NOTE: many of the links in the past news will be old and may not work
decided it was not worth the time to go thru each one on all the Team Past News pages
2004 News
Changes at RCR: A change in management occurred last week when Richard Childress Racing [#'s 29,30,31,33] promoted Mike Dillon, a former Busch Series competitor and Richard Childress' son-in-law, to general manager. Bobby Hutchens was named vice president of competition. Childress says RCR has been operating as a three-team organization despite its growth to five full-time teams in Cup and Busch. Childress did not rule out additional changes with his teams if performance does not pick up. Dillon added, "We're trying to improve all aspects of competition, and the change will take some of the weight off Bobby's shoulders." The move will allow Hutchens to spend more time with the engineering and R&D departments.(FoxSports/Sporting News)(6-7-2004)
RCR Crewman wants Biffle: Crewmen at Richard Childress' shop are chomping at the bit with the possibility of acquiring Greg Biffle. "We need someone to step this operation up a notch," an RCR crewman said. "And Biffle could do that. Childress needs to get him - no matter what it costs."(Winston Salem Journal)(6-5-2004)
Jim Inglebright to Drive #30 AOL Chevrolet in Sonoma: Due to a conflict in driver Johnny Sauter's NASCAR NEXTEL Series and Busch Series schedules, Richard Childress Racing (RCR) team owner Richard Childress has named Southwest Series driver Jim Inglebright to pilot the #30 AOL Chevrolet for the June 27 Dodge/Save Mart 350 at Infineon Raceway. Inglebright, 43, a regular on the NASCAR Elite Division, Southwest Series, has eight wins in 96 starts, including three straight victories at Infinion Raceway (2000-2002). He finished fourth in the 2003 event. He also ran a limited Craftsman Truck Series schedule during the 2000 and 2001 seasons, posting one top-ten finish in 17 starts. "We're disappointed Johnny couldn't run Infineon due to the Busch race weekend in Milwaukee, which is Kleenex's, his Busch team's sponsor's, hometown," said Childress. "We decided to put Jim Inglebright in the AOL Chevrolet for that race and are confident he will do a great job for us. Jim has the aggressive driving style I like and he definitely knows his way around Infineon, his track record speaks for itself." Sauter will remain the full-time driver of the #30 AOL Chevrolet and will return to the seat for the July 3 Pepsi 400 at Daytona International Speedway. "I am honored to get the opportunity to drive the AOL Chevrolet for Richard Childress," said Inglebright, the Fairfield, Calif., native who will also compete in the Southwest Series event at Infineon Raceway. "Driving in the Nextel Cup Series has always been a goal of mine. What better way to reach my goal than to drive for Richard Childress and AOL at Infineon Raceway." Inglebright will test the #30 AOL Chevrolet at Infineon Raceway Tuesday, June 8, in preparation for the Dodge-SaveMart 350. "AOL is excited to have a driver of Jim Inglebright's status in the seat of the AOL Chevrolet for the road-course event at Infineon Raceway," said JD Ettore, AOL Director National Promotions & Sponsorship. "Jim is a very well respected driver and with him we know we have a great shot at winning."(RCR PR)(6-4-2004)
RCR Getting Bigger: Richard Childress Racing is growing again. The latest plans include a 40,000-square foot engine shop that is expected to be completed by November.(FoxSports/Sporting News)(5-31-2004)
Special Paint for RCR at LMS in Oct: All three of RCR's fulltime NASCAR NEXTEL Cup cars will have special paint schemes in the UAW-GM 500 made famous by RCR over the years. The #29 GM Goodwrench Chevrolet will have a blue-and-white paint scheme reminiscent of the #3 Wrangler cars, the #30 America Online Chevrolet will carry a white-blue-and-red paint scheme reminiscent of the #3 Piedmont Airlines cars, and the #31 Cingular Wireless scheme will be reminiscent of the #3 Quicksilver car. RCR's two fulltime NASCAR Busch Series teams, the #2 ACDelco Chevrolet and the #21 Reese's Chevrolet, will maintain their primary paint schemes and will also carry the RCR 35th Anniversary logo on the hood. All RCR cars currently carry the 35th Anniversary logo. AND Richard Childress Racing (RCR) will celebrate its 35th Anniversary by giving one lucky fan (and a guest) a fantasy race weekend at the UAW-GM 500 weekend in October at Lowe's Motor Speedway and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with team owner Richard Childress. The "Ride with Richard" promotion begins today (May 27) and will run through Sept. 8, when the winner will be chosen. Race fans will enter by signing up in the Fan Central section of RCR's revamped RCRNetwork web site at www.rcrracing.com, www.rcrnetwork.com, or at AOL Keyword: RCR.(RCR PR)(5-28-2004)
Engine Competition UPDATE: there was some sort of Engine Competition at NASCAR Institute between Richard Childress Racing and Hendrick Motorsports. XM Satellite NASCAR Radio reports that RCR had the fatest time of 19:52, but nothing is official yet barring penalties.(5-26-2004) UPDATE: Lanny Barnes and Todd Hamm of Richard Childress Racing (RCR) defeated Mike Maiwald and Shane Parsnow of Hendrick Motorsports Tuesday night in the final round of the 2004 Clevite Engine Builder Showdown. The four-round competition, which began in January at Hendrick Motorsports in Charlotte, N.C., and concluded with the final round at the NASCAR Technical Institute in Mooresville, N.C., requires each team build an engine from the block up and specifies that it run for one minute. The RCR team turned in a time of 19:52 minutes while the Hendrick team finished in 20.33 minutes. Each team was penalized one minute for a rules infraction (the RCR team cross-threaded an oil pan nut), canceling what would have been a record time for Barnes. RCR has won two of the last three final rounds of the Clevite Engine Builder Showdown. Danny Lawrence, RCR's assistant engine shop manager, won the event in 2002 and was runner-up last year. Barnes defeated Lawrence in the semifinals this year. Lawrence owns the record time for the build, 20:26 minutes, which he established during the 2002 competition. This was Barnes' fourth appearance in the competition and first time in the final. Richard Childress, president and CEO of RCR, attended as an analyst for The Speed Channel's coverage of the event, which is scheduled to air July 18 at 8:00pm/et.(RCR PR)(5-26-2004)
#30 IMAX Scheme at California: The #30 AOL Chevrolet will again carry the special IMAX paint scheme this weekend for the Auto Club 500 at California Speedway.(RCR PR), see images of the car on the #30 Team Paint Schemes page.(4-30-2004)
Gordon and Sauter deemed 'safe' despite rumors: Two drivers rumored to be on the hot seat apparently can rest easy. Richard Childress said before yesterday's race that he hadn't lost confidence in #31-Robby Gordon or rookie #30-Johnny Sauter. "It's too early to make any decisions on drivers changes right now, and I don't have any plans to," Childress said. "With Johnny, the biggest thing is give him the seat time in these cars. I think Robby's going to do real well. He got behind in a couple of wrecks. If we had top 10s instead, we'd be in decent shape." Reports last week indicated Sauter was on the verge of being fired. The gossip spread while Childress was out of range, hunting polar bears during an off-week trip to the Arctic Ocean. He met with his drivers Monday. "It's all good," he said.(Richmond Times Dispatch) AND Car owner Richard Childress is known for making major changes to his race teams when he returns from hunting trips. But after bagging an 1,800-pound polar bear in Alaska during the Nextel Cup circuit's Easter break, Childress didn't return to the shop as loaded for bear as he was after a hunting trip in 2002. That year he swapped the crews of the cars driven by Kevin Harvick and Robby Gordon. Childress said he did a lot of thinking about his teams while out in the wild. "We're going to be doing some internal stuff for sure," he said. "There will be some changes." But he said drivers Johnny Sauter and Robby Gordon are safe in their current positions. "If there would have been a driver change, I would have made it when I came back last week," Childress said. "It's too early to make any decision on driver changes."(Atlanta Journal Constitution)(4-19-2004)
Sadler not pleased with Sauter: Rookie #30-Johnny Sauter drew the ire of the winner for the late-race maneuvers of his No. 30 Chevrolet. Several other lapped cars pulled aside for the battle between Elliott Sadler and Kasey Kahne in the closing laps, but Sauter chose to maintain his position. He finished three laps down in 24th. "He should have done like every other smart person and pulled over," Sadler said. "There wasn't anybody within half a straightaway of him. He pulled back in the groove and ran right on the bottom of 3 and 4, which is where I tried to run all day long. His awareness is hideous. I wish he would have left it down to me and Kasey to race. I was so focused on what [Sauter] was going to do, I forgot about [Kahne], and it almost cost me the race."(Richmond Times Dispatch)(4-5-2004)
Sauter to run Truck race at Martinsville: Cup rookie Johnny Sauter said he'll also compete in the truck race at Martinsville in two weeks for his own team. Sauter said he'll use the race as an additional test for the Cup event.(Roanoke Times)(4-3-2004)
RCR Adds Design Technology: Blue Ridge Numerics announced that Richard Childress Racing (RCR) in Welcome, NC, has selected CFdesign for virtual prototyping fluid flow and heat transfer performance of automotive components and systems built in Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire. On their first project, the RCR engineering team used CFdesign to identify a significantly improved design of the fuel delivery system used to refuel cars during pit stops. Recognized as a one of the heavyweights of NASCAR, RCR has a reputation for finding engineering innovations that help current drivers Kevin Harvick, Johnny Sauter, Robby Gordon, Ron Hornaday, and Clint Bowyer cross the finish line first in Nextel Cup and Busch Series races across the country. RCR saw the benefit of CFdesign with the very first project. Always looking for an edge in a competition where a fraction of a second determines winners and losers, CFdesign helped improve the fuel delivery system used by pit crews to refuel the car. Holden says the improvement achieved with CFdesign is a gain that will show up on the racetrack.(tenlinks.com via Insider Racing News)(3-20-2004)
Sauter...oops UPDATE 2: In a pre-race drivers meeting several weeks ago, drivers were warned by NASCAR President Mike Helton, to watch their language and to maintain a suitable level of decorum during live television (and radio) interviews in the wake of Janet Jackson's Super Bowl halftime show. Helton said. "We have a policy about profanity, and that is under more of a microscope today than it ever has been." Following the Sam's Town 300 Busch Series race at LVMS, Johnny Sauter, driver of the #27 Kleenex Pontiac, had a bone to pick with Michael Waltrip and let loose a string of expletivities during a post-race radio interview. NASCAR may come down hard on him, to make an example of what shouldn't be done. If penalties are in order, they will probably be announced by next Tuesday.(Insider Racing News)(3-9-2004) UPDATE: NASCAR has fined Johnny Sauter $10,000, deducted 25 NASCAR Busch Series championship driver points and placed him on probation through Dec. 31 for using inappropriate language following the NASCAR Busch Series race on March 6 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Sauter, driver of the #27 Pontiac in the NASCAR Busch Series, was penalized under Section 12-4-A of the NASCAR Rule Book (Actions detrimental to stock car racing: Use of improper language.) for his comments during a post-race broadcast interview. The loss of 25 driver points dropped him from second to fourth in the NASCAR Busch Series championship standings, with an adjusted total of 425 points. The use of inappropriate language and NASCAR's lack of tolerance for such behavior was brought to the attention of all drivers by NASCAR President Mike Helton during the drivers' meeting held for the NASCAR Busch Series on Feb. 21 and the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series on Feb. 22 during the race weekend at North Carolina Speedway in Rockingham, N.C.(NASCAR PR)(3-10-2004) UPDATE 2 - Comments: Johnny Sauter, who accidentally cursed during a PRN Radio Busch Series post race interview Saturday at Las Vegas, talked Wednesday with PRN’s Mark Garrow following NASCAR handing down its penalties. Sauter said “Obviously Mike Helton and everybody at NASCAR made a precedence in the drivers meeting at Rockingham that they weren’t gonna allow that stuff anymore, and in the heat of the battle I accidentally said something I shouldn’t have said. For the most part, I’m okay with the fine part of it but as far as the points go I don’t really feel it’s fair to penalize the team, and we’re definitely taking the precautions right now to appeal it.” Sauter added, “Obviously you don’t plan for stuff like that to happen. I mean, it’s not like I sit there and say, oh goodie here comes the radio or the TV and I can’t wait to say what I’ve got on my mind. It’s things that happen in the heat of the battle and obviously I think there are times that a microphone needs to be shoved in your face and there’s times it shouldn’t be. But, for the most part I did all the things I needed to do to apologize. I called Matt (Kenseth) and apologized to him and obviously I apologized to Dave Blaney. Like I said, it’s just one of those things that happened and it’s not going to happen again and for the most part we’re just gonna dig deep and go on.(PRN's Garage Pass Radio Show)(3-11-2004)
Childress in an AOL commercial: America Online [AOL] announced a series of new initiatives launching today for NASCAR's Daytona 500 that gives fans unparalleled access to the kick off of the NASCAR season. This comprehensive race package, Daytona 500@AOL, features video highlights of the best Daytona 500 moments, daily photos with ZoomView technology and exclusive clips from the Warner Bros. Pictures upcoming film NASCAR 3D: The IMAX Experience -- all available for viewing up to five times faster than on a standard dial-up connection and up to two times faster than on a standard high-speed connection with the new AOL TopSpeed technology. AOL will also launch a new ad on behalf of the AOL TopSpeed technology featuring the Teutuls from Discovery Channel's "American Chopper." Daytona 500@AOL continues AOL Sports' new programming offerings that debuted with SuperBowl@AOL and includes innovative and engaging content, best experienced via AOL for Broadband, that brings fans closer to major events. The content package builds upon the company's partnership with NASCAR and sponsorship of the Richard Childress Racing #30 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race car [driver Johnny Sauter]. During the Daytona 500, AOL will debut the latest commercial in a series of ads showcasing the popular Teutul family and the AOL TopSpeed technology that kicked off during the Super Bowl. The new ad will feature a cameo by NASCAR team owner Richard Childress. In addition, AOL is sponsoring the "Daytona to Daytona" Sweepstakes for AOL members which features as the grand prize a custom built TopSpeed(TM) chopper built by "Monster Garage" star Jesse James (valued at $150,000) as well as $50,000 cash. The sweepstakes begins February 12 and runs through June 25. The winner will be announced at the Pepsi 400 in Daytona on July 3. For Official Rules, see AOL Keyword: Daytona Sweeps.(Business Wire)(2-11-2004)
2003 News
NASCAR 3D: The IMAX Experience: see some QuickTime clips of the new NASCAR movie, NASCAR 3D: The IMAX Experience, which is scheduled for release on March 12, 2004.
Plot Summary: "NASCAR 3D: The IMAX Experience" will transport fans directly into the driver's seat to explore the world of today's elite NASCAR drivers and teams. The film will briefly take fans into reverse to review the history of this legendary sport, told from the viewpoint of some of its most revered drivers, and will then thrust into high gear with a look at the thrilling phenomenon that is NASCAR today. Featuring rare behind-the-scenes glimpses, as well as gripping footage of the unpredictable action on the track, "NASCAR 3D: The IMAX Experience" will provide a close-up look at what motivates NASCAR drivers in and out of competition. "NASCAR 3D: The IMAX Experience" will also focus on the science of today's racing technology, the cutting-edge racing machines and the underlying physics that drivers depend on to make turns at the highest speeds while skillfully maneuvering within inches of their competitors. More info at ComingSoon.net Film Database. AND special paint scheme: The film is called NASCAR 3D and will be an in depth behind the scenes film about the sport of NASCAR. The #30 driven by Johnny Sauter will run a special paint scheme at the Las Vegas race with both RCR and AOL. AOL Broadband is the primary sponsor partner of the film release so that will guarantee an incredible amount of media awareness and hype surrounding the launch of the film.(12-20-2003)
Childress and the new points system? Richard Childress, who won six Winston Cup championships with Dale Earnhardt under the points system in place since 1975, said he was hesitant about a proposed playoff format for NASCAR's top series, but has since gained a better understanding of it. NASCAR plans to announce by the middle of next month whether it will adapt a 26-race "regular season" and 10-race playoff format. Only the top-10 drivers in points after 26 races would be eligible to race for the championship over the final 10 races. "From a purely selfish standpoint I would prefer the system stay the same," said Childress, who won Cup titles in 1986, '87, '90, '91, '93 and '94 with Earnhardt, the late seven-time champion. "When I first heard about it around the time of the (Cup awards) banquet in New York, I didn’t think much of it." Childress said he recently spoke extensively with NASCAR officials, looking for answers to several questions he had about the proposal. "I think I have a better understanding now of what NASCAR is thinking. Sometimes you have to step back and take a look at the big picture," he said. "I can certainly see where the added media exposure and excitement surrounding a playoff atmosphere would help grow the sport and continue its success." Nextel, which takes over sponsorship of the Cup series in 2004, has been meeting with NASCAR over the proposal. Many fans have mistakenly cited Nextel as the reason for the change, when in fact it has been heavily promoted by new NASCAR chairman Brian France.(more at ThatsRacin.com)(12-20-2003)
#30 Driver? UPDATE 3: hearing the #30 AOL RCR Chevy may be driven in 2004 by Johnny Sauter? Not sure how this would effect his Busch ride in the #27 Brewco ride...if it happens.(11-19-2003) UPDATE: Jason Keller said he has discussed a probable vacancy at Brewco Motorsports with officials of that Busch team. The Brewco opportunity appeared with the apparent decision by driver Johnny Sauter, who had agreed to drive for the two-car team next year, to move to the #30 Nextel Cup cars owned by Richard Childress.(Greenville News)(12-3-2003) UPDATE 2: Johnny Sauter, who left Richard Childress Racing just last month, will return officially today. And with a promotion, no less. Sauter, the youngest driver from the Necedah, Wis., racing family, will be introduced as the driver for Childress' #30 Chevrolet entry in NASCAR's top division, the Nextel Cup Series, next season. The announcement will come during a news conference Thursday morning in New York.(Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)(12-4-2003) UPDATE 3: NASCAR team owner Richard Childress announced today Johnny Sauter will drive the #30 AOL Chevrolet for the 2004 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series season and will compete for the 2004 Rookie of the Year Award. “Johnny Sauter has been a big part of RCR’s success the last few seasons,” said Childress. “The move to the Nextel Cup is the next step in his promising career, so I wanted to make sure that step was taken with us. Johnny is the type of driver that fits the RCR mold so I know he’ll do a great job in the AOL Chevrolet.”
“Driving for RCR and AOL in the Nextel Cup Series is just an unbelievable opportunity for me, really a dream come true,” said Sauter. “RCR has been my home since Richard took the chance a few years back and put me in that Busch car. There isn’t another team I would want to race for in my rookie year.” Childress also announced Kevin Hamlin will become Sauter’s crew chief, moving to the #30 AOL team from the #31 Cingular Wireless team. Hamlin led Robby Gordon to a 16th-place finish in the 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup point standings, claiming both road course wins. Since joining RCR in 1997, Hamlin has nine Winston Cup victories, claiming wins with every driver with which he has worked. Hamlin will bring his entire 2003 #31 crew in making the move to join Sauter on the 2004 #30 AOL team. "We're delighted that a promising young driver like Johnny Sauter will be in the seat of the #30 AOL Chevrolet. Pairing Johnny with an experienced crew chief like Kevin Hamlin will allow the AOL team to win races and aggressively compete for the Rookie of the Year Award in 2004," said Richard Taylor, Senior Vice President of Brand Marketing for America Online. "Our partnership with NASCAR is a great fit with our AOL for Broadband high-speed offerings, and we look forward to continuing that partnership with this new team next season."(RCR PR)(12-4-2003)
Waiting on Kodak; Burton to the #30? #99 to close? UPDATE 3 Burton staying: Kodak holds the key domino in the Cup garage. If its sponsorship goes to Penske, it's possible Penske would field a third team, in conjunction with Jasper Engines and with driver Brendan Gaughan [see #77 Team News and Links page for the rumors on this]. Though Dave Blaney signed a contract with Jasper last September, his future is uncertain. If Kodak's sponsorship goes to Roush, it would lock in Jeff Burton. Burton, though, appears to be the driver Richard Childress has been waiting for to drive the #30 AOL Chevy [although rumors have Johnny Sauter in the car also], if Burton's #99 team can't land Kodak or another sponsor [rumored sponsor for #99: Astra Zeneca.(Yahoo Sports/Sporting News) UPDATE: being told the #99 does not not get a sponsor within the next few days Burton will go to the #30 AOL Chevy and AOL will extend their contract from thru 2004, to thru 2006, otherwise Sauter would probably end up in the #30 and hearing the #77/Kodak/Gaughan deal is pretty much done and Kodak has made their decision. No word on what Blaney will do or his plans.(12-1-2003) UPDATE 2: being told the #99 could be the next team to shut down if no sponsor is found.(12-2-2003) UPDATE 3: The #99 team at Roush Racing has no sponsor for 2004, but it still has a driver. Jeff Burton said Tuesday he'll stay with the team he's been with since 1996, taking his name out of the speculation about the #30 AOL Chevrolets owned by Richard Childress. Childress has a news conference scheduled for Thursday in New York City to announce a driver for that car for next season. Sources have told The Charlotte Observer that Johnny Sauter is now the leading candidate for that position. "I am committed to Roush Racing and Roush Racing is committed to me," Burton said. "We are in a position that we need to put a sponsor on our car. ...But we will field a well-funded, championship-contending race team next year. We are full-speed ahead." Burton did not specifically address the open seat in the #30 Chevrolets, but did say that other car owners have expressed interest in having him drive for their teams. "That has been flattering," Burton said. "But my allegiance is with Roush Racing. When things have been good, we've done them together, and when things have been bad we've gone through them together." Burton said that he is confident his team will sign a sponsor, but said Roush has assured him the #99 will run a full schedule in 2004 even if no sponsor can be signed.(ThatsRacin.com)(12-3-2003)
#30 Driver? UPDATEs: hearing the #30 AOL RCR Chevy may be driven in 2004 by Johnny Sauter? Not sure how this would effect his Busch ride in the #27 Brewco ride...if it happens.(11-19-2003)[more rumors on the #30 Team News and Links page] UPDATE: Jason Keller said he has discussed a probable vacancy at Brewco Motorsports with officials of that Busch team. The Brewco opportunity appeared with the apparent decision by driver Johnny Sauter, who had agreed to drive for the two-car team next year, to move to the #30 Nextel Cup cars owned by Richard Childress.(Greenville News)(12-3-2003)
#31 Crew Chief? Changes were already in the works at Richard Childress Racing. Although a driver has not been selected for the #30, sources say Kevin Hamlin will be the new crew chief. Chris Andrews, who was Robby Gordon's engineer on the #31 Cingular Chevy, is expected to become the crew chief for that squad with a more experienced crew chief to become team manager later.(Yahoo Sports/Sporting News)(12-1-2003)
Announcements Next Week:
Next Thursday is shaping up to be a day of answers in NASCAR. News conferences scheduled for next Thursday morning by Richard Childress Racing and Evernham Motorsports at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City should shed some light on several lingering questions left over from the 2003 season.
RCR will start the morning addressing its #30 AOL Chevrolet team in Winston Cup, announcing its new driver for the 2004 season and crew chief, sources said. Although the driver situation remains clouded, sources confirmed Kevin Hamlin, currently the crew chief with RCR's #31 Cup team, will move to the #30 in the same role.
RCR's announcement will be followed shortly by another from Evernham Motorsports.
The scope of the Evernham announcement remains unclear, but sources confirmed the future of veteran Bill Elliott, who drives the #9 Dodge for Evernham, will be addressed at the event. For the past several months, Elliott, 48, has been contemplating retirement, or at least a reduced schedule for the 2004 season.(ThatsRacin.com)(11-26-2003)
#30 Driver? UPDATE Sauter signed? hearing the #30 AOL RCR Chevy may be driven in 2004 by Johnny Sauter? Not sure how this would effect his Busch ride in the #27 Brewco ride...if it happens.(11-19-2003) UPDATE: hearing RCR and Brewco worked things out and Johnny Sauter has signed to drive the #30 AOL Chevy in 2004.(11-24-2003)
Beam leaves RCR for Wells: Crew Chief Mike Beam has left Richard Childress Racing and the #30 AOL Chevy team to become the team manager for car owner Cal Wells’ operation.(PRN's Garage Pass Radio Show)(11-19-2003)
Tracy looking at NASCAR....if: CART driver Paul Tracy might switch from open-wheel machines to stock cars. If CART should fold next year, Tracy would snap up a Cup ride if one were offered him. "It's something I'm interested in," said Tracy, 34. "I'm under contract with Forsythe Racing for another year, and my focus is on defending my CART title, but I'd also like to keep my racing options open." Tracy, a Canadian, was attending his first NASCAR race. Although he has never been in a Busch or Winston Cup car, he has an open invitation from Richard Childress Racing to test whenever he wants. Tracy didn't discount the possibility. "The door is open for me to try out the car," said Tracy, who drove for Roger Penske for a while in the '90s. "Richard told me I might not like the feel of a big stock car after driving open wheel, but I'm welcome to try anytime." If his CART ride were to disappear in the next year or two, Tracy said he probably would go to NASCAR. "I might do some sports car racing," he said. "I'd like to try Le Mans or the Daytona 24 Hours, but NASCAR is probably where I'd head."(Detroit Free Press)(11-18-2003)
Bodine and Childress? Todd Bodine, who says he's looking for a ride, had a good run, finishing 11th, and he may apply for the job with Richard Childress [#30 AOL gig].(Winston Salem Journal)(11-18-2003)
Schrader #30? #49? Ken Schrader says he plans to return to the No. 49, but there's speculation that he and Johnny Benson are the two finalists for the #30 ride at Richard Childress Racing.(FoxSports/Sporting News)(11-17-2003)
More Schrader to the #30: The possibility of Kenny Schrader in Richard Childress' AOL car is increasing, and unless something unusual breaks loose in the Busch garage, it looks as if Schrader will be Childress' pick, depending on how quickly Schrader's current car owners, Beth and Tony Morgenthau, can land a sponsor.(Winston Salem Journal)(11-16-2003)
Tracy and Childress Revisited: CART champion Paul Tracy said he would love to drive on the Winston Cup circuit, but he doesn't think his chance will come next year. Richard Childress hopes it does, but said he would "cross that bridge when we come to it." As far as Tracy knows, he said, CART's proposed buyout by Open Wheel Racing will be completed in time to save the series, and he plans to honor his contract with Forsythe Racing through its final year in 2004 if it does. Team owner Gerald Forsythe is one of the main investors in Open Wheel Racing. "I feel like there will be a series next year from what I'm hearing from my boss," said Tracy, attending his first NASCAR races this weekend on a Ford champions tour. "There's a schedule out and it looks good." Tracy's presence in the garage area piqued curiousity that he and other Champ Car drivers might be looking for employment since CART announced it would run out of money and cease operations if the deal was not completed in mid December. As one of the most successful and recognized drivers in the world, Tracy would not have to make contingency plans as much as peruse offers. He doesn't think converting to stock cars would be difficult. Childress said he would like to sign Tracy for his team. "There's a good chance of it," Childress said. "We spoke (Saturday). I'd like to see how he does in one. The first thing we have to do is set up a chance." Childress said no plans have been made for a test in one of his Chevrolets. Tracy would seemingly be the perfect Winston Cup fit for an owner who enjoys feisty competitors such as current drivers Kevin Harvick and Robby Gordon. "I think he's the perfect combination," Childress said. "He's a great driver and a great personality."(St Petersburg Times)(11-16-2003)
Schrader or Raines to the #30? UPDATE 3 However: With Jeff Burton all but assured to remain at Roush Racing next season with a new sponsor [Fed-Ex? Kodak? Nat Guard?] for his #99 Fords, veteran Ken Schrader and Winston Cup rookie Tony Raines have emerged as the front-runners for Richard Childress Racing's #30 AOL Chevrolets, NASCAR sources confirmed Saturday. Burton is under contract with Roush, but his team had difficulty in securing a primary sponsor for next season. Roush apparently has a sponsor for the team, although the identity remained unclear. Burton's unavailability has forced team owner Richard Childress to consider other alternatives.(ThatsRacin.com)(11-8-2003) UPDATE: also hearing John Andretti is a stong candidate for the ride.(11-10-2003) UPDATE 2: the Barre-Montpelier Times Argus reports that Kenny Schrader will be the new driver of Richard Childress' No. 30 AOL Chevrolet in 2004. Steve Park will not return next season, and Childress has delayed an announcement for nearly a month. Early speculation centered around Ward Burton and Jeremy Mayfield, but AOL reportedly vetoed Burton, and Mayfield recently re-signed with Evernham Motorsports. Schrader will leave the BAM Racing team to take his new position with Childress. BAM has struggled to find major sponsorship this season, and has nothing in place for 2004. Team owner Beth Ann Morgenthau has said the team may not race a full schedule next season if a new backer cannot be found, prompting Schrader to look for a new position with more job security. Expect an announcement as soon as this weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway.(Barre-Montpelier Times Argus)(11-13-2003) UPDATE 3: however, being told that Schrader was with Beth Ann and Tony Morgenthau last night and said his plans are to be part of BAM Racing. The team has already built three cars for 2004, and is working on a fourth. Several associate sponsors are already signed for 2004. No announcement with RCR is listed for anything the track has on its schedule.(11-13-2003)
Hornaday in 4th RCR car at Homestead: Richard Childress Racing Busch Series driver [and championship contender], Ron Hornaday will drive the #90 Childress Vineyards/RCRRacing.com Chevy in the Nov. 16 Ford 400. Childress Vineyards broke ground in September on its winery facility in Lexington, NC, and current plans call for its first vintage, using grapes from other North Carolina growers, to be available in late 2004. RCR last entered a #90 car when John Andretti drove the AOL 9.0 Optimized/Special Operations Warrior Foundation Chevrolet at Talladega in September, when he started 24th and finished 15th in the EA Sports 500.(RCR PR)(11-11-2003)
Biffle to RCR? UPDATE - back with the #16: Greg Biffle may be considering a $3 million deal to drive for Richard Childress, according to sources. But Geoff Smith, head of Roush Racing, says he expects the Winston Cup rookie to be back with Jack Roush next season.(full story and quotes at the Winston Salem Journal) and see another article at ThatsRacin.com: Biffle's remarks: Attempt at humor or foreshadowing?(11-1-2003) UPDATE: from a NASCAR.com conversation: Q) First of all, we'd love to know your plans, your for-sure plans next year? What's been decided? What's going on with you? A) Greg Biffle: Well, right now the for-sure plans are to run for a championship in the 16 car next year. Preliminary plans are to run quite a few Busch races. We haven't announced that yet, but we're trying to get that finalized. Hopefully in the next little bit, we'll be able to make an announcement of how many races we're going to run and who the sponsor is going to be. We're really excited about both programs for next year.(NASCAR.com)(11-3-2003)
Raines to the #30? UPDATE 2 on the #30 - Benson? Dixon? Andretti?: One new name being mentioned for the #30 seat is that of Tony Raines, who is completing his Winston Cup rookie season in the #74 Chevrolets owned by BACE Motorsports. America Online has another year on its deal, so team owner Richard Childress needs a driver who'll take a one-year commitment. "I've heard that I've been talking to him," said Raines, who starts 33rd in today's Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500. "I don't know how to answer that." Raines' current team, owned by Bill Baumgardner, has run without a primary sponsor all year. His best finish was 14th at Richmond, Va., in May. He's made the field for 32 of 33 races.(Charlotte Observer), so if Raines leaves does Johnny Benson consider the #74 ride since he drove for BACE in the Busch Series and won a champiobship with the team?(10-26-2003) UPDATE: the Winston Salem Journal reports that Jeff Burton or Greg Biffle have been on Richard Childress' radar scope, according to sources, although the two are under a tight contract with Jack Roush [Jayski Note: and there is supposedly a coming announcement about Roush fielding a Busch team for Biffle...see below]. Childress says he'd like to have Biffle; and there have persistent reports for two years now that Childress would like to hire Burton. While Burton rolls his eyes and dismisses the Childress talk as old news, sources close to the situation say that Burton may indeed be caught in the middle of a waiting-game power play between Childress and Roush. Burton's loyalties are with Roush, but Geoff Smith, head of Roush Racing, still hasn't signed a sponsorship for Burton, and there are indications that if a sponsorship isn't signed by a certain, unknown, date, then Burton could be a free agent. Childress, according to those close to him, may try to wait for that date. Burton has long insisted that he has no plans to leave Roush. Childress has only one year remaining on that AOL contract, but he is trying to persuade AOL to extend.(Winston Salem Journal)(10-27-2003) UPDATE 2: “We’re back to square one”. Those were the words from one member of Richard Childress Racing after he was asked about Jeremy Mayfield staying put with his current #19 for the 2004 season. Apparently Childress, along with GM officials, was somewhat surprised as word spread through the NASCAR Winston Cup garage that Mayfield had inked a deal keeping him in Evernham’s Dodge. It’s not known how far down the path Mayfield had gotten in his talks with Childress, but judging by the amount of concern shown in the affected camps it was likely very far. With Mayfield off the table names that were advanced included Johnny Benson, who was formally told this week that he’d not be returning to the #10 Valvoline Pontiac in 2004 and John Andretti. Also talked about was 2003 Indy Racing League Champion, Scott Dixon, who recently tested very well in a Cup car, at Kentucky.(Team Ford Racing)(10-27-2003)
What is up with Steve Park? during the rain delay, PRN Radio [www.goprn.com], interviewed Steve Park, current driver of the #30 AOL Chevy for RCR, who said is working on a possible Winston Cup team to run in 2004, but the deal hinges on a sponsor. Park also said he has talked to some Busch teams too.(PRN Radio)(10-26-2003)
RCR cars have “SOWF” decals this week All five Richard Childress Racing entries scheduled to compete in Friday night’s NASCAR Busch Series’ Little Trees 300 and Saturday night’s UAW-GM 500 at Lowe's Motor Speedway will carry decals of the Special Operations Warrior Foundation (SOWF). The SOWF began in 1980 as the Col. Arthur D. "Bull"Simons Scholarship Fund and was created after the Iranian hostage rescue attempt to provide college educations for the 17 children that survived the nine men killed or incapacitated at Desert One. A tax-exempt 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization, SOWF is dedicated to providing college scholarships and educational counseling to the children surviving Special Operations personnel killed as a result of an operational mission or training accident. These services are provided throughout the United States, or overseas, depending upon where the surviving children reside. To date, 455 children of fallen Special Operations personnel are involved in the program, of which 65 are currently attending college. RCR's relationship with the SOWF is a continuation of the support Richard Childress and Richard Childress Racing have for the United States armed forces. Childress and long-time RCR crew member Danny "Chocolate" Myers visited with U.S. troops in Europe last January as guests of the Tennessee Air National Guard.(SOWF site)(10-8-2003)
Childress down to two drivers: Richard Childress said he's narrowed his list of drivers for his third Cup [#30 AOL] team to two, and he said that Busch racer Kasey Kahne isn't one of them. 'It takes a little time to get everything put together,' Childress said. 'We're still talking.'(Winston Salem Journal)(10-4-2003)
Jeff Burton to RCR? UPDATE: here is one I haven't heard from a while, but being told Jeff Burton, driver of the #99 Citgo Ford and Roush Racing, could be headed to Richard Childress Racing in 2004 - however - it was announced just about a month ago that Burton had re-signed with Roush Racing a multi-year contract, so ??(10-1-2003) UPDATE: An Internet rumor this week linked Jeff Burton to Richard Childress Racing, but the South Boston native said he is staying put. "I just signed an extension of my contract and told everybody we signed," Button said. "Now I'm going somewhere else to drive. I don't know how [the rumors] get started. I do talk to Richard Childress. I don't talk about driving his race car, but I have conversations with Richard Childress. I don't think there's anything wrong talking to car owners I respect. I guess people see that and get things going in their head." Roush Racing is hunting for a company to sponsor Burton's No. 99 Ford next year, and Burton said the search was going well.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(10-4-2003)
Park to visit Chevy Plant: Prior to heading to Kansas Speedway for the Banquet 400, Park will be making a visit to the Chevy Malibu Assembly Plant, just outside of Kansas City, KS. On Thursday, October 2, he will be given a plant tour then visit with and sign autographs for plant employees.(RCR PR)(10-1-2003)
Park out? UPDATE 3: being told to expect an announcement soon that Steve Park will not return to the #30 AOL Chevy and Richard Childress for the 2004 season, not sure if that will include the announcement of the 2004 driver or not, some to be rumored for the ride include: Ward Burton, Jeremey Mayfield, Ron Hornaday, Johnny Sauter, Joe Nemechek. AND also hearing that Park may not drive the #30 at Kansas, have not heard who would. UPDATE: Richard Childress is expected to decide this week who will be the driver next season for No. 30 Chevrolet, which Steve Park failed to qualify in at Talladega. Three drivers are being mentioned: Jeremy Mayfield, Ward Burton and Scott Riggs. If Mayfield bolts from Evernham Motorsports' #19 team, it will raise a bigger question: Which two drivers would compete for Evernham in 2004? If Bill Elliott runs a limited schedule of five to seven races and Mayfield departs, chances are that Burton and/or Riggs could figure in the Evernham equation. An interesting combination would be Riggs, a rookie, with a veteran crew chief, such as Tommy Baldwin, in one of EMS' primary cars.(Sporting News/FoxSports) UPDATE 2: Seve Park will complete the 2003 Winston Cup season with the Richard Childress Racing (RCR) team as driver of the #30 AOL Chevy. Park will not return to RCR in 2004 and intends to explore his options for the upcoming NEXTEL Cup season immediately. To date in 2003, Park has won two poles (Fontana & Daytona) and scored one top-five and three top-10 finishes. “I’ve had a great experience with RCR and Richard has been very supportive throughout our relationship. I greatly appreciate him giving me the opportunity to drive for his organization this season,” stated Park. “I feel that I am in the best physical shape I have ever been and I know that I still have a lot to look forward to as a winning driver.” Park’s career statistics during his six year career in the Winston Cup Series include two wins, four poles, 12 top-5 finishes and 35 top-10 finishes.(Elevation Group PR)(9-30-2003) UPDATE 3: NASCAR team owner Richard Childress announced today he would not extend the current contract of Steve Park, driver of the #30 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, for the 2004 Nextel Cup season. Park joined Richard Childress Racing (RCR) in May 2003 to drive the #30 Chevrolet after driving for Dale Earnhardt, Inc., since 1996. He has 174 starts with two victories and four poles since he began his NASCAR Winston Cup Series career in 1998. His best finish in the championship point standings was 11th in 2000. "I want to thank Steve for stepping in and helping us with the #30 team. But this is a performance-driven business and the team's performance has not been up to our expectations so we decided to make a change for next season," said Childress. "We're announcing this decision now so Steve will have time to find another ride for 2004 and we will have time to find a driver for the team for next season. I also want to point out that the performance of the #30 team at Talladega last weekend in no way played a role in this decision and our goal is still to win a race with Steve before the season ends." Childress has yet to reach a decision on the new driver of the No. 30 Chevrolet for the 2004 season. An announcement will be made when plans have been finalized.(RCR PR)(10-1-2003)
Nemechek has many options: Joe Nemechek, who has lost his ride with [#25] Hendrick Motorsports after this year, is reportedly under consideration to drive a Dodge [I think teh author meant Pontiac and made a mistake, have heard nothing about Wells switching to Dodge] for Cal Wells if Wells is successful in adding a second team for 2004. Neither Wells or Nemechek has said much about the possibility, although Wells has said he is working with a potential sponsor for a second car. Wells, a highly successful owner in Indy Car racing, started a NASCAR team with driver Ricky Craven. Wells has long felt that singlecar teams are at a distinct disadvantage in Winston Cup racing and feels he needs a second team to be competitive. "I feel real good about next year," Nemecheck said. "We've got a lot of things going. I talk with Rick (Hendrick) almost every day. He's really trying to help me out. In fact, if they get another sponsor, there's a possibility something could happen here." In addition to Wells and Hendrick, Nemechek has been in contact with DEI and Richard Childress.(Lakeland Ledger)(9-28-2003)
More on Mayfield and RCR: While Jeremy Mayfield has been hot with car owner Ray Evernham this month and is bidding to hold his Dodge ride, insiders say that Mayfield continues to be a front-runner for a ride with Richard Childress. Steve Park, Childress' third driver, failed to make the 500 field yesterday.(Winston Salem Journal)(9-27-2003)
New Driver for the #30? Richard Childress says he's picked a new driver for his team, but he isn't saying who it might be.(Winston Salem Journal); Ward? Jeremy? Park? Hornaday? AND Car owner Richard Childress said he'll decide within the next few weeks if he'll retain Steve Park as a driver. Park and Jeff Green essentially swapped rides after Richmond in May. Childress signed Park through this season.(Roanoke Times)(9-22-2003)
AOL name being dropped: AOL Time Warner plans to drop "AOL" from its name, symbolizing the giant media company's effort to put the failings of the biggest merger in history behind it and begin a new phase of its corporate identity, company executives said yesterday. The corporation's board of directors is scheduled to approve the name change at its monthly meeting in New York tomorrow, people close to the board said. Richard D. Parsons, chairman and chief executive, strongly supports the change and intends to move quickly to implement it. The company's logo will be changed and its stock-ticker symbol will revert to "TWX," which Time Warner used before its $112 billion merger with America Online in January 2001. America Online Inc. was flying high when the Dulles-based firm co-founded by Steve Case bought venerable Time Warner with what turned out to be vastly inflated stock. But Case has been ousted, America Online is a mere division of a media behemoth, and the online unit is struggling to keep subscribers, many of whom have abandoned AOL dial-up service in favor of faster Internet connections provided by cable television and telephone companies. The decision to drop "AOL" from the corporate name is not a precursor to a sale or spinoff of the America Online division, sources said. (Washington Post). No idea what this means for the #30 AOL team in 2004.(9-17-2003)
Wine for Childress UPDATE: NASCAR Championship Team Owner [#29,#30,#31,#75 Cup] Richard Childress will break ground on Childress Vineyards on Wednesday, September 17th at the Childress Vineyards construction site, at the northwest corner of the intersection of Highways 52 and 64 in Lexington, NC.(RCR PR)(9-16-2003) UPDATE: Childress Vineyards broke ground today on the winery portion of the new Childress Vineyards complex in Lexington, NC. Childress Vineyards is a 60-acre facility located at the junction of Highways 52 and 64 in Lexington, N.C. The Childress Vineyards winery will be a 34,000 square foot facility. Approximately 25 acres of grapes will be grown at the site. Other facilities planned for the site include walking trails, an amphitheater, and separate retail and hotel space. The projected completion date for the winery is Aug. 1, 2004. Plans call for the production area to be fully operational by April or May of next year with the retail sector open in August. Childress Vineyards will produce 10 different wines. Childress has more than 25 acres of grapes (Vidal, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah) growing on the grounds surrounding his home in nearby Clemmons, N.C. His business partner, Greg Johns, owner of Johns Plumbing in Greensboro, has five acres of grapes (Sangiovese) growing in Summerfield, northwest of Greensboro in Guilford County. Production plans call for Childress Vineyards to produce wine from its own grapes and purchased grapes in 2004. Approximately 8,500 cases will be produced in 2004 and the 2005 vintage will also be produced from a combination of estate-grown and purchased grapes.(RCR PR)(9-17-2003)
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)
Park in the #30 at Talladega NOT Andretti: Steve Park's official web site [www.steve-park.com see the scroll] reports that Steve Park [the current regular driver] will be in the #30 AOL Chevy and John Andretti will be in a 4th Childress car NOT the #30 Chevy as reported. [See my #1 Team News and Links page for past news on it]. Am hearing it could be #03, no idea on a sponsor....yet.(9-2-2003)
Mayfield Out? Re-signed? UPDATE 2 going to the #30 car?: Ray Evernham may be in the market for a new driver, if Jeremy Mayfield leaves [the #19 car]. Evernham and other Dodge team owners have been under heavy pressure from Dodge executives to improve performance.(Winston Salem Journal) AND being told by source Mayfield will leave the #19 team, no idea where he goes, and who goes into the #19? would imagine a young gun of some caliber.(8-30-2003) UPDATE: however, PRN's Garage Pass reported on Thursday that Mayfield's option for 2004 was picked up by Evernham Motorsports.(8-31-2003) UPDATE 2 - not so fast?PRN's Garage Pass radio show reported last week car owner Ray Evernham and driver Jeremy Mayfield agreed to a new contract extension, however it appears that hasn't stopped Mayfield from talking with car owner Richard Childress. Sources tell PRN Mayfield has talked with Childress about the AOL Monte Carlo ride if Childress decides to replace Steve Park. Park, who says he wants to make it hard for Childress to replace him wants to stay with the #30 team. He recently finished 5th at Michigan.(9-3-2003)
More on DEI and Andretti; Andretti at Talladega for RCR; DEI and Coke/Pizza Hut? Biffle to the #1 in 2004? or is it Riggs A FEW ADDITIONS: DEI has picked John Andretti to take Jeff Green's place [in the #1 Pennzoil Chevy] the rest of the season, except at Talladega, where Andretti will drive for Childress. However, DEI is still working on a 2004 deal for that team -- according to one source, the sponsor could be Coca-Cola and Pizza Hut. Busch Scott Riggs has been the front runner [see rumor below], but Greg Biffle could also be in the picture. However, Biffle is under to contract to Roush for another season and would have to buy his contract out, if Roush would even OK such a move.(Winston Salem Journal) AND well...doubt it could be Pizza Hut AND Coke since they are owned by a PepsiCo consortium, actually I am hearing the sponsor could be Dominos Pizza, if Pizza Hut goes to another team, we could have a pizza war. Since DEI is heavily involved with Coca-Cola, can't see it being Pizza Hut. OR also hearing Fed-Ex could be the #1 sponsor in 2004, with Riggs in the seat. AND II no idea if Andretti will drive the #30 AOL car or if that will be a 4th Childress team for a race, Kerry Earnhardt will drive a race or two for Childress in the Busch Series in the #03 [see my Busch Series site for more].(8-30-2003) UPDATE: FSN's NASCAR This Morning reports that John Andretti will drive the #30 AOL Chevy for RCR at Talladega.(8-31-203) UPDATE 2: Steve Park's official web site [www.steve-park.com see the scroll] reports that Park will be in the #30 AOL Chevy and Andretti will be in a 4th Childress car. Am hearing it could be #03, no idea on a sponsor....yet.(9-2-2003)
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)
CART Owner Plans to Keep Tracy: CART team owner Gerry Forsythe yesterday poured cold water on speculation that Toronto's Paul Tracy will race in NASCAR Winston Cup next season. Tracy has been wooed by Winston Cup team owner Richard Childress to race with his three-car effort that would have him join Kevin Harvick and Robby Gordon in the RCR garage. Forsythe said that Tracy and Player's/Forsythe Racing teammate Patrick Carpentier are under contract to him through the end of the Champ Car World Series 2004 season. But with talk that the series may not return next year or that if it survives it will be in some other form, speculation was that Tracy would be in demand in NASCAR or in the Indy Racing League. "CART will not fail," said Forsythe, who is part of a partnership group that has made a bid to buy the series. "So any question of Tracy going anywhere is moot." Tracy, however, told The Toronto Sun that he has to keep all his options open and that he was flattered, but not surprised, by the interest shown in him by Childress.(Toronto Sun)(8-25-2003)
GM Card scheme: Steve Park will run the #30 AOL GM card scheme at in Atlanta on October 26th.(8-19-2003)
More on Tracy and Childress: "We've talked on occasion,'' Childress told the Indianapolis Star at Watkins Glen over the weekend about Paul Tracy. ``He'd definitely be my kind of driver if he'd like to try Winston Cup racing.'' With CART's future in doubt, Tracy has been checking out his options. And Childress could have an opening next year. Kevin Harvick and Robby Gordon will be back in RCR's #29 and #31 cars, but Steve Park has no such security in the #30 car. Park is a candidate for that ride, as is Ward Burton, who has asked out of his contract with Bill Davis Racing. The next step would be a stock car test, possibly at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, near Tracy's Nevada home. Tracy, who got his sixth win of the season Sunday at Mid-Ohio, told reporters he's interested. Though Tracy has a year left on his contract with Players/Forsythe Racing, he has had run-ins with CART's hierarchy, including CEO Chris Pook. He could be looking for a way out.(Tampa Tribune)(8-13-2003) UPDATE: HIGHLIGHTS OF Q&A's WITH CHILDRESS AND THE MEDIA: HAVE YOU TALKED TO PAUL TRACY ABOUT JOINING RCR? "A lot of people have asked me about that when the word came out about the IRL and wanted to know if Paul Tracy would be my driver since he's in CART now and might be looking to move to IRL some day. I don't know what his plans are.. I haven't talked to him in two years. Two or three years ago we talked about it. He said some day he wanted to go Winston Cup racing and whenever he did, he was going to talk to us. So I haven't talked to him. But he's my kind of driver. He's got a little flair to him. I'd rather have the drivers that you have to sit down and talk to or the driver that wants to win every week. They've got to have a little fire in their guts. I was with one of the best for 20 years so that's set the standards for what we've got to have for RCR."(GM PR)(8-17-2003)
Childress to the IRL? NASCAR Winston Cup team owner Richard Childress might be the newest Indy Racing League team owner. Childress confirmed talks with IRL president Tony George and a couple of open-wheel teams about fielding a car in the 2004 season.
Childress’ biggest interest is with Panther Racing, which has an engineer (Andy Brown) who has caught his eye. “It would be a little of our [stock car] technology and a little of theirs,” said Childress. “I think it would help our Winston Cup teams. But I don’t have time to do it on my own.” Childress’ involvement could go a long way toward helping Panther retain two-time series champion Sam Hornish Jr., who also would like to run the Daytona 500 next year. It also opens some other interesting possibilities, like having Kevin Harvick and Robby Gordon, winners of the past two Winston Cup races, in the Indy 500. Childress and Harvick attended this year’s 500 as guests of the Andretti Green team.(Autoweek)(8-15-2003)
Paul Tracy to NASCAR? UPDATE 2 with Childress: Volatile, hard-driving Paul Tracy, an outspoken Indy-car star, may be looking for place to race next season, with CART going down the tubes. And two Winston Cup team owners interested in Tracy are Chip Ganassi and Richard Childress. Childress has made a career of dealing with hard-to-deal with drivers. It's unclear if Childress might be considering expanding to four Winston Cup teams.(Winston Salem Journal)(8-3-2003) UPDATE: ....Childress is pondering what could be his next reclamation project, Paul Tracy, the wildest of the Indy-car wild men. Now Childress might not wind up hiring Tracy - though a large number of Winston Cup regulars would love the chance to put a fender to Tracy and see how much excitement he could take - but Childress said that Tracy is 'definitely' a card on the table for him. That Childress would even take a gander at another big project such as this, instead of simply settling for a solid guy such as Steve Park or Ward Burton, shows how confident Childress is that his operation has finally turned the corner.(Winston Salem Journal)(8-10-2003) UPDATE 2: While rumours were rampant late last week that Richard Childress might be interested in [Paul Tracy] the 34-year-old CART Champ Car star, nobody on the team was willing to confirm the validity. But Tracy's win Sunday at Mid-Ohio suddenly got Childress to speak about the possibility of having Tracy "on the list" of drivers he'd like on his team. "He's a card on the table," Childress said of his interest in Tracy. The next move would have to be a Winston Cup test for Tracy, likely at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Tracy told reporters in Lexington on the weekend he would be interested in such a test.(Toronto Star)(8-12-2003)
#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 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)
Ward to the #30? 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)
Parks Poles Rare: something I wondered about when #30-Steve Park got the pole late in qualifying at Daytona for the Pepsi 400. When was the last time a driver won a pole in the same season for two different teams? Park won the pole at California Speedway while driving the #1 Pennzoil Chevy and won the pole for the Pepsi 400 at Daytona in the #30 AOL Chevy this year. So did a little research and the nearest I found was in 1993 when Jayski Fave Ernie Irvan won four poles that season, two with the #4 Kodak team and two with the #28 Texaco team [took over after Davey Allison was killed].(7-4-2003)
Another Looney Tunes: hearing #30-Steve Park will run a Looney Tunes scheme (not sure which one) at Phoenix along with #24-Jeff Gordon (Yosemite Sam) and #25-Joe Nemechek (Bugs Bunny), Busch driver #12-Kerry Earnhardt (Yosemite Sam) and Kevin Harvick in the Truck Series race (with Taz),......more drivers to come?(5-16-2003) UPDATE: added image of the #30 AOL/Looney Tunes/Daffy Duck scheme to my Cup page.(5-29-2003)
AOL and Cingular team up: AOL and Cingular Wireless are launching NASCAR marketing programs, according to two stories in this week’s Street & Smith’s SportsBusiness Journal. AOL plans to send an 18-wheel truck equipped with computers to allow fans to see AOL broadband features to 16 Winston Cup races, starting with Sunday’s MBNA Armed Forces Family 400 at Dover International Speedway. The internet service provider has also launched a new NASCAR home page on AOL for Broadband called "RaceTime." Cingular, meanwhile, will send a "mobile, interactive tent" to 11 Winston Cup races. Visitors can download racing-themed ring tones and games, sample products and sign up for special rate plans.(Winston Cup Scene Daily Newsletter)(5-27-2003)
Rock n' Roll at Richmond in Sept UPDATE 2: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. featuring the band Staind; #20-Tony Stewart featuring the band Diamond Rio; #15-Michael Waltrip featuring the band Hootie & The Blow Fish; will run at Richmond in Sept. Supposedly the "Chevy Rocks" program is said to be similar to the Looney Tunes program ran at Richmond the last couple of years in that it will include many Chevy teams from Cup and maybe some Busch and Truck Series.(4-25-2003) UPDATE: add Busch driver #2 Ron Hornaday with the band Trapt and #30 Steve Park (sure is weird not putting #1) with Third Eye Blind.(5-16-2003) UPDATE 2: Warner Music Group (WMG), Chevrolet and Action Performance Companies, Inc. announced today that some of the hottest names in music and NASCAR will team up for the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 NASCARâ Winston Cup Series race on Saturday, September 6 "under the lights" at Richmond International Raceway. The campaign kicked off today in the Chevrolet Rock & Roll Tour at Charlotte's Food Lion Speed Street festival and featured a performance by Elektra Recording artists Third Eye Blind and appearances from NASCAR drivers #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr., #15-Michael Waltrip and #25-Joe Nemechek (with Uncle Kracker). In addition, representatives from WMG, Chevrolet, Richmond International Raceway and Action Performance unveiled the official Chevy Rock & Roll 400 pace car and event logo. Steve Park and his #30 AOL Chevrolet show car featuring Third Eye Blind were also on hand for the announcement.(RIR PR), see full PR and images of the #8, #15, #25, #30 on my Paint Scheme Gallery page, also, #29-Kevin Harvick is part of the program and will be paired with the band ZZ Top.(5-22-2003)
Childress 1st Qtr Pocono Spirit Award: Richard Childress has been named the first quarter winner of the National Motorsports Press Association/Pocono Spirit Award. The award recognizes character and achievement in the face of adversity as well as sportsmanship and contributions to motorsports. Others receiving first-quarter votes included drivers John Andretti, Ricky Craven and Morgan Shepherd, sponsor Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouses, and General Motors public relations representative Nancy Wager. Four quarterly winners of the award will be named, with the overall winner to be announced at the NMPA's annual banquet in Jan., 2004.(ThatsRacin.com)(5-21-2003)
Boy, 14, will receive donated service dog, Park to attend: The Food Lion store at 835 Williamson Road will host a ceremony at 11:00am/et Tuesday [May 20th - Today] at which Stuart Arnold, 14, who has cerebral palsy, will receive a Canine Assistants service dog. Steve Park, driver of the Winston Cup Richard Childress Racing/America Online Racing #30 car, will participate in the presentation. He will give Stuart autographed NASCAR memorabilia and will sign autographs for fans for an hour after the presentation. Food Lion and the Milk-Bone dog food company made the donation possible. Stuart lives in Charlotte and uses a wheelchair. The dog, valued at more than $10,000, will undergo specialized training to meet Stuart's needs. Stuart will receive his dog after extensive training and attending an instructional camp with the dog. At the ceremony, the public also will learn more about service dogs and how they help people with physical disabilities. Canine Assistants, a nonprofit organization founded in 1991, trains dogs to assist children and adults with physical disabilities and other special needs. Canine Assistants dogs are either rescued young adult dogs or are puppies raised at their facilities.(Charlotte Observer)(5-20-2003)
AOL will be back in 2004: [#29, 30, 31] Owner Richard Childress says rumors that he will field only two Winston Cup cars next season are "absolutely not" true. There have been questions about the financial stability of AOL, the primary sponsor for Childress' #30 car [now Steve Park driving], but Childress says AOL is committed to honoring the final year of its contract, which ends after the 2004 season. "Not only will we have three full-time Cup teams and two Busch teams, we'll run seven or eight cars at some tracks next year," he says.(Sporting News)(5-19-2003)
Park tested by Childress..passes: Richard Childress said he has no qualms about hiring Steve Park to replace Jeff Green: 'Steve is a proven winner. We tried to pick him back when Dale (Earnhardt) was looking at him. We just want consistency from Steve. We told him, 'Don't go out there and put a bunch of pressure on yourself. Just race and have fun. If you do that, the rest will come. Don't let the pressure get to you.'' On the medical issue, Childress says 'We've talked to the doctors and he's in real good shape, his reflexes and everything are perfect. He's already got a baseline (mental agility exam at Wake Forest's Bowman Gray School of Medicine). We may end up getting a new one, but we feel good about where he's at.'(Winston Salem Journal)(5-18-2003)
Park and Green short timers only? Silly Season doesn't get any better than this: Steve Park and Jeff Green, released last week, were hired almost immediately by each other's former car owner. Now Park is in the #30 AOL Chevy, owned by Richard Childress, and Green is in the #1 Pennzoil Chevy, owned by Teresa Earnhardt of Dale Earnhardt Inc. So who gets the best of this embarrassing blockbuster, a trade of two drivers outside the top 30 in points? The boys in the fabrication shop at DEI -- because Green doesn't have a history of crashing cars on his own. Crunch these numbers: Since returning from a head injury last year, Park finished 20th or worse in 34 of 43 races in the #1. Green ran 20th or worse in 32 of 56 races for Childress dating to 2001. Sponsorship for both cars is in question for next season, and it would be a surprise if either driver returns. Green's contract with DEI runs through the end of September. Expect a Busch Series driver such as Jason Keller or Shane Hmiel to run the last seven races of the season. They, along with IRL driver Sam Hornish, might be candidates for the ride in 2004. Road racing ace Ron Fellows will take over for Green in the two races on road courses.(Sporting News)(5-12-2003)
Looks like Steve Park to the #30 AOL car UPDATE 4 It's Official: hearing Mike Wallace could drive the #30 AOL Chevy at Lowe's Motor Speedway for the Winston Open and Coca Cola 600 and could be the driver for the rest of 2003. Other rumors have RCR's Busch driver, Ron Hornaday, former RCR dirver, Mike Skinner [unlikely] and Busch Driver, Stacy Compton as possible drivers in the car.(5-6-2003) UPDATE: hearing it could be a driver swap, with Steve Park in the #30. UPDATE 2: Steve Park, released Tuesday from Dale Earnhardt Inc., is the leading candidate to take over the #30 Chevys for Richard Childress Racing, ThatsRacin.com has learned. Sources confirmed Wednesday the deal is "all but done" for Park to take over the ride in time for next weekend's Winston all-star activities at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Park would replace Jeff Green, who was released Monday from RCR and, ironically, hired Tuesday to drive Park's former ride at DEI.(ThatsRacin.com)(5-7-2003) UPDATE 3: Steve Park told Fox Sports Net's Totally NASCAR's Sean Pragano Wednesday afternoon that he has several opportunities to consider after being released by DEI on Tuesday. Park will talk to Pragano on Thursday's Totally NASCAR for an update.(Fox Sports)(5-8-2003) UPDATE 4: Steve Park has been named the driver for Richard Childress Racing’s (RCR) #30 America Online Chevrolet team. He will make his RCR debut May 17 in The Winston Open at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Concord, NC. “Steve is going to give the America Online team a fresh start going into the summer months of the season,” said Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing. “He’s a proven winner in Winston Cup and I know he has what it takes to work with Mike Beam (crew chief) and the rest of the AOL team to get the program headed in the right direction. I’ve talked with Kevin (Harvick) and Robby (Gordon) and they’re both excited about him driving for RCR. ”
“America Online is committed to winning and we’re proud to have Steve Park in the driver’s seat,” said Richard Taylor, Senior Vice President of Brand Promotions for America Online. "To have the opportunity to drive for RCR and America Online is exciting," said Park. “A mentor like Richard and a change of scenery is something I'm really looking forward to. I’m lucky to have a primary sponsor like AOL with their marketing power behind me. My goal is to build consistency and to revitalize the AOL/RCR NASCAR Winston Cup program so we can finish the season on a high note."(RCR Site)(5-8-2003)
Park's Comments: Driver Steve Park told PRN's Garagepass his release from DEI: "Feels like this big weight has been lifted off my shoulders". Park said, "I really thought I was shouldering things pretty well and was trying not to let the pressure get to me, I really didn't feel it, but I guess it's one of those things were you wanna perform and you want things to get better, but if you look at the last year with coming back from being hurt and Paul Andrews leaving and getting new people we've been through a tremendous amount". Park says he has no regrets about his time with DEI and that he was very happy with sponsor Pennzoil, his fans, and teammates. "Getting the opportunity to go to work for who I felt was a mentor to me the late-great Dale Earnhardt is something that I'll never regret and that I'm very glad and very positive that it lasted five years. I got to spend a large amount of time not only with him (Dale Earnhardt). But got to meet Teresa and spend time with Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Michael Waltrip, winning races and poles. It's just a shame the last year, year-and-a-half it's just kinda gone downhill, but I wouldn't trade it for nothin' in the world." Park added, "The one thing I want to see is the Pennzoil team to be successful and if it's with my departure, so be it, but the biggest fan they'll have is me. It appears Park will be named this week to drive the AOL Monte Carlo vacated when Jeff Green was let go on Monday.(5-8-2003)
Some Paint Scheme Stuff: Rusty Wallace's #2 Dodge did not carry the 600th consecutive start logo on the rear quarter panel at the Richmond race last weekend. Wallace plans to run it at the Coca Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Also the #30 RCR Chevy was to run a Kraft scheme in honor of the 100th Anniversary of Kraft, which is scheduled to run at Chicago, with the driver change, the program has been put on hold.(5-8-2003)
More Green Comments: Jeff Green says he probably shouldn't have gone to Kevin Harvick's pit following.Saturday night's on-track incident in Richmond.involving his former RCR teammate, however he said. "To do it over again I'd.probaby do exactly the same thing...I don't have any regrets for it." Green says he hates it for sponsor AOL and the crew, but the way the year has gone it's been mounting. "To have teammates you gotta be able to work together and you've gotta want to help each other and some of the things I've seen.throughout the last year and half things.wasn't going that way so.it's just time for a change." .What also concerned Green was that he felt car owner Richard Childress didn't see.the 30 team as important as his other Winston Cup teams. Green says he and Childress talked and that he can see both sides of the situation and hopes Childress can see his side. Green said the two years with RCR are two years he'll always remember and be grateful.Richard Childress gave him the opportunity.(PRN's Garage Pass Radio Show)(5-6-2003)
Green relased from RCR #30 ride UPDATE 2 Green reacts; Hornaday in: Richard Childress Racing (RCR) has ended the contract of Jeff Green as the driver for RCR's #30 AOL NASCAR Winston Cup program, effective immediately. "Our relationship was not where we had hoped it would be at this point so we decided to make this move now," said Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Enterprises, Inc. "Jeff is a very good race car driver but sometimes change can be good for everyone involved. I'll always be grateful to him for what he accomplished for RCR in both the Winston Cup Series and the Busch Series." Green was the driver for the #30 America Online team since its inception for an eight-race schedule in 2001. He finished 17th in the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup Series final point standings and is currently in 32nd place after the first 11 races this season. He earned two pole positions during his tenure at RCR, for this season's Daytona 500 and the August 2001 race at Bristol. He also earned two Busch Series victories for RCR's #21 team in 2002. A replacement driver will be announced at a later date.(RCR PR)(5-5-2003) UPDATE: Jeff Green will reunite with his former championship crew chief, Harold Holly, to try to win his third straight CARQUEST Auto Parts 300 at Lowe's Motor Speedway later this month and will race a car for Team Amick Motorsports. The deal with team owner Amick, who has a great reputation as a Busch Series engine supplier, was a ray of sunshine for Green, who struggled to find a feel at RCR similar to what he had known at ppc. "I don't know if it's the latest step in a great, big chemistry experiment at RCR," Green said, chuckling, of his demise. "I think all of us have tried to do the best job we could, to win races, and I've tried to do the darnedest job I could in the seat. Things just got in our way to be able to reach our goals, and I guess Richard wanted to make a change. It's very surprising (because) we've had some good moments, but we had some bad ones, too, and it was time to try something different. I don't think the drivers are the problem why they're not winning and I don't think it's the crew chiefs," Green said. "It's not any body else -- it's just a combination of everything and competition is tough." An RCR spokesperson said the team had until The Winston weekend, May 16-17 at Lowe's Motor Speedway, to settle on a driver. Green isn't sitting still, either, as his deal with Holly displayed. He acknowledged his frustration at having his potential season best finish eliminated when teammate Kevin Harvick ran into him from behind after 267 of 400 laps in the Pontiac Excitement 400 at Richmond International Raceway. He said he'd had no indication his job was in jeopardy, prior to the blow-up after that wreck, in which he confronted Harvick on the race track while his teammate circulated under caution, then went to the pits to berate Harvick's crew chief Todd Berrier. Green said he had not had a chance to talk with Harvick since Saturday night -- at least not on the level that he expected. "No, I guess he does all his talking with his bumper, I don't know," Green said, chuckling again. "Any time that I've got into somebody and was sorry for it I've tried to call them and at least give them an opportunity to hear their side of it. I don't know -- I guess that's just part of it. I've had some good teammates in the past that I enjoyed being around and I enjoyed being around Kevin and Robby (Gordon). It's not like they're going anywhere and hopefully we'll be racing together soon and not miss a beat -- just a little bit different perspective." Green said he was sensitive to the issue surrounding the concern over Jerry Nadeau's recovery after his serious crash last Friday during practice at Richmond, which leaves MB2 Motorsports and its general manager, Jay Frye in need of a driver at least for the short term. However, he said he would be working the phones, as well. "I'm not going to sit back and wait for them to call me (because) everybody knows about it, now," Green said. "I've already talked to a few people and I would love to drive for Jay and those guys over there would be a great opportunity -- to be associated with the U.S. Army would be pretty awesome. But we're all thinking about Jerry and I don't want to overshadow what he's got going on in the next no-telling how long to get back to where he needs to be.(more at NASCAR.com)(5-6-2003) UPDATE 2 so who is in the #30 car for the Winston Open? hearing it could be RCR Busch Series driver Ron Hornaday [which makes sense] or Mike Skinner [which makes no sense] UPDATE 3: Ron Hornaday says he has not been contacted about the #30 AOL ride and is Busch testing at Chatlotte.(XM Satellite- NASCAR Radio - Subscription Required)(5-6-2003)
Green not a happy camper: #30-Jeff Green, running in the top five of Saturday night's race at Richmond, was hit from behind by Richard Childress Racing teammate #29-Kevin Harvick on Lap 268 of 400, bringing a premature end to a strong run by Green's team.
Green was upset after the incident, and following a radio interview, walked hurriedly down pit road to Harvick's pit. Green first confronted Harvick's crew chief, Todd Berrier, on top of the team's pit box, than had a heated exchange with team owner Richard Childress, who was standing in the pit area. The incident lasted only a few moments before Green left the area and returned to the garage, where his #30 AOL Chevy had been towed. "We're supposed to be teammates, but it doesn't seem that way right now," Green said. "It's one thing to get spun out, it's another to get spun out by your teammate."(ThatRacin.com)(5-4-2003)
Chartwell Investments invests in RCR: Chartwell Investments II LLC announced today that it has made an equity investment in RCR Enterprises, LLC, the elite NASCAR racing team founded and majority-owned by Richard Childress. "We are pleased to partner with Chartwell Investments," said Richard Childress, President and CEO of RCR. "I've had investors in RCR since the late 1990's and I am confident that Chartwell's people and capital will help us to continue to build one of NASCAR's top organizations. I've made a long-term commitment to Chartwell and there will be no changes in how RCR is run."
"NASCAR is the fastest-growing major sport with over 75 million fans nationwide and we are enthusiastic about partnering with Richard Childress, a legendary figure in the NASCAR racing world," said Todd R. Berman, President and Founder of Chartwell Investments. "We hope our participation will give Richard even more time to focus on winning races and supporting the company's sponsors."(PRN Newswire)(4-3-2003) UPDATE: Winston Cup car owner Richard Childress confirmed Wednesday he has sold partial equity in his Richard Childress Racing company to Chartwell Investments, a private New York City-based equity firm. "We have had an investor in RCR since I expanded with (Mike) Skinner in the No. 31 (in 1996), but on a limited basis. This is more extensive," Childress said. "Nothing will look different. I still have control of the company, I own the majority of the company and I'm still the CEO." Chartwell's investment was not disclosed, but Childress said he holds more than a 50 percent interest in RCR. The addition of Chartwell, Childress said, strengthens his organization. "We aren't a little corporation any more," he said. "They can help RCR Enterprises go to another level in this sport. There are a lot of ways you can grow your business in this sport without adding race teams. I've made a long-term commitment to Chartwell, to my employees and to the sport."(ThatsRacin.com)(4-10-2003)
RCR to Honor POW's: All five cars fielded by Richard Childress Racing (RCR) will carry decals recognizing the plight of United States prisoners of war in Iraq during this weekend's NASCAR races at Texas Motor Speedway. "The men and women captured by the Iraqis are serving our country in the most honorable way possible," said Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing Enterprises, Inc. "They have put their lives on the line in the name of our country so we all have to keep them in our thoughts and prayers and hope that they will be returned safely." RCR's Chevrolet Monte Carlo teams in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series include the #29 GM Goodwrench entry with driver Kevin Harvick, the #30 America Online entry with driver Jeff Green and the #31 Cingular Wireless entry with driver Robby Gordon. Its NASCAR Busch Series teams include the #2 ACDelco entry with driver Ron Hornaday and the #21 PayDay entry of Johnny Sauter, who will be driving the car this weekend in Texas. The POW decals will be placed on the C-posts of each car. Childress was the catalyst behind a five-day visit in late January to U.S. troops stationed in Europe. NASCAR team owners, drivers and celebrities traveled to Germany, Bosnia, Sicily and Spain with the 134th Air Refueling Wing of the Tennessee National Guard. Last October at Lowe's Motor Speedway, Childress signed a statement of support for the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves (ESGR). The National Guard and Reserves make up nearly half of the United States military personnel.(RCR PR)(3-28-2003)
Milestone: #30-Jeff Green is scheduled to make is 100th career Winston Cup start at Bristol Motor Speedway.(3-20-2003)
#30 Fastest at Darlington: The pit crew of the #30 AOL Jeff Green Chevy, owned by Richard Childress Racing, took first-place honors for eligible teams in the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade at Sunday's (March 16) NASCAR Winston Cup Race - Carolina Dodge Dealers 400 at Darlington Raceway. Green spent the least amount of time on pit road -- 286 seconds, edging Kurt Busch's #97 Roush Racing Ford by three seconds. During each 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup points event, the participating team whose car spends the least amount of aggregate time off the race track will be named the weekly winner provided the team's driver takes the green flag at the beginning of the event and the checkered flag at the conclusion of the event. The team that records the most points during the season will receive a $200,000 bonus at the end of the year. The point distribution per race is: 43 points for first place, descending in increments of one.
The McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade is the largest monetary contingency program in NASCAR history and the first to reward pit crews for performance at each race.
Top 10 Pit Crews For Participating Teams In Sunday's Carolina Dodge 400 at Darlington Raceway:
1. Jeff Green, 286 seconds
2. Kurt Busch, 289
3. Michael Waltrip, 289
4. Elliott Sadler, 291
5. Dave Blaney, 295
6. Bill Elliott, 296
7. Dale Jarrett, 300
8. Dale Earnhardt Jr., 339
9. Ricky Rudd, 344
10. Steve Park, 364
2003 Winners of The McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade:
Michael Waltrip team -- Daytona (Feb. 16)
Dave Blaney team -- Rockingham (Feb. 23)
Dale Earnhardt Jr. team -- Las Vegas (March 2)
Dale Earnhardt Jr. team -- Atlanta (March 9)
Jeff Green team - Darlington (March 16) (DMF Communications PR)(3-20-2003)
Sad News: it was reported on this morning's NASCAR This Morning on Fox Sports Net, that Richard Childress' mother, Virginia Hodge, passed away last night. Thoughts go out the the family. AND Just hours after signing Kevin Harvick and Goodwrench to a contract extension, team owner Richard Childress received news that his mother had died. Virginia Hodge, a resident of East Bend, NC, was 79. She passed away Saturday night after a brief illness, according to a team press release. Childress flew back to North Carolina on Sunday morning to be with family.(NASCAR.com)(3-9-2003)
GM Card signs on as a sponsor for the #30:The GM Card announced that it has signed a sponsorship agreement with the #30 America Online Racing [AOL] Cup team, whose driver, Jeff Green of Richard Childress Racing (RCR), won the pole for the Daytona 500. Under the terms of the agreement, the #30 AOL car will be outfitted with highly visible decals from The GM Card, as will Green's helmets and hats, the team car's transporters, team members' uniforms, and crew team uniforms and fire suits. In October, Green will drive a car primarily branded by The GM Card in the Georgia 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The sponsorship is a continuation of the relationship between RCR and General Motors. GM, through the GM Goodwrench brand, has been a primary sponsor of RCR's #3 and #29 NASCAR Winston Cup teams since 1988 and all five of its teams compete in Chevy Monte Carlos.(Business Wire)(2-19-2003)
Jeff Green wins the pole for the Daytona 500: #30-Jeff Green wins the pole [his 2nd career Bud pole] for the Daytona 500 with a speed of 186.606mph. The other driver who locked in a starting spot is #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr with a speed of 186.382. See my Daytona 500 Qualifying Grid page for the speeds, Twin 125's lineups, comparison to their best practice speed, provisional standing, links to other sites who have speeds and lineups and HOW TO MAKE THE DAYTONA 500, the procedures. Qualifying will be re-aired tonight, Monday, Feb 10th on FX at 8:00pm/et. Second Round Qualifying has been Cancelled and will NOT be run. Only nine times have Daytona 500 pole winners gone on to win: Fireball Roberts (1962), Richard Petty (1966), Cale Yarlborough (1968, 1984), Buddy Baker (1980), Bill Elliott (1985, 1987), Jeff Gordon (1999) and Dale Jarrett (2000).(2-10-2003)
Childress Wine: NASCAR team owner [#29,#30,#31] Richard Childress and a business partner have announced plans to develop 70 acres for a winery, vineyard and hotel in Davidson County, NC. Childress said the initial investment would be from $6 million to $8 million. Childress and business partner Greg Johns of Greensboro plan to develop the land at the intersection of U.S. 64 and U.S. 52 west of Lexington. Plans include a 25,000-square-foot winery, a 25-acre vineyard, a hotel, restaurant and gift shop. Childress said construction on the winery could begin this year. It will likely be the spring of 2004 before the winery opens.(ThatsRacin.com/AP)(1-15-2003)
2002 News
#30 and Kraft: hearing that the #30 AOL team will run a green AOL/Kraft car at Chicagoland.(12-11-2002)
RCR Med Exams: Richard Childress [#29,#30,#31] is requiring his drivers to undergo medical examinations before the start of the season to establish a baseline for their health. "We want to make sure that if they get hurt, we can compare 'A' to 'B,'" he says. Childress didn't find out until after the season that Johnny Sauter, his Busch Series driver, raced hurt for part of 2002.(Sporting News)(12-9-2002)
Beam to ppc Racing #10? UPDATE nope - Beam to RCR: former #32 PPI Motorsports Cup crew chief, is expected to announce a move to the ppc Racing [BGN] team of Scott Riggs [#10] in the upcoming weeks.(Winston Cup Scene need subscription and Acrobat to read online)(11-29-2002) UPDATE: Richard Childress Racing made some changes to its race teams Monday, announcing veteran Mike Beam as driver Jeff Green's new crew chief for the 2003 season. Beam served as crew chief for PPI Motorsports and driver Ricky Craven most recently. Beam replaces Todd Berrier, who will oversee RCR's research and development program. Beam's career as a crew chief began in 1981 with Kyle Petty. Since then, he's worked with many notable drivers, including Richard Petty, Michael Waltrip, Bill Elliott, Sterling Marlin, Elliott Sadler, and for the past two seasons, with Craven. Beam has three victories (two with Elliott and one with Craven), 16 poles, 55 top-five and 153 top-10 finishes. He also has six top-10 finishes in the season point standings.(ThatsRacin.com)(12-2-2002)
Childress still looking for #30 Crew Chief, Beam?: Car owner Richard Childress is still working on finding a new crew chief for the #30 AOL team and driver Jeff Green. Sources have told PRN's "Garagepass" Ricky Craven's crew chief Mike Beam might move over from the Tide team to take that job. Beam was supposed to be stepping down from the #32 crew chief and be more of a manager for the team.(11-26-2002)
#30 Looking for a new crew chief: Because Todd Berrier is moving into the research and development division at Richard Childress Racing, the #30 AOL Chevy, driven by Jeff Green, needs a new crew chief. Richard Childress says that decision, plus how to restructure all three of his pit crews for 2003, will likely be made this week.(Sporting News)(11-18-2002)
Changes at Childress? Cup [#'s 29,30,31] team owner owner Richard Childress said changes might be in the works for his race teams. "There will be personnel changes," Childress said. "We're going to be shifting a lot of people around, moving a lot of people. We've got to work on getting the right fix and the best people we can in all those positions." BGN champion crew chief Harold Holly of ppc Racing recently visited RCR's complex but decided not to go to work there. Some speculation has surrounded crew chief Todd Berrier and driver Jeff Green, who work together on the #30 AOL Chevy, and Childress indicated the changes could come very soon.(NASCAR.com)(11-17-2002)
Childress Crew Chiefs: Richard Childress is still working on the 2003 lineup of crew chiefs for his five cars (three Winston Cup, two BGN). Childress would not confirm that he’d hired Harold Holly, who left ppc Racing earlier this week for an undisclosed position with a Winston Cup team. When asked about the selection of five crew chiefs from the pool of six Childress said, “I don’t know, but I’ll be able to tell you next week.”(Ford Racing)(11-12-2002)
Berrier staying, Holly NOT moving UPDATE oops, Holly leaves: Richard Childress says he's not going to release #30 crew chief Todd Berrier from the final two years of his contract, but Childress hasn't said how he might reorganize his three-car team next season. There has been speculation that Harold Holly [#10 ppc team in the BGN], the BGN crew chief who worked well with Jeff Green, could take over the reins of Green's Cup team next season.(Winston Salem Journal) BUT in the latest Winston Cup Scene there is a story about Holly who says he os NOT leaving ppc Racing and denies this rumor.(11-4-2002) UPDATE: Harold Holly, the director of race operations at ppc Racing and crew chief for #10-Scott Riggs in the BGN, left the team today, NASCAR Winston Cup Scene reporter Rick Houston has learned. Holly was the crew chief for Jeff Green when he won the Busch Series championship by the largest margin in the division's history, and he has been rumored to be a possibility to join Green with Richard Childress Racing's #30 Winston Cup team.(Winston Cup Scene Daily Newsletter)(11-5-2002) UPDATE 2: Greg Pollex, owner of ppc Racing [#'s 10,15,57 in the BGN], announced yesterday that Harold Holly, Crew Chief for the No. 10 Nestlé Nesquik Ford Taurus in the Busch Series, is resigning effective immediately to pursue Winston Cup opportunities. A replacement has not been named. Pollex along with co-owner Keith Barnwell are looking to the future of ppc and working towards a common goal they have become known for-winning races. "We do not have a replacement for Harold yet," said Pollex. "The No.10 team has 15 wins under Harold's guidance and will continue to win races. Keith is in the process of reviewing our options and talking with some very strong candidates. We want to make sure we choose the right person for the team." Pollex and Barnwell support Holly's decision to pursue Winston Cup opportunities. "I wish Harold the best," said Pollex. "I have a tremendous personal relationship with Harold. I have always encouraged my guys to pursue advancement in their careers if the opportunity presented itself. Harold is in pursuit of those opportunities and I am sure he will make the best of it."(Nesquik Racing Media Relations PR)(11-6-2002)
AOL 8.0 Scheme? UPDATE at AMS: hearing the #30 AOL Chevy car will sport a AOL 8.0 scheme in one of the final races of the season, being mostly white (similar to the AOL Broadband/Neil McCoy scheme at Lowe's).(10-23-2002) UPDATE: the scheme is being run at Atlanta this weekend, no images yet (there is a small one on NASCAR.com)(10-25-2002)
AOL looking to leave? AOL Time Warner's financial problems have raised the prospect that the media giant may drop off the Winston Cup tour as soon as its current contracts expire. The company's stock has fallen from $39 a share to $12 during the past year. AOL and Time Warner merged in January 2001, but the new corporation has been in trouble for quite a while. AOL stock has fallen 70 percent since the merger. A new boss took over in May. Third quarter results are due Wednesday.(Winston Salem Journal). Jayski Note: last I heard AOL is signed thru 2004.(10-21-2002)
Berrier to Gibbs? Richard Childress may be losing a crew chief to the Bobby Labonte-Jimmy Makar team, according to team sources, and there has been speculation that it could be Todd Berrier [#30 AOL Crew Chief/driver Jeff Green], who has been Childress' top performing crew chief this year. But Childress says no, because Berrier has two more years on his contract. If the Joe Gibbs operation can't make a deal for Berrier, then the team is expected to look to the Indy-car ranks.(Winston Salem Journal)(10-21-2002)
Berrier fined, points taken away: Todd Berrier, crew chief of the #30 Chevrolet Monte Carlo of driver Jeff Green, was fined $5,000 for an unapproved left front spring found in post-race inspection. The coil winding of the spring was not evenly spaced and did not meet the standards set forth in the rule book. He was penalized under 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 infraction also cost Green 25 driver points and team owner Richard Childress 25 owner points.(NASCAR PR)(9-10-2002)
Childress and the Little League World Series: Richard Childress will take a private plane from Michigan to Williamsport, Pa., for the Southwest Forsyth (N.C.) team's first LLWS game Saturday. Childress' 12-year-old grandson, Austin Dillon, is playing second base in the Little League World Series. Childress will be back for Sunday's Winston Cup race; his wife, Judy, will go to Sunday's ballgame. Austin's father — Mike Dillon, Childress' son-in-law — drove three years in the Busch Grand National series. He now works on the business side of Richard Childress Racing.(USA Today)(8-16-2002)
Childress' Grandson in the Little League World Series: Austin Dillon, Richard Childress' oldest grandson, plays for a youth baseball team that earned a berth in the Little League World Series with a victory Saturday night in St. Petersburg, Fla. Dillon, whose father, Mike, drove in the BGN series for Childress, plays second base for the Southwest Forsyth team from Clemmons that beat a team from Bridgewater, Va., 4-2 in the Southeast Regional title game.(ThatsRacin.com)(8-12-2002)
Three to Double at Sears Point: Sears Point Raceway says NASCAR Winston Cup drivers #31-Robby Gordon, #30-Jeff Green and #29-Kevin Harvick will pull double-duty as they compete in both the Dodge/Save Mart 350 Winston Cup race and the Snap-on Tools/Jelly Belly 200 NASCAR Featherlite Southwest Series events on the weekend of June 20-23.(Winston Cup Scene Daily Newsletter)(6-5-2002)
Action and Childress extend: Action Performance Companies announced an extension to their ongoing exclusive licensing and marketing contract with Richard Childress Racing. The new agreement, which extends the exclusive license relationship until May 2012, seeks to capitalize on the long-term merchandising value of Richard Childress Racing. Under the revised agreement, Action will have the exclusive right to produce die-cast race car replicas, apparel and other merchandise for Richard Childress Racing team drivers, which currently includes Winston Cup drivers Kevin Harvick (#29), Jeff Green (#30) and Robby Gordon (#31), and Busch Series drivers Johnny Sauter (#2) and Jay Sauter (#21). In addition to the standard personal services clauses and production exclusives, the agreement also allows Action Performance to continue developing and producing Historical Series vehicles from the Richard Childress Racing stable.(Business Wire)(6-3-2002)
#30 - No Changes: Jeff Green said he and team owner Richard Childress talked about making changes to Green's #30 AOL team but elected to keep the team intact. Childress last week announced the crew chiefs and teams of his #29 [Kevin Harvick] and #31 [Robby Gordon] teams – driven by Kevin Harvick and Robby Gordon respectively – will swap next weekend at Pocono.(ThatsRacin.com)(6-2-2002)
RCR Crew Swap? hearing rumors that the #29 and #31 Richard Childress Racing teams could swap crews in order to try to turn around their season.(5-22-2002)
Scooby Doo on the #30: The #30 AOL Chevy and driver Jeff Green will feature a Scooby-Doo scheme at Lowes Motor Speedway for the Coke 600. The reason: the release of the movie - Scooby Doo. See image on the Paint Scheme Gallery.(3-10-2002)
One Thousand Starts for RCR: Robby Gordon's #31 Chevy will represent the 1,000th start for the Richard Childress Racing team when he takes the green flag Sunday at Las Vegas. Gordon qualified 12th on Friday, ahead of teammates Jeff Green (22nd) and Kevin Harvick (28th). More than half of the team's cup starts were made by the late Dale Earnhardt with 529. Childress added 188 of his own. Mike Skinner has 157 starts, Ricky Rudd 60, Harvick 37, Gordon 12, Green 10, Morgan Shepherd and Neil Bonnett 2 each and Mike Dillon and Rodney Combs one each.(Daytona Beach News Journal/AP)(3-2-2002)
Hutchens promoted: Richard Childress has reorganized his three-team Winston Cup operation for this season, and Bobby Hutchens, the company's chief engineer and general manager [and of the Hutchens device], has taken on another role, as team manager for all three Cup teams(Winston Salem Journal)(1-15-2002)
24 Hours - Been asked...here ya go: SpeedChannel, formerly SpeedVision, will air the Rolex 24-Hours of Daytona live starting February 2 and at various times that weekend.(RacingOne)(1-15-2002)
Childress Trademark News: A U.S. magistrate judge issued a permanent injunction and judgement last month in favor of Richard Childress Racing in its trademark infringement lawsuit against Charlotte, N.C.-based Heavenly Deigns of N.C. Inc. and its owners, Barry and Billi Jo McCall Baker. In an order signed Dec. 10, Judge Russell Eliason awarded RCR approximately $500,000 in damages, costs and legal fees. He also issued a permanent injunction prohibiting Heavenly Designs from "manufacturing, distributing, advertising, offering for sale, or selling goods under any designs or marks comprised of a number 3, with or without angel's wings and/or halo." Childress said he was pleased the case was over and the injunction issued.(That's Racin')(1-11-2002)
2001 News
Green helping out: Jeff Green, driver of the #10 Nestlé Nesquik Ford in the BGN, believes so strongly that NASCAR drivers should be wearing a head and neck restraint device, that he's willing to put his money where his mouth is. Green wasn't sure why some drivers were not wearing any type of device, so he decided to do a little investigating. He knew that most full-time BGN regulars were wearing some sort of system, either a HANS device or Hutchins device, but he wasn't sure about the other drivers; the ones competing in the series from time to time, not necessarily every weekend. He guessed that the drivers who competed on a limited basis possibly did not have the funds available to purchase a head and neck safety restraint system. The costs for a HANS device can range anywhere from $1,500 to $1,800 and the cost of a Hutchins device is lower, around $300. Either can hurt a budget when money is so tight trying to make a name for yourself. After doing some research with NASCAR, Green found out his theory was true. Most drivers not using a device were the drivers that did not compete full-time. He did not want cost to be the reason a driver would not be wearing this essential safety equipment. So Green decided to take it upon himself to offer to pay for a system for any driver who does not have the means to do so(Speedway Illustrated)(10-18-2001)
Sauter in the #31 at Homestead? UPDATE 2, no it's Green: hearing ASA Champ and RCR BGN driver, Johhny Sauter could be in the #31 Lowes Chevy at Homestead. Robby Gordon will likely miss next month's race at Homestead, due to a commitment to run the Baja 1000 off-road race(10-11-2001) UPDATE: Rick Mast is also under consideration to drive the #31 at Homestead. Gordon will NOT drive the car there(FSN's Totally NASCAR)(10-12-2001) UPDATE 2: Jeff Green will drive the #31 Lowes Chevy at Homestead as Gordon will miss the race. Gordon will be in the #31 for the other remaining five Cup races this year. Team Owner Richard Childress hope to make an announcement on the 2002 #31 driver within the next week(TNT Race Coverage)(10-15-2001)
#3 to return in 2002? UPDATE: NASCAR.com's The Buzz is reporting that Richard Childress Racing could be bringing back the #3 Chevrolet. Formerly driven by and made famous by the late Dale Earnhardt, it has not been driven in competition since the seven-time champion's death in the Daytona 500. Allegedly, the design has already been finished but the #3 will have a different look and design to it than what Earnhardt drove. The design has been rumored to already have been approved by Dale Earnhardt Inc., Chevrolet and Richard Childress Racing. Since the season's second race at Rockingham, Kevin Harvick has competed in a white No. 29 Chevrolet with Goodwrench Plus on board. If the #3 came back, it wouldn't be until next year in time for the Daytona 500.(NASCAR.com Buzz)(8-16-2001) UPDATE: Richard Childress did not directly deny plans to revive the #3 at some point for his Winston Cup racing operation. "We'll be making announcements on the 3 sometime in the near future," Childress said before Saturday's Sharpie 500 at Bristol. "I can't go there right now, but it will be an issue we'll handle by the end of the year." The #3 has been inactive since Dale Earnhardt was killed in a crash in the Daytona 500 on Feb. 18. Rumors have circulated about the future of the #3 for the past few months. Childress will field three teams next season and the car number for only one of them, the #30 to be driven by Jeff Green and sponsored by America Online. Kevin Harvick will continue to drive for Earnhardt's former team in the GM Goodwrench sponsored car now carrying the #29. The third Childress team will be sponsored by Cingular Wireless. No driver or car number has been announced, although Robby Gordon is considered a leading candidate for that ride(That's Racin')(8-26-2001)
Green to do a Triple at Indy: Jeff Green, driver of the #10 Nestlé Nesquik Ford in the BGN and defending BGN champion, will add two other driving duties to his schedule during the upcoming weekend at Indianapolis. Beside the BGN race at Indianapolis Raceway Park (IRP) on Saturday evening, Green will also race the final leg of the International Race of Champions (IROC) on Saturday afternoon and also compete in Richard Childress Racing's #30 America Online Chevrolet in the Cup race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS). Green will practice both his NWC and IROC cars at IMS on Friday, however his schedule becomes quite busy on Saturday, as the BGN is a one day show at IRP(Tailwind Sports PR)(7-30-2001)
Dallas Cowboys and RCR? UPDATE 3: Cowboys owner Jerry Jones may not be able to get his team to the Super Bowl, but he could have a car in Daytona. Officials confirmed Thursday that Jones is negotiating to invest up to $10 million in the Richard Childress Winston Cup racing team. Jones has said the goal is to have an agreement in place by February of 2002 when the NASCAR season starts with the Daytona 500. These discussions are the latest example of the Cowboys thrust to market the club beyond the football field. The club attempted to strike a deal to have their colors and logo placed on a car in the Direct TV 500 at the Texas Motor Speedway last year, but the deal fell through(FoxSports)(7-27-2001) UPDATE: Jerry Jones, owner of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys, has been in discussions with Richard Childress Racing to either invest in or sponsor a Winston Cup team next season(That's Racin')(7-28-2001) UPDATE 2: Jones has talked with Richard Childress, president of Richard Childress Racing, on issues of NASCAR ownership and the business of securing sponsors to pay the bills. "We're just in the preliminary discussion stage right now," Jones said. "We recognize that NASCAR is an outstanding sport and has a great number of fans who have a lot of synergy with Dallas Cowboys fans." Jones has been told by NASCAR officials that "upwards of $9 million to $12 million a year" can be brought in by sponsors vying for advertising space on the car. "As owners -- again, if we're involved -- we will use the credibility and the visibility of the Dallas Cowboys to promote the racing team during its season and have a [marketing] tie-in during our season," Jones said. "We are going to be sponsored by other companies. That's the business of racing ... to cover your expenses of owning a car. If you do it right, that could mean upwards of $9 million to $12 million a year covered by sponsors. Certainly, we would anticipate that." Jones wouldn't hint at possible sponsors. But he has had business associations with Pepsi-Cola, Miller beer and Dr. Pepper, to name a few. "It would be obvious to everybody that this was the Dallas Cowboys' car out there," Jones said. "It will done -- if we do it -- strictly on a business basis." Jones' sons, Stephen and Jerry Jones Jr., are involved in the day-to-day operation of the Cowboys, and they also have significant roles in projects such as Dallas' new Arena Football League team, which begins play in 2002. "Right now, this is the Dallas Cowboys teaming up with people who are in the [NASCAR] business," Jones said. "But no matter what we might do here, my focus will remain on football. I am the owner and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys. The car, the visibility, the success of [racing] would be done just like I run the Dallas Cowboys -- just not by me." Jones' family members will handle all corporate decisions, even the hiring of the driver(Star Telegram)(7-29-2001) UPDATE 3: Might we see the silver background and blue star of the Dallas Cowboys on a Richard Childress car in the future? It's a distinct possibility. "We'd be crazy not to listen to the Cowboys," says Childress, whose stable includes five cars -- three in Winston Cup and two in the Busch Series(Sporting News) and a story at NASCAR.com Childress: On Purvis, Harvick, Cowboys(7-30-2001)
Jeff Green to RCR #30 Cup team? UPDATE 6 Green is it: RPM 2Nights Ray Dunlap reported on Monday's show, that 2001 BGN Champ and current BGN #10 driver Jeff Green will soon be named as the full time driver of the #30 Richard Childress Racing team for the 2002 season. Green currently is running the #30 AOL car on a limited schedule in Cup for RCR(ESPN2 RPM 2Night)(7-3-2001) UPDATE: FSN's Totally NASCAR reports Green will sign with RCR, but it is unknown which RCR car he will drive (#'s 29, 30 or 31), sources tell me that Green will be in the #31 Lowes Chevy for the 2002 season(7-4-2001) UPDATE 2: Childress gave no official word Thursday on his driver lineup for next year. According to some reports, Jeff Green will join RCR in one of three cars, but Childress was tight-lipped. “We hope to have things finalized by next week,” Childress said. “We’re hoping that if everything goes well, we’ll be able to have a little press conference and talk about RCR next week in Chicago.”(RacingOne) UPDATE 3: Jeff Green will move to Richard Childress Racing next season and drive the #30 Chevrolets sponsored by America Online in the Winston Cup series. Green, who drives for ppc Racing in the Grand National series, is already driving the #30 for RCR this season for seven races. The #30 was originally scheduled to be Kevin Harvick's Winston Cup ride, but he moved to RCR's No. 29 following the death of Dale Earnhardt, who was killed in a last-lap wreck in the season-opening Daytona 500. Green is also likely to drive several races in the BGN next season in RCR's #21 entry, sources said. An official announcement of Green's plans is scheduled for next Saturday at Chicagoland Speedway. In addition, Harvick is scheduled to continue driving RCR's #2 entry in the BGN next season, as well as remain in the #29 car. He will run up to 20 BGN races. The future of Mike Skinner, driver of RCR's #31 Chevy, remains uncertain(That's Racin')(7-6-2001) UPDATE 4: hearing Green has already signed a 3-Year deal with RCR and while it is unknow which car he will drive, it is looking like it'll be the #30 Chevy(7-9-2001) UPDATE 5: With his team adding a third Winston Cup car next season, Richard Childress will announce the addition of defending Busch series champ Jeff Green to his stable of Cup drivers at a news conference Saturday. Childress previously announced a three-year sponsorship deal with America Online. Green, who qualified the #30 Chevy in the 29th position for Sunday's Tropicana 400, is assured of the ride when the car races full-time on the Winston Cup circuit next season. "It'll be official" Childress said after qualifying ended Friday. The ride had been intended for Kevin Harvick, but Harvick stepped into the GM Goodwrench Chevrolet after the death of Dale Earnhardt.(CNN/SI) UPDATE 6: Details on the Jeff Green...RCR...AOL deal...3 year contract. "This is an opportunity I got from driving for Dale Eanrhardt's Busch team in 1995," said Jeff Green. "I am excited about this chance to win races for Chevy." Childress Racing News Conference...RCR racing announced that Jeff Green will drive the number 30 AOL Monte Carlo for the 2002 season.(Frontstretch)(7-14-2001) AND Saturday, Jeff Green cemented his deal to join Richard Childress Racing as the full-time driver of the #30 Chevy sponsored by America Online for at least the next three seasons. Green has already been working with the team on a part-time basis this season. This weekend is his third of seven races planned for the #30 this season. Todd Berrier, crew chief for Kevin Harvick's #2 BGN team, will become crew chief for Green's team. Childress said he has told Berrier he could pick eight people from each of RCR's two BGN teams to help build his Cup team(That's Racin')(7-15-2001)
#30 Will Exist in 2002: Richard Childress says that there will be an AOL Winston Cup team (#30) next season. Theres was some doubt, but he says they have a 3-year deal. Plus RCR driver (#29) Kevin Harvick comments about having run 9,844 miles so far this season...between BGN and Cup he's averaging a win every 3,000 miles. Harvick says "I guess I'm like a good oil change!"...(PRN's Garage Pass), the only question remains, who will drive the #30, crew chief? and NASCAR.com reports: Rumor has it that Jeff Green has removed his name from possible candidates to drive Richard Childress' third Winston Cup car full time in 2002. Sponsor AOL reportedly told Green that they were looking for a hip, upstart driver. Green said last month that he had begun negotiations with ppc Racing, his Busch Series owner, on a new contract(6-18-2001)
Wind Tunnel: hearing the #30 AOL car was in Detroit on Monday, being tested in the GM wind tunnel(6-12-2001)
3rd Childress Team: The future of Richard Childress Racing's third entry in the Winston Cup series next season remains uncertain. Jeff Green is running seven races with the #30 team this season - including Sunday's Kmart 400 at Michigan - but the sponsor, America Online, has not made a commitment to stay with the team next season. Kevin Harvick was to be the team's driver next season but took over the driving duties for the #3 team(now #29) after Earnhardt's death. Green said Sunday he and Childress would discuss the team's progress after the seven races are completed, but that Childress must also get the backing of the sponsor, both to return to the team and approve a new driver. "The main thing is he hasn't got the sponsor signed. He had it for Kevin, but not now since everything changed," Green said. "He's kind of waiting on them and I'm kind of waiting on him to see what we're going to do."(That's Racin')(6-10-2001)
Another Roush/Kenseth Rumor UPDATE: seen in the June 1st edition of the Speedway Scene magazine - Despite a recent PR that denies any drivers might be leaving the Roush organization, it is expected that Matt Kenseth(driver #17 DeWalt Ford) and Robbie Reiser (crew chief #17 and owner of Kenseth's BGN team) will depart Roush Racing and 'do their own thing' (start own team) with Chevy and DeWalt Tools(6-3-2001) UPDATE: and still hearing Kenseth to one of the RCR is close to if not a done deal also(6-4-2001)
#30 AOL Car News UPDATE at Michigan: Jeff Green, attempting seven Cup races this season for Richard Childress Racing(RCR) in the #30 AOL Chevy, failed to make the field for Sunday's race when qualifying was canceled by rain. Team spokesman David Hart said RCR was considering two possibilities to make up the Dover race with Green. The first would have Green compete in next weekend's Michigan race. The driver will already be at Michigan competing in the International Race of Champions series(IROC). The other possibility would be for Green to compete in the September race at Dover. The team had picked Dover because of its close proximity to the headquarters of sponsor, American Online(That's Racin') UPDATE: Fox analyst, Larry McReynolds mentioned at the beginning of the Fox coverage of the MBNA 400 at Dover, that Jeff Green would drive the #30 AOL Chevy this coming race at Michigan AND from NASCAR.com Buzz: On Sunday morning, Childress announced he would bring his #30 AOL Chevrolet driven by Jeff Green to Michigan next weekend to attempt to qualify for the June 10 Kmart 400(6-3-2001)
Childress News? Green the driver? UPDATE 3 maybe not Riggs in the mix?: Richard Childress has settled on Jeff Green as his new driver next season for his third Winston Cup team, according to team sources. "But nobody's told me anything yet," Green said. Green is running seven Cup races for Childress this season. Robby Gordon may drive a Childress car in the July 8th Busch race at Watkins Glen(Winston Salem Journal)(5-26-201) UPDATE: Jeff Green said Wednesday morning on a Charlotte-based radio station that he is currently working out a two-year contract extension with ppc Racing and NesQuik. He didn't totally rule out the chance of taking over Richard Childress' #30 Chevy fulltime in 2002, however, saying "I'm not getting any younger and I'd still like to get a Winston Cup championship."(NASCAR.com Buzz)(5-30-2001) UPDATE 2: hearing CTS driver, Scott Riggs (#2-Ultra Motorsports truck) is being considered for either a RCR Cup or BGN ride for the 2002 season UPDATE 3: “Just rumors,” Riggs said. “Definitely, other people have approached me and talked to me, but I keep telling them the same story: I’m going to stay focused on trying to win this championship this year. Then I feel like the real opportunities will come forth. Jim Smith (Riggs’ NCTS owner) has definitely given me some great opportunities by telling me he wants to stay on with his organization. His Winston Cup team, he looks to the future and wants me to be a part of that future.” Mike Wallace drives for Smith’s Winston Cup team, but Riggs could become a teammate in the future. Riggs’ contract with Smith also runs out at the end of this year(RacingOne)(6-3-2001)
NASCAR says No to driver switch? UPDATE: hearing that Richard Childress Racing(RCR) tried to put Jeff Green(who was scheduled to drive the #30 AOL car but missed the race when qualifying got rained out) into the #29 and Kevin Harvick(who is the full time driver of the #29 Goodwrench Chevy) into the #30 to get it in the race. Harvick would had gotten the 36th position as a 2001 winner not already in the field and Green would had started 10th/11th where the #29 is in Owners Points. This would had put #27 Kenny Walace out the race. Buthear NASCAR squashed the move(6-2-2001) UPDATE: Richard Childress nearly got Jeff Green into the MBNA 400 via an interesting rules technicality. He wanted to put Green into the (#29) car that Kevin Harvick has been running, and using those car-owner points to make the field; and by then putting Harvick into the part-time car Green had been planning to run, and using driver points to make the field(as a past winner this year). NASCAR vetoed the plan. Green, who didn't make the 400 field when qualifying was rained out Friday, may try again at Michigan.(Winston Salem Journal)(6-3-2001)
Robbie Gordon in a RCR car?PRN's Garage Pass interviewed Cup, BGN, IRL team owner Richard Childress who says he may give Robbie Gordon a shot in one of his cars in the future, possibly a BGN car(The #21 at Watkins Glen?). Plus the #30-AOL team still needs a full time driver in 2002(5-16-2001)
Childress changes belts: Richard Childress Racing has removed Simpson seat belts from its Cup and Busch cars except Mike Skinner's #31. The team says the move was made because of driver preference(Sporting News)(5-7-2001)
Kenseth to RCR? UPDATE: it was reported on ESPN2's RPM 2Day on Sunday that #17 DeWalt driver, Matt Kenseth could be headed to Richard Childress Racing in 2002. Didn't say which car, the #30 AOL Chevy or the #31 Lowes Chevy if Skinner leaves(4-29-2001) UPDATE: Matt Kenseth comments on Roush Racing.com - "Why would I consider going anywhere else?" Matt Kenseth said. "I have the crew chief of my choice, a great group of people building cars for me, the support of DeWALT and the unlimited resources of the equipment and employees at Roush Racing. I'd be foolish to give this up."(Roush Racing Site)(5-4-2001)
Three RCR Teams in 2002: Richard Childress Racing will run three Winston Cup teams next season, regardless of what has been heard about sponsor Lowe's and driver Mike Skinner. First of all, both have contracts through 2002, Childress representatives said Friday. Second, Lowe's, which threatened to pull out of the game last September after a very odd sequence of events, has demonstrated renewed enthusiasm, posting its lumber products brand in primary positions on the #31 car. The driver situation remains unclear for 2002, despite the contracts, with many "speculating" that Skinner will be given other work in the RCR organzation. That may or may not be. Regardless, Childress will have the #31 next season, it appears now, and Skinner very well could remain as driver(in part from SpeedVision)(4-21-2001)
RCR Doctor: Dr. Jay Golding has worked with Richard Childress Racing since the fall of 1999 and his role continues to evolve. In addition to seeing team members and their families at his practice in Lexington, N.C., he tries to provide some continuity at the track as well. When RCR BGN driver Mike Dillon was involved in a wreck at Bristol, Dr. Golding was there to help when he reached the infield medical center. Golding was able to order the tests he felt Dillon should undergo, allowing him to get in and out of the hospital correctly. And while accidents would seem to be the biggest reason to have a team physician, owner Richard Childress says Golding is invaluable for a number of reasons. "It's good to have someone in an organization like ours who can help you with everything from the flu shots to whatever," Childress said. "He's been a tremendous help. He's been in Daytona with us (when Dale Earnhardt was killed) and I think he helped us all (deal with that). And he can head off a lot of stuff that would cause (crew members) to be out of work." NASCAR does not have a physician that travels the circuit, preferring that local physicians work with the hospitals in that area. Golding says everyone he's encountered has been receptive to his presence and he sees pros and cons to NASCAR having its own doctor.(Winston Cup Scene - need subscription to view online)(4-5-2001)
Green in the #30 AOL car: Richard Childress announced the races Jeff Green will be running in the #30 (AOL) Winston Cup car this season. Green will attempt to make his (2001 Cup) debut at California Speedway on April 29. He also will run the races at Dover (June 3), Chicago (July 15), Indianapolis (Aug. 5), Bristol (Aug. 25), Richmond (Sept. 8) and Lowe's (Oct. 7).(Richmond Times Dispatch) AND Richard Childress Racing Saturday named 2000 NASCAR Busch Series champion Jeff Green as the driver for the #30 America Online NASCAR Winston Cup team for a limited schedule this season. Childress said plans for the 2002 season and beyond will be forthcoming(NASCAR.com)(4-1-2001)
3rd RCR Driver? ESPN2's RPM 2Night reports that the scheduled press conference to announce the Richard Childress Racing 3rd driver for the #30 AOL Chevy has been postponed until next week at Texas. Jeff Green is rumored to be the driver for it's limited 5-7 race schedule. And what about 2002? (see below for one story and...) AutoRacing1 is reporting: According to our sources, Austin Cameron was seen wearing an AOL shirt and cap at a store. When our sources asked him "what's the deal with you wearing AOL stuff" Austin replied "It's something in the works between me AOL and a big named Cup Owner." When asked if is is with RCR he said "Possibly.... we're working on a deal right now." When asked if you do come too an agreement will you go straight to Cup, Austin said "Probably not.......will probably run a double weekend." Then from the NASCAR press conference yesterday... What are your plans for a third team? Richard Childress: "We took a step back because that's where we originally had Kevin lined up to do those races, and Atlanta was actually going to be his first race with the America Online car. So now, what we've done is we're going to make the announcement of the driver this weekend. We're going to run seven races and we'll give that schedule out at Bristol as well. We're excited about it. It's a great company and great people to be with. I feel you need the third team. That's one thing that Dale and I had talked about in depth this past winter, about what we needed to do at RCR to keep these teams stronger."(3-24-2001)
Jeff Burton to Childress? um...NO - UPDATE 3: it was reported on the radio show The LTN Hour NASCAR Radio Show(RA) last Sunday(3-18), that while Jeff Green will drive the #30 AOL Chevy fielded by Richard Childress Racing this year in seven races, there will be a big surprise who will drive the #30 car next year and said it will be Jeff, but not Green and will come from a Ford team. That leaves...Jeff Burton, one catch I see a problem with, Jeff Burton has a contract with his current team owner Jack Roush through 2005. Also said that Jeff Green will move up to Winston Cup with his current BGN team, ppc Racing in 2002 AND from this weeks Winston Cup Scene: Jeff Burton, who's been with Ford his entire Winston Cup career, was also rumored to be in the running for the full-time AOL ride. Despite Burton's terrible start, Burton denied the rumor, as did Childress. "I'm very committed to Roush Racing. I'm very committed to (primary sponsor) Citgo," Burton said. "I have no desire to leave Roush Racing. We are a team that has been in the top five in points the last four years and we've won a lot of races the last four years. The fact we've gotten off to a slow start isn't my team's fault." Asked if Burton was being considered for the AOL ride, Childress said, "Right now, no. I haven't talked directly to Jeff. Nobody (has). I wouldn't even throw his name in the rumor mill." As for ppc Racing, they tried unsuccessfully to put together a limited Winston Cup program for Green this year. Green would like to stay with team owners Greg Pollex, John Bender and Bob Campbell, if possible.(Winston Cup Scene - need subscription to read online)(3-22-2001) UPDATE: Green apparently will have to prove himself to stay in the #30 car for 2002. Other drivers whose names have come up in connection with the ride are Stacy Compton and Roush Racing drivers Jeff Burton, Matt Kenseth and Greg Biffle(Dallas Morning News) UPDATE 2: from The Morning Buzz radio show on 100.3 WHEB, and Rock 101 in New Hampshire. They had Frank Stoddard, #99 Crew Chief on the show this week (as they do each week) and today they interviewed Jeff Burton. Their first question was about the rumors of his move to Childress. He flatly denied the rumors, and added that the story makes him "furious". He said he has "no idea" where the story came from, and that there is no truth at all to it. He wants everybody to know for a fact that he is NOT leaving Roush Racing - Also an announcement is expected at Bristol on Friday about Jeff Green driving this year(3-22-2001) UPDATE 3: Jack Roush uses direct reasoning as he states his case and makes the point that he is always willing to address the fodder that climbs the grapevine. NO, Jeff Burton isn't leaving Roush Racing to drive for Richard Childress Racing. NO, Burton and Martin didn't demand that the organization lease engines from another organization until the reliability and horsepower woes are resolved. And NO, heads aren't rolling in the engine departments at Livonia (Mich.) and Mooresville (NC).(Sporting News)(3-23-2001)
Green to Childress? UPDATE yes: hearing it was reported on FSN's Totally NASCAR Thursday night that 2000 BGN Champ Jeff Green is under consideration for the #30 AOL Richard Childress 3rd Winston Cup ride, which would be 6-7 races this year and full time in 2002 UPDATE: Jeff Green, defending BGN champion, will run five to seven Winston Cup races this season for Richard Childress Racing. A formal announcement of Green's move will come next weekend at Bristol, according to sources. Green will drive the No. 30 Chevrolets, originally scheduled to be the Cup ride for Kevin Harvick.(That's Racin')(3-16-2001)
3rd RCR team UPDATE: Richard Childress just inked a deal with AOL-TimeWarner(the #30 Chevy, Harvick was to drive it), which, with Dale Earnhardt's death, suddenly needs sorting out. Rick Mast, whose current team(#50 Team) has missed two races, is under consideration(Winston Salem Journal), AND Childress, whose operation may need a third driver next week at Atlanta for sponsor AOL, in the ride Kevin Harvick was to have. Rick Mast could get the nod there(Winston Salem Journal)(3-4-2001) UPDATE: The debut of the Richard Childress Racing (RCR) #30 America Online (AOL) NASCAR Winston Cup program, originally scheduled for this weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway, has been postponed. The postponement was originally announced Feb. 23 in an RCR release that named Kevin Harvick as the driver of the #29 GM Goodwrench Service Plus Chevy. It had been announced Feb. 9 that Harvick would be the driver of the AOL car but, with him assuming the driving chores of the #29 car, options continue to be explored for the debut of the AOL/RCR program. "The plan was for Kevin to run seven Winston Cup races for AOL this season and then fulltime in 2002," said Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing. "AOL has been wonderful to work with through these trying times and agreed to let us move Kevin to the GM Goodwrench team. Atlanta was originally scheduled to be our first race with AOL but they agreed to let us move that date back in order to give us some time to best determine how to move this program forward. We'll announce both the driver and the debut as soon as a decision is made."(RCR PR)(3-6-2001)
Harvick: Richard Childress Racing (RCR) and GM Goodwrench Service named BGN driver and 2000 Rookie of the Year, Kevin Harvick, as the fulltime driver for the #29 GM Goodwrench Service Plus Chevrolet Winston Cup team. Harvick will compete in this weekend's Dura Lube/Kmart 400 at North Carolina Speedway in Rockingham. He will also enter Saturday's Alltel 200 Busch Series race, as he will continue to drive the #2 AC Delco Chevrolet in 2001 at all Winston Cup/Busch Series companion events. "Obviously, we did not plan on moving Kevin into the Winston Cup Series so soon," said Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing Enterprises, Inc. "Kevin was looking forward to running for the Busch Series championship this year but he told me he would do whatever this team needed. Wanting to keep the GM Goodwrench team at the strength that Dale would have wanted, we felt Kevin was our number one choice. Dale had told me that he respected Kevin's driving style. Nobody at RCR feels like racing this weekend but we want to honor Dale's wishes," Childress continued. "Dale and I made a pact years ago that, if something ever happened to the other, we would race the next weekend. I'm dealing with the death of my best friend but I know we have to race this weekend." Although a full-time Winston Cup ride was not in his plans for 2001, Harvick feels he is up to the task. "I never thought I'd move into the Winston Cup Series so soon, much less with the GM Goodwrench team," Harvick said. "The black No. 3 was and always will be Dale's car. I'll never be able to fill Dale's shoes and won't even pretend to try. But Richard told me that he needed me to step up and help the team out and I'm willing to do whatever I can." "From GM Goodwrench Service Plus, we would like to extend our sympathies and condolences to the Earnhardt family, the RCR racing family and the DEI racing family," said Bill Fitzgerald, event marketing manager - GM Service Parts Operations. "Dale was a friend and a family member of the GM Goodwrench Service Plus employees and dealers. He will be sadly missed. But, as we move forward, we are happy to have a person of the quality of Kevin Harvick, who was already a member of our GM family as well as the RCR family, to fill the tragic void. Kevin is an excellent racer and young man with a strong personality who will represent us well." The NASCAR Winston Cup debut of the RCR #30 America Online (AOL) Chevy, originally scheduled for next month at Atlanta Motor Speedway, has been postponed. With Harvick now the fulltime driver of the #29 car in 2001, options are being explored for the debut of the AOL/RCR program. "The plan was for Kevin Harvick to run seven Winston Cup races for AOL this season and then fulltime in 2002," said Childress. "AOL has been wonderful to work with through these trying times and has agreed to let us move Kevin to the GM Goodwrench team. Atlanta was originally scheduled to be our first race with AOL but they have agreed to let us move that date back in order to give us some time to best determine how to move this program forward."(RCR PR)(2-24-2001)
RCR Announcement UPDATE a new sponsor: Richard Childress Racing Enterprises who run the #3 and #31 Cup team and the #2 and #21 BGN teams, have a Major Sponsorship Announcement on Friday, February 9th in Daytona Beach(RCR PR)(2-2/9-2001) UPDATE: Richard Childress Racing (RCR) announced that America Online (AOL) will be the primary sponsor of 2000 BGN Rookie-of-the-Year Kevin Harvick's limited Cup program in 2001. Harvick, 25, will debut the #30 Chevy at Atlanta Motor Speedway on March 11th. He is also scheduled to compete at Texas(April 1), Lowe's (May 27),
Sears Point (June 24), Chicagoland (July 15), Bristol (Aug. 25) and Richmond (Sept. 8). The seven-race schedule will be Harvick's first foray into Winston Cup competition. The new team will be the third Winston Cup program, and fifth overall, run out of the RCR shops in Welcome, N.C. RCR also fields the NASCAR Winston Cup teams for seven-time champion #3-Dale Earnhardt and #31-Mike Skinner, as well as the BGN teams for #2-Harvick and #21-Mike
Dillon.(RCR PR)(2-10-2001)
Harvick can see clearly now:#2-Kevin Harvick underwent Lasik surgery on Monday, January 29th to correct his vision. The driver of the #2 ACDelco Monte Carlo for Richard Childress Racing did not have particularly poor eyesight, but he did have one eye that was stronger than the other and he decided to have the procedure in order to improve his vision in both eyes. The procedure uses laser technology to reshape the cornea of the eye to correct vision. The surgery, which Harvick said was quick and painless, was performed by Dr. Keith Walter at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine and took just 40 seconds on right eye and one minute on the left. The doctor talked Harvick through the entire procedure, which helped him feel more comfortable(Champion Sports Group)(2-1-2001)
Harvick runs some Cup practice: RCR BGN Driver, Kevin Harvick briefly tested Dave Marcis' #71 Realtree Outdoors Chevy on Friday in the two-hour morning practice session(NOL)(11-11-2000)
Harvick to run some Cup? Kevin Harvick, a rookie in the BGN (#2 AC Delco Chevy), may enter one or two Winston Cup races this season to "test the waters," his car owner Richard Childress said Saturday. Childress said he would like to see Harvick run one or two Winston Cup races at least the next two seasons before running full time in the series.(That's Racin')(8-5-2000)
