making harassing phone calls and threatening a Loganville woman she suspected was involved with her husband, police said. Diane Bodine, 43, turned herself in to Walton County authorities Tuesday and was released on $6,500 bond. Her lawyer said she denies all the charges.(The Tribune/AP)(2-5-2003)
- Geoffrey Bodine in the Shootout: Geoffrey Bodine will drive the #11 Hooters Ford in the Budwieser Shootout this coming Saturday night [8:00pm/et on Fox].(NASCAR.com)(2-3-2003)
- Bodine heads to Georgia to avoid extradition: Diane Bodine, wife of #11 NASCAR driver Brett Bodine, will travel to Walton County [GA] to face felony charges that she harassed a Loganville woman her husband met via his association with Hooters Restaurants. Capt. Ray Parker of the Walton County Sheriff’s Department said Bodine has offered to appear in Monroe on Feb. 4 with her attorney to avoid extradition. Walton County issued felony arrest warrants for Bodine based on harassing phone calls Bodine allegedly made to the Loganville woman Brett Bodine met through Hooters of America Inc., sponsors of his race car. The Sheriff’s Department in Volusia County, Fla., arrested Bodine Jan. 16 at her Daytona Beach home. Bodine had allegedly been placing harassing phone calls to the Loganville woman since July 2002 and had also made felonious threats according to police accounts.(Gwinnett Daily Post)(1-31-2003)
- Brett Bodine's Wife Arrested UPDATE 2: The wife of NASCAR driver #11-Brett Bodine is expected to be extradited to Walton County on charges of harassing and threatening a Loganville [GA] woman. The Loganville woman had reportedly befriended Brett Bodine through her job with Hooters of America, one of Bodine's NASCAR sponsors. The woman has alleged she has been verbally threatened and harassed by Diane Bodine, 43, since last year. Diane Bodine was arrested last week at her Florida home by the Volusia County Sheriff's Department and was subsequently released on bond.(see full story at Walton Tribune)(1-25-2003)
UPDATE: see a Toronto Sun column: Mrs. Bodine chomps on hand that feeds her(1-27-2003)
UPDATE 2: The wife of Chemung [NY] native and NASCAR driver Brett Bodine has been given until Tuesday to appear in a Georgia court on charges stemming from her arrest in Florida last week, Sgt. Jeff Johnson of Georgia's Walton County Sheriff's Department said Wednesday. Diane Bodine, 43, was arrested by police at her home in Daytona Beach, Fla., and charged with making harassing phone calls and terroristic threats and acts against a Loganville, Ga., woman who is reportedly a friend of Brett Bodine. Diane Bodine was released on bond. "We've been very accommodating," Johnson said. "If she does not appear by (Tuesday), we'll go ahead with the process of extraditing her." Diane and Brett Bodine are legally separated.(Star-Gazette)
AND Diane Bodine denied Jan 27th that she had threatened a Loganville, GA woman. "I have no idea what is going on, I have never met her or talked to her. I havenever terrorized or threatened anyone. I don't know this person". On Jan 27th, attorneys for both parties were attempting to resolve the issue.(Winston Cup Scene - subscription needed to view online)(1-30-2003)
- Hillman back at BBR? hearing crew chief Mike Hillman, who recently left the #14 Foyt Racing team, has returned to #11 Brett Bodine Racing and that Jon Wolfe has left the team.(1-23-2003)
- Brett Bodine to run a limited 2003 schedule: Brett Bodine Racing announced that the #11 Hooters Ford will run a limited NASCAR Winston Cup schedule in 2003 (20-25 races). "Given the total funding of our current sponsorship package, we feel it is best to run a limited schedule this year. We are a smaller team and this will give us an opportunity to test and do the things we need to stay on a competitive edge instead of struggling to get to all the races. I don't look at this as a "half-empty" situation, but as a "half-full" one. It is great that Mr. Brooks and Hooters have given us this opportunity to cut back so that we can be more competitive at the races we do run and in return give Hooters and our other sponsors more exposure for their companies. This is going to be considered an improvement/building year for us," said Brett Bodine.(Brett Bodine Racing PR)(1-22-2003)
- Bodine and Hooters UPDATE 2 signs for 2003: #11-Brett Bodine, among the last drivers who own their cars, is working on a partnership with Bob Brooks of Hooters Restaurants. Bodine, 44, says the move should give him a better outlook. "We just haven't been able to get ahead of things," Bodine says. "The last few years, we were going backward."(Sporting News)(1-13-2003)
UPDATE: actually hearing that Brooks is not interested in Bodine's team, not sure what this means in terms of the Hooter's sponsorship.(1-14-2003)
UPDATE 2: Winston Cup car owner/driver Brett Bodine said Wednesday he has secured sponsorship from Hooters for the 2003 season, but plans to have the restaurant chain's owner, Bob Brooks, buy into the team have been put on hold. "Mr. Brooks and Hooters were very involved in purchasing Pace Airlines and then spinning off Hooters Air, so that's taken up a lot of their time," he said. "How we come out of this test was going to determine some decisions down the road. We've got to take everything we've got as far as information and try to make the best decisions for the race team." Bodine said his team is behind in preparation for the new season and it brought just one new car to this week's test. "We don't have very many cars built and it's going to be very taxing for us to be prepared for the start of the season," he said. "We've got another car in the works, but I don't know how or when it's going to get done as far as testing at Talladega is concerned."(ThatsRacin.com)(1-15-2003)
