- Schrader back in the #70: Ken Schrader will drive for the #70 Haas CNC Racing team at Darlington Raceway, said team competition director Matt Borland.(SceneDaily)(5-5-2008) Comment here
- Keselowski testing for Haas CNC: Dale Earnhardt Jr's [JR Motorsports] Nationwide Series driver, Brad Keselowski has already tested for the #70 Haas CNC Racing Sprint Cup team at Nashville Superspeedway and he might test with them Monday and Tuesday at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. Haas CNC Racing General Manager Joe Custer declined comment on his future drivers Friday, but said he hoped to get some things solidified this weekend. With Rick Hendrick owning half of JR Motorsports, the team for which Keselowski drives in the Nationwide Series, and Haas CNC Racing being a Hendrick affiliate, Keselowski’s participation with the team makes sense. “We’re going to figure that out this weekend,” Keselowski said on whether he would test with Haas CNC Racing at Charlotte. “It looks like I might go down there Monday and Tuesday and just help them out. We’ll see.” Whether Keselowski would actually drive in a Sprint Cup race for the team, the driver said he didn’t know and would take things “one step at a time.”(SceneDaily)(5-3-2008) Comment here
- Sauter back in #70 at RIR; Schrader could run more races: from a Team Chevy PR:
KEN SCHRADER, #70 HUNT BROTHERS PIZZA IMPALA SS – Qualified 3rd: HOW DID YOU MAKE THAT CAR GO THAT FAST AS THE LAST QUALIFIER OUT? "It was desperation. When you aren't locked in to the top-35, you do what you have to do. We definitely concentrated more on qualifying for today. We will probably have to undo a little bit of that tomorrow. The Haas/CNC grout built us a heck of a little car. It is brand new with a brand new sponsor, Hunt Brothers Pizza. The Hendrick Motors, they did their job for sure.
You work on qualifying differently when you are one of those cars that is not locked in the top-35 because if you don't go fast enough, you go home. It brings a out desperation. There are a lot of things you have to do. We are going to have a good little race car."
IS THIS A ONE-SHOT DEAL? “No, we’re going to run it some more. We’re definitely going to run it some more. We’re working on the schedule, but we are going to run the car some more this year. I know that Jay [actually Johnny, not Jay] Sauter is going to run it next week and we’re working on that stuff now. That’s the only real good advantage I’ve found to being old so far. I told them to just let me know if I need to be there.”
YOU WERE SCHEDULED TO BE IN THE BAM CAR FOR TALLADEGA. DO YOU STILL HAVE ANY TIES WITH THEM? COULD YOU UPDATE THAT STATUS?
“I can’t speak for them. I’ve driven for those people two full years and then drove one race last year. We started of the year this year and they love the sport a lot and they’ve invested a lot of their own money on that team. I know they’re working hard to get funding to run it. I’ll always be indebted to them because I’ve been working for them for a while and they’re just good people that love this sport. But I don’t have any ties to them.”(Team Chevy)(4-27-2008) Comment here
- Max Papis in the #70?: UPDATE: Hearing that Haas CNC Racing has talked to Max Papis about running the two Sprint Cup road course races in the #70 car. Papis' agent confirmed talks and said he "feels as though they are close to a deal". Papis was originally planning to drive the Phoenix Racing #09 at both road course events.(4-21-2008)
UPDATE: Max Papis will drive the #70 Haas Automation Chevy during the two road-course races on the 2008 Sprint Cup Series schedule.(Haas CNC Racing PR)(4-23-2008) Comment here
- Mayfield wants to be in ride that can win, in any series: Jeremy Mayfield's not sure what's next, though as a racer he wants to race. But his choice, whether it's in Sprint Cup, Nationwide or the Craftsman Truck Series, is going to be something that can win. He's been there and knows he can get it done again. Right now, he's not sure how much time he'll be spending at racetracks in the short term. The conversations on future possibilities have been flowing in both directions, he said. But he won't be sitting still, either. When the Sprint Cup Series is at Richmond and Darlington, Mayfield will be part of an entourage touring United States military installations in Iraq and supporting the troops.(NASCAR.com)(4-17-2008) Comment here
- Schrader to the #70 at Talladega? hearing Ken Schrader may drive the #70 Haas CNC Racing Chevy at Talladega. #49 BAM Racing is skipping Talladega and moving to a part-time schedule.(4-15-2008)
UPDATE: Haas CNC Racing is pleased to announce that Ken Schrader will drive the #70 Hunt Brothers Pizza Chevy during the upcoming race weekend at Talladega. "I'm definitely very excited about the opportunity to drive for Haas CNC Racing," Schrader said. "It is a younger team that is going through the growing process but yet has all of the elements in place. The team has an outstanding relationship with Hendrick Motorsports, and we know they have a proven engine program," he added. "We certainly don't have to second guess the equipment."(Haas CNC Racing)(4-16-2008) Comment here
- Mayfield out of the #70 ride UPDATE 2: Sirius NASCAR Radio's Sirius Speedway is reporting that Jeremy Mayfield is out as driver of the #70 Haas CNC Racing Chevrolet, and will be replaced by former Haas CNC driver Johnny Sauter, effective immediately.(4-7-2008)
UPDATE: Haas CNC Racing announced today that the team and Jeremy Mayfield have mutually agreed to part ways. The team is exploring several scenarios regarding a replacement driver. "Jeremy's proven resume behind the wheel of a Cup car was a real benefit to our team," team general manager Joe Custer said. "He stepped into the seat and did everything we asked him to and more. Ultimately, we were unable to provide him with the right balance, handling and speed he needed to be successful," he added. "We wish Jeremy nothing but the best for his future."(Haas CNC Racing)(4-8-2008)
UPDATE 2: Johnny Sauter told Sirius NASCAR Radio's Sirius Speedway Tuesday that he is signed to drive the #70 only this weekend in Phoenix, but hopes to land the ride full-time. "We've got a week off after Phoenix," said Sauter, "so they've got a little time to look around and figure out what they want to do down the road."(4-9-2008) Comment here
- 70 team picks up a sponsor: Hunt Brothers Pizza announced a sponsorship test with Haas/CNC Racing and the #70 Jeremy Mayfield car in the 2008 Sprint Cup Series. The test sponsorship with the Haas/CNC racing team will include the following: Secondary sponsor for the upcoming Samsung 500, April 6 at the Texas Motor Speedway and primary sponsor at the Aarons 499, April 26 at the Talladega Speedway. "At Hunt Brothers, we are committed to becoming a strong national brand, especially within the C-Store Industry," said Scott Hunt, executive at Hunt Brothers Pizza. "Our involvement in NASCAR sends a strong message to C-Store Owners, C-Store Chains, and Oil Companies that we are a serious player, and we are committed to driving product awareness on the national level and ultimately boosting sales for our C-Store partners." For more information about Hunt Brothers Pizza, see huntbrotherspizza.com.(Media Wire), see an image on my #70 Team schemes page.(4-4-2008) Comment here
- Full year for McCumbee in 2008, some races in #45: Chad McCumbee is planning to run his third full season in the Craftsman Truck Series [#8 Chevy]. There is the possibility of driving in a Nationwide Series car for Petty Enterprises. There are plans for as many as five Sprint Cup races in Kyle Petty's #45 Dodge. And there is also a chance he could drive in additional Sprint Cup races in a third [#65 Chevy] for CNC/Haas Racing. It all starts this week at Daytona International Speedway. McCumbee will drive the #8 truck for MRD Motorsports in Friday night's Chevy Silverado 250. Though he won a pair of races in the ARCA Re-Max Series in 2007 - the first wins for Petty Enterprises since 1999 - winning at the NASCAR level would add confidence. McCumbee said he has talked within the past 10 days with Petty Enterprises about a Nationwide Series ride. Although nothing has been solidified, McCumbee said the chances of driving in the former Busch Series could improve after the first quarter of the season. McCumbee's time in the #45 Sprint Cup Series car is also undetermined. There are plans for McCumbee to take the wheel for five races while Kyle Petty works from the broadcast booth [TNT from Pocono in June thru Chicago in July]. McCumbee filled in twice for Petty in 2007, finishing 25th at Pocono Raceway on June 10 and 41st at Michigan International Speedway on Aug. 21. But Petty's ability to keep the #45 car in the top 35 in points - he finished 35th last year - guaranteeing a spot in the field, could determine how many times McCumbee gets a chance.(Myrtle Beach Sun News)(2-10-2008) Comment here.
- Mayfield gets a sponsor for the Daytona 500: Junior Johnson's Midnight Moon will be the primary sponsor on the #70 Chevy driven by Jeremy Mayfield in the
50th running of the Daytona 500. The Piedmont Distillers brand is named for company co-owner and 1960 Daytona 500 champion Junior Johnson, who will drive the pace car and lead the field prior to the start of the Daytona 500. "We are thrilled to partner with Haas CNC Racing for the 50th Daytona 500," Piedmont Distillers president Joe Michalek said. "This team has demonstrated its ability to succeed on the track by placing both its NASCAR Sprint Cup Series entries in the top 35 of last year's owner's points. In addition, Jeremy Mayfield is a proven driver with three top-five finishes among six top 10s at Daytona International Speedway."
"Being able to hook up with a legend like Junior Johnson and Midnight Moon for the 50th Daytona 500 is an honor," Mayfield said. "I know Scott (Riggs) and I both admire what Junior has done for this sport, and I hope to give Midnight Moon a great run during Speedweeks." Junior Johnson's Midnight Moon has been a tremendous success since its launch in May of 2007. The Carolina Moonshine brand is currently distributed in 12 states and will launch in Florida during Speedweeks. The Piedmont Distillers is the only legal spirits distillery in North Carolina. It produces two moonshines, Junior Johnson's Midnight Moon and Catdaddy Carolina Moonshine. Both brands are hand-crafted in small batches and then tripled distilled in a copper column still to deliver the smoothest, most premium moonshine available. For more information on Piedmont Distillers, please visit www.piedmontdistillers.com.(3-G Sports PR)(2-7-2008) Comment here.
- State Water Heaters to #66..with Riggs UPDATE 3: hearing that State Water Heaters will sponsor the #66 Haas CNC Racing Chevy and that Scott Riggs will drive the car, supposedly Jeremy Mayfield and the #66 crew will move over to the #70 Team. State Water Heaters sponsored the #4 Morgan McClure team and driver Ward Burton in 2007, no word on MMM or Burton's 2008 plans.(1-2-2008)
UPDATE: Scott Riggs told Sirius NASCAR Radio's Sirius Speedway Friday that be will drive the #66 Haas CNC Racing Chevy next season, with the Bootie Barker-led team that worked with Johnny Sauter's #70 car last year. In addition, Riggs confirmed that talks are underway to brng State Water Heaters aboard as sponsor. "We're in negotiations pretty heavy with State Water Heaters, and while the deal is not signed, we're hopeful that we can get it done."(1-4-2008)
UPDATE 2: State Water Heaters has signed a multiyear contract to sponsor the Haas CNC Racing Sprint Cup cars. The company will be the primary sponsor for the #66 Chevy driven by Scott Riggs for an undisclosed number of races in 2008 and will be an associate sponsor for the rest, according to a team spokesperson. It will also be an associate sponsor for the #70 Chevy of Jeremy Mayfield while also appearing as a primary on that car in select races. Financial terms of the contract were not disclosed.(SceneDaily.com), see images of the car testing on the #66 Team Schemes page.(1-16-2008)
UPDATE 3: Haas CNC Racing announced it has entered into a multi-year, global, business-to-business partnership with State Water Heaters to be a primary sponsor of the #66 with Scott Riggs. The program also includes primary placement for select races with Jeremy Mayfield on the #70 and an associate sponsorship position on both cars for the full 2008 season. "We couldn't be happier than to partner with a quality brand like State Water Heaters," said team marketing manager Carl Cline. "With the recent changes we've made at Haas CNC Racing, 2008 should prove to be an exciting year for us and we are thrilled to have State Water Heaters share in our future successes. Through our commitment to performance, both on and off the track, we hope to grow a long, proud partnership with State Water Heaters," Cline added. For more information about State Water Heaters visit www.statewaterheaters.com.(Haas CNC Racing PR)(1-16-2008) Comment here
- Haas starts prison term: Gene Haas, a reclusive entrepreneur who built a multimillion-dollar company in Oxnard, surrendered to federal authorities Monday to begin serving a two-year prison sentence. The 55-year-old Camarillo resident was convicted of conspiring to cheat the government out of millions of dollars in taxes owed by his company, Haas Automation Inc., the country's largest machine tool builder. Haas must serve the entire prison sentence because parole isn't granted in the federal system. He pleaded guilty in August to one of 11 federal charges brought against him. His plea deal also requires him to pay about $75 million in restitution and fines, which he has done. The company also owns Haas CNC Racing, which has competed in NASCAR since 2002. The race team currently fields two Sprint Cup Series teams with a 2008 lineup featuring drivers #66-Scott Riggs and #70-Jeremy Mayfield. On Monday, Haas checked into the Federal Correctional Institution, a low-security prison for male inmates near Vandenberg Air Force Base near Lompoc, according to his attorney Brian Hennigan. Haas has long been regarded as an extraordinary success who founded his company in 1983 and built it into the country's largest machine tool builder. Haas Automation remains one of Ventura County's larger employers, with about 1,550 workers at a manufacturing complex at 2800 Sturgis Road in Oxnard. Haas also is known as one of the county's more generous philanthropists. According to previous company statements, Haas has not been involved in the daily operation of the business for nearly a decade and the business has not been affected by the federal charges.(Ventura County Star) Comment
- Haas CNC Racing announces Marketing Hire: Hass CNC Racing continues to take major strides in identifying itself as a mainstay in the Sprint Cup Series. With its most recent addition, the team announced Mike Verlander will serve as Director of Business Development. Verlander brings his experience from MCG Sports where he managed business development for Joe Gibbs Racing. Verlander has worked with leading teams including Evernham Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing. He has introduced and managed corporate partners through the highest levels of NASCAR. Verlander will begin duties immediately from Haas CNC Racing facilities.(Haas CNC Racing PR)(1-8-2008)
- Atlas Copco to sponsor #70 at NHMS...and Mayfield: Atlas Copco Compressors is proud to continue its partnership with Haas CNC Racing for the 2008 Sprint Cup Season. Atlas Copco's 2008 program consists of primary sponsorship of the #70 Chevy by Jeremy Mayfield for the June 29th race at New Hampshire and secondary sponsorship
throughout the season. Jim Bruce, Atlas Copco's Regional VP, says he's very happy looking back at the company's first year in NASCAR in 2007 and even more excited about the
preparations underway for the #70 team in 2008. "Our involvement with both Haas CNC Racing and the Windshear Inc wind tunnel project has brought tremendous exposure of Atlas Copco Compressors to a very broad audience from local grass roots fans to global B-2-B partners. We are working very hard to achieve Atlas Copco's vision to become and remain First in Mind First in Choice of its customers and other key stakeholders." For additional information visit atlascopco.us.(Atlas Copco Compressors)(1-3-2008)
- Johnny Sauter to Nationwide Series: The Miccosukee Tribe will back Finch's Nationwide team for the third consecutive season. "The Indians are going to sponsor our #1 car [in the 2008 Nationwide Series] and at this point, Johnny Sauter is going to drive one of our [Nationwide] cars full time. If we've got enough sponsorship, Sterling [Marlin] and Johnny will drive full time; and if not, Sterling's gonna drive part-time in our second car." [Crew Chief Mark] Reno said the second Nationwide Series car would use the #4 branding that Finch had previously used with Jeff Purvis, as the team opted to let Mike Wallace take the #7 he used this season in a Finch car with GEICO sponsorship to another team, while Phoenix would keep the owner points the car accrued.(NASCAR.com)(11-12-2007)
- Haas sentenced to two years: Gene Haas [owner of Haas CNC Racing #66, #70 teams] was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison today for conspiring to cheat the government out of millions of dollars in taxes owed by his company. At the request of Haas' lawyers, the judge recommended the owner of Oxnard-based Haas Automation Inc. undergo treatment for drugs and alcohol. At a sentencing hearing Monday, a judge ordered him to report to federal court Jan. 14, when he will be transported to prison. Haas pleaded guilty in August. In his plea agreement, Haas, 54, took responsibility for one of 11 federal charges brought against him, agreeing to spend two years in prison. As part of the deal, he has paid more than $70 million in restitution and fines. The conviction is a stunning setback for Haas, who had been regarded as an extraordinary success. He founded and built his company into the country's largest machine tool builder. Haas Automation remains one of Ventura County's larger employers, with about 1,100 workers at a manufacturing complex at 2800 Sturgis Road. Haas has also been one of Ventura County's most generous philanthropists. Haas' plea followed a six-year investigation that snared five of his business associates, who all have pleaded guilty in connection with the tax fraud scheme.(Ventura County Star)
AND He is required to serve 85% of the sentence before being considered for release, so he will have to serve at least 20 months and 12 days in prison. Officials with the race team, which has hired Jeremy Mayfield and Scott Riggs as its drivers for next season, have indicated that it does not expect an impact from Haas' pending imprisonment. The team is owned by Haas Automation. When the plea bargain was agreed to in August, Haas' attorneys released a statement indicating that Haas relied on the wrong people for financial and accounting advice and made a mistake in filing the erroneous returns.(SceneDaily.com)(11-6-2007)
- Sauter to RGM with Yellow? UPDATES: Johnny Sauter is still, as far as he knows, the driver of the #70 Yellow Transportation Chevy for the same team, but Scott Riggs has been signed by the team for 2008. That leaves Sauter in an interesting position: Does he have a job or not? He has a sponsor in Yellow Transportation that is committed to the series, and they seem happy with Sauter. Latest is that Sauter will go to a second team with Robby Gordon, taking Yellow with him.(NASCAR.com)(10-24-2007)
UPDATE: #70-Johnny Sauter is currently without a ride for the 2008 Sprint Cup season, but he believes he has done enough this year to prove he deserves another year at the sport's highest level. Sauter, who is being let go from Haas CNC Racing at the end of the season, is 31st in points while the team is 33rd. "I am not sure what the future holds but at the end of the day all I want to do is race and be competitive, whether it is in Cup, Busch or trucks," Sauter said.(SceneDaily.com)(10-25-2007)
UPDATE: Johnny Sauter is trying hard to land a Cup deal for next season – but it won’t be with Robby Gordon Motorsports. A source said Sunday the rumored deal with Gordon to start a second team – with Sauter bringing Yellow Transportation as a sponsor – is not going to happen. The 29–year-old continues to be rumored to handful of Busch Series rides for next season while finishing out the Cup schedule driving the #70 Haas CNC Racing Chevy. Gordon, who had previously expressed a desire to start a second team, has yet to announce funding for his primary car.(Frontstretch.com)(10-30-2007)
- Best Buy moving? hearing that Best Buy will not return to Haas CNC Racing in 2008, but supposedly will stay in the sport with an unknown team, possibly a Dodge team, the #19 GEM Dodge of Elliott Sadler is one rumored possibility.(10-22-2007)
UPDATE: Haas CNC Racing has settled on its drivers for its two-car Sprint Cup team in 2008, but its sponsorship situation is unsettled. Best Buy, which backs the team's # 66 - driven for the first time this weekend by Jeremy Mayfield - has not decided its future, a spokesman for the company said this week. And Wednesday, a statement released by Yellow Transportation said that company is evaluating its future in the sport. Yellow entered Nextel Cup this season as sponsor of Johnny Sauter's #70. Sauter will be replaced next season by Scott Riggs. Haas CNC Racing General Manager Joe Custer said this week the team is negotiating with both companies to return next season.(SceneDaily.com)(10-25-2007)
- Stremme? Mayfield to Haas? UPDATE 2 Mayfield in the #66 NOW: hearing that both David Stremme, currently driving the #40 Dodge for Chip Ganassi [but out of a job at the end of 2007] has also talked to Haas CNC Racing about driving for them in 2008; also hearing that Jeremy Mayfield, currently driving the #36 Toyota for Bill Davis Racing [but out of a job at the end of 2007] has talked to Haas CNC Racing about driving for them in 2008. Haas CNC Racing has already signed Scott Riggs [now in the #10 Dodge at GEM] to drive one of their cars for them in 2008, either the #66 Chevy currently driven by Jeff Green], the #70 Chevy [currently Johnny Sauter] or a possible third team. Stremme is also being rumored to others rides, including #10 GEM Dodge, Michael Waltrip Racing and Penske Racing [if Horish decides not to run Cup in 2008 in their third car].(10-9-2007)
UPDATE Mayfield to Haas? on Sunday's SPEED Report, Bob Dilner reported that it looks like current Haas CNC Racing drivers, Jeff Green and Johnny Sauter will not return in 2008 and that Jeremy Mayfield is now the leading candidate to join the team. Scott Riggs was recently signed to drive for the team in 2008. Dilner also mentioned that Tony Furr could ended up back with Haas as Mayfield's crew chief, but Furr denied that.(10-22-2007)
UPDATE 2: Jeremy Mayfield will replace Jeff Green in the Haas CNC Racing #66 Chevrolet, effective immediately, team general manager Joe Custer said Monday morning.
Mayfield also will join Scott Riggs in the driver lineup for next season but the alignment of the two drivers with car numbers in 2008 has not been determined, Custer said. Green is 27th in the series points standings. "[Green] did a good job for us, and we appreciate everything he did," Custer said. His replacement in the #36 Bill Davis Racing team for this weekend at Atlanta has not been announced. As far as the status of current Haas CNC Racing driver Johnny Sauter, Custer said Sauter (who is 31st in points) is under contract with the team and that "we're working through that" for 2008.(SceneDaily.com), supposedly BDR's CTS driver, Mike Skinner will drive the #36 in 3 of the final 4 races and Jacques Villeneuve will drive at Phoenix.(10-22-2007)
- Sauter in Limbo for 2008: UPDATE: #70-Johnny Sauter is receiving mixed signals about his future at Haas CNC Racing but believes the overriding message from the team is clear. "The word put to me is we're not going to tell you that you have a job, we're not going to tell you that you don't," Sauter said. "They haven't said I'm going to be released, but yet they're saying I should be out there looking for something. That means I need a job, you know what I mean? The fact that I've been told to look strongly suggests that I should start beating the bushes." The team has hired Scott Riggs for the 2008 season but hasn't said whether he'll be filling Sauter's #70 Chevy or Jeff Green's #66. Sauter said he hasn't been told if he's competing with Green for the team's second seat. "I don't have a clue," he said. "I've never been in limbo quite like this before." The three-time winner in the Busch Series would like to stay in NASCAR's premier series, but the prospects seem dim because most of next season's open rides have been filled.(USA Today)(10-19-2007)
UPDATE: Robby Gordon Motorsports is prepared to add a second Nextel Cup team in 2008, and team owner Robby Gordon said Friday that Johnny Sauter is a candidate, provided he can bring sponsorship. "We're speaking with Johnny Sauter, who could potentially be available," Gordon said Friday at Martinsville Speedway. "It depends on sponsorship -- either sponsorship he brings or helps me find. It's hard to find [sponsorship] unless the sponsor says, 'That's my guy.' " Gordon said his shop is ready to integrate a second team, and that RGM has nine Cars of Tomorrow completed.(ESPN.com)(10-20-2007)
- Hass Racing Quiet about 2008 Drivers: When it comes to who'll be in what Haas CNC Racing cars in 2008, nobody seems to know much of anything. Joe Custer, the team's general manager, plays his cards close to the vest. Very, very close. Johnny Sauter, driver of the organization's #70 entry, says that he doesn't have a clue what he'll be doing next year, but adds that he's been given permission to look elsewhere. Jeff Green, who steers its #66 Chevy, refuses altogether to comment on the situation. With Scott Riggs already signed for next year and two Haas cars available, there's considerable speculation as to which one he'll drive and whether it'll be Green or Sauter who's left out of the mix. Then again, names other than Riggs' [including Mayfield and Stremme] have been mentioned as joining the operation. If that happens, Green and Sauter would most likely both be gone. According to Custer, neither driver has a decided advantage at this stage of the game.(NASCAR.com)(10-14-2007)
More Stremme Buzz in the Garage: Hearing from many sources that #40 David Stremme is now the leading candidate for at least four teams. Options include third and fourth car situations (GEM?, Penske?, MWR?, Ganassi?) and Haas Racing where Johnny Sauter is expected to be replaced.(10-14-2007)
- Green out of the #66? Riggs in for 2008? UPDATE 2 Riggs signed by Haas CNC: It looks like Scott Riggs will be next in line to take over the #66 Chevy at Haas CNC Racing. The team and Riggs are in serious discussion and the speculation is that the announcement may happen 'within days'. Riggs future with Gillett Evernham was on shaky ground to begin with, but with the appearance of Canadian Patrick Carpentier to take over the #10 for next year, Riggs future at Gillett Evernham was doomed.(Cup Scene Daily)(9-27-2007)
UPDATE: Scott Riggs has signed a contract with Haas/CNC Racing to drive one of the team's two Chevrolets in 2008, sources close to the team confirmed to ESPN.com Tuesday. The team is expected to issue a statement Wednesday. It is unknown whether Riggs will pilot Haas/CNC's #66 or #70 or who will back the team financially. Sources said current drivers Jeff Green and Johnny Sauter will be evaluated throughout the remainder of the 2007 season and a decision as to whom Riggs will replace will be made at the end of the year. There has been some speculation that ousted Chip Ganassi Racing driver David Stremme is a candidate for the other Haas/CNC Chevy.(ESPN.com)(10-3-2007)
UPDATE 2: Haas CNC Racing announced today that the team has signed Scott Riggs for the 2008 Sprint Cup season. The car Riggs will drive next season (#66 or #70) will be determined at a later date. "We're very happy to welcome Scott Riggs to Haas CNC Racing," team general manager Joe Custer said. "It's exciting for us to land a driver with Scott's leadership experience and great attitude. We're confident in our equipment, so from a competition standpoint one of Matt's (Director of Competition Matt Borland) challenges is to find the right personnel combinations to get the most out of it," Custer said. " We believe Scott has the ability to get every bit of speed a car can offer. That's very important to us."(Haas CNC Racing PR) (10-3-2007)
- Haas CNC Racing owner to plead guilty to tax charges UPDATE: The owner of the nation’s largest maker of machine tools agreed yesterday to plead guilty to conspiracy in cheating the government out of $34.3 million in taxes through what the I.R.S. called “deceptive and elaborate tax evasion schemes.” The businessman, Gene F. Haas [owner of the Haas CNC Racing Nextel Cup teams #66 amd #70, Joe Custer is now listed as the owner of the teams], 55, of Camarillo, Calif., will be the fourth and last defendant to admit guilt in the case, which involves his company, Haas Automation, as well as several others. He is to change his plea to guilty on Monday. The plea agreement is subject to approval by a Federal District Court judge in Los Angeles. Back taxes, a $5 million fine, fraud penalties of 40% and interest will bring Mr. Haas’s total cost for cheating on his 2000 and 2001 taxes to more than $70 million. He also agreed to serve two years in prison. The criminal charges stemmed from three fake-invoice schemes that involved Mr. Haas’s main company as well as his NASCAR racing team and a land title company. The deception included creating a fake company in Nevada called Supermill. Mr. Haas paid three employees or associates, who have already pleaded guilty, 2 percent of what he avoided paying in taxes, according to court papers. The tax evasion apparently began with a patent infringement lawsuit against Mr. Haas.(New York Times)(8-25-2007)
UPDATE: Haas CNC Racing team owner Gene Haas appeared in U.S. District Court today in Los Angeles and pled guilty to one count of tax fraud. The plea bargain includes a two-year prison term for Haas, the owner of Haas Automation, which is the largest dollar-volume machine tool builder in North America and the largest unit-volume builder of CNC machines in the world. Haas' sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 5. If the judge declines to impose the two-year sentence, Haas or the government will be allowed to withdraw from the plea agreement. Haas, who was arrested in June 2006 after a lengthy investigation, agreed to pay $34.2 million in back taxes for the years 2000 and 2001, as well as a $5 million fine. With statutory penalties and interest on the back taxes, Haas owes more than $70 million to the government. Joe Custer, Haas CNC Racing general manager, said Monday afternoon that the race team will not be impacted by the Haas' guilty plea. The team fields Nextel Cup cars for #66-Jeff Green (primary sponsor Best Buy) and #70-Johnny Sauter (primary sponsor Yellow Transportation). "It's good to put this behind us," Custer said. "This subject has been out there for three years." Custer said the team hopes to retain the sponsors. Yellow mostly uses the sponsorship to entertain clients while Best Buy primarily uses its sponsorship to sell electronics. "We're working through it with them," Custer said. "I think it will work out. Everybody wants to stick with somebody in a tough time. Best Buy's investment in NASCAR has been good so far. We've given them a good value." Haas is required to serve 85% of the sentence before being considered for release, so he will have to serve at least 20 months and 12 days in prison. "We'll be all right," Custer said. "Haas Automation owns Haas CNC Racing. At the end of the day, their business is tremendously successful. You don't love these days, but we'll get through it."(SceneDaily.com)(8-28-2007)
- Jalopnik:
Haas Builds Rolling Road Wind Tunnel.(7-26-2007)
- Sauter and Kyle Busch Fail Post Race Inspection UPDATE 2 penalties announced: The Chevys of #70-Johnny Sauter and #5-Kyle Busch both did not meet the minimum height requirements during post-race inspection. #83-Brian Vickers failed post-qualifying inspection on Friday and had his time disallowed. NASCAR will take both of the cars back to the R&D Center in Concord, NC to test them further to see if the problem is the result of something that happened on the track or not. If any penalties are assessed, they are likely to be announced on Tuesday.(7-1-2007)
UPDATE: there was NO announcement on Tuesday, July 3rd, regarding any penalties for the #70 and/or #5 teams, no word if there will be an announcement or if the team will be penalized.(7-4-2007)
UPDATE 2: NASCAR has issued penalties and fines to the #5 and #70 teams that compete in the Nextel Cup Series, as a result of rule infractions found this past weekend at New Hampshire International Speedway in Loudon, N.H. Both cars – the #5 Chevy driven by Kyle Busch and the #70 Chevy driven by Johnny Sauter – were found to be in violation of Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing); 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used do not conform to NASCAR rules); and 20-12.8.1B, COT Technical Bulletin #3, dated 4/10/07 (failed to meet the minimum front car heights) of the 2007 NASCAR rule book. The violations were found during post-race inspection last Sunday. As a result, Kyle Busch and Sauter have each been penalized 25 driver championship points. Their respective crew chiefs – Alan Gustafson and Robert “Bootie” Barker – have each been fined $25,000 and placed on probation until Sept. 19.
In addition, Rick Hendrick, owner of the #5, has been penalized 25 car owner championship points as has Joe Custer, the owner of the #70.(NASCAR PR)(7-4-2007)
- Atlas Copco joins up with Haas CNC Racing, paint scheme: Atlas Copco Compressors and Haas CNC Racing have joined forces on a new, state-of-the-art, $40 million wind tunnel under construction in Concord, NC. The wind tunnel will be the only one of its kind in the world available for rent by racing teams and manufacturers. In addition to the wind tunnel partnership, Atlas Copco will sponsor the #70 Haas Automation car for the Loudon, NH race scheduled for July 1, 2007 and several other races throughout the 2007 and 2008 Nextel Cup seasons. The wind tunnel features a single belt rolling road system, the first of its kind in North America. A continuous steel belt running under the vehicle simulates the road beneath a racecar traveling on a speedway. It is the most accurate aerodynamic road simulation possible in the industry today, and it offers repeatability that is key to gathering valid, usable data. The wind tunnel is being constructed at a site adjacent to Concord Regional Airport in Cabarrus County, NC. More info on Atlas Copco Compressors or atlascopco.com or classzero.com.(Atlas Copco PR), see an image of the scheme on my #70 Team Schemes page and the full press release and info on my Wind Tunnel News/Links page.(6-28-2007)
- Congrats to Johnny Sauter: #70-Johnny Sauter became engaged Thursday to Cortney Owen. Sauter and Owen first met in 2004 at the Wisconsin Motorsports Charity Banquet where Sauter was an honoree and Owen was communications director for Slinger Super Speedway in Slinger, WI. Their paths crossed again at the beginning of 2005 when Owen went to work on the Yellow Transportation public relations program where Sauter was the driver. They began dating later that year. Sauter is in his third season driving for Yellow Transportation and his first full season in the Nextel Cup Series, while Owen now handles public relations for Menards Racing. Sauter is a native of Necedah, WI and Owen is from Muskego, WI. The couple has not yet set a wedding date.(Yellow Racing PR)(6-16-2007)
- Haas not looking to sell despite legal woes UPDATE new owner listed: Nearly a year has passed since Nextel Cup team owner Gene Haas was arrested on federal tax evasion charges in California, and speculation has arisen recently that resulting financial strain could mean Haas/CNC Racing [#66-Green & #70-Sauter] may soon be sold. Haas/CNC general manager Joe Custer said Saturday that there is no truth to that speculation, and explained that the race team is technically an extension of Haas' lucrative machine tool operation, Haas Automation, rather than a personal business owned solely by Haas.(ESPN.com)(6-10-2007)
UPDATE: hearing GM Joe Custer is now the owner of the team, no word how much or if there was a sale of the team, but the Entry List for MIS lists the owner of the #66 and #70 as "Joe Custer".(6-15-2007)
- Radioactive Energy Drinks Sponsoring Sauter at Lowe's: Haas CNC Racing announced that the #70 Nextel Cup entry, driven by Johnny Sauter, will have sponsorship from Radioactive Energy Drinks for the May 27 600-mile race at Lowes Motor Speedway. This is the first of a five-race deal Radioactive Energy inked with Haas CNC Racing for the 2007 season.(Haas CNC Racing PR)(5-24-2007)
- Borland to Haas CNC Racing: Matt Borland announced on NASCAR Performance Live Wednesday evening that he will be the new Director of Competition for Haas CNC Racing. Not only will he be working with the two-car Haas team [#66 & #70], but also will be working very closely with Hendrick Motorsports continuing the relationship the teams have with each other.(5-24-2007)
- Haas CNC Racing Owner denied motions in tax case: A U.S. District Court judge has denied the motions of NASCAR team owner Gene Haas to suppress evidence and dismiss the indictment on tax fraud against him. Judge Christina A. Snyder heard Haas' arguments May 7 in Los Angeles and delivered her decision Thursday. Haas had alleged government misconduct in the way it has obtained search warrants and information should result in the dismissal of the case or further hearings. He also petitioned for dismissal of specific counts on various grounds. Snyder denied all of Haas' requests. The government alleges that Haas, through his company Haas Automation, created $50 million in bogus expenses to avoid paying $20 million in taxes. Haas has pleaded not guilty, and his company has blamed a disgruntled employee for the allegations. Haas Automation, a machine builder, had revenues of $600 million in 2005, and its estimated revenues will reach $1 billion by 2010, according to court documents. The trial is scheduled to begin Sept. 18.(SceneDaily,com)(5-14-2007)
- Haas CNC Racing team swap sponsors for Atlanta: The #66 and #70 Haas CNC Racing Chevry Monte Carlo's will "swap" sponsors this weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Johnny Sauter, whose primary sponsor is normally Yellow Transportation, will instead carry the Best Buy logos on his #70 entry this weekend. Jeff Green's #66 car, which usually carries a blue and yellow Best
Buy paint design, will instead be sponsored by Yellow Transportation. In the first five races of this year, Sauter's #70 team must qualify
for the event on time (being a new team with no 2006 owner's points). Sauter is three for three in his qualifying tries this season, but since
Green is guaranteed a spot in the race by virtue of finishing in the top-35 in points last season, the swap ensures that Yellow Transportation and its 200 guests attending the Atlanta event will be represented in Sunday's race.(Haas CNC Racing/GMR PR), see images of the schemes on my #66 Team Schemes page and #70 Team Schemes page.(3-15-2007)
- #70 and #66 swap sponsors for California: Race fans may do a double take when they see the Haas CNC Racing entries take to the track at California Speedway this weekend. While the car numbers and drivers will be the same, the sponsors will swap spots on the two Haas Chevys. Johnny Sauter, whose primary sponsor is normally Yellow Transportation, will instead carry the Best Buy logos on his #70 entry this weekend. Jeff Green’s #66 car, which usually carries a blue and yellow Best Buy paint design, will instead be sponsored by Yellow Transportation. This is the first of two Nextel Cup Series races in which Green and Sauter will “swap sponsors” in 2007.(GMR Marketing/Best Buy Racing PR)(2-22-2007)
- Yellow moves to Cup with Sauter: For Team Yellow Racing, 2007 represents both a continuation and a transformation in NASCAR competition as they embark on their first Nextel Cup Series effort with driver Johnny Sauter behind the wheel of the #70 Yellow Transportation Chevy. Over the past two seasons, Sauter has become a devoted spokesperson for Yellow and represents their ideology of Creating Possibilities. On the Track. In Transportation. As they celebrate our 10th anniversary in 2007, Team Yellow looks ahead to the coming season with great anticipation. While Sauter is slated to carry the Yellow logo throughout the entire schedule, Yellow will take center stage as primary sponsor in 14 events, this season. Those events include: Daytona-2/18, California-2/25, Las Vegas-3/11, Atlanta-3/18, Bristol-3/25, Texas-4/15, Richmond-5/5, Dover-6/3, Pocono-6/10, Chicago-7/15, Michigan-8/19, Kansas-9/30, Charlotte-10/13 and Homestead-11/18. Plans include primary sponsorship for two Busch Series events as well - the inaugural event in Montreal-8/4 and the Yellow Transportation 300 at Kansas Speedway-9/29. Joining the Team Yellow family this season is NASCAR veteran and Haas CNC Racing teammate Jeff Green, who will pilot the #66 Yellow Chevy for two of the 14 primary events at California and Atlanta.(teamyellowracing.com)(1-26-2007)
- Changes at Hass CNC Racing? UPDATE: been told that Team Manager Bill Ingle and Haas CNC Racing have parted ways and that #70 Crew Chief, Robert 'Bootie' Barker will take over as the Team Manager and #70 Car Chief Derick Jennings will be the new crew chief for the new #70 Haas CNC Racing Nextel Cup team and driver Johnny Sauter. Yellow Transportation is the rumored sponsor for the team.(12-15-2006)
UPDATE: Haas CNC Racing no longer employs Bill Ingle. Robert "Bootie" Barker is currently the crew chief for the #70 Nextel Cup entry. Derick Jennings is currently the car chief under Barker.(Haas CNC Racing PR)(12-21-2006)
- Sauter moving back up to Cup, with Haas CNC UPDATE with Yellow as sponsor?: Johnny Sauter is returning to the Nextel Cup Series, and will drive the #70 Chevy for Haas CNC Racing in 2007. Jeff Green, who finished 28th in the driver standings, will continue to drive the #66 for Haas CNC.(NASCAR.com)
AND been told that Bootie Barker will be crew chief for the #70 Haas CNC car [moving up with Sauter from the Busch Series] and Derick Jennings will be car chief moving from the #66 car.(12-2-2006)
UPDATE: hearing that Yellow Transportation, Sauter's 2006 Busch Series sponsor, will move up and sponsor the #70 Nextel Cup Chevy that Sauter will drive in 2007 for Haas CNC Racing.(12-7-2006)
- More on Sauter to the #88, or will it be Rudd?: The stars appear to have lined up perfectly for Johnny Sauter to drive Robert Yates Racing's #88 Ford Fusion in the Nextel Cup Series next season. Sauter has the inside track to the only car without a driver in the top 35 in the Nextel Cup owner points, guaranteeing a position in the Daytona 500 and the next four races in 2007. Yates is also talking to Ricky Rudd, who doesn't want to compete full time. Unless Yates can induce the 50-year-old Rudd into changing his mind -- and it seems unlikely -- the #88 belongs to Sauter. They're the only two drivers under consideration.(CNNSI)(11-25-2006)
- Haas CNC Racing Opens New Shop; will run 2nd full time Cup team in 2007: Haas Racing #66 Best Buy Chevy / Jeff Green] held a grand opening of its new facility at Kannapolis Gateway Business Park on Monday to a crowd of local leaders, race fans and Haas employees. Gene Haas, owner of Haas CNC Machinery, was on hand to cut the ribbon and open the 144,000-square-foot facility. "This was a big undertaking," Haas said. "We broke ground a year ago and here we are. It was very quick." Kannapolis Mayor Bob Misenheimer said this was a major investment in Kannapolis. Total cost for the new building is $16 million. Joe Custer, head of Haas Racing, said this new facility will be the new headquarters for two racing teams - the Best Buy Racing Team, with the #66 car, driven by Jeff Green, and the race team for the #70 Cup car [could be Johnny Sauter as driver]. That team sponsor has not been officially announced, Custer said. "We will have two (Nextel) Cup teams operating here," Custer said. On the main floor, visitors mingled among race cars, with finger food and drinks in hand. Kids ran around, their eyes excited at being up close to a real race car. Drive Jeff Green was on hand to give an interview to a racing network. Haas Racing moved from Harrisburg and is planning a state-of-the-art rolling road wind tunnel facility on Ivey Cline Road in Concord, NC. The wind tunnel will employ a belt system for the car to ride on while in the wind tunnel and will create maximum sustained winds of 180 mph.(Kannapolis Independent Tribune)(11-21-2006)
- #88 has a 2007 sponsor, could be a Mars brand UPDATE 2 BUT Haas plans to run 2nd team with Sauter: Robert Yates said Friday morning that he's secured sponsorship for his #88 team and that Robert Yates Racing will again field two full-time Nextel Cup Series teams in 2007. A driver for the team has yet to be secured, and the sponsorship agreement hasn't been signed, but Yates said everything is in order. Several sources indicate Mars, which sponsors the #38 via its M&Ms brand, will also sponsor the #88, possibly with another of its brands. David Gilliland will drive the #38 Cup car next year, with Stephen Leicht running the #90 RYR entry full time in the Busch Series. While Doug Yates is listed as the team's co-owner, Yates made it clear there wouldn't be any additional owners outside of the family.(SceneDaily.com)(11-17-2006)
UPDATE: hearing Johnny Sauter [currently #00 Busch car] could be the driver for the #88 car.(11-18-2006)
UPDATE 2 BUT: Haas CNC Racing team manager Bill Ingle said Sunday that the team would expand to field two full-time Nextel Cup Series cas next season. Hass currently fields the #66 Chevy with Jeff Green. Next year, the team will field the #70 as well, with Johnny Sauter expected to be the driver. Sauter is rumored to be the first choice of Robert Yates Racing for its #88 car, but Ingle said all his conversations with Sauter lead him to believe the driver is staying. Either way, he said adding a second team is imperative.
The plan is for Harold Holly to remain as Green's crew chief, with Robert "Bootie" Barker remaining with Sauter.(SceneDaily.com)(11-19-2006)
- Bootie out at the #66? to help Sauter move to Cup? UPDATE swap jobs: hearing Robert 'Bootie' Barker has been replaced as crew chief of the #66 Haas CNC Chevy that Jeff Green drives with Harold Holly. Supposedly Barker will work with Johnny Sauter to ready him and the 2nd Haas CNC team for Nextel Cup in 2007.(10-15/16-2006)
UPDATE: Haas CNC Racing has announced changes in crew chief roles for the #66 Best Buy Chevy driven by Jeff Green in the Nextel Cup Series and the #00 Yellow Transportation Chevy driven by Johnny Sauter in the Busch Series. Harold Holly, who previously served as crew chief for Sauter, takes over duties as crew chief for Green effective immediately. Robert “Bootie” Barker, who previously served as crew chief for Green, in turn takes over crew chief duties for Sauter.
“Haas CNC Racing is grounded in technology, but we realize our most valuable resource is our people,” said Joe Custer, General Manager of Haas CNC Racing. “In looking at our situation, we have a driver and a crew chief in Jeff and Harold who have won a championship together and we feel there are opportunities to capitalize based on their history. In like, Bootie has had tremendous success with young drivers and we feel he’ll be a valuable resource for Johnny and our Busch Series team during the stretch run. Our goal is to have a multi-car NASCAR Nextel Cup effort and we feel that by instituting these changes we’ll improve our program for the future. Both series are more competitive than ever and you have to continue to evolve if you want to contend for championships. e’re very excited about what lies ahead for Haas CNC Racing and look to both Bootie and Harold to carry our team into the future.”
Barker will take advantage of the NASCAR Busch Series’ week off to align himself with his team’s effort while Holly will head up this week’s Nextel Cup test at Homestead-Miami Speedway.(NASCAR PR)(10-16-2006)
- Sauter to Cup with Haas? Johnny Sauter said Haas CNC Racing sponsor Yellow Transporation will decide whether he remains in the Busch Series or moves to Nextel Cup to team up with #66-Jeff Green. The decision should be made by Oct. 1. [nothing announced yet](NASCAR Scene Print), Sauter has attempted a couple of races in Cup with the Haas team in the #70 Chevy.(10-6-2006)
- Bliss sues Haas Racing: Mike Bliss is hoping to claim $1.15 million in salary, and possibly more in damages, in a dispute with Haas CNC Racing scheduled for trial Oct. 2 in North Carolina Superior Court in Charlotte, according to a story in NASCAR Scene. In his complaint, Bliss said he thought in August 2005 he was going to continue to drive the Haas CNC Racing Nextel Cup car in 2006, so he didn't pursue a possible opportunity to drive for another team. Team general manager Joe Custer told him in October that he wouldn't be back for the next year. Bliss has filed suit and wants his salary for 2006 ($500,000) and 2007 ($650,000) and more in damages. In its court filings, the team claims that it invoked a clause in the contract that allowed Bliss to be terminated at the end of any season without the team having to pay the remainder of the deal. In court documents, Custer said he never "unequivocally told Bliss he was Haas' driver for 2006." The contract is part of the court file. The original three-year deal had Bliss getting paid $400,000 base in 2005 plus 40 percent of race purse and 30 percent of souvenir royalties. According to documents in the court file, Bliss had been approached by Hall of Fame Racing [#96 Chevy] during 2005 but did not pursue the deal because he believed he did not have to fear for his job. Bliss has driven mostly for [#16] Xpress Motorsports in the Craftsman Truck Series this year. One part of Bliss' complaint already has been decided. A claim against Haas for breach of contract accompanied by a fraudulent act was dismissed by the court in August. Custer declined comment Sept. 23.(SceneDaily.com)(9-29-2006)
- Haas trial delayed: The tax fraud trial of NASCAR Nextel Cup and Busch Series team owner Gene Haas has been postponed from Aug. 15 to Jan. 27, 2007, at the request of Haas' attorneys. The trial could take up to six weeks to determine whether Haas, through his company Haas Automation, devised a scheme that created approximately $50 million in bogus expenses to avoid more than $20 million in taxes. Haas, who owns Haas CNC Racing with drivers Jeff Green (#66-Nextel Cup) and Johnny Sauter (#00-Busch), has pleaded not guilty. Haas Automation officials have blamed the activities of a former company employee for the tax problems and have indicated that Haas has personally paid the taxes in question. According to the U.S. attorneys, if convicted on all counts in the original indictment, Haas could face 19 to 41 years in prison. One of the two counts of witness intimidation has been dismissed.(SceneDaily.com)(8-9-2006)
- One count dismissed in Haas case: One of the two counts of witness intimidation in the indictment of NASCAR team owner Gene Haas has been dropped. The U.S attorney's office asked for the dismissal of the charge because the five-year statute of limitations had expired. The charge stemmed from a May 10, 2001, conversation, and the indictment, while handed down by the grand jury in October 2005, was not filed until June 8, 2006. Haas, who owns the #66 Nextel Cup team of Jeff Green and the #00 Busch Series team of Johnny Sauter, still faces five counts of tax fraud and one count of witness intimidation. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges, which revolve around his Haas Automation business and not the race team. The company has blamed a former employee for the tax troubles.(SceneDaily.com)(7-13-2006)
- David Green and Johnny Sauter to Attempt Brickyard 400: David Green and Johnny Sauter [#70] will both enter the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard with their Busch Series teams. Brewco Motorsports will attempt to make its first Cup start of the season, while Sauter's Haas CNC Racing team ran at Charlotte in May.(NASCAR Scene Print)(6-30-2006)
- Haas pleads not guilty: NASCAR [#66 Cup, #00 Busch] team owner Gene Haas pleaded not guilty to charges of tax fraud and witness intimidation Monday in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles. Haas, who owns the Haas CNC Racing team with Nextel Cup driver Jeff Green and Busch Series driver Johnny Sauter, is accused of orchestrating a scheme, through the Haas Automation business he operates, that created approximately $50 million in bogus expenses to avoid paying more than $20 million in income taxes. "We know this is going to be a long fight, but we feel that the government has been overzealous in pursuing this case," said Haas attorney Kenneth Barish in a statement last Friday when Haas was released on bail. "Mr. Haas looks forward to going home and going back to work running Haas Automation and his other businesses. "But more than anything else he wants to prove that he is innocent." The company says the tax issues revolve around a former employee and that the charges will not impact Haas' businesses. The Haas CNC Racing team also plans to continue business as usual.(SceneDaily.com)(6-27-2006)
- Haas wind tunnel project not in jeopardy over arrest: The arrest this week in California of Gene Haas, owner of Haas Automation, will not affect plans to build a $40 million wind tunnel in Concord or stop the race shop's move to Kannapolis, said a company spokesman. Joe Custer, general manager of the Harrisburg race team Haas CNC Racing, said the company's assets have not been frozen or affected by the arrest. He also said Haas CNC and the company for the wind tunnel, Wind Shear, are actually separate entities from Haas Automation. "We're not implicated in the indictments and we are not being investigated," Custer said. "We're not financially in trouble, never have been and don't plan to be." Custer said regardless of the investigation and Haas' legal troubles there won't be any impact on any of the Cabarrus County projects. Haas announced in May that he will construct a $40 million wind tunnel in Concord. John Cox, CEO of the Cabarrus Regional Chamber of Commerce, talked Wednesday during a motor sports symposium held at Lowe's Motor Speedway "We have called the Haas folks to show our support," Cox said. "Our prayers are that Mr. Haas will be exonerated." Cabarrus County provided a three-year tax incentive grant for the project and the City of Concord offered to provide electrical infrastructure at the site. The city, which planned to build a $4 million electrical substation near the Concord Regional Airport, said they will move up that project to accommodate the wind tunnel's construction schedule.(more at the Kannapolis Idependent Tribune)(6-22-2006)
- Trouble for #66 Cup/#00 Busch Team Owner: The owner of an Oxnard [CA]-based company that's donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to local colleges is under arrest for allegedly trying to bilk the government out of millions in taxes. Haas Automation owner and founder Gene Haas was arrested Monday on suspicion of conspiracy, filing false tax returns and witness intimidation. Federal prosecutors say Haas orchestrated a plan to list $50 million in bogus expenses that it could write off as business costs. The aim was to save the company $20 million in taxes. Haas Automation general manager Robert Murray says the charges are bogus. The company is one of the world's largest manufacturers of omputerized cutting machines.(CBS2.com/AP)
AND Gene F. Haas, 54, of Camarillo, Calif., the owner of Haas Automation and other companies, was accused in a 52-page indictment of running a bogus invoicing scheme to create fake tax deductions. Mr. Haas was held without bail after his arraignment in Federal District Court in Los Angeles. In court papers asking that Mr. Haas be held until his trial, the Justice Department said that he could flee the country in his Cessna jet and head for China, where he has business interests. The Justice Department said China did not have a treaty allowing extradition of accused tax cheats. It called him a flight risk, saying he has few ties to the community, is single, has no children and faces about 20 years in prison if convicted. Haas Automation, in a statement, said that Mr. Haas was not guilty and that the tax issues "revolve around" the company's former chief financial officer, John Phillips. It said the indictment would have no effect on the business. Last month, Haas Automation won, by default, a lawsuit filed in Ventura County Superior Court accusing Mr. Phillips of cheating the company out of $27.5 million. The indictment also described two other invoicing schemes. One involved a NASCAR race team sponsored by Haas Automotive and the other a land title company. The indictment gave few details other than stating that all the money paid in those two schemes was funneled back to Mr. Haas, suggesting that he may have operated them without confederates.(New York Times)(6-20-2006)
