Jayski's® NASCAR Silly Season Site

#34 Team Past News and Rumors

NOTE: many of the links in the past news will be old and may not work
decided it was not worth the time to go thru each one on all the Team Past News pages

Past 2007 News

MyAutoLoan.com Sponsoring Front Row Motorsports at Texas: myAutoloan.com will be the primary sponsor of the #34 Front Row Motorsports entry driven by Kevin Lepage at Texas Motor Speedway, for the Samsung 500. myAutoloan.com is a subsidiary of Horizon Digital Finance, L.L.C., and a nationally-licensed direct-to-customer, Internet-based auto financing marketplace utilizing Preferred Placement technology and processes.(Front Row Motorsports PR)(4-9-2007)

Front Row Motorsports to Focus on #37 Team: Front Row Motorsports announced they will focus primarily on the #37 Dodge for the reminder of the 2007 season and that the team still plans on running the #34 with a limited schedule. "We would love to continue entering two cars each week, but in today’s climate, we feel that focusing on one car will give us our best shot at making races," said team owner Bob Jenkins. "With the number of well-funded teams that are entered each week, it is very difficult for the independent teams such as ours to compete as a multi-car effort."(Front Row Motorsports PR)(3-22-2007)

Lepage in #37; Chaffin in #34 at Bristol: Kevin Lepage, who tested the Car of Tomorrow (COT) for Front Row Motorsports at Bristol while be driving the #37 COT at Bristol and Martinsville. John Andretti, who drove the #37 car the last three races in California, Vegas and Atlanta, will be back in the #37 car next month at Texas Motor Speedway. Race Week Media is still searching for sponsors for Bristol and Martinsville for the #37 team. Cahd Chaffin is scheduled to drive the #34 Front Row Motorsports Dodge at Bristol.(3-21-2007)

Lepage, #34 team gets sponsor for Daytona UPDATE: Brevard County [FL] will be represented in today's qualifying session for next Sunday's Daytona 500 when the #34 Front Row Motorsports Dodge of driver Kevin Lepage takes the track with sponsorship from Makoto's Ginger Dressing [on quarter panels]. The sponsorship effort is a continuation of the efforts of Makoto owner and race fan Tom Cobb -- who has restaurants in Melbourne and Palm Bay -- to use the NASCAR platform as the best possible avenue to get the word out about his product. Cobb first sponsored Merritt Island attorney Scott Turner in Turner's unsuccessful attempt to qualify for a NASCAR Busch Series road race at Watkins Glen, N.Y., last season and admitted to getting hooked. Cobb's dressing has been available through retail outlets since 2001 when Publix began sponsoring the brand, and the race sponsorship has been fruitful. "All the folks that I have dealt with while sponsoring Front Row Motor Sports have made this an absolute delight," Cobb wrote. "I must say that it is quite a thrill to be in the company of the sponsors of NASCAR. I will continue to sponsor as long as it is beneficial to my company." Should Lepage qualify for the 500, Cobb said it is likely a sponsor whose car did not make the field would approach Jenkins and offer more money than Cobb is paying to have that sponsor put on the Dodge, moving Makoto's to an associate position. Cobb said that would be OK with him because the Makoto name would still appear on a car in NASCAR's richest, most high-profile and most prestigious race.(Florida Today), also noticed Detoxify on the hood of the car during practice Saturday. See an image of the car on my #34 Team Schemes page.(2-11-2007)
UPDATE: Front Row Motorsports has announced they have reached agreements with Detoxify and Makoto Ginger Dressing to sponsor the #34 Dodge driven by Kevin Lepage for the Daytona 500. Detoxify will be the primary sponsor while Makoto Ginger Dressing will serve as an associate sponsor for the biggest race of the year. Detoxify has been supplying the best in Detoxification products for nearly two decades. Their main objectives are to conduct research that you can count on and to develop products you can trust.(Front Row Motorsports PR)(2-13-2007)

Front Row Motorsports buying #37 R&J Racing? UPDATE 2: hearing that Front Row Motorsports, who has three teams, the #34 with Kevin Lepage [which plans to run at least the first five races of the 2007 season], and the #61 and #92 teams that have no schedules or drivers yet for 2007, have bought out or into the #37 RJ Racing Dodge team. The #37 team plan to run Bill Elliott at Daytona in the Budweiser Shootout and Daytona 500, but after that plans have not been announced. Elliott did test the #37 Dodge at Las Vegas, which was listed as the #37 Front Row Motorsports Dodge.(2-4-2007)
UPDATE: hearing that #37 team over John Carter will still own the #37 team, with RJ Racing partnering up with Front Row Motorsports in 2007.(2-4-2007)
UPDATE 2: Front Row Motorsports (FRM) announced today they will run two (2) cars during the 2007 Nextel Cup season. FRM will run the #34 driven by Kevin Lepage with Randy Seals as the crew chief. For the second FRM entry, team owner Bob Jenkins has formed a partnership with John Carter. The team will convert the #61 from 2006 to the #37 for the 2007 season. The team has hired Bill Elliott to run a limited number of events, with Chad Chaffin slated to compete in the remainder of the schedule. Mark Tutor will serve has crew chief for the team. NASCAR veteran Gere Kennon will be Director of Competition and oversee the efforts of both teams. Both teams will run Dodge Chargers powered by motors built by Ernie Elliott Inc. "Given the increased level of competition this season, I could not be happier with the group of experienced professionals we have assembled," stated Jenkins. "I am excited about our driver line-up, and with the opportunity to partner with someone like John. In addition, our affiliation with Dodge has already paid dividends in testing and with car preparation. Obviously to compete at this level, sponsorship is essential to having a successful team. We currently have several associate sponsorships in place. However, we are continuing to pursue full-time primary sponsors for both teams. Our approach has always been to build a strong foundation so that a potential sponsor would see themselves as the only missing component to our success." For additional information about Front Row Motorsports please visit: frontrowmotorsports.com.(FRM PR)(2-8-2007)

Front Row Motorsports to run #34 team in 2007: Kevin Lepage, who recently tested the #92 Front Row Motorsports Dodge ar Daytona, will in all likelyhood, tun the #34 Dodge for the team with Ernie Elliot Engines. Gere Kennon is the Director of Competition & Randy Seals the crew chief. No word if the team will run the #61 or #92 teams it ran in 2006 along with the #34. The team also has a job opening, see my Racing Schools/Jobs page for more info.(1-20-2007)

Past 2006 News

Lepage looking: After a week in the Islands and a week in Vermont spending time with family and friends and presenting checks to the Vermont Cancer Society and the Vermont National Guard Readiness Program from the 4th annual Kevin Lepage Charity Golf Tournament, NASCAR driver Kevin Lepage is waiting to see what the 2007 season will bring him. Lepage is not under contract with any team and would like to continue driving in any of the three NASCAR series. Lepage finished up the 2006 season with Front Row Motorsports.(PR)(12-31-2006)

PTG Studios to sponsor #34 at Homestead: PTG Studios will be the primary sponsor of the #34 Front Row Motorsports Chevy driven by Kevin Lepage at Homestead-Miami Motorsports Complex on Sunday November 19th, for the Ford 400. PTG Studios, founded in 1997, is an independent media production company that specializes in educational programming for national and international markets. It is headquartered in Deerfield Beach, FL. For more information about PTG Studios, please visit www.ptgstudios.com.(FRM PR)(11-14-2006)

myAutoLoan.com to be an assoc sponsor on the #34 at Texas: myAutloan.com will be an associate sponsor of the #34 Front Row Motorsports entry driven by Chad Chaffin at Texas Motor Speedway, for the Dickies 500. "I look forward to driving the myAutoloan.com car at Texas," commented driver Chad Chaffin. "The guys have been working real hard to get the cars ready each week. I'm confident we will put together a strong showing this weekend." myAutoloan.com is a subsidiary of Horizon Digital Finance, L.L.C., and a nationally-licensed direct-to-customer, Internet-based auto financing marketplace utilizing Preferred Placement technology and processes. They are located in Irving, Texas. More information, visit myAutoloan.com.(FRM PR), Chaffin switches to the #34 this week, while Kevin Lepage will drive the #61 FRM Dodge at Texas.(10-31-2006)

Lepage to finish season with Frontrow Motorsports: Kevin Lepage will be finishing the 2006 Nextel Cup season in the #34 Chevy for Front Row Motorsports. Lepage joined Front Row Motorsports last week and is looking forward to driving the rest of the season with his new team.(Integrated Marketing Solutions PR)(10-12-2006)

Blount gets a sponsor for Kansas: Kansas City company FOX Collision Center will sponsor the #92 Front Row Motorsports Chevy [entered as the #34 which will get the owners points] driven by Chad Blount at Kansas Speedway, for the Banquet 400. “I look forward to driving the FOX Collision Center car at Kansas,” commented driver Chad Blount. “The guys have been working real hard to get the cars ready each week. I’m confident we will have a strong showing this weekend.” Owned and operated by Kansas native and industry veteran Todd Fox, Fox Collision Center, Inc., Fox Collision has 15 locations in five markets [including 6 in Kansas]. For more information about Fox Collision please visit www.foxcollision.com.(Front Row Motorsports PR)(9-29-2006)

Changes at Front Row Motorsports: Chad Blount will drive the #61 Oak Gloves Dodge and Carl Long will drive the #34 Chevrolet for Front Row Motorsports this weekend at Chicagoland. Front Row Motorsports driver Chad Chaffin is still in the fold at FRM, but has taken a full time ride in the #59 Harris Trucking Motorsports Truck in the Craftsman Truck Series. Due to scheduling conflicts he will be forced to miss three Nextel Cup starts for FRM. “We were able to reach an agreement with Chad that allows him the freedom to pursue this opportunity in the Craftsman Truck Series while only missing three races for us,” commented FRM owner Bob Jenkins. “This is an excellent opportunity for Chad that we didn’t want to stand in the way off. It also gives us the opportunity to give more seat time to some other drivers and further allow us to evaluate our program.”(Front Row Motorsports PR)(7-7-2006)

Front Row Motorsports and Race El Paso to team up at Indy: Race El Paso, the race team based out of El Paso, Texas owned by Gregg and Ryan Jackson plan to attempt the Brickyard 400 at Indy this August. The Jacksons nearly made it in 2004, when Geoff Bodine drove the team's car [was #34 then], the Border Bandit, to a qualifying run that put it one slot from earning its way into the Brickyard race. This year, the team is in a partnership with two race teams: Gary Trout Autosports and Front Row Motorsports. Those teams are helping to put together the pit crew and have been storing Race El Paso's cars. The team also has more than one car and more than one engine, which is being built by Ernie Elliott, the brother of longtime NASCAR driver and semi-retired Bill Elliott. The car also will have a capable driver. The team already has NASCAR Craftsman Trucks series driver Chad Chaffin lined up, but it also still is negotiating with NASCAR veteran Mike Skinner. Still, the Jacksons know it won't be easy to get a car into a Nextel Cup race. "Our primary goal is to qualify," Ryan said. "Our second goal is to finish the race." More info at suncityracing.com.(El Paso Times/kvia.com)(7-2-2006)

Simo and Miller to drive Front Row entries at Sonoma: Front Row Motorsports announced Johnny Miller will pilot the #34 Oak Gloves Chevy and Brian Simo will drive the #61 Chevy this weekend at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, CA. Miller is a veteran of a number of professional racing series, accumulating over a 100 career victories and numerous poles. He will be making his fourth career NASCAR start and second for Front Row Motorsports. Last year Johnny drove the #92 Front Row car at Watkins Glen. After having to start 40th because qualifying was rained out he finished 29th. He got as high as 3rd in the race, but struggled with carburetor problems through out the day, which cost him valuable track positions on restarts.
Simo will be driving the same car [was a RCR #33 chevy] he drove last year at Infineon. He qualified 22nd, had a great day and was able to finish in the top 10.(Front Row Motorsports PR)(6-21-2006)

Long in the #34 at Dover: Carl Long will be driving the #34 Oak Gloves Chevy for Front Row Motorsports this weekend at Dover International Speedway for the running of the Neighborhood Excellence 400 Nextel Cup Series race.(Carl Long site)(5-31-2006)

Driver Changes UPDATE: Chad Chaffin goes from #34 to #61 [both Front Row Motorsports cars]; Kevin Lepage moved from #61 [Front Row Motorsports/Peak Performance] to #49 BAM Racing Dodge; Chad Blount replaces Chaffin in #34 Front Row Motorsports car, Blount had been on the team's #92 entry, which ceased operations. See the updated entry list at Jayski's Darlington Entry List Page.(5-9-2006)
UPDATE: Kevin Lepage and crew cheif Greg Conner have left Front Row Motorsports #61 team and are now with #49 BAM Racing. Chad Chaffin will now be in the #61 Ford with Craig Osbourne as crew chief and Chad Blount will take over the #34 Chevy's. Mike Steurer and Teddy Kennedy are now working on the #34 team.(PR-FRMF)(5-9-2006)

#61 Team Sold? UPDATE: hearing that #61 team owner, Jeff Stec has sold the #61 Peak Fitness Motorsports team that Kevin Lepage drivers for the Furniture Row Motorsports, the team that #78-Kenny Wallace drives for. Unclear if it will become a two-car team or merged into the current one car operation. The #61 runs Fords while the #78 runs Chevy's.
UPDATE: looks like my sources were a little confused as to what team, it is Front Row Motorsports [not Furniture Row Motorsports].......Front Row Motor Sports owner Bob Jenkins, and Jeff Stec have formed a limited partnership to campaign the #61 Ford Fusion for the remainder of the 2006 NASCAR season. Greg Conner and the balance of the #61 team members will be integrated into the Front Row Motorsports organization beginning this week with the running of the Aaron’s 499 at Talladega. Kevin Lepage will continue to drive the #61 car. “The #61 team has gotten off to a good start this year by making 6 of the first 8 races. By combining resources and sharing knowledge, we are confident that we can improve each of our teams,” states Front Row Motorsports owner Bob Jenkins. “We are looking to upgrade both our qualifying and race day efforts. We are excited about the opportunities this presents our team and the advantages we can gain by working together.”(Front Row Motorsports PR)(4-27-2006)

Makoto Dressing on #34 and #92 at Martinsville: Front Row Motorsports placed both of their entries into the starting lineup at Martinsville for the DirecTV 500. The #34 Oak Gloves car driven by Chad Chaffin will start 31st and the Makoto Dressing #92 driven by Chad Blount will start 43rd. Makoto Dressing will be a sponsor on both cars. They will be on the hood of the #92 and on the quarter panels and TV panel of the #34. Makoto Ginger Dressing, which was developed at one of their two Japanese Steakhouses in Florida, is available in refrigerated sections of grocery stores across the United States. For more information, please visit www.makotogingerdressing.com.(Front Row Motorsports PR)(4-2-2006)

Randy LaJoie to drive the #34 car in 2006: Front Row Motorsports announced that Randy LaJoie has been retained to drive the #34 car for the 2006 season. Randy will join teammate Chad Chaffin, driver of the #92 FRM Chevy. The second team was formed as a partnership between car owners Bob Jenkins and Chris Edwards [former Mach 1 owner]. " We worked with Chris and his team last year, and felt like we were able to share information between the two cars. With the success that Randy has had in the Busch series, and Chad has had in the truck series, we believe that we will continue to improve upon last year's results. We have a unique opportunity for these two teams to compete for spots with in the top 35 in points and we intend to do everything within our power to get them there."
"Our philosophy is that in this sport, you have to make your own place at the table and our goal is to do exactly that,” stated Jenkins. Both teams will be based out of FRM's Denver, NC facility. The team is currently adding additional positions including crew chief, fabricators, and track personnel, see my Racing Schools page for more info.(Front Row Motorsports PR)(1-27-2006)

#34 Team Done...maybe not?: looks like the #34 Mach 1 Nextel Cup team is no more as there wil be an auction to sell the remaining assets of the #34 Nextel Cup team on Tuesday Jan 17th. The auction is scheduled to start at 6:00pm/et in Mooresville, NC at 212 Performance Rd. More info and images at gavelauction.com.(1-4-2006)
AND no idea if this auction took place as rumors are that they may now run races in 2006 in conjunction with #92 Front Row Motorsports.(1-10-2006)

Past 2005 News

Driver changes at Talladega: #00 - Bobby Hamilton Jr. replaced Mike Skinner; #34 - Mike Skinner replaced Hermie Sadler..Tide is going on the #00 and Aaron's going to the #34 for the UAW-Ford 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on Sunday.(NASCAR Stats Services)(10-1-2005)
AND the deal was with the #34 Front Row Racing team and #32 owner, Cal Wells, which failed to make the race with driver Bobby Hamilton Jr. So Wells made a deal with Chris Edwards, owner of the #34 Ford that Hermie Sadler qualified for the race. But since the #34 is a Ford this week [usually a Chevy], the Wells made a deal with Jenkins and Mike Skinner, moving Skinner to the #34 Ford and using the #00 car, which is really the #92 [owners points #192 Bob Jenkins the owner] and will run the #32 in the race with Tide as the sponsor. Running the race will NOT get the #32 team owner, Cal Wells, any owners points for the race, driver Bobby Hamilton Jr. will of course get drivers points since he will start the race in the car, but has to start in the rear of the field due to the drivers change. Sadler was supposedly compensated for letting the switch happen as well as the owners of the #34 and #192 [#00]. The #00/92 was an odd deal already, as a deal between Jenkins and #00 [#100] team owner Michael Waltrip to run Skinner and Aaron's along with the #00, similar to the deal between Waltrip and Bill Davis Racing to run the #00 Dodge with Aaron's and Kenny Wallace a few weeks ago.(10-2-2005)

Team for sale UPDATE not now: the Mach1 Racing site is reporting the #34 team, owned by Chris Edwards and driven by P.J. Jones is up for sale.
Oops looks like they changed their mind, Sale of Team is On Hold: Team Owner Chris Edwards and PEO Pros Sports Marketing agent John Tenney are in the process of negotiating some new sponsorships. There are no firm details at this point but look for a limited schedule the rest of the season. It is possible that the #34 will be run a few more races with Front Row Racing at this point, but the long term goal is a full season in 2006 with Mach 1.(Mach 1 site)(9-6-2005)

#34 gets a Bristol Sponsor: Moore Employer Solutions and Mach 1 Racing reached an agreement to sponsor PJ Jones in the #34 Chevy for NASCAR's Sharpie 500 Nextel Cup race at Bristol. Moore Employer Solutions is a strategic administration service provider. They offer their services to small to medium sized business to outsource the everyday functions of payroll and taxes, worker's comp administration and claims management, human resources, and other benefits to Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs) and insurance companies.(PR)(8-25-2005)

PEO Pros extends sponsorship to MIS on the #34 UPDATE: PEO Pros and Mach 1 Racing extended their one race deal to sponsor PJ Jones in the #34 Monte Carlo for the Cup race at Michigan International Speedway this coming weekend. Chris Edwards, owner of Mach 1 Racing, commented, “PEO Pros has been really helpful. I spoke with the owner today and he is already working on another potential sponsor for us from his field. Look for another sponsor on the car soon, maybe as soon as Bristol.” PEO Pros CEO John Tenney said, "We wish to share the great experience we’ve had sponsoring Mach 1 and PJ with our PEO partners. Our website traffic has not only increased, we are also getting some serious business inquiries.” There have been many inquiries from other drivers and teams looking for sponsors. Tenney is rather disappointed with this strategy. “As for you drivers looking for sponsors, let me give you a tip. Calling someone who just made a deal is not a good way to make friends in the industry. The sponsor has already allocated their marketing money and the current driver is not too happy with you. If you really want to find a sponsor, look at the recent sponsor’s field of business, get a picture of the car with the logo and go to their competition and say ‘Look what your competitor is doing.’ That will not only have a better chance of success, it’s better for NASCAR because you will bring new sponsors in, rather than trying to steal existing sponsors. PJ Jones is our primary driver. PJ is the person who brought me in to NASCAR 10 years ago. There is loyalty there.” Although several of the requests have come from other drivers looking for sponsors, they are also getting many inquiries as to What Is PEO Pros and What Do They Do.(PR)(8-15-2005)
UPDATE: PEO Pros is sponsoring two cars this weekend, on the hood of the #34 Mach 1 Racing with P.J. Jones driving and the '3 post" of the #80 [owner #200] of McGlynn Racing with driver Carl Long.(8-19-2005)

#4 picks up associate sponor for Watkins Glen: In a one race deal, PEO Pros and Morgan-McClure Motorsports have agreed to an associate sponsorship of the #4 NASCAR Nextel Cup car at the Watkins Glen road course. PJ Jones will be driving the car. Jones was also instrumental in arranging the sponsorship. "We've been really happy with PJ in our marketing efforts. He's been a good investment!" said John Tenney, CEO of PEO Pros. Jones will be back in the #34 PEO Pros Chevy at Michigan next week, with Mach 1 Racing.(PEO Pros PR)(8-12-2005)

#34 has sponsor for Indy, hopes to attract a primary: PEO Pros, #34 Mach 1 Racing and PJ Jones are discussing a 5 race deal with PEO Pros as a sponsor, with the intent of attracting a big name sponsor to be primary. Mach 1 will field the PEO Pros car first at Indy. More races are TBD. A major sponsor is needed to finish out the 2005 season as proper preparation for a 2006 campaign.(PJ Jones site.(8-3-2005)

Mach 1 gets sponsor for Pocono and MIS: Denver NC based MACH 1 Inc. announced today that UltraComp Trailers [ultracomptrailers.com] has signed on for a two race primary sponsorship beginning this weekend in Pocono, going through next weekend in Michigan. PJ Jones will pilot the #34 Chevy this weekend and again next weekend in Michigan. UltraComp Trailers is a subsidiary of Schantz & Sons, Inc. which has been in the trailer manufacturing business since 1952. UltraComp designs and manufactures large race transporters, food concession trailers, and enclosed gooseneck trailers to meet the desires of any customer. Their trailers range in size from 24' to 55' giving a variety of choices to their customers. UltraComp Trailers have a unique custom design to give the trailer a sleek and flowing look that separates UltraComp transporters from an ordinary freight trailer. The owners & employees at UltraComp Trailers are focused on the quality of their products and are committed to providing their customers with the best service.(MACH 1 PR)(6-11-2005)

Jones in the #34 at Pocono and MIS: Denver, NC based MACH 1 announced today that PJ Jones will pilot the #34 Chevrolet Monte Carlo beginning this weekend at Pocono. Jeff Fuller, the teams primary driver is also committed to the #7 Busch car, a relationship that was established prior to MACH 1 team owner Chris Edwards tapping Fuller to drive his Cup car earlier this season. The non-companion races were identified as logistical challenges by MACH 1 with Fuller as their driver. The team searched for a driver that could step in and assist on the non-companion weekends. PJ Jones was selected and has agreed to drive for the team this weekend at Pocono and again next weekend in Michigan when the Busch cars will be in Kentucky. PJ competed at both Pocono and Michigan last year finishing 22nd at Pocono and 25th at Michigan.(MACH 1 PR)(6-7-2005)

#34 gets sponsor for Coke 600: Denver, NC based MACH 1 Inc. announced today that REVI Technical Wear will be the primary sponsor on the #34 Chevy [driver Jeff Fuller?] this weekend for the Coca-Cola 600 at Lowes Motor Speedway. REVI will remain as an associate sponsor on the #34 for the remainder of the 2005 season. Revi Technical Wear (www.reviwear.com) is a maker of custom team apparel. Their unique process is sublimation printing, which is a gas dyeing process. Revi's prints are permanent and enhance garment performance and wear. Revi is now supplying Motorsport Crew apparel to major teams in Nextel Cup, Busch Series, Craftsman Truck Series, Trans AM, IRL and Champ Car markets. Their shirts feel and look better and will last longer than traditional crew shirts. An expert in sublimation printing, Revi has supplied a wide range of sports markets internationally for over 18 years. These sports include Cycling, Professional Baseball, Professional Soccer, Professional Lacrosse and Summer and Winter Olympic Sports.(Mach 1 PR), see image of the scheme on my #34 Team Schemes page.(5-25-2005)

#34 gets sponsor for Daytona: Mach 1 announced today that Dimension Films will be their primary sponsor for Thursday's Gatorade Duel Twin 150 and the Daytona 500. The #34 Chevy will proudly display Dimension Films upcoming thriller "Cursed" . The movie opens February 25 at theaters across the nation. From writer Kevin Williamson and director Wes Craven, the creators of Scream, the film that changed the face of terror forever, comes Cursed. A twist on classic monster fables, Cursed unleashes ancient omens into the modern world. Randy LaJoie is the driver of the #34 Chevy.(Mach 1 PR)(2-17-2005)

#98 switches to #34: Denver, NC based MACH 1, Inc announced today that they have officially changed their car number for the 2005 NASCAR Nextel Cup season. MACH 1 ran the #98 in 2004, they will display #34 as their car number in 2005. The team was issued #198 last year by NASCAR. The team ran into logistical issues when the owner of the #98, Winston Cup Champion Bill Elliott competed in Cup races where MACH 1 was also entered. MACH 1 ran the #96 at races where Elliott entered his car. "The change between #98 and #96 confused a lot of folks last year. I received questions from friends, sponsors and even officials when we had to switch numbers. I'm glad we don't have to deal with that issue this year. NASCAR has already transferred my owner points from last year over to #34," stated team owner Chris Edwards. MACH 1 remained in the top 10 on the speed chart at the conclusion of NASCAR Preseason Thunder test for the Cup teams at Daytona. Randy LaJoie posted a lap of 48.588 seconds, for 185.231 mph securing the seventh best time out of the 54 teams who tested. Chris Edwards commented "We made a number of changes during the off season in an effort to improve our program. I'm encouraged with the results I have seen, especially around our test session at Daytona".(MACH 1 PR)(1-22-2005)

LaJoie in the #98 for 2005: MACH 1 announced today that they have signed NASCAR veteran and two time Busch Series Champion Randy Lajoie to drive the #98 for the 2005 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup season. "I am extremely pleased to have Randy officially join our team. He ran the last three races of 2004 with us. Randy & I continued to talk during the off-season concerning the direction of MACH 1 and his goals as a driver. He expressed interest in a full time Cup ride and I was searching for a quality driver to put in the seat. I'm glad it worked out for both of us. This is our second year in the Cup series, Randy's experience in our sport will add immediate value to our entire organization" stated team owner Chris Edwards. "I'm looking forward to getting into the #98. I've been in this business for some time now and one thing is for sure, you never stop learning. The rule changes are constant so you have to stay on top of your game to be competitive. I'm excited that this comes only two weeks after my full time Busch Series ride announcement was made. I hope that what I learn in the Busch car will transfer over to my Cup ride. Any additional time on the track does nothing but help me as a driver. I'm focused on becoming a better driver and helping MACH 1 become competitive and succeed in the NEXTEL Cup Series," stated Lajoie. LaJoie will be testing the #98 this week in Daytona as part of the first of two weeks for testing the NEXTEL Cup cars. MACH 1 continues to search for sponsorship both from a primary and associate level. Anyone with interest should contact the team directly at mach1motorsports@charter.net.(MACH 1 PR)(1-10-2005)

Past 2004 News

Gunselman and #98 team part ways: MACH 1, Inc. announced that effective immediately, team owner Chris Edwards and co-owner, Larry Gunselman has chosen to pursue individual careers, thus dissolving their partnership. Chris Edwards remains with the team as Owner and President. Mike Steuer will continue as Crew Chief for the #98 team. Edwards intends to run the entire 2005 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series beginning with the Daytona 500. "We are 100% focused on preparing for Daytona. Last year was our first year in NNC; it was a building year for us, our rookie year so to speak. We are working hard to become more competitive and improve our race team" stated Edwards. An announcement concerning a full time driver for the #98 team will be made during the month of January. MACH 1 is currently seeking primary and associate sponsorship for the 2005 season.(Mach 1 PR)(12-28-2004)

Cope back in the #98 with AMW again at MIS: Mach 1, Inc. Racing as they did at the Brickyard will carry the logos of America’s Most Wanted and pictures of a missing Brother and Sister from Independence, MO Sam and Lindsey Porter age 7 and 9. The #98 team with Driver Derrick Cope has teamed up with Body Dynamics Racing and their America’s Most Wanted missing children racing effort to assist these children and children like them. Currently MACH 1 is competing without a full time sponsor and they have donated space on their car to elevate exposure for these children and offer a sponsor a unique cause marketing platform. Currently for this event portions of the car are available for sponsors that would like to associate themselves with this cause. The upper hood, lower TV Panel, and Upper C-Post are all available, and this offers such a great opportunity for sponsors or individuals that would like to get involved. If any sponsor has an interest in partnering with Mach 1, Body Dynamics/America’s Most Wanted Racing and this campaign please contact the team at www.bodydynamicsracing.com for email and phone.(8-17-2004)

#98 at Indy, special cause: Mach 1, Inc. Racing carried the logos of America’s Most Wanted and pictures of a missing Brother and Sister from Independence, MO Sam and Lindsey Porter age 7 and 9. The #98 team with Driver Derrick Cope teamed up with Body Dynamics Racing and their America’s Most Wanted missing children racing effort to assist these children and children like them. Currently MACH 1 is competing without a sponsor and have donated space on their car to elevate exposure for these children. “We are all responsible for children, stated Chris Edwards Co-Owner of Mach 1, “A majority of our team members have children or relatives that are children so we feel an obligation to assist I this case and cases like this.” “We feel that with the NASCAR fan base we should be able to help”, continued Edwards, “With the exposure we can get from the media for these children we are sure someone might see them and call.” Mach 1 would like to continue to offer its generosity and carry a missing child and the AMW Logos for the rest of the season, and combined with the marketing strategy of America’s Most Wanted/Body Dynamics Racing they should be able to offer a corporate sponsor guaranteed exposure opportunities as well as a positive community awareness campaign that can elevate a sponsor within the NASCAR market as well as to the fans, with achieving the most important opportunity and that is to assist in the recovery of a missing child!. If any sponsor has an interest in partnering with Mach 1, Body Dynamics/America’s Most Wanted Racing and this campaign please contact the team at www.bodydynamicsracing.com.(8-10-2004)

Todd Bodine back with the #98: Todd Bodine recently tested with the #31 Whelen Chevy Busch Series team at Chicagoland Speedway in preparation for this Saturday's Tropciana Twister 300. Bodine, will also return to Mach One Racing, the #98 Cup team as well this weekend at Chicago.(Catchfence)(7-6-2004)

El Paso to sponsor Geoffrey Bodine at Indy: Successful El Paso businessman Gregg Jackson is leading a $100,000 effort by local businesses to sponsor a race car that will attempt to qualify for NASCAR's Brickyard 400 this summer. The El Paso NASCAR Race Car, a 2004 Dodge Intrepid scheduled to be driven by 55-year-old stock car veteran Geoffrey Bodine, features a paint scheme centered on the city's new tourism slogan -- El Paso: Do Texas Different. The car, which will test next month and try to qualify three days before the Aug. 8 race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, begins a six-week tour of local businesses and sponsors today at Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino. El Pasoans will be offered the opportunity to sign the hood of the car for $50. Proceeds will go to the Fort Bliss Families Fund, which benefits children of soldiers killed in Iraq. A news conference announcing the race team's plans, including coming appearances and events, is scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday at the El Paso convention center. El Paso's at-the-track NASCAR effort will be led by team owner Gary Trout of North Carolina, a friend of Jackson's who helped put the unique deal together. Dodge engines will be provided by Ray Evernham, one of NASCAR's biggest names. Bodine, preparing earlier last week to run another car [#98 Ford] in the NASCAR race at Michigan International Speedway today, sounded confident in the "El Paso" program. Trout "has bought some really good stuff from Ray Evernham," said Bodine, who is scheduled to attend a hospitality event for sponsors at the convention center on July 21. "I'm real confident we'll be in the field."(full story - long - at the El Paso Times) and see another site: www.suncityracing.com, where you can find out more on the team, which will run the #34 Dodge and the crew chief is Geoff Kaeser.(6-20-2004)

Geoffrey just wants to race: Geoffrey Bodine hasn't run full time in NEXTEL Cup since 1999 and raced only once last year. Yet, the 55-year-old Chemung, N.Y., native isn't ready to drive off into the sunset. He was at Pocono driving the #98 Lucas Oil Ford Friday, hoping to qualify for tomorrow's race. "I was talking to Buddy Baker this morning and said it's hard to quit," Bodine said. "He said, 'I know what you mean.' It's hard to stop going around in circles." A good portion of tomorrow's field wasn't even in kindergarten when Bodine made his debut in 1979. Two drivers - Kasey Kahne and Brian Vickers - hadn't even been born. "I don't have anything else to do," Bodine said. "I don't have any family. The family is grown up and the wife is gone. I don't have any distractions. I can do this 100 percent. This is all I want to do really."(Times-Leader)(6-12-2004)

Gunselman in the #98 at Dover: Larry Gunselman, co-owner of the #98 Lucas Oil Ford will climb into the car this weekend in Dover International Speedway, attempting to make the MBNA 400: A Salute to Heroes race. Gunselman has worn a number of hats this season as co-owner, pit crew member, as well as being fully involved with the day-to-day operations at the MACH 1 shop in Denver NC. Gunselman brings a wide array of experience from various levels of racing, including the former the Winston West, the NASCAR Busch, NASCAR Craftsman’s Truck, and NASCAR Nextel Cup series. Most recently Gunselman raced the full year in 2003 finishing 21st in points in the NASCAR Busch Series. “I’m very excited about driving the car this weekend in Dover”, stated Gunselman.(Mach 1 PR)(6-3-2004)

Bodine News UPDATE on both!: Geoffrey Bodine will be in the #98 Lucas Oil Ford at Lowe's Motor Speedway, hearing that their former driver will be in the #89 Dodge, not sure what that is all about...yet. Can't see Morgan Shepherd giving up his ride, unless a sponsor is involved somehow.(5-26-2004)
UPDATE: Todd Bodine was added to the entry list in the #37 Dodge sponsored by Carter's Royal Dispos-all, same sponsor as #89-Morgan Shepherd who is also listed. So we are up to 53 drivers/cars now.
AND: Geoffrey Bodine will be once again driving the #98 Lucas Oil Ford this weekend in the Coca-Cola 600. This will be his second straight weekend that he will pilot the #98 car. MACH 1 will be returning to Lowes Motor Speedway with the same car that qualified 22nd and finished 16th in the previous weeks Nextel All-Star Challenge. “By virtue of having Geoffrey behind the wheel during last week’s All-Star race, we consider that a good “test session” for the 600” said team owner, Chris Edwards. Edwards went on to say “We are very pleased to have LUCAS OIL, and www.extrememotorcycles.com as well as Geoffrey back with us for the 600. Geoffrey did a great job for us last weekend and without our sponsors we would not be here for the 600, we look forward to working with them again this weekend.” America’s Most Wanted Motorsports is offering an opportunity to a sponsor to become a presenting sponsor of their NEXTEL CUP/NBS motorsports program(s). By becoming a presenting sponsor of the America’s Most wanted Motorsports program a sponsor could invest in the opportunity to garner Tremendous amounts of NATIONAL exposure on and off the track and assist in saving the lives of innocent children and tie their team marketing and promotional efforts in with John Walsh as well as a guaranteed ROI! This opportunity carries the possibilities of upwards of 3.5 Million dollars in prime time and non motorsports media coverage as well as the coverage that will come with the actual competition of the racing team. For more information visit www.bodydynamicsracing.com.(5-27-2004)
Todd and the #37: from what I understand, the #37 is an offshoot of the #89 as John Carter has split with Morgan Shepherd (who will continue to run #89). Todd will try to run every lap of every race using cars purchased from Ganassi Racing and engines from Ernie Elliott. Carter has ordered more cars and the team is currently using the Cicci-Kelly Racing shops.(5-27-2004)

Bodine to run All-Star Challenge in the #98: This weekend in Charlotte, NC the MACH 1 team with driver Geoffrey Bodine with sponsorship from Lucas Oil will enter in the NEXTEL All-Star Challenge at Lowe's Motor Speedway with a brand new Ford, their second in their stable, and a Roush engine under the hood. The Mach 1 team started the year out with one car, and one engine. They have traveled to every race since Las Vegas this year, qualifying for every race except Las Vegas and Talladega where they went home with DNQ’s. The Mach 1 team has qualified on speed for five races started 43rd at Martinsville and was forced to take a provisional at California due to engine problems. Mach 1 will be adding two additional cars within the next month bringing the total cars to four. The next acquisition is expected to be a super speedway car that will be prepared for the July Daytona race. Two new associate sponsors, Winston Tires & www.ExtremeMotorcycles.com have joined the #98 team to compliment the Lucas Oil primary sponsorship. “We are excited to have Geoff[rey] behind the wheel for this event,” stated Chris Edwards, President of MACH 1, “We have been working with Geoff’s brother Todd and we have experienced some great results, so this time out should not be any different. We are PUMPED!” The team has shown steady improvement in owner points, qualifying position and finishing position since they began the year in Las Vegas this year. Currently they are 43rd in Owner Points. The battle for positions 39th – 43rd is very tight right now with just 61 pts separating the four spots.(PR)(5-20-2004)

New #98 Crew Chief: hearing that Mike Steurer has been hired as crew chief for the #98 Ford that Todd Bodine drives in the Cup Series.(5-8-2004)

Todd Bodine back in the #98: been told that Todd Bodine will be driving for Larry Gunselman again this weekend at Texas in the #98 Ford and will be spotting for Randy LaJoie in the Busch race.(3-30-2004)

Geoffrey in the #98: first Larry Gunselman was listed in the #98, then Todd Bodine, then back to Gunselman...and now from the geoffbodinefanclub.com site: Geoffrey has announced that he will be subbing for younger brother Todd Bodine in the #98 Lucas Oil Products Ford this weekend at the Bristol Motor Speedway. Todd [see story below] has a prior commitment and is unable to attend the race.(3-26-2004)

Bodine and the #98 at Darlington, Jayski's take on helping the 'small' teams: Todd Bodine will be driving the #98 only if more than 43 cars show up at the track otherwise Larry Gunselman will be driving the car [as of Thursday, 44 cars are entered]. Bodine will be testing an ARCA car for Dan Shaver and Petro Express # 49 with Jeff Buice as crew chief and plans to race the car Nashville.(Todd Bodine site), have no info on the #98 team, their crew, no one from the team has contacted me, so nothing to tell anyone, I pride myself on helping the small teams, but I can't help if I can't find info on them and no one from the team lets me know what is up, the #98, #72 and #80, all I get is what I find in columns and articles. And the #94 with Stanton Barrett? no clue at all.(3-19-2004)

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Jayski's® is a registered trademark of Jayski LLC
Do not duplicate or redistribute in any form without permission or credit.