The team’s equipment, including eight cars and a transporter, was sold to Jay Robinson. According to a spokesperson, McLaughlin and Robinson have enough money to compete at Daytona and Darlington, the first two races on the 2003 schedule, but prospects for the next race, Las Vegas, looked bleak — until people started pitching in. The team already had secured airline reservations to Las Vegas, but had no rooms.. The Orleans Hotel & Casino stepped up to the plate, offering Mike’s team rooms in exchange for an autograph session and some signage on Robinson’s No. 39 Ford. “The outpouring of support has been incredible so far, right now it looks as if we are going to raise enough money for Daytona and Rockingham. To make it to Las Vegas is going to require some funding from a sponsor. The XM Nation and my friends and fans have gotten this ball rolling, but Vegas is going to be a big expense. I hope that we can attract enough attention in Daytona to get some sponsors interested. Right now we are going one race at a time. We are really excited about The Orleans stepping up to help us out. They have a great facility; I think this will be my third or fourth year in a row staying there.. Hopefully we can have a victory party there Saturday night!” One of the largest donations came from Greg Zipadelli, crew chief for 2002 NASCAR Winstin Cup Series champion Tony Stewart. Zipadelli worked on NASCAR Featherlite Modifieds in New England while McLaughlin competed in that series, credits McLaughlin with getting his NASCAR career on track and wrote a check for $10,000. A group of car dealers in Mike’s hometown donated $5,000 and challenged other local businesses to match it. One anonymous fan handed McLaughlin’s wife an envelope containing $100 as she stood in her driveway. McLaughlin is hoping a good showing at one of the season’s first three races will help the team land a sponsor. “I really want to make it to Las Vegas as it pays great and is one of my favorite tracks,” McLaughlin added. “I want to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to chase my dream.”(Las Vegas Motor Speedway)(2-12-2003)
