Hank Parker Jr wins the Auto Club 300 at California Speedway in his 73rd BGN start. #36-Parker was the 9th different winner out of 10 BGN races and 2nd first time winner of the season (Biffle was the other). See results at NASCAR.com(4-28-2001)
Hamilton Jr Wins Pole at Calif: #26-Bobby Hamilton won the pole for the Auto Club 300 at the California Speedway with a speed of 179.198mph. Outside pole goes to #33-Tony Raines with a speed of 178.935(4-27-2001)
Only 39 at California? NO 43: Only 39 cars are entered for Saturday’s Auto Club 300 Busch Series race here, so everyone will make some money. There are 43 positions available, but fields have been consistently short, thanks in large part to new engine rules in the division. The Busch field shows eight Winston Cup regulars, including Jimmy Spencer, Kevin Harvick, Mike Wallace, Todd Bodine, Kenny Wallace and Joe Nemechek.(SpeedVision), BUT there are 43 cars/drivers list on NASCAR.com’s qualifying order(4-27-2001)
Harvick to go for it: A spokesperson for Watkins Glen International said Wednesday that Kevin Harvick, who drives Richard Childress’s cars (#2 AC Delco in BGN and #29 GM Goodwrench in Cup) will fly from Daytona to New York on Friday night, July 6, after Winston Cup qualifying for the Pepsi 400 to qualify his BGN car at Watkins Glen on Saturday morning, July 7. After his BGN qualifying run, he will fly back to Daytona, run the Pepsi 400. Then he’ll fly back up to Watkins Glen to run the BGN race on Sunday, July 8.(NASCAR.com Buzz). Harvick is going for both the BGN and Cup drivers title, somthing that has never happened in the history of NASCAR(4-26-2001)
Denton out of the #77/Harmon in/Denton to a new team UPDATE 2: Kelly Denton has rejoined hometown Bristol, Va., BGN owner Ed Whitaker for the April 28 Auto Club 300 at California Speedway. The move ended Denton’s future with Tony Hall’s PRW Racing, which has already installed Alabama’s Mike Harmon in the seat of the #77 Pegasus/Automotive Yes/Race Ready Ford for this weekend’s Subway 300 at Talladega. Denton apparently also took his General Creations backing to Whitaker’s #7 Chevy(NASCAR.com Buzz), well it can’t be #7 that is Randy LaJoie, maybe #07?(4-19-2001) UPDATE: Kelly Denton announced today the forming of Team Bristol Motorsports. The press confrence, held at Bristol Motorspeedway, described an alliance between Bristol, TN.based educational toy maker, General Creation,.Whitaker Racing and Denton. The new race team will enter the Auto Club 300 at California Speedway on April 28 and compete in the remainder of the 2001 NASCAR Busch Series schedule. The three year deal.names Bristol native, Kelly Denton as the driver of the General Creation #54 Chevy powered by Roush engines. Denton said, “I want to thank General Creation, Steve Johnson and Ed Whitaker, we have been very busy the past month putting this agreement together and after looking at several options.it became obvious that.our best choice was to run this deal right here in Bristol.” Denton added, “that by partnering with.Whitaker Racing we can start with a solid foundation. “The program will promote General Creation’s educational toy product line and will begin with, Baby Bear, the only interactive plush toy that actually teaches children to read. The company manufactures a complete line of early learning aids that teach children reading, writing and math skills through interactive encouragement(TBM PR)(4-22-2001) UPDATE 2: hearing that Ron Silver will be the interim crew chief for the team(4-26-2001)
Rudd Sponsor: Graybar Electric Company join forces with #85-Jason Rudd Racing for three events in 2001. Graybar and Rudd will make their first scheduled appearance together at Richmond on May 4th for the Hardee’s 250. The team will also be wearing Graybar colors for the August 24th race at the Bristol, and again in September at Richmond for the Autolite Fram 250. Rudd, nephew of NASCAR legend Ricky Rudd, began his racing career at the age of twelve racing Sprint Karts and Enduro Karts around his hometown of Chesapeake, Virginia. Now, at the age of 22, Rudd has spent the last several years racing Late Model Stock cars and BGN cars in preparation for his own BGN career. Graybar Electric Company is an employee-owned, independent wholesale distributor of electrical and comm/data products. For the last several years, Graybar has been involved with the sponsorship of Grubb Motorsports and drivers Wayne Grubb and Brandon Butler. Before that, Graybar sponsored drivers such as Kenny Wallace and Curtis Markham.(Jason Rudd Racing PR)(4-24-2001)
Milestone: When Mike McLaughlin drove his unsponsored Pontiac under the checkered flag to win the Subway 300, Tim Shutt became the first black crew chief to win a major stock car race. He said afterwards that he doesn’t feel much like the record setter he is. “I don’t know if I want to say I’m a pioneer yet, but I guess I’ve done something,” he said. “This is the first race I’ve won since 1993. It’s the first time Mike has won in a while, so it feels pretty good.” Shutt said his long-time friend and former roommate Tony Stewart was the first one to greet him in Victory Lane. “He took off my sunglasses to see if I was crying,” Shutt said. Was he? “Yes, but they were tears of joy.”(Atlanta Journal Constitution)(4-22-2001)
McLaughlin wins at Talladega: #20-Mike McLaughlin beat #1-Jimmy Spencer and won the Subway 300 BGN race at Talladega. See results at NASCAR.com(4-21-2001)
Nemechek Wins Pole at ‘Dega: with a speed of 189.729mph, out side pole goes to #7-Randy LaJoie with a speed of 188.123mph. See That’s Racin’ for the Subway 300 qualifying results. No drivers went home as there were 43 entries(4-19-2001)
New Paint for the #21: The #21 BGN car of Winston Cup regular Mike Skinner will sport a new color scheme for Saturday’s Subway 300. Skinner’s #21 car will be painted with a special paint created by Danny Dillard of Richard Childress Racing. Dillard created the gun-metal color and then covered it with a special ice-chip metallic flake, which makes the car sparkle and shine with an unusual look on the race track(Anniston Star)(4-20-2001)
#17 Crew Chief Penalized UPDATE Appeal Denied: NASCAR officials announced they have penalized NASCAR Busch Series crew chief Russ Strupp for rules violations (shoulder harness) discovered in inspection prior to the Jani-King 300 at Texas Motor Speedway in Ft. Worth, TX. Strupp, crew chief of the #17 BGN team, was fined $5,000 and suspended from the next two NASCAR Busch Series races (suspension ends April 25, 2001). Strupp was penalized under Section 12-4-Q in the 2001 NASCAR Busch Series rule book: “Any determination by NASCAR Officials that parts and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform… or have not been approved by NASCAR…”(NASCAR PR)(4-6-2001) UPDATE: On April 18, 2001, the National Stock Car Racing Commission heard and considered the appeal of Reiser Enterprises concerning the penalties assessed against crew chief, Russell Strupp. The appeal pertained to penalties issued by NASCAR concerning the seat belt shoulder harness on the #17 car in the NASCAR Busch Series, Grand National Division event held at Texas Motor Speedway in March of 2001. The Commission finds the following: The rules violation was clear in light of the fact that the Appellant admitted that the team cut off the date tag on the belt. The Rule Book requires the date of manufacture to remain visible on the belts at all times. The Appellant made a compelling argument that the Reiser race team has a strong record of safety consciousness, which the Commission agreed with. However, due to the admitted rule infraction, the Commission upheld the finding. The penalty, while serious, is consistent with other penalties that NASCAR has issued in 2001 for comparable infractions. Therefore, it is the unanimous decision of the National Stock Car Racing Commission to uphold the penalty assessed by NASCAR. The Appellant has the right, under Section 15 of the NASCAR Rule Book, to appeal this decision to the National Stock Car Racing Commissioner.(NASCAR PR) AND Car chief Bobby Bakeeff will serve as crew chief of the #17 Visine Chevy this weekend for the NASCAR Busch Series Subway 300 from Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama. Bakeeff will assume crew chief duties for the Visine Racing team while Russ Strupp completes his two-race suspension(Keystone Marketing)(4-19-2001)
2nd Carroll Racing team? #26 Dr Pepper Chevy owner, Dave Carroll plans to field a second BGN team for driver Blaise Alexander later this season. Alexander could run as many as eight races this year and then go full time in 2002 if sponsorship can be secured without detracting from Bobby Hamilton Jr.’s team. The main priority is still on Hamilton’s effort, regardless of whether Carroll puts together a team for Alexander, who split with (#8 Chevy)Highline Performance Group earlier in the year. (Winston Cup Scene – need sub to read online)(4-19-2001)
Darby Moving Up? Busch Series Director John Darby may be on the move after the season, but nobody in NASCAR will confirm his new duties. Speculation in recent months has been that Darby would replace Gary Nelson as Winston Cup director, with Nelson moving into a new role, possibly at NASCAR’s new research and development center in Hickory, N.C. NASCAR President Mike Helton said, however, that the recent rumors were false, but wouldn’t elaborate on Darby’s status(Winston Cup Scene – need sub to read online)(4-19-2001)
Shop-Vac Racing at Talladega: Skip Smith and the #67 Shop-Vac Racing team will enter the Subway 300 this weekend at Talladega. While Smith Brothers Motorsports carries the #28 in ARCA competition, the black and day-glow red Shop-Vac Chevy will sport the #67 in the BGN. Skip Smith, a retired Pa. State Police Officer. “It is my favorite race track and I feel we have really good equipment for the race.” Smith plans to run an additional 9 ARCA speedway races this season. But, the recent decline in BGN event entries have presented car owner Mike Smith with the opportunity to evaluate the future race series of his team. Results at Talladega will play a large role in determining future BGN races this season(Shop Vac Racing PR)(4-18-2001)
Amick News: Team Amick Motorsports announced that its top priority for the remainder of 2001 will be to conduct an “extensive re-engineering” effort fully capable of fielding two state-of-the-art Busch teams in the 2002 NASCAR season. While the team plans to run a limited schedule of races this year, Amick’s management will devote most of its attention to testing and refining its technology and design, in what the team calls “a new quest for excellence.” “We are making a major investment in quality engineering” team owner Bill Amick said. “Our plan is to focus as much time as possible this year to refining our engines, developing twenty-first century technology and fielding a world-class stable of cars that will set new standards for precision and excellence in stock car racing.” Amick said his strategy is designed to win races and to impress sponsors with the team’s commitment to the business of racing. “Sponsors are looking for a solid return on their investment,” Amick said. “We believe the key to that return is making a total commitment to quality in every phase of racing technology, from the hood to the exhaust pipe.” Team Amick Motorsports also plans to refine its human resources as well as its technology. “The driver and the rest of the crew must perform with the same precision as the best engines. An important part of re-engineering will be to make certain that our people as well as our cars do the right thing, the right way at the right time.” Amick said he will begin recruiting sponsors now for the 2002 season. “We are seeking sponsors for next year who share our view that a total commitment to quality will give this racing team a winning edge. The return on investment we seek can be expressed in two words: winning races,” Amick said. “That’s what excites us, and that what we are committed to.”(Amick PR)(4-17-2001)
#34 Sponsor: J.B.Williams will be sponsoring the #34 Cicci/Welliver Racing(CWR) Chevy MonteCarlo driven by David Green with it’s Aqua Velva brand at Talladega. This is the first of (4) races they will be the primary this year with CWR. The remaining races are, Watkins Glen 7/8, Chicago 7/14, Pikes Peak 7/28.(Cicci/Welliver Racing PR)(4-17-2001)
Testing at RIR: hearing that #92-Stacy Compton(CUP), #27-Jamie McMurry, #20-Mike Mclaughin and #7-Randy Lajoie are testing this week through Wednesday(4-17-2001)
Biffle Wins at Nashville: #60-Greg Biffle won the inaugural Pepsi 300 at Nashville for his first career BGN victory. #57-Jason Keller was 2nd. See NASCAR.com for results(4-14-2001)
Harvick Wins Pole: #2-Kevin Harvick won the pole for the first ever BGN race at Nashville Superspeedway running a lap of 159.678mph. #10-Jeff Green was 2nd at 158.481mph.(That’s Racin’). Harvick was the only BGN driver to test at Nashville(4-14-2001)
Biffle Fastest in Practice: #60-Greg Biffle was fastest in the 2nd practice at Nashville, 157.772mph with #2-Kevin Harvick 2nd at 157.503mph. See the speeds at NASCAR.com(4-13-2001)
Marcis to the BGN? UPDATE: Rumor has it that #71-Dave Marcis is considering moving to the BGN Series.(NASCAR.com Buzz)(3-1-2001) UPDATE: Dave Marcis said team manager, Dwayne Leik will be back in a race car soon (he attempted the Daytona 500 in the #72 Chevy owned by Marcis), running a limited Busch Series schedule in two cars Marcis purchased from APR(Andy Petree Racing). Marcis plans on going to The Winston Open at Charlotte next month. He also hopes to make upcoming races at Chicago, Indianapolis, Dover and the season-ending race at Atlanta as well as Talladega next week(Hendersonville Times News)(4-13-2001)
Tires: The Busch Series teams will each get 32 tires to get through their weekend at Nashville Superspeedway. Today each team will have to designate which set of tires it will use for qualifying. Those four tires have to be left at the tire warehouse at the end of the track’s garage area until qualifying.(Tennessean)(4-13-2001)
2nd Herzog Team? UPDATE 4: Herzog Motorsports may field a second BGN team in 2001 if a sponsor can be found. Toby Porter is supposed to test for the team in the future. Herzog currently fields the #92 Chevy for Jimmie Johnson(Winston Cup Scene Magazine)(11-16-2000) UPDATE: will drive a 2nd Herzog Motorsports car in 2001 and replace Jimmie Johnson as the full time driver of the #92 car in 2002 when Johnson heads to Cup with Hendrick Motorsports(1-2-2001) UPDATE 2: is expected to run in a variety of circuits, including BGN and ASA in his new role with Herzog. The former karter, who most recently competed in the USAR Hooters Pro Cup, will open his 2001 campaign February 17 behind the wheel of an ASA car at Florida Speed Park(SpeedVision)(1-3-2001) UDPATE 3: Toby Porter’s motorsports schedule for the 2001 racing year is changing. was scheduled to drive a Charlotte-based Herzog Motorsports car in an ASA race at South Boston on Saturday but did not participate in the event. joined the team at the beginning of the season to run a limited ASA schedule and to test BGN cars. The team said it hoped to run in a few BGN races this season with the idea of replacing Herzog BGN driver Jimmie Johnson next year when Johnson moves on to the Winston Cup series. said Monday that he plans to do less short-track ASA racing and more BGN testing with the team through the rest of the year(Greenville News)(4-10-2001) UPDATE 4: Herzog Motorsports announced today the release of driver Toby Porter. was signed to a one-year agreement with several option years in December of 2000. “We had a few differences on certain priorities which we could not agree on 100%”, stated Herzog Motorsports co-owner Stan Herzog. “We feel like we have too much potential as a team, and Toby Porterhas too much potential as a driver not to be totally on the same page. We regret that things did not work out with Toby, but we certainly wish him the best in his future endeavors,” continued Stan Herzog. “We will begin the search for his replacement immediately.”(Herzog Motorsports PR)(4-11-2001)
Labonte and ARCA: Terry Labonte says that his son, Justin, is scheduled to drive in the Automobile Racing Club of America(ARCA) event at Charlotte next month and in about eight more races in that series this season(Roanoke Times)(4-21-2001)
More BGN NHIS News: Kenny Wallace has joined fellow Cup drivers Steve Park and Kevin Harvick on the entry list for the CVS/pharmacy 200 Presented by Bayer NASCAR Busch Series race at New Hampshire International Speedway on May 12(off weekend in Cup)(NHIS PR)(4-17-2001)
Dillon Out UPDATE Skinner In: Mike Dillon has stepped down as the driver of the #21 Rockwell Chevy co-owned by father-in-law Richard Childress in an attempt to improve the team’s performance, and not because of injuries he sustained in a multicar wreck March 24 at Bristol. Mike Skinner, who drives Childress’ #31 Winston Cup Chevy, was behind the wheel of the #21 car at Texas, where he qualified fifth and finished ninth. Despite initial word out of the Childress camp that Skinner was simply filling in, the move is all but permanent. There’s a possibility that Dillon may drive “a race or two” later this season, but that’s it. Dillon’s focus seems to have almost completely shifted from driving to a new, as-yet unspecified role within the Childress organization. A search would begin for a driver to run the races Skinner couldn’t. Skinner will most likely drive most, if not all, of the remaining races run in conjunction with the Winston Cup tour. With an eye toward 2002, the team might opt for a young, unproven talent in stand-alone events, much the same as it did with Kevin Harvick last year(Winston Cup Scene – need subscription to view online)(4-5-2001) UPDATE: Winston Cup driver Mike Skinner will drive the Richard Childress Racing/Brant Motorsports #21 BGN car this weekend at Nashville Superspeedway and the balance of this year’s races that coincide with Winston Cup events. Skinner, the full-time driver of the RCR #31 Lowes Chevys in the Winston Cup series, replaces Mike Dillon as driver for the #21 team. Dillon, recovered from injuries sustained in a March 24 crash at Bristol and another during testing at Nashville a couple of weeks before, will remain with RCR in an as-yet undetermined role. Subbing for an injured Dillon March 24 at Texas Motor Speedway, Skinner qualified fifth and finished ninth, both season bests for the team. A driver for the races that conflict with the Winston Cup schedule is being sought(That’s Racin’)(4-11-2001)
Chaffin released from the #25 UPDATE David Donohue in: Chad Chaffin was released as the driver for the #25 Team Marines Chevy. Team Rensi spokesperson Shelly DeCaro, speaking from team headquarters in Charlotte, said the team will field a car in the Nashville Busch race with a new driver(Tennessean)(4-6-2001) UPDATE: Team Rensi Motorsports announces David Donohue will drive the #25 Team Marines Monte Carlo in the BGN. Donohue started the 2001 season as one of two Team Rensi Motorsports Chevy entries in the CTS with teammate Randy Tolsma. “We are really excited that David will be behind the wheel of the Team Marines Monte Carlo”, said Sam Rensi co-owner of Team Rensi Motorsports. “David’s experience in the Nascar Craftsman Truck Series along with his vast experience in many other racing circuits will help him right from the start.” David has tested and qualified like a series veteran,” stated Ed Rensi, co-owner of Team Rensi Motorsports. “We are confident David will move our team up toward the Top 10 in owner points where we finished the 2000 season.” Helping Team Marines excel both on and off the track is a challenge Donohue looks forward to taking. “This is an unbelievable opportunity for me and I cannot wait for Nashville this week” stated David Donohue last weekend in Martinsville. Driving for over 172,000 active duty Marines as well as all the reserve and former Marines is something I am very proud of. In addition, having the chance to speak on behalf of the Marines to high school students across the country on responsible driving is a mission I am looking forward to performing.” Donohue is a Malvern, Pa., native and has competed in the Nascar Busch Series, Nascar Craftsman Truck Series, Indy Lights, IMSA, GT, CART, Super Touring and FIA and ACO International GT Series. “I want to finish races, complete laps and get Team Rensi Motorsports and the Marines moving toward the front in points in 2001” stated Donohue.(Team Rensi PR)(4-10-2001)
Kimmel to run at Nashville: Frank Kimmel, the defending ARCA Re/Max Series Champion, will be making his BGN debut this Satuday, April 14th, at the Nashville Superspeedway. Kimmel will drive the #8 Advance Auto Parts, E. T. Sharp Trucking, Pork the other White Meat Chevy for the Mooresville, NC-based Highline Performance Group. The race will reunite Kimmel with his 1998 ARCA Re/Max Series crew chief, Jeff Lemons, who will head up the crew chief duties for the Busch race. Highline Performance Group is the former Sabco Busch Series team, now owned by Armando Fitz, the son-in-law for Felix Sabates()(4-10-2001)
ppc Ownership changes: Bob Campbell has announced his retirement from ppc Racing and Campbell Show Cars after working more than 20 years in the racing industry. Campbell, who has been a partial owner of ppc Racing and the director of motorsports operations since 2000, is looking to pursue a “simpler way of life.” ppc Racing named general manager Keith Barnwell as a team owner and will be listed as the new owner of the #57 Albertson’s Ford driven by Keller in the NASCAR Busch Series. Barnwell began his racing career in 1986 and has worked for top notch Winston Cup and Busch Grand National teams over the past 15 years. Barnwell joined ppc Racing as general manager in 1999. Harold Holly, who will continue to serve as crew chief on the #10 Nesquik Ford, will assume the role of director of race operations formerly occupied by Campbell. ppc Racing currently fields two cars in the NASCAR Busch Series. The #57 Albertson’s Ford driven by Keller currently sits second in the points standings and finished second in 2000. Defending BGN Champion Green and the #10 Nesquik Ford are fourth in points after the first seven races(ppc Racing PR)(4-10-2001)
Dodge to ARCA: Officials with the Automobile Racing Club of America(ARCA) series announced Monday the new Dodge Intrepid body style, used in the Winston Cup series this season, will be eligible for use in ARCA competition effective April 20. The first series event in which the Dodge Intrepid is eligible to compete is at Winchester Speedway in Indiana on April 22. (That’s Racin’)(4-10-2001)
Sader Bros Returns: The #95-Sadler Brothers race team is excited to have Steadman Marlin on board. Steadman is the son of former Sadler driver and two time Daytona 500 winner, Sterling Marlin. The team is planning to run the upcoming ARCA and BGN races at the new Nashville Superspeedway April 13 and 14.(Sadler Bros Site)(4-9-2001)
Hornaday to run a BGN race: Hornaday Racing has just purchased a 2001 Chevrolet Busch car to add to their stable. They will be announcing that Ronnie Hornaday (Ron’s son) will be running his 1st Busch race in the very near future and where(Ronnie Hornaday Site)(4-8-2001).
Park to run NHIS: Steve Park, who drives the #1 Pennzoil Chevy in the Cup series, will enter the CVS/pharmacy 200 Presented by Bayer BGN race on May 12 at New Hampshire International Speedway. It is an off weekend for Winston Cup(NHIS PR)(4-7-2001)
Nazareth Test Cut Short: Monday’s scheduled practice run at Nazareth Speedway for BGN drivers #98-Elton Sawyer and #38-Christian Elder was cut short due to an accident by the rookie Elder. Elder took nine runs on cold tires before his car spun out while coming around turn four. Elder sustained no injuries, but the scheduled two- day practice run for the team was cut short since the team did not bring a back-up car. Sawyer and Elder held a media session shortly after the accident to discuss testing as well as their other preparations for the May 20th Nazareth 200 Busch Series race. “I hadn’t even gotten up to race speed yet and I just lost her,” Elder said. ” With the cold tires, and I didn’t even want to try to save it, so once I started to spin, I was just along for the ride. I’m disappointed for the team because now we have to go home and we didn’t get a lot of work in.” Sawyer was on hand to help Elder get familiar with the track, which can prove to be a tough test even for the most seasoned veterans. “It was a tough day for him,” Sawyer said of his rookie teammate. “I was just here to get him acclimated to the track. It’s too bad he didn’t get more laps in before that happened.” Sawyer holds the Nazareth Speedway BGN record for starts, with ten. He will need a good run here at Nazareth in May to pass Tommy Houston for the most competitive miles at Nazareth. Houston has 1,936 miles in nine starts to Sawyer’s 1,748. Sawyer is also the second leading Busch Series money winner at Nazareth behind Tim Fedewa(Nazareth Speedway PR)(4-6-2001)Busch Staying? NASCAR and officials of Anheuser-Busch Inc. are adamant that there’s no truth to speculation that the St. Louis-based brewery is considering ending its title sponsorship of the Busch Series. The company has backed the division since its inception as a touring series in 1982, first with Budweiser and through its Busch brand since 1984. A four-year extension was signed at the end of the 1998 season, ensuring Anheuser-Busch’s involvement through 2002(Winston Cup Scene – need subscription to view online)(4-5-2001)
New #59 Assoc Sponsor: NASCAR Busch Series driver Rich Bickle and the ST Motorsports have a new agreement with Trail’s Best Meat Snacks to be an associate sponsor of the #59 Kingsford Chevy for the remainder of the 2001 BGN race season. The Kingsford’s Chevy will carry the decals of Trail’s Best Meat Snacks on the deck lid of the #59 car through the remainder of the BGN schedule(ST Motorsports PR)(4-4-2001)
#43 finishes well: Body Dynamics Racing Bodies, Inc. continues to build cars that run up front. Jay Sauter’s best career finish came to him in Texas this past weekend and he did so with a race car fabricated by Body Dynamics Racing Bodies, Inc. This week the #43 team will be dropping off a car to be worked on and you can see it live on the webcams of www.bodydynamicsracing.com and for the rest of the Jay Sauter story(4-3-2001)
