Rumors that the #92 Herzog Jackson Motorsports team will shut down at seasons end are false, co-owner Stan Herzog said. He also said the teams future should be solidified within the next few weeks. Weve got leads on sponsors and have a few meetings (this) week, he said. Things are looking very bright. A couple weeks ago I wasnt so optimistic, but I think well be fine. The teams primary sponsor, Bristol-Myers Squibb [Excedrin], is leaving the sponsorship game because of its own financial troubles. That leaves Herzog Jackson scrambling for a 2003 big-money sponsor in an almost barren sponsorship market. Herzog wont disclose possible suitors. Regardless, the team still needs to find a 2003 driver. Current driver, Todd Bodines Winston Cup future is unclear, which makes his status with Herzog Jackson Motorsports unclear. Regardless of the problems theyve had with Bodine, the Herzogs like him. Hes a heck of a race car driver and wed like to keep him, but a lot of it is going to come down to the sponsor Herzog said. Translation? They already have a driver lined up and its not Bodine. Again, Herzog remained tight lipped on this issue, but he added, I can tell you this. Youll be surprised.(St Joseph Daily Press)(11-10-2002)
Vasser testing BGN car? UPDATE: hearing CART driver Jimmy Vasser was testing a Busch car at Lakeland [FL] this week. Ganassi? Braun?(11-20-2002)
UPDATE: hearing that Vasser and David Reutimann (who drove a few BGN races for Joe Nemechek) tested the #92 Herzog-Jackson Motorsports Chevy at Lakeland and will testing next week at Kentuck with Vasser, Reutimann, and another driver. Also the #92 supposedly laid off ten team members earlier this week including the Engineer, shop forman, lead fabricator, and several mechanics.(11-21-2002)
UPDATE 2: Herzog Jackson Motorsports plans to run full time in 2003 and massive layoff rumors are unfounded. Ten people did NOT get laid off, three were laid off and one person quit. Departed crew members will re replaced. The search for a sponsor continues as Excedirin (as reported before) will not return in 2003.(Winston Cup Scene need subscription and Acrobat to read online)(11-29-2002)
