On Friday morning [11/14], Kevin Harvick and GM Goodwrench will take part in a press conference at the Media Center with Chevrolet and GM Racing on sponsorship for the 2004 NASCAR season.(Kevin Harvick site), this could be for Harvick’s Truck Series team that Matt Crafton will drive for in 2004, only other ‘rumors’ I have heard was that Smirnoff Ice was a possible associate sponsor on the #29 Cup car in 2004, but that has died down quite a bit and haven’t heard much about that in a while.(11-12-2003)
UPDATE: GM Goodwrench, a division of General Motors Service Parts Operations (GMSPO), announced today its return to the NASCAR Truck Series through 2005. As the primary sponsor of a Kevin Harvick, Inc. owned #6 Chevrolet Silverado driven by NASCAR Touring Champion Matt Crafton. When it came to picking a driver to compete full time on the circuit, Harvick didn’t have to look far. He competed against Matt Crafton on the West Coast and knew of the Tulare, Calif., native’s potential. Crafton has been following the same path of his new truck owner, with a 2000 Featherlite Southwest Tour Series championship already under his belt. His first appearance on the Truck Series circuit came in 2000, and since then he’s posted 29 top-10 finishes in 71 starts with two teams, including a career-best 12th place finish in the points standings in 2001. “This is the most excited I’ve been about anything,” exclaims Crafton, currently 11th in the 2003 Truck Series standings with the No. 88 Menards Chevrolet Silverado owned by Duke Thorson. “I can tell you right now this is the biggest and best step I’ve taken in my racing career. I know we can go out and win races. GM Goodwrench as a sponsor is unreal. They’ve been so successful with all they’ve done in racing. I just hope I can continue that trend.”
“We looked long and hard to find a person that would most benefit the opportunity and our operation” adds Harvick. “Matt was the most ambitious. He wanted the job more than anyone else did. We didn’t feel he was showing his full potential where he was. Matt’s got a ton of talent and I’ve been impressed with how he handles himself. I think he’ll be a great addition to our program and will bring a lot to the table.”(Kevin Harvick Site)(11-14-2003)
