All News Carl Long

McClynn Racing beefing up stable, sponsors on the way:

July 23, 2005 at 12:00 AM

Raynard McGlynn, owner of the #00 Chevy [sometimes Dodge] ran by Carl Long, was in high spirits Friday afternoon, and obviously much happier than six weeks ago at Pocono Raceway. “We think we can get in no problem,” McGlynn said on the eve of today’s qualifying for tomorrow’s NASCAR Nextel Cup Pennsylvania 500. Back in June, hopes for the Hanover Township team [PA] were dashed when driver Carl Long wrecked in practice for the Pocono 500. The team went back to the shop on the Sans Souci Highway to prepare a backup car, but that plan went awry and the team was forced to withdraw before qualifying. “It was a Dodge and the oil pan wouldn’t work in the car,” McGlynn said. “It was either cut the chassis and ruin a car to get back or say enough is enough.”
Much has changed in six weeks. McGlynn Motorsports has increased its stable of cars to nine with the purchase of four Dodges from Roger Penske and a Chevrolet from Bill Davis, both longtime NASCAR owners. The team also built a Dodge and is having a Chevrolet assembled. Plus, sponsorship deals are coming together. Champion Builders and Sundance Vacations are aboard this weekend. “We have a major deal kicking,” McGlynn said. “As a matter of fact, I have to fly to Atlanta next week. We have some meetings with Carloans.com. It’s a deal; I just have to finish up on it a little bit.” Should Long qualify for the Pennsylvania 500, it will be the first time this season the team has made three consecutive races. Thus far, the team has made six of the 12 races it attended. He was 42nd fastest among 47 drivers in the second practice Friday. Long just needs to be faster today than four of the other 11 drivers who need to make tomorrow’s race based on their qualifying speed. The good news is that five of those drivers were slower in the final practice. If Long accomplishes that, McGlynn said the team will continue to grow. “It’s a business, but there’s a lot of luck involved,” McGlynn said. “All you have to do is get tied up with the right people, then the right people will bring more sponsorship. That’s what is happening. It’s starting to snowball now.”(Times Leader), see images of the #00 on my #00 Team Schemes page.(7-23-2005)