#89 Team News and Links Page
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OFFICIAL
KingdomWinners.com
Race with Faith
Morgan Shepherd
SPONSORS
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UN-OFFICIAL
(not posting new unofficial sites anymore: too many have no updates, are old, driver bashing)
#89 Team Past News and Rumors
(NOTE: some older links may not work)
- Sad News: Shepherd's Mother: Bettie Allen Poovey, mother of NASCAR veteran racer Morgan Shepherd, passed away Sunday at her home in Conover, NC. She was 82. Ms. Poovey was with a family friend at her Conover home when she became ill and collapsed Sunday morning. She was rushed to a local hospital and was pronounced dead. Ms. Poovey was born on August 30, 1924 in Benton County, Washington, and had a special love for flowers and antiques. She was a longtime member of the Tabernacle Baptist Church in Hickory. In addition to her son, Morgan, and his wife, Cindy, Ms. Poovey is also survived by three daughters, Barbara Earnhardt of Hickory, NC; Joan Moore and her husband, Bill, of Stow, Ohio; and Edna Winston, and her husband, Winslow, of Shelby, NC. Ms. Poovey had 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Her visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday at Drum Funeral Home in Conover. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Hickory, NC. She will be buried in Catawba Memorial Park in Hickory.(Faith Motorsports PR)(5-21-2007)
- Shepherd gets new crew chief: Chad Beahr, who has served as a crew member for Faith Motorsports since its inception last fall, has been promoted to crew chief of Morgan Shepherd's #89 Dodges for the 2007 season. Beahr had served as car chief during the final races of the 2006 season and has past experience as a crew chief in various levels of racing. Beahr also will also be used as a developmental driver with the team in addition to serving as crew chief during 2007. The team is hoping to debut its 2007 entry in March at Atlanta if sponsorship can be secured. Jim Graham, who had served as crew chief during the 2006 season, is no longer with the team.(Faith Motorsports PR)(2-15-2007)
- Shepherd testing news, may test this week: Faith Motorsports and #89-Morgan Shepherd will not be attending NASCAR's Pre-Season Thunder test session January 8-10 at Daytona, the team announced January 7. The team had registered and was scheduled to test at the first of two sessions, but does not have a speedway car ready to test and has not been able to obtain a car that is race ready from another Dodge team, co-owner Dana Tomes said. "If things come together this week we will try to make next week's session, but if not we will probably not be able to do a speedway test before the season starts," Tomes said. "We are involved heavily in sponsorship talks with various potential sponsors right now and we should know in a week or two what we will be able to do this season as far as how many races we will be able to enter. We are hopeful that we can secure sponsorship to run the whole year, but right now those negotiations are still ongoing." Tomes said the team is open to running in NASCAR's Busch or Craftsman Truck Series if a potential sponsor has that desire. "Right now we are discussing several different options," he said. "There is a chance that nothing will come of any of it, but we are optimistic that prior to the Daytona events in February we will have something to announce."(morganshepherd.com)(1-15-2007)
- Bi-monthly radio show debuts January 4: #89-Faith Motorsports will debut a bi-monthly radio show on January 4, enabling Morgan Shepherd fans to enjoy regular updates on the team's progression through the 2007 race season. Faith Motorsports Radio will produce a bi-monthly 15-minute show, "Racing With Jesus," to be hosted by veteran sportswriter Tim Stephens, the team announced. Dana Tomes, co-owner of the team, said the show's production crew will begin taping pre-recorded segments of the series on December 22. The show's first edition will air at 7:00pm/et on January 4. "Racing With Jesus" will be made available to Christian and secular radio stations nationwide and also will be streamed through the Faith Motorsports website so fans around the world can listen to the show live. In addition, Tomes said the show will also feature regular periodic segments about the Morgan Shepherd Charitable Fund, Victory In Jesus Racing Ministries and interviews with team members and fans. "Racing With Jesus" will be aired every other Thursday evening beginning at 7:00pm/et.(Faith Motorsports PR)(12-27-2006)
- Barnes & Reese to prepare engines for Shepherd: #89-Faith Motorsports announced that Barnes & Reese Racing Engines will supply the power for the #89 Dodge Chargers and Avengers in the 2007 season. Morgan Shepherd, team co-owner and driver of the Racing With Jesus Dodge, said the team began experimenting with Barnes & Reese at the very end of the 2006 season and were impressed with the builder's program. "After trying a few different options during the end of last season we got the engine where we felt good about it," Shepherd said.(Faith Motorsports)()
- Shepherd to attempt Homestead: #89-Morgan Shepherd and the Faith Motorsports team pulled out and headed south Thursday afternoon, just in time to pull through the gates at the Homestead-Miami Speedway at daybreak Friday morning. The team's efforts will be supported by minor sponsorships from Gulf Coast Filters of Gulfport, MS, RaceZingMania of Crested Butte, CO, and Amtek Signs of Indiana. Shepherd said an additional $6,000 to $10,000 needs to be raised just to cover expenses for the weekend trip.
(Morgan Shepherd site)(11-17-2006)
- Shepherd gets a sponsor for Phoenix: RaceZingMania, a manufacturer and marketer of racing related merchandise will sponsor the #89 Racing With Jesus Dodge at Phoenix next weekend, Faith Motorsports announced November 2. Team co-owner and driver Morgan Shepherd said the team is making final preparations to the car and plan to leave for the Checker Auto Parts 500 on November 7. "We appreciate very much RaceZingMania and the support they have shown us," Shepherd said. "Without them stepping up we would not have been able to go to Phoenix." RaceZingMania is based out of Crested Butte, CO, and markets its merchandise directly to sponsors through internet sales. Its products include die casts, apparel and other items related to racing and other sports.(racewithfaith.com)(11-7-2006)
- Graham named crew chief for Shepherd: Veteran NASCAR crew chief and former car owner Jim Graham will serve as crew chief of the #89 team through the end of the current race season, the team announced September 20. Graham, who has served as crew chief on an interim basis during races earlier this month at Richmond and Loudon, earned the position because of the team's improvements shown at the track. Graham has been with Faith Motorsports since its formation on August 1 and previously served as a crew member. He has been involved in NASCAR racing for more than 20 years and has previously served as a crew member, crew chief and car owner with various race teams. "Jim realizes that we all wear many hats and in addition to crew chief duties he will have to do a lot of other jobs as well, but his leadership is showing," said team co-owner and driver Morgan Shepherd. The team had previously used veteran crew chief Gere Kennon at Bristol, but Kennon had other racing commitments which prevented him from traveling with the team to Richmond and Loudon, which resulted in Graham being named interim crew chief for those races.(racewithfaith.com)(9-21-2006)
- Shepherd tests, plans to attempt Bristol: The #89 Faith Motorsports crew and driver Morgan Shepherd spent the day Wednesday, August 16, working on chassis and suspension setups at the Motor Mile Speedway in Pulaski, VA. Shepherd said the team gained nearly one-half second from the lap times turned in during a similar test at the track three weeks ago. "Everything we did, we improved the car," Shepherd said of adjustments made during the test. "At the end we had a real good balance with the car and a lot better grip than we started with." The test session was the second on the 4/10-mile oval in recent weeks by the Faith Motorsports team in an effort to try to get the #89 Racing With Jesus Dodge Charger as good as possible before next week's qualifying attempt at Bristol. Dana Tomes, general manager at Faith Motorsports, said the crew in the Hickory shop has been working feverishly since the team's formation to present a quality product. "We can't appreciate enough what the guys are doing and the efforts they have made," Tomes said. "This crew is determined to show up at Bristol and put an effort together that hasn't been seen in a while." The team will leave for Bristol on August 24.(Faith Motorsports site)(8-20-2006)
- Shepherd to run limited sched in 2006 with new partner: #89-Morgan Shepherd and Christian businessman Dana Tomes are teaming up to put Shepherd’s #89 Racing With Jesus Dodge back in Nextel Cup racing. The duo announced the formation of Faith Motorsports, LLC effective August 1, and plan to attempt to qualify for the August 26 race at Bristol, as well as the September 9 race at
Richmond, September 17 at Loudon [NH] and October 22 at Martinsville. The team has built and tested its first short and intermediate track car and are planning to run a full schedule in 2007. “We are building this team from the front office to the shop rather than the opposite direction,” Tomes said. “We are getting our administrative and sponsorship efforts in order and then tackling the race operations aspects of the team.” The team’s administrative and sponsorship efforts will be handled from offices in West Virginia, where Tomes lives and operates several business ventures, while race operations will be housed in a 13,000-square-foot shop in Hickory, NC, near Shepherd’s home in Conover, NC. The team’s race operations will be overseen by Shepherd and will operate with a limited shop staff and crew this fall, but plan to add personnel and equipment as sponsorship is generated. Shepherd will drive the car this fall and plans on running the full schedule in 2007. “We attempted Loudon last month and tested at Pulaski, so we think we have a pretty
good car to take to Bristol,” Shepherd said. “We will make the needed changes race to race to make sure that we have a quality program in place before the off-season.” The team will keep Shepherd’s original car #89, and will return to his trademark dark green and yellow paint scheme. The team’s new website can be found at racewithfaith.com and morganshepherd.com.(PR)(8-1-2006)
- Shepherd back at Loudon: Morgan Shepherd said on Speed Channel's Wind Tunnel with Dave Despain that he will be making an announcement soon that he has taken a new business partner, will continue to race and plans to race in this coming weekend's Nextel Cup race at New Hampshire International Speedway.(7-9-2006)
- Shepherd sells? UPDATES: haven't heard official, but the rumored sale of Morgan Shepherd's #89 team looks like it has been completed to Bryan Mullet, with Kertus Davis scheduled to drive in the Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway and the #72 Dodge [changed from #89, supposedly Shepherd may attempt a race late in the season using it], the sponsor Dutch Quality Stone and Shepherd's crew chief, Doug George.(5-22-2006)
UPDATE: A new NASCAR race team plans to run 16 Nextel Cup races this year, beginning with this weekend's Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway, the team announced. CJM Racing, based in Hickory, NC, will field Busch Series regular Kertus Davis in the their #72 Dodge Charger. The car will be sponsored by Dutch Quality Stone, team manager Keith Smith said during festivities to announce the new operation. The team has plans to run the full 2007 season. Busch Series competitor David Gilliland will drive the car at Infineon Raceway. The team will use more than one driver during the remainder of the 2006 season as it builds in preparation for a full schedule next year. Doug George will be the crew chief of the new team. George most recently served as crew chief for Morgan Shepherd's #89 entry, and has many years of prior racing experience. In addition to carrying primary sponsorship from Dutch Quality Stone, Smith said CJM also has several associate sponsors committed for the remainder of the season, including Dodge, ECO-FIRST,
and others.(CJM Racing PR)(5-24-2006)
- And Morgan Shepherd's plans? A deal for Morgan Shepherd and Christian business men Bryan and Tony Mullet of Dutch Quality Stone reached. Bryan and Tony Mullet, by their work with Morgan Shepherd and the "Victory In Jesus Racing Ministries", have seen the benefits and many lives touched by Morgan through that ministry. The Mullets have made it possible for the "Victory In Jesus Ministry" with Morgan Shepherd to operate for a number of years by the purchase of his race team. With this deal the ministry and racing will be separate. Morgan will retain the NEXTEL Cup #89 and the "Victory In Jesus Racing" name. The Mullets will introduce their new team, CJM Racing LLC #72 team, at the Lowe's Motor Speedway for the Coca-Cola 600 this weekend. Kertus Davis will drive the #72 for that race. With the help of race fans, Morgan can continue to work toward his goal of putting a young deserving driver in the "Victory In Jesus Racing" #89 to bring heighten awareness to the "Victory In Jesus Ministry". Morgan Shepherd will be in the #0 car of Johnny Davis this weekend for the Busch Series CarQuest Auto Parts 300 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Anyone interested in
funding the "Victory In Jesus Racing" logo on the Davis car at Lowe' please contact Morgan by e-mail at morganshepherd.com.(PR)(5-24-2006)
- Davis to run #89 for Shepherd: #0 Busch Series driver, Kertus Davis announced that he will attempt to make his first Nextel Cup start this weekend in Richmond for the Crown Royal 400. Davis recieved the call to drive the #89 Dodge, normally driven by Morgan Shepherd. "We're really excited about this opportunity, and hope that we can put on a good show for everyone," Kertus said. Davis is also entered to run the NASCAR Busch Series race in the #0 RaceGirl Chevy that he normally pilots.(kertusdavis.com)(5-3-2006)
- Shepherd gets assoc sponsor: Cabell County-based ECO-FIRST, Inc. is entering NASCAR’s Nextel Cup Series as an associate sponsor of #89 Victory Motorsports, fielding veteran driver Morgan Shepherd in the nation’s top stock car racing series.
ECO-FIRST President Dana Tomes says the company’s agreement will run through the 2006 season, beginning with the season-opening Daytona 500 on February 19. “We are very excited about having the opportunity to get involved in the Nextel Cup Series and particularly with being able to support someone like Morgan Shepherd,” Tomes said. “Morgan is truly an excellent person and a pleasure to work with.”
As part of the sponsorship agreement, ECO-FIRST will become the “Official Environmental Services Provider” of the Hickory, North Carolina-based Victory Motorsports, LLC. ECO-FIRST, based in Lesage, provides environmental and industrial services, including hazardous waste cleanup and high pressure industrial cleaning. The ECO-FIRST name and slogan, “Making Earth a better place,” will be carried on Shepherd’s #89 Dodge Charger throughout this year’s 36-race Nextel Cup season.(ECO-FIRST PR)(2-10-2006)
- Shepherd Wins NMPA Pocono Spirit Award: Morgan Shepherd, at 64 the oldest full-time driver in Nextel Cup Series racing, was named winner of the National Motorsports Press Association's Pocono Spirit Award Sunday night. The award, determined by a vote
by the full NMPA, is sponsored by Pocono International Raceway. Shepherd was the fourth quarter winner of the award, mainly due to his 19th annual Morgan Shepherd Charity Ride, dedicated to helping handicapped and underprivileged people eac December. With a passenger bus and passenger vans, a group of drivers, racing personnel and media travelled from Conover to the PARC Workshop in Stuart, Va., and other towns in the region. "We carry friends, presents and hope for these people," Shepherd said. "Besides
a donation, hopefully a large donation each year, to the PARC Workshop, we are delighted to have the chance to meet with old and new friends, and to show the love of Christ to these folks." The annual Christmas trip began in 1986 when the Morgan Shepherd Charitable Fund
was established to assist the needy and handicapped in the Virginia mountains. That first year the trip culminated with the group putting a new roof on the house of a needy person in Fries, Va., and has grown since then. The trip now assists over 300 needy and handicapped persons each year. Race fans and corporations can help by making donations via MasterCard or Visa at www.morganshepherd.com.(Williams Company PR)(1-23-2006)
- Shepherd teams up with Victory Motorsports: With backing from Christian businessmen nationwide, Victory Motorsports will field driver Morgan Shepherd on the Nextel Cup Series for the entire 2006 season. The announcement was made Monday by Tony and Brian Mullet, two businessmen and brothers from Ohio, who are leading the effort. "This is a tremendously exciting time for me as a race car driver but is also tremendously exciting because of the possibilities in spreading the Gospel," said Shepherd, 64, who is becoming the oldest full-time driver in NASCAR Nextel Cup Series history. Shepherd has dedicated his career, as well as his life, to spreading the Gospel and the salvation story. He has competed in a car emblazoned with "Racing With Jesus." Shepherd is testing in Daytona Beach, Fla., through Wednesday, preparing for the Daytona 500 in February. Doug George is the crew chief of the #89 Dodge, and the team will be using Joey Arrington engines. "Our goal is to go down there and get this team off to a solid start," Shepherd said. "We want to be at least in the top 35 of the car owners' standings after the first five races (which guarantees starting positions for races following that), and build this team. We know we have a long way to go, but we have every intention of getting there." The Mullets, whose Dutch Quality Stone is based in Mt. Eaton, Ohio, are leading putting together a group of Christian businessmen who are backing Victory Motorsports financially, and are working to develop sponsorship. "This is a great opportunity for Christians to help promote salvation and to promote the importance of our Savior to the world through one of the best means possible - motorsports," said Tony Mullet. "We're encouraging other businessmen
to join us, to promote and market their companies in the traditional sense but to also, in doing so, 'market' eternal life." Said Shepherd, "We have a lot of work ahead of us and it's going to be a tough road, but I'd rather start with nothing and have Jesus Christ on my side than
start with millions and millions of dollars and not have Jesus. We want to run and run competitively but our main goal, our main focus, is educating as many people as we can about salvation and God's plan for them."(Williams Company PR), this team has nothing to do with the Victory Motorsports Racing team that is owned by former NFLer, Terrance Mathis and last heard from, was alligned with #4 Morgan-McClure Motorsports, but has not been heard from in a while.(1-16-2006)
- Shepherd to run Daytona: #89-Morgan Shepherd will test for the Daytona 500 in the 2nd session [Jan 16-18] and plans attempt to make the race in the #89 Dodge. Shepherd recently hired Doug George as the crew chief.(Morgan Shepherd site)(1-5-2006)
- Shepherd wins Spirit Award: #89-Morgan Shepherd has been named the fourth quarter recipient of the National Motorsports Press Association/Pocono Spirit Award. Shepherd, who made his first Cup start in 1970, has four career victories in 511 Cup starts, and has competed for the past several seasons with much less financial backing than most Cup teams. But it is his efforts off the race track that have earned the 64-year-old Shepherd recognition among the membership of the NMPA. The Morgan Shepherd Charitable Fund, now in its 19th season, began as a program to assist the needy and handicapped living in the Virginia mountains. Each year Shepherd headlines a trip throughout that region that includes stops to assist more than 300 people. That trip often includes several prominent NASCAR figures taking part along with Shepherd. "We're carrying friends, presents and hope for these people," Shepherd said. "Besides a donation, hopefully a large donation, to the PARC Workshop (a non-profit organization that teaches job skills to the handicapped), we are delighted to have a chance to meet with old and new friends, and to show the love of Christ to these folks." Other fourth-quarter nominees for the award included the Women's Auxiliary of Motorsports and Nextel Cup driver Kasey Kahne. The NMPA/Pocono Spirit Award recognizes character and achievement in the face of adversity as well as sportsmanship and contributions to motorsports. Each quarter during the year the NMPA names a winner of the Spirit Award. And in January, the NMPA and Pocono International Raceway honor the four winners and select a national winner at the annual NMPA convention. Michael and Buffy Waltrip won the 2005 first-quarter award, Jeff Gordon was named the second-quarter winner and the NASCAR community as a whole was named the third-quarter recipient.(ThatsRacin)(12-14-2005)
- Shepherd gets new crew chief and some DEI chassis: #89-Morgan Shepherd has a new crew chief, Teddy Brown. Shepherd will not run at Kansas. The team is in the process of building two new cars and recently bought two new chasis from DEI, but will still run Joey Arrington engines. Shepherd plan to test Monday in preparation for the Martinsville race (doesn't say where Shepherd will test)(Morgan Shepherd site)(10-7-2005)
- Shepherd gets a sponsor for Daytona UPDATE: #89-Morgan Shepherd will be attempting to make the Pepsi 400 at Daytona International Speedway, which will run Saturday, July 2nd. Shepherd has sponsorship from Cornerstone Bancard of Alpharetta, GA and hopes to debut a new paint scheme at Daytona on the #89 Dodge.(Morgan Shepherd site)(6-28-2005)
UPDATE: been told the new scheme will not debut at Daytona but for Pocono in a few weeks.(6-29-2005)
- Shepherd trying to help Darlington track and more #89-Morgan Shepherd will be a part of this Mother’s Day race weekend by honoring mothers and helping an organization that’s been working to save the racing traditions at his favorite race track. Long ago deemed the “Lady in Black” by the countless racers who’ve grazed the pristine white walls of Darlington Raceway leaving behind black tire and paint smudges, the track finds itself buried in rumors that its newest moniker might be “retired” as well. Undeniably, the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series schedule has been trending toward modern race tracks with huge seating capacities and larger television markets. Fanz to Support the Darlington Racing Tradition has been formed in an effort to save the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series race date at the storied track, and use its position in the public eye to raise funds for local charities and the Lyn St. James Foundation. “That the race weekend falls on Mother’s Day weekend offers us a great opportunity to raise money for our charities and honor the mothers in our lives, while continuing to raise awareness for our cause. For a $1 donation, fans can put the name of their mom on Morgan Shepherd’s race car for Saturday night’s race,” said Bob Henry, President of Fanz to Support the Darlington Racing Tradition.(Williams Company)(5-4-2005)
- Morgan Shepherd to air on ESPN show, May 5th: Sixty-three year old Morgan Shepherd, easily the NASCAR Nextel Cup's
oldest driver, survives week-to-week with his two man team and no sponsors. "I'm the last of the Mohicans," he says, forcing a laugh.
ESPN's Outside the Lines has been chronicling Shepherd's 2005 campaign since NASCAR's season-opening Daytona 500 on February 20. He has started just one race - the UAW Daimler Chrysler 400 on March 13 at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, starting 43rd and finishing 40th. Outside the Lines will present an inside look at Shepherd's travails on Thursday, May 5 at 12:00midnight/et [Subject to change depending on breaking news]. Despite struggling, Shepherd refuses to retire in part because of his Christian faith -his team logo is prominently displayed on his #89 Dodge.(ESPN)(5-2-2005)
- Interesting Mistake...HAY-soos?: What started with the mispronunciation of his "sponsor's" name ended with a degree of satisfaction for driver-owner Morgan Shepherd in Sunday's UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series race at the 1.5-mile Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Shepherd's #89 Racing With Jesus Dodge is one of the lowest-financed teams in the series. Still, even hardened racing observers were stunned when guest announcer Robin Leach, proclaiming the starting lineup during drivers' introductions for Sunday race, mispronounced "Jesus," instead using the Spanish version (HAY-soos). "I guess it shows how much work we have left to do in evangelism when somebody who can tell you all about the rich and famous has trouble with the Son of God's name," Shepherd smiled. "I thought for a moment he had just gotten in from the Mexico City (Busch Series) race week. My thinking is you would be better off messing up 'Budweiser' than 'Jesus,'" he continued. Shepherd did get a measure of revenge - he led two laps early in the 400-mile race. They were under caution, true, but one of the front-row qualifiers, Elliott Sadler never led and pole-sitter Ryan Newman didn't lead for the first time until Lap 91. "I noticed he did pronounce their sponsors correctly," Shepherd laughed. Leach apparently tried to make up for his gaffe, mispronouncing a few other drivers' names and sponsors during the drivers' introductions. "I'd love to meet him," Shepherd said, "just so I can say, 'Nice to meet you, Mr. Leak.'" Shepherd, who does not have a regular corporate sponsor and carries his evangelistic message instead in order to "at least get someone to start asking questions about their salvation and what life is all about," retired early in the race and finished 40th.(Williams Company)(3-14-2005)
- Shepherd looking for help: from the Morgan Shepherd site....."To be able to continue to race our "Victory in Jesus" race car we must have help from you our race fans. You do not have to be able to send big amounts. Every little bit helps. Most fans do not realize one set of tires cost $1700, a new race engine costs $60,000, there are travel expenses, and much more. We have no business to regularly help us at the present." see more at morganshepherd.com.(3-5-2005)
- Shepherd runs good at Daytona, catches NASCAR's eye: How do you know when your testing at Daytona International Speedway has gotten some attention? When NASCAR walks over to your car and asks if you have the right restrictor plate on the engine. While some might think that would happen with speedsters such as Penske Racing or Chip Ganassi Racing, that wasn’t the case this year at the 2.5-mile speedway. Instead, it was asked of Morgan Shepherd, driver and owner of the #89 Racing With Jesus Dodge. As for Penske and Ganassi . . . uh . . . they were slower than Shepherd on the overall time charts for single-car runs during Speed Weeks testing. “First, they wanted to look at my restrictor plate. Then, when that checked out OK, they asked to look at the carburetor,” Shepherd laughed. “When that checked out, they just looked up and smiled and said, ‘Hey! Good run!’” Shepherd’s own Dodge Charger was the one he ran so well with. A Joey Arrington engine made much of the difference, he said. “We were fast right off the bat but we learned some things as we moved along and got even better,” said Shepherd. “We worked some with Bill Davis (racing, which also fields Dodges) and I think we helped them a little too.(Williams Company)(2-1-2005)
- Morgan Shepherd on the tube: Morgan Shepherd, driver of the #89 Racing With Jesus Dodge, will appear on the nationally televised "Praise" television show on the Trinity Broadcasting Network Thursday night [Jan 20th]. The show, which is taped live on the same day, runs nightly at 10:00pm/et. "It's not like being on 'West Wing' or hosting 'Regis and Kathie Lee' but I'd like to think it's more meaningful," grinned the 62-year-old NASCAR Nextel Cup Series driver. NASCAR drivers [Jeff Gordon/Jamie McMurray] are scheduled to appear on those two television shows. "Maybe this is the kind of show an NBC could use more of," he said.
"And if not the networks, the country sure could." Shepherd, obviously, is outstanding in his Christian beliefs and in utilizing major league stock car racing as a means to evangelize. "We're just going to talk about the race team and our hopes and goals for 2005 and the years after that," he said. "I don't think they are ready to discuss, 'Morgan Shepherd, The Movie,' quite yet."(Williams Company PR)(1-20-2005)
- Morgan Shepherd Ride Raises Over $22,500: The Morgan Shepherd Charitable Fund donated over $22,500 to needy families in the Galax, Va., area as part of its 18th annual Charity Ride last week. "It was a blessing to be part of it and a blessing to help some of these families," said Shepherd, the three-time NASCAR Nextel Cup race winner who drives the #89 Racing With Jesus Dodge.
"The nice thing was the bulk of the money came from people who gave $10 to $25," Shepherd said. "We did have a few folks who gave some pretty large amounts, and we are very grateful to them, but we are also grateful to those who gave what they could. Lives were touched and people were saved because of that. Beside the financial help, 17 people surrendered their lives to Jesus Christ and are guaranteed a spot in heaven's eternity," he added. "That's a lot more important than anything we did." The Fund donated $20,000 to the PARC Workshop to continue support of providing life skills and job training for special needs individuals in the Stuart, Va., area. In addition, $2,500 went to low-income families in the area to buy shoes and warm clothing, with additional funds that will go for food.
The Morgan Shepherd Charitable Fund is still accepting tax-deductible donations at P.O. Box 623, Conover, N.C. 28613. "We are so grateful for all those who gave and who continue to support us," Shepherd said.(Williams Company PR)(12-18-2004)
- Shepherd Charity drive a go: The 18th annual Morgan Shepherd Charity Ride, dedicated to helping handicapped and underprivileged people, is scheduled Monday, Dec. 13. With a passenger bus and passenger vans, a group of drivers, racing personnel and media will travel from Conover with a stop to pick up additional passengers in Statesville, N.C., before heading to the PARC Workshop in Stuart, Va., and other towns in the region. For more info, see my Racing Charities page.(12-4-2004)
- Shepherd on ESPN.com: there is a video on ESPN.com's RPM site with Morgan Shepherd discussing his season and team, there is now a direct link to the story at ESPN.com: It's A Living.(11-18/19-2004)
- Shepherd on TV: #89-Morgan Shepherd, the 62 year old Christian NASCAR veteran and independent owner/driver, who frequents the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series, will appear on the Trinity Broadcast Network show "Praise The Lord" with host Dwight Thompson on Thursday, September 16. Live taping of the show in Costa Mesa, California begins at 8:30pm/et. Race fans who are in, or plan to be in, the area and wish to attend the live taping may want to call TBN at (714) 832-2950 for more information. The show is scheduled to air the same day, tape delayed, at 10:00pm and 1:00am/et, check your listings for local channel information.(Morgan Shepherd site)(9-16-2004)
- #500 for Shepherd UPDATE 2: if #89-Morgan Shepherd can make the Tropiciana 400 at Chicagoland Speedway, it would mark Shepherd's 500th career starts to go along with 7 poles, 4 wins, 63 top fives and 168 top tens [thats 33%, not bad...](7-7-2004)
UPDATE: no #89-Morgan Shepherd on the Qualifying Order for the race, haven't heard why he withdrew, no mention on his site and Shepherd is not listed in the current Cup practice sheets.(7-9-2004)
UPDATE 2: nothing official, but am hearing Shepherd couldn't get the car ready in time, but plans to be at New Hampshire in two weeks, after next week off weekend.(7-10-2004)
- Bodine News UPDATE on both!: Geoffrey Bodine will be in the #98 Lucas Oil Ford at Lowe's Motor Speedway, hearing that their former driver will be in the #89 Dodge, not sure what that is all about...yet. Can't see Morgan Shepherd giving up his ride, unless a sponsor is involved somehow.(5-26-2004)
UPDATE: Todd Bodine was added to the entry list in the #37 Dodge sponsored by Carter's Royal Dispos-all, same sponsor as #89-Morgan Shepherd who is also listed. So we are up to 53 drivers/cars now.
AND: Geoffrey Bodine will be once again driving the #98 Lucas Oil Ford this weekend in the Coca-Cola 600. This will be his second straight weekend that he will pilot the #98 car. MACH 1 will be returning to Lowes Motor Speedway with the same car that qualified
22nd and finished 16th in the previous weeks Nextel All-Star Challenge. “By virtue of having Geoffrey behind the wheel during last week’s All-Star race, we consider that a good “test session” for the 600” said team owner, Chris Edwards. Edwards went on to say “We are very pleased to have LUCAS OIL, and www.extrememotorcycles.com as well as Geoffrey back with us for the 600. Geoffrey did a great job for us last weekend and without our sponsors we would not be here for the 600, we look forward to working with them again this weekend.” America’s Most Wanted Motorsports is offering an opportunity to a sponsor to become a presenting sponsor of their NEXTEL CUP/NBS motorsports program(s). By becoming a presenting sponsor of the America’s Most wanted Motorsports program a sponsor could invest in the opportunity to garner Tremendous amounts of NATIONAL exposure on and off the track and assist in saving the lives of innocent children and tie their team marketing and promotional efforts in with John Walsh as well as a guaranteed ROI! This opportunity carries the possibilities of upwards of 3.5 Million dollars in prime time and non motorsports media coverage as well as the coverage that will come with the actual competition of the racing team.(5-27-2004)
Todd and the #37: from what I understand, the #37 is an offshoot of the #89 as John Carter has split with Morgan Shepherd (who will continue to run #89). Todd will try to run every lap of every race using cars purchased from Ganassi Racing and engines from Ernie Elliott. Carter has ordered more cars and the team is currently using the Cicci-Kelly Racing shops.(5-27-2004)
- Morgan Shepherd turning heads: All the Nextel Cup "young guns" had better start looking behind them because they're being chased by a wily veteran - 62-year-old #89-Morgan Shepherd. Sunday at California Speedway, Shepherd stayed on the lead lap for almost 60 laps but left the race because of electrical problems after completing 163 laps in the California heat. He finished 36th, and the $65,025 probably didn't cover his expenses. On April 18 at Martinsville, Shepherd, who has recorded five Cup wins and 15 Busch Series victories, completed 492 laps and was running at the end of the grueling short- track race. Despite having only a one-car, one-engine team, he has competed in five Nextel Cup races this season and is 42nd in the standings. "I am a racer," Shepherd said. "I'm here to race."(Rocky Mountain News)(5-4-2004)
- Shepherd car and site: hearing #89-Morgan Shepherd is running a speedway Dodge leased from Ultra Motorsports [ran #7 at Daytona]. Also, Shepherd has a new and improved website at www.morganshepherd.com.(4-23-2004)
- Shepherd withdraws: #89-Morgan Shepherd has withdrawn his Winston Cup entry from the Brickyard 400. "The pistons for the new engine didn't come in, " stated Shepherd. "Instead of embarrassing myself or the sport I decided not to use the old engine." Shepherd said he will not return with the Cup car until the new engine is ready. However, according to team sources, Earl Ramey of Hitech, located in Mooresville, NC, said the pistons should be in by the middle of next week. This will allow Shepherd the needed time to have the Cup engine ready for his plans to compete in the Shapie 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway on August 23. Shepherd will attempt to qualify for the Craftsman Truck Power Stroke Diesel at IRP.(Morgan Shepherd site)(8-1-2003)
- Shepherd Scuffing Tires for other teams: The NASCAR control tower called one of its pit road inspectors early in the New England 300 to inquire why #89-Morgan Shepherd, who was in his first start of the season, was making repeated pit stops [as noted in my race breakdown from what was reported on MRN Radio during the race]. The call back on the radio revealed that Shepherd, who has raced this season in Winston Cup, Busch and the Craftsman Truck Series, was scuffing tires for another team [doesn't say which one]. Shepherd ended up 43rd due to a brake problem that sent him to the garage after the 43rd lap.(NASCAR.com)
AND Can you drive in a Winston Cup race and run a business at the same time? Morgan Shepherd can. Shepherd, who finished dead last in Sunday’s race but still collected $48,500 for showing up, seemed to be making a little extra on the side. The veteran driver pitted every two or three laps and replaced all four tires each time. He must have made four or five pit stops because NASCAR officials got wise to his business venture. Shepherd was reportedly scuffing tires and selling them to other drivers. He didn’t set any pit stop records, either. One pit stop was clocked at 55 seconds.(Nashua Telegraph)(7-21-2003)
- Shepherd on TV: A filmed segment featuring veteran race car driver, Morgan Shepherd [#89 Ford in Cup], will be aired on Wednesday, May 14th on the ABC Family Channel on the 700 Club television show, which is part of The Christian Broadcasting Network. Shepherd, who has been a Christian since 1979, uses his race car and truck to display his love of God with "Racing With Jesus" in bold letters on the hood. Recently Shepherd has been competing in the NASCAR Busch Series, driving for team owner Johnny Davis but plans to run at Charlotte in his own Winston Cup car in the Winston Open. This TV special on Morgan will air at 10:00am/et, 11:00pm/et and again at 2:00am/et [the 15th] and on the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) at 3:00pm/et.(Catchfence)(5-13-2003)
- Shepherd to attempt the Rock: Johnny Davis, owner of the #0 Chevrolet Busch Series team, announced that long time racing veteran Morgan Shepherd will attempt to qualify his Monte Carlo for Rockingham 200. Davis, of Blacksburg, SC, is very excited to have Shepherd on board. "We hope that Morgan will be with us for every NASCAR Busch race we run this year." Shepherd is equally pleased to be running in the Busch Series this weekend. The 1.017 miles oval offers some fantastic racing. "Johnny approached us at Daytona about running for him," said Shepherd. "We thought we had another commitment that would prevent us from working with him this weekend, but as it turns out we are very pleased to be able to drive for him after all. I'm very pleased we have this opportunity and we pray for an exciting and safe race for everyone."(Catchfence PR)(2-21-2003)
- Morgan Shepherd Announces 2003 Plans: Morgan Shepherd and the Victory In Jesus Racing Team is officially announcing their preliminary plans for the 2003 season in the CTS and Winston Cup Series. "Many exciting things are in the works for 2003" said Shepherd. "Our plans include running some WInston Cup races, and we also have a few exciting things planned for the Craftsman Truck Series. We have signed a letter of intent with 18 year old Kyle Drum. We would like to get him started in the Craftsman Truck Series running for Victory In Jesus Racing. The number of events is undetermined at this time, pending sponsorship dollars." Kyle Drum joins Victory In Jesus Racing with an extensive resume. "I am very excited about the opportunities that lay ahead of me. Morgan Shepherd is a wonderful person and is going to be a great teacher, said Drum, currently a student at State University of New York at Alfred, where he is working on his engineering degree. "The amount of knowledge that he has about racing is unbelievable. I can't wait to start working with him." In addition, plans will soon be unveiled for a new Internet Service Provider. The Morgan Shepherd Victory In Jesus Racing ISP will soon be available to subscribers across the country. For more information, see www.morganshepherd.com and www.kyledrum.com.(STB Marketing Group PR)(12-7-2002)
- Shepherd Withdraws: Morgan Shepherd announced today that he has decided to withdraw his #89 Racing With Jesus Ford from the entry list for the NAPA 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Shepherd also announced that he will be taking his #21 Racing With Jesus Ford truck to California next week for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series 200.(Catchfence)(10-24-2002)
- Shepherd withdraws the #89, will run the #51 at Talladega: Today, Morgan Shepherd released the information that he will be the scheduled driver for Ware Racing's #51 Ford Taurus this weekend at Talladega. Details were finalized today. Earlier it had been reported that Tim Fedewa would be driving for Rick Ware this weekend. Those plans have changed. This will be Shepherd's ninth Winston Cup attempt for the 2002 season.(STB Marketing Group PR)(10-3-2002)
- Shepherd in the #51 at Dover: Morgan Shepherd announced today that he will attempt to qualify the #51 Winston Cup Series Dodge owned by Rick Ware.. "This is a one race deal," stated Shepherd. No other details were made available at this time. Shepherd will take the weekend off from driving duties with his #21 Craftstman Truck Series Ford, and #89 Winston Cup Ford Taurus. This will be Shepherd's seventh Winston Cup attempt for the 2002 season.. Future plans for the remainder of this season include additional Winston Cup events, as well as entries in the Craftsman Truck Series.. Details will be released as soon as they become available.(STB Marketing)(9-19-2002)
- Shepherd at Darlington: Morgan Shepherd will run the Southern 500 at Darlington this weekend with assistance from Phil Bonafield's CTS #86 Red Line Oil Chevy team. Bonafield is providing Shepherd with use of his hauler and crew members will be helping this weekend. Catchfence.com. Motorsportsweb.com and rwjm.com (Racing with Jesus Ministries) continue associate sponsorship, however additional sponsorship is needed. Shepherd and team plan to head to Richmond next weekend and hopefully pull double duty in both the CTS and Cup events.(STB Marketing Group PR)(8-31-2002)
- Shepherd to attempt Bristol: Morgan Shepherd and the #89 Racing With Jesus Ford will head to Bristol Motor Speedway this weekend for the running of the Sharpie 500. Shepherd's fans, who have been extremely supportive, will be thrilled to see this logo from his #21 Craftsman Truck appear on the hood of his Winston Cup car for this event. It will be the first time this logo will appear in Winston Cup. Shepherd will attempt to qualify his unsponsored #89 Cup car at a track where he holds the record of four wins in the BGN. Morgan welcomes Loren Lanter and a crew member from Loren's Late Model team who will be assisting with crew duties this weekend. Additionally, Todd Bradburry. from the Pro Truck Series Division, out of Concord, NC., will come on board this weekend as a first time crew member. Ted Jackson will return with Morgan, as well. Morgan wishes to thank these crew members for their assistance.
Motorsportsweb.com, Racing With Jesus Ministries and Catchfence.com continue to be proud associate sponsors for Shepherd Racing and look forward to continued affiliation. Negotiations will begin soon for primary sponsorship for the 2003 season.(STB Marketing Group PR)(8-22-2002)
- Morgan Shepherd Escapes Serious Injury Tuesday, August 5, Cup/CTS driver Morgan Shepherd had traveled from his Hickory, NC shop to Charlotte to buy some racing parts. While enroute back from Charlotte, on Interstate 40, a van traveling at a high rate of speed came up behind Morgan's truck. After allowing the van to pull ahead of him Shepherd then fell in behind the van. The tires of the van ahead of him apparently picked up a large hook, similar to the hook on a towtruck and threw it in the path of Shepherd's red truck. The hook struck the front windshield very close to the driver area of the windshield, sheared off the rearview mirror...whizzed mere inches past Shepherd's head. The hook then crashed through the rear windshield, through the window on his bubble camper and came to rest in the bed of his pickup. It weighed in at a whomping 6 pounds. Police investigating the incident stated that Shepherd was, indeed, extremely fortunate that he was not hit by this projectile. The results, they suggested, would have been deadly. Shepherd plans to run Saturday's CTS Federated Auto Parts 200 at Nashville Speedway.(full story and picture at Catchfence)(8-9-2002)
- Shepherd's Sponsor: Berlin City Ford is going Winston Cup racing this weekend. Morgan Shepherd’s return to Winston Cup racing is backed by the Dion Brothers of Hudson and their longtime Ford sponsor. Shepherd makes his first appearance in stock car racing’s big league since February of 1999 [Rockingham]. “It’s just a car that we had sittin’ there, and I just thought it would be real neat if we could get together with Dave and all the guys and we could do this deal together. They’re doing the pit crew thing and helping getting the car ready,” Shepherd said. It’s a friendship thing between the North and the South, he said. Shepherd first met the Dion brothers years ago when they all raced together in Bob Bahre’s Oxford 250s, which at the time was one of the richest short track races in America.(Union Leader), see an image of the car on my Paint Scheme Gallery.(7-20-2002)
- Shepherd, double duty at NHIS: CTS team owner Rick Ware announced today that Morgan Shepherd will drive the #51 Ware Racing Dodge Truck at New Hampshire on Saturday. Shepherd also will attempt to qualify for the Cup race in the #89 Ford.(Catchfence)(7-18-2002)
- Shepherd to do double duty at NHIS UPDATE: Morgan Shepherd is planning on running his #21 CTS truck in the New England 200 at New Hampshire International Speedway on July 20 as well as planning on running his #89 Winston Cup car at the New England 300 on July 21st.(Catchfence)(7-11-2002)
UPDATE: Morgan Shepherd announced that plans have changed concerning his decision to run both the CTS and Cup events next weekend at New Hampshire International Speedway. "We have decided to park the truck for a while and concentrate on getting our #89 Cup car ready for New Hampshire, said Shepherd.. "We are looking forward to working with our old friends and competitors Dave and Roger Dion.. I'm not sure exactly when our truck program will resume, but for now we need to put our full efforts into the Winston Cup car. We want to be sure to thank our fans and loyal supporters.. We appreciate their thoughts and prayers and hope they will continue.. We are looking forward to New Hampshire and pray for a good run." The CTS program will resume when time allows. Plans are indefinite, however details will be released as they become available. "Failing to qualify at Kentucky was very upsetting. The truck needs more work, and we have decided to shift our efforts toward next weekend's Winston Cup race. We are also planning on additional Cup events this year, as well. We will talk more about that later. I've been looking forward to returning to Winston Cup for quite some time now." The last Winston Cup event Morgan competed in was on February 21, 1999 when he drove the #90 Ford owned by Junie Donlavey in the Dura Lube/Big KMart 400 at North Carolina Speedway [Rockingham]. Associate sponsors for the #89 Shepherd Ford Taurus include Catchfence.com, Motorsportsweb.com, LifeXPrograms, Pitpassmagazine.com, and Racing With Jesus Ministries, among others.(STB Marketing Group PR)(7-15-2002)
- Shepherd retains sponsor, to attempt more Cup races: LIfeXPrograms sponsorship will continue with Shepherd Racing. They are looking at possible plans to do double duty at New Hampshire for both the CTS and Cup races in July. Future 2002 plans may also include the Pocono events in July, as well. Associate sponsors for Morgan Shepherd Racing include Catchfence.com, Motorsportsweb.com, Pitpassmagazine.com and Racing With Jesus Ministries.(Catchefence)(6-18-2002)
- Shepherd back in Cup at MIS UPDATE 2 Withdraws: This weekend Morgan Shepherd will make his return to Winston Cup. Shepherd Racing will bring out the #89 Ford Taurus for Shepherd's return in the Sirius Satellite Radio 400, at Michigan International Speedway. Shepherd's last run at Michigan in Winston Cup was in 1999 [actually it was in Feb 1999 in the #90]. The Shepherd Racing Ford will adorn the associate sponsors Pit Pass Magazine, Catchfence.com, MotorsportsWeb along with Racing With Jesus Ministries. Shepherd Racing is seeking major sponsorship.(Morgan Shepherd Site)(6-13-2002)
UPDATE: For the first time in nearly three years, veteran race car driver Morgan Shepherd will return to Winston Cup racing. He will attempt to qualify his #89 Ford for The Sirius Satellite Radio 400 at Michigan. The last Winston Cup event Shepherd competed in was on February 21, 1999 when he drove the #90 car owned by Junie Donlavey at North Carolina Speedway. LifeXProgram has come on board as the primary sponsor for this race and joins the associate sponsors of Catchfence.com and Motorsportsweb.com from Morgan's CTS Program. LifeXProgram is a personalized weight loss program that includes no drugs, pills, or special diets. Owners Joan and Chuck Fridell of Virginia are " ...really excited. We enjoyed helping Morgan and working at Dover for the CTS event there, and are looking forward to Michigan." Visit their website at LifeXPrograms.com for more information. Look for Shepherd to return to the truck series at Memphis on June 22nd.(STB Marketing Group PR)(6-13-2002)
UPDATE 2 - Shepherd withdraws: Morgan Shepherd announced he has withdrawn his Life X Program #89 Winston Cup entry for this weekends Sirius Satellite Radio 400, at Michigan. A strong team effort was put forth to get the car ready and make it to the track, but not enough time to make the necessary adjustments to the car, required by NASCAR. "We had some weight and safety issues and just no time to correct them. This team has worked so hard for this and we were all looking forward to running in Winston Cup this weekend." stated Shepherd. "I have to thank the great people of the Life X Program. They have helped so much and we are looking forward to working with them more in our races to come. The fans have shown their support in prayer and letters, I have to thank them from the bottom of my heart." Shepherd Racing and the Life X Program are planning future Winston Cup and Craftsman Truck series' races together this season and talks of a limited 2003 schedule. Shepherd is planning on running the next Craftsman Truck Series event June 22nd at Memphis Motorsports Park.(Morgan Shepherd Site)(6-14-2002)
- Shepherd still hopes to run Cup: Morgan Shepherd hasn't totally shelved his Winston Cup dream, either. He has 481 Cup starts and four Cup wins under his belt, and his last Cup foray came in 1999, when he drove one race for Junie Donlavey. His last full-time season was a 23-race stint in 1997. His last Cup win came in 1993, in Atlanta. "Our plans were to be here at Martinsville," Shepherd said of Sunday's Virginia 500. "We had a guy who was supposed to help us with the engine up here and at the last minute he backed out. We're ready to go Winston Cup racing. We've got the shop and facilities, but just don't have the money to operate." The fact a Cup engine costs approximately $40,000 doesn't help. So Shepherd has cast his lot with NASCAR's Craftsman Truck series, where he ran 16 races last season and finished 26th in the final points standings. His nine DNFs were a bit harder to swallow. Shepherd Racing was formed in 1998 with a $25-million-dollar sponsorship agreement to field a Cup team, but the insurance-company sponsor pulled out of the deal, leaving Shepherd on his own. Last year's $3,000 donation from a fan group was his sole source of outside aid. "We're still racing without money," Shepherd said. "So there's only so much we can do. Our goal is to build our Christian team that we set out to do, and do things to help change people's lives. We're just looking for a sponsor."(CNN/SI, NASCAR.com)(4-13-2002)
- Shepherd buying PPI cars? UPDATE: hearing long time Cup driver, Morgan Shepherd, is in the process of buying some of the #96 Fords from PPI Motorsports and housing the cars in his shop(11-1-2001)
UPDATE: hearing Shepherd had a buy in place for some of the #96 Fords but the sponsorship check never arrived, so the cars were never bought(12-3-2001)
- Shepherd Announcement: Morgan Shepherd is hoping to make an announcement [soon] about his Cup team going to Martinsville(NASCAR.com)(10-4-2001)
- Morgan Shepherd at Michigan? UPDATE 2: hearing Morgan Shepherd, who will race his own #21 truck at Nashville this weekend, has entered the #89 Ford in the Michigan Cup race next week, supposedly has a known crew chief to help him out(8-9-2001)
UPDATE: Shepherd is on NASCAR's Michigan Entry List in the #89, still no word on the crew chief(8-15-2001)
UPDATE 2: I see #89-Morgan Shepherd has been removed from the Entry list at NASCAR.com, so that makes it 45 cars now AND heard Shepherd withdrew his entry at Michigan as the limited sponsorship money didn't show, and he will go to Chicago to run the CTS race instead(8-16-2001)
- Shepherd Changes his own CTS tires UPDATE: many readers had told me this and it was confirmed on ESPN2's RPM2Night that #21-Morgan Shepherd changed his own tires during a pit stop at the Kentucky CTS race. I was told by a source that it was done for two reasons: one was that Shepherd had a few volunteers on his crew who had never changed tires before and another reason was he deliberately got out and change the tires to illustrate the fact that he needs a sponsor. He supposedly had hooked it up with the TV crew to be there but then something else happened or he didn't time it right. Shepherd also plans to go to New Hampshire this week and supposedly is going to rent a Winston Cup crew for the race(7-16-2001)
UPDATE: Morgan Shepherd was a one-man pit crew during the July 14 truck race at Kentucky, a feat made much more difficult because he was driving the entry. On Shepherd's lone pit stop of the race, he got out of the truck, jacked up the right side and changed both tires. Before getting back inside, he sat down on pit wall to eat some chips and drink a soda(Winston Cup Scene - need sub to read online)
AND Shepard could be seen working on his truck in his old CITGO driver's uniform. Shepherd asked the #89 CTS team (Stan Boyd) if they could loan him one impact gun, nitrogen cylinder, hose and jack for the race, which we did. It was Shepherd's intent to attract attention to his needing sponsorship that he WANTED to pit himself. The #89 team had offered to pit his truck for him, but he had spoken to ESPN, and MRN about his intention and declined the offer. While MRN did mention it on the air, ESPN declined to show it(7-19-2001)
- Hover Motorsports/Morgan Shepherd News: Stan Hover Motorsports - Team #80 has just completed sponsorships for the (2) upcoming races at Lowe's Motor Speedway for the Winston Open and Coca-Cola 600 next month. Hayes Jewelers of Lexington, NC and Aramark Uniform Service will be sponsors on the #80 Ford Taurus. Cup Veteran Morgan Shepherd will be driving. Stan Hover Motorsports are very excited about the sponsorships. The #80 team plans are to compete in (16) Cup Races this year. Stan Hover Motorsports shop is based in Salisbury, North Carolina.(DCM Racing/Stan Hover Motorsports PR)(4-17-2001)
- Morgan Shepherd News UPDATE: Winston Cup veteran, Morgan Shepherd, will drive the #80 Hover Motorsports Ford at Daytona in the ARCA Race on Sunday, Feb 11th. The car will feature the Screaming Eagle logo, signifying the 101st Airborne. The 101st Airborne Division's Screaming Eagle logo will fill Shepherd's hood while sponsorship from Classic Scents Air Fresheners and Gulf State Sales(ARCA Racing Series), no word on any Winston Cup plans for Shepherd in 2001
UPDATE: not sure where the ARCA site got the info, but am being told that Shepherd is not running the ARCA race in Daytona but that he is concentrating on the Truck race and is trying to hook up a Winston Cup ride(1-24-2001)
- Shepherd at HMS and AMS CORRECTION: starting all over here - Morgan Shepherd will be attempting to qualify for both the Homestead and Atlanta Cup races this year. Shepherd will be driving the #80 Hoover Motorsports Ford(NOT the #05 Pontiac). Shepherd/Hoover Motorsports are searching for sponsors to run a full season of Winston Cup in 2001(Shepherd PR), this is right from Shepherd and his real PR people(11-1-2000)
- Shepherd at Dover: four time Cup winner, Morgan Shepherd, will be at Dover to run the #80 Hoover Motorsports Truck in the CTS race there(9-20-2000)
- Morgan Back: Morgan Shepherd will drive the #19 Kobalt Tools Chevy in the BGN race at Darlington for Team Yellow. Why no Skinners? Mike Skinner had "minor corrective eye surgery" Monday and will drive in the CUP race(NOL)(3-14-2000)
- Shop for sale or lease UPDATE 3 Morgan News: Morgan Shepherd has his Race Shop up for sale/lease. Some particulars: Race Shop with a total of 13,650 sq. feet, Showroom: 2,688 sq. feet, Office space: 2,501 sq. feet, Weight room: 850 sq. feet, Shop/engine area: 7,611 sq. feet. Contact Morgan Shepherd at 1-828-256-2194. Shepherd is also pursuing a Cup/BGN/CTS ride for 2000(11-30-1999) -- UPDATE: also the Morgan Shepherd Charitable Fund Christmas Trip '99 is scheduled for Dec 13th, for more info see the Morgan Shepherd website(12-1-1999) -- UPDATE 2: the shop is still for lease/sale and Shepherd has increased the size of the shop to add another 7,300sq ft. Also Shepherd will be driving a limited schedule in the CTS/Truck series in 2000(1-8-2000) -- UPDATE: Shepherd will drive the #7 Chevy truck owned by John Conely at Daytona and Homestead. The team is looking for sponsors to help run entire 2000 schedule(1-11-2000)
- Morgan Shepherd returns: to Cup as he will attempt to make the NAPA 500 at Atlanta in the #05 Delco Remy Pontiac with engines from Richard Jackson(former Cup owner). Shepherd will be crew chiefed by Bruce Saunders. Shepherd is looking for additional sponsorship help. Atlanta has been a good track for him, winning three of his four Cup wins at Atlanta(Morgan Shepherd Site)(11-17-1999)
- Shepherd News: Morgan Shepherd will have Delco-Remy as the sponsor and former Cup team owner, Richard Jackson will be helping Shepherd out(Morgan Shepherd Site)(9-29-1999) -- CORRECTION: I am now told that Shepherd will have Delco Remy sponsorship at Charlotte next week, and possibly at Martinsville, not sure yet(9-30-1999)
- Shepherd Returns: I hear Morgan Shepherd will run his own #05 Pontiac at Martinsville, he is looking for
sponsors(9-27-1999)
- Shepherd News: an update on Morgan Shepherds plans for Indy. Shepherd will have a mixed crew, with some of his guys and some of Richard Jackson's guys(his old car owner, #1/14). Larry Gunselman, a NASCAR Winston West Driver, is in charge of the car set-up and preparation for the upcoming race. A qualifying engine will be leased from Dennis Fisher, an engine builder in Mooresville, NC(who also does the #60 engines). Shepherd and Jackson are going to Indy together in a joint venture, the car will be Morgan's #05 Pontiac(Morgan Shepherd Site)(7-30-1999)
- Melling Ride: At least three drivers, Morgan Shepherd, Steve Grissom and Dallenbach have spoken to Melling Racing about moving to the #9 Fords next season(That's Racin')(7-27-1999)
- Not Needed: Morgan Shepherd was not at Pocono on Sunday. The Wood Brothers told him Saturday night he could go home and that rookie Elliott Sadler, who bruised his left foot in a crash, would be able to drive all day. Sadler finished 21st(News and Record)(7-26-1999)
- Shepherd News: Morgan Shepherd plans to attempt the Brickyard 400 at Indy. Shepherd will test the #05 Pontiac at Indy on July 19/20. Shepherd's Pontiac will be sponsored for the race by Delco Remy(Unofficial Morgan Shepherd Site)(7-11-1999)
- Short Lived: FAIN Motorsports is no longer involved with Shepherd racing. The Fan based team(who claims to be the first but of course is not, Fans Can Race, Mark III actually made Cup races in the past) brought Wendy's aboard a sponsor of the #05. All the details are sketchy and I do not have all the facts, but supposedly, FAIN is looking at two other teams(one a BGN team, the other a Ford Cup team)(5-27-1999)
- Shepherd Deal UPDATE 1: Morgan Shepherd announced today that he has entered into a joint venture with FAIN Motor Sports of Lexington, Tn. FAIN Motor Sports is a fan based group with a new concept in NASCAR racing sponsorship. Morgan will drive his first race under the FAIN Motor Sports banner at the Winston Open at Charlotte, on May 22. More information on FAIN Motor Sports and Morgan Shepherd can be obtained at www.fainmotorsports.com or by calling FAIN Motor Sports at (901)968-8100 (Fain PR)(5-14-1999)
- Morgan Shepherd Ride? UPDATE 2: Hearing that Morgan Shepherd will attempt to make the Coca Cola 600 with a new fan supported team. The team is Fain Motorsports of Lexington, TN. Instead of donations or a fan club, they sell stock. No number has been assigned by NASCAR for the team yet and no idea if they will take part in testing Tomorrow and Thursday. Supposedly their shop is close to completion and they have a sponsors, Redneck Wear and Pecker Teez(T-Shirts). The sponsorship is coupled with the selling of stock to race fans(5-4-1999) -- Morgan Shepherd will be testing at Charlotte Wednesday and Thursday with the rest of the GM teams(maybe the #05 Pontiac?)(5-5-1999) -- UPDATE 2: Shepherd did test at Charlotte(Lowes) on Thursday and posted the 39th fastest speed at 174.267mph in the #05 Pontiac(That's Racin') I am told Shepherd has sponsorship for the races at Lowes and will make the attempt(5-7-1999)
- Shepherd/#90: Junie Dunleavy's Driver of the Week for his #90 Ford will be Morgan Shepherd for the upcoming Talladega race. Triple Edge Silicon Wiper Blades may return for the race as sponsor. The veteran car owner continues to look for full sponsorship for his Taurus this season(Inside Motorsports)(4-19-1999) Shepherd will not drive the #90 at Talladega
- Shepherd Back UPDATE 1 why? Hearing Morgan Shepherd will be in the #90 Donlavey Ford at Martinsville, not Stanton Barrett as previously reported here(4-16-1999) -- UPDATE 1: Stanton Barrett turned down the opportunity to drive the car(That's Racin')(4-17-1999)
- Shepherd back to #90? I hear that unless another driver comes up with sponsorship dollars, Morgan Shepherd will be driving the #90 Ford in Atlanta next week. The #90 Team is still looking for sponsorship after the Big Daddy's deal and Shepherds deal with the insurance company has fallen through(3-3-1999)
