April 7, 2002
- Some Patriotism at Texas: Neal Smith, a Texas Resident and currently serving in the U. S. Navy has been on active duty for 19 years and will be retiring next year. Texas Motor Speedway(TMS) was contacted about flying Smith’s retirement flag (which will never be sold and will go into his shadow box), and TMS accepted. The flag will be flown in Winner’s Circle today (and was on Saturday after the BGN race).(4-7-2002)
- Spring Rubbers: NASCAR is allowing teams to install up to one-half of a spring rubber in either or both front springs prior to the start of Sunday’s Samsung/Radio Shack 500 at Texas. Teams can’t start races with spring rubber in the front of their cars; they may only add them during pit stops. Spring rubbers are allowed in the rear springs at the start of the race.(CNN/SI)(4-7-2002)
- 300th start for Gordon: #24-Jeff Gordon will make his 300th Winston Cup start at Texas. Two interesting facts: it is 300 consecutive starts, and Gordon has NEVER used a provisional starting spot.(4-7-2002)
- HRT Returns: On Saturday in the TMS Media Center, CICLÓN International S.A., producer and distributor of CICLÓN Energy Drink, announced a multi-race agreement to be the primary sponsor of HRT Motorsports’ NASCAR Busch Series #09 entry driven by Roberto Guerrero. CICLÓN Energy Drink’s entry into NASCAR coincides perfectly with its’ expansion into the United States. CICLÓN Energy Drink is distributed in 14 countries throughout South America, Central America and the Caribbean. Elmar Scheiber, CEO of CICLÓN International S.A.: “I was extremely pleased at the platform HRT Motorsports presented to me earlier this year. Not only at their ability to run in NASCAR and reach the North American market we are now entering, but to also reach our already strong Hispanic consumer. I was amazed at the extent of their platform, consisting of their Spanish language Television show, their interactive database with Interactive Fan Club and, of course, their on-track capabilities with Roberto Guerrero. It was something noone else was offering, and something I didn’t think was even remotely possible. I am very excited about the possibilities.” Rudy Rodriguez, co-owner of HRT Motorsports and Dallas native: “I think they are a perfect match for us. CICLÓN Energy Drink is well-known on an international level, and now we have a direct say in introducing it to the great NASCAR fan.” Roberto Guerrero has been working with HRT since his 25th-place finish at the Indianapolis 500 in 1999. In May of 2000, he entered the BGN race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Charlotte, N.C., but he failed to qualify. Roberto Guerrero: “I think it’s wonderful. It has been a long time coming, but I know Rudy (Rodriguez) and Mike (Vazquez, owners of HRT Motorsports) have been non-stop since we met in 1999 to make their diversity initiative happen. They have put their heart and soul into HRT because it is something they truly believe in, and I know they will do the same for CICLÓN. I just can’t wait to get started.” The complete press release can be found at: www.HRTMotorsports.com.(TMS Site)
AND HRT Motorsports, a team owned by cousins Rudy Rodriguez and Mike Vasquez, announced plans Saturday to run five BGN races this year with Roberto Guerrero as a driver. The sponsor will be Ciclon, an energy drink based in Panama that has primarily been marketed in the Caribbean. That gives the team owners, a driver and a sponsor who are primarily Hispanic, and the team plans to market itself to that community. It tentatively plans to run five races this year beginning at Lowe’s Motor Speedway at Charlotte in May.(ThatsRacin.com)
AND more tidbits from the PR: HRT Motorsports, established in 1999 as the first NASCAR team with both Hispanic owners and Hispanic drivers, plans on running a limited schedule of 5 races in 2002 commencing in Charlotte for the CARQUEST Auto Parts 300 on May 25, 2002, with full-time plans for the 2003 season and beyond. Other confirmed races in their 2002 schedule include the Hills Brothers Coffee 300 in Chicago on July 13, 2002 and the GNC Live Well 300 in Homestead on November 16,, 2002. Their remaining schedule will be confirmed and announced shortly, however, other potential races include: the Food City 250 in Bristol on August 23, 2002, the Aaron’s 312 in Atlanta on October 26, 2002, and the Arizona 200 in Phoenix on November 9, 2002. In addition to HRT Motorsports’ plans for Roberto and their #09 entry, HRT is now also working on securing primary sponsorship for their second Busch Series team, #82 recently assigned by NASCAR, for brother Jaime Guerrero.(4-7-2002) - #19 Tire Carrier Injured: Shawn Pincola, a tire carrier with the #19 team of driver Tim Sauter, was hit by a loose tire during a round of pit stops on Lap 43 of Saturday’s O’Reilly 300 at Texas Motor Speedway. Pincola was taken to the infield care center, then transported to Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas for further evaluation.(ThatsRacin.com). AND Pincola was conscious and talking to the medical workers. Pincola’s team is the No. 19 O’Reilly Chevrolet owned by Alex Pinsonneault. According to The Associated Press, Pincola was released from the hospital Saturday night.(Dallas Morning News)(4-7-2002)
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