Following their story about the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series hosting participants from the Philadelphia Urban Racing League a the Dover International Speedway, the SPEED Channel did a spotlight clip on Herbie Bagwell, Jr., and African-American race car driver from Connecticut. When sponsorship money is available, Bagwell plans to race in the NASCAR Busch Series in 10 races. NASCAR recently approved Bagwell to drive in their north series as a prelude to entering into NASCAR Busch Grand National competition in 2004.( Hawk Motorsports PR ) AND SPEED Channel will strap in with four-time NASCAR Winston Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon and Formula One standout Juan Pablo Montoya as the pair swap hot rods for the afternoon on June 11 at the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The live program, entitled Gordon/Montoya Tradin’ Paint, will air from 1:00 to 2:30pm/et Wednesday, June 11th . A special one-hour edition will replay Friday night, June 20th at 8:30pm, immediately following Winston Cup Qualifying, and be hosted by Bob Varsha, former NASCAR crew chief Larry McReynolds and former F1 mechanic Steve Matchett. Both drivers will be wired for sound and the cars will be equipped with multiple on-board cameras. Montoya, fresh of his impressive win at the Grand Prix of Monaco, is expected to bring his 2002 race car – the FW24. The engine alone has 5,000 individual parts. This year, Montoya is racing a FW25 with the next generation P83 BMW powerplant. A comparison of the two cars: #24 Hendrick Chevrolet Monte Carlo Horsepower: 770 HP @ 9,000 RPM Engine: Cast iron 5.7L V8 Top speed: 200 mph Fuel: 110-octane gasoline Chassis weight: 3,400 lbs. (w/o driver) HP Williams BMW FW24 Horsepower: 900 (max RPM of 19,000) Engine: 3L BMW P82 V10 (aluminum block) Top Speed: 225 mph Fuel: Unleaded racing gasoline Chassis weight: 1322.76 lbs. (w/driver)( SPEED Channel )(6-2-2003)
