Team Red Bull will make its racing debut next weekend with Bill Elliott at the wheel and its research and development manager Randy Cox serving as crew chief at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. Cox, who most recently was a crew chief at ppc Racing and has previously worked with Chip Ganassi Racing, will serve as crew chief for the three races that Elliott will drive this year, said TRB General Manager Marty Gaunt while at Talladega Superspeedway. The car will be a Dodge as the team begins a three-race schedule to get ready for its Toyota debut in 2007. Brian Vickers will drive the #83 car next year with his teammate still to be announced. Gaunt said he hopes to have the second driver named within 30 days. “Everybody right now is in the candidate pool,” Gaunt said. “We haven’t found a second driver. We are still looking at everybody who is available out there who we can put in it. We haven’t ruled anybody out as of yet.”(SceneDaily.com)(10-7-2006)
UPDATE: There’s a new car on the track and NASCAR legend Bill Elliott is behind the wheel. Elliott will be driving the Victory Junction Gang #83 Dodge at the Bank of America 500 at Lowes Motor Speedway from October 12-14. Running the #83 entry is Team Red Bull, which is entering its first of three 2006 Nextel Cup races in preparation for the 2007 season. In addition to Elliott’s on-track driving duties, he’ll serve as the Grand Marshall at this year’s Ride to Victory IV, which takes place on Sunday, October 15. “There’s no better way to raise awareness and funds for the Victory Junction Gang than through two of my passions – racing and riding,” said Elliott, who will be make his 754th start. Team Red Bull, together with Elliott, plans to donate the team’s Charlotte race winnings and the #83 car and Elliott’s driver suit for auction. The auction will take place in November and Information can be found at www.nascar.com/foundation. On Sunday, October 15, the day following the Charlotte night race, Elliott leads the fourth annual Ride to Victory charity motorcycle ride that also benefits the Victory Junction Gang. The ride originates in Gastonia, NC, makes a pit stop in Mooresville for a tour of Team Red Bull race shop, then crosses the finish line at Victory Junction Gang Camp in Randleman, NC. The ride will cover just over 100 miles and the event is $85 per person. All proceeds will benefit Victory Junction Gang Camp. Fans that will be coming in for the weekend are invited and encouraged to bring their bikes and join the Ride to Victory IV. Registration for the ride can be done online at www.kylepettycharityride.com(VJGC PR)(10-9-2006)
