April 21, 2002
- Stewart NOT leaving Gibbs for Jones: #20 Home Depot driver, Tony Stewart and team owner Joe Gibbs both sought Saturday to debunk a rumor emanating from Cowboys headquarters in Texas concerning the driver’s availability. According to a source, Jones already has contacted Stewart about becoming lead driver for the two-car team the Cowboys’ boss is negotiating to form with current owner Andy Petree [#33 and #55 cars]. “They’ll have a tough time doing that [signing Stewart],” said Gibbs, who won three Super Bowls as coach of the Washington Redskins – the Cowboys’ hated rivals – before founding his Winston Cup organization in 1992. “I’ll own the Dallas Cowboys if they try and get Tony Stewart. You can put that down there.” Gibbs spoke from a position of power, in that he has Stewart, crew chief Greg Zipadelli and primary sponsor Home Depot signed through the 2004 Cup season.(Fort Worth Star Telegram)(4-21-2002)
- Mobil 1 Schemes for the #12: ExxonMobil Corporation’s Mobil 1 brand serves as a major associate sponsor this season for both Penske Racing South Teams; the #2 Miller Lite Ford Taurus of veteran driver Rusty Wallace and the #12 ALLTEL Ford Taurus of rookie Ryan Newman. In addition, a marketing agreement has been reached whereby Newman’s ALLTEL Ford will feature a special Mobil 1 and Speedpass paint design in five races this season, beginning with the April 20 NAPA Auto Parts 500 at California Speedway (and also at Chicago 7/14; Pocono 7/28; Michigan 8/18; and New Hampshire 9/15).. ExxonMobil Corporation will develop local and regional promotional programs to support the special design used in those markets.(Tom Roberts PR)(4-20-2002)
- Race Fever does well: Phil Barkdoll, auctioneer for Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind’s Race Fever event, got an unprecedented $15,000 bid on a rare autographed Dale Earnhardt helmet Friday night during festivities at the Speedvision Dome. “Preliminary estimates put this year’s gross profit at $118,000, not counting gift-in-kind gifts,” said AIDB President Joe Busta. “Race Fever was a huge success due to our sponsors, driver attendance, patrons and the continued enthusiasm of auctioneer Phil Barkdoll and master of ceremonies Ned Jarrett.” Approximately 1,200 fans participated in Race Fever 2002, which featured a barbecue dinner and silent auction. Drivers on hand included Jeff Green, Tina Gordon, Shawna Robinson, Bobby Labonte, Casey Mears, Robbie Gordon, Johnny Benson, Bobby Allison, Jerry Nadeau, Ashton Lewis Jr., Scott Riggs and Jack Sprague. Former basketball coach Sonny Smith hosted the evening, greeting guests from 38 states and Canada.(Daily Home)(4-21-2002)
- Petree/Waltrip to race at Richmond? Andy Petree’s racing career still may not be over. Yesterday, the owner said he is considering running in the Truck race at Richmond International Raceway this fall. Darrell Waltrip said the same thing after running at Martinsville. Could they both be heading to the local short track? Stay tuned.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(4-21-2002)
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