#22 Team Past News and Rumors
2005 News

  • It's in the mail for Wimmer: For Scott Wimmer, the news he wouldn't be back in Bill Davis' #22 Caterpillar Dodge came in the mail, two weeks after he'd been told his job was safe. "I'm kind of shell-shocked over that," he said. "Two weeks ago I was in the car, then I got a letter in the mail saying I'm out," he said. "But we'll move on and hopefully find something better."(Atlanta Journal-Constitution)(10-29-2005)

  • Blaney Looking: Dave Blaney, current driver of the #07 Jack Daniel's Chevy, reported he had no change in the prospects in picking up a ride for next season. He did say he would consider going back to Bill Davis Racing to take over the #22 next season as replacement for released Scott Wimmer.(High Point Enterprise)(10-29-2005)

  • Wimmer/BDR part ways after 2005: Bill Davis Racing announced today Scott Wimmer will finish the 2005 season as the driver of the #22 Caterpillar Dodge in the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series, but will not be returning behind the wheel of the #22 car in 2006. This will mark the conclusion of a four-year relationship in which car owner Bill Davis and Wimmer started in 2001, when Davis signed the young driver to a multi-year deal to drive for him in the NASCAR Busch Series. “Scott is a good driver and person. I know I speak on behalf of everyone at Bill Davis Racing and our sponsors when I say we wish him well,” said Bill Davis, team owner and president. “This is the part of this business I don’t like. Change isn’t always the easiest thing to do, but it is usually the best thing for everyone. I know it is what has made this sport grow and everyone grow who works in it. Scott is going to be successful and he most definitely still has a promising career ahead of him as a race car driver.” While racing together in the NASCAR Busch Series, Davis and Wimmer captured five wins, 17 top-five finishes and 37 top-10 finishes in 104 series starts. In 2002, Wimmer clinched four of the five wins in the last eight races of the season. “We had some exceptional success so quickly, when we got Scott in the Busch car,” Davis said. “We knew we had found a special person with a lot of talent, and just did the next natural thing by putting him in the Caterpillar car.” In late 2003, Davis called Wimmer up to replace Ward Burton as the full-time driver of the #22 Caterpillar car in the elite NASCAR Nextel Cup Series. A few months later in February 2004, Wimmer went on to finish third in his first Daytona 500 run. “Scott has gone above and beyond in representing Caterpillar and assisting with the sponsorship program,” Davis said. “It’s strong qualities like that, that are going to be only to his advantage as he moves on.”
    There will be two full-time NASCAR Nextel Cup teams housed at BDR’s High Point, N.C. shop next year. Davis announced in September, he had entered into a partnership with Michael Waltrip and NAPA AUTO PARTS to field a second car in 2006. BDR is still working to confirm its final plans for the #22 Caterpillar team’s 2006 season. “We are still working to find a replacement, which has not been designated at this time,” Davis said. “There are some very talented drivers out there right now without full-time rides for next year. Hopefully, we can get someone locked in very soon.”(Bill Davis Racing)(10-26-2005)

  • Special paint for Wimmer: The #22 Caterpillar Dodge of Scott Wimmer will feature a CAT AccessAccount signature blue paint scheme at Atlanta Motor Speedway this weekend in the Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500. The special blue paint scheme highlights the recent rollout of the CAT AccessAccount, which is a new revolving charge account that enables customers to pay for parts, service and rentals at participating Caterpillar Dealers throughout the United States. For more information or to apply online, visit www.cataccessaccount.com.(BDR PR), see an image of the scheme on my #22 Team Schemes page.(10-25-2005)

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  • Davis beats Dodge again: Bill Davis Racing has won another round in court against Dodge, which sued BDR over its building of Toyota Trucks and giving info to them. A judge rejected Dodge's request that the judge reconsider his July ruling that BDR didn't violate terms of their agreement by building trucks in 2003. The only matter to be disputed is if BDR gave confidential information to Toyota and is scheduled to go to trial in Decemebr at Michigan.(NASCAR Scene Magazine)(10-22-2005)

  • Wimmer staying at BDR in 2006: General Manager Mike Brown said Friday that Scott Wimmer will remain with Bill Davis Racing next season. Wimmer's contract goes through next season. There had been speculation that Wimmer, 33rd in the point standings, might not remain with the team after this season.(Roanoke Times)(10-8-2005)

  • No Cup for Lester in 2005...maybe 2006: Bill Lester's bid to become the first African-American driver to compete in NASCAR's top series since 1986 will be delayed until next season. Mike Brown, general manager for Bill Davis Racing, had said the team hoped to have Lester compete in select races this season, depending on sponsorship. Brown said Friday at Kansas Speedway that Lester's debut likely will take place early next year. It could happen at Atlanta Motor Speedway, a track Bill Davis Racing excels. "We do have some plans for Lester in '06,'' Brown said. "Right now, it's hard to say what it will be, one or two races or as many as 10. It just hasn't really come together as fast as we hoped. The key is we want to do it right. Another six months is not going to make a huge difference to try to do it the right way.'' The 44-year-old Lester competes in the Craftsman Truck series for Bill Davis Racing. He ranks 18th in the points. No African-American has competed in the Cup series since Willy T. Ribbs. He drove in three races in 1986.(Roanoke Times)(10-8-2005)

  • Waltrip, NAPA to Bill Davis Racing - It's OFFICIAL: Michael Waltrip and NAPA AUTO PARTS announced today they have entered into a partnership with Bill Davis Racing (BDR) for the 2006 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series season. Nine victories and eight poles are shared between the parties including three Daytona 500 rings and a Southern 500 victory. Bill Davis Racing's achievements lured Waltrip to their High Point, N.C. race shop. "I like the way Bill does business and he has created a strong organization," Waltrip explained. "NAPA and I look forward to continuing our winning ways at Bill Davis Racing on the track, as well as extending our successful marketing efforts off the track." Waltrip and NAPA were teamed up by the late Dale Earnhardt in 2001 when their initial race together put them in victory lane at the Daytona 500. Since then, the pair has taken advantage of their union to create one of the strongest partnerships in the sport.
    "Teaming with Dale Earnhardt, Inc. and Dale [Earnhardt] Jr. for the past five years has been the highlight of my NASCAR NEXTEL Cup career to date," continued Waltrip. "I look toward my future with NAPA and BDR with gratitude to DEI for the memories and friendships I have formed."
    "It is no secret that our association with Michael has been a key ingredient of our marketing efforts," said Bob Susor, president of NAPA AUTO PARTS. "Race fans associate NAPA AUTO PARTS with Michael Waltrip and vice versa. Michael has promoted our brand in his own unique style. Moving forward, we are pleased to announce our continued support of Michael Waltrip and a new partnership with Bill Davis Racing. This begins a new chapter in NASCAR team sponsorship for NAPA. We would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere appreciation for the many successes NAPA has enjoyed during our tenure with DEI such as two NASCAR Truck Series Championships and two Daytona 500 victories. We will value our DEI association and wish them nothing but the best in their future efforts."
    Next year will be Bill Davis Racing's 14th year of competition on the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series level, the team's 19th year in NASCAR competition. As a NASCAR team owner, Davis has worked with some of the sport's top drivers achieving wins in all three premier divisions of NASCAR, totaling 18 victories, 100 top-five finishes and 250 top-10 finishes.
    Davis currently fields one full-time NEXTEL Cup Series team with Scott Wimmer driving the #22 Caterpillar Dodge Charger. In 2004, Davis expanded his operations to house three full-time truck teams in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. The teams include Mike Skinner in the #5 Toyota Tundra, Bill Lester in the #22 Toyota Tundra, and Johnny Benson in the #23 Toyota Tundra.
    "NAPA and Michael Waltrip are the perfect combination to re-establish our two-car Cup team in 2006," said Davis. "NAPA and Michael are held in high regard in our sport and have been successful in each Series they have competed. We plan to build on their success and create a very competitive team next year and beyond." There will be a Q&A session at the #22 CAT Racinghauler in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup garage at 10:10am/et Friday, Sept. 23.(Bill Davis Racing)), no mention of car number or if #22 driver, Scott Wimmer will be back.(9-23-2005)

  • Bill Davis Racing/Waltrip Announcement UPDATE 2 Mikey on Trackside: Bill Davis hopes to improve that situation [one car team] by having his second [Cup] entry return to the tour full-time next year. He intends to announce details of the program this week. Garage speculation in recent weeks has targeted Michael Waltrip as the driver [with NAPA as the sponsor]. "Like every one over here, we were looking at ways to get better," Davis said. "Going to a two-car team will help, with all the advantages that entails from testing and sharing information." Also of note, when Mike Skinner won a truck race a few weeks ago Davis became just the sixth owner in history to win in all of NASCAR's top three series, joining Jack Roush, Rick Hendrick, Darrell Waltrip, Dale Earnhardt Inc. and Richard Childress.(High Point Enterprise)(9-15-2005)
    UPDATE: Michael Waltrip said on this weeks Inside Nextel Cup show thathe would announce his 2006 plans on Speed Channel's Trackside show from Dover, which airs this Friday at 7:00pm/et [re-air at 11:00pm/et].(9-21-2005)
    UPDATE 2: Michael Waltrip will announce Friday [on Trackside] that he has signed a one-year deal to drive a second car for Davis next season. Davis entered two cars in most races from 2000 to 2003 but cut back last season and now fields only Scott Wimmer's #22 Dodge. Wimmer hasn't had a top-10 finish this season and enters Sunday's race at Dover International Speedway 33rd in points. Waltrip will bring NAPA Auto Parts, his current sponsor at Dale Earnhardt Inc., with him to Davis; Waltrip, 42, announced in July that he would not return to DEI in 2006. Davis' team fields Dodges in Nextel Cup but doesn't receive technical or financial support from the automaker. Dodge sued the team in 2003 after it discovered team members were doing development work for Toyota's Craftsman Truck Series program. Though Waltrip says the lack of factory support has "probably been a disadvantage" for Davis, the possibility of aligning himself with Toyota — which hasn't announced plans to join Nextel Cup but is expected to do so in 2007 — was part of the attraction. "I guess it was a consideration on my part to see what might be next," Waltrip said.(USA Today), have seen the NAPA PR and it doesn't address the car number Waltrip will drive [#22? #23? #00?] nor if Scott Wimmer will be back in the #22 Caterpillar Dodge in 2006, although Caterpillar is signed with Davis until 2007.(9-23-2005)

  • CAT Chopper at Dover IMAGE: Some may have to do a double-take at the #22 Dodge of Scott Wimmer this weekend at Dover International Speedway, because it will have the CAT Chopper riding alongside it … well, on the side of it. Earlier this year on the Discovery Channel hit “American Chopper” series, the father-and-son duo—the Teutuls—created the “CAT Chopper.” The bike was featured on the popular series during the months of April and August and has been touring the country since its completion, traveling to CAT dealers for open houses, bike rallies and more. The original CAT Chopper will be on display at Dover International Speedway this Sunday just outside the Caterpillar hospitality tent. Go to cat.com and click on “showcases” to learn more about the CAT Chopper, but don’t forget to check it out for yourself this weekend at Dover.(Bill Davis Racing)(9-21-2005)
    IMAGE: see an image of the scheme on my #22 Team Schemes page.(9-22-2005)

  • Special Scheme for the #22: Scott Wimmer is scheduled to run a Car Rental schemes at Bristol in August.(5-11-2005)
    AND This weekend, the #22 Caterpillar car’s paint scheme highlights CAT Rental Stores, which offers a full range of Caterpillar products and other brand name equipment and specialized tools to meet all job site needs. CAT Rental Stores rent newer equipment that is fully serviced by expert mechanics, so it’s ready to work when you are. For more information and to find the CAT Rental Store location nearest you in the U.S. and Canada, call 1-800-RENT-CAT.(Bill Davis Racing), see an image of the scheme on my #22 Team Schemes page.(8-25-2005)

  • Wimmer testing at RIR: Scott Wimmer and the #22 Caterpillar team will have a one-day test at Richmond International Raceway Wednesday, Aug. 31, in preparation for the upcoming Chevy Rock & Roll 400 at RIR in September.(Bill Davis Racing)(8-25-2005)

  • Wimmer staying at BDR? #22-Scott Wimmer says he's working on a new three-year contract with Bill Davis Racing, and he hopes to benefit from the team's likely expansion. "A lot of people don't see what goes on every weekend," Wimmer said Friday at Michigan International Speedway. "We've been caught up in wrecks - some have been our fault, but others haven't - we've had some mechanical problems and things like that. We're a single-car team, and I think we're running better this year than we did all last year and we're further down in the points." Wimmer was entirely optimistic when talking about his future, but Davis sounded less upbeat when asked to comment on the driver's status. "It's a performance-driven sport, and we certainly have not had a very good year," Davis said. "We like Scott, and we'd like to make Scott as successful over here as we did in the Busch Series. Everybody knows what it takes over here. It takes performance." Davis doesn't like to use his team's status as a single-car team, nor the fact that it lost Dodge factory backing two years ago, as an excuse for poor performance, but Wimmer said the team has been behind all season understanding the aerodynamic properties of a new body style for 2005. "It'll just takes a little bit to get it all together, and hopefully these last 15 races we can really show what we can do and gear for next year," Wimmer said. "I hate saying that. Every year it seems like I say we're gearing for next year, but that's really all you can do." Davis has fielded a second car six times this season, and Wimmer said he benefits each time he has a teammate. Davis said he is "pretty close" to putting together a second full-time team for next year. Davis' team hasn't been a big player in the rumor mill, although his team has long been linked with Toyota's anticipated, eventual move into Nextel Cup because he fields two Toyotas in the Craftsman Truck Series. Recently rumors have Michael Waltrip and sponsor NAPA heading to Davis after the two-time Daytona 500 winner leaves Dale Earnhardt Inc. at the end of the year. BDR and the part-time Cup team owned by Waltrip combined forces for the second time and are fielding a car this weekend for Johnny Benson. Waltrip told the Associated Press he needed time to weigh his options, adding, "I hope by the middle of September it'll be obvious what I'm going to do." People shouldn't read anything into the combined effort, Davis said. Wimmer, meanwhile, disavowed any inside knowledge about the rumors. "I heard a couple things this week, so it'll be interesting how it all plays out," he said. "Some of the drivers that are (rumored) to come over here, I've heard, are going to be great teammates, so I'm excited."(Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
    AND during Speed Channel's Happy Hour practice coverage, Wimmer was asked about his status, he said he is signed thru 2006 and excited about next season.(8-20-2005)

  • Benson to drive #23 car at Atlanta: Through an agreement with Bill Davis Racing, the Challenger brand is a new associate sponsor on the #22 Caterpillar Dodge, driven by Scott Wimmer, through the end of the 2006 racing season – and, in addition, is the primary sponsor on the #23 Dodge, driven by Johnny Benson, in the Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500 Nextel Cup race at the Atlanta Motor Speedway this October. The Challenger brand graces a full line of quality tractors, combines and hay tools. The #22 Caterpillar Dodge carried the Challenger brand on board for the first time in this past Sunday’s Allstate 400 at the Brickyard. For more information on any of Challenger’s full line of agricultural products visit www.challengerag.com.(Johnny Benson site)(8-11-2005)

  • Congrats: Hayden Philip Wimmer was born July 19th at 5:52pm to #22 driver Scott Wimmer and wife Judy. Baby and Jody are doing fine. Hayden was 8lbs, 6oz and 21 inches long.(7-20-2005)

  • Davis wins round one against Dodge: A U.S. District Court judge granted summary judgment in favor of Bill Davis Racing after determining BDR did not violate terms of an agreement with Daimler-Chrysler by working with Toyota Racing Development USA in 2002 and early 2003. Daimler-Chrysler terminated its Dodge support of BDR in 2003 after learning of its involvement with TRD, which the court said was permitted under the contract. The case now goes to trial on Daimler-Chrysler's contention that BDR conveyed confidential tech information to TRD and BDR's suit for substantial damages because of wrongful termination. No trial date has been set. "We are confident the remaining issues in the case will ultimately be resolved favorably to the interests of BDR," owner Bill Davis said in a statement.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(7-17-2005)

  • Special Schemes for the #22: Scott Wimmer is scheduled to run a Cat Dealers scheme at California Speedway in September and a Car Rental schemes at Bristol in August. See images on my #22 Team Schemes page.(5-11-2005)

  • #11 Rumors out again: on Speed Channel's NASCAR Nation, NASCAR.com's Marty Smith was asked about rumors of Joe Gibbs Racing's #11 Jason Leffler being replaced. Smith said he contacted the team and was told there is no truth to the rumor, but Smith said garage gossip have possible drivers as Scott Wimmer, who currently drives the #22 CAT Dodge for Bill Davis Racing and Martin Truex Jr., driver for the #1 DEI Cup car in a limited schedule and full time in the #8 Busch Series Chance 2 Chevy.(5-4-2005)

  • Bill Davis Racing/Dodge Lawsuits: A decision in the DaimlerChrylser/Bill Davis Racing legal battle, now almost two years old, could be on the horizon. Federal district court judge George Steeth is currently scheduled May 9 to hear a motion by DaimlerChrylser for partial summary judgment and a motion by BDR for summary judgment. The case stems from DaimlerChrysler dropping its factory support of BDR's Dodge team in the Cup series. Chrysler sued BDR in Michigan state court May 2003, alleging breach of contract for helping Toyota with development of its NASCAR truck program. After getting the case moved to federal court, BDR counter sued, claiming DC had no basis for unilaterally voiding the contract, which was to have run through the 2006 season according to court documents. Chrysler alleges that BDR helping Toyota, which is not racing in the Cup series, violated a contract clause prohibiting teams from aiding a Dodge racing rival because the clause extends to any NASCAR series. In briefs filed for the upcoming hearing, DC alleges that BDR helped launch Toyota's truck development program in High Point in April 2002 and that employees from BDR's Dodge teams were active in the development work, including a BDR engineer garbed in a Toyota shirt at wind tunnel and track tests. DC also alleges that BDR supplied Toyota with Cup engine information which DC claims was to have been for a possible try at Cup racing in 2005.
    In the filings, BDR claims that the non-compete clause applies only to the open promotion of a Dodge rival, and that BDR employees in Toyota shirts at development tests did not violate the clause because they would not be recognized as being affiliated with a Dodge team by the general public. DC argues that BDR violated the promotion clause by building show trucks for display at an auto show and Daytona International Speedway in February 2003 in conjunction for Toyotas announcement that it was entering the truck series in 2004. BDR alleges building the show trucks was not a violation because there was no general perception that a Dodge affiliated team built the truck. BDR also argues that its fielding Toyotas in the truck series should be disregarded because that came after its Dodge support was withdrawn.(High Point Enterprise)(4-24-2005)

  • Inside CAT Racing Available: The 2005 edition of “Inside CAT Racing” is ready to roll. The fourth annual edition of the 52-page collectible publication features driver Scott Wimmer, crew chief Derrick Finley, owner Bill Davis and many of their Bill Davis Racing teammates. Don’t miss your chance to go behind the scenes at BDR to learn more about what happens from checkered flag to green flag every week. You can order copies of “Inside Cat Racing – 2005” by going to www.insidecatracing.com. The first three annual editions are also still available. “Inside Cat Racing – 2005” is authorized by Caterpillar Inc. and produced by Shamrock Communications Group, LLC.(Bill Davis Racing)(3-16-2005)

  • Sad News: Bill Davis’ father, Jake Davis, passed away with Bill and the rest his immediate family at his side in Little Rock, Ark last night. Jake was 79 years old. Bill is the owner of Bill Davis Racing which fields the #22 and #23 Dodge Nextel Cup teams and the #5, #22, #23 Truck Series teams. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church (4823 Wood Lawn Rd., Little Rock, AR 72205), or to the charity of donor's choice. More info on Mr. Davis and services at ruebelfuneralhome.com(2-24-2005)

  • Wimmer testing at Atlanta: The No. 22 Caterpillar team and Scott Wimmer will head to Atlanta Motor Speedway to do a two-day test session March 7 and 8.(BDR)(2-23-2005)

    2004 News

  • Davis-Dodge Lawsuit pushed back to June: The start date for the trial in the Daimler-Chrysler/Bill Davis Racing lawsuit has been postponed once again. The trial, which was set to begin May 3, will now start June 21 at 9 a.m. in federal district court in Detroit. Judge George Steeh granted the delay Friday after attorneys for both sides requested it. The deadline for filing depositions is now Feb. 1. Final pre-trial orders are to be filed by June 6 with the final pre-trial conference slated June 13. The new trial date is 25 months after Daimler-Chrysler sued BDR in Michigan district court in May 2003. The suit alleges BDR breached its contract for Dodge support for its Cup team for helping Toyota with development work as it prepared for entry in the NASCAR truck series this year. Daimler-Chrysler terminated its Dodge support of BDR's Cup team and is requesting return of over $1 million in factory support for the balance of 2003. BDR succeeded in moving the trial to federal court in June 2003 and later that month counter-sued, alleging Daimler-Chrysler had no basis to terminate the contract because Toyota is not a rival of Dodge in the Cup series. Toyota is a rival of Dodge in the truck series. The trial was first scheduled for August 17 of this year, originally delayed to Dec. 20 and then moved to May 3 of 2005.(High Point Enterprise)(12-21-2004)

  • Wimmer drops appeal of DWI: Nextel Cup driver [#22] Scott Wimmer, convicted of driving while impaired in June, has given up efforts to appeal that conviction less than a month after the conclusion of racing season. Wimmer appeared in Guilford County Superior Court in High Point on Thursday for a brief appearance that was hastily scheduled. "I just got a phone call that they were interested in remanding it. I said fine. I didn't have any objection," said Assistant District Attorney Brandon Goldsborough, who handled the case. Wimmer's court appearance was sudden enough that the NASCAR driver's name didn't appear on that day's docket of cases. "It was about a five-minute session," Goldsborough said. Now, the original decision by District Court Judge William K. Hunter will stand. Wimmer, who drives for High Point-based Bill Davis Racing, was charged with driving while impaired and failure to stop at the scene of an accident in connection with the Jan. 31 crash of a pickup truck owned by his employer. Hunter found Wimmer guilty during the June trial and sentenced the then-28-year-old to 60 days behind bars, but suspended that sentence for one year -- a period during which Wimmer will remain on unsupervised probation.(Greensboro News-Record)(12-18-2004)

  • Davis shuts down Busch team; Dodge lawsuit update: Bill Davis Racing has shut down the #23 Busch Series [the article incorrectly refers to the series as Grand National, which it hasn't been since 2002] team in the wake of driver Kenny Wallace leaving and taking sponsor Stacker2 with him. Wallace is expected to become the new driver at ppc Racing. The plate includes one full-time effort in the Cup series with the #22 Dodges driven by Scott Wimmer, a possible part-time effort with the #Dodges in the Cup series, and three full-time Toyota entries driven by #22-Bill Lester, #5-Mike Skinner and #23-Johnny Benson in the NASCAR truck series. Wile said fielding the #23 team in the Cup series is dependent on sponsorship and it is unlikely Davis would do it out of his pocket as he did this year. Davis' plate also includes fighting an on-going legal action brought by Dodge parent Daimler-Chrysler in May of 2003. The case, once set for trial next Monday, is now scheduled to be heard in federal district court in Detroit beginning May 3. A pre-trial conference is scheduled April 26. The delay, according to court documents, was granted because both sides had trouble getting depositions during the racing season. Daimler-Chrysler alleges Davis violated his contract for Dodge factory support for his Cup teams by aiding a competitor when he helped Toyota with development work as it prepared for entry into the truck series this year. Daimler-Chrysler is asking that Davis return over $1 million dollars in factory support for the balance of 2003 after the lawsuit was filed. Daimler-Chrysler terminated its contract with Davis when it filed the suit. Davis filed a counter-suit in late June 2003 claiming Daimler-Chrysler had no grounds to terminate the contract because Toyota is not a competitor of Dodge in the Cup series. Wallace replaces Jason Keller at ppc Racing, which won the 2000 Busch Series title with Jeff Green. Wallace joined Davis when he brought Stacker2 as sponsor of the #23 Cup team in 2003. He dropped down to replace Wimmer in the Busch Series car this year when Stacker2 decreased its sponsorship. Wallace finished this season ninth in points with no top-five finishes. Davis leaves the Busch Series tour after fielding a team for the past seven years and a total of 12 seasons since beginning his operation with Mark Martin in 1988. Davis' drivers won a total of 11 Busch Series races. Wimmer won five times, and Martin and Gordon won three times each. Wimmer produced Davis best Busch Series season with four wins and a third-place in points in 2002. He added another victory in 2003. Martin had single victories in selected races in 1988, 1989 and 1990. He was replaced in 1991 by Gordon, who won three times in 1992. Davis moved to the Cup level the next season and disbanded the Busch Series team until reviving it in 1998.(High Point Enterprise)(12-14-2004)

  • Finley named #22 Crew Chief: Bill Davis Racing has named Derrick Finley Crew Chief for the #22 Caterpillar Dodge driven by Scott Wimmer. Finley, who earned his mechanical engineering degree from the University of New Mexico in 1995, has served as the team's Race Engineer since August of 2003. Prior to joining Bill Davis Racing, Finley worked with Dale Earnhardt Incorporated for several years until he moved on to Travis Carter's operation in 2000. "We're very pleased to have Derrick step up to this role. He's been a part of the team for quite some time now, so he is familiar with our operation as well as what Scott needs in a car", said owner, Bill Davis. "Originally, we had planned on bringing a new Crew Chief on during the off-season but when we saw the chemistry that Derrick, Scott and the team enjoyed during the final races of the season we knew it would be shame to ignore that".(BDR / Keystone Marketing PR)(12-7-2004)

  • Wimmer set for 2005: on Speed Channel's Speed News, Scott Wimmer said he is set for 2005 and will be back in the #22 Caterpillar Dodge in 2005.(11-14-2004)

  • Changes at the #22? Stoddard out? UPDATE: hearing that crew chief Frank Stoddard and the #22 Bill Davis Racing team have parted ways??(11-12-2004)
    UPDATE: Bill Davis Racing named Derrick Finley on Friday as interim chief for rookie Scott Wimmer's #22 Caterpillar Dodge, replacing Frank Stoddard. Finley will serve out the remaining two Cup races. Team owner Bill Davis said he has started a search for a permanent replacement. "Things weren't going like we wanted them to, obviously. We weren't running as well as we wanted to and the chemistry just didn't seem to be there," Davis said. "It's a really, really tough decision. Frankie is a great guy and a smart guy and certainly knows how to win these races than Bill Davis Racing's had but we weren't making it work. We just felt we needed to try a different direction."(ThatsRacin.com)(11-12-2004)

  • Special Scheme for Wimmer: Scott Wimmer and the #22 will carry a new paint scheme with Acert Technology on the Caterpillar Dodge.(Bill Davis Racing Site)(11-11-2004)

  • Lopez to Gibbs? BDR? RCR? UPDATE 2: Philippe Lopez, a crew chief who has been working in research and development at Joe Gibbs Racing [JGR] since August, was missing in action at Phoenix. Several possible scenarios were presented by garage sources: Lopez was offered the crew chief job on Gibbs' #18 (Bobby Labonte) but turned it down, Lopez has discussed the #22 (Scott Wimmer) crew chief job with Bill Davis Racing, and Lopez could be reunited with Dave Blaney at Richard Childress Racing. "It's a possibility," Richard Childress says.(FoxSports/Sporting News)(11-8-2004)
    UPDATE: been told that Lopez has left JGR, no word on any more info.(11-9-2004)
    UPDATE 2: hearing Lopez is the leading canidate to go to the #22 team, not sure what current crew chief, Frank Stoddard would do, another position with BDR or go to another team.(11-10-2004)
    AND: also hearing that Lopez will be the crew chief for Dave Blaney at RCR in the #07 Jack Daniel's Chevy.(that is one diecast I will buy)(11-11-2004)

  • BDR Engine builder to Ganassi? Terry Elledge, a noted engine builder who has been working for car owner Bill Davis [Racing, #22/#23] the past several years, is being wooed by Dodge owner Chip Ganassi, according to team sources.Winston Salem Journal)(10-15-2004)

  • Wimmer out? UPDATE NO: Rowdy is hearing that Raybestos Rookie of the Year Candidate, Scott Wimmer may be out of the #22 Caterpillar Dodge soon. Word is he will stay in the Bill Davis Racing organization in some capacity. Hear about it on Rowdy at 1-800-95-ROWDY. Rowdy is racing news on your cell phone, with driver talk, trivia, fan commentary, and more. Call 1-800-95-ROWDY to sign up for a free no-obligation trial.(Rowdy), back to the #23 Busch car? Kenny Wallace back up? Maybe new Bill Davis Racing Truck Series driver, Mike Skinner?
    UPDATE: been told by sources that this is not the case, Wimmer is safe in the #22 car.
    AND Mike Skinner says there is no truth to any rumor floating that he may replace Scott Wimmer in the Caterpillar Dodge. PRN's Mark Garrow asked Skinner about it at Richmond Thursday afternoon and his response was...."No, no...no truth to that."(PRN's Garage Pass Radio Show)(9-9-2004)

  • Wimmer and Wallace NOT swapping gigs: hadn't heard this before, but on Speed Channel's Wind Tunnel with Dave Despain [10:00pm/et M-Th], Kenny Wallace was a guest on Wednesday, and was asked if the rumor of he and his Bill Davis Racing Cup teammate, Scott Wimmer switching rides for 2005 true. Wallace said no switch is in the works and he plans to be back in the Busch Series in 2005 with BDR in the #23 with Stacker 2 as the sponsor.(8-12-2004)

  • Wimmer gets NASCAR probation also: Nextel Cup rookie #22-Scott Wimmer has been placed on probation by NASCAR for the remainder of the season after being convicted of driving under the influence. Wimmer pleaded guilty and received a year's probation and a requirement to do 24 hours of community service. He was allowed to keep his driver's license. NASCAR also plans to require Wimmer to do some sort of community service. "We're looking at some different things so Scott can get the message out so that it will help others not put themselves in the position he put himself in," said NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter, adding that NASCAR and Wimmer have worked together since Wimmer's arrest on Jan. 31. "We feel he has accepted responsibility for his actions and is truly remorseful."(Atlanta Journal-Constitution)(6-4-2004)

  • Wimmer testing at Pocono: The #22 Caterpillar team will make a stop at Pocono Raceway on Thursday, June 3 in preparation for next week’s race. The team will be testing the car they raced at Rockingham, Darlington and California. Wimmer hasn’t raced at the three-turn track, so the test session is essential to the team. Dave Blaney, Wimmer’s part-time teammate will be on hand to help the team.(Bill Davis Racing PR)(6-2-2004)

  • Wimmer Convicted; Gets Probation UPDATE 3: NASCAR driver Scott Wimmer [#22 Caterpillar Dodge] was convicted Tuesday of drunk driving after a single-vehicle accident in January. Wimmer, 28, was sentenced to one year of probation and 24 hours of community service after he was also found guilty of fleeing the scene of an accident. He was given a 60-day suspended prison term, served only if he violates probation, will lose his driver's license for one year [NOTE: been told that Wimmer only loses his driving privileges if he violates his license restrictions and/or doesn't fulfill his 24 hour community service]. He has already undergone an alcohol assessment, satisfying the last term of the sentence. Chuck Alexander, Wimmer's Winston-Salem-based attorney, said he will appeal the decision of a District Court judge, meaning Wimmer can keep his license until the appeal is resolved. Wimmer was arrested Jan. 31 for driving while impaired after wrecking a 2004 Dodge Ram pickup truck owned by Bill Davis Racing. Wimmer drives for the High Point-based racing team in NASCAR'S top-level Nextel Cup series. His wife, Judy Ambrose, was found innocent of charges that she impeded the investigation by lying to police.(CNNSI/AP)(6-2-2004)
    UPDATE: NASCAR officials are withholding comment on Nextel Cup rookie Scott Wimmer's conviction on drunken driving charges stemming from a Jan. 31 arrest in High Point, NC. Following a bench trial Tuesday in High Point, Wimmer, 28, was convicted of driving while impaired. He was given a 60-day suspended sentence, 24 hours of community service, fined $100 plus court costs and must relinquish his N.C. driver's license [NOTE: been told that Wimmer only loses his driving privileges if he violates his license restrictions and/or doesn't fulfill his 24 hour community service]. Wimmer is appealing the conviction, his attorney said in court. NASCAR officials plan to wait to comment until they have had time to review the conviction and speak with Wimmer, spokesman Mike Zizzo said late Tuesday.
    AND - NOTE - IMPORTANT: A valid driver's license is NOT a requirement to compete in NASCAR. Competitors must have a valid NASCAR license.(ThatsRacin.com)(6-2-2004)
    UPDATE 2 - Response: Scott Wimmer got his day in court today answering charges for driving under the influence. Wimmer was arrested January 31, 2004 after an accident in High Point, NC. The court heard Wimmer’s case and found him guilty of driving under the influence. It resulted in a level five conviction, the lowest conviction for such charges, where Wimmer will serve 24 hours of community service in a 30-day period and he must also undergo an alcoholic assessment, which he has already completed. Wimmer’s conviction will not result in a loss of license. The charges of delay and obstruction against Wimmer’s wife, Jody, were dismissed. Since Wimmer was found guilty, the court returned an automatic appeal, however, Wimmer will resign the appeal in front of Supreme Court and accept the ruling of the courts. “I respect the decision of the courts,” said Wimmer. “I’ve been very fortunate to have the support of my sponsor, my family and the entire Bill Davis Racing family throughout all of this. I’m eager to put all of this behind me and move forward. My next commitment to putting all of this behind me is to try and help others from making the same mistake that I’ve made.”(Bill Davis Racing PR)(6-2-2004)

  • Wimmer's Court Date Now Tax Day Today UPDATE: April 15th is the day driver Scott Wimmer is scheduled to appear in a Guilford County [NC] courtroom on drunk driving charges. In what the clerk of court called "an administrative day", Wimmer's attorney went before a judge Wednesday in a High Point, North Carolina courtroom to hear the charges and receive the court date. Wimmer was not required to appear yesterday. Wimmer has said publiclly he knows what he did was wrong and now wants to help others not to make the same mistake.(PRN's Garage Pass Radio Show)(3-112004)
    UPDATE: Scott Wimmer's attorney asked for and was granted a second continuance in his client's drunk driving charge. The next court date has been rescheduled for June 1st in Guilford County Superior Court in High Point, North Carolina. Wimmer was charged with DUI back in January.(PRN's Garage Pass Radio Show)(4-15-2004)

  • Wimmer Ear Problems: Rookie driver #22-Scott Wimmer revealed that he had been hampered by inner-ear problems in several races leading up to Sunday’s Samsung/Radio Shack 500. “I guarantee we’ll be a lot better then we were in Atlanta,” said Wimmer, Atlanta being a track similar to this one. “But Texas isn’t Atlanta and Atlanta isn’t Texas, so we’ll just have to wait and see where we stack up. I had some health issues when we raced in Atlanta, and I have those cleared up now so that should also help us. I have a chronic inner-ear problem that gives me the symptoms of vertigo, so I’ve had tubes in my ears for a couple years now. They must have fallen out sometime since the season began, and it was definitely giving me some problems with my balance.”(Gaston Gazette)(4-3-2004)
    AND see more at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Wimmer swats 'bug'.(4-4-2004)

  • Stewart making amends: #20-Tony Stewart knows he has angered a few of his rivals the last few days and his own teammates. So he's been making amends. First he called #22-Scott Wimmer to apologize for Sunday's temper tantrum at Bristol. So Tony, why all the anger? "Leave the innocents out of this," Stewart said with a grin, nodding toward his crew. "Just ask me."(Winston Salem Journal)(4-3-2004)

  • #22 Crew Chief Still Upset over Bristol penalty: Frank Stoddard, crew chief for #22-Scott Wimmer, will meet with Nextel Cup officials David Hoots and John Darby this morning to discuss a one-lap penalty assessed against Wimmer at Bristol. Stoddard was furious about the call after the race and remained dismayed yesterday. Wimmer and Tony Stewart both were punished when their cars collided after Wimmer braked hard to avoid hitting Ricky Craven. "We're not in 1975 anymore," Stoddard said. "They had plenty of time under caution to see replays and decide whether the 22 should have been penalized. Clearly, we shouldn't have been based on what at least 4 million other Americans saw. We got a one-lap penalty for being an innocent bystander. After the race, people were spinning people on pit road and didn't get a lap penalty. We got penalized for saving [Craven] from wrecking."(Richmond Times Dispatch)(4-3-2004)

  • Wimmer's Court Date Now Tax Day: April 15th is the day driver Scott Wimmer is scheduled to appear in a Guilford County [NC] courtroom on drunk driving charges. In what the clerk of court called "an administrative day", Wimmer's attorney went before a judge Wednesday in a High Point, North Carolina courtroom to hear the charges and receive the court date. Wimmer was not required to appear yesterday. Wimmer has said publiclly he knows what he did was wrong and now wants to help others not to make the same mistake.(PRN's Garage Pass Radio Show)(3-11-2004)

  • MADD Wants Wimmer Suspended if Convicted: A Mothers Against Drunk Driving [MADD] executive said that NASCAR should suspend Nextel Cup rookie Scott Wimmer if he is convicted of driving while impaired. Scott Wimmer was arrested Jan. 31 on suspicion of driving while impaired. "I realize (racing is) driving on private property. But still, it's sort of saying, 'It's OK to go out there and drink and drive,' " said Cheryl Jones, vice president of field operations for MADD national. Wimmer faces a preliminary court hearing Wednesday after being arrested Jan. 31 in High Point, NC. Jones, who lives in Charlotte, said a first-time offender should expect to receive only a "slap on the wrist" from North Carolina courts if convicted. A multirace suspension, she said, is "just something I think NASCAR needs to look into" if Wimmer is convicted. She said she realizes racing is Wimmer's livelihood. "But he could have taken someone's life away from them," Jones said. "It's a serious crime." NASCAR vice president of communications Jim Hunter said that officials will wait for the courts to rule on Wimmer's case before deciding what additional punishment, if any, he will face from NASCAR.(USA Today)(3-10-2004)

  • Wimmer concerned: #22-Scott Wimmer is concerned about his court appearance next week in North Carolina for an administrative hearing on a drunken-driving charge [see #22 Team News and Links page for past news]. But he said that all his attention today will be on going to the front in the UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400. "When I get back to High Point [NC], that's when that's all going to start. I'm really going to concentrate on the race here in Vegas," Wimmer said Friday. "We'll get back and deal with that and get it over with as soon as we can." Wimmer faces charges of driving while impaired and hit and run stemming from an accident at the end of January near his home. The hearing is Wednesday. He flipped a pickup truck owned by Bill Davis Racing, which fields his #22 Caterpillar Dodge on the Nextel Cup circuit. The police report said that Wimmer had a blood-alcohol level nearly twice the legal limit after Wimmer was found hiding behind a bed at his home. Wimmer, staying with the rest of his team at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, said that Las Vegas could be a challenging place for somebody facing a drunken-driving charge. "I've learned so much from it," he said. "I can control myself and I make good decisions. You can have fun in this city without getting in trouble. I'm hoping that I'm doing the necessary steps to make sure I can race." Wimmer leads the rookie standings and is fourth in points two races into the season. "It's enjoyable when you run good and you're in the paper for something good," he said. "I've got great people behind me and I've got a job to do. You just go out there and do your job."(Winston Salem Journal/AP)(3-7-2004)

  • Congrats to Bill Davis Racing's tire changer and transmission specialist Gordon "Gordy" Arbitter on his recent engagement to Jamie Carriker.(2-12-2004)

  • CAT Stands by Wimmer UPDATE 2 Wimmer to race at Daytona: The director of Caterpillar Inc. racing programs said the company will stand behind its NASCAR Nextel Cup driver, Scott Wimmer, despite his arrest Saturday for driving while impaired. "We're basically going to continue on with Scott," said Greg Towles. "He made a terrible mistake but by the same token, there's been no history of that at all." Wimmer was driving a 2004 Dodge Ram pickup truck belonging to his boss, Bill Davis, early Saturday morning when he hit a large rock and the truck overturned near his High Point, N.C., home. Published reports said a Breathalyzer test recorded Wimmer's blood alcohol content at 0.15 percent, nearly twice the North Carolina legal limit of 0.08. Wimmer was not at the crash site when police arrived but was found later at his home. His wife, Jody Ambrose, was charged with misdemeanor obstruction of justice and delay. Court dates for both are March 10. Wimmer is scheduled to begin his first full season in the Nextel Cup series for Davis next week at the Daytona 500. Wimmer moved up from the Busch Series to the #22 Caterpillar Dodge for the last four races of last season. Davis released a statement Monday and withheld comment until all the facts have been revealed. Wimmer, a Wisconsin native, could face disciplinary action from NASCAR. Officials there are reported to be looking into the matter. "We're not sure what NASCAR is going to do," said Towles. Wimmer is scheduled to make an appearance in Peoria on Feb. 24 at a Peoria Rivermen game but that visit may be postponed until after his court date.(Peoria Star Journal)(2-5-2004)
    UPDATE: Wimmer speaks about his drunk driving charge, “I made a poor decision and I’m the one that has to pay for it.” Scott Wimmer told PRN’s Mark Garrow during Thursday’s media day at Daytona. Wimmer has a March 10th court date after being charged with drunk driving and hit-and-run over the weekend in North Carolina. Wimmer says he’s lucky to have strong people around him who are going help including NASCAR, Car Owner Bill Davis and sponsor Caterpillar will hopefully make him a better person. Wimmer said “Hopefully I can help people make better decisions like I didn’t. In 28-years of living this is my one major mistake and I won’t make it again. I had a lot of calls from team owners, drivers and friends and family and they’re all supporting me and they know I’ll make it thru it. I’m looking forward to this season and getting it off and getting this put behind me.”(PRN's Garagepass radio report), quite a few articles on this subject, including Lyle Petty's comments, he wonders why NASCAR has done nothing, see my Columns/Articles links page for more.(2-6-2004)
    UPDATE 2: NASCAR will not bar rookie Scott Wimmer from the Daytona 500 despite Wimmer's recent arrest for driving while impaired. Until the matter is resolved, Wimmer is free to compete in the Nextel Cup series, said Jim Hunter, NASCAR vice president. "We're just going to let the judicial process run its course and not going to judge Scott prematurely," Hunter said. Should Wimmer excel during the events leading to the Feb. 15 Daytona 500 or the sport's biggest race, it will only draw more attention to his arrest instead of his achievement. Hunter was adamant that NASCAR would not change its approach despite the potential controversy. "We have always followed the judicial system in this country, and we're going to continue to," he said.(News and Record)(2-6-2004)

  • Wimmer Arrested UPDATE 2: Scott Wimmer, driver for Bill Davis Racing's Nextel Cup #22 Caterpillar team, was arrested for driving while impaired early Saturday morning when he wrecked a blue, 2004 Dodge Ram pickup truck owned by Bill Davis Racing. According to High Point police records, at about 2 a.m. Saturday morning, Wimmer was charged with DWI after officers gave him a Breathalyzer test and found he had a 0.15 blood alcohol content, nearly twice the state legal limit for intoxication, 0.08. Just over one hour later, at about 3:15 a.m., Wimmer's wife Jody Ambrose, was charged with misdemeanor obstruction and delay, according to High Point police records. High Point police officials would not comment on details of the charges. Messages left at Wimmer's home were not returned. Contacted at his home Saturday night, Bill Davis, owner of the High Point-based Bill Davis Racing, would not comment on the incident. When asked about how the DWI charge would affect Wimmer's status on the team, Davis only said, "We really don't have any comment right now. We are kind of figuring out the facts." Court dates for Wimmer and Ambrose are both set for March 10.(High Point Enterprise)(2-1-2004)
    UPDATE: Bill Davis and Bill Davis Racing are aware of the current allegations against driver Scott Wimmer. Davis has been in contact with NASCAR, Caterpillar, and all of the current sponsors and will remain in constant communication until all of the facts have been established. Until all of the facts have been revealed, Davis is not in a position to comment on the specifics of the allegations. Davis and Wimmer will continue to work with NASCAR, Caterpillar and other sponsors until there is resolution.(BDR PR)(2-2-2004)
    UPDATE 2: NASCAR officials are looking into Nextel Cup driver Scott Wimmer's arrest for driving while impaired to determine his status for the Daytona 500. Wimmer, who drives for Bill Davis Racing, was arrested at about 2 a.m. Saturday after he wrecked a 2004 Dodge Ram pickup truck owned by the team. High Point, N.C., police records stated that a Breathalyzer test recorded Wimmer's blood alcohol content at 0.15 percent, nearly twice the North Carolina legal limit. Drivers are considered intoxicated in North Carolina if their blood-alcohol content is more than 0.08 percent.(Roanoke Times) AND Wimmer had a blood alcohol level nearly twice the legal limit, High Point police spokesman Lt. Keith Washington said Monday. Wimmer's pickup hit a large rock, flipped over, then hit a road sign, the spokesman said. Wimmer was also charged Saturday with hit and run after the pickup registered to the High Point-based Bill Davis Racing team was found overturned with three tires missing about a mile away from his home, Washington said. When officers arrived at the scene, Wimmer wasn't there. He was found hiding behind a bed at his home, according to the police report.(Yahoo/AP)(2-2-2004)

  • Wimmer next: congrats to Scott Wimmer, driver of the #22 CAT Dodge, who left Daytona testing to head to Las Vegas, where he is getting married to girlfriend Jody Ambrose. As reported, Dave Blaney will test the car for the remainder of the testing this week.(1-7-2004)

    2003 News

  • Barker to be honored and UPDATE: This year Robert 'Bootie' Barker (crew chief for the #77 - currently on leave) will be one of only eleven receiving a 2003 ARETE. The ARETE Honors is a tribute to athletes who, by overcoming adversity, or by displaying pure excellence, exemplify the spirit of ARETE. Whether over an extended period or one heroic instant, their performance was such that humankind could not fail to recognize it. Known as the most inspirational award in sports, the ARETE Honors for Courage in Sports will pay tribute to select individuals who, by their refusal to accept limitations, demonstrate the best of mankind. The ARETE Honors will be hosted by Jim Nantz and aired on November 2, 2003 on CBS.(Intersport PR)(10-24-2003)
    UPDATE: Robert (Bootie) Barker, no longer Dave Blaney’s crew chief in Cup, is working for the rest of the season with the Busch Series team of Ashton Lewis Jr. Barker will likely work at Bill Davis Racing in some capacity next year.(Gaston Gazette)(10-26-2003)

  • Barker to Wells? or Roush? Andrews to Martin's team? Robert "Bootie" Barker, on leave of absence from Jasper Motorsprts #77, might be a crew chief candidate for one of Roush Racing's cars or Cal Wells' second car next season. Paul Andrews, crew chief for Jeff Burton, could be headed to teammate Mark Martin's #6 Ford, though owner Jack Roush says there has been no discussion about a change.(FoxSports/Sporting News)
    AND Robert (Bootie) Barker’s is expected to go back to Bill Davis Racing, his former employer.(Gaston Gazette)(10-20-2003)

  • So where is Ward headed? UPDATE 4 to the #0: Ward Burton said Wednesday that he is in the closing stages of finalizing a full-time deal for 2004, but that he preferred to defer most of his comments to the appropriate time for that announcement.(NASCAR.com), rumors have him a candidate in the #30 RCR AOL Chevy, the #9 or #19 Evernham Dodges.(10-8-2003)
    UPDATE: He's been rumored to be heading to Richard Childress Racing, but a source told us Wednesday night that he definitely will not be in that car next year. His final destination -- and he does have a signed contract -- could be a surprise.(FoxSports.com)(10-9-2003)
    UPDATE 2: and a new rumor.....to the #0 NetZero Pontiac. Current driver Jason Leffler may be running for the Haas team full time in the Busch Series in 2004 instead of the Cup car, with Burton in the #0.(10-9-2003)
    UPDATE 3: Sources at Haas CNC Racing tell Sporting News that Ward Burton has signed on to drive the No. 0 Net Zero Pontiac in NASCAR's Nextel Cup Series for 2004. Burton, 40, could be driving the car as soon as Phoenix. The 10-year veteran has six poles and four wins including the 2002 Daytona 500. Jason Leffler, who has been behind the wheel since August, is expected to run the full Busch Series schedule and selected Cup events next year. In eight starts this season, Leffler's best finish was 25th at Dover.(10-9-2003)
    UPDATE 4: NetZero HiSpeed and Haas CNC Racing announced today that NASCAR veteran Ward Burton will be behind the wheel of the #0 NetZero HiSpeed Pontiac during the 2004 Nextel Cup Series season. "This is a great opportunity for me to bring my experience to an up and coming, young team," stated Burton. "I've watched the team grow and progress in its first year and it's definitely come a long way in a short time. Gene Haas runs a first-class organization, NetZero HiSpeed is a great sponsor and Tony Furr is an outstanding crew chief. I feel like we can take this team to the next level together and I'm thrilled to be a part of it. There's no end to the possibilities for this race team."
    "We're thrilled to have someone of Ward's caliber joining our team. It says a lot for our race team," said Haas, owner of Haas CNC Racing. "The experience that he brings is something that will help us in so many ways. I just can't say enough about how excited we are about our future. We've had a lot of great people come on board our organization this year and we've made steady progress in our efforts to be successful. Ward Burton is the icing on our cake." In a related move, Haas CNC Racing and NetZero will expand their partnership for 2004, with NetZero joining the team's new Busch Series program for current NetZero driver Jason Leffler as an associate sponsor for all 2004 events and primary sponsor of the effort for three races. "We've been really impressed with Jason's performance so far, and look forward to being with him and Haas CNC Racing in the Busch Series next year as they compete for race wins and the championship," said Woods. "Jason is going to be a force to be reckoned with in the Busch Series next year, and the experience he gains there will certainly help when he returns full time to the Nextel Cup Series in the future."
    "The combination of Ward Burton and Jason Leffler is going to be a tremendous boost to our entire program," said Haas. "Jason will have a tremendous resource in Ward's experience, and Ward is committed to helping Jason in any way he can. Our long term goal would be to have Jason and Ward running together as teammates in the Nextel Cup Series, and I'm confident that in the not too distant future, that's exactly what we'll do."(NetZero Racing PR)(10-9-2003)

  • Ward out of the #22 after Martinsville, Wimmer in, rest of year and in 2004: Scott Wimmer, the current Busch Series driver for Bill Davis Racing, will make the move to NASCAR’s premier series effective October 20, 2003 and compete in the final four races of the 2003 season before becoming the full time driver of the #22 Caterpillar sponsored entry in 2004 and beyond. It is a natural progression for Wimmer into the Winston Cup Series. Wimmer, a native of Wausau, Wis., began racing three-wheelers at age eight and progressed to racing stock cars by the time he was 15. He raced around the state of Wisconsin racking up accolades at all the local short tracks, ranging from rookie of the year at State Park Speedway to Driver of Tomorrow at State Park Speedway to the Miller Triple Crown Champion. Wimmer then moved to Hooter’s Cup in 1997, where he won rookie of the year before moving onto American Speed Association (ASA) in 2000. Wimmer is a logical fit for Caterpillar, as well as Bill Davis Racing. His family owns a construction company and they own and operate CAT equipment.(Bill Davis Racing) AND Ward Burton and team owner Bill Davis reached an agreement Wednesday that will put BDR's Busch Series driver, Scott Wimmer, in the #22 CAT car at Atlanta Motor Speedway in two weeks. Burton will drive the car this weekend at Lowe's Motor Speedway and the following weekend at Martinsville Speedway. Wimmer will be the driver of the #22 car for the rest of the 2003 season and full-time in 2004. Wimmer previously tested both a Chevrolet and a Dodge at Atlanta for the Oct. 26 Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500. BDR has no current agreement with a manufacturer that would require it to run a certain body style.(NASCAR.com)(10-8-2003)

  • Davis Racing down to one team in 2004? Owner Bill Davis is expected to scale back to one Cup team next season. Ward Burton is leaving the #22 Dodge, and Scott Wimmer, who is seventh in Busch Series points, is the favorite to take the ride in 2004. Kenny Wallace, who drives Davis' #23 in Cup, will drive Davis' Busch car in 2004 with Stacker2 as the sponsor.(Sporting News/Yahoo Sports)(10-6-2003)

  • Ward released from 2004 contract with Davis? Marty Snider [of NBC] was interviewed on XM Radio - NASCAR Radio [subscription required] by Chris McClain, Snider reported the he was told by Bill Davis Racing's GM Mike Brown, that Ward Burton was told last Sunday that Burton would not return to the #22 CAT Dodge in 2004. Burton told #30 AOL Chevy owner, Richard Childress, that he was available. Supposedly Childress wants Burton in the car, but sponsor AOL is not so sure. Burton expects to hear within a week of so.(10-3-2003)

  • Ward hopes to know 2004 ride by end of next week: Ward Burton says he wants to have a decision on a 2004 ride: 'It needs to be done by the end of next week.'(Winston Salem Journal)(9-27-2003)

  • Evernham, Ward and Baldwin? Ward Burton and crew chief Tommy Baldwin could be back together again if talks with car owner Ray Evernham prove fruitful, according to Dodge sources. However, Baldwin denies any such plans are in the works with Evernham. Burton will likely leave car owner Bill Davis at the end of the season, but Dodge wants to keep the 2002 Daytona 500 winner in the Dodge fold.(Winston Salem Journal)(9-15-2003)

  • No Rudd for Davis? Bill Davis is looking for a driver for 2004 [for the #22], but he denies reports he might be interested in Ricky Rudd.(Winston Salem Journal)(9-15-2003)

  • RCR wants Ward? On the Richard Childress front, Childress, according to sources, would like to hire Ward Burton, but sponsor AOL would prefer a younger driver. Burton is 42. 'We don't know what we'll do,' Childress said. The time frame for a decision: 'The next couple of weeks.' (Winston Salem Journal)(9-15-2003)

  • Burton and Davis - nothing new: Team owner Bill Davis said he and Ward Burton still haven't firmed up their plans for 2004. Burton has a year left on his contract to drive the No. 22 Dodge, but he and Davis agreed last month to explore other options.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(9-7-2003)

  • Nice News and good luck: Dusty and Angie Duncan get their surgery scheduled…Last October, Burton met six-year old Dusty Duncan and his four-year old sister, Angie at an autograph session in the Kansas City area. Both children suffered from cleft palates. Burton later pulled the children’s parents aside and asked them what was wrong with their children. When the father explained what was wrong, Burton asked how he could help. Burton offered to help pay for the surgeries. After that, the Shriner’s hospital offered to handle the surgeries, collected a lot of money from Burton, Caterpillar and several loyal NASCAR fans, but later put them on hold. When Burton caught wind of the surgeries not being done, he made some calls and settled the issue. The surgery for both children will take place in early October and hopefully the children will be on their way to a prosperous life.(Bill Davis Racing)(9-4-2003)

  • Yeley or Burton [Ward] to the #30 in 2004?: Richard Childress says he's reviewing the Steve Park-Mike Beam [#30 AOL Chevy] operation. Sprint star J.J. Yaley [Yeley] and Ward Burton are on Childress' list of potential drivers, according to team sources. Scott Wimmer is considered the leading candidate to replace Ward Burton in the #22 CAT Dodge [or whatever manu they use in 2004].(Winston Salem Journal); NOTE: hearing Burton will be in the #30 in 2004.(8-30-2003)

  • Burton and Davis news: Ward Burton and Bill Davis have not come to terms on 2004, but 'communication is better,' they say. Davis is bringing an engineer to the track, which Burton says is helpful. The two may still split at the end of the season. Burton reportedly is under consideration for a ride with the Rick Hendrick satellite operation owned by Gene Haas [but supposedly Jason Leffler has signed to drive the #0 in 2004]. USAC dirt star J. J. Yeley could get a tryout for the Davis ride.(Winston Salem Journal)(8-23-2003)

  • Davis wins round one with Dodge: Bill Davis just won round one when Michigan judge George Steeh dismissed one count of DaimlerChrysler's suit against the High Point car owner over Toyota dealings.(Winston Salem Journal)(8-23-2003)

  • Update on Ward and Dusty: Last September it was reported [see the #22 News and Links page and scroll to 9-30/10-5-2002] in the Kansas City Star that Billy Duncan took son six-year-old Dusty Duncan to Grandview for an autograph session with NASCAR driver [#22] Ward Burton. Dusty, along with his four-year-old sister, Angie, suffers from a cleft palate. While the condition doesn't threaten his life, it affects his personal appearance, which in turn threatens his self-esteem. Burton was touched by the young boy in a way that surprised even Dusty's parents. After the autograph session, Burton sent a security officer after the parents, desperate to know what was wrong with their son. The security officer tracked down the Duncans and brought them back to Burton. After explaining the condition of their two young children to Burton, he asked how he could help. When the media caught wind of the story an outpour of support ensued on Dusty's behalf. The Shriner's Hospital for Children contacted Burton and told him they would handle the surgery for both children and do whatever they could to assist in treatment.
    Many of Burton's fans inquired as to how they could help the Duncans with medical expenses. Since the Shriner's Hospital was handling the surgery, an address was posted on the internet for contributions. In addition to Burton's large donation, many small contributions were made to the Duncan fund.
    The Duncans flew to Galveston, Texas, where Dusty and Angie were evaluated and returned home. After two months without word from the Shriner's Hospital, Sonja Duncan, the children's mother, called the Galveston hospital for an update. Sonja was told that the Shriner's would not be able to assist with the children's procedures because the family had doctors locally who could provide the service and the children were covered by Medicade. Billy Duncan did not take the news sitting down. He contacted the administrator of the Shriner's Hospital in Galveston [click for link] and demanded that all of the donations made in Dusty and Angie's name be returned to the contributors.
    "The administrator asked "what donations," said Duncan. "After I talked to him awhile, he said he would get something done and they would do the kids' surgeries." As of Tuesday, Aug. 5, the Duncan's were still awaiting a phone call from the hospital.
    The Duncan's have stayed in contact with Burton's office and have been assured that something will be done to help their children receive the treatment they need.(see full story at Ward Burton Fan Site - but this has most of the details) That is where things stand as of now, will update as I hear more. The last thing about Dusty on the official Ward Burton Site is from Oct 2002.(8-13-2003)

  • Davis offers to terminate Ward's contract/Tracy and Childress? Blaney back to Davis?: Ward Burton said Bill Davis Racing has offered to terminate his contract with the #22 team for next season, but Burton isn't prepared to sign it yet, "It's an option to terminate our agreement for '04, Nov. 30. Obviously, I'm not going to sign it until I have an agreement with someone else." Burton has talked to other car owners but declined to name any. One of the car owners reportedly interested was Richard Childress. Childress and Burton said Friday at Watkins Glen International they have talked, but it was about hunting.(NASCAR.com) AND Ward Burton's future may be the second-hottest driver story on the Winston Cup tour - along with Richard Childress' surprising negotiations with Paul Tracy, a temperamental Indy-car star. Burton and car owner Bill Davis appear destined to split at the end of the season, perhaps sooner. Mike Brown, Davis' general manager, said Davis has no plans to replace Burton in the coming weeks, despite reports that Dave Blaney, who once drove for Davis, might return. Burton said he expects to be in Davis' car the rest of the season.(Winston Salem Journal)(8-9-2003

  • #30 Decision by Mid Oct: Steve Park said he and car owner Richard Childress haven't talked about what's going to happen with the #30 AOL Chevrolet next season, but both said a decision should be made my mid-October. Childress said he prefers to keep Park in the car, and Park clearly wants to remain with Richard Childress Racing. Rumors surfaced recently that Park was talking to Bill Davis about a ride, but Park just smiled.(NASCAR.com)(8-9-2003)

  • Ward Talks: As driver Ward Burton and car owner Bill Davis are talking about a possible split at the end of the season, Burton says he's exploring his options and talking with other car owners to see what's available. Burton said "I haven't done it for so long I feel quite new at it so I'm gonna see in the next couple weeks what options may be out there for me." Burton went on to say "It's somewhat awkward, I've got a lot of mixed feelings about it, but at the same time I feel like that I could do a good job for someone on the racetrack so the opportunities could be exciting as well." Burton has driven for Davis since 1995 winning the 2002 Daytona 500 and the 2001 Southern 500.(PRN's Garage Pass Radio Show)(8-5-2003)

  • Ward to the #30? UPDATE 2 Park?: Sources in the garage say the AOL ride is available next season and that the sponsor would like a mature driver capable of winning races. Sounds like the perfect fit for Ward Burton [who is signed with Bill Davis thur 2004]. Not only has he won at a variety of tracks, he would be a good hunting buddy for owner Richard Childress.(Sporting News)(7-28-2003)
    UPDATE: Ward Burton is looking to get out of his contract with Bill Davis Racing, perhaps at the end of this season. Burton has one more year remaining on his deal with Davis but wants to get out of it early. He told The Associated Press that he and Davis are "looking at other options" for next season, and a team spokesperson confirmed that Burton was looking to leave. Davis had left the racetrack to head to Indianapolis Raceway Park for Saturday night's Busch Series race and was unavailable for comment. "I would love to get our differences straightened out, but I don't know if it's possible," Burton told The Associated Press. "It's just lack of respect and lack of communication.(NASCAR.com)(8-3-2003)
    UPDATE 2: Who might [Bill Davis Racing GM Mike] Davis pick to replace Burton? Steve Park was at Davis' shop the other day and did fly up here with the team, but Brown insisted that there is no quid-pro-quo in the works to swap Burton for Park with Richard Childress. 'Not an ounce of truth,' Brown said. 'Steve was bringing his motorcycle by for a ride that Bill and Steve and a few others are going on after Watkins Glen.' But Brown said: 'We've told Ward that timing is everything, and we can't wait 60 to 90 days for him to make up his mind on what he wants to do. Sometimes if you want to do something different, you've got to be willing to step up and do the right thing so everybody can move on. We haven't talked with anyone about the ride. We feel if we and Ward part ways and do it in a timely manner, then we won't have a problem putting anybody in the car.' One entanglement is Burton's close ties with sponsor Caterpillar. Brown insisted that Caterpillar wouldn't leave if Burton leaves. 'We've had recent meetings with Caterpillar and they've assured us they're 100 percent behind the race team,' Brown said. 'This is the first year of a five-year deal, and they want us to make the racing decisions, though they want to be aware of everything that's going on and they want to buy into anything that's going on.' Brown declined to comment on reports of disagreements Friday between Burton and crew chief Frank Stoddard. Dodge officials want to keep Burton, last year's Daytona 500 winner, and one place that might have an opening is Ray Evernham's.(Winston Salem Journal)(8-4-2003)

  • More on Ward Burton and Bill Davis and a possible split: from an XM Satellite- NASCAR Radio (Subscription Required) interview by Claire B. Lang (CBL):
    XM-CBL: Is Ward looking elsewhere?
    Bill Davis: "Well....it's no secret that we have have had two very unproductive years - I mean we did win two races last year including the Daytona 500 but we haven't raced to our potential in a couple of years. You know we've been together a long time and these things don't usually go on forever and we've been dissatisfied with the performance and just haven't been happy with what we've had going on and you know it may well be time for a change and a fresh start for both of us.
    We need to make some changes.We need to check some things up. You know We're well into our second very unproductive season for both teams. We haven't raced to our potential in a long time. We haven't put up the numbers that we needed to. We won two races but still finished what 14th in points or something and that's just not acceptable. I tell everybody that works for us nobody's job is secure right now because we need to make some cfhanges and get some fresh blood and some fresh ideas in here and you now get going with something.
    XM-CBL: Have you told Ward he's free to look around?
    Davis: Well Ward's under contract. I guess he's out shopping around so whatever.
    XM-CBL: So it could be a driver - a crew chief a team member -anything?
    Davis: Anything could happen around here in the next 60-90 days - we're looking for some improvement.(XM Satellite- NASCAR Radio - Subscription Required)(8-3-2003)

  • Ward to the #30? UPDATE: Sources in the garage say the AOL ride is available next season and that the sponsor would like a mature driver capable of winning races. Sounds like the perfect fit for Ward Burton [who is signed with Bill Davis thur 2004]. Not only has he won at a variety of tracks, he would be a good hunting buddy for owner Richard Childress.(Sporting News)(7-28-2003)
    UPDATE: Ward Burton is looking to get out of his contract with Bill Davis Racing, perhaps at the end of this season. Burton has one more year remaining on his deal with Davis but wants to get out of it early. He told The Associated Press that he and Davis are "looking at other options" for next season, and a team spokesperson confirmed that Burton was looking to leave. Davis had left the racetrack to head to Indianapolis Raceway Park for Saturday night's Busch Series race and was unavailable for comment. "I would love to get our differences straightened out, but I don't know if it's possible," Burton told The Associated Press. "It's just lack of respect and lack of communication.(NASCAR.com)(8-3-2003)

  • Nice Gesture by CAT: Caterpillar will host the family of Mike and Donna James, their son Grant and nephew Adam at this weekend’s race. The James family lost their son Evan in the Iraq war. The James Family is from LaHarpe, Ill., and their son Evan was a Marine Corporal. Chicagoland Speedway will provide race tickets and Caterpillar will provide hospitality passes as well as give them the opportunity to meet Ward Burton, driver of the #22 Caterpillar Dodge, during his visit to the hospitality tent Sunday morning.(Bill David Racing PR)(7-9-2003)

  • WD-40 Joins Bill Davis Racing: WD-40 Company announced that it has entered into a professional services agreement with NASCAR Winston Cup team Bill Davis Racing [#22 CAT and #23 Stacker 2 Dodges]. The sponsorship will include the company's WD-40 brand logo on the uniform of #22 driver Ward Burton for the remainder of the NASCAR racing season. Burton has served as a spokesperson for WD-40 the past two seasons, including a current online promotion that celebrates the 50th anniversary of the WD-40 brand. WD-40, the Multi-Purpose Problem Solver of NASCAR, plans to use Burton in various aspects of an integrated marketing campaign as well as point-of-sale materials for the remainder of the year and next season. The brand's association with Bill Davis Racing will be even more visible in marketing materials through the use of Ward's race uniform, which will include the famous WD-40 logo as well as the Lava logo. Lava is. a heavy-duty hand cleaner also made by WD-40 Company. Additional information about WD-40 Company may be obtained at www.wd40.com.(WD-40 PR)(7-4-2003)

  • Ward Burton Special Guest: #22-Ward Burton, along with recording artist Ricky Van Shelton, will be special guests for a "Return to Nature" benefit dinner in Lynchburg July 22nd, at Cattle Annie's. Ward Burton, South Boston NASCAR driver - "We're going to be able to help 'Return to Nature' which is good for the people of Virginia. I'll be able to meet a lot of neat people down in the Lynchburg area. And I feel like every time I've done stuff for like Schewel's down there, I've had a lot of people show out and a lot of race fans. And I think we're going to have a great night, it's going to be a lot of fun." The "Return to Nature" benefit July 22 includes an autograph session with Ward, a NASCAR auction and Ricky Van Shelton book signing. Tickets are $60 per person, and can be purchased at Trackside Collectibles in Lynchburg. (wset.com)(7-2-2003)

  • Davis back to GM in 2004? #22 and #23 Team Owner Bill Davis, although he's officially off the Dodge deal, is expected to keep running Dodges the rest of this season because of his huge inventory of parts and pieces. But next season, he might well be back with General Motors, possibly with Pontiac.(Winston Salem Journal)(6-16-2003)

  • Bill Davis Racing Responds To Dodge's Decision To Terminate Agreement: Bill Davis [#22 CAT and #23 Stacker 2 Dodges] Racing [BDR] is surprised by the decision of Daimler Chrysler's notification to terminate their agreement with Bill Davis Racing and to file suit alleging that Bill Davis Racing has breached its agreement with Daimler Chrysler. Bill Davis Racing firmly believes that it has not breached the Daimler Chrysler agreement and that there is no justifiable reason for Daimler Chrysler asserting a claim that it has breached such an agreement. Bill Davis racing is confident that it will prevail in the litigation and that the court will agree that is has not breached its agreement with Daimler Chrysler. Bill Davis Racing will continue racing the Dodge Intrepid in NASCAR's Winston Cup Series.(BDR PR)(6-4-2003)

  • CAT Team Sends a Present to the Boys: The GUNDEVILS of the 3rd battalion 319 airborne field artillery regiment got a little gift from the CAT Racing team. Outfitted with their very own CAT Racing hats, the GUNDEVILS are looking good in their CAT hats.(see image at Bill Davis Racing site)(6-4-2003)

  • NASCAR gives a car and engine to Toyota? UPDATE 2 NASCAR denies: Another of the big stories here concerns car owner Bill Davis, who spent most of the day repeating 'No comment.' The bottom line is Dodge's one, big happy family isn't so happy, or as big, anymore, with the abrupt decision by DaimlerChrysler to cut Davis' two-car operation out of the fold a little more than a year after Davis and Ward Burton put Dodge in victory lane at Daytona. When Dodge returned to NASCAR's top division three years ago, it came with Ray Evernham, Petty Enterprises and Davis. Since then, Chip Ganassi and Roger Penske have jumped on the train, and those two Indy-car giants have been overshadowing Dodge's original threesome. Dodge's decision to drop factory support of the Davis team, because DaimlerChrysler officials hint the team has been providing technical advice to Toyota, was the talk of the Winston Cup garage yesterday ... except in Davis' hauler, where he and his crew were mum. 'No comment for the foreseeable future,' is all Davis is saying this weekend.
    AND The surprising Dodge move has some key Winston Cup figures thinking that Toyota may be preparing to jump into Winston Cup racing sooner than expected. Tony Stewart said he has been told that NASCAR officials have given his Texas car to Toyota engineers for scrutiny -- NASCAR confiscated that car for uncertain reasons, and the sanctioning body hasn't given it back. Greg Zipadelli, Stewart's crew chief, said NASCAR also has given a Robert Yates' Ford motor to Toyota for detailed examination, in order to give Toyota a quicker jump out of the box. Stewart and Zipadelli are angry over those developments.(Winston Salem Journal)(5-31-2003)
    UPDATE - denied bt NASCAR: NASCAR strongly denied published reports that it gave parts confiscated from the Winston Cup garage to the Toyota startup effort. One such written account attributed Tony Stewart and crew chief Greg Zipadelli saying NASCAR had given Toyota the #20 Home Depot Chevy, which was confiscated during the Texas race weekend. The same report indicated NASCAR had given Toyota the Robert Yates Racing engine confiscated during The Winston weekend. However, NASCAR Vice President of Corporate Communication, Jim Hunter, addressing both allegations said that the parts are still in NASCAR’s impound in the Concord, N.C., Research and Development Center. Hunter added, “We spoke with [Joe] Gibbs last Tuesday about getting the parts back to the car, that we're going to give him and he's working to comply with the requirements. NASCAR would never give a competitor a confiscated part," Hunter added. "It would be foolish to put confiscated parts back into circulation."(Team Ford Racing)(6-1-2003)
    UPDATE 2 - more: Hunter said on an XM Satellite- NASCAR Radio interview that the #20 team would be getting most of the car back, but not the body as it didn't conform with the template rules. And that the story that NASCAR gave the car and the #88 engine to Toyota was ludicrous [ludicrous speed?] saying why would NASCAR want to put illegal parts back into circulation.(XM Satellite- NASCAR Radio - Subscription Required), heard this 'rumor' was started as 'fun' by a Cup driver/crew chief., to see if it would get picked up.(6-4-2003)

  • Dodge Sues Davis: A lawsuit filed by Dodge's parent company, DaimlerChrysler, alleges that Davis' team breached its contract by building and testing a prototype Toyota vehicle for NASCAR's Craftsman Truck series. Toyota has announced plans to enter the truck series next season — leading to speculation that the Japanese automobile industry giant eventually will field cars in the marquee-level Winston Cup series. NASCAR rules require teams to race approved "American-made" cars, but Toyota manufactures several models at U.S. plants. In the lawsuit, DaimlerChrysler alleges that at least one member of Davis' team represented Toyota at a NASCAR wind tunnel test in Marrietta, GA, on April 30. The suit says NASCAR officials performed aerodynamic tests on a Toyota prototype that bore decals from Davis' team and was powered by a Dodge engine. The suit says this violates a clause in Davis' contract with DaimlerChrysler that requires Davis and his team to "represent, endorse or otherwise promote" Dodge products. The suit, filed in a Michigan state circuit court on May 23, does not ask for a specific dollar amount in damages. But as a reward for racing Dodges, DaimlerChrysler pays its designated "factory" teams an annual sum believed to be in the low seven-figure range. The suit estimates that Davis' team has spent only 50-60% of this year's money, and asks for the remainder to be repaid. The suit also says DaimlerChrysler "fears that (Davis' team) has or will share DaimlerChrysler's confidential information with Toyota, in violation of the agreement," and wants the courts to force Davis' team to keep secret any confidential information they have obtained from Dodge. DaimlerChrysler officials declined comment Monday. Officials from Toyota and Davis' team did not return messages seeking comment. NASCAR vice president of corporate communications Jim Hunter could not say for certain whether officials tested a Toyota prototype in the presence of Davis team members on April 30, but he said wind tunnel testing is common in NASCAR's approval process for new vehicles.(USA Today)(6-3-2003)

  • Toyota to help Davis with $$? Regardless of what Bill Davis' problems might be with Dodge, Toyota officials are saying privately that money will not be a problem for Davis, that they'll do whatever it takes. Dodge officials are declining to confirm reports that they have filed legal papers in Michigan over the issue or to describe the gist of those papers. The Dodge-Davis story was one of the biggest this weekend, along with worries about Toyota increasing among Winston Cup tour teams. According to two sources, Toyota's entry into NASCAR's Truck series could lead both General Motors and Ford officials to reconsider their companies' sponsorship support. If Ford and GM back off, the Truck tour could become a Dodge vs. Toyota battlefield, with the Japanese car maker challenging the German automaker.(more at the Winston Salem Journal)(6-2-2003)

  • More Toyota Stuff: Just say the word 'Toyota' in the Winston Cup garage here [Dover], and you can feel the shivers. Yes, the Japanese auto maker, even though it has yet to put a truck or a Winston Cup car on the race track, is already scaring the heck out of NASCAR regulars. Not just because they believe that Toyota's racing department is willing to spend money. Not just because Toyota has some good engineering talent. But because, rivals say, Toyota men have already upped the ante in ruthless behind-the-scenes battling for some of stock-car racing's key technical secrets and because many Winston Cup regulars fear that NASCAR officials will do for Toyota what they feel NASCAR did for Dodge - bend over backward to help the new car manufacturer make a successful entry into NASCAR. "Toyota is going to come in here and run teams right out of this sport,' said a top Winston Cup team owner."
    Some notes:
    --Over the winter, Dodge executives said they were angry at Toyota for moves they said it was making to hire Winston Cup engine builders who could provide proprietary secrets about engine designs.
    --At least one Chevrolet team has provided engine builders to help Toyota with its new designs.
    --Last week NASCAR approved Toyota's new cylinder head, according to NASCAR sources. And Toyota did more than that, providing NASCAR with some of the sophisticated 3D computer programs used in the CAD-CAM designing of those heads. That could be a precedent-setting move if NASCAR now insists that rival car makers provide the same computer programs.
    --Tony Stewart said that NASCAR has given his Texas Chevy to Toyota to study.
    --Crew chief Greg Zipadelli said that NASCAR has given a Robert Yates Ford engine to Toyota to examine.(Winston Salem Journal) and see past news on my Toyota page.(6-1-2003)

  • And more on Dodge and Davis: Dodge has no immediate plans to expand the number of factory-backed Winston Cup programs, despite cutting ties last week to Bill Davis Racing. "Something like that would not come as a direct, hasty response to what has occurred," said Todd Goyer, manager of Dodge Motorsports. "I can't say what will happen down the road, however." Last week, Dodge severed its contract to provide factory support to BDR's Winston Cup teams with drivers Ward Burton and Kenny Wallace. The manufacturer would not comment on the specific reason for its move, with Goyer saying only that BDR's actions were "intolerable." Speculation in the Winston Cup garage Friday was BDR was involved with Toyota and its plans to enter the NASCAR Truck series next season. Goyer would not directly respond to that issue, saying instead: "As a hypothetical question, it's safe to say if a Dodge team was working with another manufacturer, we would have concerns." BAM Racing, which fields the #49 Dodges for Ken Schrader, hopes to pick up some of backing previously directed to BDR. BAM currently receives little factory support from Dodge. "The Dodge people know what their plans are for the rest of the year. Anything they can do for us, the gratitude would certainly be unlimited," said Eddie Jones, BAM's general manager. "They are already doing the things for us they can. They had a limited number of contracts and we weren't one of them. But they have been doing everything they could because they have seen our loyalty to the brand." Although it has no full-time primary sponsor, BAM has entered every race this season and has used Dodges since it began a part-time schedule last season. BDR officials again Friday declined to comment on the situation.(ThatsRacin.com)(5-31-2003)

  • Dodge Splits with Bill Davis Racing UPDATE: A top Dodge Motorsports official confirmed Thursday that the automaker has terminated its contract with Bill Davis Racing [BDR]. Davis fields the Winston Cup Dodges of 2002 Daytona 500 winner Ward Burton and Kenny Wallace. Davis also fields Chevrolets in the Busch Series for Scott Wimmer. Todd Goyer, manager of Dodge Motorsports, said the contract was terminated prior to last weekend's Coca-Cola 600. Goyer would not comment spcifically on what prompted Dodge's decision, but called BDR's actions "intolerable." He would not provide specifics. A spokeswoman for the Davis team said she was not aware of the change late Thursday afternoon. The loss of factory support means BDR will not receive information and engineering data provided to Dodge programs. BDR could also lose wind-tunnel time and the use of factory-supplied parts for its teams. Bill Davis Racing ran Dodge bodies in last weekend's race at Lowe's Motor Speedway.(ThatsRacin.com). There have been many rumors that BDR has been working with Toyota for the Truck Series, which will run the that series in 2004.
    AND Dodge Motorsports has terminated its contract with Bill Davis Racing, cutting off all support and access to information for drivers #22-Ward Burton and #23-Kenny Wallace. Todd Goyer, managing director for Dodge Motorsports, said Thursday the contract was broken before last week's Coca-Cola 600 because of a "material breach of agreement."
    "We do have enough reason to reach the conclusion that we did," Goyer said. There has been speculation Davis has been in discussion with Toyota, which will become the first foreign automaker in NASCAR next season when it enters Tundras in the Truck Series. Goyer would not comment further on what led to the split with BDR. Davis can still use Dodge Intrepids for Burton, Wallace and Busch Series driver Scott Wimmer [but run's Chevy's in Busch], but he'll now have to pay for all of his equipment. He'll also be shut out of the information sharing that goes on between Dodge teams. That access can be vital, considering NASCAR heavyweights Roger Penske, Chip Ganassi and Ray Evernham are part of the Dodge contingent. "Factory support means they have access to the technology that all the Dodge teams have and all the information sharing," Goyer said. "It's access to all the technical aspects, plus the marketing support and use of the Dodge brand name." Davis will also lose access to Dodge's wind tunnel in Michigan. Wind tunnel time is one of the greatest expenses in racing and Dodge teams were able to save considerably by having one in-house at the DaimlerChrysler headquarters. The manufacturer now has four official teams - Penske Racing [#2/#12], Chip Ganassi Racing [#40/#41/#42], Evernham Motorsports [#9/#19/#91] and Petty Enterprises [#43/#44/#45] - and nine drivers. #49-Ken Schrader drives a Dodge for BAM Motorsports, but the team does not receive factory support.(Charlotte Observer/AP)(5-29-2003)
    UPDATE suspposedly BDR tested a Chevy at Dover with Wimmer the week before the Coke 600 for the Cup race, then it was announced Wimmer would not run at Dover.
    AND also the Jim Smith's Ultra Motorsports #7 Sirius Dodge and Jimmy Spencer is a Dodge factory team.
    UPDATE 2: all interviews with either Dodge folks, Bill Davis or the drivers pretty much are 'No Comment' on the situation. The only thing mentioned was that it was a face-to-face meeting with Dodge and Davis during the Coke 600 race weekend.(5-30-2003)

  • Special Paint for the #22 at The Winston: This year’s Winston All-Star event will mark the fourth straight season that Ward Burton, driver of the #22 Caterpillar Dodge, will compete in the race that features NASCAR’s most recent winners from it’s elite series – Winston Cup. Burton earned his place in the event through his wins last season, the Daytona 500 and the New Hampshire 300. It is typical of most teams to use the Winston to showcase a special paint scheme and the Caterpillar team is no different. The #22 will showcase ACERT Technology, a standard feature being offered by the CAT Engine division. ACERT Technology is a breakthrough technology for on-highway diesel truck engines that meet compliant emissions regulations while maintaining reliability, durability and fuel economy. It is comes standard on five engine models in a range of 190-550 H.P. When the line of engines meets full production in October, it will culminate over 10 million miles of testing. The #22 Caterpillar Dodge will sparkle with silver and black as it competes in NASCAR’s All Star event under the lights at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.(Bill Davis Racing PR), see images of the car and other special Winton and Winston Open schemes on my Paint Scheme Gallery.(5-13-2003)

  • Toyota Stuff - Ganassi and Davis? Things have been pretty quiet on the Toyota front lately, but work on the Japanese company's new NASCAR Tundra racer is well under way. The two NASCAR teams expected to play a big role in Toyota's truck venture next season are the ones owned by Chip Ganassi and Bill Davis, although neither is willing to confirm anything. Davis' suspected Toyota truck operation, according to team sources, is being run at a secret shop that is being called Area 54, a take-off on the U.S. government's top-secret flight base, Area 51. Where might that shop be? According to sources, it's probably at Davis' old Busch shop in Thomasville, NC.(Winston Salem Journal)(4-14-2003)

  • Inside Cat is back: Last year's publication of Inside Cat Racing 2002 was such a success that a 2003 edition has just been released. The magazine-format issue includes photographs and lots of information about Ward Burton and Bill Davis Racing. Inside Cat Racing is available at the Cat Merchandise Centre on Adams Street in Peoria or at www.insidecatracing.com. The 2002 edition also may be ordered on the Web site.(Peoria Star)(2-20-2003)

  • CAT Footwear: To celebrate the legacy of the Daytona 500 and commemorate Ward Burton's 2002 victory at the famed race, CAT Footwear has developed a limited edition series of their best-selling Alaska work boot embossed with the esteemed NASCAR Winston Cup driver's signature and his Bill Davis/CAT Racing car number (22). Of the 500 pairs that have been manufactured, each will be packaged with a letter of authenticity - 25 of which will be hand-autographed by Ward Burton and randomly placed into lucky consumers' boxes. A limited number of the commemorative boots will be sold on the CAT FootwearWeb site [will be on the site Feb 10th] while the remaining will be available for purchase during race weekend (from a trackside tent) in Daytona Beach, February 13-16. Ten percent of the proceeds will benefit The Ward Burton Wildlife foundation, a charity created by the Daytona 500 winner to promote an awareness of the need for wildlife conservation, habitat enhancement, and proper stewardship of our natural resources through preservation and education. CAT Footwear creates shoes and boots designed for the active lifestyle of today's youth. In addition to providing quality, durable men's and women's industrial boots and shoes, CAT Footwear strives to push the leading edge of casual footwear with specifically engineered offerings for men, women, and children. CAT Footwear is a division of Wolverine Worldwide(PR)(1-28-2003)

  • Ward Burton to to plug Virginia State Parks on radio, TV: #22-Ward Burton will appear in a series of radio and television announcements for Virginia's state parks, Gov. Mark R. Warner said Monday. Burton, a Halifax County native and current Daytona 500 champion, will speak on behalf of the park system in the public service announcements that are slated to air on more than 80 radio stations and almost 30 TV stations. The ads will air as part of a long-term agreement between the state Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Virginia Association of Broadcasters. Warner said Burton's "popularity as a NASCAR personality and his lifelong commitment to the outdoors will be a tremendous benefit to promoting Virginia State Parks." Burton is an avid outdoorsman and has established a foundation to promote wildlife conservation, the Ward Burton Wildlife Foundation. The foundation manages land along the Staunton River and is raising funds to acquire an adjoining tract and to build an environmental education center.(Daily Press/AP)(1-7-2003)

    2002 News

  • #22 Crew Changes: being told by #22 team sources that two crew members were fired and two left after former crew chief Tommy Baldwin tried getting the whole over the wall gang and many shop personnel. The whole crew didn't leave as was reported.(12-4-2002)

  • Crew Moves: hearing [not a big surprise] that many of the crew of the #22 Bill Davis Racing Team are laving and moving to the #7 Ultra Motorsports team where former crew chief Tommy Baldwin Jr is now working, others going to different teams.(11-27-2002)
    UPDATE: Tommy Baldwin, the new crew chief for Jimmy Spencer [not officially named yet] in Jim Smith's Ultra Motorsports #7 car, has kind of cleaned the walls of people. Over the long Thanksgiving weekend, I don't know how many and I don't know who, but I hear a substantial amount of guys that worked with him on the #22 car have moved to Bill Davis Racing to work with him. It's not highly unusual because it's almost like when a head football coach changes teams, a lot of times a lot of his assistants go with him.(FoxSports)(12-2-2002)

  • Crew Moves: hearing [not a big surprise] that many of the crew of the #22 Bill Davis Racing Team are leaving and moving to the #7 Ultra Motorsports team where former crew chief Tommy Baldwin Jr is now working, others going to different teams.(11-27-2002)

  • Ward, Milk and Hershey's: The national launch of Drive to Read @ your library, a program developed by Hershey's Milk and the American Library Association (ALA) begins its second year to ignite interest in reading among America's teens and drive them into libraries. With NASCAR driver Ward Burton at the wheel, the program is designed to connect with teens by aligning libraries with one of the nation's well-known NASCAR drivers and Hersehy's Milk. According to the most recent reading survey and test scores gathered from the National Assessment for Educational Progress (NAEP)*, reading scores have made no significant statistical gains since the 1970s. The report also suggests that a smaller percentage of 13- to 17-year-olds read daily for fun today than in 1971.. The next NAEP reading study is expected for release in Spring 2003. The purpose of Drive to Read @ your library is to encourage young adults nationwide to discover the value of libraries, to check out and read books for knowledge and entertainment, and to discover how books bring a world of opportunity to today's teens. The Drive to Read @ your library program calls for teens to read one of the "Best Books for Young Adults" for 2002, which are selected by librarians through the Young Adult Library Services Association, a division of the American Library Association.. Teens are encouraged to submit an entry on a favorite literary hero through essay, monologue, poem, mural, video or other creative means. Teens are allowed to work in teams of up to four or alone, but once the entry has been completed, they need to check in with their school or public librarian to ask him/her to sponsor the contest entry. The lucky teen or team will win a trip to Miami in Spring 2003 to meet program spokesperson Ward Burton and enjoy the weekend at the beach. For all of the program details, interested teens should race to www.hersheysmilk.com.(PR)(11-20-2002)

  • WD-40 and Burton re-up: WD-40 Company and Daytona 500 winner Ward Burton they will continue their promotional partnership through the 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup Season. During the 2003 NASCAR racing season, the product used by millions of consumers to solve problems on their cars and trucks will be continue to be marketed through programs involving Burton. This will be the second year of an endorsement and advertising agreement between WD-40 Company and Burton. "Our brands are a perfect fit with NASCAR and its drivers - auto enthusiasts and mechanics rely on our products to help maintain their vehicles," said Garry Ridge, president and CEO of WD-40 Company. "Our relationship with Ward worked out so well last year that we decided to continue it for 2003. We're very pleased with the awareness he has generated around WD-40 among our automotive and general consumers."(WD-40 PR)(11-17-2002)

  • Stoddard back with the #22 in 2003? Bill Davis Racing and Frank Stoddard plan to remain together next season. Stoddard has been working as the crew cheif for #22-Ward Burton since October. Nothing has been signed offically as of yet.(Winston Cup Scene)(11-14-2002)

  • #22 Docked 25 points and fined $10,000: NASCAR officials announced that NASCAR Winston Cup Series owner Bill Davis, along with team crew chief Frank Stoddard and driver Ward Burton, received penalties for an infraction that occurred at Sunday's NASCAR Winston Cup race at Martinsville Speedway. The #22 Caterpillar Dodge of Bill Davis Racing was found to have unapproved front springs during post-race inspection and all three individuals were penalized under Section 12-4-A of the NASCAR Winston Cup Series rule book, "...Actions detrimental to stock car racing..." and Section 12-4-Q, "Any determination by NASCAR Officials that parts and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform to NASCAR rules." The coil winding of the front springs was not evenly spaced and did not meet the standards set forth in the rule book. Davis was penalized 25 NASCAR Winston Cup Series championship car owner points; Burton was penalized 25 NASCAR Winston Cup Series championship driver points; and Stoddard was fined $10,000. Davis now has 2,966 championship car owner points and drops from 26th to 27th in the standings. Burton also has 2,966 points, and drops from 24th to 25th in the drivers' championship standings.(NASCAR.com)(10-22-2002)

  • Ward Communication Problem: #22-Ward Burton, who speaks with a slow Virginia drawl, and his new crew chief Frankie Stoddard, a fast-talking New Hampshire native, have become quite the odd couple during their first few races together. Communication during races seems to be somewhat of a problem. Twice during the early laps of the Old Dominion 500, Burton didn't come into the pits even though Stoddard and the crew were expecting him. "I couldn't understand a thing Frankie was saying," Burton said. "And I can't understand [car owner] Bill Davis either." Burton, who finished fifth, said the problem isn't the accents. "My hearing from shooting so much as a kid without ear plugs is shot," Burton said. "I've got to get the volume up on my radio."(Atlanta Journal-Constitution)(10-21-2002)

  • Nice Gesture by Ward UPDATE: Six-year-old Dusty Duncan went out Friday night to get Ward Burton's autograph. What he may have gotten in addition to the autograph was a new shot at life. Dusty suffers from a cleft palate. It's a condition that doesn't threaten his life, but because of the way it affects his personal appearance, it does threaten his self-esteem. Especially for a 6-year-old. When Burton's helicopter landed at the Grandview autograph session, he immediately noticed Dusty. Sonja Duncan, Dusty's mother, said of Burton: "He looked two or three times at Dusty. All Dusty could say was, `That's Ward Burton.' " Dusty stood in line with his mother and father, Billy Duncan, and got his autograph. Afterward, as they were entering a nearby store, a security guard stopped them. The guard said that Burton wanted their name, Dusty's age and a phone number. They complied. Shortly after, the guard returned and said Burton wanted to talk to them after the autograph session was over. The Duncan family was ushered into a room at the store where they met Burton. They talked. Then Burton pulled Billy Duncan aside. "He asked what was wrong with Dusty," Sonja Duncan said. "He asked if it could be fixed and then he offered to pay for it. I was shocked," she said. Burton said Sunday: "I'm going to help him. I'm going to help with some funds." Burton said something about the boy just touched him. "I got kind of emotional when I saw him," Burton said, becoming emotional again. "I'm a sucker when it comes to children." Burton said he was impressed with the boy's attitude and said it was very evident he had the love of his mother and father. Dusty has already had eight surgeries in unsuccessful attempts to correct the problem. Dusty's sister, Angie, also was born with a cleft palate. Hers was successfully dealt with by two surgeries. Rita Ferguson, a friend of the Duncan family who was with them at the autograph session, said the Duncans "are not in position to take Dusty to a specialist." She also said that Dusty is at the age where he's been hearing about his appearance from friends. The Duncans said Burton told them he would be in touch early this week to work out the details of getting Dusty's life turned around. "I can't help everybody," Burton said. "This was something that just touched me."(Kansas City Star)(9-30-2002)
    UPDATE: Last week during an autograph session in the Kansas City area, Ward Burton met Dusty Duncan. The boy touched Burton in a way that surprised even his parents. After the autograph session, Burton sent a security officer after the parents, desperate to know what was wrong with their son. The security officer tracked down the parents and Dusty and brought them back to Burton. Burton wanted to know what type of infliction their son, Dusty, had. The parents explained to Burton that Dusty, along with his sister Angie, both had a cleft lip. Burton wanted to help the family get the proper care that their children needed. He spoke with the father about how he could help Dusty. The Kansas City Star ran a story on the meeting between Burton and Dusty and an outpouring of support to help Dusty ensued. The Shriners Hospital for Children contacted Burton and told them that they would handle the surgery for both children and do whatever they could to assist in treatment. Many fans have contacted Burton asking to help Dusty and his family. Since the Shriners Hospital for Children will handle the surgery for both Dusty and Angie, you may make donations in their names at your local Shriners or mail your donation to: Shriners Hospital for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607-1460.(Bill Davis Racing PR)(10-5-2002)

  • Baldwin out? UPDATE 3 yes, and Stoddard in: hearing #22 crew chief Tommy Baldwin and Bill Davis Racing have parted ways, no word on a replacement or where Baldwin will go.(9-30-2002)
    UPDATE: Tommy Baldwin and Bill Davis Racing have parted ways, effective immediately, and Frank Stoddard will now take over crew chief duties for the #22 Dodge of Ward Burton. Reports said that Baldwin and team owner Bill Davis got into heated argument on Sunday morning prior to the Protection One 400 at Kansas Speedway. Sources said that Baldwin reportedly told some team members that Sunday would be the last day he ever calls a race for Bill Davis Racing. On Monday morning, Baldwin didn't show up for work at the team's shop. Later in the day, Davis called a team meeting to report that Baldwin was no longer working at BDR and that Frank Stoddard would be taking over. Baldwin was seen cleaning out his office Monday afternoon, as well. Stoddard was recently released from Roush Racing where he had been Jeff Burton's crew chief since 1998.(NASCAR.com)
    UPDATE 2: hearing on a radio show, the Morning Buzz, that Stoddard said he is not an employee of BDR at this time, and he still has some issues still have to be woked out with Roush Racing.
    UPDATE 3: Last week, discussions began between Frank Stoddard and Bill Davis about possibilities of joining forces in the months ahead. Stoddard became interested in the potential that Bill Davis Racing had to offer. "In the past few weeks, Bill and I have spoken about a position within his organization for the 2003 season," said Stoddard. "He has a first class facility and I believe that his teams have the potential to win a lot of races. They have won twice this year in the 22 and are building the 23 for the 2003 season. Obviously, I was caught off guard by the opportunity to work with Ward, but at the same time I am excited about the opportunity to pick up and begin working with a winning team. These are a great group of guys and they are already a great team. We'll see how things work the rest of this season. We have seven races left in this year to see if Ward and I can form a relationship that can be successful. At the end of the season, Bill, Ward and I will sit down and talk about how we feel about where the program is at and how we're going to progress with the future."(Bill Davis Racing PR)(10-1-2002)

  • Davis on Baldwin and Stoddard UPDATE: Bill Davis had an interesting week after he read in the newspapers that his crew chief, Tommy Baldwin, was entertaining a contract offer from Dale Earnhardt Inc. to fill the position vacated by Paul Andrews with Steve Park’s Chevrolet. Andrews left DEI last week to assume the crew chief job with Jeff Burton #99 Ford entry. Davis had several choice comments about Baldwin’s handling of the situation, and sources told teamfordracing.com that Ty Norris, general manager for DEI, also was unhappy with the public airing of contract negotiations in the media. Davis, addressing his crew chief possibilities said that he’s spoken with Frankie Stoddard this past week, and that he believes Baldwin will stay put where he is. "Frankie Stoddard and I have talked, but we haven’t talked about official job description capacity, yet,” said Davis. “I’d love to have Frankie. He’s one of the best crew chiefs in the garage. Tommy Baldwin seems to talk to [the media] more than he does me. I assume he’s staying. We’ll sit down and talk next week. I figure he’ll be crew chief for the [No.] 22 for a long time.”(Ford Racing)(9-15-2002)
    UPDATE: Tommy Baldwin is expected to re-sign with Bill Davis Racing [BDR], despite reports that he was leaving the organization to take the same role at DEI on the #1 Chevy with driver Steve Park. However, insiders at BDR say Philippe Lopez will not be returning to the #23 car with driver Kenny Wallace since the Hills Brothers sponsorship subsidizes his salary.(Sporting News)(9-16-2002)
    UPDATE announcement...this week? hearing the rumored hiring of crew cheif Frank Stoddard by Bill Davis Racing could come as early as this week (Wednesday?) AND Sunday morning on NASCAR This Morning, crew chief Tommy Baldwin said he expects to stay with Bill Davis Racing and the #22 Dodge next season.(9-17-2002)

  • Baldwin's contract up, to the #1? or staying at the #22? UPDATE: Tommy Baldwin's contract as crew chief for Bill Davis and Ward Burton is up at the end of the season, and there are indications that he is under consideration for a job as Steve Park's crew chief at Dale Earnhardt Inc. One hangup to a Baldwin-to-DEI move would be Baldwin's sideline BGN team [#6 Dodge with ties to Davis]. "But Tommy has assured us he has no intentions of going anywhere," Davis said.(Winston Salem Journal)(9-8-2002)
    UPDATE: Winston Cup crew chief Tommy Baldwin told NASCAR.com Tuesday afternoon that he has contracts in-hand from Bill Davis Racing and Dale Earnhardt Inc., and is currently mulling over which situation is best for him in hopes of making a punctual decision.(NASCAR.com)(9-10-2002)

  • Earnhardt Jr/Ward talk: Ward Burton and Dale Earnhardt Jr. have talked about the incident at Bristol. The two were involved in an incident on the 402nd lap at the Sharpie 500 in Bristol on Aug. 24. Afterward, Burton was captured on television throwing his heel pads at Earnhardt's car. Burton finished 37th, Earnhardt third. Yesterday, the two chatted before qualifying for tonight's Monte Carlo 400. "We had a good talk and I was glad that we did that," Burton said. "I think that we ought to leave it amongst Dale and I. But I'm glad we got to talk."(Richmond Times Dispatch)(9-7-2002)

  • Ward $5,000 lighter in the Wallet: NASCAR today fined Ward Burton $5,000 for throwing his shoe heat shields at Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s car during last Saturday night's Sharpie 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway. NASCAR said Burton was penalized for "actions detrimental to stock car racing."(Winston Cup Scene Daily Newsletter)(8-29-2002)

  • Penalty Likely for Ward: #22-Ward Burton and his crew chief, Tommy Baldwin, were called to the NASCAR hauler following Saturday night's Sharpie 500, where Burton was admonished for his on track demonstration following his wreck Lap 404. Burton was hit by Dale Earnhardt Jr. and wrecked in Turn 3. Once he got out of his #22 Dodge, Burton waited on the track for Earnhardt Jr. to come around and threw his heel shields at Earnhardt Jr.'s # 8 Chevrolet. Kevin Triplett, NASCAR's managing director of business operations, said a penalty would likely be forthcoming this week regarding Burton's behavior. "Junior just didn't take his time," Burton said. "We'd been giving and taking out there all day. I've got some really good words for him that I can't say." Earnhardt Jr. said the wreck wasn't intentional. "I don't really keep it no secret when I wreck somebody. I don't do it that often. Hopefully for sure Ward knows that that wasn't intentional," Earnhardt Jr. said.(ThatsRacin.com)(8-25-2002)

  • WD-40 and Ward: For many people, maintaining an automobile can be a daunting task. But not for NASCAR race teams. That's why WD-40 teamed with NASCAR Winston Cup driver Ward Burton to create the "WD-40 Stock Car Full of Uses" brochure. Designed to help make auto maintenance easier, the brochure features a simple diagram illustrating how WD-40 can be used to help with upkeep. The brochure is free to consumers and available by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope to "WD-40 Stock Car Full of Uses," P.O. Box 881515, San Diego, CA 92168-1515. Those interested in a sneak peek can visit wd40.com/racing/car_care.html to view a thumbnail sketch of the brochure. While visiting the web site, users can register for the "WD-40 Pace Car Superstar" sweepstakes through Aug. 31.(WD-40 PR)(8-6-2002)

  • The Golden Benny this week (for NHIS) goes to Tommy Baldwin, crew chief of the #22 Caterpillar Dodge, due to his pit calls at NHIS. Given by NBC/TNT commentator Benny Parsons.(7-28-2002)

  • Ward Burton wins wild race at New Hampshire: #22-Ward Burton passed #17-Matt Kenseth (who had a tire going down) for the lead with 10 laps to go and held on to win the New Hampshire 300. It was Burton's 2nd win of 2002 and first since winning the Daytona 500. #30-Jeff Green was 2nd, his best ever Winston Cup finish. All three RCR drivers finished in the top ten. For some commentart, caution info, some notes, see my New England 300 Race Info page.
    Re-Air: The race will be re-aired on TNT, Tues, July 23rd, 1:00am/et; Speed Channel on Wed, July 24th, 8:00pm/et and Thurs, July 25th, 1:00am/et.
    Results: at ThatsRacin.com and NASCAR.com.(7-21-2002)

  • Crew Member Injured: Tom Hubert, the rear tire changer for Ward Burton 's team drilled his left index finger while making repairs on Burton's car. Hubert was treated at the infield care center and transported by car to a local hospital for X-rays on the finger.(Roanoke Times)(7-15-2002)

  • Ward signed? UPDATE 2 it's done 2 years: getting reports that Ward Burton has signed a multi-year deal to continue driving the #22 Caterpillar Dodge for Bill Davis Racing. Have seen nothing official yet.(7-2-2002)
    UPDATE: hearing it is a 2 year deal and may be announced at Daytona.(7-3-2002)
    UPDATE 2: Ward Burton from a Golin-Harris PR - "I'm done. I'm ready to rock. Caterpillar has signed for five years. A lot changes in the sport and I wasn't willing to sign a five-year deal (Burton signed for two more years, taking him through the 2004 season). We never even talked about it because I told Cat when we talked that five years is a long time. A lot can change in five years. Three years is a long time in this business. Five years is just too far to look down the future. I don't even know for me physically to sign a five-year deal if I would even be up for it. I do want options, and I feel like they need to have options."(Golin-Harris PR)(4th of July 2002)

  • Congrats: Heidi Stoddard brought into the world a 6 lb. 7 oz. baby girl at 7:30am this morning. Heidi and Frank [#99 Crew Chief] named her Alexis Heather Stoddard. Mother and baby are doing great. Heidi does the PR for Ward Burton and the #22 CAT team.(6-25-2002)

  • Ward close to re-upping with Davis UPDATE maybe not: Mike Brown, general manager for Bill Davis' #22 race team, says he and Ward Burton could come to terms on a contract renewal in the next few days.(Winston Salem Journal)(6-22-2002)
    UPDATE: [#22,#23] car owner Bill Davis says it's fair to consider the car with Ward Burton as driver to be open for next season after Burton didn't sign a contract extension before the team's deadline. "He had a 30-day window to sign a contract and he chose not to do it," Davis said. Burton said he had planned to sign it but f