JAYSKI's SILLY SEASON SITE
#4 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
2006 News
Wimmer has nothing locked down for 2007 UPDATE 2: Scott Wimmer barely knows week by week whether he's going to drive in the Nextel Cup Series, much less what 2007 has in store for him. Wimmer and the #4 Morgan-McClure Motorsports team must qualify on speed for each race, and that hasn't always been easy. Though he started last in Saturday night's race, Wimmer has failed to qualify for five of 23 races this year, and that doesn't create a lot of job security. "I really don't have anything locked down for next year," he said. "As a driver you always worry about when everybody else has a ride locked up and you're kind of without anything. Team owner Larry McClure also isn't sure about next year, especially because the team doesn't have a sponsor yet.(Augusta Chronicle)(8-28-2006)
UPDATE: In light of recent rumors regarding the status of his operation, Larry McClure, President and Team Manager of Morgan-McClure Motorsports, Inc. announced Monday that his familiar #4 team will compete full time in the Nextel Cup Series in 2007.
"We currently have an agreement in place for our #4 car for next season and an announcement is forthcoming," said McClure. "Additionally, we are in negotiations with a prospective partner for a long-awaited second team. We have a viable team here with the necessary components for success, including our driver Scott Wimmer, and it is our intention to have Scott in one of our cars next year. The 2007 season will mark our 25th year in NASCAR's top series and we're excited about what's in store for Morgan-McClure Motorsports."(Morgan-McClure Motorsports PR)(8-29-2006)
UPDATE 2: Hearing that despite reports that Scott Wimmer is going to sign or is signed with the #4 Morgan McClure Motorsports team for 2007 season, Wimmer is NOT currently signed with anyone, but is in negotiations with a couple teams and an announcement could come soon.(9-7-2006)
Morgan-McClure Motorsports and Lucas Oil Reunite at Calif: Morgan-McClure President Larry McClure announced that the #4 Chevy that Scott Wimmer drive, will be sporting the familiar red LUCAS decal on the hood for the third time this season in the
Sony HD 500 at California Speedway this weekend. Wimmer has an average finish of 27th at California and is looking to improve on that this weekend. Wimmer will have to qualify the Lucas Oil Chevy on time and expressed confidence in returning to California. Lucas Oil served as the primary sponsor for the Morgan-McClure #4 Chevy for the full season in 2005 as well as Indy and Michigan in 2006 and has long been involved in the American racing industry through multiple vehicle sponsorships and racing event promotions, at all levels.(Morgan-McClure Motorsports PR)(8-30-2006)
Bully Hill Vineyards to Adorn Hood of #4 Chevy at Bristol: Morgan McClure Motorsports President and Team Manager Larry McClure announced today, "I am proud to announce that Bully Hill Vineyards has been signed as primary sponsor of the # 4 Morgan McClure Chevy for the upcoming Bristol Sharpie 500 Race. We met with Ms. Taylor and some of her family recently while in Watkins Glen and immediately knew we could do business together. The family history behind the success of her vineyard parallels in many ways with the history of our race team. We share a love for racing that brought us to this one-race sponsorship." Founded in 1967 by maverick winemaker Walter S. Taylor, Bully Hill Vineyards has grown to become the largest selling family owned winery in the Finger Lakes. Located in Hammondsport, NY the Bully Hill has developed a reputation for both innovative winemaking and marketing, as evidenced by the winery's unique products and long involvement with motorsports. Bully Hill Vineyards has been actively involved in motorsports since 1996, and the companies wines are currently distributed in 32 states.(Morgan-McClure Motorsports PR)(8-23-2006)
Wimmer/Kvapil not signed for 2007 UPDATE 2 Wimmer to MWR? NO?: #32-Travis Kvapil and #4-Scott Wimmer - two experienced drivers who have had to qualify on speed all season and have done just that most of time - have talked to other Nextel Cup teams then the ones they currently drive for, but whether they will end up eelsewhere in 2007 remains to be seen. Kvapil said he has agreed with PPI Motorsports owner Cal Wells that he would try to have a decision by the end of August. There are three main rides open - Michael Waltrip Racing [#00], Team Red Bull [unknown #] and Robert Yates Racing [#88]. "It's not really that hard to figure out [who I'm talking to]," Kvapil said. "There are only a couple of seats left to shake out. I've had conversations but that really doesn't mean anything [is certain]. I just want to make sure whatever I do is best for me and my future. Last year and this year, I haven't really had the performance, I'm afraid. Another year or two of that, my days might be limited in this garage. Basically where it's at, I told him I wanted a month to see how everything shakes out," Kvapil said. "I had been contacted by a few other teams and there were conversations. I didn't feel I was comfortable to make a commitment and then a couple of weeks down the road regret that decision."
Wimmer, who made his Nextel Cup debut in 2000, has qualified for 18 of the 21 races this year. He said the Morgan-McClure Motorsports team does not have a sponsor for next season. Wimmer said he could end up in the Busch Series next year. Sponsorship could determine the drivers.(SceneDaily.com)
UPDATE: on Speed Channel's SPEED Report, Bob Dillner reported that Scott Wimmer could be announced this week as the driver of Michael Waltrip Racing's #00 Burger King/Domino's Pizza Toyota in 2007.(8-20-2003)
UPDATE 2: been told that Wimmer will NOT be the driver for the #00 MWR team, no word yet who that could be.(8-21-2006)
Food City to partner up with Morgan-McClure at Bristol: Food City, Morgan-McClure Motorsports and driver Scott Wimmer announced a one-race co-sponsorship on the #4 Chevy at the Sharpie 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway. The Morgan-McClure Motorsports #4 Food City/Forward Air Chevy will hit the track during qualifying for the Sharpie 500 on Friday, August 25th, just prior to the Food City 250. "We are happy for the second time this year to be associated with Food City and the Smith family," said Larry McClure, President and Team Manager of the Abingdon, VA based Morgan-McClure Motorsports. "We have had a lasting relationship with our Food City neighbors and are excited about the opportunity to once again support a co-sponsorship of the # 4 Morgan-McClure Chevrolet Monte Carlo." Food City is the second longest race sponsor in NASCAR, second only to Coca-Cola. Headquartered in Abingdon, Virginia, K-VA-T Food Stores operates 98 retail food outlets throughout the tri-state regions of Southeast Kentucky, Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee.(Morgan-McClure Motorsports PR)(8-21-2006)
#4 and Lucas Oil Partner at MIS: Morgan-McClure President Larry McClure announced that the # 4 Chevy will be sporting the familiar red LUCAS decal on the hood for the second time this year in the GFS Marketplace 400 at Michigan International Speedway (MIS) this weekend. Driver Scott Wimmer finished 31st in the rain shortened (129 lap) 3M Performance 400 in June at Michigan and will be making his 100th NASCAR Nextel Cup start once he qualifies for the GFS Marketplace 400. LUCAS Oil joins additional sponsors Forward Air, Aero Exhaust, Race Face, Kodak, Wide Open Performance Energy Drink, Coyote Ugly Saloons, Players Extreme Spirits and Tuff Country for the GFS Marketplace 400 at MIS. Lucas Oil served as the primary sponsor for the Morgan-McClure # 4 Chevy in 2005.(Morgan-McClure Motorsports PR)(8-18-2006)
#100 for Wimmer and Vickers: #4-Scott Wimmer and #25-Brian Vickers are scheduled to make their 100th starts in Nextel Cup this weekend at Michigan International Speedway.(8-15-2006)
Morgan-McClure Motorsports and Lucas Oil Join Forces for Indy: Morgan-McClure President Larry McClure announced that the #4 Chevy that Scott Wimmer drives will be sporting the familiar red Lucas decal on the hood for the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard this weekend. "We have a good relationship with all the folks at Lucas Oil and are proud to have the opportunity to represent them as a primary sponsor in this one-race deal for Indy. Lucas has been an associate sponsor this year and we continue to use and promote their products through our race team. We are proud to have them back on the car in Forrest Lucas's home state." Lucas Oil joins additional sponsors Aero Exhaust, Race Face, Kodak, Wide Open Performance Energy Drink, Coyote Ugly Saloons, Players Extreme Spirits and Tuff Country for the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard in Indianapolis. Lucas Oil served as the primary sponsor for the Morgan-McClure # 4 Chevy in 2005 and has long been involved in the American racing industry through multiple vehicle sponsorships and racing event promotions, at all levels. For all levels of sponsorship opportunities on the Morgan-McClure #4 Chevy for the remainder of the 2006 season and beyond, contact Jerry Wallner at 678-584-8443.(Morgan-McClure Motorsports PR)(8-3-2006)
Wimmer looking for 2007? Hearing #4-Scott Wimmer is looking for a ride next season, as his contract with the #4-Morgan-McClure Motorsports team is a one-year deal thru 2006. Wimmer has fielded some offers from a couple of "pretty good" Busch Series teams, but hasn't committed to anything yet.(7-31-2006)
Aero Exhaust gone from the #4? UPDATE: #4-Scott Wimmer says although he hasn't been told anything official, indications are that his Morgan-McClure Nextel Cup team has lost its Aero Exhaust sponsorship.(Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)(7-21-2006)
UPDATEL been told the #4 teram has not losy Aero Exhuast as a sponsor. they will appear on the car in select 2006 races, and the team is trying to attract additional sponsors to go with them.(7-22-2006)
Wimmer Stuff at the Track: For the first time this year trackside merchandise is being offered featuring Scott Wimmer with Aero Exhaust, driver and sponsor of the #4 Morgan-McClure team, Coyote Ugly Saloon and Chrome Shop Mafia as well as Race Face and Wide Open Performance Energy Drink. Both Coyote Ugly Saloon and Chrome Shop Mafia have reality shows on CMT – The Ultimate Coyote Ugly Search and Trick My Truck respectively. Coyote Ugly Saloon and an associate sponsor for the team.(Morgan-McClure Motorsports PR)(7-5-2006)
New sponsorship for Morgan-McClure? UPDATE: hearing that Morgan-McClure Motorsports signed a deal recently with Rockford-Montgomery Labs, Inc. to a 3-year sponsorship of the #4 Chevy. No word if they will co-sponor with Aero Exhaust or go on a 2nd team car that Morgan-McClure Motorsports has been wanting for years. Supposedly the announcement will se soon.(6-27-2006)
UPDATE: Rockford-Montgomery Labs, Inc., the exclusive distributor of the NASCAR Race Face brand premium sunscreen, has signed-on to the Aero Exhaust #4 Morgan-McClure Nextel Cup Series Chevy as an associate sponsor for the remainder of the 2006 Nextel Cup Season. Race Face is the only officially licensed sunscreen by NASCAR and comes in 4 licensed variations: Tony Stewart, Kasey Kahne, Jeff Gordon and an American Flag label, each carrying the NASCAR brand bar. Race Face is available in SPF 15 and SPF 30 Water Resistant UVA/UVB formulas in 2 fl oz. and 8 fl oz. sizes. "We are very pleased to have Rockford-Montgomery Labs, Inc., partner with us for the rest of the 2006 season. We are looking forward to a long-term relationship with Rockford-Montgomery that will bring success to their business and to this race team. We have won three Daytona 500's, something no other single car team has accomplished," said Larry McClure at the Abingdon, VA based race shop on Thursday morning. Bryan Hunsaker, CEO of Aero Exhaust, said, "We are very pleased that we were able to bring together RACE FACE, a NASCAR officially licensed product with Aero Exhaust, an Exclusive NASCAR Performance Partner. The NASCAR mark sets these products apart from their competition and the combined association on the #4 car only enhances that accreditation."(Market Wire PR)(6-29-2006)
Jones to run the #4 at Infineon: #4 team owner Larry McClure along with crew chief Chris Carrier, looking at the top priorities for the team, qualifying for the race and competing well in the race, have made the call to put P. J. Jones in the car for Infineon Raceway, replacing regular driver Scott Wimmer for the road course race. Jones is glad to have the opportunity to race again for Morgan-McClure, "I'm excited about being able to go back to Infineon Raceway with the Morgan-McClure bunch. I got to race there last year with them and also at Watkins Glen and I always enjoy driving for Larry [McClure] and Tim [Morgan]. I think we will have a lot better opportunity this year by getting started earlier and having two weeks to prepare for the race rather than two hours." Larry McClure is looking for ways to get his team back up in the top 35 in owner's points so he and Wimmer can go race the way they both know how. "After talking with Scott [Wimmer] and looking at what the other teams we are competing against each week for a spot in the race are doing as far as putting a road course specialist in the seat for the weekend, we decided as a team to put P.J. Jones in the # 4 Aero Exhaust Chevrolet at Infineon Raceway. We had to look at this as a business decision and try to find the solution that would work best for all of us. Scott felt that it would be better for P.J. to drive the car in hopes of getting a good finish and a boost in the points. P.J. drove for us at both the road courses last year and was headed to a good finish at both tracks until we ran out of gas at Infineon and had a brake failure at Watkins Glen."(Morgan McClure Motorsports PR)(6-13-2006)
Johnson to share with Wimmer..for a while: Dover International Speedway has only 42 pit stalls, and since #48-Jimmiw Johnson is starting 42nd on the grid after spinning out on his qualifying lap, Johnson must share a pit stall with #4-Scott Wimmer, who is starting 43rd. "We were pretty excited afterwards," Johnson said about the spin where he amazingly kept the car from hitting the wall. "Shortly thereafter, we found out we had to share a pit stall, and the smiles went away." Most tracks have 43 pit stalls, but Dover does not. Once a pit stall opens up from a car that has dropped out of the event, Johnson can choose to move to the open pit stall or tell Wimmer's team to move. If both Johnson and Wimmer are on the lead lap when the caution comes out, the highest positioned driver will get to pit first. "We've just got to make the most of it and stay ahead of the 4 car [of Wimmer]," Johnson said. "I would assume the first chance we have to separate, we will do whatever we can. We'll split up as fast as we can." Usually when teams share a pit stall, it's two teams low in points and does not create a big stir. But with Johnson being the point leader, the issue has been thrown into the spotlight.
"It's tough for me to believe that in today's world of racing, they can't modify pit road and adjust pit road for 43 cars to have their own pit stall," Johnson said. "I just wasn't aware of it. It just doesn't give anybody a fair shot." Wimmer said he hopes the Morgan-McClure team can use the situation as a learning experience. "Just pitting with those guys, we'll learn a lot about pit strategies and things like that," Wimmer said. "It might end up helping us out. But it's going to be interesting the first few stops because there are going to be times where they will want to come in and we will want to come in, too. Unfortunately, that's what happens when you qualify bad." Wimmer said he will be considerate considering Johnson is the point leader, but if he is ahead of Johnson, he plans on coming in with the lead-lap cars and make Johnson pit later. We definitely don't want to ruin his race, but we've got to get ourselves up to the top 35 in points so we don't have to rely on qualifying so much," Wimmer said.(SceneDaily.com)(6-4-2006)
Wimmer and Morgan-McClure team protected by LifeLock: Morgan-McClure Motorsports, which owns the #4 AERO Exhaust Chevy Monte Carlo team with driver Scott Wimmer, announced that it has decided to offer the LifeLock Identity Theft service to its NASCAR Nextel Cup Series team. LifeLock is the nation's first and only service that prevents identity theft and backs it up with a $1 million guarantee. LifeLock does the prevention work by maintaining active fraud alerts with the three major credit bureaus as well as ChexSystems. The LifeLock system makes personal information useless to everyone but the rightful owner. Every time someone attempts to open credit, change an address or make changes in bank accounts, LifeLock is there to make sure the right person is making the request. LifeLock and MMM are also proud to announce that fans of MMM and Scott Wimmer can get identity theft protection at a discount by going to www.lifelock.com and signing up using the promotion code (McClure). A link is also provided on the MMM website (morgan-mcclure.com).(3-30-2006)
Food City to help sponsor #4 car at Bristol: Morgan-McClure Motorsports announced that Food City will again partner with the Abingdon, VA-based team for this weekend's Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway. The associate sponsorship marks the fifth consecutive event at Bristol in which the supermarket chain has adorned the sides of #4 Aero Exhaust Chevy driven by Scott Wimmer. Steve Smith, President and CEO of Food City, Quotes: "Food City is excited to again partner with our friends and neighbors at Morgan-McClure Motorsports. We look forward to seeing the Food City colors flying around Bristol Motor Speedway and nothing would make us happier than to have Scott Wimmer join us in Victory Lane." Larry McClure, President of Morgan-McClure Motorsports, Quotes: "We're very excited to have Food City partner with our race team for the Food City 500. Food City has contributed a great deal to the racing community over the years and with Morgan-McClure and Food City both being local companies; it is a privilege for us to include them in our racing program."(Morgan-McClure Motorsports PR)(2-23-2006)
2005 News
Wimmer to #4? UPDATE Official: hearing that Scott Wimmer, former driver of the #22 Caterpillar Dodge, will be the new driver of the #4 Morgan-McClure Chevy in 2006. No word on the status of the alliance with Victory Motorsports Racing that Morgan-McClure announced a few months ago.(12-2-2005)
UPDATE: Morgan-McClure Motorsports President and Team Manager Larry McClure has announced the signing of a contract with AERO Exhaust as the primary sponsor and with Scott Wimmer as driver of the # 4 AERO Exhaust Chevy for the 2006 season. "We are very pleased to have AERO Exhaust partner with us going into the 2006 season. AERO has experience in racing with both the Grand Am series and NASCAR's AutoZone Elite Division series and we are happy to extend their involvement into the NASCAR Nextel Cup series level. We are looking forward to a long-term relationship with AERO that will bring success to their business and to this race team. We have won three Daytona 500's, something no other single car team can say, and we are ready to be that winning team again. I believe we are on the right track to make that happen," said McClure at the Abingdon, VA based race shop on Monday morning.
McClure continued, "At the same time, I am very excited to have a young, aggressive, knowledgeable driver like Scott Wimmer join our team. Scott brings a history of building his own race cars along with a winning career to our team and I believe we have a great combination of talents that will put us back in the winner's circle. We are very happy to have Scott and his family become a part of our racing 'family' here at Morgan-McClure."
When Wimmer spoke with his new team at the race shop, he found support from everyone including the team member who brought all three Daytona 500 rings in for him to see. "I'm very happy to be a part of the Morgan-McClure team. This team has won the Daytona 500 three times and I believe we can win again. I'm excited to be in a position where I can be more hands on with the cars and I know we can be successful if we all work together. I want everyone on the team to talk to us about their ideas so we can bring out the best each of us has to offer. I'm excited to get in the cars and start testing. . .how long is it before we go to Daytona? I really appreciate the opportunity to continue my Nextel Cup career with this team." The team will be testing at Daytona International Speedway the second week in January.(Morgan-McClure Motorsports PR), no word if Lucas Oil will be back as a sponsor, supposedly it was a multi-year deal.(12-20-2005)
Kvapil to #4 ride? this weeks NASCAR Scene [12-15 issue] reports that Travis Kvapil, recently released from the #77 Penske Racing team that is taking the year off, is rumored to be a candidate for the #4 Morgan-McClure Motorsports Lucas Oil Chevy ride.(NASCAR Scene Print), it was reported here last week that Scott Wimmer is the leading candiate for the #4 ride.(12-15-2005)
Bodine turns down #4 team: Todd Bodine competed in only one Nextel Cup race in 2005, driving the #4 Morgan-McClure Motorsports car at the Homestead-Miami Speedway season finale. He finished 20th in the Ford 400. Bodine said he turned down a full-time Nextel Cup ride with Morgan-McClure for 2006 because of commitments with Germain Racing [#30 Truck Series Toyota team]. "They want me to run full time for them next year," Bodine said. "Obviously, I can't do that. It's a great group there. Morgan-McClure has been very important to NASCAR and has got a lot of history. If we didn't have such a good Truck team, I probably would have considered it." Mike Wallace was Morgan-McClure's regular driver in 2005. Bodine said he could run some Nextel Cup races in 2006 but did not mention a specific team. "We're probably going to run some Cup races next year, we don't know what for sure," Bodine said. "We just have to see what happens. I've got a lot going on with Germain Racing and a lot to look forward to."(Elmira Star Gazette)(12-15-2005)
#4 team gets a guaranteed spot first five races: have been asked and have been telling folks the wrong thing, since the #77 team will not field a car/team in 2006, what happens to the 34th spot the team occupies in 2005 Owners Points? A team in the top 35 in the previous season's Owners Points are guaranteed to make the first five races, after the 5th race, 2006 Owners Points take over. I had assumed [not a good thing] that the spot would go unfilled and one of the teams outside the top-35 would get an extra shot of making the race per speed [except for the Daytona 500 with it's unique qualifying forrmat, however, saw this on NASCAR.com from Marty Smith and it has been verified by NASCAR:
By dissolving its #77 team, it seems Penske Racing indirectly sent owner #4-Larry McClure a priceless early Christmas present - a guaranteed starting position in the 2006 Daytona 500. During the first five races of a new season, NASCAR reverts to the previous season's final championship owner points to determine which teams will benefit from the top-35 rule. To receive a guaranteed starting assignment at Daytona, California, Las Vegas, Atlanta and Bristol, a team must be among the 35 highest-ranked teams present from the previous season's owner points standings, must have entered the event prior to the entrance deadline and must make an attempt to qualify for the event. Therefore, by virtue of the #77's absence, McClure's 36th-ranked team inherits the final guaranteed starting position for the first five races of the 2006 season. Remember, though, if Penske does opt to enter the #77 in the race, McClure is out. And, considering that making the Daytona 500 field guarantees a quarter-million dollar payday (roughly), that very well may happen. Had Penske not shut down the #77 operation, which held the 34th position in '05 owner points, McClure would have entered '06 faced with having to qualify for each of the first five events on speed.(NASCAR.com), the only way this would change is if Penske did field a car for one of the first 5 races or teams up with another team like Robby Gordon did with Jim Smith for the #7 in 2005. Next question would be: who will be the driver?(12-14-2005)
Todd Bodine in the #4 at Homestead: Morgan-McClure President and Team Manager Larry McClure announced that Todd Bodine will be driving the #4 Lucas Oil Chevy at the final race of the 2005 season in Homestead, FL. "Todd is coming off two wins in a row in the Craftsman Truck Series and has the momentum we feel will help our Lucas Oil team be competitive at Homestead. We appreciate Todd stepping in to be a part of our effort this weekend."
"I'm looking forward to it [driving the Lucas Oil Chevy]. Morgan-McClure has been a part of this sport for a long, long time. I have known Chris [Carrier, crew chief] for years and years and I'm very proud to help out this weekend at Homestead," said Bodine of his invitation to drive the #4 Lucas Oil Chevy. Bodine will have a busy schedule this weekend as he plans to compete in all three series events driving the #30 Germain Toyota in the Truck Series Ford 200 on Friday, the #34 Dollar General Chevy in the Busch Series Ford 300 on Saturday and the #4 Lucas Oil Chevrolet in the Nextel Cup Series Ford 400 on Sunday. Bodine has won six races in the Craftsman Truck Series to date, four of which have been in the 2005 season and has 15 career wins in the Busch Series. His best finish at Homestead in the Nextel Cup series was 11th in 2003.(Morgan-McClure Motorsports PR)(11-15-2005)
Mike Wallace looking for a ride: Just a few months ago it was announced that Morgan McClure Motorsports decided to quit playing the "pull the driver out for this race" game with Mike Wallace, and had told him he would be their driver for the rest of 2005. But, as they did earlier in the season, they apparently changed their mind. Today Morgan McClure Motorsports announced Todd Bodine as their driver of the #4 Lucas Oil Chevy for the season finale NASCAR Cup Series race at Homestead, FL. This announcement comes one day after Mike's brother Kenny Wallace was announced as the fill-in driver for the #97 Roush Racing Ford, which could have put the two in the final regular season NASCAR Nextel Cup race with their older brother Rusty, who is retiring from behind the wheel after Homestead.
Motorsports Lounge talked with "Team ML" driver Mike Wallace this evening about the situation at Morgan McClure Motorsports as well as other issues surrounding this weekend. "They have to do what they feel they need to do," said Mike Wallace to Jason Stix Buckley. "They apparently feel the driver change will help them run better at Homestead, so that is that." With older brother Rusty retiring after this race, Mike was really hoping to race against him. "Kenny and I started this season racing against Rusty at Daytona, and it would be really cool if we could end it also in the same race. It would mean a lot to our family. Kenny is now in the #97 for the race, so now I need to find a ride. If a team out there wants a driver for the Homestead NASCAR Nextel Cup Series race, give me a call!" Even if Mike doesn't get that call for this memorable occasion, he will still be racing in Homestead. "This weekend I will be driving Rusty's Miller High Life car in the Busch Series race," Mike said. "Rusty's team has great equipment, so we are going down there to have some fun and win the race."
But, that isn't all the fun for Mike this weekend. "We are going to go down and hang out with country singer Chris Cagle. We are
going to watch him perform and just have a great time!"
What does next season hold for Mike Wallace? "We will deal with next season after this weekend," said Mike. "Right now we are looking forward to seeing Chris Cagle, racing Rusty's car and hopefully getting a ride for the Nextel Cup race. Also, my daughter Chrissy will be
racing her Pro Challenge car at Friendship Motor Speedway Saturday, so hopefully we both can bring home trophies this weekend!"(Motorsports Lounge PR)(11-15-2005)
HOF Racing chooses driver...UPDATE on the Roger Staubach site, this is posted: As most of you know, Troy Aikman and I are principal owners in Hall of Fame Racing with Texas Instruments DLP sponsoring our car for the 2006 Nextel Cup Season. We’ve hired a phenomenal crew chief in Phillipe Lopez and recently made a decision on who will be driving our car. We hope to have the announcement available here this week so keep your browser bookmarked for the news. NFL great Staubach is one of the owners of Hall of Fame Racing along with Troy Aikman. Rumored drivers included Tony Raines and Mike Wallace, other drivers that were rumored and denied being considered included Ward Burton, Paul Tracy and Terry Labonte. OR it could be someone we have not heard of yet.(10-17-2005)
AND also hearing Truck Series drivers and Texas native David Starr is another driver who was under consideration.(10-18-2005)
UPDATE - no Wallace and his plans: Mike Wallace talked to Motorsports Lounge owner Jason Stix Buckley tonight about the remainder of the 2005 racing season, the 2006 season and a few rumors flying around out there. First, Wallace addressed the current season part time rides in the Busch Series and Truck Series. As most know, Akins Motorsports has hired AJ Foyt IV to drive their #38 Great Clips Dodge for the remainder of the 2005 Busch Series season as well as the 2006 season. This ended Wallace's fill-in role with the team. Also, Joey Miller appears to be the driver for the rest of the 2005 Truck Series season in the #12 Darrell Waltrip owned Toyota Tundra. That leaves the #4 Morgan McClure Motorsports Lucas Oil Chevy in the Cup Series. Wallace confirmed tonight he will be driving for the team the remainder of the 2005 season.
But, what about next year? There have been many rumors surfacing about who will drive the Hall of Fame Racing car in the 2006 season. Wallace has been rumored to be in that seat. However, Wallace denied this rumor today. "The rumor that I will be driving for Hall of Fame Racing next season is false," Mike Wallace told Motorsports Lounge. "The team has someone else in mind." There are many rides available for next season's Nextel Cup Series up for grabs, including the #4 Morgan McClure Motorsports Chevy Wallace currently drives
for. It is possible Wallace will be back with the team for the next season, but nothing has been set into stone. "Right now I do not have any firm plans for 2006," Wallace said. "All I know is that I will not be driving the HOF car."(Motorsports Lounge)(10-18-2005)
Congrats: Danielle Donnelly, daughter of Dan Donnelly, transport driver of the #4 Morgan-McClure Lucas Oil team in the Nextel Cup series, won the crown of Ms. Wheelchair Tennessee 2006 recently. Danielle currently works for the Social Security Administration. When not working, Danielle gives back to her community as a volunteer and President of a spinal cord injury support group called, "Unlimited Possibilities." She has also volunteered in the special education department of Abingdon high and middle schools.(10-16-2005)
Victory Motorsports Racing joins forces with Morgan-McClure UPDATE: Terance Mathis, former NFL All-Pro Wide Receiver, and NASCAR's newest minority owner, has formed an alliance with Morgan-McClure Motorsports to unveil Victory Motorsports Racing, LLC. "I am very excited about the new venture between teams. Morgan-McClure has experienced great success in the NASCAR arena, and they bring years of experience to the table. This new venture will allow Victory Motorsports Racing, an opportunity to be a competitive team in the 2006 Nextel Cup Race season," says Terance Mathis, Majority Partner of Victory Motorsports Racing. The mission of Victory Motorsports Racing is simple, WIN. Victory Motorsports Racing is a new breed of racing, which will bring excitement, entertainment and fun to NASCAR. One major goal is to bring the minority community to NASCAR, and in turn bring NASCAR to the minority community. Not only will Victory Motorsports Racing be standing in the Winner's Circle, but they will also stand there with integrity, equality and respect. Morgan-McClure Motorsports, based in Abington, Virginia, is a 14-time winner in the NASCAR Nextel Cup series, including three victories in the prestigious Daytona 500 event in 1991, 1994 and 1995.(Morgan McClure Motorsports PR), more info on Victory Motorsports, see victorymotorsportsllc.com.(10-14-2005)
UPDATE: Morgan-McClure Motorsports is partnering with former NFL wide receiver Terance Mathis to form Victory Motorsports Racing, L.L.C. The new team, with Mathis as the majority owner, will move into the Abingdon, Va., shop of Morgan-McClure. "We want to have a second team and we can share information," Morgan-McClure owner McClure said. "It will make things better. Plus, we want to attract the minority population and have them support our race team." Morgan-McClure still will run its #4 Chevrolet, which currently is driven by Mike Wallace. McClure said the new group hopes to run its second team full time next season but said it's not a done deal.
"That's our plan. We're already behind the 8-ball, but we have to do it some time," McClure said. "This opportunity came up, and if the sponsorship comes together in the next two weeks, then we'll be able to go."(Richmond Times DIspatch)(10-15-2005)
#4 MuzikMafia scheme back at Talladega: MuzikMafia and Morgan-McClure Motorsports, along with Lucas Oil and Wide Open Performance Energy Drink, are pleased to announce that the #4 Lucas Oil Chevy will once again carry the likeness of a MuzikMafia artist. This time it will be Godfather Jon Nicholson, who releases his Warner Bros. debut today, an album that also marks the first release from the Rock 'N Soul branch of the MuzikMafia. Jon Nicholson's A Lil Sump'm Sump'm, with its rock and soul driven grooves and alt-folk and country roots, exemplifies the wide-open, all-encompassing artistic reach of the Mafia. Previous MuzikMafia/Morgan-McClure Motorsports collaborations featured Cowboy Troy's image and the MuzikMafia logos along with a specialty design paint scheme by the MuzikMafia's only visual artist, Rachel Kice. Those images were featured on the #4 Lucas Oil Chevy in the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 at the Richmond International Raceway and in March 2005, Rachel attended the Food City 500 at the Bristol Motor Speedway as a guest of the #4 Lucas Oil team and painted on a platform in the infield during the race.(Morgan-McClure Motorsports)(9-28-2005)
Another Wallace moves up: Chrissy Wallace will be making her late model stock car debut this Saturday at Concord Motorsports Park. Chrissy will be driving the #84 M.R. Williams sponsored car, owned by Karen Carlson and Robbie Clay. "I would like to thank Karen and Robbie for this opportunity," Chrissy Wallace told Motorsports Lounge Wednesday. "I want to also thank Marty Williams for sponsoring our effort this weekend."(Motorsports Lounge PR)(9-15-2005)
Players Extreme joins #4 as assoc sponsor: Blavod Extreme Spirits announced that Players Extreme vodka will be an associate sponsor on the #4 Lucas Oil Chevy, with driver Mike Wallace, beginning in Richmond this past weekend. The sponsorship, featuring a co-promotion with the team's Wide Open Performance - Enhanced Formula Energy Drink, will highlight the vodka's extreme smoothness and drinkability to NASCAR's 75 million fans. The first market for the combined distribution and marketing effort is the state of Texas, where Eclipse Distribution Services, one of the fastest growing distributors, will be partnering with both brands to increase market share throughout the entire state.(Morgan-McClure Motorsports)(9-14-2005)
MuzikMafia teams up with Morgan-McClure at Richmond: Cory Gierman, MuzikMafia Godfather (www.muzikmafia.com) and Larry McClure, president and team manager of Morgan-McClure Motorsports (www.morgan-mcclure.com) announced that Cowboy Troy and the MuzikMafia logos along with a specially design paint scheme by MuzikMafia artist Rachel Kice will compete in the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 on Saturday night. As the only visual artist associated with the MuzikMafia, the Nashville-based avant-garde artists' collaborative that yielded multi-platinum recording acts Big & Rich and Gretchen Wilson. Rachel Kice, who will be on hand during all race weekend festivities, is uniquely positioned to become a household name-a true American "Art Star." Joining Kicel on the #4 Lucas Oil Chevrolet Monte Carlo is the name and likeness of Cowboy Troy, the world's only six-foot-five inch hick-hop artist in country music. Troy is also one of the country artists featured in Chevrolet's advertising, and appears with Big & Rich on the new intro for ESPN College GameDay.
The founders of the MuzikMafia, otherwise known as "The Godfathers", include Cory Gierman, Big Kenny, John Rich and Jon Nicolson. The Godfathers formed the phenomenon back in October 2001. Members of the Mafia include multi-platinum artist Gretchen Wilson, James Otto, and Cowboy Troy. The MuzikMafia will kick off the 17-city Chevy Presents…Gretchen Wilson and Big & Rich: The American Revolution Tour in November 2005.(Morgan-McClure Motorsports). five images of the car on my #4 Team Schemes page.(9-8-2005)
#4 to sport LA Dodgers Logo for California Race: The Morgan-McClure # 4 Lucas Oil Chevy will be carrying the LA Dodgers logo on the trunk lid for this weekend's Sony HD 500 at the California Speedway. "We are very proud to have the Dodgers riding along with us on our Lucas Oil Chevy this weekend in California" said Larry McClure, President and Team Manager of Morgan-McClure Motorsports. "I've always been a Dodgers fan and we look forward to having Tommy Lasorda visit with us at the track on Sunday."(Morgan-McClure Motorsports PR)(8-31-2005)
Andretti In For 2 Races With #4 Team: John Andretti was busy installing his personal seat into the #4 Morgan-McClure Racing Chevrolet on Friday morning at Michigan International Speedway in preparation for the day's two Nextel Cup practice sessions. Andretti will attempt to qualify the car on Saturday. The team is out of the "locked-in top-35" in owner's points, so it will be a difficult job to get the car in the field, the run will be based on speed alone. Andretti will also attempt to qualify in the same car -- for the Sony HD 500 at the California Speedway, to be held on September 4th.(Insiderracing.com), NOTE: Mike Wallace supposedly will be back in the car at Bristol in between MIS and California.(8-20-2005)
Andretti in the #4? UPDATE for MIS: NASCAR.com entry list has John Andretti in the #4 Lucas Oil / Morgan McClure Chevy for the GFS Marketplace 400 at Michigan International Speedway. No word on if it a one-race deal or what Mike Wallace's status is with the team.(8-16-2005)
UPDATE: Morgan-McClure President and Team Manager Larry McClure announced today, "In an effort to seek improvement in overall track performance we are looking at every aspect involved in fielding a car in the NASCAR Nextel Cup series. It has been decided to look at different approaches as to why the performance of our car is not where it should be. We have built new cars and improved on the performance of our engines and we still seem to be lacking somewhere. We need answers on how to get better so we decided to put someone else in the car to get feedback from his perspective and go from there." McClure continued, "We have asked John Andretti to help us with this task and he has accepted. John has been in the sport for several years and we feel his experience can help point us in the right direction for improvement. The Andretti name has been synonymous with racing for a number of years and we are proud to have John with us as part of our team." Andretti has been at the shop today getting to know the team and installing his seats in the Michigan cars. When asked about the opportunity to drive the Lucas Oil Chevy he said, "It's hard to sit back and watch everyone else have fun every weekend and I'm looking forward to coming back out with Morgan-McClure. They've been part of NASCAR for a long time and have a winning history. Hopefully, we can come out and have a good solid weekend. That will be the only way we will have a good time and we are looking forward to having a good time." Regarding the upcoming race at the team's home track of Bristol, McClure says, "I have asked Mike (Wallace) to drive the Lucas Oil Chevy at Bristol. Mike had a good run for us at Bristol in the spring race even though we were wrecked and we feel he will give us a good solid run there again at our hometown track."(Morgan-McClure PR)
AND Mike Wallace confirmed Tuesday night with Motorsports Lounge that for the third time this season, Morgan McClure Motorsports has decided to remove Mike from the seat of the #4 Lucas Oil Chevy and put in another driver. This weekend the car will be piloted by John Andretti. At both Sonoma and Watkins Glen, the team owners decided to put in 'road race expert' P.J. Jones in hopes of getting decent finishes. Unfortunately, the move backfired as they finished 32nd at Sonoma and 42nd at Watkins Glen. The team is giving John Andretti the best car in their stables as well as a superior motor with loads more horsepower than the last time the team was at Michigan. With this car and motor combination, the expectations for a good finish are high. According to Mike Wallace, he will be back in the car for Bristol.(Mike Wallace Board/Motorsportslounge.com)(8-17-2005)
#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. More info on PEO Pros at peo-pros.com.(PEO Pros PR)(8-12-2005)
Mike Wallace to Drive #12 Toyota at Nashville: Mike Wallace confirmed tonight with Motorsports Lounge that he will drive Darrell Waltrip's #12 Toyota Tundra in this weekend's NASCAR Truck Series race at Nashville Speedway. Mike was available to drive the truck due to his current NASCAR Cup ride, the #4 Lucas Oil Morgan McClure Chevy, removing him from behind the wheel this coming weekend at Watkins Glen to put in a road racer [P.J. Jones] instead.(Motorsports Lounge)(8-10-2005)
Simo in for Wallace at Watkins Glen? Or Jones? UPDATE: hearing that Brian Simo will drive the #4 Lucas Oil / Morgan McClure Chevy at Watkins Glen in place of regular driver Mike Wallace, who is driving Darrell Waltrip's #12 Truck this week at IRP. Wallace is looking at other options for that weekend, including possibly driving a truck in the Truck Series at Nashville Superspeedway on Saturday August 13th.(Motorsports Lounge)(8-3-2005)
OR also hearing that P.J. Jones could be in the #4 Chevy at Watkins Glen, Jones drove the car at Infineon Racway, one way or the other, Wallace will not drive the car at Watkins Glen. Guess the #34 team is not going to Watkins Glen?(8-4-2005)
UPDATE: looks like Simo will not drive the #4 but P.J. Jones will be back in the car, Jones was hoping to get a road course car for the #34 Mach 1 team, but couldn't.(8-5-2005)
#4 back in the top-35 AND: With Mike Wallace's 8th place finish at Daytona in the Pepsi 400, the #4 Morgan McClure Motorsports team is back in the top-35 in Owners Points and guaranteed a starting spot at Chicago. Thr #4 is now 34th, #22-Scott Wimmer falls to 35th [6 points behind the #4] and #11-Jason Leffer, even with a 18th place finish and leading a lap, falls out of the top-35 and is now 36th, 17 points behind Wimmer.(7-3-2005)
AND did ya know? the 8th place finish at Daytona was the first top-10 for Morgan McClure Motorsports since Mike Skinner was 6th at Rockingham on Nov. 3, 2002, or 66 races ago [the team missed a few races in that span], and the #4 team has not had a top-5 in 244 races made since Bobby Hamilton scored a 4th at Richmond in May 1999, 244 races ago.(7-6-2005)
Petty and Jones have an altercation after race UPDATE: After the race at Infineon Raceway concluded, an irate Kyle Petty [#45] tried going after P.J. Jones [#4/one race deal] in the garage area, presumably over a collision that took place at turn 11 midway through the race. Legendary driver Richard Petty, Kyle's father, reportedly had to step between the two to help break it up.(Contra Coast Times)(6-27-2005)
UPDATE: We [Yahoo Sports] were there to witness a postrace "discussion" between P.J. Jones and Kyle Petty outside of the Petty hauler. The two had gotten together early in the race and Jones was attempting to offer an apology to Petty, but Petty would have none of it, instead throwing a towel at Jones and grabbing him by the collar. A heated exchange followed and an extremely angry Petty had to be restrained. Father Richard stepped in and calmed everyone down.(Yahoo Sports)(6-28-2005)
Jones in the #4 for Wallace at Infineon: P. J. Jones will be driving the #4 Morgan-McClure Lucas Oil Chevrolet Monte Carlo for the Dodge/Save Mart 300 on Sunday, June 26. This one race decision is no reflection whatsoever of Morgan-McClure and Lucas Oil's commitment to Mike Wallace as the driver of the #4 Lucas Oil Chevy. The team is looking forward to having Wallace back in the car next week in Daytona for the Pepsi 400 and continuing the season long goal of moving up in the points race. The Morgan-McClure Lucas Oil Team is 35th in owner's points coming in to the Dodge/Save Mart 300.(Morgan-McClure Motorsports/Lucas Oil PR), Jone will have to fall to the rear of the field Sunday before the drop of the green flag, Wallace was scheduled to start 40th.(6-25-2005)
AND GIVE US THE UPDATE ON THE DRIVER SITUATION FOR THIS WEEKEND IN THE #4 LUCAS OIL CHEVY:
[Mike Wallace:] "They made a decision this morning. P.J. is going to race the car. I don't understand any of it. It caught me pretty much off guard. We race hard to get ourselves inside the top 35 and we're in the 35th spot. I guess management feels that P.J. can do a better job than me here."(GM Racing PR)(6-26-2005)
#4 Crew Chief Carrier misses Michigan race: Crew Chief Chris Carrier for the # 4 Morgan-McClure Lucas Oil Chevrolet Monte Carlo is at home in Bristol, TN this weekend due to emergency surgery on Thursday night. He has been in touch with the team via cell phone and will return for the Infinion Race. Steve Gray is serving as Crew Chief for the Lucas Oil team in today's Batman Returns 400 at Michigan International Speedway.(Morgan-McClure Motorsports PR)(6-19-2005)
Brewer suing Morgan McClure: Conway Law Firm, P.L.L.C. has been retained to represent Tim Brewer, the former General Manager and Crew Chief for Morgan McClure Motorsports, Inc. Conway will bring suit next week against Morgan McClure Motorsports, Inc.for breach of contract and wrongful termination in a substantial sum.(Conway Law Firm PR)(4-2-2005)
Morgan-McClure Marketing Alliance: Cory Gierman, MuzikMafia Godfather (www.muzikmafia.com) and Larry McClure, president and team manager of #4-Morgan-McClure Motorsports (www.morgan-mcclure.com) announced today a co-marketing alliance. As part of this alliance, Rachel Kice of the MuzikMafia will be attending the Food City 500 at the Bristol Motor Speedway to capture in artistic form, the energy and emotion from 500 laps of competition on the world's fastest half-mile track. This painting will serve as the basis for the MuzikMafia themed paint scheme on the #4 Lucas Oil Chevrolet later in the NASCAR Nextel Cup season. Rachel will begin painting at the start of the green flag at Sunday's race.(Morgan-McClure Motorsports)(3-31-2005)
#4 Morgan-McClure gets Food City as assoc. sponsor at Bristol: Food City has formed a partnership with Morgan-McClure Motorsports and driver Mike Wallace for a one-race associate sponsorship. The Morgan-McClure Motorsports #4 Lucas Oil/Food City Chevrolet will debut during qualifying for the Food City 500 on Friday, April 1st.(Morgan-McClure Motorsports)(3-30-2005)
McClure and #73 part ways? UPDATE: hearing that driver Eric McClure and the #73 Raabe Racing Enterprises have parted ways, the team is not listed on Atlanta entry list. No word on plans for the team or McClure....if true.(3-15-2005)
UPDATE: Larry McClure, President and Team Manager of Morgan-McClure Motorsports, Inc. announced today that effective immediately, the organization and driver Eric McClure have parted ways with Raabe Racing Enterprises. "With two consecutive top 25 finishes the #4 car is running well and we are working together as a team. Accordingly, all of our effort is focused on finishing in the top 25 for the season points championship," said Larry McClure. "Eric will serve as a test driver and we will continue to look for marketing partners to launch our driver development program in the NASCAR Busch Series or the Craftsman Truck Series."(Morgan-McClure Motorsports)(3-16-2005)
Mike Wallace OK after plane mishap: A corporate aircraft traveling Thursday from Concord, N.C., to Daytona Beach with NASCAR driver Mike Wallace [#4 Morgan McClure driver] and his wife, Carla, aboard made an emergency landing after being diverted to Lakeland, FL. There was believed to be a problem with the landing gear, but emergency equipment standing by was not needed when the plane landed without incident. Wallace, who plans to compete in the Daytona 500 and the Busch and truck series races next week, said an inspection revealed a $3 plastic penlight flashlight had rolled up under the dashboard and jammed under the gear release. "The nice part about it is nothing happened,'' Wallace said. "Everything ended up perfect.''(ESPN.com/AP)(2-11-2005)
#4 Gets Sponsorship: Morgan-McClure Motorsports has secured sponsorship for the 2005 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series with Lucas Oil Products. Mike Wallace, who won the Winn-Dixie 250 Busch Series race last July at Daytona International Speedway, is owner Larry McClure's choice to drive the car this season and he will test the #4 Chevrolet in Tuesday's second round of Preseason Thunder. Wallace said his conversations with McClure have been ongoing, but they haven't had a chance to sit down since the deal with Lucas was done. "First and foremost my goal is to drive Larry's car this season," Wallace said. "We hope to get that deal done this week, and once we are able to do that, we'll see if it's possible to do anything in the Truck Series." McClure said that Chris Carrier would once again be the team's crew chief.(NASCAR.com)(1-18-2005)
2004 News
#4 ride? UPDATE: hearing the #4 Morgan McClure team will run in 2005, unsure if full-time, supposedly the driver is choice is between Mike Wallace and Ward Burton. No word on a sponsor, but supposedly Lucas Oil will be back in some capacity.(12-13-2004)
UPDATE: hearing that the #4 will not go to Daytona for the Daytona 500 unless a sponsor is secured and at this time, the team has no sponsors.(12-15-2004)
Sponsor for the #4 at Phoenix IMAGE: Morgan-McClure Motorsports announced a new relationship with Love's Travel Stops and Country Stores, Inc. for the #4 Chevrolet in the upcoming Checker Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway. In addition, Love's Travel Stops and Country Stores, Inc. continues its relationship with Wide Open Performance Enhanced Formula Energy Drink. New to the marketplace, Wide Open Performance Enhanced Formula Energy Drink will be launched in the majority of Love's 164 travel stops and convenience stores located throughout the United States beginning the week of November 8, 2004. Wide Open Performance Energy Drink (www.4wideopen.com) is a "Made in the USA," New Wave Beverage containing a unique proprietary blend of vitamins, amino acids, and antioxidants formulated to boost energy, enhance performance and relieve stress. Based in Abingdon, Virginia, Wide Open Performance, Inc. is a homegrown American brand designed specifically for the racing enthusiast and those who live life "Wide Open. Loves Travel Stops & Country Stores, Inc., (www.loves.com) based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma is a Forbes 500 Company of a 164 travel stops and convenience stores in 25 states. Founded by Tom Love in 1964, it remains family owned.(Morgan-McClure Motorsports PR), added an image of the car on the #4 Team Paint Schemes page.(11-4-2004)
No Morgan-McClure team in 2005? Jimmy Spencer's temper has cost him his job with car owner Larry McClure, and McClure's problems couldn't come at a worse moment, just as he's trying to land a sponsor for 2005. McClure has put Mike Wallace in his car for today's Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500, but beyond that McClure said everything is up in the air. "If we get a sponsor, we'll be racing next year. If we don't get a sponsor ... I don't see how anyone can run without a sponsor," McClure said.(Winston Salem Journal)(10-31-2004)
Spencer Released from #4 Ride UPDATE 2 Wallace in at Atlanta: Morgan McClure Motorsports announced today the release of driver Jimmy Spencer, effective immediately. He began driving for the team earlier this year at the Samsung Radio Shack 500 at Texas Motor Speedway. "Over the past several weeks there has been a steady and gradual improvement in the Morgan McClure racecar and Spencer has been an integral part of this drive for success. While his part has been greatly appreciated by everyone here at Morgan McClure Motorsports, it has been decided, by mutual agreement, that it would be beneficial to both the team and to Jimmy Spencer to release him so that he may pursue other driving opportunities within the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series," Larry McClure, team owner, stated. An announcement for his replacement in the #4 Chevrolet will be made before the BASS PRO SHOPS MBNA 500 race in Atlanta, Georgia this weekend.(Morgan McClure Motorsports PR)(10-27-2004)
UPDATE: hearing Mike Wallace will be the driver of the #4 Morgan-McClure Chevy at Atlanta.(10-28-2004)
UPDATE 2: Morgan-McClure Motorsports announces Mike Wallace will drive the #4 Lucas Oil Chevrolet in the Bass Pro Shops MBNA 500 race in Atlanta this weekend. Wallace, a St. Louis, Mo.-native, has 149 starts in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series with two top-fives and 12 top-10 finishes. In 221 NASCAR Busch Series starts, Wallace has four wins, 17 top-fives and 47 top-10s. Having shown much success in the NASCAR Truck Series, he has 101 starts resulting in four wins, 31 top-fives, 52 top-10s and three
pole positions.(Morgan McClure Motorsports PR)(10-28-2004)
Spencer Arrested: Jimmy Spencer was arrested and charged after an incident with Cornelius [NC] police this weekend. Officers said Spencer interfered with police who were trying to serve a warrant on his son, Johnathan. He was charged with disorderly conduct and resisting a police officer. Johnathan Spencer and another young man are accused of pouring paint on two cars at a Cornelius home Oct. 6. They face charges of damaging personal property.(news14charlotte.com) and see a story on ThatsRacin.com, both stories list Jimmy's son as Johnathon [as does the police report], ThatsRacin.com has him listed as James and Johnathon, Spencer's website lists his children as James (17) & Katrina (15).(10-26-2004)
So..what happened with Spencer and Gaughan? ......with only 30 miles to go, #4-Jimmy Spencer [running 14th on the lead lap] and #77-Brendan Gaughan crashed. "We had a tire going down," Gaughan explained. "And I wasn't going to make it in the pits, and I was trying to get down out of the way, and I thought I was on the bottom. Then, Blam. It was probably my fault. Maybe I didn't get far enough out of the way. Sorry for Jimmy. He had a good run going. If it was my fault, I apologize."(Winston Salem Journal)(10-18-2004)
Mr. Excitement and Casey make up: #4-Jimmy Spencer and #41-Casey Mears, the principals in the multicar crash that knocked Jimmie Johnson out of last week's race at Richmond International Raceway, cordially discussed the incident after yesterday's driver's meeting, ending the conversation with a handshake.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(9-20-2004)
Carrier back at the #4 car: Noticed in Morgan-McClure's post Richmond race press release, that Chris Carrier is listed as the crew chief of the #4 Morgan McClure Chevy for the Richmond race. No idea if Tim Brewer was just away from the track that race or has left the team or moved to a different position with the team.(9-15-2004)
#4 Team gets a sponsor for Bristol: Food City has formed a partnership with Morgan-McClure Motorsports and driver Jimmy Spencer for a one-race deal at Bristol Motorspeedway. Food City is taking advantage of this one-race deal to launch a new product in their Supreme Clean line. The Supreme Clean laundry detergent is a premium formula developed to match Tide and is manufactured exclusively for Food City. The product was extensively tested by 3rd-party labs to ensure ultimate quality. The Supreme Clean laundry detergent is available in Regular, with Bleach Alternative, Mountain Scent and Free & Clear. The Food City logos will adorn the quarter panels while the Food City Supreme Clean logo will appear on the hood. (Morgan-McClure Motorsports PR)(8-27-2004(
Morgan-McClure team gets a sponsor for Indy: Morgan-McClure Motorsports announces that Featherlite, Inc. (www.fthr.com), the "Official Trailer" and "Official Luxury Coach" of NASCAR, will be the primary sponsor of the #4 Chevrolet Monte Carlo at the upcoming prestigious Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Featherlite will sponsor the car for one race at this time. Featherlite is a North American leader in manufacturing and marketing high quality aluminum trailers, specialized transporters, custom mobile marketing trailers, and luxury motor coaches. A premium line of NEXTEL Cup licensed Featherlite Car Care products is available at automotive stores and www.featherlitecarcare.com. In addition to Featherlite, Lucas Oil Products, the world leader of heavy duty and high-performance oils, greases and additives, will be an Associate Sponsor for Indy. Based in Corona, Calif., Lucas Oil Products is one of the fastest growing additive lines in the consumer automotive industry. It has established itself as the top selling additive line in the auto part retailers and American truck stop industries. Larry McClure quotes: "Having Featherlite join the #4 car again as a primary sponsor is an excellent opportunity for us. We are also pleased to welcome Lucas Oil to Morgan-McClure. "The team tested at Indy a few weeks ago and had a very positive test session. Coming off of a string of top-25 finishes and a car which was very competitive last week at Pocono adds extra momentum to the team going into the Brickyard 400. We feel confident we can have a good weekend."(Morgan-McClure Motorsports PR)(8-5-2004)
#4 gets a sponsor for Chicago: Morgan-McClure Motorsports announced a new sponsor for the upcoming Tropicana 400 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series event at Chicagoland Speedway. The #4 Chevrolet, driven by Jimmy Spencer, will carry the primary sponsorship of Wide Open Performance - Enhanced Formula Energy Drink for a one race deal. New to the market, Wide Open Performance - Enhanced Formula Energy Drink is a "Made in the USA," New Wave Beverage containing a unique proprietary blend of vitamins, amino acids and antioxidants formulated to boost energy, enhance performance and relieve stress. Based in the rolling hills of Southwest, Virginia, Wide Open Performance, Inc. is a homegrown American brand designed specifically for the racing enthusiast and those who live life 'Wide Open.' Wide Open Performance, Inc. is revved up to launch the brand's marketing effort by breaking into NASCAR and sponsoring the #4 Chevy. The national company has aspirations of a long term NASCAR sponsorship in the future. The product was developed by racers for racers and people who live their lives on the edge. Wide Open Performance - Enhanced Formula Energy Drink is receiving rave reviews at taste panels and is available at select convenience stores throughout New Jersey, the Charlotte, NC and Abingdon, VA areas, Food City Stores beginning August 9, 2004, and on
www.4wideopen.com. Tom Underdahl, President of Wide Open Performance, Inc.: "Research shows that energy drinks are one of the fastest growing categories in the beverage industry. Given the lifestyle in NASCAR and racing in general, I feel there is an opportunity in the market for a product which specifically caters to Motorsports enthusiasts and to everyone who lives life wide open. Just like most who work in racing, I grew up around a local racetrack and raced on the local level for a while. My start in NASCAR came when I began working for Larry McClure in 1997 as a Business Manager. I worked for Morgan-McClure Motorsports until 2000. Positioning this sponsorship with Larry was natural. Being associated with him and his enthusiasm for competing in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series is exciting.(Morgan-McClure Motorsports PR)(7-9-2004)
YOKETV.com returns to Morgan-McClure: Eric McClure, who made his NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series start earlier this season in the Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway, is entered in the Pepsi 400 at Daytona this weekend. The 25 year-old McClure will drive the #04 YOKETV.com and 77sports.com Chevrolet in his second NEXTEL Cup Series event. YOKETV.com is pleased to return as a primary sponsor to Morgan-McClure Motorsports, which began the 2004 season with the YOKE logo embellishing its #4 Chevrolets. In addition, 77sports.com returns after launching its first primary sponsorship outing at McClure's
Talladega debut. The #4 car and Jimmy Spencer return to competition at Daytona, where Morgan-McClure Motorsports has five wins. Spencer, who gained his first NASCAR Cup Series win at Daytona on July 2, 1994, will make his 450th career Cup Series start. Brent Meikle, CEO of YOKETV.com, quotes: "I am pleased to be able to announce this resolution with Morgan-McClure and our return to the exciting Nextel Cup series. We have a great deal of confidence in Eric and I want to thank Larry McClure for giving us the time we needed to make a fresh start. While this resolution currently does not include a full season, it paves the way to a 3-year relationship which hopefully will result in our full support for Eric and, in any event, will allow us to work together with the good folks over at Morgan-McClure."(Morgan-McClure Motorsports PR)(7-1-2004)
McClure tunes up for Nextel Cup with LPR win: Eric McClure tuned up for his attempt to qualify for his second career NASCAR Nextel Cup race by taking a first and second in the Late Model division twin 50-lap races Saturday at Lonesome Pine Raceway. The LPR appearance was the first for McClure in four weeks. After finishing 26th in his Nextel Cup debut in the April running of the Aaron's 499 at Talladega, McClure hopes to make the field for Saturday's running of the Pepsi 400 at Daytona.(Coalfield.com)(6-29-2004)
#4 Owner Talks about future of team; skipping Sonoma: #4-Morgan-McClure Motorsports will not attend the upcoming race at Infineon Raceway. However, the team, which has 14 NASCAR Cup Series wins, continues to move forward in 2004 as it seeks sponsorship. With two top-20 finishes in 2004, Larry McClure stays focused on bringing his No. 4 Chevrolet back to its competitive potential. The team began the 2004 season with a sponsor, but since has been without a fulltime primary decal on the car. McClure seeks sponsorship in order to bring his three-time Daytona 500 winning team back into the competitive ranks of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series. Although he has experienced both sides of racing success now, McClure remains optimistic about his race team.
Larry McClure quotes:
"We have tried to use our money as well as we could. We got behind the eight ball a little bit at the beginning of the year because of the change over from Pontiac to Chevrolet. We have used several different people to put bodies on the cars. The inconsisitency of this hurt us. We were in a position that we had to run some of those cars without doing the aero work on them that they needed in order to be competitive. We found a few shortfalls when we did research in the wind tunnel recently. We have chosen a couple of the cars we have that are the better of the lot to change. It seems like from week to week to week that we are making progress even though our stats may not show it."
"Spencer quoted this past weekend that his car was the best he has driven all year with the exception of the restrictor plate cars. He felt like we have decent engines and we could be competitive if he could get through the middle of the corners a little better. Sunday at Michigan we had a reasonable effort. The team lost one lap because we ran out of gas. We lost a second lap because Spencer felt like he had a vibration in the car, like a loose wheel, which was not visual to us after pitting. Actually we shot ourselves in the foot twice. We had an opportunity to be in the top-15, possibly one lap down."
"Our sponsorship funds are limited this year. We have had to put the team on a diet. We are doing the best we can with what we have to do with. Basically that is what has happened. We are still searching for sponsorship dollars. "Changing cars from Chevrolet to Pontiac and then back to Chevrolet over the past two years really lost the team a lot of ground. I am not saying that is totally our problem. We do not have 20 engineers working on this race car and team. It is a downfall. We have to try a lot of things without them being proven and that costs us time. It creates problems with performance. With lack of engineering support and lack of sponsorship support, it has put us in a deficit deal. We are working hard to try to catch up. If we had the funds, we could buy the people and the technology. We do not have the funds. We are trying to work harder and be smarter with our group."
"Being in this position, I realize there is not much difference from an outhouse to a penthouse. On a short track, the difference is 3/10ths and on a larger track it is less than a second. If we can just come up with the right combination, we can get back to where we once were. That motivates me, because I am a competitor. I want to win. I want to be competitive. When the time comes for me to step back and to step out of this sport, I would like to know that I have given it everything I have. Plus, the fact is we have a lot of people here who depend on this company. We are doing everything we can to keep the company afloat and continue racing and make a livelihood for the people who work here."(Morgan McClure Motorsports site)(6-22-2004)
Morgan-McClure to skip Infineon Raceway race: #4 Morgan-McClure driver, Jimmy Spencer, says the team will not run a car at the road course at Infineon Raceway next week [June 27th]. The unsponsored team has ran in all the races so far in the 2004 Nextel Cup season, but is 36th in owners points. Spencer said that lack of sponsorship led to the decision. Team owner Larry McClure said a deal to put Johnny Miller [who ran the car last year at Infineon] in the car couldn't be worked out. McClure said he is still talking to potential sponsors, but says the team needs a few decent runs to help seal the deal.(NASCAR Scene Magazine - need sub to read online)(6-18-2004)
McClure loses Busch/Cup backing: Eric McClure passed his first NASCAR Nextel Cup test at Talladega Superspeedway. Although McClure's sponsor I Can Learn announced a plan for the 2004 season to include primary sponsorship of five races, the #04 team was recently informed that the company will not be able to honor the remainder of the agreement. That decision leaves McClure searching for financial backing for either the Busch Series or Nextel Cup. "We realize Eric has the talent to race in any situation," said McClure's father Jerry. "Eric has grown into a mature racer who uses his head. I am proud of what he has accomplished in such a short period of time." The McClure resume features two ARCA Series starts (Michigan-2003/Daytona 2004), two Busch starts (Rockingham-2003/Las Vegas-2004) and one Nextel Cup start. He finished 26th and on the lead lap at Talladega McClure competed in the NASCAR Weekly Racing Series Late Model event at Lonesome Pine Raceway in Coeburn Saturday night.(Bristol Herald Courier)(6-7-2004)
Congrats: Eric McClure, who made his NASCAR Nextel Cup debut at Talladega on April 25 in a 2nd Morgan-McClure Motorsports #04 Chevy, is currently celebrating his honeymoon. He has been working on sponsor plans to race again soon.(Bristol Herald Courier)(6-5-2004)
Spencer to Rumble at Bristol: Michael Buffer, world famous boxing announcer, will serve as the host and emcee of the ever thrilling Bristol night race this Aug. Buffer's famous trademarked phrase "Let's Get Ready to Rumble!" is one of the most widely known and recognized in the world of sports and entertainment, and will serve as the promotional tagline and theme in Bristol's advertising leading up to the race weekend. #4 Morgan-McClure driver, Jimmy Spencer will be commemoration this infamous phrase in a "Let's Get Ready to Rumble" logo and graphics.(5-6-2004)
Two Morgan McClure cars at Talladega/To Meet with former sponsor: Morgan-McClure Motorsports will run two Chevrolets next weekend in the Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway. In addition to its standard #4, they will also run a #04 Chevy for Eric McClure. Team owner Larry McClure said Robert Larkins would be the listed crew chief for the car, but that he would be part of a "committee" that would oversee it. McClure said Sunday he has a meeting set Monday with former sponsor YokeTV.com, with a possibility that the organization could still sponsor his car for more races this season.(NASCAR.com)
AND On Friday, Eric McClure will attempt to qualify for his first-ever NASCAR Nextel Cup event at the 2.5-mile Talladega International Speedway. McClure, the nephew of Abingdon-based Cup team owner Larry McClure, will drive the #04 Chevrolet sponsored by the "I Can Learn" computer learning software company [www.icanlearn.com] that also is sponsoring six races for him this season in NASCAR's Busch Series. His entry will be a team car to the Morgan-McClure #4 piloted by Jimmy Spencer. McClure ran his first superspeedway race at Daytona this past February in a Morgan-McClure-prepared ARCA car. He qualified sixth and raced with the leaders all day before being bumped out of the lead draft at the end and finishing 13th.(Kingsport Times News)(4-19-2004)
Featherlite back as sponsor of the #4 at Martinsville: Morgan-McClure Motorsports announced Featherlite, Inc. returning as the primary sponsor of the #4 NEXTEL Cup Series Chevrolet for the Advance Auto Parts 500 at Martinsville Speedway on Sunday. Jimmy Spencer will pilot the Monte Carlo. Featherlite, Inc. (www.fthr.com), the "Official Trailer" and "Official Luxury Coach" of NASCAR, debuted its primary sponsorship of the #4 at Texas Motor Speedway with Jimmy Spencer behind the wheel. A premium line of NEXTEL Cup licensed Featherlite Car Care products is available at automotive stores and www.featherlitecarcare.com.
Larry McClure Quotes: "We are extremely happy to have Featherlite return as the primary sponsor of the No. 4 Chevrolet for Martinsville. The team tested at Martinsville last week. The test will give Jimmy Spencer more input on racing with our cars and the new tires. We are looking forward to racing at Martinsville with the successful combination of Featherlite and Spencer."(Morgan-McClure Motorsports PR)(4-13-2004)
Brewer Penalized UPDATE appeal denied: NASCAR has fined Tim Brewer, crew chief for the #4 Chevrolet driven by Kevin Lepage, $5,000 for an infraction detected during NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series opening-day inspection at Darlington Raceway. Brewer was penalized under Section 12-4-A of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Rule Book: (Actions detrimental to stock car racing) and Section 12-4-Q (Any determination by NASCAR Officials that parts and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform to NASCAR rules). The No. 4 had an unapproved rear deck lid.(NASCAR PR)(3-23-2004)
UPDATE: On April 13, 2004, the National Stock Car Racing Commission heard and considered the Appeal of Timothy Brewer. The Appeal concerned a $5,000 fine issued by NASCAR under Section 12-4-A; "actions detrimental to stock car racing" and Section 12-4-Q; "any determination by NASCAR Officials that Parts and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform to NASCAR rules: non-approved rear deck lid - did not fit templates." The penalty pertained to the No. 4 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series car at Darlington Raceway on March 19, 2004. The violation was clear and failure of the deck lid to conform to the template was not disputed by the Appellant. The penalty was consistent with penalties for similar NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series rear deck lid violations. It is therefore the unanimous decision of the National Stock Car Racing Commission to uphold the original penalty issued by NASCAR. The Appellant has the right under Section 15 of the Rule Book to appeal this decision to the National Stock Car Racing Commissioner.(NASCAR PR)(4-14-2004)
Lepage not happy with release from the #4: Kevin Lepage's "full-time ride" with Morgan-McClure Racing is over, just six races after it was announced. And according to Lepage, he couldn't be happier. Lepage was handed his walking papers by the Abingdon, Va. team last week, after managing a best finish of 22nd in six NASCAR Nextel Cup Series starts this year. Veteran Jimmy Spencer took over the ride last weekend at Texas, finishing 29th, six laps down. Contacted this week at his home in North Carolina, Lepage's thoughts on the split can be summed-up in two simple words. Good riddance.
"After watching that fiasco in Texas, I'm happy to be out of there," he said. "Apparently, Jimmy Spencer isn't the miracle-worker they hoped for. (Morgan-McClure) had no set-ups on the cars, none at all. I went around the garage and begged favors from guys I knew on other teams, asking them to help us out. People put their jobs at risk to do that, but the minute we got the chassis straightened out, the motor would blow. Or we'd come out of the pits with three lug nuts missing. It was a disaster. (Team owner) Larry McClure kept asking me - over and over again, `What do we need to do to fix it?' I told him, but apparently, honesty wasn't what he wanted to hear."
Enter Spencer, who according to Lepage had been "wearing Larry out since Daytona trying to get in the car. He brought along a little bit of money, and told Larry what he wanted to hear. So I'm out, and he's in. Good luck to him, he's going to need it." After seeing the Morgan-McClure team from the inside, the Vermont native said he will be surprised if Spencer - or anyone else - can turn things around anytime soon. "Beginning with Robby Gordon in 2001, they have now had 13 drivers in three years," he said. "Robby couldn't help them, Mike Skinner couldn't help them, Stacy Compton couldn't help them, and apparently, neither could I. It's one thing after another with them; one problem piled on top of another." What's next for Lepage? he said he is working to put his own Busch Series Fords back on track for a schedule of 10-20 races, beginning next month at Lowe's Motor Speedway. "We're beating the phones for sponsorship right now," he said, "and I'm about 95-percent sure we'll get a deal done with at least one of the two companies we're talking to. For every door that closes, another one opens," he said. "And in all honesty, my next opportunity won't have to be much to be better than where I just was. I would rather sit home and watch the race on TV than run like that."(Barre-Montpelier Times Argus)(4-9-2004)
Lepage out? Spencer In? UPDATE 2: hearing reports that Kevin Lepage and the #4 Morgan-McClure team have parted ways and that Jimmy Spencer will driver the #4 Chevy at Texas Motor Speedway this weekend.(3-29-2004 - 10am/et)
UPDATE: Fox Sports Net's Totally NASCAR reports that #4 crew chief Tim Brewer told them Spencer will be in the car starting at Texas and for the next several races.(3-29-2004)
UPDATE 2: Jimmy Spencer says he will replace Kevin Lepage in the Morgan-McClure team's #4 Nextel Cup car for this weekend's events at Texas Motor Speedway. "As of right now, that's what we're doing," Spencer said Monday. A team spokesperson said Spencer is expected to be in the car for the next few races, with likely sponsorship from Featherlite; the team began the season with sponsorship from a Web site, yoketv.com, but the deal apparently has fallen through. Spencer, 47, finished 24th in the season-opening Daytona 500 but was left without a ride when the #7 team lost its primary sponsor.(USA Today)
UPDATE 3 its OFFICIAL: Morgan-McClure Motorsports announces that "Mr. Excitement", Jimmy Spencer, will pilot the #4 NEXTEL Cup Series car for the upcoming Samsung Radio Shack 500 at Texas Motor Speedway. Additionally, Featherlite, the "Official Trailer" and "Official Luxury Coach" of NASCAR, will be the primary sponsor of the #4 Chevy at Texas. Featherlite is a North American leader in manufacturing and marketing high quality aluminum trailers, specialized transporters, custom mobile marketing trailers, and luxury motor coaches. A highly diversified product line is offered of standard to custom models of car, recreational, horse, livestock, utility and commercial trailers through a dealer network in the U.S. and Canada. Featherlite, which is well known in the NASCAR community for its high quality and superb service, is a major supplier of leading-edge racecar transporters. A premium line of NEXTEL Cup licensed Featherlite Car Care products is available at automotive stores and www.featherlitecarcare.com.
The 47-year-old Spencer will take over the wheel of the #4 Featherlite Monte Carlo at Texas while starting in his 441st career NASCAR Cup Series event. The Berwick, Pa.-native has two wins in the elite series since his first Cup Series start in 1989, each taking place in 1994 with victories at Daytona and Talladega. He has garnered 28 top-fives, an amazing 80 top-10s and three pole positions.
Larry McClure quotes: "We are extremely proud to have Featherlite as a sponsor on the car for Texas. Everyone involved with the company is top-notch. We are changing drivers to evaluate our race team. Jimmy Spencer has a lot of experience which should help us determine a positive direction for the team. "He will bring a lot of excitement to the No. 4 Monte Carlo and the NEXTEL Cup Series this weekend. We are happy to have him in the car with Featherlite sponsoring it."
Conrad Clement, Featherlite CEO, quotes: "Featherlite is excited to have the unique opportunity to be on the No. 4 car for the Texas race. Morgan-McClure Motorsports has always been a class act, and with Jimmy in the driver's seat this combination will keep fans excited throughout the race."
Jimmy Spencer quotes: "I am happy to be in the No. 4 Monte Carlo this weekend. They are looking for a sponsor and I am looking for a ride. I know I do not have a lot of years left to drive in this sport. I have never seen any more determined group of people than Larry McClure and his brothers. When I drove for Junior Johnson, Tim Brewer worked for Kranefuss. Although I never worked with him, I knew Tim for years through Junior. I think he is one of the savviest crew chiefs out there, especially calling races and making pit calls. I look forward to working with him. I have been watching the races this year. I am not real sure what to expect with the new tires. I think once I take the race car around the track a few laps, it will give me a better idea of what the car needs. Larry and the guys are very open minded for changes. You have to be somewhere where you want the team to do well. A driver cannot start blaming the crew or the crew chief and they cannot start blaming the driver. A team will soon deteriorate when this begins to happen. I realize a team has to work together. If one guy makes a mistake or the driver makes a mistake, the team has to pull together. If a guy starts pointing fingers, it is sure to fail. You know, I think having a hands on car owner like Larry who prefers aggressive driving styles will benefit us both. We still have a desire to compete and to win."(Morgan-McClure Motorsports PR)(3-30-2004)
#4 One Race Deal: Food City is on board the #4 Morgan McClure Chevy that Kevin Lepage drives for the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway.(Morgan McClure Motorsports PR)(3-27-2004)
Runt Retires: Shelton "Runt" Pittman the Head engine builder for #4 Morgan McClure Motorsports retired after the Daytona 500 race. He was one of NASCAR's premire engine builders for many years. He will be sorely missed at MMM racing and the entire racing community.(3-18-2004)
#4 Sheds Sponsor Decals UPDATE: The decals of sponsor YokeTV.com were removed from Morgan-McClure Motorsports' #4 Chevrolet Friday as a result of a contractual dispute between the team and the sponsor. Team owner Larry McClure said the decals "may or may not" be back after this weekend's race at Atlanta Motor Speedway.(ThatsRacin.com) driver Kevin Lepage qualified the decaless #4 Chevy 35th for the race.(3-12-2004)
UPDATE: The #4 Chevrolet showed up at Atlanta without YOKETV.com sponsor decals. While negotiating contractual differences between the two entities, the car will remain without those decals. Morgan-McClure Motorsports is moving forward in a proactive manner to secure full-time sponsorship for the #4 Chevrolet. The team will run the 2004 schedule per car owner Larry McClure.(Morgan-McClure Motorsports PR), hope Yoketv.com isn't looking for any NASCAR fans to buy their product.(3-13-2004)
#4 Announces Sponsor: Morgan-McClure Motorsports announced a new primary sponsor for the #4 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series entry. Beginning its 21st year in NASCAR, the team welcomes the addition of YOKE TV.com to its racing program. YOKE TV.com is cutting edge and will offer one of the world's first web-based TV programs. The company plans to start broadcasting on May 1, 2004. It will feature stars in the world of sports, entertainment and music and offer an insiders view into the real life and behind-the-scenes stories of famous athletes, musicians or celebrities.
Viewers will enjoy a large number of new television shows created by YOKE TV.com with full 24 hour programming. Broadband internet users will be able to view YOKE TV anywhere on a global basis over their computer monitors.
Announcing its new primary sponsor at Daytona International Speedway, where the team has three prestigious Daytona 500 victories, marks a new beginning for Morgan-McClure Motorsports. The Abingdon, Va.-based team ended the 2003 season with a string of consistent runs and looks to continue the momentum. It will sport fresh colors of red, silver and white this season on new Chevrolet Monte Carlos in its stable and display a new NASCAR Nextel Cup Series logo.
Kevin Lepage will return as the driver of the #4 YOKE TV.com Monte Carlo along with the entire Morgan-McClure Motorsports road crew and Tim Brewer, the winningest crew chief on the circuit with 53 Cup victories.
Brent Meikle, President and CEO, YOKE TV.com, quotes on his company and joining NASCAR with Morgan-McClure Motorsports:
"We are extremely excited to get involved with Cup level racing in Nextel's first year and with Morgan-McClure Motorsports for the full season in YOKE TV's initial broadcast year. It's a new year and I think YOKE TV's new commitment to NASCAR is a prime example of the type of new sponsorships NEXTEL will attract to grow this great sport even bigger over the coming years.
"We will have the most interesting broadcast content on the air, not just on the internet, but our goal is to be the most interesting content on the air anywhere versus any medium. And we think we have a programming format that will make that vision a reality the very first day we begin broadcasting May 1st, 2004. This is really the future of broadcast and a whole new experience for people in viewing broadband. Today, we are happy to be here in NASCAR and want Kevin and the team to have the glory. Their focus is on a full year of racing. Our time will come soon to share more about both our programming and a major charitable drive we are heading up at the right time."
Larry McClure, President of Morgan-McClure Motorsports, quotes on obtaining a new sponsor: "We are extremely enthusiastic to have YOKE TV.com aboard as our primary sponsor. This is a new dawning for Morgan-McClure Motorsports and our sponsor. During the past several months, a lot of hard work has gone into our sponsor deal and the race team. To have this announcement at Daytona means a lot to this team and to me. It has always been one of my favorite tracks. We look forward to a successful partnership with Brent Meikle and YOKE TV.com. My commitment and dedication to winning remains strong." Visit yokeTV.com to learn more.(Morgan-McClure Motorsports PR)(2-6-2004)
#4 Sponsor Close: Though no official announcement has been made concerning sponsorship for the 2004 season, silver, red and white #4 Chevys sit in Morgan-McClure Motorsports Abingdon, VA shop. McClure said a deal is nearly completed and should be solidified by the end of the week. "We haven’t signed an agreement with a sponsor but we had a conference call on Sunday and agreed on everything," McClure said. "There’s no use in me announcing who it is until it happens, but we feel pretty good about that." While five different drivers sat behind the wheel for Morgan-McClure last season, the team’s settled on Kevin Lepage as its 2004 driver. Though Kodak remains an associate sponsor on the team’s Chevrolets, it moved its primary sponsorship to Roger Penske’s #77 Dodge, piloted by rookie Brendan Gaughan.(Bristol Herald Courier)(2-4-2004)
#4 Close to a sponsor: [#4 Team Owner] Larry McClure says he has received a deposit from a new sponsor, and hopes to announce the sponsor soon. The team owner has reached a verbal agreements with Kevin Lepage to drive the #4 Chevy this season. Tim Brewer will serve as Lepage's crew chief and the team manager."(NASCAR Scene need sub to read online)(1-25-2004)
Congrats: Congratulations to Lisa Shealy, team Public Relations Director for Morgan-McClure Motorsports #4 Nextel Cup Series Chevrolet, and Chuck Hawke, Visiting Clubhouse Manager for the Kansas City Royals MLB team, on their recent engagement. December 2004 wedding is planned. Shealy starts her 14th year in NASCAR and sixth year with Morgan-McClure Motorsports. Hawke has been with the Royals for 13 years.(1-22-2004)
Sad News: Condolences to Larry and Ginny McClure of Morgan-McClure Motorsports [#4 Chevy] for the loss of her mother, Lilly Flanary, on Sunday, January 18, 2004. The team's thoughts and prayers are with Larry, Ginny and her sister, Wilma Blevins, the team receptionist. A funeral will be held on Tuesday in Jonesville, VA.(1-19-2004)
#77 Announcement Tuesday UPDATE, OFFICIAL: hearing the announcement of the long rumored Kodak and Brendan Gaughan to the #77 {Ford to Dodge] ride with Penske buying into the Jasper Motorsports team will be announced on Tuesday, Jan 6th.(1-5-2004)
UPDATE: Eastman Kodak Company and Penske Performance, Inc. announced that Kodak would sponsor Penske-Jasper Racing Company's #77 Dodge for the 2004 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series. The companies forged a multi-year agreement for Kodak to be the primary sponsor of the #77 Dodge, which will be driven by Brendan Gaughan. Gaughan, the 2002 "Rookie of the Year" in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, won eight races over two full seasons and finished fourth in the Truck Series point standings in 2003.
"Kodak has had a long and rewarding relationship with NASCAR and we are pleased to be continuing with our race team program with this great sport and its fans," said Carl Gustin, Chief Marketing Officer, and Senior Vice President, Eastman Kodak Company. "We are excited to be aligned with Penske, one of the premier organizations in all of motor sports."
The #77 Kodak-sponsored Dodge will be co-owned by Jasper Engine Exchange, Inc., a long-time Penske business partner, and will have the benefits of its relationship with Penske's other NEXTEL Cup teams, the #2 Miller Lite Dodge, driven by Rusty Wallace, and the #12 Alltel Dodge, driven by Ryan Newman. "Having the opportunity to partner with Kodak brings a tremendous amount of credibility to our race team and I look forward to the business-to-business opportunities that will develop from this new relationship," said Roger Penske.
Kodak plans to utilize its race team sponsorship and its NASCAR Official Imaging Sponsor status as a marketing platform for many of its 2004 strategic initiatives. Kodak will adorn the #77 Dodge with a wide representation of Kodak's digitally-oriented products and services, including KODAK EASYSHARE digital cameras and its OFOTO online photo fulfillment service (www.ofoto.com). Kodak will leverage its digital leadership through a variety of racing-related programs, such as using in-car KODAK EASYSHARE cameras, utilizing its OFOTO service for print fulfillment and incorporating race team content on KODAK PictureMaker kiosks. Additionally, Kodak plans to enable a system for fans to purchase NASCAR photos at the track, at retail and online through various KODAK digital services.
Kodak will continue its Retail Partner Program, where select retailers will partner with Kodak's racing program, beginning with Eckerd Corporation at the Daytona 500 in February 2004. Kodak expects to have 15 to 20 partners participate in this program throughout the season. Through its Entertainment Imaging operations, Kodak plans to engage movie studio customers to market new releases. In 2003, Kodak teamed up with Walt Disney Pictures to promote "The Pirates of the Caribbean" release at the Pepsi 400 at Daytona International Speedway.
"I am thrilled to get this opportunity and thankful to so many people," said Brendan Gaughan. "I appreciate the confidence that Kodak and the Penske organization have shown in my abilities, and I'm very excited about the opportunity to represent Kodak, one of the most respected brands and companies in the world. To drive the Kodak Dodge for an organization the caliber of Penske-Jasper Racing is a dream come true. I can't wait for the 2004 season to begin."
Jasper Engine Exchange and Transmissions, Inc., which has been the primary sponsor of the #77 Jasper car for the past 13 seasons, will become an associate sponsor with the new race team. Jasper will be identified as the primary sponsor in several races each year. In addition to its sponsorship, Jasper will provide engineering support and power train development to the Kodak-sponsored #77 Dodge.
For the past 18 years, Kodak has been identified with the #4 car, teamed with Morgan-McClure Motorsports. Kodak will remain with the Morgan-McClure team as an associate sponsor. The Kodak and Morgan McClure relationship has resulted in 14 Winston Cup wins, including 3 Daytona 500 victories in 1991, 1994 and 1995. "We thank Larry McClure and Morgan-McClure Motorsports for our long-standing relationship with them," said Gustin. "We wish them the best of luck as a NASCAR NEXTEL Cup competitor in the coming seasons. Kodak, EasyShare and Ofoto are trademarks of Eastman Kodak Company [www.kodak.com].(Yahoo Biz)
see two images of the car on my #77 Team Paint Schemes page [both will load] or on my 2004 Paint Schemes page.(1-6-2004)
2003 News
Blaney to the #4? from FoxSports/Larry McReynolds: rumor has it that Dave Blaney may be moving to Morgan McClure since Penske reportedly has bought the Jasper car. It sounds like Kodak may go to the new Penske car, and Truck Series driver Brendan Gaughan will go to that ride as well. Penske also is thinking of changing the number on that car. I think they were talking about #72 to go with the #2 and #12 cars. When you think about it, it's going to be a completely revamped team with a new owner, a new driver, a new sponsor, a new number and a new manufacturer because now it's going to be a Dodge. And obviously there will be a new crew chief too [Shane Wilson] ]because Bootie Barker left there last season, and they never really replaced him for the final few races. I don't know if you can say anything will be the same.(FoxSports)(12-23-2003)
Changes at Morgan-McClure: A Morgan-McClure Motorsports Holiday. All through the No. 4 shop, wrenches are clanging and sheet metal is bent. The new Chevrolet Monte Carlos sit glistening, money well spent. Tim Brewer and the guys are working hard with sights set on 2004. The engine dyno is humming with engines tweaked to find a "little more". Road crew guys are spending extra time with their kin. For when 2004 arrives, all they will focus on is a win. Changes are in store for the Nextel Cup Series entry, No. 4 car.
New paint wrappings all aglow, new bodies too and a brand new announcement is not too far. So sit back and relax, enjoy the season and do not pout. For in 2004, Morgan-McClure will give race fans something to talk about.(MMM PR)(12-9-2003)
Kodak to scale back on the #4 BUT have a new sponsor lined up: Morgan-McClure Motorsports general manager Larry McClure confirmed Monday that the #4 team will have a new primary sponsor for the upcoming season. The current 18-year marriage between Kodak and the Abingdon-based M-M organization has been one of the longest in the sport's history. "We should have our major sponsor signed by Dec. 8," McClure said. "A few details are still being worked out. And Kodak will still be an associate sponsor on our car for the next three years." McClure did not divulge details on the length of the new sponsor package. As for the other big question mark at M-M - who will be the driver next year - stay tuned. Veteran Kevin Lepage, who finished the season as the driver of the #4 Kodak Pontiac, actually visited the sprawling race shop Monday morning. "Kevin is still on top of our list right now," McClure said. "He has done the best job for us. Over the last six races, we had an average finish of 24th in the points and that's about the best we did all season. We had some opportunities to finish better in several of those races, but we were competitive and feel pretty good about what we accomplished." Veteran crew chief Tim Brewer will return in the twin role of team manager and crew chief as Morgan-McClure switches back to the Chevrolet banner this season. "Right now, Tim is wearing those two hats," McClure said. "If Tim chooses to put somebody else in the crew chief position, that will be his call. The rest of the pit crew is pretty much intact." Bristol native Chris Carrier and longtime crew member Mark Prater are no longer with the team. Carrier began the 2003 season as the crew chief. After dealing with numerous interview requests and questions in recent weeks, McClure is eager to quell the speculation regarding the financial backing. "I am real excited. This is going to be a high-profile sponsor who hasn't been in the sport before. They have a lot of promotions planned, including a marketing push on TV," he said. "We've been working on this for about two months and we look forward to the announcement. It's been a good relationship for us and Kodak," McClure said. "I wish the best for Kodak. They are going to be a major sponsor with another team. We've all seen the Internet reports, but I have no idea what team that will be. We will just see how it goes for Kodak and for us." It also appears that Eric McClure, son of team co-owner Jerry McClure, will compete in several NASCAR Busch Series races.(Bristol Herald Courier)(12-2-2003)
Get Well: #4 Morgan McClure crew chief, Tim Brewer in back home in NC suffering from Kidney Stones.(11-16-2003)
UPDATE: Tim Brewer, crew chief at Morgan-McClure Motorsports, is recovering at home. Although he was hospitalized briefly, the kidney stones that prevented him from working the season’s final race in Homestead, Fla., ended up being dissolved without surgery and Brewer is back at work preparing new #4-Chevrolet Monte Carlos for January testing.(Gaston Gazette)(11-29-2003)
#4 Will be back: Larry McClure said Friday that Morgan-McClure Motorsports will race next season, despite the hurdles the team is facing. "We'll be here next year, and the year after that," McClure said. He said Kevin Lepage, who is the team's current driver, would likely continue in that role next season. McClure said he is "very close" to working out issues with Kodak, the team's primary sponsor, which has two years remaining on its contract.(ThatsRacin.com)(11-8-2003)
Kodak talking to teams: The Kodak sponsorship question is still unanswered, but company officials are expected to meet with potential car owners this weekend. Larry McClure [owner of the #4 Kodak Pontiac] has reportedly agreed to Kodak's buy-back of the final two years of his contract; however the two sides are apparently at odds over other aspects of that deal. Kodak is being bombarded with sponsorship bids, and the top two teams in the running appear to be DEI and Roush Racing. Ty Norris, DEI general manager, won't talk specifically about Kodak but says "We've had some movement in the last 10 days."(Winston Salem Journal)(10-25-2003)
Kodak to BAM? UPDATE: Hearing Kodak has given up on the high-dollar teams at Bill Davis and DEI, and is working a deal to bring BAM Racing into the picture. The main reason is BAM can give them a solid race team at a much lower price than the other two. That way, they can ease out of the #4 Morgan-McClure situation and pay him more to buy their way out but still have a somewhat solid team. They like Ken Schrader as driver and the fact the Morgenthau's have enough money to make a lower-price sponsorship work for Kodak. Still too early to call but the good price for the sponsorship and the fact Kodak is impressed with the team might make this one work.(source)(10-18-2003)
UPDATE: Kodak officials may be on the verge of announcing a buyout of the final two years of the company's sponsorship contract with car owner [#4 Pontiac] Larry McClure. Those negotiations have been sharp, according to sources. But Kodak appears ready to make a move to another Winston Cup team. The top option is the third DEI team -- however, Kodak, after doing an exhaustive review of the costs of fielding a Cup team, may not be willing to pay the price DEI wants, and rival car owners are moving in quickly with lower bids, among them Beth Ann Morgenthau, Bill Davis, and Jim Smith. And then there is unexpected a new third Joe Gibbs team in the making, looking for a sponsor.(Winston Salem Journal)
HOWEVER: Owner Larry McClure says Kodak is staying put through 2005 as sponsor for the #4 Pontiac and that Kevin Lepage will drive it the rest of the season. McClure hasn't made a decision on a driver for 2004 but says Lepage is a candidate.(FoxSports/Sporting News)(10-20-2003)
Morgan McClure gets Busch/ARCA sponsor [future for Cup?] Morgan-McClure Motorsports [#4 Kodak Pontiac in Cup] will compete in the upcoming ARCA Series event at Lowe's Motor Speedway and a future NASCAR Busch Series race with a young gun and a newly secured sponsor. Eric McClure, son of team owner Jerry McClure, will attempt to qualify for his second ARCA RE/MAX Series event. He competed at Michigan in June in the #4 car by starting the race fifth and finishing in the eighth position. I CAN Learn Education Systems (Interactive Computer Aided Natural Learning) will sponsor the #4 Chevy in the EasyCare Vehicle Service Contracts 150 on Thursday, October 9 at the 1.5-mile quad-oval located in Concord, North Carolina. I CAN Learn is a teaching program which offers a computerized Algebra curriculum designed to help students primarily in grades 7-10, who are ethnically diverse, inner-city youth, achieve impartiality in mathematics and thinking skills. A key goal of the program is to have students interact with their counterparts across the world to learn proficiency in problem solving in a competitive, peer-oriented atmosphere. The program is a complete education software system that has been recognized by the US Department of Education. It began by teaching Algebra to 200 students in an inner-city school in New Orleans during the 1994-95 school year. Today the I CAN Learn program has expanded to cover 15 states and over 50,000 students. Its range is also expanding to include school grades K-12 and Colleges. To find out more about this exciting program, visit its website at www.icanlearn.com. McClure, who competes on Saturday nights in the NASCAR Late Model Stock Division at Lonesome Pine Speedway in Coeburn, Va., will have Morgan-McClure Motorsports veteran Robert Larkins as his crew chief. The Winston Cup crew will pit his car on raceday. The 24 year-old will also debut in the NASCAR Busch Series with the I CAN Learn sponsorship prior to the end of the season. A race venue will be announced at a later date.(Morgan-McClure Motorsports PR)(10-9-2003)
Kodak to PPI with Nemechek? UPDATE: Kodak was expected to make an announcement this week about its future in NASCAR, but that has apparently been delayed. The company has just announced a major change in its business, away from film toward digital, and it's unclear how that might play in its marketing plans. Kodak apparently won't be back with [#4 Morgan McClure] Larry McClure next season. Kodak could sponsor Cal Wells' proposed second team, with Joe Nemechek.(Winston Salem Journal)(9-28-2003)
UPDATE: According to a Cal Wells team member, the rumor of Joe Nemechek driving a second Pontiac for the team sponsored by Kodak, appears to be absolutely false. The unnamed source said that no additional parts, tools or evidence of a second car have been spotted anywhere on the Wells premises.(Insider Racing); seems to be an odd rumor as Wells himself has stated he is close to signing a sponsor for a 2nd team.(9-29-2003)
Morgan-McClure Motorsports names drivers for remainder of 2003: Morgan-McClure Motorsports named Kevin Lepage and Johnny Sauter as the drivers of the #4 Kodak Pontiac for the remainder of the 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup season. Tim Brewer will serve as team manager and crew chief. Lepage, who has competed in two races for the Abingdon, Va.-based team in 2003, will be in the car for six of the remaining races. The Shelburne, Vt.-native has 133 career Winston Cup starts with two top-fives, eight top-10s and one pole position. He drove for Morgan-McClure in 21 races during the 2001 season, turning in four top-15 finishes. With consistency as a key element of his driving style, Lepage has improved his starting positions by 13 and 26 spots in the two races he has driven the #4 Kodak Pontiac. Johnny Sauter will compete in the #4 Kodak Grand Prix at Kansas City and Phoenix. The two races will bring Sauter's total career Winston Cup starts to seven, which leaves him eligible for Rookie of the Year status when he moves to Winston Cup full time [wonder with who? the #4 team or to the #30 AOL car?] . Sauter, born on May 1, 1978, in Necedah, Wisconsin, currently sits seventh in the NASCAR Busch Series point standings. He has 64 Busch Series starts with two wins, nine top-fives, 18 top-10s and three pole positions. His best Winston Cup finish is 23rd at Loudon.
Kevin Lepage quotes: "It is good to be back in a Winston Cup car. It gets pretty lonely on weekends watching the races from home. Being in the Winston Cup garage with all of my friends and co-workers is important to me. Racing on Sundays is my desire and passion. "This is a great opportunity to be back in the No. 4 Kodak Pontiac. We had some decent runs a few years ago and hope to continue that this year. It is also nice to be back with friends we made while with the team. We have had some success with the two races I have run so far. At Darlington we just kept working on the car and never gave up. We had a good finish because the entire worked their tails off and never lost focus. I think the weather hurt us at Dover by not being able to qualify. Due to a tire problem, we got down a few laps and did not have the finish we had wanted. The car was easily in the top-15 to top-20 range. We are looking for some really solid runs during the remainder of the races."(Morgan-McClure Motorsports PR)(9-24-2003)
Kodak to a new team? Announcement soon? UPDATE to DEI or both? Kodak officials could announce sponsorship of a new team by the time the tour reaches Talladega later this month, according to sources.(Winston Salem Journal)(9-13-2003)
UPDATE:Sources from two other sources tell Winston Cup Scene that DEI has completed a deal with Kodak beginning in 2004. If so, it is unclear what that would mean for [#4] Morgan-McClure Motorsports, which has been sponsored by Kodak for years. Crew chief Tim Brewer said at New Hampshire that they still had two more years on the deal with Kodak. It is possible that Kodak could sponsor both teams.(Winston Cup Scene page 22 - need sub to read)(9-18-2003)
Lepage back in the #4 for Dover: Kevin Lepage will compete in the No. 4 Kodak Easy Share Pontiac at Dover International Speedway this weekend. He will start the event in the 40th position. The field of the MBNA America 400 was set by owner points due to NASCAR's Hurricane contingency plan. Friday activities for the Winston Cup Series were canceled due to the threat of weather. As Hurricane Isabel churns closer to the East Coast, preparations remain active at Morgan-McClure Motorsports in Abingdon, Va. to race at the Monster Mile this weekend. The team plans to travel to Delaware on Friday and begin work at the track on Saturday morning when the garage opens. Kevin Lepage: "We are taking the same car that we finished 15th with at Darlington. Tim Brewer makes excellent pit calls, so we should be in for a good day on Sunday with the Kodak team. I just hope Mother Nature cooperates and lets us get the race in this weekend. Maybe Isabel will take a turn away from Dover."(Morgan McClure PR)(9-17-2003)
Sauter back in the #4 at NHIS: Johnny Sauter returns to Loudon, New Hampshire with Morgan-McClure Motorsports for the upcoming NASCAR Winston Cup Series event. The Sylvania 300 will be Sauter's fifth career Winston Cup race. In July at New Hampshire International Speedway, Sauter started the #4 Kodak Pontiac in the 41st position (field set under rain-out rules) and completed the event 23rd. Tim Brewer will work with Sauter as his crew chief. Johnny Sauter quotes: "I look forward to returning to a track where I have worked with the Kodak team this year. I think that will help us out with the set-up tremendously. We can build from the notes acquired in July. We had one of the fastest cars during that race."(Morgan-McClure Motorsports PR)(9-9-2003)
More Kodak: From this weeks Speedway Scene Magazine: There's little doubt left that Kodak is looking to do something with their struggling investment in NASCAR, the question however is what? There were a number of scenarios painted by industry sources at Darlington last weekend that made it readily apparent that Kodak is in play. The basic premise is that NASCAR is intervening on Kodak's behalf, which seems to be the only consistent part of the varied stories that were floating around the Darlington garage. What happens with the sponsorship, if they do leave Morgan McClure [#4] at the end of this year that is, seems to run along two thought processes. The first speculative plan called for NASCAR to take the Kodak money for themselves and make it a contingency program of some sort. What we'd heard in this rumored plan was that all cars would be required to carry a Kodak sticker and be paid some sort of incentive for carrying the photography giant's logo. The other scenario was that NASCAR would place the sponsorship on one of the teams that needs sponsorship. There were varied reasons why NASCAR would act as mediator in the Kodak sponsorship, but soothing a
guilty conscience or two maybe playing into this angle.(Speedway Scene Magazine Print - no website)(9-6-2003)
and...more on Kodak: The fate of Kodak's NASCAR sponsorship is the topic of considerable debate at the moment, and there are reports that Jack Roush and DEI are two teams in the running for a Kodak deal, if the photo giant leaves car owner Larry McClure. However, Geoff Smith, president of Roush Racing, insists his company isn't interested in Kodak. And Ty Norris, general manager at DEI, says he doesn't want to discuss Kodak at all. While Jeff Burton has a new contract, he still doesn't have a new sponsor, Smith concedes. 'We have four companies we're quite active with, and each is doing due-diligence, because they're all new to the sport,' Smith says. 'Kodak is not one of them. We haven't not done anything with Kodak. But we would do something with Kodak if they're not under contract with Larry McClure. But we have heard this week that marketing companies have been contacted by people with that team asking for help looking for sponsorship. But NASCAR would be the one to tell us if that particular sponsorship is available. And we're like others, waiting to see if it opens up.'(Winston Salem Journal)(9-1-2003)
Kodak or Drug Company for the #99 in 2004? Jeff Burton and Jack Roush are close to a new sponsor for the #99 Ford: according to one source, Kodak [that would be weird seeing a yellow #99] -- according to another, an unnamed pharmaceutical company.(Winston Salem Journal)
AND being told it is a pharmaceutical company, no name yet....they are supposedly trying to work out how it conflicts with Pfizer/Viagra.(8-30-2003)
More on Kodak: Kodak is in its 17th year as primary sponsor for the No. 4 Morgan-McClure team, but rumors persist that it will not return after this season. Team owner Larry McClure could not be reached for comment, but Ed McClure, his brother, says the contract runs through 2005. Because most sponsor contracts contain performance clauses, Kodak likely has an out. Sources at Dale Earnhardt Inc. deny that Kodak will sponsor the #1 car next season.(Sporting News), see my #1 Team News and Links page for DEI's denial of Kodak as their sponsor in 2004.(8-25-2003)
Morgan-McClure close to a full time driver announcement; one car team in 2004: #4 Morgan-McClure Motorsports team owner Larry McClure recently said he plans to hire the man to handle his Kodak-sponsored Pontiacs sometime next month. Seven drivers have taken the wheel for the team in Winston Cup races, qualifying and test sessions after Mike Skinner was released in mid-June. “We’ve got some great people with the race team right now,’’ McClure said. “ We’re strengthening our base, and I feel like putting the right driver in with these people, we’re going to jump back to where we were.’’ McClure said Morgan-McClure Motorsports will field one car each week next season. The team qualified two cars for one race for the first time in its 20-year history at Watkins Glen Aug. 8 but lacks enough sponsorship to become a multi-car team. Johnny Sauter is driving the car this weekend at Bristol. Sauter is a candidate to move into the Morgan-McClure seat long-term, along with David Reutimann, Johnny Miller and P.J. Jones, according to McClure. “We feel like we want some youth in the car because it seems like they just get up on the wheel, and that’s kind of what we need,’’ McClure said. “We came out of nowhere (before). We were a 20th-place team in 1989. I hired one driver, Ernie Irvan. “All of a sudden, we were one of the best teams. We had one of the best crew chiefs, one of the best engine builders and some of the best cars. You just have to get that right combination.’’ McClure said Kodak’s sponsorship agreement with the team runs through 2005.(Rochester Democrat and Chronicle)(8-22-2003)
Sauter back in the #4 at Bristol: Johnny Sauter tested the #4 Kodak Pontiac at Bristol Motor Speedway Wednesday in preparation for the Aug. 23 Sharpie 500. Sauter will also compete in the Aug. 22 Food City 250 Busch Series race.(Bristol Herald Courier)(8-16-2003)
Compton in the #4 this week, Brewer to serve as Crew Chief: Stacy Compton was announced as driver of the #4 Kodak Perfect Touch Pontiac for the upcoming GFS Marketplace 400 at Michigan International Speedway. Compton, who drove for Morgan-McClure Motorsports in July at the. Daytona Pepsi 400, had an eighth place finish in last year'˜s Busch Series race at Michigan. Tim Brewer will serve as crew chief. (Morgan-McClure Motorsports PR), no word on the #04 which was rumored to be running, looks like a one car team at MIS.(8-12-2003)
McClure Quotes on Kodak: Larry McClure, owner, quotes: "I think today was a bright spot for the team. It was something to build on and move on to Michigan. We have Bristol coming up and some other good tracks for the team. It was exciting to have two cars in a race for the first time. Our sponsorship with Kodak will continue for another two and a half years. I hope after that, it will go on for another 18 years. That is a question many people have been asking me. When someone is not having success, the buzzards start flying. We would certainly like to be doing better. This is a business. We make decisions that work sometimes and other times they do not. This is no different than other businesses in that area, Even Kodak has to go through that. We spent Thursday up at Kodak Park in Rochester. The support they showed our race team was an inspiration. Everybody is trying to do the best they can do."(Morgan-McClure PR)(8-11-2003)
First Time for Morgan-McClure: For the first time in Morgan-Mcclure's 20 Year History, the team will field two Cup cats in a race by making the Sirius at the Glen at Watkins Glen International. P.J. Jones will drive th #4 Kodak Perfect Touch Processing Pontiac and Johnny Miller will drive the #04 Kodak Easy Share Pontiac. Miller qualified 32nd and Jones was 33rd. The team tested with both drivers two weeks ago at Watkins Glen. P.J. Jones has four Winston Cup starts at Watkins Glen and one Busch Series start. Johnny Miller has one Winston Cup start, which took place at Infineon Raceway in June. The entire race team was in Rochester, New York, visiting Kodak City on Thursday. The team participated in a Teamwork day, which involved learning booths, simulated pit stops and autograph sessions. Hundreds of Kodak employees were able to interact with the Kodak Racing team, while parallels in racing and manufacturing were discussed. Making a special appearance at the event was Dan Carp, CEO of Eastman Kodak.(Morgan-McClure Motorsports PR)(8-9-2003)
McClure wins Late Model race: Eric McClure and Michael Kidd earned the pole for their respective Late Model Twin 50 event Saturday night at Lonesome Pine Raceway, and both jumped out to the lead on the initial start and held on for the win. McClure, who won the second Twin 50 of the evening, marked his second career NASCAR Weekly Racing Series win and his first this season. McClure did win a 150-lap United Auto Racing Association Late Model touring race at LPR in June, however. McClure is the son of #4 Morgan-McClure co-owner and raceday spotter Jerry McClure.(Kingsport Times News)(8-5-2003)
P.J. Jones to drive for Morgan-McClure at The Glen: Former CART driver P.J. Jones will drive the #4 Kodak Chevrolet [actually he tested the #04 for Morgan-McClure while Johnny Miller tested the #4] this week at the road course at Watkins Glen, N.Y. He finished fourth in last year's race. Robert Pressley failed to get the car qualified for the Brickyard.(Indianapolis Star) Jones ran the #14 Foyt Racing Dodge at Sonoma in June, no idea if Larry Foyt will drive or if the team will hire another road course specialist.(8-4-2003)
Pressley to drive the #4 UPDATE: the Robert Pressley Site is reporting that Robert Pressley will drive the #4 Kodak Pontiac at the Brickyard 400, the quote: "I am really glad to have the opportunity to go to Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the No. 4 car,” said Robert Pressley. “I want to thank Morgan-McClure Racing for the chance to compete in one of the biggest Winston Cup races of the season, the Brickyard 400. I hope that I can come in and do what I can to help this team overcome a few problems and get the car in the field. I am excited to be able to help out Morgan-McClure.” Supposedly David Reutimann will be in the #04 Kodak Pontiac for Morgan-McClure(7-28-2003)
UPDATE: Morgan-McClure Motorsports announced two entries for the Brickyard 400 this week at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Veteran driver Robert Pressley will drive the #4 Kodak Pontiac, while David Reutimann will be behind the wheel of the #04 Kodak Grand Prix. "We are pleased to have two entries at the historic Brickyard this week. I feel confident with our driver choices. The team enjoyed working with David last week in the ARCA Series and looks forward to getting him in his first Winston Cup event. He drove a smart race and communicated well with the crew. Robert has been a favorite driver of mine for a long time. He is a good racer and we hope to have a great finish this weekend," team owner Larry McClure said. While preparing for a busy weekend in Indy, the team also tested its road course cars at Watkins Glen on Monday and Tuesday of this week. Johnny Miller returned to test the #04 Pontiac after turning in a respectable effort for the team earlier this season at Sonoma. Testing the #4 Kodak Grand Prix was another road racing specialist, P.J. Jones.(Morgan-McClure PR)(7-29-2003)
Morgan-McClure Plans for next three races UPDATE:
Pocono: the team has filed two entries for the Pennsylvania 500 at Pocono Raceway [#04 and #4 Kodak Pontiacs] but since David Reutimann didn't make the Cup race at New Hampshire [qualifying rained out and no attempts] and didn't get to test as planned at Pocono Raceway last week, team owner Larry McClure said, "I think we might enter David in the ARCA race at Pocono," McClure said. "I don't think it would be fair to put him in a Cup car there, when he's never seen the place and would be making his first Winston Cup start. We may ask Brett Bodine to qualify our Winston Cup car and race it."
Indianapolis: After that, McClure expects to run Reutimann in the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where the driver was impressive in a test session last week. "At Indy we're going to run two cars, David and somebody else," McClure said. "Right now we hope it will be Robert Pressley."
Watkins Glen: Then, McClure said he would again use Tennessean Johnny Miller, who ran for the team at Infineon Raceway, at Watkins Glen International.(more notes at NASCAR.com)(7-21-2003)
UPDATE Bodine in for Pocono: Morgan-McClure Motorsports will use Winston Cup veteran Brett Bodine as driver of its #4 Kodak Pontiac this weekend at Pocono Raceway. The 44-year old Chemung, N.Y.-native has one win which came at North Wilkesboro in 1990, 16 top-fives, 61 top-10s and five poles to his credit. In addition to the Winston Cup event, Morgan-McClure will also enter the ARCA race at Pocono with the #4 Kodak ARCA car and Busch Series driver David Reutimann. Reutimann, whose Winston Cup debut got rained out last Friday at New Hampshire, will gain valuable seat time at the 2.5-mile track. "The team is happy to have Brett Bodine drive the Kodak Pontiac at Pocono. Brett and I have known each other for a long time. He is one of the hardest working drivers and owners in the Winston Cup garage," said team owner, Larry McClure. "We are looking forward to going to Pocono with David in the ARCA car as well. We hope to build on last week’s momentum." Bodine is looking forward to his first race since he was injured in a practice session last month at Michigan. "I am looking forward to racing with Larry, Chris and all of the Morgan-McClure crew at Pocono. It will be my first race back since the accident. The doctors did a great job on the shoulder surgery and rehabilitation has been good," Bodine said. "It was way ahead of schedule and the doctor cleared me to race. I tested at Indy last week and the shoulder felt great, as a matter of fact the right shoulder feels stronger than the left."(ThatsRacin.com)(7-22-2003)
David Reutimann to test Pocono, may run there: David Reutimann will be testing for Morgan-McClure Motorsports [#4 and #04] at Pocono Raceway on Thursday, July 17th in preparation for the Pennsylvania 500 and may end up running for the team there. Johnny Sauter will be Busch racing at Pikes Peak (CO) next week.(XM Satellite- NASCAR Radio - Subscription Required)
UPDATE: team sources tell me they will NOT be testing at Pocono on Thursday due to testing an extra aday at Indy after being rained out on Tuesday.(7-16-2003)
Double Cars for Morgan-McClure at NHIS UPDATE 2 for the remainder of the season?: The Morgan-McClure team has two cars entered in the New England 300 at New Hampshire this weekend. Johnny Sauter will drive the #4 Kodak Pontiac and David Reutimann [who is testing for the team at Inmdy this week] will attempt to get the #04 Kodak Pontiac in the race.(Fox Sports Net's Totally NASCAR Show)(7-15-2003)
UPDATE: Morgan-McClure Motorsports made a major announcement Tuesday regarding the upcoming New England 300 NASCAR Winston Cup event at New Hampshire International Speedway. For the first time in its 20 year history, the Abingdon, Va.-based team will field two Winston Cup cars. The #4 Kodak Easy Share Pontiac will be driven by 25-year old Johnny Sauter with Chris Carrier as the crew chief and Steve Gray as the car chief. Sauter was behind the wheel of the #4 Kodak Grand Prix at Chicagoland. It was the Necedah, Wis.-native's first time in a Winston Cup car. He currently competes in the Busch Series, having moved up from the ASA ranks. The #04 Kodak Perfect Touch Pontiac will have David Reutimann, 33- year old Zephyrhills, Fla.-native, as the driver. Tim Brewer will step into the crew chief position while Morgan-McClure Motorsports veteran Robert Larkins will serve as car chief. Reutimann tested in Indy this week for the Brickyard 400 in the #4 Kodak Pontiac. He has competed in 10 Busch Series events with two top-fives and two top-10 finishes. He joined the upper ranks of NASCAR from the All Pro Series.
Larry McClure, owner-President of Morgan-McClure Motorsports, is quoted as saying: "Morgan-McClure Motorsports is proud to make a positive addition of the #04 Winston Cup Pontiac to its racing stables. We wanted a second car for some time and now seemed like an opportune time to act. We feel we have two very talented young drivers to give an opportunity to drive in Winston Cup. This will give the team time to work with both drivers. Having the support of Kodak to field this project was helpful. Johnny Sauter did a good job for the team in Chicago last week. Even though we had an unfortunate tire problem, he continued to remain focused on his efforts. David Reutimann has made great progress in the Winston Cup car this week on one of the circuit's toughest tracks. He has never been behind the wheel of a Winston Cup car before. The team is pleased with his progress and performance. This is an exciting opportunity for Morgan-McClure Motorsports and Kodak. The guys at the race shop are working a non-stop pace to ensure that both cars are competitive. We hope to have a double-shot of success in New Hampshire."(Morgan-McClure Motorsports PR)(7-16-2003)
UPDATE 2: Beginning this weekend at New Hampshire, Morgan-McClure Motorsports will begin fielding two Winston Cup teams for most of the remainder of the 2003 season. Both teams will compete for most of the rest of the season, but the drivers may change.(ThatsRacin.com)(7-16-2003)
Sauter in the #4 at NHIS: Johnny Sauter is expected to return to Morgan-McClure Motorsports' #4 Kodak Pontiac next weekend at New Hampshire. Sauter was 35th Sunday in his Winston Cup debut. Team officials confirmed that Sauter would not test with the team this week at Indianapolis, as previously hoped. The team is considering using Busch driver David Reutimann at the test.(ThatsRacin.com)(7-14-2003)
#4 Fuel Cell Confiscated before race UPDATE 2 Penalty announced cash and points: Morgan-McClure Motorsports faces a hefty penalty this week after NASCAR officials confiscated the entire fuel cell assembly from the team's #4 Pontiac prior to Saturday night's Pepsi 400 at Daytona International Speedway. The car was delayed in pre-race inspection and not did not get on the track until the race's pace laps had already started. The fuel cell was expanded beyond regulation size, NASCAR officials said. The assembly was tagged and placed outside the NASCAR hauler during the race. Team officials declined to comment on the issue.(ThatsRacin.com)(7-6-2003)
UPDATE: hearing Morgan McClure Motorsports will be penalized heavily today by NASCAR due to their fuel cell infraction last weekend at Daytona. Hearing a member of the Kodak crew inserted a air-pressure type device into the fuel cell of the #4 attempting to stretch it. The problem is he went too far and the fuel cell actually blew up like a balloon. Supposedly the fuel cell stretched so much that it bent the brackets which hold it in place. "It looked like the shape of a football," according to one person who got a glimpse of the fuel cell. NASCAR especially frowned on this since 1) it was a blatant rules violations and 2) attempting to enlarge the fuel cell could have
resulted in an explosion.(7-9-2003)
UPDATE 2: The #4 Morgan-McClure Motorsports Pontiac was penalized for having an unapproved fuel cell container modification that was found by NASCAR officials during pre-race inspection. Crew chief Chris Carrier was fined $25,000, Stacy Compton forfeited 25 championship driver points and Larry McClure forfeited 25 championship owner points for the infraction. The team was in violation of Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and Section 12-4-Q (Any determination by NASCAR Officials that parts and/or equipment in the Event do not conform to NASCAR rules) of the NASCAR Winston Cup Series Rule Book.(NASCAR PR)(7-9-2003)
A Sauter in the #4? UPDATE 3 Sauter to run Chicago: hearing that Busch Series driver [#'s 21 and #43] Johnny Sauter will test the #4 Pontiac for Morgan-McClure next week in Chicago.(6-19-2003)
UPDATE: Morgan-McClure Motorsports owner Larry McClure said he is in no hurry to find a permanent replacement for driver Mike Skinner in the team's #4 Kodak Pontiacs. McClure is using Trams-Am series driver Johnny Miller this weekend at Sonoma. "I don't have any pressure from (our sponsor) other than pressure to perform well, but that can't be any more pressure than we already put on ourselves to perform," he said. McClure said he would try out a few drivers, including taking some to test, before settling on a replacement. Busch series driver Johnny Sauter is among those under consideration.(ThatsRacin.com); also hearing Stacy Compton may test with the team too.(6-21-2003)
UPDATE 2: Stacy Compton is expected to be in Larry McClure's #4 Kodak Pontiac at Daytona next week, in what is a one-shot ride for the moment.(Winston Salem Journal)(6-23-2003)
UPDATE 3: NASCAR Busch Series driver Johnny Sauter will drive Morgan-McClure's No. 4 Pontiac next weekend at Chicagoland, team officials confirmed. Sauter recently tested with the team at the track where Sauter won the Busch race last year. "It was a good test. It's a good opportunity for me to get in a Winston Cup car," he said. "I was happy. I think they were happy. We're going to run the race and see how it goes."(ThatsRacin.com)(7-3-2003)
ARCA Driver up for #4 Ride/test: Keith Segars, who races on the ARCA Series, is among the candidates to replace Mike Skinner in the Morgan-McClure Motorsports #4 Kodak Pontiac. Segars was en route to Talladega Superspeedway Tuesday for two days of testing the race set-up Morgan-McClure plans to use for next week's Pepsi 400. According to Segars, he will meet with team owner Larry McClure while at Talladega. The 40-year-old has never started a Busch or a Winston Cup race in his career, but he drives the #4 Monte Carlo on the ARCA RE/MAX circuit for the Morgan-McClure team. He has worked for the team for three years on research and design projects and car testing. The team called Segars about the test session after Skinner was released last week. "[McClure] is tired of going through recycled people," Segars said. "They're looking for someone with new blood. I'm familiar with Morgan-McClure and familiar with the team and the equipment. I've got great relationships with Larry [McClure] and with everyone at Morgan-McClure. I feel like I'm home whenever I'm up there." Segars is one of several drivers who could replace Skinner for at least some races during the rest of the season. (Florida Times Union)(6-27-2003)
Andretti still looking: John Andretti said he has spoken to his cousin, Michael, but not about the opening Michael had on his Indy Racing League team. "He's got a path he's set on, and I'm not looking to change from one (series) to another at this point," Andretti said. "I guess it might have looked like we were in a position to help each other out, but more people thought about that than we did." He also confirmed talks with #4 NASCAR team owner Larry McClure, who has an opening from the firing of Mike Skinner. But just as McClure told The Star last week that he isn't looking for a "recycled driver," Andretti isn't looking to join another struggling team. "Right now, I'm looking more at 2004 than 2003," he said. "I've got to look at this as an opportunity. I don't necessarily have to do something now." That doesn't mean he isn't getting antsy. Andretti said this weekend, the last open date on the Winston Cup schedule ahead of 20 races without a break, is easier to take than the last two.(Indianapolis Star)(6-27-2003)
Another Candidate for the #4? Hearing that road racer David Murry has expressed an interest in driving the #4 Kodak car. Murry, who has ARCA and Winston Cup experience, reportedly had a recent conversation with Larry McClure. Apparently, the Atlanta resident is hoping to land one of the tryouts that McClure has indicated will take place in the coming weeks.(6-25-2003)
Compton in the #4 at Daytona as a pirate (puffy shirt?): Eastman Kodak Company and The Walt Disney Company announced a joint promotion of Disney's epic motion picture, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, through Kodak's NASCAR marketing program. A Pirates of the Caribbean 'wrap' will adorn the Kodak #4 car during the Pepsi 400 at Daytona International Speedway on July 5. The movie theme also will appear on the suit worn by driver Stacy Compton. "NASCAR is the perfect venue to build awareness for a fast-paced, adrenaline-rush-type of motion picture such as Pirates of the Caribbean," said Eric Rodli, president, Entertainment Imaging and senior vice president, Kodak. "This is the first time ever that a Kodak race car has featured a motion-picture film theme - and we wanted to involve our studio partners in this exciting opportunity. Disney is one of our long-standing partners - in fact, Pirates of the Caribbean was shot and printed on Kodak film - so this promotion is just a great fit for both companies." From producer Jerry Bruckheimer, Pirates of the Caribbean stars Johnny Depp as the roguish yet charming Captain Jack Sparrow whose nemesis Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush) steals his ship, the Black Pearl. When Barbossa later attacks the town of Port Royal and kidnaps the governor's daughter, her childhood friend (Orlando Bloom) joins forces with Captain Jack in a gallant attempt to rescue her and recapture the Black Pearl. The movie is scheduled for release on July 9. Disney and Kodak also will host a Pirates of the Caribbean show car at the movie's premiere at Disneyland in Los Angeles. During the week of July 7, the show car will be on display at Walt Disney World in Orlando. (Business Wire)(6-25-2003)
More on possible #4 Drivers UPDATE Testing at Chicago with Sauter and Talladega with Compton: Morgan-McClure Motorsports team general manager Larry McClure spent part of Monday pondering one of the hottest questions in NASCAR. Who will replace Mike Skinner in the No. 4 Kodak Pontiac? "We're looking at a couple of drivers,'' McClure said. "We're not going to do business like we have in the past where we just offer somebody a contract and do the deal. You are stuck with each other in that type of situation. We're going to wait until we have confidence that we're making the right move and choice.'' At this point, the choices include Busch Series regulars Stacy Compton and Johnny Sauter along with ARCA Series veteran Keith Segars. McClure said that unemployed Winston Cup veteran John Andretti, favored to replace Skinner last week, is out of the picture. "We're going to test at a couple different places this week, including Wednesday and Thursday at Chicago with Sauter,'' McClure said. "Our plan is to put some different people in our car. That's going to be our selection process. We may do it for six races, eight races or the rest of the season. If everything works out, those drivers I mentioned will potentially be the one that we will use.'' A face familiar to veteran NASCAR fans recently returned to the Kodak shop. In fact, veteran crew chief Tim Brewer has been working closely with McClure and longtime crew member Robert Larkins since just before the Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway in late May.(Bristol Herald Courier)(6-24-2003)
UPDATE: This will be a very busy week for area driver Stacy Compton. 13 Sports has learned that Compton will head out Tuesday for Talladega, where he will test the #4 Kodak Pontiac for Morgan-McClure Motorsports. That could lead to Compton driving the 4 car in the Winston Cup Pepsi 400 at Daytona a week from Saturday. Johnny Sauter may also test the car next week in Chicago. After testing at Talladega this week, Compton heads out early Friday for this Sunday's Busch Series race in Milwaukee.(ABC 13)
AND Stacy Compton is looking to return to Winston Cup racing. If Morgan-McClure Motorsports wants him, he could accept a deal. Compton is contemplating the possibility of signing a deal with Morgan-McClure sometime in the near future. “It’s a real good possibility you may see me in that four car,” Compton said in a phone interview Monday night. “Kodak’s a great company to work for. If I could get some seat time, it would help both programs. I’ve entertained ideas of running both series, but there’s not really been any serious talk. As we’re going and testing, talks will get more serious.” Compton is already involved in a full-time Busch Series ride, driving the #59 Kingsford/Johnsonville Chevy owned by Tad Geschickter. “I’ve got a really good Busch deal right now. If a Winston Cup ride becomes available and if they asked me to do the Cup ride and not the Busch ride, I would stick with the Busch car. In case of a double duty, I’ve still got time left on my contract with the Busch car,” he added. “Tad’s been awful good to me. I would love to run both series.” A two-day test session in the #4 Cup car is scheduled for Compton on Wednesday and Thursday at Talladega Superspeedway.
Whether Morgan-McClure will approach him about finalizing a deal remains uncertain. (Lynchburg News and Advance)(6-24-2003)
Skinner Comments: Mike Skinner is not surprised he was let go by Morgan-McClure Racing because he said this is a performance business and the bottom line is we weren't performing...primarily on Friday's. Skinner thinks his former team has great race cars and hopes they have success and that "I'm a damn good racecar driver and I'm gonna find a job and maybe it'll work out better for both of us." Skinner says "I'd love to drive a Winston Cup car next year but I'd also love to go back to the truck series. I would rather be in a competitive situation. I'm not gonna take any long term commitments unless I know it's got a chance to win races and finish high in the points. I would step down a class or two because sometimes steppin' down is steppin' up."(PRN's Garagepass radio show)(6-21-2003)
Hamilton Jr offered #4 Ride UPDATE turned down, why?: during an interview, #25 Busch Series driver, Bobby Hamilton Jr., talked to #4 Morgan-McClure team owner Larry McClure about the now open #4 Kodak Pontiac ride in Cup, but turned it down as he is committed to Team Rensi and is signed with them thru 2004.(XM Satellite- NASCAR Radio Subscription Required)(6-17-2003)
UPDATE: So why did Bobby Hamilton Jr. earlier this week pass up an offer to drive the 4 Kodak Pontiac as a replacement for released Mike Skinner? ''First, it was a matter of loyalty to my Busch Series team,'' Hamilton Jr. said yesterday. ''This team has worked hard and come a long way, and I can't just bail out on it. Also, the Kodak team has been struggling and I'm not sure it's that good of a situation right now. I may kick myself later, but I turned it down.'' Most Winston Cup drivers command starting salaries of $1 million a year, and Hamilton admitted the ''financial part was tempting. But there's more to this sport than money. '' Hamilton, 25, is coming off his second career Busch Series victory. He intends to run one more full Busch season, then move up to Winston Cup along with the entire Team Rensi Motorsports operation. ''Winston Cup has always been my goal,'' he said, ''but I want to take my time and do it right.''(Tennessean)(6-21-2003)
Driver named for #4 at Sonoma: Morgan-McClure Motorsports announced that Trans-Am Road Racing Series points leader Johnny Miller [info at www.milleracing.com] will drive the #4 Kodak Winston Cup Series car at Infineon Raceway this weekend. Miller, who resides in Johnson City, TN, will make his first start in a NASCAR Winston Cup race. Miller, a road course specialist, tested a #4 car in 2002 at Road Atlanta prior to the Sonoma, CA. event for Morgan-McClure. Miller joins a list of road course "ringers" to compete in the Dodge/Save Mart 350. The 37 year-old currently leads the Championship points for the Trans-Am Series. In his past 29 Trans-Am Series starts, Miller has finished in the top-10 an impressive 28 times. For the 2003 season, he has four starts resulting in two third place finishes, a second place, and a win. The Industrial Engineer graduate of the University of Tennessee began racing professionally in 1996 and has captured 32 top-five and 58 top-10 finishes in 95 Trans-Am Series starts.(more at Morgan-McClure Motorsports site)(6-16-2003)
Morgan-McClure to examine car UPDATE Skinner released: XM Satellite- NASCAR Radio reports that #4 Morgan McClure team owner Larry McClure said they will take the #4 Kodak Pontiac back to their VA shop and lokk it over and find if anything is wrong with the car and if they find nothing, changes may have to be made, but wasn't specific. The team and driver Mike Skinner missed the race at Michigan due to lack of speed and being out of provisionals.(XM Satellite- NASCAR Radio - Subscription Required)
AND quotes by Mike Skinner from Morgan-McClure PR: "It is a situation no one wants to experience. I am devastated. I am proud of our engine shop and our body shop. We brought a new car here that did not have a lap on it. We had not tested it. We all thought it would be better, obviously it was not. We missed it somewhere. This was a group decision made on Tuesday, so there is no one to point fingers at. I feel bad. I wish I could have done more as a driver. Our cars and race team is strong enough to make races and compete. We have dug in a hole and they are not easy to dig out of. We are going to find out how tough we really are.. I cannot say enough about the progress we have made with our engines and the racing. This team has had some tough breaks on the race track. This has dug us in a hole for points."
AND II: "This is a tough situation and I'm going get to the bottom of it. I hope I can go home and find something wrong with the car, some reason we didn't run good," said team owner Larry McClure. "That is just a piece of metal, though. After that, it's people. I will make the decision regardless of what I have to change - whether it's me, the people working on the race car or whoever is driving it." McClure said he had not talked with any other drivers, but that all options were "on the table."(ThatsRacin.com)(6-14-2003)
UPDATE: Morgan-McClure Motorsports announced today that Mike Skinner has been released from his driving duties of the No. 4 Kodak Racing Pontiac. The change is effective immediately. An interim driver for the upcoming Dodge/Save Mart 350 at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif. will be announced this week. A permanent driver will be announced at a later date. Skinner has been with the race team since the end of 2001 and began piloting the car in Daytona 2002. Skinner had only one top-10 finish in 50 races with the Abingdon, Va.-based team. Strong efforts and changes, including that of key personnel, were made to counteract the performance of the team, but Larry McClure, team owner, decided a major change was necessary. "We feel it is necessary to perform better for our race team and for our sponsor, Kodak. We appreciate Mike’s efforts in the car, but it is time for a change. We have to finish races and that has not been happening. We went to Charlotte a few weeks ago and qualified third. Then earlier in the year, we qualified sixth at Bristol. I feel this shows our team has potential that is not being utilized in a maximum way," stated McClure.(Morgan-McClure PR); John Andretti ?(6-16-2003)
Andretti rumors: John Andretti, released Tuesday as driver of the #43 Petty Dodge, could be under consideration for a Pontiac ride with the #01 US Army/MB2 Motorsports team, as a sub for ailing Jerry Nadeau, or for a ride with #4 car owner Larry McClure, sources said.[McClure denies talking to any other drivers - see above story]. Mike Skinner, who has had a tough season with McClure, failed to make the field. Just last week McClure denied speculation of changes [remember Smutski?]. MB2's Jay Frye dismissed the Andretti talk.(Winston Salem Journal)(6-14-2003)
Morgan-McClure Motorsports has Double Duty as McClure debuts in Michigan: Morgan-McClure Motorsports, the Abingdon, VA.-based Winston Cup team, which houses the #4 Kodak Pontiac, will participate in a double-header weekend in the upcoming Michigan International Speedway events. Eric McClure, 24 year-old son of team co-owner and raceday spotter Jerry McClure, will attempt to qualify for the Flagstar 200, his first ARCA RE/MAX Series event. The younger McClure, who competes on Saturday nights in the NASCAR Late Model Stock Division at Lonesome Pine Speedway in Coeburn, Va., will drive a Morgan-McClure prepared #4 yellow Chevrolet used last year. McClure has also stepped into the role of Research and Development driver for the Winston Cup team. Team manager, Tim Weiss, and chief engineer, Gary Grossenbacher have spent hours of testing time with McClure in an effort to teach him about the heavier, faster cars. They are convinced the nephew of Larry McClure has the raw talent required to compete in upper divisions of Motorsports. Their combined efforts have also shown up in the Winston Cup entry driven by Mike Skinner. Without the wrecked cars and bad luck this season, the veteran team would be on track to a competitive season. The entire Morgan-McClure Motorsports pit crew will be on hand to offer their services and support to McClure at the 2 mile oval, while also focusing their efforts on the Sirius 400. One year ago, the team started 15th and finished the race 30th in the car McClure will qualify on Friday.(Morgan-McClure PR)(6-10-2003)
Skinner not to be re-newed? UPDATE 2: hearing the option on Mile Skinner's contract will not be re-newed for the 2004 season with the #4 Morgan-McClure team, no word on who would take over the driving duties. Been told it would NOT be Eric McClure, who currently runs late models at Lonesome Pine International Raceway in VA and plans to make his ARCA debut in June at Michigan.(6-3-2003)
UPDATE: #4 car owner Larry McClure says theres no truth to the rumors that sponsor Kodak may leave his team anytime soon....perhaps for DEI....or that driver Mike Skinner is on the way out. As far as Kodak is concerned McClure says they're on the third year of a five year deal and says "all those rumors on that thing have no validity whatsoever." As for his driver McClure says "nothing has changed." Skinnner has a series of three one-year contracts with Morgan-McClure Racing and both are planning to talk in August about 2004.(PRN's Garage Pass Radio Show)(6-5-2003)
UPDATE 2: It appears winless Mike Skinner will be searching for a job after this season. Representatives from #4-Morgan-McClure Racing said Skinner's contract more than likely won't be renewed for 2004.(Patriot-News), Skinner is the only driver who has started every race that has yet to finish on the lead lap in any race.
ALSO McClure was interviewed by MRN Radio and said there is no validity to the rumor that Kodak would leave at the end of 2003 and will be with the team for two more years and was not sure why this Jayski guy writes this smut. DEI also apologized to McClure saying they have not talked to Kodak, McClure said DEI had no reason to apologize. Guess I can forget getting a Christmas Card.(6-8-2003)
More on the #4 Rumors: #4 car owner Larry McClure says theres no truth to the rumors that sponsor Kodak may leave his team anytime soon....perhaps for DEI....or that driver Mike Skinner is on the way out. As far as Kodak is concerned McClure says they're on the third year of a five year deal and says "all those rumors on that thing have no validity whatsoever." As for his driver McClure says "nothing has changed." Skinnner has a series of three one-year contracts with Morgan-McClure Racing and both are planning to talk in August about 2004.(PRN's Garage Pass Radio Show), see past rumors about this on my #4 Team News and Links page.(6-5-2003)
Skinner not to be re-newed? hearing the option on Mile Skinner's contract will not be re-newed for the 2004 season with the #4 Morgan-McClure team, no word on who would take over the driving duties. Been told it would NOT be Eric McClure, who currently runs late models at Lonesome Pine International Raceway in VA and plans to make his ARCA debut in June at Michigan.(6-3-2003)
Kodak to the #1 in 2004? hearing Kodak is considering leaving the #4 Morgan-McClure Motorsports team at the end of the season [but last I heard they were signed thru 2005??] and will end up on the #1 DEI Chevy in 2004, who is possibly looking for a sponsor as past rumors [see #1 Team News and Links page] have Pennzoil leaving at the end of 2003. Current driver, Jeff Green [except for the road courses when Ron Fellows takes over] is signed thru September. Some rumors have 2-time IRL champ in the #1 in a few races late this season and maybe in 2004, but some of those rumors were wrapped around his link with Pennzoil, his sponsor in the IRL. Some rumors put Dixie Pottery as the #4 sponsor or assoc sponsor in 2004.(6-3-2003)
Skinner Speaks: Recently, Mike Skinner, driver of the #4 Kodak Pontiac, met with team owner Larry McClure to give the team a communication grade. Skinner said it was a "D." "It's just communication and getting the right setup under the car," Skinner said. "Either I'm saying the wrong things or they are hearing the wrong things, and we're really working on that." After talking with McClure, Skinner, crew chief Chris Carrier and the rest of the team's leadership got together. Skinner insisted that while he can help with the setup of the car, his main focus is drive and provide proper feedback. It's the crew's job to make the right decisions on the setup.(NASCAR.com), also during Speed Channel's coverage of Coca-Cola 600 qualifying, it was reported that former crew chief, Tim Brewer, was working with the team as a consultant.(5-24-2003)
Skinner and Kenseth - No DNF's at 'Dega: #4-Mike Skinner and #17-Matt Kenseth are the only active drivers with at least three starts at Talladega who have not posted at least one DNF. Skinner has been running at the end of all 12 of his Winston Cup starts at Talladega, even though he was involved in Sunday's big wreck. Kenseth had done that for seven races.(Alabama Live)(4-7-2003)
Furr to the #0; Leaves #4? UPDATE: Haas CNC Racing has enlisted the services of former Hendrick Motorsports employee Tony Furr to work with rookie Jack Sprague's #0 Pontiac. The team is a technical partner of HMS and uses Hendrick engines and chassis. According to Haas CNC Racing G.M. Joe Custer, Furr will join the organization on Tuesday. Furr's knowledge of Hendrick's systems and his organizational skills will benefit this team significantly. Furr was performing a number of duties for Mike Skinner's team.(Sporting News)(3-24-2003)
UPDATE: Tony Furr has left his daily duties of Competition Director for Morgan-McClure Motorsports. The Abingdon, Va.-based team announced Tuesday that Furr has left the team, although he will be retained for several projects he had begun for team owner Larry McClure. Furr had joined the team at the beginning of 2003 and leaves due to personal reasons regarding the need to be with his family in Concord, NC.
Larry McClure quotes: "Furr was a positive addition to our team. He leaves us on good terms. We hope him the best in the future."
Mike Skinner quotes: "Tony Furr has been a great asset to our team. I will help Larry and the team all I can to find a replacement for Tony. We wish him well. We will miss him, along with his knowledge, tremendously."(Morgan McClure PR)(3-25-2003)
Skinner Safe? Mike Skinner is rumored to be out in the #4. By the way, owner Larry McClure says Skinner is safe.(CNNSI)(3-25-2003)
Skinner safe in the #4: despite rumors floating around, NASCAR.com reports that after #4-Mike Skinner's 11th place run at Darling, team owner Larry McClure was able to put to rest rumors that circulated in the Darlington garage that Skinner was on his way out as driver of the #4 Kodak Pontiac. "We're not looking at anybody else," McClure said. "I've heard everybody questioning this, that and everything else. Look, every week that goes by I question what I do and what everybody else here has done. If you don't win, you'd better do that." Skinner ended 2002, his first season with MMM, 31st in points with a single top-10 finish. But McClure shuffled the deck by bringing in veteran mechanic Tony Furr as competition director and switching manufacturers, to Pontiac. "We've been behind and trying to catch up," McClure said. "Mike's a good race car driver and he can help us get there. Everybody's just got to be focused. I'm not out here looking for another race car driver. Tony Furr came over here and we only had about three or four cars started and he's made an impact. We're going to keep going. I think everything's going good. As far as saying that Mike's not going to be here -- I'm not going to say that. All I'm saying is we've got to perform. Let me tell you how this deal works," McClure said. "Everybody that works on that race car is in jeopardy because we've got to perform. Whatever opportunity is in front of us, we've got to perform. Well, we got an 11th place finish, but we all knew we were capable of better.(NASCAR.com)(3-17-2003)
Sad News: One of the most recognizable crew members in the Winston Cup garage area is absent from Atlanta. Randall Helbert, transporter driver for Morgan-McClure Motorsports who is known in the garage for his signature black cowboy hat and large rodeo-style belt buckle, received painful news while on his way back to Abingdon, Va. from Las Vegas. His mother, Gaynell Helbert, died on Monday, March 3, 2003. She was 64. Our thoughts and prayers are with Randall and his family during this time.(Morgan McClure)(3-8-2003)
Kodak making a larger push: Eastman Kodak Company announced plans to broaden the marketing push behind its NASCAR sponsorship, including joint promotional activity with key customers and a wider representation of new products on Kodak car #4. Beyond the consumer film products on which the Kodak brand has been built, the car will promote such products as the EasyShare consumer digital camera system and Vision2, the company's premier line of motion-picture film. Logo space on the car's trunk will be devoted to such key customers as Kroger, one of the nation's largest grocery retailers. The Kroger logo will adorn the trunk for the Daytona 500, known as the "Great American Race." Kodak will launch a section on its own website devoted to the racing team. The site, www.kodak.com/go/racing, will include information about the owner of the car, Morgan-McClure Motorsports, the driver of the Pontiac Grand Prix - Mike Skinner, and Kodak #4 car racing performance. With the website, fans will have a single place to keep up with the Kodak Racing program and to access Kodak Racing merchandise, promotions and sweepstakes. As part of this effort, Kodak will build an additional "Show Car" that will travel the country with the Kodak Picture Planet, a mobile, 53-foot educational and entertainment vehicle that allows consumers to experience a variety of Kodak products and services.(Business Wire)(2-14-2003)
MBV, MB2 and Morgan-McClure: The MBV (Benson) and MB2 (Jerry Nadeau) teams have formed a cooperative development arrangement with Morgan-McClure, the Abingdon, Va.-based team that is switching from Chevrolet to Pontiac.(Gaston Gazette)(1-24-2003)
Skinner and #4 Team to film a commercial: Mike Skinner and the #4 Kodak Racing Team head west to Las Vegas on Wednesday, January 22, to begin filming a Pontiac Television commercial. Skinner and the entire over-the-wall Morgan-McClure Motorsports crew will be featured in the one of the commercials. The remaining team members will fly out to Vegas on Sunday to participate in a test session at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Monday, January 27 and Tuesday, January 28.(Morgan McClure PR)(1-21-2003)
Furr joins Morgan-McClure: Morgan-McClure Motorsports rings in 2003 with exciting new changes for the Abingdon, Va.-based team. The team, which celebrates its twentieth anniversary during this NASCAR Winston Cup season, welcomes not only new Pontiacs to the racing stables, but a new Competition Director, as well. Tony Furr, a 30 year racing veteran who began his Winston Cup career in 1989, joins Morgan-McClure to assist Tim Weiss-Team Manager and Chris Carrier-Crew Chief with the overall duties of bringing the Kodak Racing Team back to its winning form. Furr spend 2002 at the #25 Hendrick Motorsports team and the #7 Ultra Motorsports team as a crew chief. Furr is one more addition to the transitions taking place at the race shop located in the rolling Va. Mountains. The #4 car, which switches to Pontiacs following a 12-year stint filled with 14 wins with Chevrolet, will also change from a Kodak product car to a Kodak brand racer. Kodak will feature several of its brands on the car throughout the 2003 Winston Cup season, beginning with Kodak Picture Perfect Processing in Daytona. Various paint schemes will signify these changes on the car during the year.. It is the first time Kodak will vary from the traditional film or camera related sponsorship, which has been in place on the car for 17 years. Thus the team will change all of its apparel and signage from the Kodak Film Racing Team to the Kodak Racing Team. The Three-time Daytona 500 winners will arrive in Daytona for their first "official" practice session of 2003 on Tuesday, January 7. Mike Skinner, driver of the #4 Kodak Pontiac, and the team, which has thrashed all winter to get new Pontiacs prepared, awaits the annual test session with much anticipation.(Morgan-McClure Motorsports PR)(1-4-2003)
2002 News
Debut of different #4 scheme at Talladega: Eastman Kodak Company's newly wrapped NASCAR Winston Cup Series race car featuring new Kodak Perfect Touch processing, will race for the first time on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2002 at the Talladega, AL NASCAR Race. Kodak Perfect Touch processing is a revolutionary new photofinishing service that individually scans and corrects each negative giving consumers pictures that reveal richer detail, fewer dark shadows and more vibrant color. The new paint scheme will hit the track for practice and qualifying on Friday, Oct. 4, 2002 with Mike Skinner piloting the entry. Traditionally, Kodak's NASCAR design has focused on film. The last revamp -- which occurred in 1986 -- featuring Kodak Max film and was one of only a few throughout Kodak's 17-year primary sponsorship of the #4 Chevrolet. The new design is in line with a company-wide priority to generate more prints of pictures and driving processing volumes for retail partners. Midwest retailers who have signed up for Kodak Perfect Touch processing have the option of integrating the Kodak Perfect Touch processing NASCAR in their in-store promotions including the opportunity to showcase the car on-site. Additional markets will have this option as the service rolls out regionally between October 2002 and July 2003. Kodak is the longest running, continuous primary sponsor in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series. Kodak began its relationship with Larry McClure and Morgan-McClure Motorsports 10 races into the 1985 season. Rick Wilson drove for team at the time. Additional Kodak Perfect Touch processing NASCAR Winston Cup races include: Lowe's Motor Speedway, Martinsville, Atlanta, Rockingham, Phoenix and Homestead.(Morgan McClure Motorsports PR), see an image of the car on my Paint Scheme Gallery.(10-4-2002)
IRWIN Rough to Finish Award #4 Team: Persistence and quick reactions paid off for the #4 Kodak Team at Sunday's MBNA All-American Heroes 400 at Dover Speedway. As a result of the team's close call and solid effort in the pits, team crew chief Chris Carrier takes home this week's IRWIN 'Rough to the Finish' Award. While running at the 13th position on lap 239, Mike Skinner pitted under green-flag conditions. After having bad luck over the past several races and qualifying 34th, it looked like the team was on it's way to a good day. On that pit stop, jackman Tony Cardamone was struck by the #4 car as it entered the pit stall. Cardamone rolled across the hood of the Kodak Chevrolet, got up and continued to finish the pit stop. Cardamone was not injured. Skinner returned to action in 27th and finished the race in 19th place, two laps down.
Each week throughout the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup season, Irwin, makers of professional power tool accessories like Marathon Plus saw blades and Speedbor flat bits, is partnering with Performance Racing Network to honor the crew chief who had the toughest day in the pits, but still managed to help his team to a strong finish. The IRWIN Rough to the Finish Award includes an assortment of tools for the crew chief and a $250 check donated to the Ellerbe, NC Educational Fund in the racing team's name.. The year-end winner of the crew chief points standings will win a $5,000 check donated to the Fund.. Race fans wanting to make a contribution to the Fund may do so by sending it to the Ellerbe, NC Educational Fund, PO Box 443, Ellerbe, NC 28338. In addition to the crew chief award, Irwin is also sponsoring the weekly nationally syndicated radio show, "Fast Talk with Benny Parsons", throughout the upcoming year.(Golin Harris PR)(9-25-2002)
#4 Jackman OK: Tony Cardamore, the jack man for the #4 Kodak Chevy driven by Mike Skinner, was hit by the car as Skinner entered the pits for a scheduled stop on Lap 239 at Dover. Cardamore rolled across the hood, but continued with the pit stop. He was not injured.(ThatsRacin.com)(9-22-2002)
Skinner wrecks at Kansas UPDATE 2: #4-Mike Skinner was involved in a crash at Kansas Speedway during tesiting Wednesday. Hearing a right front tire blew out on the #4 Kodak Chevy. Heavy impact with the wall caused the car to become engulfed in flames. Skinner was treated at the infield care center and then taken to a local Medical Center in Kansas City for further tests and evaluation and was released Wednesday evening.(9-12-2002)
UPDATE: PRN's Garage Pass talked with Mike Skinner just a little bit after seeing one of several doctors Thursday. He was scheduled to see his doctor in Florida Thursday night about his right knee which was injured in the crash. It's the same knee he had operated on this time last year. He's says he pretty banged up, but he will be in New Hampshire to practice on Friday to see how he feels. Depending on that he may ask Larry McClure [#4 car owner] to find a sub for him. The quotes: "I'm gonna be okay...I'm just beat up a little bit and my face is burned a little bit. I'm gonna try it (practice) tomorrow (Friday) and see how it goes. If I don't feel like can give them (the team) 100% and if I feel like I'm jeopardizing myself then I'll have them put somebody else in it." Skinner thinks the Kansas Speedway testing accident knocked the fuel pump off and knocked the firewall out of the car and blew fire up in the car. He says, "I don't remember, but I guess it was a pretty big fire." The Kodak Chevy driver says his safety equipment did "a great job".(PRN's Garage Pass Radio show)(9-13-2002)
UPDATE 2: Mike Skinner, driver of the #4 Kodak Max Film Monte Carlo, qualified fifth for the New Hampshire 300 following a horrific crash at Kansas Speedway: "We were a little timid after our crash the other day (testing at Kansas Speedway) and I think we
were second fastest the second time we went out. We got off on the chassis a little bit and lost the car some and then toward the end of the practice, we started getting it better and better. They're making some changes on the car, but we're really satisfied with the car right now. We're just trying to figure out this front-end stuff with the softer springs and all that we're running. We're excited. We feel like we still could contribute to the Monte Carlo camp before we go to Pontiac next year. I'd like to go out with a bang for them. I'm sore. I'm beat up a little bit. I thought about not driving. And then I decided to try it for a couple of laps. If I didn't feel right, we'd just get somebody else. But I felt okay and we started working on the car and the next thing I knew, practice was over.. Then I went out and qualified. We'll just see how it goes. Happy Hour will tell the tale tomorrow. I will know after the completion of it if we need someone to standby for the race Sunday. Heck, I told Chris Carrier (crew chief) that we might just suit him up and send him out in the car."(GM PR)(9-14-2002)
AND after Happy Hour: "Considering what I've been through this week, I'm feeling pretty good. I'm a little short on energy. It's like when you're trying to shake the flu. You get up in the morning and you feel fine, but you run out of energy real quick. I think I'll be stronger by (Sunday). "I'm not going to give up. I think I'll be fine in the car. I'm going to get a lot of rest (Saturday night) and that should help. Right now the plan is for me to drive the car the entire race."(GM PR)(9-14-2002)
Morgan-McClure announcement at Bristol? UPDATE 2 It's Official to Pontiac: hearing that the #4 Morgan McClure to Pontiac announcment could come at Bristol the weekend of August 23-24th.(8-15-2002)
UPDATE: Word on the street has Morgan-McClure Motorsports leaving the Chevy stable and switching to the 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix. If Morgan-McClure makes the move, it would be the second team captured by Pontiac. On Saturday, PPI Racing announced it was leaving Ford and that Ricky Craven would drive a #32 Pontiac beginning with next year. The announcement might be made during activities at Bristol Motor Speedway this weekend.(NASCAR.com Buzz)(8-20-2002)
UPDATE 2: a press conference has been scheduled for 10:30am Friday morning at BMS. While the move is still not definite, Morgan-McClure is expected to leave the Chevrolet camp and move to the Pontiac Grand Prix for next season.(Bristol Herald Courier)(8-22-2002)
UPDATE 2: Pontiac Racing announced Friday that Morgan-McClure Motorsports has been added to its racing stable, beginning with the 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup Series season. Morgan-McClure currently campaigns the #4 Kodak Chevy with driver Mike Skinner.(GM PR) AND Team owner Larry McClure said the association with Pontiac will provide many resources. "More engineering. More money. More technical advice and experience. They are willing to provide us with whatever we need to help us to be more competitive," McClure said. McClure also said he continues to explore the idea of fielding a second race team in the future, dependent on sponsorship dollars.(ThatsRacin.com)(8-23-2002)
Skinner back in the #4 in 2003? UPDATE: Although he signed a three-year contract with Morgan-McClure Motorsports, Mike Skinner’s future in the #4 Kodak car isn’t a given. The contract is for one year with two, one-year options. “We’re in the process of talking with Mike about next season,” team owner Larry McClure said Aug. 3.(Winston Cup Scene - need subscription to read)(8-8-2002)
UPDATE: Mike Skinner has struggled with the rest of Morgan-McClure Motorsports, but says he made the right move when he joined the Winston Cup team. Skinner felt overshadowed at Richard Childress Racing and was let go last year after six seasons and no wins with the elite team. Morgan-McClure offered what Skinner wanted, a one-car team where Skinner is at the center of attention. It has not been a winning combination. Skinner is 30th in the series points standings, as the Eastman Kodak Company of Rochester-sponsored team has not recaptured the success it had during the mid-1990s. There are rumors that Skinner and the team could part before 2003. Skinner said, however, that if his two-year contract with an option year was up now, he would stay with the team. "It's hard to turn something around if you don't give it enough time to turn it around," he said. "I don't think we can say, 'OK, we've been racing together for six months, we haven't got a top-10 finish or won race so we need to part directions. That's unfair to both them and me. We're going to stick it out for awhile. If I had to make that decision right now, it would have to be an awfully sweet deal."(Democrat and Chronicle)(8-10-2002)
Morgan McClure to Pontiac? UPDATE: Pontiac officials say they hope to have at least as many cars on the track in 2003 as they currently have, and expect to soon begin announcing which teams will field the new Grand Prix. Chief among those expected to join Pontiac is Morgan-McClure Motorsports, which currently fields the #4 Kodak Chevrolets for Mike Skinner. Team owner Larry McClure has met with General Motors officials on several occasions while considering the move. “We’re talking with GM about switching to Pontiac next season,” McClure said Aug. 3. “It’s a situation we feel might be beneficial to our team. There are so many Chevrolet teams right now, it would move us up a little bit in the pecking order. Sort of the big fish in a little pond, I guess.” Five teams currently field Pontiacs: #20-Tony Stewart and #18-Bobby Labonte at Joe Gibbs Racing; MBV with #10-Johnny Benson; MB2 with #36-Ken Schrader; and #14-A.J. Foyt Racing. Gibbs announced in July, however, that his teams will switch to the new Chevrolet for 2003. Pontiac has also been courting car owner Cal Wells, whose PPI Motorsports operation currently fields #32 Fords for driver Ricky Craven. But Wells says he is undecided on which brand will be in his team’s compound next season.(Winston Cup Scene - need subscription to read)(8-8-2002)
UPDATE: Morgan-McClure Motorsports owner Larry McClure said he was "looking at all his options" in regards to a possible change in manufacturer next season. Currently, McClure fields the #4 Chevrolets for driver Mike Skinner. Pontiac, which is debuting a new model Grand Prix and next season and will lose Joe Gibbs Racing to Chevrolet, has been searching for new teams, with McClure's and Cal Wells' PPI Motorsports at the top of the list. "We've looked at everything and we haven't made a decision yet," McClure said. "I don't have anything further to tell anybody. If I change to anything, or stay, it will be a benefit. Sideways moves, I'm not interested in those." McClure also said Skinner would be his driver next season. Last season, Skinner signed a one-year contract with two one-year options. "As far as I know, he's staying, so you can put that one to bed," he said.(ThatsRacin.com)(8-10-2002)
New VP for Morgan-McClure: Morgan-McClure Motorsports announced the addition of Jerry Wallner, a business associate of the team for many years, to its staff. Wallner, who recently retired from his position of Director of Sponsorships with the Eastman Kodak Company, will join the Abingdon, Va.-based team on July 1, 2002. Wallner's role at Morgan-McClure Motorsports will be Vice President of Marketing. His duties will include setting a strategic marketing focus for the team. He will also coordinate all marketing related activities for the Kodak MAX Film Monte Carlo. Wallner is a graduate of Loyola College in Baltimore with a degree in marketing. He also attended graduate school at Syracuse University in Sales and Marketing. While with Kodak, he held a series of positions including marketing, sales management and extensive sponsorship management. He was responsible for partnerships between Kodak and theme parks, sports marketing, entertainment, special events and cause marketing. Familiar with Morgan-McClure Motorsports through many years of working with Larry McClure and the Kodak sponsorship of the team, Wallner looks to help enhance the race program with extended sponsorships and increased marketing ventures. He and his wife Carmen reside in Atlanta, Ga., from where he will work closely with McClure and the veteran race team.(Morgan-McClure Motorsports PR)(6-28-2002)
Didn't Last Long: Effectively immediately, Scott Eggleston, who was named team manager last week for the #4 Kodak MAX Film Monte Carlo, is no longer with Morgan-McClure Motorsports. Eggleston, who joined the Abingdon, Va.-based team in June 2001, prior to Pocono, resigned from his duties on Tuesday.(Morgan-McClure Motorsports PR)(6-4-2002)
New #4 Morgan McClure Crew Chief: Morgan-McClure Motorsports has switched around jobs on its #4 Kodak Chevy team, moving Chris Carrier into the crew chief position. Scott Eggleston, the former crew chief, will now serve as the team manager.
Owner Larry McClure has also served as team manager this season and will now relinquish that role. Driver Mike Skinner has struggled this season, his first with Morgan-McClure. He finished 24th in Sunday's Coca-Cola 600. He is currently 27th in the series points race.(ThatsRacin.com)(5-27-2002)
#4 Jackman to return: Mike James, jackman for Joe Nemechek’s #87 BGN team, served as jackman for #4 Morgan-McClure Motorsports and river Mike Skinner at Darlington. He replaced recuperating Tony Cardamone, who suffered a cracked shin at Atlanta. Cardamone, who was at Darlington, is expected to return to his regular duties March 24 at Bristol.(Winston Cup Scene - need sub to read)(3-21-2002)
Crew Chief change at the #4? UPDATE No, but Carrier hired as crew member: hearing Chris Carrier, currently the crew chief of the #33 APR Chevy [without a sposnor and skipping Vegas] will move over to the #4 Morgan McClure team and driver Mike Skinner as the new crew chief there. Scott Eggleston is currently the crew chief of the #4 Kodak Chevy.(2-27-2002)
UPDATE: Chris Carrier, former crew chief of the #33 Andy Petree Racing entry, has been hired by Morgan-McClure Motorsports. Carrier's departure from APR, a. result of uncertainty surrounding the team he worked with, was an amicable split. Carrier, a native of Bristol, TN, will work at the shop and travel with the #4 Kodak MAX Film crew weekly. Employed by mutual agreement of Larry McClure (team owner), Mike Skinner (driver) and Scott Eggleston (crew chief), Carrier's duties will be to serve as a team member to assist Eggleston. His employment at the Abingdon, Va.-based team begins Monday.(Morgan McClure PR)(2-27-2002)
Morgan McClure leases and engine: Larry McClure [owner of the #4 Kodak Chevy], once known for his [restrictor] engines at these type of tracks, purchased a motor from Rick Hendrick to run in the Daytona 500.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(2-18-2002)
2001 News
Skinner back and will test: Mike Skinner will return to the track this week for the first time since the Sept 23 race at Dover. He will be getting used to his new ride, the #4 Kodak/Morgan McClure Chevrolet, and his new team and crew chief, Scott Eggleston, during test sessions at Caraway Speedway in Asheboro, NC. Skinner stopped racing because of injuries related to a crash in July at Chicagoland.(Sporting News)(12-17-2001)
2nd Morgan McClure team? UPDATE 2: Along with signing Mike Skinner taking over behind the wheel for #4 Chevy there is speculation that Hamilton Jr. will become the driver of a second M-M Winston Cup team in 2002, pending a sponsorship. Hamilton Jr. will not be able to race the #4 car at Martinsville Oct. 14 due to the fact the BGN series will be racing in Memphis that weekend. McClure said he will be looking for a more experienced driver who has run at Martinsville before(BGN does not run there - Rich Bickle will drive).(Bristol Herald Courier), Dr. Pepper maybe. And yes, if Hamilton Jr runs all 7 races, he will had run 10 races in 2002 and will not be eligible for any future Rookie of the Year awards(10-2-2001)
UPDATE: As for the ever-present question of a second M-M team involving Hamilton, McClure said stay tuned. ``We're looking at that,'' McClure said. ``We've been wanting to do a two-team deal. I certainly don't know of anybody that I would like to have anymore than Bobby Hamilton Jr. `We will just look and see how we do together, and then see if some deal comes around. If something surfaces and we feel like it will compliment our Kodak deal, we would certainly look at it (a second car) real hard.''(Bristol Herald Courier)(10-3-2001)
UPDATE 2: Morgan-McClure Motorsports is reportedly looking for a second, primary sponsor in hopes of keeping Hamilton Jr.(NASCAR.com Buzz)(11-19-2001)
#4 Team Member doing better: Lonnie Hill, a veteran employee of Morgan-McClure Motorsports, continues to heal from surgery performed on his lung two weeks ago. Hill had been diagnosed with a lung disease, Bullae, in September. Electing to have surgery earlier than first expected, Hill is recuperating at home and is doing great.(Morgan McClure Newsletter)(11-8-2001)
Skinner at Talladega: Mike Skinner returned to the Winston Cup garage yesterday, hobbling around on a crutch as he continues to recover from knee surgery two weeks ago. Skinner said it was tough being at the track and watching everyone else drive. "I sit on the couch and try to drive everybody's car at home on Sundays," he said. Skinner said he "probably" will not start driving for the Larry McClure's team until testing for the Daytona 500 next season.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(10-20-2001)
Skinner begins Therapy: Mike Skinner, the newly announced driver of the #4 Kodak Chevy for the 2002 Cup season, began an intensive therapy regimen this week. Skinner, who underwent surgery on his knee and ankle last Wednesday, is anxious for a speedy recovery. Says Skinner: "I completed my first physical therapy session on Monday. The doctor says it is going to take four months to heal and I am beginning to realize why. We primarily worked with muscle stretches. The therapist explained to me the importance of keeping the muscles mobile during this critical time. No weights were used in the therapy. Because of the surgery performed on my ankle, weight training will not be incorporated into the sessions for a few more weeks. I will attend the physical therapy session three
times a week for about an hour each time. Then, I have exercises to complete at home. My goal is to be 100% and back in a race car by the middle of January. We would like to go to Abingdon [VA] sometime during the next few days. Angie [Skinner's wife] and I are looking at buying a second home near the race shop. We want to be close to Morgan-McClure.(in part from a Morgan-McClure Motorsports PR)(10-11-2001)
2nd Morgan McClure team? UPDATE: Along with signing Mike Skinner taking over behind the wheel for #4 Chevy there is speculation that Hamilton Jr. will become the driver of a second M-M Winston Cup team in 2002, pending a sponsorship. Hamilton Jr. will not be able to race the #4 car at Martinsville Oct. 14 due to the fact the BGN series will be racing in Memphis that weekend. McClure said he will be looking for a more experienced driver who has run at Martinsville before(BGN does not run there - Rich Bickle will drive).(Bristol Herald Courier), Dr. Pepper maybe. And yes, if Hamilton Jr runs all 7 races, he will had run 10 races in 2002 and will not be eligible for any future Rookie of the Year awards(10-2-2001)
UPDATE: As for the ever-present question of a second M-M team involving Hamilton, McClure said stay tuned. ``We're looking at that,'' McClure said. ``We've been wanting to do a two-team deal. I certainly don't know of anybody that I would like to have anymore than Bobby Hamilton Jr. `We will just look and see how we do together, and then see if some deal comes around. If something surfaces and we feel like it will compliment our Kodak deal, we would certainly look at it (a second car) real hard.''(Bristol Herald Courier)(10-3-2001)
Lepage and Morgan-McClure part ways UPDATE 4 Hamilton Jr in for 7 races - Skinner signs for 3 years: Morgan-McClure Motorsports and Kevin Lepage have agreed to terminate their relationship for the remainder of the 2001 Cup season, effective immediately. Larry McClure states he feels the team needs to explore all avenues in preparation for the 2002 season. McClure enjoyed working with Kevin Lepage and his wife, Donna. Morgan-McClure wishes them the best in the future.(M-M PR), no word on who will drive at Lowes this week, but one report has Bobby Hamilton Jr
AND FSN's Totally NASCAR reported that Hamilton Jr will be the driver for the remainder of the season with the exception of Martinsville
UPDATE: Morgan-McClure Motorsports announces Bobby Hamilton, Jr., as the driver for the upcoming UAW-GM Quality 500 at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte. Hamilton, Jr., who drives the #26 Carroll Racing BGN entry on a full time basis, will step into the
#4 KODAK MAX Film Monte Carlo for the remainder of the 2001 season, with the exception of Martinsville. Hamilton, Jr., who became familiar with the Abingdon-based team while his father served as the driver from 1998-2000, has three Winston Cup Series starts this season at Charlotte, Dover and Michigan. The starts came in the #33 as a result of an injured Joe Nemechek. While continuing his driving duties in the BGN, Hamilton, Jr., will concentrate on working with Morgan-McClure in the Cup Series. He hopes to gain seat time and experience, not only in Cup, but in gaining knowledge to help in his BGN efforts as well(Morgan-McClure PR)(10-1-2001)
UPDATE 2: hearing Rich Bickle could be the driver for the Martinsville race(10-2-2001)
UPDATE 3: Along with Skinner, former driver of the No. 31 Richard Childress-owned Chevrolet, taking over behind the wheel for M-M, there is speculation that Hamilton Jr. will become the driver of a second M-M Winston Cup team in 2002, pending a sponsorship. Hamilton Jr. will not be able to race the #4 car at Martinsville Oct. 14 due to the fact the BGN series will be racing in Memphis that weekend. McClure said he will be looking for a more experienced driver who has run at Martinsville before(BGN does not run there).(Bristol Herald Courier), Dr. Pepper maybe. And yes, if Hamilton Jr runs all 7 races, he will had run 10 races in 2002 and will not be eligible for any future Rookie of the Year awards(10-2-2001)
UPDATE 4: Morgan-McClure Motorsports has signed Mike Skinner to a three-year deal that will put him behind the wheel of the #4 Chevy starting in 2002. Skinner is scheduled to undergo knee surgery in Florida on Wednesday morning. He delayed the surgery a day, he said, in order to participate in a teleconference to make the announcement. He said he anticipated being ready for pre-season testing in January at Daytona.(NASCAR.com)(10-2-2001)
Some more driver rumors UPDATE 3 Skinner signed - Tuesday announcement?: Mike Skinner to the #77 Jasper Engines Ford with current driver, Robert Pressley possibly headed to the #4 Morgan McClure Kodak Chevy. Skinner is also rumored to the #4 team and the #33 Andy Petree Racing team if a sponsor is found(9-18-2001)
UPDATE: and also hearing Robert Pressley as a stong candidate to the #4 Kodak Chevy for 2002 as well as Skinner(9-23-2001)
UPDATE 2: Larry McClure hopes to be able to strike a deal with [Mike] Skinner that will put the veteran behind the wheel of his Chevrolets in 2002. "That's fair," McClure said Sept. 21 when asked if Skinner was his leading candidate. "We'd like to get something done here directly. (But) if you've got a deal done, it would take you two weeks to get it all done."(Winston Cup Scene - need sub to read)(9-27-2001)
UPDATE 3: Mike Skinner signed last week with car owner Larry McClure, according to team sources. Skinner is scheduled for reconstructive surgery on his left knee Wednesday, and his recovery could take three months.(Winston Salem Journal)
AND Larry McClure is putting Mike Skinner in the #4 Chevrolet next season. The announcement will come Tuesday because Skinner is having surgery on his left ankle [actaully knee not ankle] Wednesday(Sporting News)(10-1-2001)
2nd Morgan-McClure team? UPDATE 7 Lepage will not return in 2002: .......Another small outfit, Morgan-McClure Racing, is trying to land another primary sponsor in an effort to add a second team. How much might either organization benefit from the addition of a second team? Greatly, at least according to Larry McClure. “Having more money and a second team allows you to do more things more economically,” Larry McClure said. “You can run that second team more cheaply than you can the first. Another team would also allow you to try certain things that you can’t with just one; try more things with the engine or the chassis or the aero package. Also, with a second team, if one guy is complaining about something, but the other guy isn’t, you’re able to get to the bottom of problems a lot more quickly.”(CNN/SI), hadn't heard or seen anything on this in a while, thought it would be of interest. ALSO - hearing Mike Skinner could be the driver if they start a 2nd team(8-29-2001)
UPDATE: Skinner's next ride is unclear, and there is talk he might wind up with car owner Larry McClure(#4 team).(Winston Salen Journal) AND Recent reports have Skinner going to Morgan-McClure, not as a replacement for Kevin Lepage but as the driver of a new team. Word is that Skinner will bring some sponsorship with him, though there's no knowledge on who that sponsor might be.(CNN/SI)(9-2-2001)
UPDATE 2: also hearing Skinner could be the driver of the #4 Kodak Chevy in 2002. No word on if this happens how it would effect Lepage or IF the team expamds to two cars, Lepage could be in the 2nd car(9-4-2001)
UPDATE 3: Skinner has talked with Larry McClure, who has yet to decide if Kevin Lepage will remain with that team next year. "I have talked with Skinner, but we're not negotiating anything," McClure said. "I've talked with several people. But right now, Kevin's driving the race car and we're trying to go forward." McClure has long looked to run a second team, but insists that's not in his immediate future(Winston Cup Scene - in part - need sub to read)(9-6-2001)
UPDATE 4: Larry McClure is growing frustrated with changes on his No. 4 Chevrolet team, but he's going to make at least one more. McClure said Friday he would have a new driver for his Winston Cup program in 2002. He said he did not renew the contract of current driver Kevin Lepage, which expires at the conclusion of this season, by the Sept. 1 deadline. Lepage is the team's second driver this season; Robby Gordon drove the first five races with the team before McClure hired Lepage. In order to test his equipment to make sure it is up to the level of his competitors, McClure said he had his engines tested on the chassis dynos of other Chevrolet teams and had the aerodynamics compared on his Chevrolets. All are in line with other Chevrolet teams, McClure said. McClure said he had no timetable for signing a new driver(That's Racin')(9-7-2001)
UPDATE 5: McClure said a deadline came for him to let Lepage know if he planned to act on the extension in their agreement. He met the deadline by mailing Lepage a letter saying he was not extending the agreement at this time. He said he and Lepage are looking at options, but he hasn't ruled out Lepage competing in the car next season.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(9-8-2001)
UPDATE 6: Morgan-McClure Motorsports has made a decision not to renew a contract with Kevin Lepage as its driver for the 2002 Winston Cup season and beyond. The team will continue in its efforts to take the #4 KODAK MAX Film Monte Carlo back to a weekly competitive level. Morgan-McClure has not made a decision on a replacement for Lepage. Future plans will be announced later in the season(Morgan-McClure Motorsports PR)(9-10-2001)
UPDATE 7: Lepage signed a three-year contract after his third race with the M-M team. However, the season has gone downhill since then, as Lepage has an average qualifying position of 30.3, an average finishing position of 29.2, and has failed to qualify for three races. ``The driver and team had an option that was easy for both sides to get out of,'' said Lisa Shealy, M-M director of public relations. ``Larry didn't want what happened with Robbie to happen again. Basically, Larry had to let (Lepage) know before the end of the season whether he intended to renew the contract or not. Under the circumstances, Larry informed him that he would not renew it.'' The team has not ruled out bringing Lepage back for next season, but it seems highly unlikely with drivers like Mike Skinner looking for a ride in 2002. Skinner visited the Morgan-McClure shop in Abingdon last month, and according to Shealy, the team has interviewed several drivers. While they would like to have a new driver secured by the end of the season, M-M says there is currently no timeline to fill the vacancy. Tired of talk that it was the team and not the driver, M-M had its engines tested over the summer on the chassis dyno of other teams like Penske and DEI, and had the aerodynamics compared as well.(Bristol Herald Courier) AND Mike Skinner has talked with No. 4 co-owner Larry McClure about that ride for next season. Kevin Lepage will not be back in that car(Sporting News)(9-17-2001)
#4 to help out: Trula Cronk Home For Children, part of Free Will Baptist Family Ministries in Camp Creek, will get some special recognition at this weekend’s Sharpie 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway. The Morgan-McClure No. 4 Kodak Chevy will carry the home’s logo and web site on its rear deck lid in an effort to bring national attention to the ministry and help raise financial support for the home. This should allow millions of people across the country the country. The car will display www.race4kidz.org which will hopefully draw interested persons attention to the home.(Greeneville Sun)(8-23-2001)
Morgan McClure Team makes a boy's day: Recently Larry Stratton and his son, who is autistic, attended the Cup race at Sears Point Raceway and happened on one of the most inspiring acts of kindness he has ever seen a Nascar crew display. The #4 Morgan-McClure Motorsports crew did that was something the world needs to see, and give thanks to those who made this happen. See full story at RacingPress(7-4-2001)
2nd Morgan-McClure car at Sears Point? UPDATE 4: hearing that SCCA Trans Am point leader Johnny Miller will test with the #4 Morgan-McClure team at Road Atlanta and has a shot at driving Sears Point either in a second car or the primary for McClure(6-12-2001)
UPDATE: Hearing if Morgan-McClure runs a 2nd car for Miller, it'll be #94. See images of the testing at the Miller Racing site and a story on the test: Trans-Am points leader Johnny Miller to test NASCAR Winston Cup car(6-14-2001)
UPDATE 2: hearing that Johnny Miller was offered the Morgan McClure (#94 2nd car not the #4 car) ride for Sears Point but turned it down due to time constraints on getting a custom seat in the car and a NASCAR license but Miller may run for the team at Watkins Glen, and will continue testing for them(6-19-2001)
UPDATE 3: Official Statement from Morgan-McClure Motorsports regarding Johnny Miller rumor: Larry McClure, owner of the No. 4 KODAK MAX Film Monte Carlo, states concern over the most recent rumor concerning his Morgan-McClure Motorsports team. Larry McClure quotes "In an unfounded rumor, Johnny Miller was placed in the #4 Chevrolet at Sears Point in the upcoming race event. This is strictly misinformation. Johnny Miller tested for the team at Road Atlanta last week, along with Kevin Lepage. He was there as an asset in gaining valuable road course information. He will continue to test some for the team. Although there might have been a misinterpetation, there was never a plan to field two cars at Sears Point or to have him drive the No. 4 car. Kevin Lepage is the driver. We are in the process of rebuilding and hiring a new crew chief, sometimes that puts a team under more scrutiny. These rumors pop up and they can do a team harm."(Morgan-McClure)(6-20-2001)
UPDATE 4:...."I was really thankful and excited to have the chance to test a Winston Cup car last week,'' Miller said. "I think things went well.'' Miller recently tested the #4 Kodak Chevrolet Monte Carlo for the Morgan-McClure Motorsports team at Road Atlanta. Kevin Lepage is the regular driver for the M-M team. "`I know some of the guys on the Morgan-McClure team and I had asked (M-M general manager) Larry McClure before if I could help him in some way,'' Miller said. "Larry gave me the opportunity last week. `We were there to drive and coach Kevin on the finer elements of road racing and to prepare for the Sears Point and Watkins Glen races. Both Kodak cars were quicker than the Penske car driven by Jeremy Mayfield. We were pleased by that.'' The final results of Miller's tutorial session will come Sunday when Lepage competes in the the Dodge-Save Mart 350 on the two-mile road course at Sears Point Raceway in Sonoma, Calif. "I actually thought about going to Sears Point just to be part of the race, but I'm definitely going to be watching on TV,'' Miller said. ``I had a good time working with Kevin, the Morgan-McClure engineer (Gary Grossenbacher) and their new crew chief (Scott Eggleston). I just hope my experience and feedback will help them have a good race Sunday.'' Miller's immediate goal is winning his first Trans-Am Championship. He hopes to increase his profile and attract more interest from NASCAR power brokers along the way. "Saturday's race in Detroit was on national TV with CBS and two more races will he shown on CBS later this season,'' said Miller, the 1996 Trans-Am rookie of the year. ``National TV is a good way to get your name out. And the success of Trans-Am and road racers in various NASCAR series has also helped give more exposure to our style of racing. It's just a shame that the Trans-Am drivers aren't included in the IROC Series. I've tried to find rides in the Busch Series. I really hope that we can hook up with Morgan-McClure at Watkins Glen in August. I'm confident that we could do well. We're concentrating on winning that Trans-Am championship right now, though.''(Bristol Herald Courier)(6-21-2001)
2nd Morgan-McClure car at Daytona derailed: Larry McClure, who owns the #4 Chevy, has dropped plans to run a second car in the July 7 Pepsi 400. McClure said he had Loy Allen lined up for the ride but his two-car scheme was derailed by a recent crew chief change. "We're looking at trying it for Talladega (in October)," said McClure(Daytona Beach News Journal)(6-19-2001)
Goodyear Tire Test at Indy: #4-Kevin Lepage and #28-Ricky Rudd are testing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway for Goodyear(MRN's NASCAR Today)(6-18-2001)
Eggleston Stays Another Week: Scott Eggleston had his first run with #4 KODAK MAX Film Monte Carlo, serving as crew chief. Eggleston, who first saw the Monte Carlos he would be working with on Friday, improved the race car throughout the 200 lap event on Sunday. Eggleston joins the Kodak crew for a Goodyear tire test at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Monday and Tuesday of this week. He will also lead the crew at Sears Point(Morgan McClure PR)(6-19-2001)
#4 Restructures - new crew chief UPDATE 3 - 2nd car at Sears Point? Morgan-McClure Motorsports has made personnel changes in an effort to restructure its organization and keep pace with the winning competition. Larry McClure, owner of the #4 Kodak Chevy, and crew chief David Ifft, decided to part ways following the Kmart 400 at Michigan. Ifft, who joined the team last November following a long absence from Winston Cup, will return home to spend quality time with his family. Although no permanent replacement for a crew chief has been named, Scott Eggleston will travel with the team to Road Atlanta for a test session on Tuesday and Wednesday. Eggleston will accompany the team to Pocono for the 15th race of the year. Prior to beginning the 2001 season with DEI(#15-Waltrip), 39 year-old Eggleston worked with Team SABCO. Larry McClure, owner of the No. 4 KODAK MAX Film Monte Carlo, quotes: "We have replaced a jackman in the past week. We will tryout some new race cars in the weeks to come. Now we will search for a crew chief. I am going to restructure the team until it is capable of winning again. Chemistry in this sport is more important than people might believe. Once the right combination is found, success will follow."(Morgan-McClure PR)(6-11-2001)
UPDATE: Robert Larkins returned to the road crew last week in a familiar position of jackman. Robert had left the road crew at the beginning of the year to focus on shop duties. Six new race cars have been ordered by Larry McClure. They will be a basic design. McClure states the cars will not be reengineered, in an attempt to return to a basic car. The cars will be ready for delivery to the Abingdon, Va.-based shop within the next few weeks. The team will test at Road Atlanta on Tuesday and Wednesday before traveling to Pocono(Morgan-McClure PR), also hearing that SCCA Trans Am point leader Johnny Miller will test with the team at Road Atlanta and has a shot at driving Sears Point either in a second car or the primary for McClure(6-12-2001)
UPDATE 2: #12-Jeremy Mayfield also tested at Road Atlanta. Hearing if Morgan-McClure runs a 2nd car for Miller, it'll be #94. See images of the testing at the Miller Racing site and a story on the test: Trans-Am points leader Johnny Miller to test NASCAR Winston Cup car(6-14-2001)
McClure Wins: Eric McClure, nephew of Winston Cup car owner Larry McClure(#4 Kodak Chevy), won his first Late Model Stock car race on Saturday night May 12th at the Lonesome Pine Raceway in Coeburn, VA.. McClure won in only his 5th start in the #4 Morgan-McClure/Duke's Printing Oldsmobile Cutlass. He is the son of Morgan-McClure co-owner and spotter Jerry McClure(Team McClure PR)(5-15-2001)
Lepage Signed? UPDATE 3 YES: Kevin Lepage was scheduled to formally sign a contract with #4 Morgan-McClure Motorsports May 1, a development unaffected by his failure to qualify for the April 29 Napa Auto Parts 500(Winston Cup Scene - need subscrition to read online)(5-3-2001)
UPDATE: Kevin Lepage, who has already agreed to a deal with the #4 Morgan-McClure Motorsports team, will make his relationship with the team official when he signs a contract this week. Lepage, who joined the #4 Kodak Chevrolet team after the it split with former driver Robby Gordon, is expected to sign a contract Tuesday at Charlotte where the team will be testing for the upcoming Winston all-star race and Coca-Cola 600(That's Racin')(5-6-2001)
UPDATE 2: Morgan-McClure Motorsports will make a special announcement in conjunction with the annual Lowe's Motor Speedway press conference. The media event will take place in the Winston Cup garage at Lowe's Motor Speedway
on Tuesday, May 8th at 3:30pm/et(Morgan McClure PR), could be Lepage named the driver?(5-8-2001)
UPDATE 3: Morgan-McClure Motorsports and Kodak have reached an agreement with Kevin Lepage to drive the #4 KODAK MAX Film Monte Carlo. Lepage stepped into the ride in the Food City 500 at Bristol. Following several weeks of "courting", the team is ready to make the relationship official. A three-year contract will solidify Lepage as the driver of the familiar yellow Chevrolet. Larry McClure, owner of the #4, and Lepage have eluded to the contract for several weeks. However, time constraints and final negotiations kept the deal on the table. Both parties are ready to move forward for the 2001 season. Lepage and McClure feel the chemistry is present to make successful showings in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series. Kevin Lepage, "official" driver of the No. 4 KODAK MAX Film Monte Carlo, quotes: "I am just honored to be named the driver of the #4 KODAK MAX Film Chevy. We had our trial run and liked each other enough to ink a contract. Larry, Ed, Teddy and Jerry McClure and all of the people over at Morgan-McClure are a great bunch. My wife, Donna, and I are looking forward to working with them and being a part of their racing family(Morgan McClure PR)(5-9-2001)
No #4 - First time since 1988: Kevin Lepage's #4 Kodak Chevy, owned by Morgan-McClure Motorsports, missed the Cup race at California, the first time that team has failed to qualify for a race in 408 races - since Rick Wilson missed the field at Richmond in February of 1988. Robby Gordon began the season as the team's driver but was replaced by Lepage after five races. The team was expected to make Lepage its permanent driver this week, but that announcement had been put off until at least next week before Friday's disappointment. "The results of this weekend will not affect the signing of Kevin Lepage as our driver, from our standpoint," McClure said. "The contract is not signed yet, but we are close to signing a deal(That's Racin')(4-28-2001)
Lepage To Sign Up? UPDATE 2 not after California: Kevin Lepage is expected to sign a contract soon to drive for #4 Morgan-McClure Motorsports the rest of the season. Lepage joined the team after Robby Gordon 's departure after Darlington last month(Roanoke Times)(4-22-2001)
UPDATE: Kevin Lepage has been offered the full-time driver position with Morgan-McClure Motorsports and its #4 Chevy. Lepage, 38, is expected to sign a three-year contract with owner Larry McClure. A formal announcement of Lepage's hiring is planned for next weekend at California, sources said. Lepage has filled in on a temporary basis since the team and it's original driver, Robby Gordon, split after five races. Lepage has 100 career Winston Cup starts. His best finish was fifth in September 1999 at Darlington. He also has one pole, November 1999 at Atlanta(That's Racin')(4-23-2001)
UPDATE 2: hearing that that Morgan-McClure Motorsports will NOT have an official announcement at California this weekend regarding the signing of Kevin Lepage due to the team testing and a tight schedule to get to California. Lepage will be doing double duty, trying to compete in the BGN race and the Winston Cup race. A contract, however, should be signed and announced during the Richmond race weekend(4-25-2001)
Lepage and #4 Close to deal? Due to his performance in the #4 Kodak Chevy, Kevin Lepage may well get himself a full-time gig with Morgan-McClure Motorsports. Rumor has it serious negotiations between Lepage and team owner Larry McClure are underway(NASCAR.com Buzz)(4-9-2001)
Lepage in thru Talladega: Kevin Lepage has been granted another week as driver of the #4 Kodak Chevy for McClure-McClure Motorsports and will stay in the car at least through the April 22 race at Talladega. Lepage was notified of owner Larry McClure's decision this week(That's Racin')(4-6-2001)
Lepage in the #4 at Martinsville: Larry McClure, who owns the #4 Kodak Chevy, informed interim driver Kevin Lepage over the headsets on the cool-down lap that he had earned himself another week in the seat. Lepage finished an impressive 11th Sunday. He finished 15th at Bristol last week(Atlanta Journal Constitution)(4-2-2001)
Lepage stays thru Texas and helps Test: team owner Larry McClure quote: " Kevin was new driver, we had new pit guys. They all communicated well. That helped us. Everything was really smooth. We changed the car every pit stop. His first performance with us was admirable. That is what we needed. We needed a settling factor as much as anything. We will go to Martinsville and test with Kevin this week then we will move on to Texas. We will talk next week. One race does not say everything. This team just went through something that I do not want to go through again. I will make sure the right decision is made this time for Morgan-McClure."(Morgan-McClure PR)(3-26-2001)
More #4? Gordon Notes UPDATE 6 Gordon gone/Lepage In for now/Mast in the mix? $4 Million? during Fox Sports Net practice coverage, a few things were mentioned. That they heard that Kevin Lepage was fitted for the seat in the #4 car. Robby Gordon's and Morgan-McClures lawyers are talking. Gordon would only say he has a 5-year contract. The chassis being run at Darlington is a Morgan-McClure chassis not a Gordon Chassis as rumored and not a third party chassis such as Laughlin or Hopkins. Lepage seen talking to a Kodak crew member(3-17-2001)
UPDATE: Robby Gordon has heard all the rumors, that car owner Larry McClure is planning to make a driver change quickly, that Kevin Lepage might be the man in McClure's cars. But Gordon said he's not going gently into the night. He's got a five-year contract with McClure, he plans to live up to his part of the bargain and he doesn't plan to be the fall guy in any sponsor debates. But now again there are more rumors of a pending change. Lepage said he can't say anything. Gordon said he's not giving up without a good fight.(Winston Salem Journal)(see next story for more)(3-18-2001)
UPDATE 2: Controversy continues to shroud the Larry McClure team. This weekend, Robby Gordon pointed to his five-year contract and said he's staying with the team. Kevin Lepage said on a Grand National prerace show that he'll be in the McClure car in a matter of time. Crew chief David Ifft said he doesn't want to spend a whole year with the team. And McClure, for his part, isn't saying much(Richmond Times Dispatch)(3-19-2001)
UPDATE 3: Morgan-McClure Motorsports/Kodak and driver Robby Gordon have agreed to terminate their contract. This change is effective immediately. A driver for the No. 4 Chevrolet for the this weekend's Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway will be announced on Thursday. Morgan-McClure will name a permanent driver at a later date(Morgan McClure PR), still hearing Kevin Lepage will be the driver at Bristol but may not be the permanent driver(3-21-2001)
UPDATE 4: Kevin Lapage has been named to drive the #4 car at Bristol, a permanent driver will be named at a later date. Gordon was on ESPN2's RPM 2Night Thursday and says he has talked to some Cup owners and IRL teams(3-22-2001)
UPDATE 5: ESPN2's RPM 2Night reports that Rick Mast has talked to #4 Owner Larry McClure about driving the Kodak Chevy(3-24-2001)
UPDATE - $4 million? the price tag for Robby Gordon's release? According to one source of the Winston Salem Journal, it was $4 million, to buy out the rest of his five-year contract with car owner Larry McClure(Winston Salem Journal) AND from an AP Story: Gordon, a former Indy-car driver, said he doesn't want to go back to open-wheel racing. Although he said he'll probably run in the Indianapolis 500 in May, he's looking for sponsorship for the stock car he owns and operated last season in Winston Cup(AP/That's Racin')(3-24-2001)
#15 and DEI? UPDATE 2: have heard it was reported on Fox Sports Net show on Tuesday night that some crew members have left or were released from the #15 DEI team
UPDATE: hearing Car Chief Mike Kelly and Front Tire Changer Tim Sheets are two of the three who left(3-21-2001)
UPDATE 2: Three members of Michael Waltrip's team are no longer a part of the DEI operation. Car chief Mike Kelly, front-tire changer and tire specialist Tim Sheets and shop mechanic Steve Durne have left. Kelly now works with Casey Atwood's #19 team at Evernham Motorsports and Sheets is now with Morgan-McClure Motorsports, which fields the #4 Chevys(That's Racin')(3-24-2001)
Gordon Gone? UPDATE 6 NO, it's Gordon!: hearing Robby Gordon and the #4 Morgan McClure Kodak team have parted ways effective immediatedly, no word on who will drive the car at Darlington. Rick Mast? Loy Allen? Wally Dallenbach? Morgan Shepherd? Kevin Lepage?
UPDATE: from NASCAR.com Buzz - Reports filtered throughout the industry Tuesday that Morgan McClure Motorsports and Robby Gordon had parted ways, effective immediately, but according to a team spokesperson, that is not the case. Not yet anyway AND a column from SpeedVision by Ben Blake: R. Gordon Out of 4 Car?
UPDATE 2: ESPN2's RPM 2Night reports that #4 owner Larry McClure said there is a possibility of a change but at this time Gordon is still the driver(3-13-2001)
UPDATE 3: Rumors of a breakup have been circulating through the garage area for weeks. Contacted Tuesday, team officials said Gordon, 32, was expected to be in the team’s #4 Kodak Film Chevy this weekend when the series heads to Darlington. Beyond that, however, officials could not confirm that Gordon would be the driver of record for the 19-year-old organization(Kingsport Times News) AND Although team sources said Tuesday evening that no official move has been made with the Abingdon-based team, various reports indicated that Gordon could be replaced by this weekend's event at Darlington. M-M general manager Larry McClure said Tuesday night that he could not comment on the matter at this time. Sources did confirm that McClure has been talking about replacing Gordon(Bristol Herald Courier)
UPDATE 4: Although rumors to the contrary continue to fly throughout the NASCAR industry, McClure said Wednesday morning that no changes have beenmade to his race team at this time. That apparently is not the case, NASCAR.com BUZZ reports, according to an industry source. Although Robby Gordon will be the driver of the #4 Chevy this weekend, he'll be using his own chassis for the first time this year. The source said that Morgan-McClure's chassis are antiquated and have plagued drivers for years(NASCAR.com BUZZ). Hearing Kevin Lepage coulde be in the #4 car at Darlington or Bristol(3-15-2001)
UPDATE 5: Robby Gordon has been released and Kevin Lepage will drive the #4 Kodak Chevy at Darlington, announcement is supposedly to be made at Darlington on Saturday morning. Lepage is not consiedered a permanent replacement for Gordon. Gordon doesn't have another ride lined up but sources say he has spoken to a couple teams in the last few weeks(ESPN2's RPM 2Night)(3-16-2001) AND a few names I hear being tossed around is Bobby Hillin Jr, Kenny Wallace(but he insists he is not going anywhere and is sticking with the #27 Eel River Racing team, so don't look for that to happen), Rick Mast(but the #50 just signed a sponsor) and Wally Dallenbach(3-17-2001)
UPDATE 6: To the surprise of many, Robby Gordon showed up to drive Larry McClure's #4 car in morning practice Saturday at Darlington Raceway. McClure said Gordon would be in the car through this weekend's Carolina Dodge Dealers 400, but he would not say more. All signs pointed to Gordon's having been dismissed this week, after just four races in the car. Apparently, however, whatever difficulties there are were patched over, at least for one more week. In fact, team representatives had prepared to announce that Kevin Lepage would drive #4 this weekend, on a spot basis(SpeedVision)(3-17-2001)
Back of the Field: #12-Jeremy Mayfield was forced to start in the rear of the field yesterday after missing driver introduction. He was sick with the stomach flu but that was no excuse, according to NASCAR officials(Winston-Salem Journal). #4-Robby Gordon and #97-Kurt Busch also missed driver intorductions and had to go to the rear of the field before the start of the race(3-12-2001)
Gordon Safe: Despite a disappointing start to the 2001 season, Larry McClure, owner of the #4 Kodak Chevy, remains confident that his team will improve soon. Contrary to rumors circulating throughout the NASCAR community, McClure is standing behind his new driver, Robby Gordon. Larry McClure, owner Morgan-McClure Motorsports, quotes: "I really do not know where these rumors get started. I am not happy with the performance of this team, but we are only into the third race of the season. During the race at Rockingham last week, we realized that no adjustments would make the race car better. We unloaded here (Las Vegas) and the same thing was happening. We changed everything on the car before qualifying. The car stayed the same. This makes us realize the chassis might need to be changed. Maybe it is a combination of items, but we are certainly going to make changes to these cars next week. The engines are showing good horsepower. Robby, David (Ifft-Crew Chief) and I are pleased with the engines this year. It is baffling to have these situations. We will get to the bottom of it. Kodak is pleased with Robby. Morgan-McClure is pleased with Robby. He has shown during the last few days that he is a team player. He has stepped up and is offering input. My crew guys are probably some of the hardest working guys in the garage right now. They have done everything we have asked them to do and more. Robby makes it a point to thank them daily for all of their hard work. This team has been down and we are going to get this situation
corrected. We are proven winners, Ifft is a proven winner and we want to make Robby a winner in the Winston Cup series. I have confidence in him and his driving abilities or I would not have hired him. Having said that, I want to ensure everyone that he will remain with Morgan-McClure. Hopefully everyone can see some major improvements by Darlington." NOTE: Robby has competed in one race at Las Vegas. He started 12th and finished 13th and led eight laps-3-5-2000(Morgan McClure PR) and from NASCAR.com: Rumors swirled throughout the garage at LVMS that Sunday's race would be Robby Gordon's last race in the #4 Kodak Morgan-McClure Chevy. According to a team spokesperson, those rumors are false and that the team will retain Gordon as its driver, and that rumors of Kenny Wallace taking over are untrue. Also according to the spokesperson, the team is planning to take "return to basics" approach to the rest of the season, beginning with a new chassis manufacturer(NASCAR.com)(3-3-2001)
#4 Sponsor: CD-2 Automotive Performance Products, a division of Turtle Wax, Inc., has renewed its relationship with #4 Kodak Robby Gordon and extended sponsorship to the Morgan-McClure Motorsports team and its #4 Kodak Chevy. CD-2 and it¹s unmistakable neon logo will adorn the rear quarter panels and television panel of Gordon¹s Monte Carlo as a major associate sponsor for 2001. CD-2 Automotive Products is comprised of a wide range of engine-related additives. Robby Gordon¹s affiliation with CD-2 dates back to 1999; since that time Turtle Wax has repositioned the classic brand with a whole new look and impactful new product offering.(Co-Pilott PR)(2-7-2001)
2000 News
Gordon Tests the #4: Morgan-McClure Motorsports tested the #4 Kodak MAX Film Chevy at Greenville-Pickens Speedway on Friday, December 15th. The test session marked the first time Robby Gordon, the team's new driver, was behind the wheel of the familiar yellow car. The road crew (with the exception of two) were on hand to familiarize themselves with the California native. They focused on communications, along with finding a comfortable baseline on the car. Several tests had been planned to help form a mold between driver, crew chief and crew, but they had to be canceled due to weather-related problems. Once the Greenville-Pickens test had been completed, Gordon and crew chief David Ifft debriefed. The team worked on running race trim during the session. They ran a speed of 19.90 second. More tests are planned during the first of January, with the most important being the Daytona test on January 11th and 12th(Morgan McClure PR)(12-20-2000)
#4 Driver? UPDATE 6 It's Gordon OFFICIALLY: #4 car owner Larry McClure is close to making a decision on his new driver, and team sources say the decision is between Kevin Lepage and Robby Gordon with Ricky Craven suddenly only a long-shot(PitNow)(11-6-2000)
UPDATE: hearing Robby Gordon is now the front runner and could be named within the next two weeks(11-8-2000)
UPDATE: In Morgan-McClure news, look for an announcement on a new driver for the familiar yellow Chevy close to the Atlanta weekend. With Kodak offices located in Atlanta, a joint press conference with Kodak and Morgan-McClure Motorsports will likely take place at Atlanta Motor Speedway(Morgan McClure PR)(11-9-2000)
UPDATE 2: Morgan-McClure Motorsports has narrowed its search for a new driver for next season down to veteran Rick Mast and Robby Gordon, ThatsRacin.com has learned. An announcement of owner Larry McClure's new driver is expected before the conclusion of the season. McClure said Sunday he hoped to have the process concluded as soon as possible. "We're working diligently on this and could have some announcements or be in the position to make an announcement in Atlanta."(That's Racin')(11-12-2000)
UPDATE 3: TNN's Raceday reported on Sunday's show that they hear Kevin Lepage will get the nod, hmm....a little conflict here, guess we gotta wait for the announcement
UPDATE 4: sources tell me the driver of the #4 Car has been chosen and it's Robby Gordon(11-13-2000)
UPDATE 5: Car owner Larry McClure said he expects to announce his new driver here(Atlanta) on Sunday, and it is expected to be Robby Gordon. McClure is working the final details of the contract(PitNow) BUT on ESPN2's RPM2Night, McClure said he didn't expect to make an announcement until Monday(11-18-2000)
UPDATE 6: ESPN2's RPM2Night reports that Robby Gordon will announce later today that he will drive the #4 Kodak Chevy in 2001(RPM2Night)
UPDATE 7: Robby Gordon was introduced today around noon/et at Atlanta as the new driver of the #4 Kodak Chevy for 2001(ESPN2's NASCAR2Day)(11-19-2000)
NASCAR Announces Penalties: NASCAR announced they have penalized #4 Cup Series crew chief David Ifft following the race at Phoenix for improperly attached weight. Ifft was fined $10,000. Ifft was penalized under Section 12-4-W in the 2000 NASCAR Winston Cup Series rule book: "Any car using added weight... attached improperly..." and Section 12-4-A: "...actions deemed detrimental to stock car racing..." AND
NASCAR announced they have penalized #32 Scott Pruett for intentionally running into the car driven by Robert Pressley during the cool-down lap at Phoenix. Pruett, driver of the #32 Tide Ford, was fined $10,000 and penalized under Section 12-4-A in the 2000 NASCAR Winston Cup Series rule book: "...actions deemed by NASCAR Officials as
detrimental to stock car racing..."(NASCAR PR)(11-14-2000)
Hamilton Start #300: Bobby Hamilton will start his 300th NASCAR Winston Cup Series race at Homestead on Sunday in the Pennzoil 400. The race will be also be Hamilton's 100th start with Morgan-McClure Motorsports(Morgan McClure PR)(11-9-2000)
Another Hamilton? UPDATE yep: Bobby Hamilton still is planning to have his son, Bobby Hamilton Jr., attempt to qualify for two Winston Cup races this year. Hamilton is picking up one car Monday and a second one the next week for his son to drive. Hamilton Jr. could compete in the races at Homestead and Atlanta(Times-Dispatch)(9-24-2000)
UPDATE: hearing it'll be the #57 Chevy, no sponsor known yet. Also saw NOL has Hamilton listed on the Homestead Entry List(11-7-2000)
Mayfield to Leave #12? NO UPDATE 3 - #4 Close to naming a driver?: still hearing a ton of rumors that Jermey Mayfield will leave the #12 Mobil One Penske Racing LLC team and go to the #4 Kodak Morgan-McClure team but was leaving it alone since there were also so many stoires out there with quotes from Mayfield saying he is staying, but today on the CBS Sprotsline site there is a story: He won't admit it, but Mayfield ready to jump ship by Jeff Owens, in which it says: Mayfield and McClure are working on a deal, and if their lawyers can work through the legal gobbly-gook, Mayfield may just stun the NASCAR world by walking away from Penske and Rusty Wallace and joining a team that is currently 31st in points(CBS). If this happens, it may be the big surprise with Rick Mast going to the #12, and the Winston Cup Scene mentions Mast, Kenny Wallace and Robby Gordon as possible drivers for the #12(10-27-2000)
UPDATE: hearing that Mayfield flew to California last weekend and met with Roger Penske during the CART race there. There Mayfield supposedly told Penske he had every intention of returning next season and Penske told him he would hold Mayfield to his contract. Mayfield reportedly told #4 Owner Larry McClure this week that he was not leaving the #12(11-4-2000)
UPDATE 2: After his strong second-place finish in Sunday's race at Phoenix, Jeremy Mayfield repeated - this time with great emphasis - that he'll be back as driver of the #12 Fords again next season(That's Racin')
UPDATE 3: #4 car owner Larry McClure is close to making a decision on his new driver, and team sources say the decision is between Kevin Lepage and Robby Gordon with Ricky Craven suddenly only a long-shot(PitNow)(11-6-2000)
#4 Crew Chief: Morgan-McClure Motorsports names David Ifft interim crew chief for the remaining three races of the 2000 Winston Cup season. Ifft comes to Morgan-McClure with 29 years of racing experience. The veteran crew chief returns to the Winston Cup Series following a few years in the BGN. Ifft has interest in returning to the Winston Cup Series full time next season(Morgan McClure PR)(11-5-2000)
Hamilton tests? hearing Bobby Hamilton tested at Kentucky Speedway on Tuesday with his 2001 Cup team the #55 Square-D Chevy(not a Ford, Doh!) and the Andy Petree Race team(10-25-2000)
Gill to stay - UPDATE 2 - nope, he leaves the #4 - goes to APR: #4 Owner, Larry McClure said first-year crew chief Danny Gill will remain with the #4 Kodak Chevy team in 2001(Bristol Herald Courier)(10-17-2000)
UPDATE - #4 Crew Chief Leaves: Danny Gill, who joined Morgan-McClure Motorsports in July, has resigned as crew chief for the #4 Kodak MAX Film Chevy. The change is effective immediately. No interim crew chief will be announced at this time. Gill will be leaving to pursue other opportunities(Jayski: hearing the #55 team with Hamilton). Larry McClure, team owner, stated he will make a decision on who will take over the crew chief responsibilities for the remainder of the season at a later date(Morgan-McClure PR)(10-23-2000)
UPDATE 2: Andy Petree Racing announced today it has named Danny Gill crew chief for driver Joe Nemechek and
the #33 Oakwood Homes Racing team. Gill, 31, will take over for team owner and current crew chief Andy Petree. Gill will make his debut with the team at the Checker Auto Parts/Dura Lube 500 at Phoenix International Raceway next weekend. Owner Andy Petree has decided he needs to focus more on his owner role and have a less active role with the #33 team, Petree was handling the crew chief job and ownership(APR PR)(10-24-2000)
#4 Announcement postponed UPDATE 7 add Wallace: have heard from quite a few sources that Jeremy Mayfield will drive the #4 Kodak Chevy if he can get out of his contract with Penske Racing LLC(which I hear he can't and won't)
UPDATE: confliction of sources - also being told Kevin Lepage has the gig with the #4 and Ricky Craven was the hot rumor a week or so ago(10-12-2000)
UPDATE 2: it was reported on RPM 2Night Friday that Mayfield, crew chief Peter Sospenzo, and sponsor Mobil One will stay with the #12 Penske Racing LLC team and honor their contracts which run thru 2002(10-13-2000)
UPDATE 3 - #4 Driver Announcement MONDAY: #4 Kodak Owner, Larry McClure plans to announce his new driver Monday(Oct 16th). McClure has been linked to several competitors in the garage with Jeremy Mayfield, Kevin Lepage and Ricky Craven heading the list. Mayfield says he is staying put who says he hasn't spoken with either Roger Penske or Michael Kranefuss since Penske bought out Kranefuss earlier this week. Mayfield is under contract with the team and says he plans to remain next season(Richmond Times Dispatch)(10-14-2000)
UPDATE 4: throw Rick Mast into the #4 Driver mix if he does not go back to AJ Foyt's #14 if Hornaday gets that ride and no two car team materializes
UPDATE 5: hearing that Jeremy Mayfield has told #4 owner Larry McClure he is NOT interested in driving
the #4 car, and that he has a contract for two more years with Roger Penske(10-15-2000)
UPDATE 6: The anticipated announcement of a new driver for Morgan-McClure will not be made until a later date. It was thought to happen today, but will not materialize. "I am not ready to make an announcement about a new driver at this time," Larry McClure, team owner, stated. "We have not yet made a definite decision. I realize the importance of this announcement to the team, our sponsor and the media. "I cannot give an exact date on when a decision will be made. As soon as everything is in place, we will send out a release or hold a press conference."(Morgan-McClure PR)(10-16-2000)
UPDATE 7: hearing Mike Wallace recently tested in the #4 Chevy and is another candidate for the drivers job there(10-17-2000)
Gill to stay: #4 Owner, Larry McClure said first-year crew chief Danny Gill will remain with the #4 Kodak Chevy team in 2001(Bristol Herald Courier)(10-17-2000)
Pressley and the #4? TNN's Raceday reported that Robert Pressley, driver of the #77 Jasper Engines Ford, has talked with Larry McClure, owner of the #4 Kodak Chevy concerning the 2001 driver opening there(10-1-2000)
#4 Driver? UPDATE 4 Craven?: #4 Kodak Chevy team owner Larry McClure said he may take a gamble with his next driver, picking someone unusual. The most logical two picks on McClure's list are Geoff Bodine and Ricky Craven. Ron Hornaday and Jimmie Johnson are also potential candidates(PitNow). Note: forget Johnson, as he signed with Hendrick on Friday
UPDATE: hear McClure is talking with Steve Grissom about next season in the #4 Chevy(9-23-2000)
UPDATE 2: Ricky Craven is the man at the top of Larry McClure's list of potential drivers, according to sources close to the team. McClure could make a decision within the week(PitNow). On a side note, Craven's current team has new and improved their website at: www.mwtracing.com(9-25-2000)
UPDATE 3: The LTN Radio show is reporting that Kevin Lepage is the front runner for the #4 Morgan-McClure ride. AND from a Morgan-McClure PR: Despite rumors of several different drivers being signed to the team over the past two weeks, a decision has not been made. However, calls have been accepted from interested drivers in every racing division across the country. Larry McClure said "I know everyone is eager to find out who is going to drive the #4 car next year. I have done some interviews and talked to several drivers. I guess you might say we are weighing the options. We are looking at veterans and at fresh, young drivers. An announcement could come as soon as this week or it could come in several weeks. I just do not have the answer yet. I think it is interesting to see all of the rumors of drivers that we have signed in the past two weeks(9-28-2000)
UPDATE 4: Newburgh’s(Maine) Ricky Craven could find himself driving Larry McClure’s (#4)Kodak Chevrolet in the Winston Cup series next season. “I have talked with Larry McClure. They have a phenomenal complex and a great team,” said Craven. “I really appreciate the team I’m with and I feel like we’ve done more with less than anybody in the series. I think we’re 17th in laps lead. But we aren’t sponsored. I have three opportunities that interest me right now” but he wouldn’t mention the other two teams besides the Kodak team(Bangor News(ME) AND While Craven is proud of what his part-time team, owned by Hal Hicks, has been able to do over the past season and a half, he's still looking for a chance to race every week for a team with the resources to run competitively. But things are changing. His name is back in the rumor mill, and in this case that is a good thing. Craven has talked with Larry McClure about the No. 4 Chevrolets that Bobby Hamilton will vacate at season's end. He may or may not get that ride, but either way, Craven is determined that he's going to get the second chance he feels he has earned(That's Racin')(10-1-2000)
Another Hamilton? Bobby Hamilton still is planning to have his son, Bobby Hamilton Jr., attempt to qualify for two Winston Cup races this year. Hamilton is picking up one car Monday and a second one the next week for his son to drive. Hamilton Jr. could compete in the races at Homestead and Atlanta(Times-Dispatch)(9-24-2000)
Hamilton leaves the #4, #7 Driver? #55? UPDATE 6 #55 Official: who will drive the #7 Ultra Motorsports Ford now that Michael Waltrip is leaving to drive a third DEI car? It was thought that Mike Wallace would get the ride, but am hearing he will not be back with the team in either the Truck or Cup rides. Two rumors have cropped up, is Ron Hornaday in either the #7 Cup car or the #2 Ultra Wheels Truck ride AND get this: Bobby Hamilton to the #7? Wasn't it just reported last week that he staying with the #4 team for sure? Yep, and wasn't Waltrip announced staying with the #7 for 2001? This is getting crazy...(9-13-2000)
UPDATE: hearing that Bobby Hamilton may be the new driver for Ultra Motorsports(9-14-2000)
UPDATE 2: Bobby Hamilton and car owner Larry McClure(#4 Kodak Chevy) have decided to part ways at the end of the season. Hamilton says he has not signed a deal for 2001 yet(That's Racin')(9-15-2000)
UPDATE 3: While no deal been finalized, Hamilton is expected to take the wheel of the #55 Chevrolet owned by Andy Petree next year(Gaston Gazette/Monte Dutton)(9-16-2000)
UPDATE 4: as Monte Dutton reports above, I hear Hamilton to the #55 Sqaure-D Chevy. Also hearing that Ron Hornaday is being considered for the #7 Ultra Motorsports Dodge/Ford and the #4 Kodak ride. AND Bobby Hamilton is incensed over reports that he talked to the Ultra Motorsports team. Hamilton, who announced yesterday that he is parting ways with Larry McClure at the end of the season, was linked to the Ultra Motorsports team in an Internet report. He says that is not the case(Times-Dispatch)(9-17-2000)
UPDATE 5: Bobby Hamilton and Andy Petree won't confirm anything but sources close to the two say it's a done deal that they will team next season, with Hamilton becoming Joe Nemechek's teammate(PitNow)(9-18-2000)
UPDATE 6: Andy Petree Racing (APR) announced today the signing of Bobby Hamilton to a two-year contract which will put the Nashville, TN native behind the wheel of the #55 Square D Chevy in 2001. Hamilton will join current APR driver Joe Nemechek, who pilots the #33 Oakwood Homes Chevy. Hamilton replaces Kenny Wallace who will
depart at the end of this season(Motorsports Decision)(9-20-2000)
#4 driver? UPDATE: also reported on ESPN2's NASCAR 2Day was that Chad Little could end up in the #4 Kodak Chevy fielded by Morgan-McClure(9-17-2000)
UPDATE: Larry McClure says he'd like to find a young driver to run for his team next season. Two men he'll be looking at: Ron Hornaday and Ed Berrier(PitNow)
AND Larry McClure, owner of the #4 Kodak Chevy, said he has not started looking for a new driver yet. McClure and current driver, Bobby Hamilton, agreed Friday to part ways at the end of the season. McClure said if settles on a driver by the end of the season, and that driver isn't already in the series, he may run that driver in a second car in the season finale at Atlanta(That's Racin')(9-18-2000)
Garage Entrance Incident UPDATE 2: getting a ton of questions on this so....When #4-Bobby Hamilton entered the garage area at NHIS, a woman was walking near the car as he turned in, the woman walked into the side of the car and fell down, pretty hard. Hamilton stopped, the woman got up and TNN cut away and went back to the race. No mention was made on-air about the incident and I have seen nothing about it or know the condition of the woman or if she got hurt. If I do, I will post it
UPDATE: Bobby Hamilton was involved with a little scuffle during Sunday’s Cup event which forced him to pilot his #4 Kodak Chevy into the garage area. On the way, he bumped a lady, an innocent bystander. The slow speed of the vehicle meant nothing but a small bump for the woman (and maybe a look of embarrassment for not hearing the bellowing vehicle beside her), but that’s one of the infield dangers presented at a NASCAR race(Foster’s Daily Democrat) AND A team near-by member thought she was just fine, more surprised than anything. The car did not pass over her foot or leg but rather bumped her to the side(Speedway Illustrated)
UPDATE 2: All reports I hear and RPM 2Night reports the woman is ok(9-18-2000)
Hamilton to Stay at the #4: Bobby Hamilton and the Morgan-McClure Motorsports team may not be enjoying the success they hoped for this year, but team owner Larry McClure said that there are no plans to make a driver change in the #4 Kodak Film Chevy as Hamilton is signed through 2001 and they have no intentions of making a driver change. Hamilton's name has come up in recent weeks as a possible driver for several teams, including the #01 BellSouth Chevy fielded by Chip Ganassi(Kingsport Times News)(9-5-2000)
Walk of Fame: Bobby Hamilton, driver of the #4 Kodak MAX Film Chevy, will be inducted into the Talladega-Texaco Walk of Fame. The 43-year-old, Nashville, Tenn., native officially won the honor as voting ended last Thursday. Hamilton becomes the second Morgan-McClure Motorsports driver to be included in the Walk of Fame. Ernie Irvan, who drove for the team from 1990 until 1993, was inducted in 1996. Morgan-McClure Motorsports has 14 wins, with four of those being at Talladega Superspeedway. Each year since 1995, the Walk of Fame has inducted one active and two inactive drivers based completely on fan voting. The fan-favorite ceremony is held at Davey Allison Memorial Park located in downtown Talladega in conjunction with Talladega's White Knuckle Weekend. The event is free to fans and the speedway offers shuttle bus rides(Morgan McClure PR)(8-28-2000)
Wells 2nd Team UPDATE: Bobby Hamilton and Jimmy Spencer are on the top of Cal Wells' list to be Scott Pruett's McDonald's-sponsored teammate in 2001, but Hamilton says he wants to stay with owner Larry McClure. Spencer says he has another year on his contract with K mart, Travis Carter and Carl Haas(PitNow). Plus Hamilton is rumored to the Ganassi Racing #01 BellSouth ride(8-14-2000)
UPDATE: am hearing now, that Spencer plans to stay with Travis Carter next season in the #26 car(8-16-2000)
McClure Wins: Eric McClure the son of #4 Morgan-McClure co-owner and team spotter Jerry McClure won his first ever stock car race this weekend at Lonesome Pine Raceway in Coeburn, VA. This was McClure's 12th start
and ads to an already impressive rookie season which includes two poles and a number of other podium finishes(8-7-2000)
Hamilton on the Move? Cal Wells is looking for a new driver for his planned McDonald's-sponsored team, and Robby Gordon, who once drove Indy-cars for Wells, has been pushing hard for the ride for the past month. But Wells isn't interested in Gordon. Wells says he wants a veteran Winston Cup driver who can help Scott Pruett. One of the men Wells is interested in: Bobby Hamilton(PitNow). AND and also hearing Hamilton is the top candidate for the #01 BellSouth Ganassi Dodge ride in 2001(8-5-2000)
Hamilton beats Hamilton: NASCAR Busch Series driver Bobby Hamilton, Jr. proved father doesn’t always know best during round seven of the Wendy’s Summer Shootout Tuesday night at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. The second-generation Tennessee racer topped his Winston Cup racing father, Bobby, in the NASCAR Grudge Match, but the record books will show the victory came with an “assist.” After splitting victory honors in the first two, two-lap races on the quarter-mile frontstretch oval, the elder Hamilton spun his son in turn two on the opening lap of the third and final race. Hamilton waited for his son to recover from the spin and then chased him to the checkered flag in the Winston Cup-style convertibles(LMS PR)(7-26-2000)
Hamilton to stay UPDATE 3 new crew chief: Bobby Hamilton says he expects to stay with car owner Larry McClure next season. He has been rumored to be in the running for a job as Sterling Marlin's teammate with Chip Ganassi(PitNow)(7-10-2000)
UPDATE new crew chief: #4 Kodak driver Bobby Hamilton, rumored to be leaving the Morgan-McClure Motorsports team at the end of the season, is expected to remain in his #4 Chevy next year provided some changes occur with the team. One of those changes will be a new crew chief for the team, ThatsRacin.com has learned. An official announcement of the crew chief change will be made by Friday. Robert Larkins has served as the team's crew chief since December 1999(That's Racin')(7-11-2000)
UPDATE 2: hearing that Hamilton's CTS crew chief for the #4 Truck Team, Tim Fowlkes, will become the crew chief of the #4 Cup team(7-13-2000)
UPDATE 3: the new crew chief comes from Hamilton's CTS team but not the #4 team but the #18 Joe Ruttman team, Danny Gill will take over crew chief duties for the #4 Kodak MAX Film Monte Carlo at Morgan-McClure Motorsports. The change, effective Monday, July 10, moves former crew chief Robert Larkins into the Shop Foreman position. Larkins will also remain the jackman on race day. Gill moves into the crew chief position from the same duty held with Bobby Hamilton Racing for the #18 DANA Dodge driven by Joe Ruttman in Lebanon, Tenn. Gill had been with Bobby Hamilton Racing's Craftsman Truck Series team since its inception in 1999(Morgan McClure PR). Fred Wanke, former #43 CTS crew chief takes over Gills spot on the #18(NOL)(7-14-2000)
Glover back to the #4? UPDATE: There is speculation that Tony Glover may return to the Morgan McClure #4 Kodak team, which has won only once since Glover left more than three years ago(PitNow). Glover is presently with SABCO(#'s 40 and 42) and with Chip Ganassi buying a large stake in SABCO and bringing Andy Graves in, the time would be right for Glover to make a move(6-2-2000)
UPDATE: Team Mgr/Crew Chief Tony Glover will stay with Team Sabco for the rest of the 2000 season and says he'd like to stay there in the future also, Glover also has a contract with Sabco thru 2002(Winston Cup Scene Magazine)(6-8-2000)
Hamilton Jr to Cup? the television show "Baywatch" has signed on to sponsor Bobby Hamilton Jr.'s #26 Chevy in the Busch Series. Actor David Hasselhoff, star of "Baywatch," is expected to be at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Saturday to watch Hamilton(Las Vegas Sun)(3-3-2000) -- UPDATE and a rumor: Actor David Hasselhoff, who previously was involved as a part owner and sponsor of open-wheel cars, said Saturday his Baywatch Restaurants and Night Clubs signed a three-year agreement to sponsor the Busch Series car of Bobby Hamilton Jr.(SpeedNet/AP) -- am hearing this is a deal in which would bring the #26 Allcar/Hamilton team to Cup in 2001. This sponsorship was rumored here in the past to be going to the #2-Rusty Wallace team as an assoicate or to a possible new Wayne Burdette Cup team as Burdette is looking to get back into Cup after the failed attempt to buy Cale Yarborough's Cup team a year ago(3-5-2000)
UPDATE 3: Bobby Hamilton is thinking about helping his son make the next step in his NASCAR career. Hamilton, who owns a Craftsman Truck Series team, carefully is watching Bobby Hamilton Jr.'s progress in the BGN this season. If his son performs well, Hamilton plans to help the 22-year-old compete in Winston Cup next season(Lap by Lap) Also of note: it is the Baywtach Restaurants not the TV show that is the sponsor of the BGN team(5-23-2000)
Sabco/Ganassi? UPDATE 3: hearing SABCO owner Felix Sabates(#'s 40 and 42) and CART championship team owner, Chip Ganassi are getting close to forming some sort of partnership that would bring a Ganassi team (an Andy Graves) to the Cup series for 2001(5-9-2000)
UPDATE: Chip Ganassi, who has won four consecutive championships as a team owner in CART, may be on the verge of entering NASCAR. Ganassi is negotiating with Felix Sabates to become a part-owner of Team Sabco. If there's a partnership with Ganassi, it wouldn't begin until next year(Dallas Morning News)
UPDATE 2: On Thursday's ESPN2 RPM2 Night, Robin Miller reported that the Ganassi-Sabates is a done deal with Ganassi owning 80% and Sabates owning 20% with Ganassi talking to Jeremy Mayfield and Bobby Hamilton as part of a two car team to run in 2001. Target is the rumored sponsor(RPM2 Night). Note: Mayfield is signed with Penske-Kranefuss thru 2002 and Hamilton with Morgan-McClure thru 2001(5-11-2000)
UPDATE 3: See the story at SpeedNet: Ganassi to join NASCAR, source says, no drivers mentioned like on RPM2 Night but the story adds: "According to a source in Charlotte, who requested anonymity, Ganassi will become a majority owner of Felix Sabates' operation and run a two-car effort starting in 2001 with Dodges." No mention of what would happen with the current drivers, Sterling Marlin or Kenny Irwin, on RPM2 Night it sounded like a deal in addition to Sabates current teams, but the story sounds more like a partnership. Three of the drivers have contracts at least thru the 2001 season, Marlin has the option to leave at the end of the 2000 season(see the interview at RacinDeals - see link in the story section below)(5-12-2000)
2nd Morgan McClure car? #4 Kodak Chevy owner Larry McClure says he hopes to have a second car in place by the July Daytona race. McClure feels they are close to putting it together but it has to be all the way before it happens. As for a driver, McClure -- who owns the team for Bobby Hamilton -- said, "Who knows, Bobby (Hamilton) Jr. ran real good (in Saturday's BGN race at Talladega), I might put him in the car."(Roanoke Times) Also Loy Aleen has recently tested for the team(4-19-2000)
2nd Morgan McClure car? UPDATE: Loy Allen is testing for the Morgan McClure team(#4 Kodak Chevy) at Greenville-Pickens(SC) with regular driver Bobby Hamilton in preparation for the upcoming Martinsville and Talladega races. The way things look right now, they might run a second car at Talladega with Loy Allen as the driver(Morgan McClure PR)(4-4-2000)
UPDATE: Morgan-McClure Motorsports owner Larry McClure has decided not to enter Loy Allen as a second car at Talladega. Allen had tested a car last week at Talladega for McClure. McClure, owner of the #4 Kodak Chevys for driver Bobby Hamilton, said Sunday it is still likely he will field a second car at some point this season, but he has set no timetable for its debut(That's Racin')(4-10-2000)
Kodak Re-ups: The #4 Morgan-McClure Motorsports team and primary sponsor Kodak have extended their sponsorship agreement through 2005. The #4 Kodak Chevy is driven by Bobby Hamilton who is signed with the team thru 2001(SpeedVision)(3-16-2000)
#4 News UPDATE 3: hearing there will be some sort of announcement from the Morgan-McClure team on Saturday, March 4th, nothing on a 2nd team, otherwise not sure, guesses would be an assoc sponsor or a crew change(3-3-2000) --UPDATE: I hear the announcement has been moved to Monday(Morgan-McClure Site)(3-4-2000) -- UPDATE 2: rumor has it that it'll be about a paint scheme for the Coca-Cola 600 in May(3-6-2000) -- UPDATE 3: The #4 Kodak MAX Film Monte Carlo will feature a Navy aircraft carrier on the hood. Also, a picture of a Navy professional will be dominant on the rear quarter panel of the car at the Coca Cola 600 with four other cars(see above story)(Morgan-McClure Site)(3-8-2000)
Bristol Testing UPDATE: Jimmy Spencer and Bobby Hamilton are testing at Bristol today in prep for the Food City 500(BMS)(3-7-2000) -- UPDATE: Hamilton ran a lap at 15.06 seconds on Tuesday, which is a speed of 127.410mph, quite a bit faster then Rusty Wallace's track record of 125.142mph(SpeedVision)(3-8-2000)
Loy Allen returns? UPDATE no: noticed a few weeks ago that Loy Allen tested at Talladega, never did find out whose Chevy's he tested. But am hearing rumors that it may be a 2nd Morgan-McClure car, just for the Daytona 500(2-8-2000) -- UPDATE: from the Morgan-McClure Pitboard by Chip: "Loy Allen and his father are long-time friends and supporters of Morgan-McClure Motorsports, and they helped us out a couple of weeks ago at Talladega. don't let Jayski or anyone else read too much into that. We will be running one car at Daytona and for the 2000 season". Pretty much answers that...(2-9-2000)
#4 Crew Chief: Robert Larkins has been named the crew chief of the #4 Morgan-McClure Kodak Chevy for driver Bobby Hamilton(Bristol News) no news or updates on the long rumored 2nd team(1-13-2000)
Hamilton in Late Model race: Bobby Hamilton will race in the Alabama 300 Late Model race at Montgomery Motor Speedway in Montgomery, AL. The race is set for Saturday, Nov 27th(WLWI 92.3FM via a reader)(11-6-1999)
Morgan-McClure 2nd Team? from the Morgan-McClure Website Pit Boeard: when asked about a 2nd team....."at this point it doesn't look like a second team will be put together for next year. Not that we haven't been trying, but we will only do a second team if we have a first-class, multi-year sponsor. Unfortunately there just aren't an abundance of those companies lining up with checks right now. We are talking to several companies still, and have had offers for second team sponsorship which we determined were unsatisfactory"(11-3-1999)
Morgan-McClure 2nd team: haven't heard much on this in a while but starting to hear they will start a 2nd team but it'll be a BGN team(10-12-1999)
Hamilton to Stay? UPDATE YEP: Bobby Hamilton said Friday team owner Larry McClure has presented him with an option for a third year on his contract to keep him in the #4 Kodak Chevy next season. Hamilton said if he and McClure agree, he hopes to have the deal finalized by next weekend's race at Dover(That's Racin')(9-17-1999) -- UPDATE: Bobby Hamilton finalized a two-year contract extension with Morgan-McClure Motorsports over the weekend that will keep Hamilton in the #4 Chevys through the 2001 season(That's Racin')(9-20-1999)
Hamilton to Wells? UPDATE 2: A new name has risen to the forefront in Cal Wells III's search for a Winston Cup driver -- Bobby Hamilton. Hamilton, winner of three Winston Cup races, is suffering through a woeful season driving Larry McClure's #4 Chevrolet. This year he has only one top-five finish and is 15th in the point standings. With Al Unser Jr.'s decision not to pursue the ride, Hamilton has apparently replaced Wally Dallenbach Jr. as the frontrunner to drive Wells' Tide-sponsored Ford in 2000(SpeedNet)(9-11-1999) -- UPDATE: Hamilton hasn’t commented on his status with Morgan-McClure Racing, but the veteran is in a contract-signing year with the Virginia-based team(Times-Dispatch)(9-13-1999) -- UPDATE 2: Hearing Morgan-McClure has spoken with Steve Grissom about driving for the team, not sure if this in case Hamilton leaves or for the 'rumored' 2nd team(9-14-1999)
Testing: Bobby Hamilton was testing the #4 car at Memphis on Tuesday in preparation for the race at Richmond(9-8-1999)
Petty/Andretti/Loomis/Hamilton: PitNow has a story up that talks about how Petty Enterprises is faring in 1999. Amoung some of highlights: the rumor that John Andretti may end up in the #28 Yates Ford, while Andretti says he wants to say and the Petty's hope he does, Andretti was told by the Petty's he has to do what he thinks is best for him and his family. It discusses Team Manager Robbie Loomis and rumors he may go to another team (Yates?). And if Andretti leaves, the possibilty that Bobby Hamilton would return to the #43 next year(8-22-1999)
Father vs Son: Bobby Hamilton is scheduled to race against son Bobby Jr., in the upcoming BGN race at Michigan Speedway(Tennessean)(8-11-1999)
Hamilton Announcement: Bobby Hamilton has some sort of announcement scheduled for Thursday, 8/5 with "Just Born Candies" at 1:10pm in Indy. Here is the deal: Bobby Hamilton Sr. will be driving the #14 Hot Tamales Chevrolet in 4 Busch races this year. Just Born Inc, the parent company of Hot Tamales will also feature Mike and Ike, and Zours candies as associates. The four races include Michigan, Dover, Charlotte and Phoenix. The car will be fielded by Hensley Racing who is also currently fielding the #63 Exxon Superflo car for Bobby Hamilton Jr(8-5-1999)(8-5-1999)
Hamilton at Loudon: Bobby Hamilton has entered the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Loudon(NHIS). Hamilton will be driving the #4 DANA Dodge truck in the 200 lap event for CTS event on August 1. Hamilton will be a teammate to the #18 Dodge owned by Hamilton that competes full-time in the CTS and is driven by Joe Ruttman(North East Racing)(7-27-1999)
Hamilton/Truck: Bobby Hamilton will be running the #4 DANA Dodge in the CTS race at Nazareth on Sunday. The #4 is a team truck to the #18 of Joe Ruttman with Hamilton as the team owner(Stock Car Fans Newsletter)(7-18-1999)
Spencer News: Jimmy Spencer held court in front of his team's rig Friday, frankly and openly talking about how disgusted he is with the car he is stuck with. "Sure, I feel like I can still win races," said Spencer, "but not in this car. Do you know how miserable it is to spend four hours every Sunday driving a car that won't go fast? Maybe some people can do it, but I can't. I can't just ride around in a car that's not competitive. This is driving me nuts." Clearly Spencer has decided to break ranks on a team that is in free fall. Since owner Travis Carter started a second team for Darrell Waltrip in the off-season, Spencer's fortunes have fallen off the map. On Friday Spencer sounded like a man who would soon be leaving, perhaps before the end of the season. Where? A good possibility is the second Chevrolet that will apparently soon by added to the Larry McClure stable. The fact that McClure has been talking about hiring a young driver is a diversionary tactic, a source close to McClure's team said. "I think Spencer's the guy," said the source(Monte Dutton/SpeedNet Notes)(6-19-1999)
The Return of Gordon? Robby that is? In a SpeedVison column, Morgan-McClure close to fielding second car, it mentions that: Whether he inks a deal or not, McClure intends on testing the waters with a second car this year. He admits he has discussed his driver’s position with Jeff Green as well as Robby Gordon, and they could both be considered "possibilities". Other things mentioned in the story include, the team is taking two vars to the GM wind tunnel on Thursday(6-17), a Daytona car and a high-downforce car and the team have 22 chassis built(SpeedVision)(6-17-1999)
2nd Morgan-McClure sponsor? UPDATE 3: hearing LandAir(LandAir Transport, Inc. and ForwardAir), an associate on the #4 Kodak Chevy driven by Bobby Hamilton, may be the primary sponsor for the rumored 2nd Morgan-McClure team(6-12-1999) -- UPDATE 1: Hearing Jimmy Spencer spoke to the Larry McLure concerning the ride??(6-14-1999) -- UPDATE 2: I also hear that owner Larry McClure has talked to Steve Grissom regarding the second car, most recently at Dover(6-15-1999) -- UPDATE 3: Morgan-McClure Motorsports owner Larry McClure all but affirmed Tuesday that he will add a second NASCAR Winston Cup Series team by the end of July, and may even take the track with two cars by season's end. See the complete NOL story at: McClure says second team is 'close'. See the #14 Morgan-McClure page I have which compiles the news and rumors I have heard. Also, PitNow has a good story on the team: McClure says a second team is almost a necessity for next season(6-16-1999)
Testing: I hear David Green and Bobby Hamilton were at Greenville Pickens(SC) Speedway today testing their Cup cars. Green(#41) also tested his BGN car along with Jeff Krogh(#56), Kenny Irwin(#11), Larry Pearson(#00) and Steve Grissom(#22). I hear Jason Jarrett was there but not sure if he tested at all. Question asked: Why do so many teams test at Greenville Pickens? Since it is a track the Cup and BGN series doesn't run a race on, it does not count against a team to test there. The track, being a short track, is similar to Richmond and used by teams to get ready for tracks such as Richmond and Martinsville(5-11-1999)
Hamilton Tests: The #4 Kodak Chevy was at Greenville Pickens Speedway(SC)testing three cars(5-10-1999)
Trucks: Three Cup drivers made attempts for the Truck race. Ernie Irvan was 11th fastest in qualifying, Rich Bickle was 12th and Bobby Hamilton was 22nd. Randy MacDonald, who has dabbled in Cup was a big surprise with the third fastest time(4-16-1999)
Double Duty UPDATE:: at least two Cup drivers will attempt to make the CTS race at Martinsville this weekend. Ernie Irvan will be in the #44 Irvan-Simo Federated Auto Parts Ford and Rich Bickle will be in the #45 Tyler Jet Motorsports "Lucky Dog" 10-10-345 Truck(4-12-1999) -- UPDATE 1: NOL has the entry list up and Irvan, Bickle and Bobby Hamilton in the #4 Dana Dodge will atttempt both the CTS and Cup race at Martinsville(NOL)(4-13-1999)
Hamilton Test: Bobby Hamilton tested at Greenville-Pickens(SC) Speedway today in the #4 Kodak Chevy(WC Today Radio)(4-12-1999)
Bristol Testing: Tony Stewart and Bobby Hamilton in Cup cars and Kenny Schrader and Sterling Marlin in their BGN cars tested at Bristol today, no speeds(3-30-1999)
Darlington Testing UPDATE: Gibbs Racing teammates, Bobby Labonte and Tony Stewart will test at Darlington Thursday and Friday(NASCAR Online)(2-25-1999) -- Bobby Hamilton tested at Darlington too(WC Today Radio)(2-26-1999)
Pressley Out, Yes UPDATE: Hearing that Charley Pressley has been released as the crew chief of the #4 Kodak Morgan-McClure Chevy?? Hearing Gary DeHart may step in as the crew chief. Actually DeHart will probably be the Race Team Coordinator, not sure what they will do crew chief wise or what Pressley's plan are(2-18-1999) -- See the Press Release at the Morgan-McClure site: Gary DeHart assumes new position with Morgan-McClure Motorsports(2-19-1999)
Kodak/#4/Paint info: A reader of the StockCarFans Newsletter, Bob says, "Just got my Kodak newsletter today and they said the "new paint" scheme will be for Daytona only and will feature the Kodak Advantix system. No mention if this was the result of the contest design or not."(1-27-1999)
Kodak Paint? UPDATE : Anyone have any idea what happened to the Kodak contest where a fan was supposed to design the 1999 paint scheme for the car? I have heard notning and the Kodak site is of little help -- I hear from some readers that the Kodak contest was won by a graphic artist from Nixa, Missouri. It was in the Springfield News Leader on 1/10/99(not online) I also hear this is not a paint scheme for the whole season but one race only(1-15-1999) -- The 1999 Paint scheme will basically be the same in 1999. The contest was supposedly for the Daytona 500 only and I hear the car will be black with the Advantix logo on the hood and rainbows on the side(1-18-1999)
Dana to the #4: Dana will be an associate sponsor on the #4 Morgan-McClure Kodak Chevy in 1999. Dana will be the primary sponsor of Bobby Hamilton's truck team in 1999.(NASCAR Today Radio) Also tire specialist Jay Cole is doing fine after spraining his ankle during the Rockingham race and will heal in the next three to four weeks. Cole is back to work and in the shop.(11-3-98)