Shelmerdine doing more: Kirk Shelmerdine will be on hand at Hickory Speedway on July 27th – standing atop the MJ Motorsports pit box. Shelmerdine, who helped the late Dale Earnhardt win four Winston Cup titles, will call the shots for 19-year-old “Aazie” Zimbelmann who will make his USAR Hooters Pro Cup Series debut in an MJ Motorsports Chevrolet. Zimbelmann is a Rookie candidate in the NASCAR Late Model Super Truck Series at Hickory. “Adding Kirk to the mix was the final ingredient we needed to ensure a solid effort,” said Mike Calinoff, “his influence on our program will be dramatic.” Zimbelmann, who is currently 7th in the Hickory point standings, feels the addition of Shelmerdine will also work to help his confidence. “Mike (Calinoff) and Jenn (Kovach) have given me great equipment in the truck series and we are preparing an awesome car for the Hooters race. Having Kirk on board will certainly help us on pit strategy and adjustments.” Shelmerdine is in the midst of boosting his own Winston Cup driving career. He will compete in at least five events this season with sponsorship from Hooters [actually Naturally Fresh in the #27? Ford]. He is the youngest crew chief ever to win a Winston Cup race and series title[in 1986-87,89-90 – actually thought Doug Richert at 19 years old in 1980 was the youngest].(MJ Motorsports PR)(7-1-2002)
