Another reason to get theStockCarFans Newsletter, Check this out – Here’s some unconfirmed “rumblings” of a sort from an anonymous source:…”lots of turmoil going on at Diamond Ridge Racing right now. Elliott is real upset about the quality of cars provided to both himself and Hermie. His contract is suppose to be iron tight keeping him at Diamond Ridge through next season but there is a stipulation that he gets five WC dates this year and the cars must be competitive, which they haven’t been. The rumor of his pending move to the Woods Brothers WC car is on hold pending legal advice on his contract status. His lawyers say he can void his contract but Bechtel is threatening to fire both Elliott and Hermie if and when he goes through and signs, which would leave both of them out of rides to finish the Busch series. There has been to my knowledge some discussion of an offer from Hendrick MotorSports but I haven’t heard from my source how that will affect the Woods offer. I know Herman and Bell would like to see Elliott with the Woods ride but they want what is best for Elliott. Keep an eye out for them to maybe buy back some Busch equipment to finish out the year if calmer heads don’t prevail.”(StockCarFans)(9-4-98)Sources tell me that Budweiser will be back with #25/50 Hendrick Motorsports team in 1999 and expect to announce their fulltime 1999 driver at Charlotte in October.(9-4-98)Joe Gibbs Racing is also expanding their race shop facilities with a new building in Huntersville, North Caroilina. Designed to house both Winston Cup efforts and two NHRA teams the 124,000 sq. ft. facility is scheduled for completion in November of this year.(Stock Car Racing Magazine Website)(9-4-98)BGN Champ Randy LaJoie and BACE Motorsports owner Bill Baumgardner announced Friday that they are ending their partnership following the conclusion of the 1998 season. LaJoie leave the #74 FINA team. He has turned down any WInston Cup offers and plans to return to the BGN series in 1999. No replacement has been named for LaJoie. BACE Motorsports still plans to field three BGN teams in 1999.(NASCAR Online), rumors I have heard are that LaJoie will join the James Finch team as a teammate of Jeff Purvis who drives the #4 Lance Snacks Chevy.(9-4-98)From the JournalNow: Elliott Sadler has agreed to run for the Wood Brothers next season. The move is a major coup for Ford Motor Company, snaring one of Chevrolet’s most promising newcomers. Neither Sadler nor the Wood brothers would make the signing official, but sources close to the situation confirmed they have come to terms, agreeing to the deal in Winston-Salem on Tuesday.(JournalNow)(9-4-98)More news about the #21 CITGO team and it is sad: The CITGO Motorsports Coordinator passed away on August 29th. Ed Mattie died of heart compliactions, he was 39/ Mattie worked closely with the Wood Brothers and driver Michael Waltrip since 1995. He is survived by wife, Valerie and children, Ryan and Sara. A college benefit account is being setup, call Nancy Werhane at (918) 495-4460 if you wish to contribute.(WC Scene)(9-4-98)TheWinston Cup Scenereports that Travis Carter owner of the #23 Winston/No Bull Ford will not start a 2nd team. Carter met with a potential sponsor on 8-28, but the sponsor decided not to sign the deal. So forget the Ted Musgrave rumor to this team. Carter is in negotiations to re-sign Jimmy Spencer for the #23, Spencer’s contract is up at the end of this season.(9-4-98)A reader of theStockCarFans Newsletterheard the following on the Gerry V radio talk show from WBT radio out of Charlotte today(9/3): During an interview with Ray Evernham, Ray said that during the tire testing at Atlanta Motor Speedway this week, Jeff Gordon and Mark Martin drove each others cars. The purpose of the “trade” was to show the other driver what they had and that no one was cheating. Ray also said, “I would like to see Jack’s reaction when he hears about this.”(StockCarFans Newsletter)(9-4-98) (09-04-1998)
