.The # 89 Big Fan Racing BGN team and the # 96 Chris Hoiles Motorsports BGN team have decided to merge resources for the 2002 BGN season and run as many races as possible as one team. Both teams are located in Easley, SC. By combining resources such as equipment, personnel, and sponsorship the teams are prepared to start the 2002 season in position to run around 15 of the 34 scheduled races. Current talks with other potential sponsors could extend the number of races. The team plans on testing some drivers in the next few weeks and is interested in talking to any drivers with sponsorship looking for a team. If a driver willing to bring enough additional sponsorship to the table is found the team will run as many races as possible which could be a majority of the schedule. Any drivers wishing to talk should contact either Mark Watkins at (864) 859-7673 or Tony Burgess at (864) 442-1123. Currently there are several drivers talking to the team about the position. They include Shane Hall, Brad Baker, .Gus Wasson, Jeff Oakley, Lance Hooper and Mike Laughlin, Jr. .Other drivers have also shown an interest. The team will be running chassis from Laughlin Racing Products in Simpsonville, SC and will also be involved in some R&D for Laughlin during the year. Engines are built by Richard Jackson Motorsports in Arden, NC. Big Fan Racing is a very grassroots fan built team that began on the internet in January 2001 and eventually made its debut when Lance Hooper guided the car to a 35th starting position in the Food City 250 at Bristol on August 24th. The team is approaching 2000 members from all around the United States, Canada, and a few other countries. The # 96 Chris Hoiles Motorsports team was started by Chris Hoiles, former catcher for the Baltimore Orioles Major League Baseball team. It is currently managed by Tony Burgess who is also the team’s Crew Chief.(more info at the Big Fan Racing site)(12-6-2001)
