Ultra Motorsports to Quit Cup? UPDATE 3 Grubb to drive?:While contemplating taking sponsor NationsRent to court, Ultra Motorsports owner Jim Smith says he won’t run his Winston Cup team without sponsorship next year. He does, however, expect to have a Busch Series team in addition to his two-team entry in the Craftsman Truck Series. He plans on running a Dodge in the Busch Series, and will convert his Cup team to Dodges as well if it still exists. Truck series star Ted Musgrave expects to drive for the team, but exactly what he’ll drive is uncertain. He has heard from a few Winston Cup teams, but said they currently lack sponsorship so he’s wary of signing with anyone else. Problems with NationsRent, meanwhile, will likely send Smith to court. “We have a contract for next year,” Smith said. “They’re in financial trouble, I don’t know. I see us in court very soon.”(Winston Cup Scene – need sub to read)(9-13-2001)
UPDATE: hearing the team and crew chief, Jim Long, along with a few employees have parted ways with the team
UPDATE 2: Buddy Barnes and Scott Lepage will lead the Ultra Motorsports NASCAR Winston Cup team and the #7 NationsRent Taurus beginning with this weekend.s race at Dover. Owner Jim Smith made the announcement Tuesday morning after accepting the resignation of Jim Long. “We’re moving forward,” Smith said. “We’re not quitting. We’re not stopping. We’re going to keep doing everything we can do to be successful. Both Buddy and Scott have plenty of experience and they know how to run a race team.” Lepage has been car chief for Ultra Motorsports, while Barnes has been heading up the research and development program. Both are veterans in NASCAR Winston Cup racing.(Williams Company)(9-18-2001)
UPDATE 3: hearing the Ultra Motorsports may have Kevin Grubb in the seat of either his BGN or Cup Team in 2002(9-28-2001)
