13 Race Part-time Schedule with Bill Elliott:
Feb. 15, Daytona 500, sponsor Motorcraft
March 8. Atlanta, Motorcraft
April 5, Texas, Motorcraft
May 16, All-Star Race, Motorcraft
May 24, Charlotte, Motorcraft
June 14, Michigan, Motorcraft
July 11, Chicago, Motorcraft
July 26, Indy, Motorcraft
Aug 16, Michigan, TBA
Sept. 6, Atlanta, Motorcraft
Oct. 4, Kansas, TBA
Nov. 8, Texas, TBA
Nov. 22, Homestead, Motorcraft
Contract Status: Driver: 2009; Sponsor: 2009
- Race #800 for Elliott: #21-Bill Elliott, driving the Motorcraft Ford for Wood Brothers Racing, will make his 800th career start Sunday in the Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Elliott is currenty 7th in the all-time Sprint Cup start list behind Richard Petty (1184 starts), Ricky Rudd (906), Dave Marcis (883), Terry Labonte (883) and Kyle Petty (829). The best of the top 10 are all active drivers: Sterling Marlin (744), Michael Waltrip (736) and Mark Martin (733). Only four of the top-10 have won a championship.(5-21-2009) Comment here
- Bill Elliott to attempt to topple NASCAR speed record UPDATE: The current NASCAR top speed record sits at 212.089 and was set by Bill Elliot at Talladega Superspeedway in a 1987 Ford Thunderbird. Brent Hajek apparently figures it's about time that 22-year-old record is topped. Next Wednesday, May 13th, Hajek will once again put Bill Elliot behind the wheel of a Ford at the famed Talladega oval in Alabama, only this time, the vehicle in question will be a Mustang FR500C modified to run on E85. This particular Mustang Cobra Jet has already managed to clock a 252 mile per hour top speed at the Salt Flats in Bonneville. On Wednesday, May 13, Hajek Motorsports will embark on its next challenge, with technical support from Ford Racing, when they attempt to break the 22-year-old NASCAR speed record held by Bill Elliott. Elliott himself will pilot Hajek's E-85 Mustang FR500C, which has been reconfigured to NASCAR specs, at Talladega in an attempt to break his 212.089 mph qualifying lap from 1987 at the same track. FIA officials will be on site to verify the attempt and to validate the record. The Hajek Motorsports E-85 Mustang is currently at Bill Elliott's race shop in Dawsonville, Georgia, going through final preparations. Early next week, the team will scrub tires and do initial testing, in anticipation of breaking the record on Wednesday afternoon.(
autobloggreen.com)(5-9-2009)
UPDATE: The last thing Bill Elliott expected to be riding in on Wednesday at Talladega Superspeedway was an ambulance.
Elliott was at the track -- where he set the NASCAR qualifying record in 1987 of 212 mph -- in an attempt to break that mark. He was driving a Ford FR500C Mustang, a production racing model modified by Brent Hajek of Hajek Motorsports. The same car reached 252 mph at the Bonneville Salt Flats last year. On hand for the occasion were Len and Eddie Wood of the Wood Brothers racing team and legendary NASCAR team owner Bud Moore. But it rained most of the day and by the time the sun came out and the track dried enough there was just time left for a couple shakedown runs to check the car out before taking a shot at the speed mark on Thursday. Elliott was on the second lap of the second run when the right front tire blew, sending him hard into the wall on the backstretch. "That's not what I was looking for," Elliott said of the ride back to the garage in an ambulance. "Only hurt my feelings." Hajek was disappointed his shot at the speed mark was cut short but said he might give it another shot on another day. "We'll have to determine what happened and see if we can fix it," he said.(see images at Alabama Live)(5-14-2009) Comment here
- Another Elliott in the winners circle: Chase Elliott, the 13-year-old son of NASCAR driver Bill Elliott, collected his first career Late Model victory by winning Saturday night's Georgia Asphalt Series 100 at Lanier National Speedway in Braselton, Ga. Elliott, who started second, passed teammate Casey Roderick for the lead on the .375-mile paved oval with three laps remaining. Bill Elliott was in attendance for the event.(5-10-2009) Comment here
- Wood Brothers to Run 2009 Sprint Showdown: The Wood Brothers #21 Motorcraft sponsored Ford Fusion will be running in the May 16, 2009 Sprint Showdown race and trying to make the All-Star race that immediately follows The Sprint Showdown. Co-owner Len Wood stated, “We made the decision to run the race because it gives us track time for the Coca-Cola 600 (to be run the following weekend) and gives our sponsors (Ford and Motorcraft) another marketing opportunity – not to mention it’s a fun event and five minutes from our shop.” Bill Elliott and the Wood Brothers #21 Ford Fusion can make the All-Star race by finishing first or second in The Sprint Showdown race or by being voted in by the fans.(Wood Brothers Racing site)(4-24-2009) Comment here
- In Martinsville? Check out Wood Bros Museum: If you have some extra time this weekend, consider visiting the Wood Brothers Museum at 21 Performance Drive, Stuart Virginia, 24171 - located just 30 miles west of Martinsville off of route 58. Admission is free. The #21, 1971 Wood Brothers Purolator Mercury Cyclone will be on display, along with a host of other Wood Brothers memories. The museum will be open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Friday, March 27, 2009 and Saturday, March 28, 2009. More info at www.woodbrothersracing.com.(WBR PR)(3-27-2009)
- Chase Elliott to Make First Late Model Start: Chase Elliott. Bill Elliott's son, will mark a major career milestone this weekend when he climbs behind the wheel of the #9 Aaron’s Lucky Dog Dream Machine for his first Late Model start at South Georgia Motorsports Park (Cecil, Ga.) in the ASA Late Model South Series on Saturday, March 28. Thirteen-year-old Elliott tested the Aaron’s Lucky Dog Dream Machine last weekend at Lanier National Speedway (Braselton, Ga.) for his first laps in an asphalt Late Model.(Bill Elliott Racing PR)(3-25-2009)
- Elliott's son hitches a ride: Chase Elliott might already be a racer in his own right, but he had never been around Atlanta Motor Speedway’s high banks in a full-size race car … until Saturday. After filming a TV segment to promote Atlanta’s Labor Day night racing event, Bill Elliott had the opportunity to take son Chase, 13, on a ride around the 1.54-mile quad-oval. The younger Elliott tried to play it cool as he exited the car, but his beaming grin – and his mother – belied his casual manner. “He was trying to play it cool, but he was so excited,” Cindy Elliott said. And being an Elliott, it should come as no surprise that Elliott’s first remarks about the ride centered on the driving line. “You get back on the gas so fast,” Chase Elliott said. “It’s so big, and the corners are so sweeping.”(AMS Pit Notes)(3-8-2009)
- Wood Brothers not loooking for investors: In this year of economic hardship and disappearing sponsors, #21-Wood Brothers is hunkering down. The team, which has won just one race in the past 15 seasons, will run just a third of the 2009 season. "Our plan is, unless something substantial comes, here's our 12 and that's what we're going to do," team co-owner Len Wood said. The team would rather run just 12 races with Bill Elliott than try to piece together a season by scrounging sponsorships on a race-by-race basis, he said.
"If someone comes in and says `I'll give you $100,000 to run this race,' that's not going to make money," Wood said. The team has also rejected the idea of looking for outside investors with deep pockets. That just brings interference, Wood said. "When it comes to making a decision - do we need to buy this - we don't have to go through a board of directors or anything like that," he said. "It's us. We don't have to answer to anybody." Instead, the Ford team is tightening its belt and finding ways to do more with less. "We have smaller groups than we had before," Wood said. "I need a guy who can jack the car and be a mechanic. I need a guy who can be a fabricator and can also change tires. Instead of two people to do one job I need one guy to do two." The team ran an entry in NASCAR's truck series last year but that's on the shelf in 2009. This season will only feature Elliott in the #21 with backing by Motorcraft. The advantage of using a veteran such as Elliott is being able to fall back on the provisional entry he is entitled to as a past NASCAR champion in order to qualify for a race. Elliott had to use only one champion's provisional last year. This year using a provisional might be more difficult because other past champions will try to qualify for races and the one available provisional per race goes to the most recent champion who needs it. "People try to say that's why we got him," Wood said of Elliott and his provisional. "It probably started that way, but Bill Elliott is different. He can step up and get that car in if he needs to. We didn't have very good cars the first of last year but (changes made) turned our program around. We're just trying to get it back on track and get our performance back." But soon that first race will come when Wood Brothers doesn't make the trip. And, Wood said, "I'll be sitting there watching just like a fan at home, but I won't be liking it."(Alabama Live)(2-10-2009) Comment here
- Motorcraft to sponsor Wood Bros for 9 races: For the ninth consecutive year, Ford Customer Service Division’s Motorcraft brand will team with legendary Wood Brothers Racing to compete in the highest form of stock car racing. Motorcraft, a Ford Motor Company brand of automotive parts ranging from filters and spark plugs to engines and transmissions, will be the primary sponsor on the Wood Brothers #21 Sprint Cup Ford Fusion for nine races (see schedule below), beginning in February at the Daytona 500 and culminating with the season-ending Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Bill Elliott, the 1988 NASCAR champion driving a Coors/Motorcraft Thunderbird, is scheduled to be the driver for all of Motorcraft's races. Elliott, Motorcraft and the Wood Brothers first joined forces in 2007. “We are very proud to continue our long-standing relationship with Wood Brothers Racing and Bill Elliott,” said Darryl Hazel, Ford Customer Service Division Vice President. “The Woods are synonymous with Ford, and we are thrilled to be associated with such a tremendous group of people.”
“We are very pleased to have Motorcraft back with us for the 2009 season,” said Wood Brothers Racing co-owner Eddie Wood. “Motorcraft first sponsored us in 2001 and we value their involvement in the sport for the past nine years. They have been loyal to us, we have always been loyal to them and Ford. It makes you feel good. It makes you feel like family. Without Ford Motor Company, the outlook for this season would probably be different.” The Wood Brothers are acknowledged pioneers in the sport of stock-car racing, and have earned 96 wins in over 50 years of NASCAR competition – second most in Ford Racing history. “Ford’s appreciation for our loyalty throughout the years is what kept us going, and, in turn, we keep on going for them, too,” said Wood Brothers Racing co-owner Len Wood. The nine races: Daytona, Atlanta [both], Texas [Apr], Charlotte [May], Michigan [June], Chicago, Indy and Homestead. Motorcraft offers a complete line of original equipment-approved parts that are designed, engineered, and recommended by Ford Motor Company. From routine maintenance to underhood and powertrain repairs, Motorcraft parts offer exceptional value with the highest quality and right fit at competitive prices. Motorcraft parts are available locally and are backed nationwide by Ford Motor Company's Service Parts Limited Warranty. For more information, visit www.motorcraft.com.(PCG Campbell/Motorcraft/Quick Lane PR), see an image of the car on my #21 Team Schemes page.(1-22-2009) Comment here
- Elliott's brother named GM of speedway: Peachstate Speedway in Jefferson, Georgia was renamed Gresham Motorsports Park. Racetrack owners Jim Gresham, Dan Elliott of the famous Elliott family of Dawsonville, Georgia, has been named the General Manager of Gresham Motorsports Park. "We plan to do an Extreme Makeover Race Track Edition" Elliott said in a brief interview. He has been in racing almost all of his life, from short tracks to NASCAR, and he plans to use every resource available to make this the best racetrack in the country. "This track once hosted some of the most famous drivers that ever raced and if anyone can do that again I want to be the man to do it and I want this to be the track where new talent is discovered. I am excited and proud to be a part of the new Gresham Motorsports Park and highly praise the Greshams and Gene Roberts for this awesome opportunity." For further information see www.greshammotorsportspark.com.(Gresham Motorsports Park)(1-1-2009)
- Wood Brothers team to cut back to 12 races in 2009: The legendary #21-Wood Brothers organization will run only 12 Sprint Cup races next season. Eddie Wood, co-owner of Wood Brothers Racing, said tough economic times have forced the organization to enter only the season-opening Daytona 500 and mile-and-a-half tracks with Bill Elliott, the 1988 Cup champion. The mile-and-a-half tracks were picked because Ford's program is strongest there. "We could run up to 20 but we decided to do 12 and do it right," Wood said Saturday. "We're going back to doing it the way we did it years ago." The organization used to pick and choose races in the early years. It ran only 18 races in 1973, with David Pearson, who won 11 of them. Wood said the organization, which lost Air Force as a sponsor to Gillett Evernham Motorsports, had to let 22 employees go to reduce the team to about 40.(ESPN.com)(12-6-2008) Comment here
- More Layoffs: nothing official but heard that Stewart-Hass Racing [formerly Haas CNC Racing] laid off 16 people Monday, November 17th. Also on Monday, a large layoff at #96 Hall of Fame Racing, supposedly due to lack of full sponsorship. Also, the current Hall of Fame Racing shop building is up for sale.(11-18-2008)
UPDATE: Wood Brothers Racing has downsized its Sprint Cup and Craftsman Truck Series operations [supposedly 25 people] effective immediately. The Wood Brothers expect to continue the 58-year tradition of the #21 Ford when racing resumes in February. "This economic downturn has been tough on everyone and racing is not immune," team owner Eddie Wood said. "What we're experiencing now is a dramatic correction but we will be geared up for the 51st running of the Daytona 500. We will be racing in 2009. We're just not sure what that schedule looks like at this time. We're going to do whatever is necessary to survive."(FoxSports)(11-18-2008)
- Air Force leaving Wood Brothers? UPDATE to GEM: hearing that the Air Force sponsorship will leave the #21 Wood Brothers Ford and could be headed to either one of the Roush Racing teams [#'s 6,16,17,26,99] or Yates Racing [#28, #38].(11-6-2008)
UPDATE: Air Force officials announced Tuesday that it will begin a new NASCAR partnership with Gillett Evernham Motorsports when it sponsors the #10 car driven by Reed Sorenson for the 2009 Sprint Cup season. GSD&M Idea City, the Air Force's advertising agency, organized the sponsorship and will roll out a multimedia advertising campaign to support the partnership in early 2009. The Air Force is both a primary and associate sponsor of the #10 car driven by Reed Sorenson, a 22-year-old three-time winner in the Nationwide Series. As a primary sponsor, the car will feature the Air Force paint scheme in four of 38 Sprint Cup races in 2009. For the 2009 season, the Air Force is changing their marketing strategy to rebalance their sponsorship and activation programs to increase public awareness of the Air Force and to attract more recruits. "Advertising and marketing that goes beyond the race track will help us connect with fans and emphasize the speed, power, precision, and team work that is common to both NASCAR and the Air Force," said Col. Timothy Hanson, Air Force Recruiting Service director of Strategic Communications. The Air Force has had a long-standing relationship with Wood Brothers Racing and the #21 car. "The Air Force is proud of the partnership we have had with the Wood Brothers Racing," Colonel Hanson said. "They are perhaps the most respected team in NASCAR and they have been strong supporters of the Air Force. While our sponsorship has changed we will always value the services they have provided us." The colonel added that he is excited about this new venture and confident that Gillett Evernham Motorsports and Reed Sorenson will provide new opportunities for the Air Force to achieve their sponsorship goals and inspire young Americans to consider the Air Force as a great career choice.(Air Force Recruiting Service PR)(11-13-2008) Comment here
- Woods and HOF? UPDATE: Len and Eddie Wood [#21 Ford] say they've got their sponsorship deals in place for 2009, with Ford Motor Company and Motorcraft. But they are noncommittal about reports that the six team owners of the one-car Hall of Fame Racing operation (which runs #96 and is officially owned by Jeff Moorad,) are negotiating with the Woods to become Ford partners next season [Jayski Note: Troy Aikman, Roger Staubach, Bill Saunders and Mark Griege are no longer part of the ownership group on the #96 as of about a month ago]. Ken Schrader, a former driver for the Woods, is the Moorad team's current driver. Moorad has been running a Toyota operation this season, with engineering support from Joe Gibbs; but that support contract is apparently up at the end of this season.(Winston Salem Journal)(10-27-2008)
UPDATE: A relationship with the legendary #21 Wood Brothers and Ford is an option for the #96 team owned by Arizona Diamondbacks' executives Jeff Moorad and Tom Garfinkel. "It's fair to say we're assessing all of our options," said Moorad. "We should know in the next couple of weeks. Our intention is the 96 continues, but we're open-minded. We've talked to a couple of teams about some interesting merger possibilities and yet we may be in business on our own." The team currently gets its Toyota chassis and engines from Joe Gibbs Racing, a deal that expires at season's end. Multiple sources told The Republic it's not expected the #96 will continue with Toyota. The Wood Brothers have long been with Ford.(Arizona Republic)(11-11-2008) Comment here
- Elliott may come back for a few races in 2009 UPDATE 2 and Petty?: Q: You really think you'll [Bill Elliott] be able to step out of the car for good at the end of this season? What if the Wood Brothers come knocking on your door again to maybe run a few more races for them again next season?
Elliott: At this point in time, I don't know. I think I'm just going to look at the next few races and see if I can help 'em out maybe, but it would just be a short-team deal. A few and that's it. I think right now they're trying to sell stuff, and they don't really have a whole lot else going on. If we can turn around and get something going here -- and keep it going -- that's one thing. If it's gonna go and turn around and change directions on you, then no, I don't want to do this anymore. We've been through some changes [at Wood Brothers Racing] and now we've kind of turned the corner a little bit. But there again, unless they can put several deals together, it's gonna be tough on them boys anyway. You never can predict the future.
As far as me ever runnin' a full-time deal again? No, never. Would I run a couple first off? Yeah, maybe. But that would be it. And if they could find something to fill the void before the first of next year, I wouldn't even do that. What I'm saying, I guess, is let's get through the next few races -- and then what they find out and what they come up with will be the determining factor.(NASCAR.com)(10-22-2008)
UPDATE: Bill Elliott said Friday he is open to returning to the Wood Brothers team next season in a part-time role. Team co-owners Eddie and Len Wood remain in discussions with potential sponsors and also in talks about possibly merging with other
teams. Their 2009 plans remain up in the air. "I like the group," Elliott said of the Woods' team. "I like all the guys they've put together here. It seems like we've finally got some things working. I'll probably do a little bit [next year], but not a lot. I enjoy the driving part. I just don't like the politics. Ford's been good to me throughout the years. I still see a lot of fans that support me. I still have friends around the country I'm able to go see through this deal."(SceneDaily)(11-8-2008)
UPDATE 2 -- Petty? Wood Brothers Racing is one of many teams in the Sprint Cup garage that’s examining any number of driver/sponsor/partnership options for 2009. One experienced veteran talking to the Wood Brothers about 2009 is Kyle Petty, who isn’t interested in a full-time ride, but would be happy to share driving responsibilities with one or more other drivers. Petty drove for the Wood Brothers from 1985-88, winning two Sprint Cup races and posting 19 top-five finishes. “Who wouldn’t want to drive for the Wood Brothers?” Petty said Saturday at Phoenix International Raceway. “I drove for ‘em before. I like them. They’ve got a little bit of money. There’s a couple of guys who have a little bit of money. And you put one of your deals and one of their deals together, the next thing you know, you’ve got a pretty healthy team.”(Ford Racing)(11-9-2008) Comment here
- Elliott back in the #21 at LMS: Bill Elliott, will be back behind the wheel of the Wood Brothers Racing #21 U.S. Air Force Ford Fusion at Lowe’s Motor Speedway for the Bank of America 500 on October 11th. Elliott has 57 starts at the 1.5 mile quad-oval and two career wins in 1984 and 1987. He also holds four pole awards, 11 top-5 and 22 top-10 finishes at the track. Elliott will also be behind the wheel of the historic #21 for the rest of the season as the team looks to build on the progress it has made during the second half of the season.(Wood Brothers Racing PR), Marco Ambrose was scheduled to run the #21 at Texas and Phoenix, guess those plans changed when JTG Daughtey Racing signed with MWR for 2009.(10-8-2008) Comment here
- Kentucky testing Tues-Wed: Three Sprint Cup teams are scheduled to test at the Kentucky Speedway on Tuesday [9/9]: #8-Aric Almirola for DEI and an un-named driver for the R&D Test team of Haas CNC Racing; and on Wednesday [9/10]: the R&D Test team of the #21Wood Brothers Racing team with no driver listed. Fans can watch from the Turn 3 Fan Center at no charge. Schedule subject to change daily. Test times vary.(Kentucky Speedway site)(9-8-2008)
- Carpentier to the #21? Len and Eddie Wood may be looking at signing Canadian Patrick Carpentier as their Cup driver next year. Carpentier is apparently out at Ray Evernham’s, and he’s looking for a new ride. “I haven’t talked to anyone and I don’t plan on talking to anyone until I get my cars working better,” Eddie Wood insisted. “But I do like Patrick.”(Winston Salem Journal)(9-6-2008) Comment here
- Quick Lane to sponsor #21 at Bristol: Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center will celebrate the opening of its 500th store by sponsoring the famed #21 Ford, driven by Bill Elliott, in the August 23 Sprint Cup night race at Bristol Motor Speedway. "Our sponsorship of the #21 Fusion for the Bristol event is the perfect race to coincide with our major milestone of opening up our 500th store," said Tom Suttles, national Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center manager. "It is a great opportunity for us to expose our brand to NASCAR fans for the first time at arguably one of the most watched races of the year." The Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center brand provides no-appointment-necessary, while-you-wait automotive quick service for all makes and models, even on evenings and weekends. The work at Quick Lane is performed by factory-trained technicians, using Motorcraft parts and lubricants. "Our race team is really excited to put the Quick Lane brand in front of NASCAR fans for the first time in Bristol," said Team Owner, Eddie Wood. "We've had a long relationship with Ford and we're happy to have their new brand with us out on the track." For more information, visit www.quicklane.com.(Motorcraft PR), see an image of the car on my #21 Team Schemes page.(8-14-2008)
- Driver plans for the #21 thru RIR: Marcos Ambrose will be in the Wood Brothers’ #21 Fusion at Michigan International Speedway and again at California Speedway on Aug. 31. Bill Elliott will drive the car on Aug. 23 at Bristol Motor Speedway and Jon Wood, son of team co-owner Eddie Wood, will drive it at Richmond International Raceway on Sept. 6.(Ford Racing)(8-12-2008)
- BAM Racing loans out crew people: While BAM Racing undergoes a complete restructuring of its race team and conducts an ongoing sponsor search, it has taken a unique stance regarding a select few employees. Crew chief David Hyder, shock specialist Dean Johnson and along with others are still under contract to BAM Racing, but team owner Beth Ann Morgenthau decided to "loan them out" to the Wood Brothers race team until the BAM Racing #49 returns to the track sometime later this year. According to Mrs. Morgenthau, "We have a number of cars prepared at the shop and our guys were just itching to get back to the race track - as we all are. I made the decision to help out the Wood Brothers by making several of our key personnel available, included David and Dean. The benefit to BAM is that they
will continue to learn these new cars and be in a better position to make the BAM Racing Toyota competitive when we return. Right now we are in continuing negotiations with more than one potential sponsor and we are planning to continue racing in the Sprint Cup Series in the near future."(BAM Racing PR)(8-8-2008) Comment here
- #21 unwraps Cosmic Brownies at Pocono: Bill Elliott will be reaching for more than just speeds nearing 165 mph at Pocono this weekend in the #21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford Fusion. The team will be reaching for an intergalactic like adventure in the Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies Paint scheme on Sunday, August 3rd. Elliott will start the Sunoco Red Cross Pennsylvania 500 in the 37th position. The team’s new Crew Chief David Hyder, who took over duties in Indianapolis, is working toward giving Elliott a more consistent feel in the #21. The team has also acquired Head Engineer Hoyt Overbagh and Shock Specialist Dean Johnson. In addition to enhancing the team's engineering efforts with new personnel, the #21 Ford will be sporting a new look with the psychedelic Cosmic Brownies logo on the hood. The logo reflects the tasty treat that was developed in 1999 and has quickly become one of McKee Foods (parent company of the Little Debbie brand) most popular products.
McKee Foods Corporation Graphic Designer Jennifer Cummins commented on the inception of the Cosmic™Brownie. She said, “To broaden our Fudge Brownie’s appeal, we tested a few brownies topped with chocolate chips instead. Consumers really liked the richer chocolate taste that the chips added, but the product looked boring. To make the product fun, brightly-colored candy coated chocolate chips were added. During brainstorming sessions, various colorful names were offered. However, when someone thought of the contrast between the dark fudge and the bright candy chips, it brought to mind cosmic bowling. Thus, the Cosmic Brownie name was born, and was an instant hit with consumers. Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies quickly became a household favorite and is now one of our top-ten products which millions of consumers enjoy each week."(Wood Brothers Racing), see an image of the blue car but with Motorcraft decals [will be cosmic brownies on Sunday] on my #21 Team Schemes page.(8-2-2008)
- New Crew Chief for the #21: during SPEED's TV coverage of Sprint Cup practice at Pocono Raceway, it was mentioned that David Hyder [former crew chief at the #21 in 2006, #49 BAM Racing, and the #00 MWR team] is now the crew chief of the #21 Wood Brothers Racing team for driver Bill Elliott/Jon Wood/Marcos Ambrose. Elliott is in the car this weekend at Pocono.(8-1-2008) Comment here
- JTG Racing...to CUP? UPDATE: YES hearing JTG Racing could move up to Sprint Cup in 2009 with Marcos Ambrose driving and the team could switch from Ford to Chevy, no idea if Daugherty would be part of this deal. Other rumors have Ambrose going to the #21 of the Wood Brothers in 2009, that team would remain a Ford. Ambrose is schedule to run eight races this season in the #21 and four in the #47 Ford fielded by JTG Racing.(6-25-2008)
UPDATE: JTG Racing owner Tad Geschickter said Friday he hopes to move Marcos Ambrose to the Sprint Cup Series next season, in addition to having Nationwide and truck series teams in 2009. The Australian Ambrose, in his second season in NASCAR’s No. 2 series, made his Cup debut at Infineon Raceway last month for Wood Brothers Racing. Ambrose is slated to drive four Cup races later this year under the JTG banner. JTG currently fields two cars in the Nationwide Series, for Ambrose and Kelly Bires. Geschickter said Bires would stay in the Nationwide Series in 2009, with Coleman Pressley to drive for the team in the truck series. The team currently fields Fords but Geschickter said the manufacturer the team will be affiliated with next year is open.(SceneDaily.com)(7-5-2008)
UPDATE 2: Nationwide Series racer Marcos Ambrose will become a full-time Sprint Cup driver next season, thanks to a new partnership former NBA player Brad Daugherty has with JTG Racing. Daugherty, now a NASCAR analyst for ESPN, has become a part-owner of JTG Racing. The team will be renamed JTG Daugherty Racing. It will continue to field two Nationwide Series entries, but add a full-time Sprint Cup entry next year with Ambrose at the wheel. "I have a tremendous passion for racing," Daugherty said Tuesday. "This gives me another avenue to be involved in the sport. It's a big stake to do this at he Cup level, and I hope it opens doors in the sport for other minorities and women." Little Debbie snack cakes will sponsor the car, which will use #47.(ESPN.com)(7-16-2008) Comment here
- Elliott testing #21 at Nashville; Wood to run Daytona: Wood Brothers Racing is set to test Nashville Superspeedway on Wednesday, July 2nd. Coming off of a strong performance in Sonoma, the team experienced disappointment last weekend when they did not make the race in New Hampshire. The #21 team and driver Marcos Ambrose found that the Little Debbie #21 Ford did not respond to any changes that were made and the handling issues persisted during the practice sessions and qualifying on Friday afternoon.
Driver Marcos Ambrose stated that after such a fantastic run at Infineon, not making the race was disheartening. He said, “It’s really disappointing. I just feel bad for the Wood Brothers. I’ve had limited experience in the COT and we just didn’t roll off the truck that great and I haven’t had enough experience to really give them direction to tune on it. I tried as hard as I could there, but it just wasn’t to be.”
Taking a proactive stance, the team and Bill Elliott will be testing a new car at Nashville. Ford Racing Engineer, Dave Cimba, commented on the team’s goals for the test, “It was time to put that [New Hampshire] chassis away and start from scratch. We believed that we had fixed previous issues, but it wasn’t the case, new issues would develop, so it’s time to cut it down and start over. The goal of this test is to make things better on the cars week in and week out and to try new ideas that will make performance and handling better overall. Bill [Elliott] is the best candidate to drive because he’s been in the #21 for most of the season and can give us good feedback for tracks that we race on similar to Nashville [Superspeedway]. As we test new ideas and find that they work we will incorporate them into the rotation of the fleet of cars that we have built.” The team also plans to step up the testing program for the rest of the season on intermediate tracks where the most improvement is needed. Wood Brothers Racing will head to Daytona International Speedway for July 4th weekend in the patriotic #21 U.S. Air Force Ford Fusion with Jon Wood once again behind the wheel for the Coke Zero 400 on July 5th.(Wood Brothers Racing PR)(7-1-2008) Comment here
- Brad Daugherty starting truck team in '09? UPDATE JTG Racing...to CUP?: After discussion surrounding the recent announcement of Randy Moss' possible entry in the Truck Series [supposedly the Morgan-Dollar team] during ESPN's NASCAR Now television broadcast on Wednesday night, analyst Brad Daugherty announced he too is going racing in 2009 with his own Craftsman Truck Series team. [No details given.](The Daly Planet)(5-1-2008)
UPDATE: As part of an article about Kelly Bires, ESPN's Mark Ashenfelter reports...It's been a hectic year for JTG, which ended its relationship with Wood Brothers Racing on the competition side prior to the season. Since the year started, teammate Marcos Ambrose has swapped crew chiefs and the team has, at least temporarily, closed its Craftsman Truck Series team. And Brad Daugherty, a former team owner turned broadcaster, has bought into the team. [JTG Racing fields the #47 and 59 Nationwide teams and had fielded the #20-truck which has since ceased operations. [No word on if/when truck team will return to the Truck Series]. For complete article visit: ESPN.com.(6-24-2008)
UPDATE 2: hearing JTG Racing could move up to Sprint Cup in 2009 with Marcos Ambrose driving and the team could switch from Ford to Chevy, no idea if Daugherty would be part of this deal. Other rumors have Ambrose going to the #21 of the Wood Brothers in 2009, that team would remain a Ford. Ambrose is schedule to run eight races this season in the #21 and four in the #47 Ford fielded by JTG Racing.(6-25-2008)
- Ambrose back in the #21 at NHMS: Marcos Ambrose will be in the #21 Little Debbie Honey Buns [not Motorcraft] Ford Fusion this weekend in Loudon, N.H., attempting to qualify for his second consecutive Cup race. Ambrose, a two-time Australian V8 Supercars champion, made his Sprint Cup debut last weekend at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif.(Ford Racing PR)(6-25-2008)
- Pressley to help out Ambrose: Marcos Ambrose said Robert Pressley would practice and qualify Ambrose’s #59 JTG Racing Nationwide Series Ford at the Milwaukee Mile next weekend should Ambrose qualify for the Sprint Cup race at Infineon Raceway. Ambrose will attempt to make the Toyota/Save Mart 350 in the Wood Brothers’ #21 Sprint Cup Ford. If he qualifies, Ambrose said Friday he would drive in both Cup practices next Saturday before trying to make it to Milwaukee in time for the Camping World RV Rental 250. “We got all the planes and helicopters and stuff that we need to get it done,” Ambrose said. “The first thing is to get that car in the race at Sonoma, and then we activate that plan. If we don’t, then I’ll just make my way to Milwaukee and practice and qualify the car and do the weekend as normal. We intend to try to do both, depending on how it works. If I get the 21 Wood Brothers car in the race, my focus is going to be primarily on that package.” Pressley, a 10-time winner in the No. 2 series, last ran a race in 2005. He’s a former driver for owner Tad Geschickter’s team and has served as a driver coach for JTG.(SceneDaily)(6-15-2008)
- Ambrose tests at VIR with Wood Bros: Australian NASCAR driver Marcos Ambrose has completed his first test with Wood Brothers Racing in preparation for his Sprint Cup debut at the Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California in three weeks time. Ambrose drove the famous #21 Wood Brothers Ford in an open test at Virginia International Raceway which was attended by the majority of the Sprint Cup field. Ambrose completed 38 laps for a total of about 85 miles (136kms) and was conservatively in the top five cars at the end of the day, which was not officially recorded or timed. Ambrose will make his debut in NASCAR’s top ranks in a Little Debbie-backed Wood Brothers Ford Fusion at Sonoma on June 22. He will then run a further seven events for Wood Brothers at New Hampshire, Watkins Glen, Michigan, California, Dover, Texas and Phoenix. Ambrose will also drive four Sprint Cup events for JTG Racing, the first of which will be at Indianapolis in August. He will also run at Kansas, Atlanta and Homestead for that team.(BAM Media PR)(6-4-2008) Comment here
- Ambrose eyeing Cup: Marcos Ambrose was encouraged, but also somewhat realistic following his recent Sprint Cup test at Pocono International Raceway. The Tuesday-Wednesday test marked his first time in a Cup car [actually Ambrose practiced a 2nd Robby Gordon car at Watkins Glen in 2007 before qualifying was rained out] and his first time at the three-sided, 2.5-mile track in the mountains of northeast Pennsylvania. “It went OK, pretty good,” the 31-year-old Australian said Saturday at Dover International Speedway. “But it was a difficult place to get in a Cup car for the first time. I went there to get in laps and get a feel for that kind of [Cup] car. We ran in the middle of the pack most of the day. Another few tenths [of a second] would have been nice, but, still, I learned a lot about these Cup cars. The adjustment [from Nationwide to Cup COT car] is as tough as everyone said it would be. And Pocono is about as hard a track to learn as I’ve ever seen. I know we have plenty of work to do, but we got better as we went along and got a good feel for where we are.” Ambrose will run a handful of Cup races this season, some in the Wood Brothers’ #21 Ford and some with #47 Ford-based JTG Racing. He’ll run Sonoma and Watkins Glen for the Woods, plus a race in Michigan and one in Loudon [New Hampshire]. “I can’t remember the others he’ll do for us,” team co-owner Eddie Wood said Saturday. “It’s on a calendar somewhere at the shop. I’m sure of those four, but there are maybe three or four more he’ll do for us.” Ambrose also will do at least Indianapolis, Kansas, Atlanta, and Homestead in the #47 Fusion of JTG Racing.(Ford Racing)(6-2-2008)
- Bill Elliott To Be Inducted Into Atlanta Sports Hall Of Fame: Bill Elliott is scheduled to be inducted into the Atlanta Sports Hall of Fame this weekend. The Atlanta Sports Hall of Fame is an organization dedicated to honoring Atlanta’s sports heroes. Prior inductees include Hank Aaron, Evander Holyfield, Phil Niekro and Dominique Wilkins.
This year’s list of inductees include Steve Bartkowski (Atlanta Falcons all-time passing leader), Claude Humphrey (Atlanta Falcons six time pro bowler), Edwin Moses (four-time Olympic and world gold medalist), John Schuerholz (General Manager Atlanta Braves from 1990 to 2007), Louise Suggs (LPGA founder and winner of 58 LPGA tournaments), and Bill Elliott, NASCAR Legend. The induction ceremony will be held on Saturday night beginning at 5:30pm/et. This recognition alone demonstrates the kind of career and the kind of person Elliott is. However, in addition to meeting his induction obligations, Elliott is also driving the #21 Air Force Ford at Dover this weekend. Elliott will arrive at Dover on Friday and practice and qualify the car. He will fly back to Atlanta on Saturday immediately following the Sprint Cup Series final practice. After the induction ceremony Elliott will return to Dover to compete in the Best Buy 400 Benefiting Student Clubs for Autism Speaks at Dover International Speedway. Co-owner Eddie Wood noted, “Bill is a true champion and a true family friend. It’s no wonder he has been inducted to multiple halls of fame and voted NASCAR’s most popular driver 16 times. We are blessed to have a person like Bill working with us.”(Wood Brothers Racing)(5-30-2008) Comment here
- Wood Brothers' Salute the Troops Goes On; The #96 Car: Wood Brothers' "Salute the Troops" message will pay tribute this Memorial Day weekend, thanks to the generosity of Jeff Moorad and Tom Garfinkel, co-owners of Hall Of Fame Racing and the #96 DLP HDTV Toyota Camry, driven by J.J. Yeley. On Thursday, the Wood Brothers #21 Air Force Ford Fusion failed to qualify for the Coca Cola 600. Immediately following qualifying, Tom Garfinkel offered to display the Salute the Troops decal, as well as the Air Force logo on their race car. Eddie Wood noted, "It's tough not being in the top 35. We felt Jeff and Tom truly appreciate our Armed Forces and the difficulty of this sport. We feel their offer to help came from the heart." The Salute the Troops decals were to be placed on the # 21 car this Memorial Day weekend to honor members of the Air Force, as well as the rest of the Armed Forces for their service to our country.(Wood Brothers Racing PR)(5-25-2008) Comment here
- Wood Brothers Racing Brings Back Mercury Paint Scheme: Wood Brothers Racing will be placing its 1971 Mercury paint scheme on the #21 Motorcraft Ford Fusion in Darlington this weekend for the Dodge Challenger 500 on Saturday night, May 10th. Bill Elliott will drive the #21 Motorcraft Ford Fusion with the vintage paint scheme. The candy apple red and white COT with the signature gold numbers will commemorate a time in Wood Brother's racing history when David Pearson drove the #21 to five wins and eight pole starting positions at Darlington Raceway. The #21 Purolator Mercury moved back into the racing scene when Leonard Wood recently restored the race car that was housed in the Darlington Raceway Museum for over 30 years. David Pearson and Carl Edwards brought modern and classic race cars together again in a media event for the newly surfaced raceway in April. Pearson made laps in the original Mercury as Carl Edwards followed in the new COT style race car. Leonard Wood stood by and buckled Pearson in, as he did as Pearson’s crew chief years ago. Scenes of the special feature will air during the pre-race show NASCAR Raceday on Speed Saturday, May 10th at 5:00pm/et.(Wood Brothers Racing)(5-7-2008) Comment here
- No #21 driver named yet for RIR UPDATE: The Wood Brothers have not announced who will drive for its [#21 Ford] car this week at Richmond, but Bill Elliott is scheduled to drive for the team at Darlington Raceway the following weekend.(Roanoke Times), Schrader?(4-28-2008)
UPDATE: Jon Wood will drive the #21 Air Force Ford Fusion at this weekend’s Sprint Cup event at the Richmond International Raceway. The 26 year old driver will be attempting to qualify for his second start of the 2008 season, after qualifying 12th at Talladega Superspeedway last week.(Wood Brothers Racing) Comment here
- Jon Wood in the #21 at Talladega: Jon Wood will make his 2008 Sprint Cup Series debut in the Wood Brothers Racing #21 Honey Buns Ford in the Aaron’s 499 at Talladega Superspeedway on Sunday, April 27th. Since the race was not a scheduled event for Bill Elliott, the team felt that Jon was a logical choice given his experience in the Nationwide and Craftsman Truck Series on superspeedways. Jon has a busy schedule this week as he is also entered to drive the #21 Air Force Ford in the O’Reilly Auto Parts 250 CTS race at the Kansas Speedway on April 26th. The team is making every effort to make sure Jon participates in both events. An alternative driver is being considered to practice, qualify and possibly race the truck if arrangements cannot be made to get Jon to the Kansas Speedway.(Wood Brothers PR)(4-21-2008) Comment here
- Logo added to #21 Hood: The #21 Motorcraft Ford Fusion of Bill Elliott will be sporting an additional logo on its hood in Phoenix. Ford Motor Company held a contest for the dealerships in its West Division. Landmark Ford of Tigard, Oregon won the grand prize of placing their company name on the hood of the #21 race car for this weekend’s race event. The greater Portland area dealership also won two additional prizes for second and third which awarded race tickets and garage passes. The landslide win is recognized by Ford Motor Company as a great accomplishment. Ford Motor Company’s Sales and Marketing Manager for the West Hub, John Ulrich, commented on the dealership’s contest sweep. Ulrich said, “Landmark Ford was the highest performer out of eight dealerships who participated in the contest. They exceeded their objectives in parts and retail service excellence. Ford Motor Company is very proud of the dealership and we are very excited that they used a Ford Motor Company contest to motivate their people.”(Wood Bros Racing)(4-12-2008) Comment here
- 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)
- Smith continues as #21 crew chief: Mike Smith will be the interim crew chief for Wood Brothers Racing and driver #21-Bill Elliott again this weekend for the Samsung 500 Sprint Cup race at Texas Motor Speedway. Smith debuted in the role last weekend, and he is optimistic about the car the team is bringing for Elliott, who has 11 starts at Texas with one pole position and one top-10.(SceneDaily).(4-4-2008) Comment here
- Wood Brothers Racing Texas Preview Motorcraft Primary Sponsorship Debut: Wood Brothers Racing will unveil Motorcraft’s black, white and red paint scheme as the primary sponsor for this weekend’s race at Texas Motor Speedway. Bill Elliott will drive #21 Ford Fusion in the Samsung 500 on Sunday, April 6th. Geoff Smith, Motorcraft’s Motorsports Manager, explained why Motorcraft chose to debut their primary sponsorship at Texas Motor Speedway. He stated, “Motorcraft is excited to launch our 2008 sponsorship season in Texas this weekend. Texas is a very large and important market for Ford and Motorcraft parts. The Texas NASCAR race will afford us the opportunity to continue to grow our brand image given NASCAR's popularity and exposure. We will provide trackside hospitality to reward local dealer and distributor contest winners who will attend the race as our guests.” “Team 21” is looking forward to racing a newly built chassis. Crew Chief, Mike “Andretti” Smith commented on this week’s preparation. He noted, “We went to Ford [Racing] this week to work on the 7-post shaker rig with the actual Texas race car. We think we came up with something really good.” He admited that they will focus on both qualifying and race runs during the initial practice on Friday because they are using a setup that is different from what they have tried at other tracks that resemble Texas, such as Atlanta. For more information on Motorcraft , please visit www.motorcraft.com.(Wood Brothers Racing)(4-3-2008) Comment here
- Interim crew chief named for the #21: Team engineer Mike Smith is the interim crew chief for the #21 Wood Brothers Racing Sprint Cup Series team this weekend at Martinsville Speedway. Smith is an aerodynamic specialist who has been with the team for 18 years. Bill Elliott is driving for the Wood Brothers this weekend at Martinsville. The team is outside the top 35 in owners points, but has access to a past champions provisional and is, therefore, locked into the field for Sunday’s Goody’s Cool Orange 500.(SceneDaily)(3-28-2008)
- Original Wood Brothers Purolator Mercury on Display: The Wood Brothers Racing original 1971 #21 Purolator Mercury driven by David Pearson has been brought home to Stuart, Virginia where it will be on display at the Wood Brothers Racing museum beginning this week. The legendary race car is in fact, the same machine that David Pearson won his first race with the Wood Brothers and also shared the infamous 11 out of 18 wins in 1973. The race car also known as "The Wood Brothers Purolator Mercury" was loaned to the Darlington Speedway 34 years ago and still carries all of the original parts and paint scheme as it was raced in those infamous years. It was brought back to the Stuart, Virginia race shop for routine maintenance and restoration. The museum of Wood Brothers memorabilia spans 58 years of racing. Among some of the many items on display are; a 1989 Neil Bonnett Thunderbird, a 1937 Glen Wood Ford Coach, and cars from Jon Wood and Keven Wood's careers. Every inch of the walls are decked with plaques and photos, new and old that Glen Wood personally hung himself. There are also a variety of trophies, helmets, uniforms and other items from the Wood Brothers history. Nineteen of NASCAR's "50 Greatest Drivers" have piloted the Wood Brothers cars over the past 58 years, such as David Pearson, AJ Foyt, Curtis Turner, Dale Jarrett and others. The museum is open weekdays from 9:00am to noon, & 1:00pm to 5:00pm. There is no admission fee, and the gift shop offers varied souvenir items. It's located only thirty minutes from Martinsville Speedway, just off highway 58. The museum and souvenir shop is also open this Saturday during the Martinsville Race weekend until 1pm.(WBR PR)(3-27-2008) Comment here
- #21 Crew chief leaves team: Gene Nead, crew chief for the #21 Wood Brothers Racing Sprint Cup car, has left the team, team officials confirmed Monday morning.
Nead joined the Wood Brothers in November 2007 after a stint with Robby Gordon Motorsports. With a variety of drivers this year – Bill Elliott, Johnny Sauter and Jeff Green – the Wood Brothers have failed to qualify for four of the five events. The team is 44th in owners points and has had to qualify for races on speed but should be OK for the race in Martinsville because with Dale Jarrett’s retirement and Kurt Busch now being locked in with points, Elliott is expected to be the only past champion who isn’t locked into the field.
The team has not yet named a replacement for Nead.(SceneDaily)(3-24-2008)
UPDATE: “We had a whole bunch of testing planned, to go out and just race more and go through some things and figure them out,” [#22-Dave] Blaney [of Bill Davis Racing] said. “We needed the days to try to learn something, but we missed out on a couple.” Instead, the #22 Cat team will attempt to make up for lost time this week before going to Martinsville. Monday’s workout will be at a short track in North Carolina in preparation for Martinsville, while Tuesday and Wednesday in Nashville are for general testing. “We’ll try to learn all we can this week,” Blaney said. Since Bristol, the Cat team has added Gene Nead, who left a year ago to join another team. “He’s coming back,” Blaney said of the crew member whose role will most likely be that of engineer. “He’s very good,” Blaney said of Nead, who will help crew chief Tommy Baldwin in all phases. “If you can add some people to make your team stronger, no matter when, that’s a good thing. Hopefully, it’ll give us a little shot in the arm and turn it around.”(Youngstown Vindicator)(3-24-2008) Comment here
- Why no Elliott at Bristol? UPDATE: Bill Elliott is not running the #21 Wood Brothers Little Debbie Ford at Bristol Motor Speedway this week, supposedly Elliott asked to switch the Bristol race [scheduled for Elliott] with Martinsville on March 28-30th, so the team hired Jeff Green to run at Bristol. Green has won a pole at Bristol in August 2001.(3-14-2008)
UPDATE: Wood Brothers Racing and the #21 Team spent the week tapping every available resource looking for answers on how to get the car to perform better and make races. They were excited about their findings and were looking forward to qualifying for this Sunday's Food City 500. Earlier in the week, the decision was made to ask Bill Elliott to drive the Goody’s Cool Orange 500 at Martinsville Speedway, a race he was not scheduled for, instead of Bristol. This resulted in the team finding another driver for the Bristol race. Wood Brothers asked Jeff Green to pilot the #21 Little Debbie Ford Fusion and he agreed. Green is a proven Nationwide and Sprint Cup series veteran who has a history of top finishes and poles at the infamous short speedway. With Green behind the wheel, the #21 Little Debbie Ford Fusion finished the only practice before qualifying as the ninth fastest car overall. The team was confident that if Jeff and the car qualified as they had practiced the #21 would be in the race on Sunday. It appeared as though the #21 Team was going to have the kind of weekend their efforts merited. Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other plans. Around noon, the rain clouds arrived at Bristol Motor Speedway and loomed overhead most of the afternoon. NASCAR did its best to try to get qualifying in, but it just wasn't meant to be. After several delays and efforts to dry the track, NASCAR made the call at 5:00 pm to cancel qualifying. As the rain continued, they set the field according to last year's owner points, past champions and the top teams remaining according to this year's owner points. This meant that the #21 Wood Brothers Racing Team and Jeff Green would not be racing this weekend. While missing the race is a grave disappointment, the depth of which is only truly appreciated by those actually missing the race, Wood Brothers Racing leaves Bristol knowing they put forth a car that was fast enough to make the race on speed.(Wood Brothers racing PR)(3-15-2008) Comment here
- Bill Elliott's son wins title: Twelve-year-old Chase Elliott, son of NASCAR legend Bill Elliott, won his first major racing title Saturday by clinching the Young Guns division of Atlanta Motor Speedway's Winter Flurry. The Winter Flurry is a six-race competition for eight divisions of Legends, Bandolero and Roadsters. Other champions crowned Saturday were Bubba Harry (Roadsters), Kyle Plott (Bandits), Trey Maughan (Outlaws), Rawlin West (Chargers), Justin Swilling (Semi-Pro), Jeff Haynie (Masters) and Billy Fulson (Pro). Elliott's crew chief is his father Bill, who said he was just "tickled to death that nothing fell off the car" during the race. But he shouldn't start looking for a full-time gig in that arena, according to his son. "He climbed out and said, 'It's junk,'" Bill Elliott said. "I guess he must have got that from me. But he's doing a good job. Right now, it's just been a good way to spend time with him. I didn't get to spend too much time with my other kids, and I regret that." Chase Elliott, from Ballground, Ga., also sees these early races as a stepping stone for his future. "It was fun," Chase Elliott said. "We're just working hard, having a good time. We're moving in to a Legends car this summer and just want to keep moving up. I guess my goal is to get to Cup one day." His mother, Cindy, is bracing herself for that. "I tried to deter him when he was younger; I gave him golf lessons, tried to get him involved in baseball," Cindy Elliott said, laughing. "But ever since he's been old enough to talk, he's wanted to be a race car driver. And he's doing a great job, having a lot of fun. I'm so proud of him."(AMS Pit Notes)(3-10-2008)
- Wood skips Vegas, Sauter to run #21: Jon Wood told Mike Bagley and David Poole this morning on "The Morning Drive" (Sirius NASCAR Radio 128) that he will step aside for this weekend's Sprint Cup UAW Dodge 400 at Las Vegas. Jon feels he is not ready to drive his family's car this weekend due to lack of experience in NASCAR's new race car. He has elected to take a pass and let Johnny Sauter take the wheel. The Wood Brothers decided to put Sauter in the car because they feel he is the best qualifier that was
available. Bill Elliott was unavailable for this weekend's event due to other commitments. Wood's next Sprint Cup race is scheduled to be the Coca-Cola 600 at Lowes Motor Speedway in May.(Sirius NASCAR Radio)(2-27-2008) Comment here
- Fatback looking for a gig..TV?: Former Sprint Cup crew chief Michael “Fatback” McSwain was in the garage at Daytona International Speedway on Sunday, looking for work, but not the kind he used to do when he was atop the pit box for drivers like Bobby Labonte and Ricky Rudd. McSwain, a devoutly religious man and the father of two young children, decided last year that he wanted to get off the crew chief treadmill and the savage grind of 38 races per year and day after day of testing. To that end, he’s become something of a jack-of-all-trades, doing some media work – he’s looking for more – auctioning memorabilia on eBay and other odds and ends. “I’m doing a little bit of everything, anything I can do to generate income,” said McSwain. “I’m in the process of building a tire store and front-end alignment shop in Dallas, N.C. I’ve been doing a little bit of TV stuff, some one-off shows, some fill-in work. … Anything I can do to generate enough income to stay home with my family.” McSwain was optimistic about the next phase of his life. “It’s a big, old world, there’s a lot of opportunities out there,” he said. “I started in this business at the bottom, so I’ll start my next venture at the bottom.”(SPEED)(2-17-2008) Comment here
- Elliott to retire for good at end of 2008: After 33 years on the NASCAR trail, Dawsonville's Bill Elliott is ready to head down another path. #21-Elliott, who did not finish high enough in Thursday's 150-mile qualifier to start Sunday's Daytona 500, said 2008 will be his last year as a Sprint Cup driver. "I've thoroughly enjoyed it, but it's time to move on and let this other generation have it," Elliott said. "I just feel like it's good to let everyone know what my thinking is. I've kind of put it off and rolled with the flow these last few years, but it's time. It's time to go do something different." He said he'll continue to drive the #21 Wood Brothers Ford on a part-time basis as he had planned, but if the Woods' other drivers, Marcos Ambrose and Jon Wood, seem ready to take on a larger role, he might cut short his planned 17-race schedule. "Ambrose might fall into place, or Jon might fall into place, and that would be what the Woods need to do to make the next step," he said. Another young racer is figuring into Elliott's decision, too —- his 12-year-old son Chase, who is rapidly developing into a formidable competitor in the Bandolero racing series. Traveling to Chase's races and also competing in Cup races has proved to be a logistical nightmare. "Last summer, I'd go race with Chase on Thursday night, then I'd pick up and go to wherever the Cup race was," Elliott said. "The earliest I got anywhere was 10 p.m., and it could be up to 4 in the morning to get where I was going, depending on when we raced. That's crazy." As a full-time driver, Elliott won 44 Cup races, 55 poles and the 1988 championship, but since going to part-time status after the 2003 season, he has had just one top-10 finish, at Indianapolis in 2004. Still, he has no regrets about the latter part of his career.(Atlanta Journal-Constitution)(2-15-2008) Comment here
- Woods miss 500 field: The Wood Brothers [#21 Ford] will not compete in the Daytona 500 for the first time since 1962 after Bill Elliott failed to advance through his qualifying race Thursday at Daytona International Speedway. "I don't think there are words that can describe it, but that's life,'' Elliott said. "There will be days like this." Sunday's 50th Daytona 500 will be only the third time the Wood Brothers have not been a part of this race. Co-owner Eddie Wood said he'll remain for the race but admits he'll likely have a hollow feeling. "I don't know what that'll feel like [not to be in the 500]. I'm sure it's going to be bad,'' he said.(Roanoke Times)(2-15-2008) Comment here
- Jon Wood appears in Air Force driving safety video: The Sprint Cup Series driver of the Air Force-sponsored #21 Ford recently appeared in a public service announcement video on driving safety. In the 1.5 minute production, Jon Wood emphasizes the use of seat belts, observing speed limits, and not driving after drinking.
Mr. Wood, the third-generation member of the Wood Brothers Racing family, progressed through the ranks of karts and late-model stock cars to the Craftsman Truck Series, where he won races for Roush Racing. He moved to the Busch Series for the current family conglomerate, Wood Brothers/JTG Racing, and in 2007 made his long-anticipated Nextel Cup debut in the #21 Wood Brothers Ford.(Air Force Link)(2-1-2008)
- Motorcraft, Elliott and Wood Brothers team up in 2008: Three longtime Ford Motor Company icons are teaming up again in 2008: The Motorcraft brand, Bill Elliott
and the Wood Brothers. Motorcraft, a Ford Motor Company brand of automotive parts ranging from filters and spark plugs to engines and transmissions, will be the primary sponsor on the famed Wood Brothers #21 Sprint Cup Ford Fusion for eight races, beginning in April at Texas and culminating with the season-ending Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The Motorcraft brand will also be an associate sponsor for all other 2008 NASCAR events. Bill Elliott is scheduled to be the driver for all of Motorcraft's races. Elliott, Motorcraft and the Wood Brothers first joined forces last season. Motorcraft first sponsored Wood Brothers Racing in 2001. The Wood Brothers are acknowledged pioneers in the sport of stock-car racing, and have earned 96 wins in over 50 years of NASCAR competition - second most in Ford Racing history. The 2008 Motorcraft Primary Sponsor Sprint Cup Schedule: Texas on April 6, Phoenix on April 12, Michigan on June 15, Indy on July 27, Bristol on Aug 23, New Hampshire on Sept 14, Talladega on Oct and Homestead-Miami on Nov 16. For more information, visit www.motorcraft.com.(PCGCampbell/Ford PR)(1-24-2008) Comment here
- Elliott to run the #21 at Daytona..after that? UPDATE 2 17 races: Wood Brothers Racing is set to announce driver and sponsor information regarding their #21 Sprint Cup entry for the 2008 Daytona Speedweeks events. Veteran driver Bill Elliott has agreed to once again serve as the driver of the #21 Ford Fusion in this year's opening event. The team will test with Elliott on January 14-16th of this month. He will compete in all Speedweeks events, which will include the February 9th Bud Shootout, the Gatorade Duels-and the 50th running of the Daytona 500 on February 17th. For the Daytona 500 event, the team will have primary sponsorship from McKee Foods, Little Debbie Snack Cakes Brand. Associate sponsors for this event will again be the United States Air Force and Ford Motor Company's Motorcraft Brand. Crew Chief Gene Nead will lead all efforts in the Sprint Cup Series.(Wood Brothers/JTG Racing PR), no word on other driver schedules for the team such as Ken Schrader. Marcos Ambrose is scheduled to run 12 races, no schedule announced yet.(1-4-2008)
UPDATE: Bill Elliott will drive the Wood Brothers' #21 at Daytona before eventually turning the team's entry over to Marcos Ambrose and Jon Wood for most of the races. "I'd just as soon run a good bit at the start and then let Ambrose and Jon run as time goes on here," said Elliott. "I kind of like that plan. Let's get started and run a little bit. Really, it's a perfect world for me, and I can't argue with it."(Gaston Gazette)(1-20-2008)
UPDATE 2: per billelliott.com, it shows Bill Elliott's 2008 planned Cup schedule in the #21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford. Seventeen races, including the 2008 Budweiser Shootout along with the Daytona 500, then California [2/24]; Atlanta [3/9]; Bristol [3/16]; Texas [4/6]; Phoenix [4/12]; Darlington [5/10]; Pocono [6/8]; Michigan [6/15]; Chicago [7/12]; Indianapolis [7/27]; Bristol [8/23]; New Hampshire [9/14]; Kansas [9/28]; Charlotte [10/11] and Homestead [11/16].(1-21-2008) Comment here
- Wood Brothers, JTG Split Stock-Car Operation: Wood Brothers Racing and JTG Racing have changed their business model, but the two are still working together in a marketing and technological partnership, JTG Racing owner Tad Geschickter said Saturday afternoon. Geschickter will still be responsible for finding sponsorships for both the teams he owns and the Wood Brothers teams. The teams will have separate directors of competition and separate budgets. The Wood Brothers will field the #21 Sprint Cup Ford (with multiple drivers likely including Ken Schrader, Jon Wood and Marcos Ambrose [......and Bill Elliott]) and the #21 truck with Jon and Keven Wood in the seat. JTG Racing will field a Cup car in four races for Ambrose as well as Nationwide Series cars for Ambrose (#59) and Kelly Bires (#47) and a truck for Scott Lagasse Jr. (#20). Geschickter said that he changed crew chiefs for Ambrose in the Nationwide Series as Walter Giles (a fellow Australian to Ambrose) has come over from his position as director for race engineering at DEI.(SceneDaily.com)
AND This season, the two organizations will continue to work out of a 120,000-square-foot shop in Harrisburg, N.C., that currently houses pairs of teams in Cup, Nationwide and the Truck Series. [Bill] Elliott will test the #21 car Monday-Wednesday at Daytona and compete in all Speedweeks events that car will contest, including the Feb. 9 Bud Shootout, the Gatorade Duel qualifying race on Feb. 14 and the 50th running of the Daytona 500 on Feb. 17. The team has sponsorship for nine Cup races from the U.S. Air Force, with Jon Wood driving; and for 14 weekends from the Little Debbie brand of snack cakes. Little Debbie will be on the car for the Daytona 500, but Tasmanian Marcos Ambrose will be the primary driver of the #21 in the other Little Debbie races. Elliott will drive the #21's other Cup races, with most of their sponsorship in place, Eddie Wood said. He said the team had primary sponsorship available for six races. Geschickter said Ambrose would also drive four races in JTG Racing's #47 Little Debbie Sprint Cup car, at Indianapolis, Kansas, Atlanta and Homestead.(NASCAR.com)(1-13-2008)
- Air Force returns to the #21 in 2008, Wood to drive: Wood Brothers Racing announced the United States Air Force will not only be the primary sponsor for nine Sprint Cup Series races in 2008, but will also play a role in the Wood Brothers' upcoming campaign in the Craftsman Truck Series as an associate sponsor. The United States Air Force is entering its eighth year of marketing, recruiting and sponsorship of the Wood Brothers' family-based team. Third-generation drivers-and cousins-Jon Wood and Keven Wood will share the Wood Brothers Racing #21 Ford F-150 entry in the Craftsman Truck Series for the 2008 season. Jon is the 26-year-old son of Eddie Wood; Keven is the 23-year-old son of Len Wood. Jon Wood is anxious to get back to racing after the off-season break. "I'm very enthusiastic about this year's schedule as I will be representing the United States Air Force in both the Sprint Cup Series and Craftsman Truck Series," said Jon, a two-time winner in the Truck Series. "It'll be a lot of fun to share time with Keven in the truck because it's something we've always known would happen-and now it's here." Jon and Keven are grandchildren of Glen Wood, who founded the team in 1950 and was named one of NASCAR's 50 Greatest Drivers in 1998. Crew chief Gene Nead will lead the efforts of the #21 Ford Fusion in the Sprint Cup Series. John Monsam will return as the crew chief for the #21 F-150 in the Craftsman Truck Series.(Wood Brothers Racing PR)(1-11-2008)
