Hooters/Brooks could be part owner of the #11 UPDATE 3: Brett Bodine is poised for a change in the direction of his NASCAR Winston Cup team. Bodine began the year without a primary sponsor and was on the verge of closing his doors before signing Hooters restaurant chain to a small but team-saving contract. He has a verbal agreement from Hooters owner Bob Brooks for sponsorship for 2003. “He’s basically told me you’ve got a deal for next year and possibly more,” Bodine said. “They’re in a process to evaluate the program and how much they want to invest in a Winston Cup sponsorship. We’d like more sponsorship,” Bodine added. “You’ve got to look at what is going to be a good investment to be competitive. We’re hoping to get them signed up for a long-term deal.” One scenario would have Hooters become a partner in the team. If that happened, Bodine said, “I wouldn’t have to ever look for a major sponsor again.” He said he hopes to have a deal in place within the month. Bodine is also trying to add to or re-sign his associate sponsors. And he knows that if everything he hopes for happens, then there will be more pressure on him and his team.(Star Gazette)(8-8-2002) UPDATE: Brett Bodine says he may sell part of his Winston Cup team to the Hooter’s Restaurant chain, according to a story in this week’s NASCAR Winston Cup Scene. Reporter Kenny Bruce writes that Bodine and Hooters CEO Bob Brooks have “basically agreed that we have a deal,” but details, which include the possibility of the sale of part of the team, remain to be worked out.(Winston Cup Scene Daily Newsletter)(8-14-2002) UPDATE 2: hearing Bodine has signed a contract with Robert Brooks [owner of Hooter’s] that calls for Brooks will own 51% of the team, Brett Bodine will own 24.5% and wife Diane will own 24.5%.(10-15-2002) UPDATE 3: While Brett Bodine continues negoatiating with Hooter’s Restaurants’ owner Bob Brooks, he’s yet to make a deal for Brooks to buy into his team.(Winston Cup Scene – need subscription to read online)(10-24-2002)
