Eel River Racing owner Jack Birmingham announced today that he has hired NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver Mike Bliss to pilot the teams Pontiacs beginning with the 2000 season. Bliss, who ranks in the top-five in virtually every career statistical category in the truck series, will also attempt to qualify the State Fair Brand Corn Dogs Pontiac for Sundays Pop Secret 400 at North Carolina Speedway. Hes also scheduled to compete for the team at Phoenix and Homestead. Bliss is reuniting with Barry Dodson, who served as his crew chief for six of his seven career victories on the truck circuit. Dodson is crew chief and a part owner of the Eel River Racing team. Birmingham purchased the team on July 28. His hiring of Bliss is yet another step in the development of his plans to forge a competitive team in NASCARs top series. Birmingham believes the hiring of Bliss will make his team even more attractive in his quest to find a new primary sponsor(Hoagland Communications)
