Hearing that Brendan Gaughan most likely will be driving for Rusty Wallace Inc. in the Nationwide Series for 2009. Also hearing that the deal is not completely finalized as yet, and Gaughan is also looking at possible opportunities available in the Cup Series.(12-19-2008)
UPDATE: Brendan Gaughan is in serious negotiation to drive a NASCAR Nationwide Series Chevy for Rusty Wallace Inc. next season. The deal has not yet been finalized, however, because Gaughan is waiting for a final decision to be made on Earnhardt-Ganassi Racings #41 Sprint Cup Dodge. A source close to the situation called Gaughans deal with RWR 99 percent done, with an announcement expected after the holidays.(Sirius Speedway)(12-19-2008)
UPDATE 2: Officials of Rusty Wallace Racing announced that former NASCAR Truck Series Rookie of the Year, Brendan Gaughan, will pilot the team’s #62 Chevry in a full-season bid for 2009 Nationwide Series Raybestos Rookie of the Year honors. Gaughan assumes the ride-formerly the #64-driven by David Stremme and Max Papis to a top-ten finish in the 2008 standings. The car number change-from #64 to #62-further establishes Rusty Wallace Racing’s family-owned heritage. The #62 was chosen in honor of Gaughan’s family racing background, which includes eight Truck Series wins while driving vehicles fielded by his family-owned #62 Orleans Racing team. Further, the team announced that Las Vegas-based South Point Hotel and Spa will serve as primary sponsor of Gaughan’s #62 team for a number for races in 2009. RWR plans to announce the complete sponsor lineup for the #62 in the coming weeks. In addition to its driver and sponsor announcements, RWR also announced several other key personnel moves:
* Bryan Berry, Gaughan’s long-time truck series crew chief, will accompany Gaughan in his move and head the #62 team in 2009.
* Former #64 crew chief, Dale Ferguson, will move to the team’s #66 entry and third-generation driver Steve Wallace, for 2009.
* Former #66 car chief, Shane Huffman, has returned to the team after a brief hiatus and will serve as car chief for Gaughan and the No. 62 team in 2009.(RWI PR)(1-5-2009)
