Word is that Robert Yates Racing will have a BGN team in 2002. Rumor has it that it will be a Ford, just like the team’s two cars in Winston Cup. Word is that Ford will have a major role in the development of the team. As far as a driver goes, talk has USAC driver Kasey Kahne behind the wheel. Kahne was supposed to go IRL racing, but will instead concentrate his efforts in NASCAR.(NASCAR.com Buzz)(1-2-2002)
UPDATE: hearing RYR is going to field a BGN team with Channellock as the primary sponsor for a limited schedule of 20 BGN races in 2002 with an announcement within the next week or so(1-7-2002)
UPDATE 2: hearing former Roush crew chief, Tommy Morgan will crew chief the team(1-8-2002)
UPDATE 3: Robert Yates Racing is close to putting together a Busch Series program for 21-year-old Kasey Kahne. Kahne, who’s run several open-wheel divisions including USAC Midgets and World of Outlaws, comes heavily touted by Ford. The team will reportedly be sponsored by Channellock. Tommy Morgan, who was Jeff Burton’s Busch Series crew chief at Roush Racing, is said to be filling that role with the new program.(Winston Cup Scene – need sub to read)(1-10-2002)
UPDATE 4: Channellock Racing is jumping into its 10th year as a primary sponsor in the BGN by teaming up with Robert Yates Racing and driver Kasey Kahne for 21 races in the 2002. The #98 Channellock Ford will make its debut with Kahne behind the wheel at the North Carolina Speedway on February 23. 21-year-old Kahne comes from a dirt track background similar to Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart. Kahne took the wheel of his first sprint car at the age of 14 and has accumulated over 46 wins, three championships and a rookie of the year title in just seven years. Within it’s 10 years of primary sponsorship in the BGN, Channellock topped the charts by winning the 1993 NASCAR Busch Series Championship with driver Steve Grissom behind the wheel, and has accumulated four wins. Channellock Racing is looking forward to adding another successful season to the list with the young Kahne taking the reins. 2002 marks Robert Yates Racing’s first year in the BGN. While fielding two competitive cars in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series, Yates is teaming up with Ford Racing to start a new venture with Kahne and Channellock in the BGN. Log on to www.channellock.com on Thursday, January 17 for a sneak preview of the #98 Channellock Ford Taurus.(Global Performance PR/Channellock)(1-15-2002)
