The Morgan McClure website says that the #4 team will attempt the race at Bristol next week. No other details posted, but hearing that Kevin Lepage will be the driver.(8-12-2010)
UPDATE: Nearly 20 years after scoring their first Sprint Cup Series victory at Bristol Motor Speedway, Morgan-McClure Motorsports will return to the high banks for the running of the Irwin Tools 500. The Abingdon, VA-based organization announced that Alpha Natural Resources, Inc., a leading United States coal producer, and Joy Mining Machinery, a global leader in the development, manufacture, distribution, and service of underground mining equipment have partnered together to bring the “hometown team” back to the track to attempt the 100th Sprint Cup Series race at BMS. Kevin Lepage, a native of Vermont, will pilot the familiar #4 Alpha Natural Resources/ Joy Mining Machinery Chevrolet Impala at the “World’s Fastest Half-Mile” and veteran Larry Carter will serve as the team’s crew chief for the event. (MMM)(8-16-2010)
UPDATE 2: The team returned to the track for the first time since 2007 last August for the Sharpie 500 at Bristol. Relying on several crew members from the MMM glory days, veteran driver Scott Wimmer qualified 26th in the black Alpha Chevrolet. He finished 29th. MMM also attempted to qualify for the second Dover race last season. Morgan said the latest revival for the MMM group began to develop around three weeks ago. Larry Carter, who has worked in NASCAR for 27 years, has been working as the crew chief. Longtime employees Robbie Holt, Billy Brownlow and Robert Larkins are also helping to prepare the car. If Lepage qualifies, Morgan said the team plans to run the entire race. Lepage has competed in 16 Nationwide races this season. The Vermont native won the 1998 Food City 250 with car owner Doug Taylor. Lepage drove for MMM in 2001 and 2004. As for future racing plans, Morgan said it all depends on sponsorship. The goal for this weekend is to make the field and attract attention. Morgan said the expansive Morgan-McClure race shop, which was for sale last year, is no longer listed. While Morgan said the team wants to continue racing with proper funding, he will still listen to potential buyers for the shop.(Bristol Herald Courier)(8-18-2010)
