#10 Team Past News and Rumors
NOTE: many of the links in the past news will be old and may not work
decided it was not worth the time to go thru each one on all the Team Past News pages
2007 News
Sears joins forces with Valvoline, special scheme for #10: Two great American names in automotive service announced an alliance that will provide consumers with great automotive products. The agreement calls for Valvoline to be the primary brand of motor oil offered at all 850-plus Sears Auto Centers. Through its partnership with Valvoline, Sears Auto Centers will have a sponsorship presence on a Nextel Cup car at various times over the next three seasons. Sears Auto Centers will be primary sponsor on Scott Riggs' #10 Dodge at Nextel Cup events at California this Sunday and Atlanta this fall.(Valvoline PR), see an image of the scheme on my #10 Team Schemes page.(8-30-2007)
Riggs hopes to remain with Gillett-Evernham: On Aug. 1, Scott Riggs technically became a free agent NASCAR driver, but he'd like to remain at Gillett-Evernham Motorsports to drive its # 10 Dodge. He has, however, spoken with other teams in the past few months, including Robert Yates Racing. Riggs said the chief holdup in his contract negotiations with GES is individual team sponsorships and, interestingly, what drivers will be in which cars.(ESPN.com)(8-23-2007)
Speckman Automotive featured on the #10 at MIS: After receiving over 2,500 entries from member parts stores all across the United States, Speckman Automotive was selected as the featured parts store for Auto Value-Bumper To Bumper's Nextel Cup Series weekend at Michigan Speedway on August 18. As the winner of the random drawing, Speckman Automotive will adorn the hood of the #10 Auto Value-Bumper To Bumper Dodge driven by Scott Riggs in the 400-mile race in Brooklyn, Michigan. Speckman Automotive is a family-owned business and has provided great service and quality parts for over 40 years. The business has two locations: St. Mary's and Wapakoneta, both serving the West Central Ohio area. With ASE-certified employees and a haven for over 300 brand name product lines, Speckman Automotive has been a member of the Auto Value-Bumper To Bumper group since 1994. Michigan will mark the third of four races that Auto Value-Bumper To Bumper and Evernham Motorsports have partnered for a sponsorship marketing relationship. Riggs, along with drivers Kasey Kahne and Elliott Sadler have taken turns behind the wheel of Auto Value-Bumper To Bumper Dodges for the 2007 season.(MMI PR), see image of the hood on my #10 Team Schemes page.(8-14-2007)
Evernham wants Riggs back in 2008: Although the two do not have a contract beyond this season, Ray Evernham would like to keep Scott Riggs in his driver arsenal next season. Riggs drives the #10 that competes under the Valvoline Evernham Racing banner. The driver is not competing this weekend, though. The team sits outside the top 35 in owner points and does not have a guaranteed starting position in the race. Therefore, the team decided to put road racer Patrick Carpentier behind the wheel for the weekend's events at Watkins Glen International. Carpentier must qualify on speed to earn a spot in the race. Evernham said that Riggs will definitely be back in the car next weekend at Michigan International Speedway - and hopefully next season. He said that he and Riggs are talking about next season. "Scott and I are still talking, and we've still got some options, and we've not closed anything yet," Evernham said. "I want Scott to be part of our program next year. We've got to bring up overall performance. There's a big part of that that's on my shoulders; he can help us do that. As the thing grows, I want Scott to be a part of it." As to sponsorship for next season, Evernham said there was nothing to talk about yet. Last weekend, his driver Kasey Kahne said that he'd met with Budweiser and that could mean talks were pretty far along between the company and Evernham. Evernham said that there was nothing to report yet concerning any sponsorship for next season. "Obviously we're talking to some people, and we'd like things to happen, but there's a lot of things that have to fall in line perfectly for something to happen ...," he said. "Right now it looks like we're still shooting in the next two or three weeks to be able to talk about where we're headed with sponsorship, but you don't know if that can turn into five or six weeks with one swipe of the pen."(SceneDaily.com)(8-10-2007)
Carpentier to Drive #10 Dodge at Watkins Glen: In an effort to move closer to securing a top-35 position in Owner’s Points, Valvoline Evernham Racing has reached a one
race agreement with Patrick Carpentier to drive the #10 Valvoline/Stanley Tools Dodge in this weekend’s Nextel Cup Series race at Watkins Glen International. Carpentier recently made his first NASCAR start in the Busch Series race at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal. The road course veteran proved to be a quick learner as he won the pole for the event, led 14 laps and finished an impressive second. Carpentier has competed in CART, IRL, CASCAR, and Grand-Am series with much success. Now just one week after his Busch Series debut, Carpentier will make his Nextel Cup debut in the #10 Dodge Avenger. Valvoline Evernham Racing currently sits in 37th position in Nextel Cup Owners Points, 134 points out of the crucial top 35 cutoff. “We look forward to having Patrick Carpentier behind the wheel of the #10 Valvoline/Stanley Tools Dodge this weekend at Watkins Glen,” said Jim Rocco,
Team Owner of Valvoline Evernham Racing. “Carpentier turned a lot of heads with his strong run in Montreal last weekend. This Valvoline Evernham Racing team is focused on doing everything we can to make races, and we have made twelve so far while outside the top 35. As part of those efforts, we believe that Patrick can place Valvoline Evernham Racing in a good position leaving Watkins Glen in order to help Scott Riggs make a run to the top 35 in points by the end of the season.”(Clear!Blue/Evernham Motorsports PR)(8-7-2007)
OFFICIAL: Evernham & Gillett Partner to Create Gillett Evernham Motorsports: Today [8/6/2007], Ray Evernham and George N. Gillett, Jr. announced the creation of Gillett Evernham Motorsports (GEM), a partnership combining Evernham Motorsports [#9, #10, #19 teams] and the Gillett family where Evernham will remain a substantial owner and retain the title of Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The strength of Evernham’s championship on-track performance and Gillett’s off-track sports business experience creates a high-performance, high-energy platform to establish GEM’s value and appeal to fans and sponsors, on and off the track. Recognizing that the rate of change off-track has exceeded the change on-track in the past few years, Evernham forged a relationship with Gillett, whose diverse holdings offer unique business-to-business opportunities, sponsorship activation and fulfillment that will revolutionize what sponsors can expect from a NASCAR team. Gillett is the owner of the Montreal Canadiens National Hockey League (NHL) team and a co-owner of the Liverpool Football Club in the English Premier League. Gillett’s other business interests include the Bell Centre, home of the Montreal Canadiens and Gillett Entertainment Group (GEG), producers of some 700 sporting and entertainment events in numerous venues throughout Canada and the United States. GEM will benefit from Gillett’s existing network of sports and entertainment properties, resorts, auto dealerships and auto franchises offering unique access to sponsors and partners and a powerful global connection that no other team can offer.
“It’s very exciting for me to deliver to sponsors and fans the opportunity to align with a worldwide sports leader,” said Evernham, CEO of GEM. “With the business acumen of the Gillett family and its sports brands, we’ve greatly expanded our reach. This will allow me to focus on our racing operations and team performance, while the Gillett family will focus on our business operations. It certainly allows us to capitalize on our strengths and position GEM for long-term success both on and off the track.”
“Racing is in my blood,” said Gillett, chairman of Booth Creek Management Corporation (BCMC). “It’s not often you get to partner with a leader with Ray’s reputation, talent and championship legacy.” The transaction was initiated and negotiated by Matthew Doherty at McLaren Capital Partners in Los Angeles. Wachovia Securities advised BCMC.(Gillett Evernham Motorsports-GEM PR)(8-6-2007)
Evernham-Gillett deal could be done by Monday..at the latest: UPDATE: Montreal Canadiens owner George Gillett told the [St Petersburg] Times on Thursday there is a "95% chance" his purchase into Evernham Motorsports will be final by today or Monday at the latest. Gillett, 67, who has had stakes or complete control of the Harlem Globetrotters, Miami Dolphins and currently the Liverpool Football Club, would not divulge his percentage of ownership, but Ray Evernham has stated in the past it would be a majority. Gillett, whose net worth was estimated at $250-million in 2006. Gillett also owns a series of organic and natural foods companies, ski resorts and car dealerships. The Wisconsin native said he had been interested in acquiring part of a NASCAR team for three years but was seeking the right partner and "we weren't interested in just coming in and bringing money." He found his partner and a jovial friendship with Evernham, 49, who won three championships and 47 races as Jeff Gordon's crew chief, but had struggled recently to field a competitive team as costs skyrocketed. "We've got some fairly novel ideas that Ray's been developing and we've been developing together," Gillett said. "It's fair to say Ray's primary emphasis and time commitment will be on the racing side."
"My partnership with Gillett is not about needing money," Evernham said. "It's about growing this company."(St Petersburg Times)(8-3-2007)
UPDATE: Evernham Motorsports is expected to announce George Gillett Jr. as its new majority owner as early as today. Ray Evernham said Saturday that the deal is in place. Evernham said he's willing to surrender control of his operation to bring in Gillett's business acumen. The move will enable Evernham to refocus his energies on his strength, the competition side of the industry. Evernham, who currently fields cars for Kasey Kahne, Elliott Sadler and Scott Riggs, said he expected to make multiple major announcements this week, fueling speculation that Budweiser could be coming aboard as a sponsor in 2008. (USA Today)(8-6-2007)
Dodge Reconfirms Commitment to NASCAR: Mike Delahanty, senior manager of the Dodge Motorsports program, confirmed on Saturday at Pocono Raceway the manufacturer's long-term intent to remain in the series and an extension of Petty Enterprises' deal with Dodge. He also said its flagship Evernham Motorsports cars might have a different look next season. Cerberus Capital Management, an investment group, this week finalized its agreement to split the Chrysler brands away from DaimlerChrysler, but Delahanty said Dodge's motorsports involvement would not be affected, with the plan for four teams to run 10 cars next season. Delahanty declined to go into the details of rumors that connect Ray Evernham's team to possible deals with commercial sponsors such as Budweiser or a Masterfoods brand such as Snickers -- but said the #9 and 19 Dodges, which have carried Dodge Dealers and UAW sponsorship since the newest program began in 2001, might look different next season.(NASCAR.com)(8-5-2007)
Evernham-Gillett deal close: George Gillett, the owner of the Montreal Canadiens and a co-owner of the Liverpool soccer team confirmed Sunday that his company will close a deal to buy part of Evernham Motorsports in the next two weeks. "That's our hope," Gillett said in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway garage. "That's our expectation. We will close within [two weeks]. Yes." Gillett would not say what percentage of the team he would own, but Ray Evernham has indicated that Gillett would be a majority owner. The deal will allow Evernham to focus more on the competition side instead of the business side, something the former Jeff Gordon crew chief already has started doing.(SceneDaily.com)(7-30-2007)
Evernham Motorsports to 2006 Dodge: Evernham Motorsports will run the remaining non-Car of Tomorrow races with the 2006 Dodge Charger and without technical director Eric Warren. Warren was recently given a leave of absence after team owner Ray Evernham discovered critical changes regarding aerodynamics and simulation software were made to the 2007 car after an early-season test at Las Vegas. He said those changes weren't reflected in the cars that were built moving forward, leading to less than stellar results on the track. "So we basically have spent half a year trying to build a foundation that didn't exist," Evernham said on Friday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. "The information that we had was nonexistent. We had to go back to doing things the normal way and put cars in the wind tunnel to find out there was a huge difference. In the end, when you have people that are responsible for performance and the performance is way off you have to make changes in those people," Evernham said. "Ultimately, the [changes] aerodynamically and simulation-wise were the responsibility of the engineering department and that was led by Eric Warren. Right now Eric is on leave until we decide if we're going to put him in another position or find a happy medium and let him go somewhere else," he said. Evernham said he and competition director Sammy Johns have taken over Warren's duties. He added that his move to the competition side has delayed finalizing his partnership with Montreal Canadiens owner George Gillett and a few sponsorship deals. He expects the deal with Gillett to be complete within the next 14 days, at which point he also hopes to announce new sponsors for 2008. Among the sponsors interested in joining EMS is Budweiser, which would like Kahne to replace Dale Earnhardt Jr. as its NASCAR spokesperson.(ESPN.com)(7-27-2007)
Evernham admits relationship hurt driver's [Crocker] career: Team owner Ray Evernham says the best thing for developmental driver Erin Crocker is to find a new race team. "I don't think it's any secret that because of the personal relationship between Erin and I it hurt her career," Evernham said on Friday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. "The proper thing to do and something her and I would like to do is move her to another race team. I think the girl has a lot of talent. But if I sit here and say to somebody, 'Look, she's got a lot of talent, you should sponsor her,' my credibility is not good because of the personal relationship," he said. Evernham, who turns 50 in August, began dating the 26-year-old Crocker last season.(ESPN.com)(7-27-2007)
Racing for a Miracle Program with Riggs at the Brickyard: A victory for #10-Scott Riggs in the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard would mean a $500,000 donation to Children's Miracle Network by his sponsor Stanley Tools. The incentive is part of the "Racing for a Miracle" program that has been created by Stanley Tools, together with Ace Hardware, and Children's Miracle Network. Racing for a Miracle is a multi-dimensional program that benefits sick and injured kids as well as the hospitals that provide their care. After Riggs uses a specially-painted helmet during the Indy race, it will be auctioned and the funds will be added to a $10,000 donation from Stanley Tools to the Ace Hardware Foundation which directly benefits Children's Miracle Network. The program culminates at the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard that Sunday, as Scott Riggs' # 10 Stanley Tools/Valvoline Dodge will carry a new look on their car. The logos of Children's Miracle Network and Ace Hardware will adorn the TV panel.(Evernham Motorsports/Clear!Blue PR)(7-20-2007)
Evernham/Gillett deal could close this week: Team owner [#9,#10,#19] Ray Evernham’s partnership agreement with [NHL Montral Canadian's owner] George Gillett, Jr., is expected to close next week, said a source familiar with the deal. And a whole host of sponsor possibilities are in play on the Evernham Motorsports Nextel Cup cars of #9-Kasey Kahne and #19-Elliott Sadler, according to multiple sources. Evernham would neither confirm nor deny the merger timetable Sunday morning at Chicagoland Speedway, saying only, “We’re working towards closing the deal.” With the sale of Chrysler Group to investment-banking firm Cerberus Capital Partners pending, it would make sense that Evernham Motorsports would seek additional sponsorship for its Nextel Cup operations. Cerberus, an investor known for sharp cost-cutting of the companies it acquires, may be willing to relinquish sponsorship rights to the two Evernham cars next season, something Dodge was unwilling to do last year when a major sponsor approached Evernham about becoming Kahne’s primary sponsor, a deal that ultimately was rejected by the automaker. Evernham said Sunday he has a contract with Dodge through 2010 and confirmed he is one of a half-dozen teams who have talked with Budweiser about taking over the brewing company’s sponsorship deal in 2008, now that Hendrick Motorsports and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. are out of the running. There are other options for Kahne beyond Budweiser. Fast-food giant McDonald’s, who already has a minor associate position on the #9 of Kahne, could step up to become primary of Kahne’s car, as the company is looking towards re-establishing its presence in NASCAR, sources said Sunday. Another sponsor said to be looking closely at Kahne’s car is Coca-Cola, which in May agreed to buy Vitamin Water maker Glaceau for $4.1 billion in cash. Kahne is a national pitchman for Vitamin Water and an integral part of its marketing campaign. Kahne said he’s OK with however the sponsorship situation shakes out. “Myself, I’m with Ray Evernham for 2008 and whatever he decides to do that’s a good deal. I’m behind him,” Kahne said Friday.(SPEEDtv.com)
AND: Evernham said he's also talked to other sponsors -- sources said Allstate is one -- about being on Kahne's car and reiterated that Budweiser is talking to other teams. Among Budweiser's options is staying at Dale Earnhart Inc., where it has been since 2000.(ESPN.com)(7-16-2007)
Kyle Busch to Evernham? Riggs' Status in Doubt? Ray Evernham acknowledged Kyle Busch visited his shop in Statesville, N.C., on Tuesday. He said the visit went well and that he hopes Evernham Motorsports remains on Busch's list when the number of suitors is soon reduced to about four. Evernham said negotiations to extend the contract of Scott Riggs, who has missed the last two races and is 36th in points, continue. But he wasn't quite as adamant that Riggs will be a part of the organization in 2008 as he was three weeks ago. "He's a good little guy," Evernham said. "I just feel bad for what's going on with him."(ESPN.com)(7-2-2007)
Evernham tests on....NASA Runway at KSC: A team in NASCAR's elite Nextel Cup Series wrapped up its second visit to Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility on Friday, using the nearly 3-mile-long runway to gauge aerodynamics of its race cars. Evernham Motorsports took a test version of one of its new Dodge Avengers -- the Car of Tomorrow [COT] that debuted this season in Nextel Cup -- to the runway for a shakedown this week and also earlier this year, Keith Rodden, a car director for the Statesville, N.C.-based team, said Friday. Rodden said he believes Evernham was the first and only NASCAR team to test at KSC. NASA charges a fee for use of the facility. The amount assessed to Evernham Motorsports was not made available by NASA on Friday.(Florida Today)(6-30-2007)
Evernham to Host New ESPN2 Garage Program: Beginning in July, NASCAR team owner [#9,#10,#19] Ray Evernham will be the featured host of a new and unique racing program on ESPN2. Part of the ESPN2 Garage group of motorsports and automotive shows, Race Wizard with Ray Evernham will premiere at 11:00am/et Saturday, July 7 [after NASCAR Now]. The innovative new show will provide racing fans an entertaining look at the intriguing technical aspects and little-known inner-workings of motorsports and racing. Race Wizard is created for and by NASCAR fans, who will go behind the scenes of the racing world through “person on the street” interviews with one of racing’s brightest minds and most successful team owners. “ESPN has such a legacy in this sport and deserves a great deal of credit for turning NASCAR into one of the most popular sports today,” Evernham said. “Through Race Wizard, I look forward to sharing what I’ve learned in this sport over the years and help viewers understand how technology and innovation are giving teams the edge in competition today.” Sample Race Wizard topics include: Fast Car Basics – A fan’s question on the basics of racing answered, including “How do spoilers on the back of a car increase speed?”; Girl’s Guide – Women have the “need for speed,” too, and this vignette is for them, answering “Why do race cars swerve during caution laps?”; and Race Day – Focusing on improving the fan’s experience in racing by answering, “Where is the best place to sit to watch a race?”(ESPN PR)(6-29-2007)
Evernham close to a deal to sale part of team: UPDATE 2: Ray Evernham expects to finalize the sale of an unspecified portion of his Nextel Cup Series operation to Montreal Canadiens owner George Gillett Jr. within 60 to 90 days, the team owner told ESPN.com on Tuesday. "It's not done, but we're working on it pretty hard," Evernham said. "Honestly, I'm flying to Chicago and we're hammering through some things. Things are looking really positive, but it's not done. Quite honestly, it's not going to be done for another 60 to 90 days. It takes a long, long time, but it looks good. We've agreed to go forward, but there's so much legal stuff that's got to be done. It takes months. I feel positive it'll get done. I really do." Evernham chose not to divulge the exact percentage of his company Gillett would acquire, but did say both gentlemen would have a "substantial stake in the business side of things." Evernham also said he would still run EMS' day-to-day operations. Evernham said there are multiple contracts to wade through and further due diligence to complete. Once done, Evernham says the deal would instantly elevate EMS toward the Nextel Cup elite.(ESPN.com)(5-30-2007)
UPDATE: Nextel Cup owner Ray Evernham took another step on Wednesday toward finalizing his partnership with Montreal Canadiens owner George Gillett Jr., informing his more than 35 sponsors collectively on how the deal will work. Evernham has been negotiating for months an agreement that will give Gillett substantial ownership of his organization. He told sponsors the partnership will allow him to focus more on the competition side of the business and provide him with the resources to keep up with top organizations. The final terms aren't expected to be completed for another two to three months. "A partnership with the Gillett Group would bring excellent resources to Evernham Motorsports,'' Evernham told his sponsors. "Not only does George Gillett offer incredible business experience, his team has deep knowledge of how to successfully manage sports organizations. "This partnership would also benefit our partners at Evernham Motorsports with new business-to-business marketing opportunities." Evernham told his sponsors he would continue to own a significant part of EMS and remain the CEO. "It is an excellent opportunity that would benefit the entire organization,'' he said.(ESPN.com)(6-6-2007)
UPDATE 2: Evernham said a partnership with Gillett is getting closer, perhaps two months away from being completed. Evernham said he'd love to announce a deal in Montreal in early August for NASCAR's first-ever Busch Series race there."That'd be awesome," he said. "That would be good incentive for the attorneys to hurry up and get it done."(Yahoo! Sports)(6-17-2007)
Some teams looking to add 4th team: The season is not even half over and several teams say they want to expand for next season. Officials from Dale Earnhardt Inc., Evernham Motorsports, Richard Childress Racing have said they'd like to expand to four cars next year. There have been hints other teams might look add a team. How many actually do will depend on what kind of sponsorship they can find.(Greensboro News and Record)(6-16-2007)
Evernham looking to re-sign Riggs: Car owner [#9,#10,#19] Ray Evernham says he's in talks with Scott Riggs to keep him there. Riggs is in the last year of his contract. ... Evernham also says his deal to add George Gillette as a partner is about a month away from completion.(Greensboro News and Record)(6-16-2007)
Old Nose for Evernham cars at MIS? UPDATE: hearing that the Evernham Motorsports Dodge Chargers will be running 2006 noses this weekend at Michigan.(6-13-2007)
UPDATE: #9-Kahne is running the 2006 Dodge nose, but #19- Sadler and #10-Riggs are using the current nose.(SPEED's MIS Practice coverage)(6-15-2007)
Evernham close to a deal to sale part of team: Ray Evernham expects to finalize the sale of an unspecified portion of his Nextel Cup Series operation to Montreal Canadiens owner George Gillett Jr. within 60 to 90 days, the team owner told ESPN.com on Tuesday. "It's not done, but we're working on it pretty hard," Evernham said. "Honestly, I'm flying to Chicago and we're hammering through some things. Things are looking really positive, but it's not done. Quite honestly, it's not going to be done for another 60 to 90 days. It takes a long, long time, but it looks good. We've agreed to go forward, but there's so much legal stuff that's got to be done. It takes months. I feel positive it'll get done. I really do." Evernham chose not to divulge the exact percentage of his company Gillett would acquire, but did say both gentlemen would have a "substantial stake in the business side of things." Evernham also said he would still run EMS' day-to-day operations. Evernham said there are multiple contracts to wade through and further due diligence to complete. Once done, Evernham says the deal would instantly elevate EMS toward the Nextel Cup elite.(ESPN.com)(5-30-2007)
Evernham close to a partner: Montreal Canadiens owner George N. Gillett is close to a partnership arrangement with Evernham Motorsports [#9, #10, #19]. Gillett, who also is the owner of the Liverpool soccer team in the English Premier League, would be the second major sports team owner to join NASCAR this season, following Red Sox owner John Henry's buy-in to what is now Roush Fenway Racing.(Sporting News)(5-7-2007)
Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper to sponsor Riggs at two races IMAGE: Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper will be the primary sponsor of the #10 Evernham Motorsports Dodge that Scott Riggs drives in two 2007 Nextel Cup Series races: Las Vegas Speedway on March 11, 2007 and at Michigan International Speedway on August 19, 2007. Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper will be an associate sponsor of the #9, #10 and #19 Evernham Dodges for all other Nextel Cup Series races in 2007 and will receive branding on Evernham team uniforms, team haulers and pit equipment. Kasey Kahne will be driving the #9 car while Elliott Sadler will take the wheel for #19.(Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper site)(3-6-2007)
IMAGE: see an image of the scheme on my #10 Team Schemes page.(3-8-2007)
Evernham cancels appeals? UPDATE no, but penalties upheld: hearing that after the penalties for the #9 Dodge of Kasey Kahne were upheld on Monday, Evernham Motorsports withdrew their appeal of the Daytona penalties of the #10 Dodge of Scott Riggs and #19 Dodge of Elliott Sadler.(3-7-2007)
UPDATE: Evernham Motorsports lost its second appeal in as many days Tuesday as the National Stock Car Racing Commission turned down the #19 team's appeal of the 25-point penalty NASCAR handed down for infractions during Speedweeks at Daytona International Speedway.(SceneDaily.com), no word on the #10 team and Riggs but supposedly they chose not to appeal, but have heard nothing for sure.(3-7-2007)
Appeals to be heard next week: Penalty appeals for four Nextel Cup teams accused of breaking NASCAR's equipment rules leading up to the Daytona 500 will be heard early next week, NASCAR officials told ESPN.com on Tuesday. The appeals for Kasey Kahne's #9 team and Matt Kenseth's #17 team will be heard on March 5 in North Carolina. Appeals for Scott Riggs' #10 team and Elliott Sadler's #19 team will be heard the following day, also in North Carolina, NASCAR said.(ESPN.com)(2-27-2007)
Evernham Appeals Penalties to all 3 teams: Appeals for the penalties passed out to the Nextel Cup teams of #9-Kasey Kahne, #19-Elliott Sadler and #10-Scott Riggs before the Daytona 500 were filed on Wednesday by owner Ray Evernham. Roush Fenway Racing filed an appeal on the penalties against Matt Kenseth's #17 team on Saturday. Evernham said before Sunday's race he was most concerned about the severity of the penalties, particularly the points deductions, and the damage allegations of cheating have done to the reputation of his organization. "That's been tarnished and it bothers me more than anything," Evernham said. Kenny Francis, Kahne's team director [crew chief], was suspended for four weeks and fined $50,000 after NASCAR inspectors discovered that two layers of duct tape covering an air hole near the rear wheel well came off during qualifying. Officials said the first layer had a razor slice in it that they believe was designed to force both layers of tape off. Kahne was docked 50 championship points and Evernham 50 owners' points for what NASCAR deemed a blatant attempt to create an aerodynamic advantage. Rodney Childers and Josh Browne, the team directors for Riggs and Sadler, were suspended for two races and fined $25,000 each when officials discovered the bolts that attach the rear spoiler to the trunk had holes drilled in them to help create an aerodynamic advantage. Their drivers were docked 25 championship points each. Evernham said the bolts were hollowed out to make them lighter and were used in all four restrictor plate races last season without penalty. NASCAR officials said a date for the appeal, to be heard by the National Stock Car Racing Commission, has not been set.(ESPN.com)(2-21-2007)
Evernham names interim crew chiefs/team directors: Team owner Ray Evernham will sit atop the pit box for Evernham Motorsports' #19 Dodge driven by Elliott Sadler during the Gatorade Duel 150-mile qualifying race Thursday, team officials confirmed Wednesday. Evernham will share responsibilities as team director, Evernham's vernacular for crew chief, with car director Kirk Almquist. Tim Malinovsky and Chad Johnston will serve as Sadler's engineers. Tuesday, NASCAR suspended all three of Evernham's team directors, Kenny Francis (Kasey Kahne's No. 9 team) for four races and Rodney Childers (Scott Riggs' #10) and Josh Browne (#19) for two apiece. Team enginner Keith Rodden will serve as Kahne's team director, with support from car director Rich Hubbs and engineer Nick Hughes. Kevin Kidd will be Riggs' team director, with support from car director Dave Bryant and engineer Mike Wolfe.(SceneDaily.com)(2-15-2007)
EMS will not appeal 4-race suspension, may appeal #10, #19 penalties: Team owner Ray Evernham said he won't appeal the four-race suspension to #9 team director Kenny Francis but is still mulling over whether to appeal the two-race suspensions of #19 team director Josh Browne and #10 team director Rodney Childers. Francis, the crew chief for Kasey Kahne, had his car fail post-qualifying inspection Sunday after tape came off holes in the oil tank and the right rear wheelhouse, where a hose would run during race conditions. Francis also was fined $50,000, and the team and driver were docked 50 points. Kahne also will have to start his 150-mile qualifying race for Sunday's Daytona 500 from the rear of the field. Evernham said that one layer of tape had been slit but another had not. He said the tape was found inside the car. He said no extra holes were drilled in the car. Browne and Childers, the team directors for Elliott Sadler and Scott Riggs, were found to have illegal bolts in their spoiler fasteners prior to qualifying Sunday. They were also fined $25,000, and the team and drivers were docked 25 points. Evernham said those bolts were used in all restrictor-plate races last year and questioned whether it was right for NASCAR to penalize a team for an infraction where the part is presented for inspection prior to an event and found illegal. "I don't know how you find out if something is legal or not until you present it for inspection," Evernham said. "Those parts were used in 2006. The deck lid is sealed up so they cannot be an aerodynamic device. We lighten several bolts on our car." The car owner said he is now "scared to death" wondering if parts that had been raced will be deemed illegal in pre-qualifying inspection and the team will be docked points in the future. "I'm going to be best friends with [NASCAR's] John Darby and Robin Pemberton because I will be at their doorstep, and I will ask every nut, bolt and washer: Is this legal or not legal?" Evernham said. Evernham said he was still deciding exactly how his teams would be organized and who would be interim team directors. He said the teams will use the 150-mile qualifying races as a test to see who will work well in what role.(in part from SceneDaily.com)(2-14-2007)
Penalties Announced by NASCAR; Suspensions, Fines, Points Taken Away: NASCAR has announced that Robby Reiser and Kenny Francis have each been suspended for 4 races and fined $50,000. In addition, the teams of #17-Matt Kenseth and #9-Kasey Kahne have been penalized 50 owner and driver points. Also, the team directors for Evernham drivers #19-Elliott Sadler and #10-Scott Riggs (Rodney Childers and Joshn Browne, respectively) have each been suspended for 2 races and fined $25,000 for violations found prior to qualifying on Sunday. Those team have each lost 25 owners and drivers point. No announcement has been made on #55-Michael Waltrip.(2-13-2007)
Scott Riggs to Host “Riggs Report” on SIRIUS: Valvoline Evernham Racing and SIRIUS Satellite Radio have announced that Scott Riggs, driver of the #10 Valvoline/Stanley Tools Dodge in the Nextel Cup Series, will have a weekly spot on the SIRIUS NASCAR Radio program, The Driver’s Seat. The Driver’s Seat, hosted by veteran broadcaster John Kernan, airs Monday through Friday from 11am to 3pm/et exclusively on SIRIUS NASCAR Radio, channel 128. A stellar crew of past and present drivers including Buddy Baker, Johnny Benson, Randy LaJoie, Ron Hornaday, Ricky Craven, Phil Parsons and John Andretti co-host the show, taking calls from listeners, interviewing special guests and discussing the latest news from the high-speed world of NASCAR. Listeners can catch the Riggs Report with Scott Riggs and John Kernan every Tuesday from 1 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. beginning February 13th, where they will be
discussing previous and upcoming races as well as current topics in the sport.(Valvoline Evernham Racing/Sirius PR)(2-12-2007)
Evernham Motorsports Promotes: Evernham Motorsports announced the promotions of four senior team members who, along with Ray Evernham, team owner and CEO of Evernham Motorsports, comprise the leadership of the organization. Rick Russell, who has been with Evernham Motorsports since 2000, was promoted to president in addition to his current responsibilities as general manager and chief financial officer. Dr. Eric Warren was promoted to vice president in addition to his current responsibilities as technical director. A member of Evernham Motorsports since 2002, he leads the company’s engineering operations. Sammy Johns was named vice president in addition to his current responsibilities as competition director. Johns joined Evernham Motorsports as the head of the
team’s research and development effort in April 2001, then stepped into the team director role on the #19 Dodge later that season. He went on to become the competition director at the end of the 2003 season. Mark McArdle was promoted to vice president in addition to his responsibilities as managing director of Evernham Engines.(Evernham Motorsports/Clear!Blue PR)(1-30-2007)
Evernham looking for financial partner: Ray Evernham, owner of Evernham Motorsports [#9,#10,#19] is looking for a financial partner to help keep up with rising costs, and he believes other owners will follow suit if they hope to survive. Some already have. Jack Roush is close to a deal that would sell 25-50 percent of Roush Racing to Boston Red Sox owner John Henry and Fenway Sports Group. Real estate tycoon Bobby Ginn purchased a reported 80 percent of MB2 Motorsports -- now Ginn Racing -- in August.
Richard Childress sold part of Richard Childress Racing to Chartwell Investments a few years go.(ESPN.com)(1-26-2007)
2006 News
#10 crew member/Harvick scuffle UPDATE 3: reported on Speed Channel's SPEED Report by Bob Dillner, per FoxSports.com:
Emotions definitely flowed over to the postrace activities as the guys walked to the garage area. After the Dickies 500, the #10 and the #29 teams were coming down the entrance way to the garage area where all of the teams bring their pit boxes. There was an altercation between the #10 team and Kevin and DeLana Harvick. Apparently, Kevin and DeLana both got knocked down. NASCAR's Jim Hunter told me they are investigating the situation wholeheartedly and expects that there will be fined and penalties either Tuesday or Wednesday. "After the fact, right out of the moment, everybody's pretty hot-headed (and) got to running their mouth a little bit," Richard Childress Racing Director Mike Dillion said. "That's about all it was. Somebody got shoved, and they're sorting it out now. But they shoved Kevin and his wife down in front of the pit box is what was bad. Everybody out here has done it in their racing career at some point in time. It's just unfortunate. The guys need to let the drivers handle it. One of the NASCAR officials got hurt trying to stop the box," Dillion continued. "That's pretty bad, too. Hurt his ankle so they took him to the infield care center." A lot of people were called to the NASCAR trailer after this race, including Rodney Childers, the crew chief for Scott Riggs and the #10 team. He's responsible for the actions of everybody. DeLana and Kevin Harvick were both brought in as well. Several eyewitnesses were brought in. In fact, Roger Penske was up there talking to NASCAR President Mike Helton and Nextel Cup Series Director John Darby and everybody that was looking at the incident.(11-5-2006)
UPDATE: been told the #10 Crew Member has been suspended for the rest of the season.(11-7-2006)
UPDATE 2: Sirius Speedway has learned that NASCAR will announce later today that it has indefinitely suspended Craig "C.C." Curione, the front tire carrier for Scott Riggs' #10 Dodge, for his role in a postrace altercation Sunday night at Texas Motor Speedway. Curione was identified as the member of Riggs' Evernham Motorsports crew who shoved Kevin Harvick from behind while he and his wife, DeLana, were walking to the infield media center following the Dickies 500. The Harvicks and NASCAR official John Sacco all fell, landing in the path of the #10 team's war wagon, which hit Sacco and left him with a sprained ankle. The Harvicks were not hurt.
Spokesman Kerry Tharp said earlier today, "NASCAR has been looking into this postrace incident since it occurred. It's something we take very seriously. An announcement regarding a course of action could come as early as Tuesday." A spokeswoman for Evernham Motorsports said the team has cooperated with NASCAR's investigation, and will have no comment until a final determination has been made.(Motorsports Soapbox)(11-7-2006)
OFFICIAL Penalty: NASCAR announced today that Craig Curione, a crew member for the #10 Dodge team, has been suspended indefinitely from NASCAR and fined $10,000 for a rule violation he committed following last Sunday’s race at Texas Motor Speedway. The action resulted from violation of Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing; involved in an altercation with another Competitor) of the 2006 NASCAR Rule book.(NASCAR PR)(11-7-2006)
MORE: Statement from James Rocco – Valvoline Evernham Racing, Designated Team Owner: “After a comprehensive internal review of the post-race incident between Kevin Harvick and a member of the #10 team, Valvoline Evernham Racing supports NASCAR’s decision to indefinitely suspend the involved crew member. We apologize to Kevin and DeLana Harvick, NASCAR, our partners and our fans for this incident. The behavior demonstrated by the involved crew member was in violation of the Valvoline Evernham Racing Employee Code of Conduct and will not be tolerated. We concur with NASCAR’s ruling and will not appeal the suspension or fine.”(Evernham Motorsports/Clear!Blue PR)(11-7-2006)
'Cars' featured on the #10 of Riggs at Texas: There is a different paint scheme this weekend on the #10 Valvoline Dodge that Scott Riggs drivers as they are promoting the release of Disney’s ‘Cars’ movie on DVD.(CLear!Blue PR)(11-2-2006)
'Alien' scheme on the #10 at Charlotte: The #10 Stanley Tools Dodge will run a special 'Alien' scheme at Lowe's Motor Speedway in the Bank of America 500 Nextel Cup race on Oct. 14th. The 'Alien' is from a Stanley Tools commercial featuring their Stanley MaxLife 369 Tripod LED flashlight. See the #10 Team Schemes page for the image.(10-4-2006)
Evernham expanding in 2007: Evernham Motorsports has won a race in each of its six seasons and qualified for all three editions of the Chase for the Nextel Cup. But success has come with a price. Once able to field cars with $10 million apiece annually and about 60 crewmembers, Evernham has a staff of 330 and says he needs $20 million a car to be competitive. Next year, the team will add a part-time fourth Charger while spending more on the Car of Tomorrow. Evernham estimates his budget will need to grow by $8 million for software, technology and personnel.(USA Today - in part), the team currently fields three Cup teams, one part time Busch team and a Truck Series team.(10-4-2006)
Evernham to a four car team...in the future: on Speed Channel's NASCAR Raceday, Nextel Cup team owner Ray Evernham said he hope to expand to a four-car team in the future. NASCAR.com has an interview with Evernham by Marty Smith, one quote reports "Do you have plans to add a fourth team? Evernham: Yeah, we're trying to do that. We can't do it next year. We're not going to make next year, but we've got some things that I'm in the middle of putting together right now. The plan really was to go to four teams and we just couldn't get everything together fast enough."(8-26-2006)
Hellmann’s on the #10 at Watkins Glen as assoc: The #10 Valvoline/Stanley Tools Dodge Charger of Scott Riggs will carry associate sponsorship from Hellmann’s Mayonnaise this weekend. Riggs will also drive for Hellmann’s in the upcoming Busch Series race at Dover as part of the Ultimate Chargers Busch program.(Evernham Motorsports/Clear!Blue PR)(8-10-2006)
Auto Value on the #10 at NHIS: For the first time Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper will be the primary sponsor on Scott Riggs’ #10 this weekend at NHIS as part of a two race partnership. Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper’s next race will be at Richmond in the fall.(Clear!Blue/Evernham PR), see an image of the scheme on my #10 Team Schemes page(7-13-2006)
Dodge partners its F-1, NASCAR teams: DaimlerChrysler CEO Dr. Dieter Zetsche attended Saturday night's Nextel Cup race at Daytona, where his likeness appeared on the hoods of the [#9 and #19 Ask Dr Z] Dodges driven by Evernham Motorsports' Kasey Kahne and Jeremy Mayfield. Then Zetsche flew to Indianapolis to be with McLaren-Mercedes for what turned out to be a short day for the team in Sunday's U.S. Grand Prix. At a news conference Sunday morning at the convention center, where he was joined by McLaren team principal Ron Dennis and NASCAR team owner Ray Evernham, among others, Zetsche said a joint NASCAR/F-1 program isn't as farfetched as it might seem. "The technology is very different, but the principles are the same," he said. "There is much to share. NASCAR has something to tell as far as the show is concerned. I saw Daytona and it's quite something." Zetsche said DaimlerChrysler is committed long term to both programs. "It's our history and will be our future as well," he said. "NASCAR is as American as it can get. We are there to stay." Dennis and Evernham agreed they are in the initial stages of developing their partnership, but both expect it to be fruitful. "It takes time because they're two very different types of motor sports," Dennis said. "It's a learning curve for both of us. But we are blown away by their marketing machine." Evernham acknowledged he has thought about one day being part of a U.S. team effort in F-1 but not until his NASCAR program has produced a championship or two. He is counting on the union with McLaren and Mercedes to help him do that. "It's not just the technology. Take what they're doing with their strategy and their software," he said. "It's great to have a big brother like McLaren. This is what we've been waiting for."(Indianapolis Star)(7-2-2006)
Riggs injured, Elliott to stand by at Sonoma UPDATE: Monday, while on vacation with his family in Myrtle Beach [SC, #10-Scott Riggs injured both feet while unloading his jet ski in an oyster bed. The wounds required 12 stitches in the ball of left foot and eight stitches in the right big toe. The injury to Riggs has caused Valvoline Evernham Racing to make back-up plans for this weekend’s NASCAR Nextel Cup Series race in Sonoma. Ray Evernham and Valvoline Designated Team Owner Jim Rocco have retained former NASCAR champion Bill Elliott to stand by this weekend should Riggs not be able to practice, qualify or race the Valvoline/Stanley Tools Dodge Charger. As things stand today, Riggs will be racing Sunday, according to the team. “Jim and I huddled today with Scott, Bill Elliott, Team Director Rodney Childers and Competition Director Sammy Johns and we are going to Sonoma with the intention of Scott running the full weekend,” Evernham said. “But Bill will be ready for any scenario.”
“I’m going to Sonoma to race,” Riggs said Wednesday. “It was a freak incident at Myrtle Beach. There was no warning about an oyster bed where we unloaded. We’ll see what happens when I get in the race car. I’m going to do what’s best for the team this weekend.”
Valvoline Evernham Racing will have updates at Infineon Raceway for the media.(Evernham Motorsports/Clear!Blue PR)(6-22-2006)
UPDATE: Riggs says injuries to his feet suffered while vacationing in Myrtle Beach, SC, earlier this week won't keep him from competing in Sunday's race at Infineon Raceway. The team had former full-time driver Bill Elliott on standby at Infineon, but after Friday's first practice and a qualifying effort that left Riggs 25th for Sunday's race, Riggs said he felt Elliott's services would not be needed. He wore a larger shoe, borrowed from teammate Jeremy Mayfield, that was fitted with a plastic piece designed to help keep pressure off the stitches during Friday's practice and qualifying sessions.(SceneDaily.com)(6-24-2006)
Special Stanley Scheme at Talladega: Scott Riggs will run a special Stanley Tools scheme on the #10 Evernham Motorsports Dodge at Talladega Superspeedway on April 30th, Stanley FatMax Xtreme Tools, which is part of the ten race primary sponsorship with Stanley Tools. See an image of the scheme on my #10 Team Schemes page.(4-19-2006)
Cup team considering move to Indy? UPDATE Evernham Denies: in a Darrell Waltrip column at FoxSports: "by the way I was in Indy this past week on some business. There's a rumor going around that some big NASCAR team was thinking about moving to Indianapolis, and I was talking to some folks who may have given me an inside track on who it might be. It's a guy that's got three cars and no crew chiefs, if that helps you any."(FoxSports), no crew chiefs? Evernham Motorsports uses Team Directors...not crew chiefs.(1-6-2006)
UPDATE Evernham denies: Team owner Ray Evernham said Sunday morning that there was absolutely no truth to the rumors that he was considering relocating his team from Statesville, N.C., to the Indianapolis area. The state of Indiana has been trying to lure teams to the Hoosier state, but Evernham said he wouldn’t even consider leaving his current location, which abuts an airport and houses the rapidly growing Evernham Motorsports operation. “I have not talked to anybody at Indy,” Evernham said Sunday morning. “We have no intention of moving Evernham Motorsports. We’re more than happy where we’re at. And actually, it’s been distracting to the team because I had a lot of people coming up and asking me about it. I have no idea where that even came from.”(Speed Channel)(3-13-2006)
Shelmerdine to sell ride? #27-Kirk Shelmerdine in his sixth long-shot try made the field for the Daytona 500. Shelmerdine, 47, was NASCAR's top crew chief in the 1980s and early 1990s, winning four championships with Dale Earnhardt. He abruptly left the Richard Childress team after 1992, went into semi-seclusion, and began pursuing a somewhat quixotic career as driver. This week, Shelmerdine's #27 entry amounted to a last chance. "If we didn't make it, I didn't know what I was going to do next week," he said after the heats. I was going to have to sell a bunch of stuff. I'd have had to sell the car and a lot of my old Ford stuff from last year." Basically put him out of business? "Yep," Kirk said. "But I didn't have much to lose." However it falls right now, Shelmerdine seems to have a lot to gain. Last place in the 500 pays about $275,000, and the bundle could go much higher if, say, Valvoline, which was shut out of the race when Scott Riggs failed to meet criteria, decides to buy Shelmerdine out [Jayski NOTE: Riggs runs a Dodge, Shelmerdine is a Chevy, have to use the same car]. Shelmerdine smiled his cat smile. "My lawyer's here, they can come talk to her," he said. "I don't know what we're going to do. The plan was to get through today in good shape. Now it's time for a new plan."(Speed Channel)(2-17-2006)
2005 News
Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper back with Evernham Motorsports: Moving into their second year of partnership, aftermarket auto parts giant Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper and Evernham Motorsports have turned up the heat for what is sure to be another great season. As a NASCAR sponsor of Evernham Motorsports, Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, parent company of Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper, will receive primary status on the #10 Dodge in the 2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series and on the #9 Dodge in the Busch Series.
The #10 Dodge will be showcased by driver Scott Riggs for Nextel Cup races at New Hampshire on July 16, 2006 and at Richmond on September 9, 2006.
The Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper brands take the lead with the primary sponsorship of the Busch Series#9 Dodge driven by Jeremy Mayfield at California on February 25, 2006. Not to be called a rookie any longer, Kasey Kahne will be behind the wheel of the Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper #9 Dodge for the Busch Series race at Bristol on August 25, 2006. Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper's multi-year sponsorship of Evernham Motorsports will build their brand across a broad audience whose love affair with cars starts in their own garage and culminates with high performance racing. NASCAR brand research shows that NASCAR fans are more likely to have more than one vehicle. NASCAR fans are also more likely to buy used vehicles, which are typically older and require additional maintenance and auto parts. Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper's association with Evernham also will be used in key customer outreach efforts, retail marketing efforts and internal promotions. For more information about Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper visit www.800autotalk.com.(PR), see an image of the #10 car on my #10 Team Schemes page.(12-20-2005)
Childers goes to Evernham; Randolph back as #10 crew chief UPDATE 2: hearing that current #10 MB2 Motorsports team crew chief for Scott Riggs, Rodney Childers, will leave after the race at Texas so start working at Evernham, gettting ready of the new #10 Valvoline Dodge that Riggs will drive in 2006. Hearing former #10 MB2 crew chief, Doug Randolph will finish out the season with Riggs and supposedly will be Sterling Marlin's crew chief on the #14 MB2 team in 2006.(11-4-2005)
UPDATE: Sterling Marlin will have Doug Randolph as crew chief next season in the #14 at MB2 Motorsports. The team's current crew chief, Rodney Childers, will join Scott Riggs at Evernham Motorsports.(Sporting News)(11-7-2005)
UPDATE 2: MB2 Motorsports announced that Doug Randolph will be the crew chief for the team's #14 Chevrolet, which will be
driven by Sterling Marlin in 2006. MB2 also announced that Randolph will replace Rodney Childers as crew chief of Scott Riggs' #10 Valvoline team for the remaining two races of 2005. MB2's #10 will change to #14 next season. Randolph joined MB2 following the 2003 season as crew chief for Riggs' Chevrolet. He held that post until June of this year when he was named race coordinator and driver development manager. As MB2's driver development manager, Randolph worked closely with 20-year-old Kraig Kinser and directed the
sprint car racer to a pair of strong performances in the ARCA RE/MAX Series.(MB2 Motorsports PR)(11-8-2005)
Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper to Sponsor Riggs in 2 races: Valvoline Evernham Racing, LLC has announced a partnership with Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper, one of the largest auto parts distribution and marketing organizations in the world, as primary sponsor of driver Scott Riggs during select 2006 NASCAR events. Riggs will pilot the #10 Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper/Valvoline Dodge Charger in the Nextel Cup Series July race at New Hampshire and the September race at Richmond, where Riggs’ Evernham Motorsports teammates have won two of the last three Nextel Cup events. Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper will continue as an associate sponsor of Evernham Motorsports’ #9 and #19 Dodge Dealers/UAW Dodge Chargers for all Nextel Cup races in 2006 and will receive branding on Kasey Kahne and Jeremy Mayfield’s uniforms, team transporters and pit equipment. Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper will also serve as primary sponsor for Evernham Motorsports’ #9 Dodge Charger in the Busch Series during the 2006 spring race at California and the fall race at Bristol.(Clear Blue PR)(11-6-2005)
Stanley to sponsor Riggs for 10 races in 2006, IMAGES: as previously announced, Scott Riggs will drive the #10 Evernham Motorsports Dodge in 2006, announced at Lowe' Motor Speedway today, Valvoline will be the primary sponsor for 26 of the 26 races and Stanley Tools will be the sponsor for the other 10 races with a black and yellow scheme similar to what has run on Evernham's #91 Dodge with Bill Elliott driving.(RacingOne), see images of the cars on my 2006 #10 Team Schemes page.
The Press Release..in part: The Stanley Works, one of the world’s best known brands of tools, hardware and security products, is adding a powerful new tool to its toolbox -- the co-primary sponsorship of the #10 Stanley Tools/Valvoline Dodge Charger and driver Scott Riggs. Stanley will sponsor the #10 Stanley Tools/Valvoline Dodge Charger for 10 races in 2006, including Las Vegas, Texas (A), Talladega (A), Darlington, Michigan (A), Daytona (B), Indianapolis, New Hampshire (B), Charlotte (B) and Phoenix (B).[with 'B' being the 2nd race of the season at that track] The #10 Stanley Tools/ Valvoline Dodge Charger will carry the signature yellow and black colors of the Stanley brand. Stanley Tools also will be the featured co-primary sponsor on the #10 Valvoline/Stanley Tools Dodge Charger in 21 races throughout the season. In addition to the primary sponsorship, Stanley will continue its involvement as an associate sponsor on
the race cars of Kasey Kahne and Jeremy Mayfield, as well as on the uniform of Erin Crocker. The Stanley Works, Evernham Motorsports and Dodge marketing partnership will include new product launches for many of its businesses, key customer outreach efforts, retail marketing and promotions. All Stanley brands will be involved in the program, including Bostitch, Proto, Vidmar, Best, and Blackhawk by Proto.(Evernham Racing/Clear!Blue PR)(10-15-205)
Riggs Corn Maze: In 2004, the corn maze was Michael Waltrip's #15 NAPA Auto Parts Chevy, 2005 brings us the Scott Riggs #10 Valvoline Chevy. Pam Griffin, who owns the farm at Hector's Creek near Raleigh, North Carolina, decided to build a corn maze when the decline in tobacco forced her family to rethink its way of life. She hired a specialist from Missouri who spent two days using a global positioning system to map and cut the maze, which offers visitors about a mile and a half of paths. Riggs entered the nine-acre, eight foot corn stalks and claimed he would have gotten lost without a guide.(Insider Racing News)(10-2-2005)
Riggs signs with EMS to run #10 Dodge in 2006 UPDATE 3: The runner-up finish for #10-Scott Riggs was the best of his two years in the Cup Series and came at a time when there is a big question mark over where he will race after this year. Riggs could re-sign with MB2 Motorsports, which brought him to NASCAR's top series, but there are also reports he will follow current sponsor Valvoline to Evernham Motorsports, joining current Evernham drivers Mayfield and Kasey Kahne in 2006. "What, what I can tell you right now is that nothing is in stone yet," Riggs said after Sunday's race. "I'm sure that things will be happening pretty quick here the next week or two. But this run doesn't dictate what's going to happen for me next year. This run just helps all the guys with their morale and keeping their chins up and knowing we're going the right kind of things that we need to do. It doesn't affect next year."(ESPN.com/AP), Sterling Marlin is rumored to replace in the un-numbered MB2 Chevy.(8-22-2005)
UPDATE: hearing that Scott Riggs has signed a 2-year deal to drive the #10 Valvoline Dodge for Evernham Motorsports and the deal will be announced at Bristol.(8-24-2005)
UPDATE 2: Evernham Motorsports to announce plans for the #10 Valvoline Dodge at Bristol Motor Speedway on Saturday, Aug 27th around 2:45pm/et.(8-25/27-2005)
OFFICIAL Valvoline Evernham Racing, a partnership between Valvoline and Evernham Motorsports, announced that Scott Riggs will be the driver of the #10 Valvoline Dodge Charger in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series in 2006. Evernham Motorsports and Valvoline entered into a partnership earlier this year for the team which will operate from the recently completed third facility at the Evernham Motorsports complex. Valvoline will be the primary sponsor for the #10 Valvoline Dodge Charger for at least 22 races and an associate sponsor for the #10 Dodge Charger for the remaining events on the 2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup schedule. In addition to maintaining the inventory of racecars, Evernham will also provide engines and the team will have full access to Evernham R&D. Riggs is currently in his second season of competition in the Nextel Cup Series as the driver of the MBV #10 Valvoline Chevy. In 58 events, Riggs has three top-five and six top-10 finishes, including a second-place finish at Michigan. He claimed his first career pole earlier this year at Martinsville. A crew chief for the team will be announced later. Much of the team personnel will transfer to the #10 team from Evernham Motorsports' #91 team. The third full-time team allows Evernham Motorsports to continue to grow and expand its operations. An expanded stable allows Evernham Motorsports to accelerate its R&D efforts, increase its test dates [doesn't look like that in 2006], enhance its ability to collect and analyze data and make improvements more quickly and efficiently. "This is a new era in Valvoline's long racing tradition," said Valvoline Designated Team Owner Jim Rocco. "As is the case with our current team, Valvoline will leave the running of the team - the competition, personnel and equipment - to Ray and his team. Valvoline's expertise is marketing and we will continue to make our NASCAR Nextel Cup Series racing effort serve the needs of our family of brands, which include Valvoline, Eagle One and Zerex."
The paint scheme for the #10 Valvoline Dodge Charger will be unveiled later this year.(Clear!Blue/Evernham Motorsports PR)(8-27-2005)
What's Up with Riggs for 2006? UPDATE signed?: The runner-up finish for #10-Scott Riggs was the best of his two years in the Cup Series and came at a time when there is a big question mark over where he will race after this year. Riggs could re-sign with MB2 Motorsports, which brought him to NASCAR's top series, but there are also reports he will follow current sponsor Valvoline to Evernham Motorsports, joining current Evernham drivers Mayfield and Kasey Kahne in 2006. "What, what I can tell you right now is that nothing is in stone yet," Riggs said after Sunday's race. "I'm sure that things will be happening pretty quick here the next week or two. But this run doesn't dictate what's going to happen for me next year. This run just helps all the guys with their morale and keeping their chins up and knowing we're going the right kind of things that we need to do. It doesn't affect next year."(ESPN.com/AP), Sterling Marlin is rumored to replace in the un-numbered MB2 Chevy.(8-22-2005)
UPDATE: hearing that Scott Riggs has signed a 2-year deal to drive the #10 Valvoline Dodge for Evernham Motorsports and the deal will be announced at Bristol.(8-24-2005)
Evernham still meeting with drivers: Scott Riggs [driver of the #10 Valvoline/Checkers/Rallys Chevy] reportedly is under consideration to join Valvoline at Ray Evernham's new third team in 2006 [the #10 Valvoline Dodge]. Evernham said yesterday the team has been meeting with available drivers but has nothing locked in yet. "This is more about building the company and growing our partnership with Valvoline and to rush out and make a decision on a driver is not in our best interests," Evernham said. "We're trying to review that. Do you want a veteran? Do you want someone who has potential to produce and hasn't yet? We're going through the same things that probably the 6 car and the 2 car are. Finding the right fit nowadays is a lot harder." Riggs, who has had a contract offer from MB2 since May but was waiting on its sponsorship status, said he has set no deadline for a decision on whether to stay.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(8-6-2005)
What's up with Riggs? it appears more likely than not that Scott Riggs will be leaving the [current] #10 Nelson Bowers-Bob Sutton-James Rocco team at the end of the season, probably to drive for Ray Evernham [in his #10 Valvoline car]. Jay Frye, the team manager for the Rocco-Bowers operation, is glad to get #01-Joe Nemechek [see below] under a new contract but he isn't happy with the state of negotiations with Riggs, who has apparently told Frye to consider looking for another driver. "We have every intention of re-signing Scott, and we presented an offer to him before Richmond (in May)," Frye said. "But he's been quoted saying he's talking with other teams. I think this is where he wants to be, but we'll see. Since all this got out, we've had calls from other drivers, some that would surprise a lot of people. We have every intention of Scott staying, and we want him to stay. We've got to decide within the next two or three weeks, because we're looking a sponsor prospects. So we've got to get it secured sooner rather than later."(Winston Salem Journal)(7-9-2005)
Riggs has not be contacted by Evernham: Driver ofthe #10 MBV Motorsports car. Scott Riggs: "The only people I've talked to about another contract is the team I'm already with." He knows that Valvoline would love to have me over there (the new Evernham team), but as far as sitting down and talking to anyone about a contract...no.(Cupscene.com)(7-2-2005)
Evernham Motorsports and Valvoline partner up, to use the #10 - IMAGES:Evernham Motorsports today announced
that it has agreed in principle to form a partnership with Valvoline to create Valvoline Evernham Racing LLC, which will campaign the #10 Valvoline Dodge Charger for the 2006 season. Under the arrangement, Valvoline will be the primary sponsor on the #10 Valvoline Dodge Charger for a majority of the races and will be a major associate sponsor on the #10 Dodge Charger for the remaining
races in the season. A driver and crew chief for the team will be announced at a later date. Much of the team personnel will transfer to the #10 team from Evernham Motorsports' #91 team. "This is the next step in our quest for a championship," said Ray Evernham, president and CEO of Evernham Motorsports. "In today's competitive environment, you need a multiple-car team to win races and
championships. When you have more race teams, it speeds your development and learning tremendously. With this expansion, we can compete more effectively against other multiple-car organizations. Having Valvoline as a partner - not just a sponsor - makes this an incredible program," Evernham said. "They have been a tremendous supporter of mine for many years, and our relationship has now grown into joint ownership of a team. Valvoline has a great history in this sport, and a deep understanding of what it takes to be successful. I look forward to winning championships with them." The third team will be housed out of the new third facility at Evernham Motorsports headquarters in Statesville, NC. It will lease engines and shop space from Evernham Motorsports and have full access to Evernham R&D. The team expansion allows Evernham Motorsports to continue to grow and advance its operations. The expanded stable also allows Evernham Motorsports to accelerate its R&D efforts, increase its test dates, enhance its ability to collect and analyze data, and make improvements more quickly and efficiently.
"This is a new era in Valvoline's long racing tradition," said Valvoline Designated Team Owner Jim Rocco. "As is the case with our current team, Valvoline will leave the running of the team - the competition, personnel, equipment - to our partner," he said. "Valvoline's expertise is marketing and we will continue to make our NASCAR Nextel Cup Series racing effort serve the needs of our family of brands which include: Valvoline, Eagle One and Zerex." For more information on Evernham Motorsports, visit evernhammotorsports.com.(Clear!Blue / Valvoline PR)(7-1-2005)
MORE and IMAGES: Ray Evernham will add a third team to his stable for 2006. The team will be co-owned by Valvoline with Jim Rocco listed as the offical team owner. Evernham said that the team will have Chris Andrews as crew chief and will use
teammembers alredy in place at Evernham Motorsports. The members will come from exisiting members who now work on the development teams. Evernham insisted that Erin Crocker, his star pupil at the moment isn't ready to move up, but that he would be "very interested" in bringing Scott Riggs, current driver at MB2 on board. Rocco agreed and said that they would like to see Riggs,
but that at this time no decision on a driver has been made.(Cup Scene Daily)
IMAGES: see images for the new #10 Valvoline Dodge Charger on my first 2006 Team schemes page #10.(7-1-2005)
Valvoline to End Partnership with MB2 Motorsports: Valvoline announced an agreement in principle to end its NASCAR Nextel Cup Series team partnership with MB2 Motorsports“ effective at the end of the current [2005] season. The racing sponsor/owner will sell its 50% share in the team to MB2 principals Nelson Bowers and Jay Frye and will no longer be primary sponsor of the #10 Chevrolet after the 2005 season. According to Valvoline Designated Team Owner Jim Rocco, the parting was an
amicable one. "We have nothing but respect and admiration for (MB2) owners Nelson Bowers and Jay Frye," said Rocco. "Nelson and Jay gave us the opportunity to become more than sponsors when we took the historic step to become team owners." Regarding Valvoline's NASCAR plans beyond the 2005 season, Rocco said, "We will have something to announce soon." Valvoline, a division of Ashland Inc., has been serving American motorists longer than any other motor oil company and is a leading innovator and supplier of quality, high-performing automotive and industrial products in more than 100 countries.(MB2 Motorsports), Valvoine is rumored to be going to Evernham Motorsports, possibly as the sponor of the 3rd team, #91 [or #98](6-29-2005)
Valvoline could be moving to Evernham Motorsports: The company has been associated with MBV and Nelson Bowers since 2001, but it is expected to sell its shares back to the team at the end of the season. Centrix Financial is expected to sponsor the #10 Chevrolet, which is being driven by Scott Riggs.(Sporting News)(6-20-2005)
Riggs hopes to be back in the #10 in 2006...if: Scott Riggs said Friday that he hopes to continue driving the #10 Chevrolet at MB2/MBV Motorsports in 2006, but the decision hinges largely on the team's sponsorship situation. Riggs' current sponsor, Valvoline, announced recently its plans to leave MB2/MBV following the 2005 season. "We've got a couple different fish on the line, but we're trying to figure out who's going to step up and be the primary," Riggs said. "Luckily, we're in a good position because it seems like we've had a lot of calls from people interested in doing it. I just want to make sure everything's secure there. [MB2 Motorsports CEO and general manager] Jay Frye assures me it is. I feel like it is." That's not to say Riggs, 34, isn't open to change. "I'm listening to other people talk to me," Riggs said. "I think there's definitely opportunities out there, but I haven't sat down with anybody to talk about the future except the 10 car."(NASCAR.com)(6-18-2005)
More changes at MB2/MBV? Riggs to leave? UPDATE team hopes to keep Riggs: Following closely on this week’s promotion and transfer of top technical personnel, expect some major announcements from the MB Motorsports organization in the next couple of weeks. The team, which campaigns Nextel Cup cars with drivers #01-Joe Nemechek, #10-Scott Riggs and (part-time) #36-Boris Said, soon will announce the signing of a well-known sprint-car driver to an ARCA/Busch/Cup program [known as the ABC program] for 2006, sources close to the team said. This will be the first step in a full-blown driver-development program. That driver is said to be Kraig Kinser. The team has been a cooperation among the MB2 (Nemechek) and MBV (Riggs) teams, with sponsor Valvoline to now owning part of the MBV team. Valvoline apparently intends to sell its part of the operation to MB2 founding owner Nelson Bowers and associates, with Valvoline remaining as associate sponsor on Riggs's #10. Centrix, sponsor of Said's effort, will step up to the top position [primary sponsor of the #10].(Speed Channel Notebook), and hearing Scott Riggs, driver of the #10 MBV team could end up at Evernham, Penske [#2] or the #6 Ford of Roush Racing.(6-12-2005)
UPDATE: Jay Frye, CEO/General Manager of MB2/MBV Motorsports, said on Speed Channel's NASCAR This Morning that the team plans to do everything it can to re-sign Scott Riggs and keep him in the #10 Chevy.(6-12-2005)
Looks like a 3rd full-time team for Evernham in 2006 UPDATE: Ray Evernham, chief of Dodge-backed Evernham Motorsports [#9, #19, #91], says chances are "better than 50%" that he will have a third Cup team in 2006. He said he has tentative agreements with significant sponsors, and he pulled up short when asked who would drive the car [Jayski Note: Brendan Gaughan has been rumored]. Evernham says he has constructed a building for the proposed new team and has personnel aboard. "I think you can get the team started and kind of take it from there. The sponsor is going to have to have realistic expectations. For a first-year team, to jump right up there and win races, there's not too many people who do that. "I'm fortunate enough to say I'm one of the people who have done it, but it's still very difficult. There are [drivers] out there that can win races, and the sponsor has to go into it realistically. Every sponsor says they want a top 10 car, top 10 driver, well, there's 15 top-10 cars out there, which one do you want?(Speed Channel)(6-11-2005)
UPDATE: another rumor floating around has Casey Mears, current driver for #41 Ganassi Racing going to Evernham, with Reed Sorenson moving up from Busch into the #41 Target Dodge. And Scott Riggs, driver of the #10 MBV team could end up at Evernhams.
AND Valvoline also apparently will become at least partial sponsor of a proposed third team out of Evernham Motorsports, with driver to be determined.(Speed Channel Notebook)(6-12-2005)