Keller Released from the #1, Mike Wallace In: Keller to the #34? DENIED: UPDATE: Phoenix Racing has decided to make a driver change in the #1 Miccosukee Gaming Dodge effective this weekend at Phoenix. Mike Wallace will take over driving duties on an interim basis as Phoenix Racing evaluates their program.(Phoenix Racing PR)(4-17-2006) NOTE: Keller currently leads all drivers with 279 consecutive starts in the Busch Series. He has 399 starts overall, just behind Tommy Houston’s record of 417 Busch starts. UPDATE: Hearing that Jason Keller is in discussions with car owner Frank Cicci to hop behind the wheel of the #34 beginning in Phoenix. Mike Bliss spent Thursday practicing the car but would step aside for Keller to make his 400th career start on Friday. Keller did not make the early trip to Phoenix but is expected Friday.(BGNRacing.com)(4-20-2006) UPDATE 2: Been told that Cicci hasn’t spoken to Keller nor has Keller called Frank Cicci about a ride.(4-21-2006) UPDATE 3: Now been told that Keller and Cicci have talked but Keller would like to see the team get sponsorship before he makes a commitment.(4-30-2006)
Harvick Fails Post-Race Inspection: The left-rear quarterpanel of Busch Series point leader Kevin Harvick’s #21 Chevy was found to be too low in post-race inspection following Saturday’s Aaron’s 312 at Talladega. Busch Series director Joe Balash said penalties are expected and should be announced Tuesday, but Harvick would be allowed to keep his second-place finish. Harvick leads the Busch Series standings by 299 points over Richard Childress Racing teammate Clint Bowyer.(NASCAR Scene)(4-29-2006)
Brewco Faces Dilemma with Waltrip: UPDATE: Brewco Motorsports will have to decide what to do about the Busch Series races in which Yard-Man is a sponsor, the next of which is May 5 in Richmond. Michael Waltrip was supposed to run those events, but his Nextel Cup sponsorship from NAPA conflicts with Brewco’s associated sponsorship from Federated Auto Parts. In an attempt to appease everyone, Waltrip ran the Yard-Man paint scheme with the #99, which represents the Busch team Waltrip owns. But a Brewco Motorsports crew worked on the car during the race and it was a Brewco car. Meanwhile a Michael Waltrip Racing car had the #66 on it with David Reutimann as driver. NASCAR did not award Brewco the points its team earned through Waltrip, so the Brewco team is now in a quandary for the six other races scheduled this season. That was a 73-point difference and six spots in the points standings.(NASCAR Scene)(4-27-2006) UPDATE: A sponsor conflict will preclude Michael Waltrip from driving for Brewco Motorsports in any more Busch Series races this season, team owner Clarence Brewer confirmed Saturday. Waltrip’s spot in the #66 Ford will be taken by Scott Wimmer, who already was splitting time with Waltrip and Ken Schrader in Brewco’s second car. Wimmer will drive the #66 next week at Richmond, replacing Waltrip. (NASCAR Scene)(4-27-2006)
Reutimann and Miller to Drive for Waltrip/Toyota in 2007?: [Waltrip] said he has sponsorship for one of his two Busch Series teams. He said he would like David Reutimann, the driver for Darrell Waltrip Motorsports in the trucks, drive one of those Busch cars. He also said that Reutimann’s teammate, Joey Miller, is a possibility for the other Busch car.(NASCAR Scene)(4-29-2006)
JR Motorsports to Add Second Team: Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s JR Motorsports Busch Series team plans to expand to a two-car effort later this season, with Shane Huffman driving in five or six races as a teammate to Mark McFarland. JR Motorsports hopes to expand to a two-car team full time in 2007. Huffman drives for JR Motorsports in the Hooters Pro Cup series, standing second in the Southern Division points standings.(NASCAR Scene)(4-28-2006)
CarFax to Sponsor Michigan Busch Race: Carfax and Michigan International Speedway (MIS) announced today that Carfax will be the title sponsor of the August 19 “Carfax 250” NASCAR Busch Series race at MIS. As the first NASCAR sponsorship of any kind for Carfax, the company is looking to make a lasting impression on the millions of racing fans around the country.(BusinessWire.com)(4-28-2006)
Almirola to Make Busch Debut: Aric Almirola will make his Busch Series debut by trying to qualify Joe Gibbs Racing’s #19 Chevy for the May 5 Circuit City 250 at Richmond, according to JGR officials.(NASCAR Scene)(4-27-2006)
Kauffman Cuts Back on Schedule: Armando Fitz, co-owner of FitzBradshaw Racing, and Joel Kauffman, driver of the #12 Dodge Charger for FitzBradshaw Racing, together came to a mutual decision today to limit the number of races that Kauffman will participate in for the 2006 season. Kauffman and Fitz will select a number of races where they feel Kauffman will benefit the most from running. Tentatively, Kauffman is scheduled to run again on May 5 in the Circuit City 250 at Richmond.(FBR PR)(4-27-2006)
New spotter for Bowyer: Fedewa: Busch Series veteran driver Tim Fedewa has joined Richard Childress Racing (RCR) as the spotter for Clint Bowyer’s #07 Jack Daniel’s Chevy in the Nextel Cup Series and the #2 ACDelco Chevy in the Busch Series. “It’s pretty exciting to be part of a championship organization like RCR,” said Fedewa. “Up until just a few weeks ago, I was spotting some Busch races on Saturday’s but I knew I wanted to work on Sunday’s too. (Mike) Dillon saw me on the spotter’s stand and asked me who I was spotting for and I told him who it was, but that it was only on a temporary basis. He asked me if would consider spotting for Clint on both days. It was too good of an offer to turn down. We’ve got a couple races under our belts already and it seems to be working out pretty well.”(RCR PR)(4-26-2006)
Leffler Gets a New Number: In an effort to maintain the branding and marketing efforts of their primary sponsor, Great Clips, Inc., Braun-Akins Racing has announced that they will transfer points from their #32 Chevy to the #38 entry, effective immediately. As a result, Jason Leffler, who currently sits 12th in the NASCAR Busch Series point standings, will have a new number as he takes the wheel of the #38 Great Clips Chevy on a permanent basis. Leffler’s entire team will remain intact under the leadership of Crew Chief, Todd Lohse. the #32 will be running a limited schedule with sponsorship from ABF U-Pack, HAAS Avocado, Fort McDowell “Yavapai Pride” Destination Resort and Fraternal Order of Eagles for the remaining races. The driver lineup for the #32 will be determined in the near future.(Braun Akins PR)(4-26-2006)
Kenny Gets A New Crew Chief: Todd Gordon will replace Randy Cox as the crew chief for the #22 AutoZone team this weekend at Talladega. Todd has been serving as the team engineer and technical director. Cox will stay with ppc Racing.(4-26-2006)
Griffin Penalized: NASCAR has announced that Ronnie Griffin, crew chief of the #23 Chevy in the NASCAR Busch Series, has been penalized due to rule violations at Phoenix International Raceway. Griffin was fined $1,000 for violating Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used that do not conform to NASCAR rules: Section 20A – 12.4K: (Upper A-frame does not meet minimum thickness) of the 2006 NASCAR Busch Series Rule Book. The infraction was discovered during opening day inspection on April 20.(NASCAR PR)(4-26-2006)
Richmond Auction to Benefit Sam Ard: As part of Richmond International Raceway’s celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the NASCAR Busch Series, America’s Premier Short Track has joined with former champions and series greats to participate in an auction to benefit former NASCAR Busch Series champion Sam Ard. Ard, the 1983 NASCAR Busch Series champion and two-time Richmond International Raceway winner, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease last May, while his wife, Jo was diagnosed with a degenerative eye disease that could cause her to become blind. “Sam Ard is a great part of the NASCAR Busch Series history, and Richmond International Raceway’s history,” said track president Doug Fritz. “It is warming to see the tremendous support we have been given by the NASCAR family for the auction during our 25th Anniversary celebration of the NASCAR Busch Series.” The silent auction will take place both Friday and Saturday, May 5 and 6 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. each day at the Richmond International Raceway amphitheater outside of turn one.All proceeds from the auction will go directly to the Ard family. Items for the auction will continue to be collected through Friday, May 5. Fans can see a daily update of items up for bid at www.rir.com.(RIR PR)(04-25-2006)
Johnny Sauter to Make 150th Start: Johnny Sauter makes his 150th NASCAR Busch Series start in this weekend’s Aaron’s 312 at Talladega Superspeedway. Sauter has three wins, three poles, 19 top-five and 42 top-ten finishes to date.(Team Yellow Racing PR)(4-25-2006)
Budweiser, Bass Pro Shops and Menards to Salute Dale Earnhardt at Talladega: In a unified effort, the primary sponsors of Dale Earnhardt, Inc. will pay tribute to Dale Earnhardt with special paint schemes at Talladega Superspeedway this weekend. The schemes will salute Dale Earnhardt Day (April 29th), his induction into the International Motorsports Hall of Fame and his accomplishments at Talladega. Earnhardt, a seven-time NASCAR champion is the winningest driver at Talladega with 10 trips to Victory Lane. Fittingly, his 76th Nextel Cup victory occurred at the track in October of 2000. And, he did it in Earnhardt fashion by coming from 17th to first in the closing laps. The #1 Bass Pro Shops, #8 Budweiser and #11 Menards Chevys will carry paint schemes reminiscent of the familiar black theme Dale Earnhardt ran while driving for DEI in the Busch Series. Additionally, Bass Pro Shops will sponsor Martin Truex, Jr. in Saturday’s Busch Series race. Truex, a two-time Busch Series champion and two-time winner of the NBS race at Talladega, will drive the #8 black Bass Pro Shops Chevy.
“I think this is a great tribute to Dale on such a special weekend,” said Teresa Earnhardt, President and CEO of Dale Earnhardt, Inc. “To have all of our sponsors come together with this tribute and want to be a part of it says a lot about the respect they have for Dale’s accomplishments.” In addition to the black paint schemes, Dale Earnhardt Day and the International Motorsports Hall of Fame induction, all Busch Series teams are being asked to carry a Dale Earnhardt Legacy Logo on their cars. Fans are asked to participate from the grandstands, or wherever they are watching the race, by raising three fingers in the air on Lap 3 of Saturday’s Busch Series race.(DEI PR / fingerprintinc PR), see images on the 2006 Busch Series Scheme page.(4-25-2006)
Stewart and KHI Promote “Talladega Nights” This Weekend: This weekend the #33 Old Spice team will help promote actor Will Ferrell’s new movie “Talladega Nights.” Sponsor Old Spice plays a major role in the upcoming film, which is due out this summer. The Old Spice team will have special crew shirts and firesuits. The #33 Old Spice Monte Carlo SS will carry “Talladega Nights” logos.(KHI PR)(4-24-2006)
Waltrip to have Special Scheme at Talladega: 6-year old Benee Calderon of Buena Park, California has won the nationwide Color your Way to Talladega Sweepstakes held by Aaron Rents. Benee and three of his family members will enjoy an all-expense paid trip to Talladega Superspeedway this weekend to watch as Michael Waltrip takes the wheel of the #99 Aaron’s Dream Machine in the paint scheme designed by the young boy.(RTOOnline.com)(4-24-2006) NOTE: See an image of the car on my Busch Series Paint Scheme Page.
NASCAR Looking at Changes to Busch Cars?: UPDATE: According to a manufacturer source, NASCAR officials have floated one solution to the apparent [Cup drivers in the Busch Series] problem to the series’ manufacturers. It involves changing the cars that race in the series from the current models being run in the Nextel Cup Series to smaller, sportier ones. If the two series ran cars that differed more from each other, it would greatly limit what Cup drivers and teams could learn in the Busch Series and apply to the next day’s Cup race, thus making racing Busch a less attractive proposition. A change back to smaller cars could have Chevy fielding the new retro Camaro (scheduled for 2009) and Dodge running its new Challenger (scheduled for 2008). Pontiac could return to NASCAR to run its new, smaller GTO, Ford would field its highly-successful redesigned retro Mustang, and Toyota could run a Celica or its future replacement. Initial reaction among the manufacturers has been very positive. Any changes would be instituted well after the new Car of Tomorrow is fully integrated into the Nextel Cup Series, which currently is scheduled to happen in 2009.(Yahoo! Sports)(3-19-2006) UPDATE: NASCAR continues to look for a way to differentiate the Busch Series from the premiere Nextel Cup Series, in answer to critics who suggest Busch has become Cup Lite, with near-identical cars and a plethora of invading Nextel Cup drivers. One possible way: Change the Busch Series cars from sedans to the manufacturers’ “pony” cars—the Ford Mustang, Chevy Camaro, Dodge Challenger and Toyota Solara. Sound farfetched? It isn’t. “It’s under discussion with NASCAR,” said John Fernandez, director of Dodge’s racing operation. “It isn’t to what I’d consider the serious stage, but it is under discussion.” Dan Davis, director of Ford Racing Technology, said, “We’ve discussed it. And I’d like to see it. We need to do something about the Busch Series.” Given the production schedule of the Camaro and Challenger, it is unlikely those cars would be able to enter the Busch Series before the 2008 season, with 2009 a more likely scenario. By then Nextel Cup’s Car of Tomorrow redesign should be in place. One scenario would have the Busch pony cars built on modified platforms from the Nextel Cup cars used now, thus helping team owners who say the Car of Tomorrow seriously reduces the value of the old cars. Manufacturers are hoping that if it happens, NASCAR will allow the pony car racers.(AutoNews.com)(4-18-2006)
Foyt out at Braun-Akins: UPDDATE 2 & 3: Ryan Moore will drive Braun Racing’s #38 Chevy in this weekend’s Busch Series race at Phoenix International Raceway, according to the team’s Web site. Moore replaces A.J. Foyt IV, who had his full-time schedule cut back before being let go by the team April 17. Foyt is under contract to Evernham Motorsports, which is affiliated with Dodge. Braun and Akins Motorsports, which fielded Dodges for Foyt, completed their merger with the #38’s team’s move to Chevy, leaving Foyt out of a ride because of the conflict with Dodge.(NASCAR Scene)(4-18-2006) UPDATE: Foyt, the grandson of A.J. Foyt, remains under contract with Evernham Motorsports.(Dallas Morning News)(4-19-2006) UPDATE 2: Ray Evernham said he is perplexed by but has not soured on development driver A.J. Foyt IV. The grandson of the legendary racer recently lost his ride after struggling in the first eight races and seeing his Akins Motorsports team merge with Braun Racing and switch to Chevy – a conflict with his Evernham’s Dodge contract.Evernham said he hopes to get Foyt in some ARCA races and more Busch Series races by the end of the season.(NASCAR Scene Daily)(4-21-2006) UPDATE 3: Anthony Foyt lost his Busch Series ride with Akins Motorsports, but he is planning to drive for FitzBradshaw Racing, in the #14 car no less, May 5 in Richmond, Va. He wants to drive in the Indy 500 again.(Indy Star)(4-21-2006)
Unleaded Fuel for Busch, Trucks This Year?: Before the end of the 2006 racing season, NASCAR officials hope to have both Busch and truck series teams using unleaded fuel. And if all goes well, it’s likely that unleaded gas will be used in the Nextel Cup Series beginning in 2007.(NASCAR Scene)(4-20-2006)
Fort McDowell Resort Destination “Yavapai Pride” to Sponsor Braun Racing: Braun Racing announces a continued relationship with the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation in the 2006 NASCAR Busch series. The Fort McDowell Resort Destination logo will adorn Braun Racing’s #32 Chevy with driver Jason Leffler for three races this year.(Braun Racing PR)(4-20-2006)
Bliss Back in the #34 at Phoenix: Veteran NASCAR driver Mike Bliss, who has made three starts with Cicci Racing this year, will return to the #34 Chevy for this Friday’s Bashas’ Supermarkets 200 at Phoenix.(Elmira Star-Gazette)(4-20-2006)
NASCAR Announces Nashville Penalties: NASCAR announced that Joe Shear Jr., crew chief of the #43 Ford driven by Aaron Fike and Chris Wright, crew chief for the #35 Ford of Regan Smith, have each been fined $10,000 and placed on probation until December 31, 2006 following rule violations at Nashville. Shear was found to be in violation of Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used that do not conform to NASCAR rules: Section 20A-12.8.1A: Roof height too low in post-race inspection) of the 2006 NASCAR Busch Series Rule Book. Additionally, Fike was penalized 25 NASCAR Busch Series driver championship points and team owner Mike Curb was penalized 25 NASCAR Busch Series owner championship points for violating Sections 12-4-A and 12-4-Q (20A-12.8.1A). Wright was in violation of Sections 12-4-A and 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used that do not conform to NASCAR rules: Section 20A-12.3: Shock Absorbers).(NASCAR PR)(4-19-2006)
Chris Wimmer and Keith Coleman Racing part ways: UPDATE: Chris Wimmer will no longer drive for #23-Keith Coleman Racing and will pursue other opportunities. “I’m sorry this relationship did not work out as I had hoped it would. I’m looking forward to new and better opportunities.”(Wimmer PR)(4-17-2006) UPDATE: Keith Coleman Racing announced that Tallahassee native Marc Mitchell will take over the driving responsibilities for the #23 KCR Chevy for this weekend’s Bashas’ Supermarkets 200 in Phoenix.(KCR PR)(4-19-2006)
Ravenswood Wine Sponsorsing David Green at Phoenix: Ravenswood Winery announced their sponsorship of the #27 Brewco Motorsports car in the NASCAR Busch Series for 2006. This is Ravenswood Winery’s first NASCAR team sponsorship and they will act as primary sponsor of the #27 Brewco Ford at Phoenix International Raceway in April, Watkins Glen International Speedway and Bristol Motor Speedway in August. Ravenswood will be an associate sponsor for the Brewco #66 car in the remaining Busch Series races.(Ravenswood PR)(4-19-2006) Note: Check out several images of the car on my Busch Series Paint Scheme Page.
Paul Tracy Adds Talladega to Schedule: Two months after making his debut at Daytona International Speedway, Paul Tracy and the #34 American Crew/Sport Clips Chevy will once again grace the high-banks of a restrictor-plate race track. On April 29th, he will tackle the 2.66-mile Talladega Superspeedway in hopes of settling unfinished business.(Player Management PR)(4-18-2006)
Fennig Takes Over as Kenseth’s Crew Chief: Jimmy Fennig will oversee Roush Racing’s Busch program in its entirety taking on the job of senior crew chief. Fennig will also assume crew chief duties for the #17 Ameriquest/Pennzoil Ford driven by Matt Kenseth. Chad Norris is currently serving his four week NASCAR suspension and will assume set-up duties overseeing all the Busch cars.(Roush PR)(4-13-2006)
Goeters in the #28 at Nashville; Shane Hall in the #49: Shane Hall will drive the #49 Advil Ford this weekend at Nashville. Hall’s seat in the #49 car was made available by Latin American racing icon Jorge Goeters. Goeters will be in the #28 Ford owned by Troy Stafford. “XTREME Hair Gel wanted primary focus for the Pepsi 300, but Advil had already agreed to be the primary sponsor for this race. An opportunity for Jorge and Xtreme became available in the #28 car, so I’m glad it worked out the way it did.”(Jay Robinson PR)(4-13-2006)
Reutimann to Drive for Brewco at Nashville: This weekend will be another first David Reutimann as he drives the #66 Cottman Transmission entry in the NASCAR Busch Series event at Nashville.(Reutimann PR)(4-12-2006)
Crocker at the Grand Ole Opry: UPDATE – Cancelled: Erin will be making a guest appearance on the Grand Ole Opry on Friday night at 8 p.m. Erin Crocker will be competing in both the ARCA and NASCAR Busch Series races in Nashville on Saturday.(Evernham PR)(4-11-2006) UPDATE: From Crocker’s diary at NASCAR.com, ” We were offered the option of appearing at the Grand Ole Opry. I told them I’d like to do it another time because we’re running two races and I really want to have a good weekend. We want to keep the media stuff to a minimal.”(NASCAR.com)(4-12-2006)
FBR and Sadler Bros. Team Up at Nashville:FitzBradshaw Racing has announced a partnership with Earl Sadler and Sons Racing to enter the #14 Dodge Charger in the Pepsi 300 at Nashville. Sadler Bros. Trucking will be the primary sponsor on the car. Steadman Marlin, who drove for FitzBradshaw Racing in 2005 and currently drives for Earl Sadler and Sons Racing, will pilot the #14 Dodge Charger.(FBR PR)(4-12-2006)
Brothers Research to Sponsor Mac Hill at Nashville: Brothers Research Corporation, makers of Duragloss, will be the primary sponsor for the Mac Hill Motorsports #56 BGN car driven by NASCAR veteran Kevin Lepage at Nashville.(MacHill PR)(4-12-2006)
GunBroker.com Joins Ashton Gray Racing: Ashton Gray Racing owners Dwayne Gaulding and Barry Tudor proudly announced today the formation of a marketing partnership with GunBroker.com to serve as the primary marketing partner of the #08 Dodge driven by Jason White starting with this weekend’s Pepsi 300 from Nashville.(Ashton Gray PR)(4-12-2006)
Burton to Make 250th Busch Start at Richmond: As the NASCAR Busch Series celebrates its 25th anniversary this season, one of the most popular and successful drivers in the series’ history will reach a milestone of his own in his next race. When South Boston, Virginia native Jeff Burton visits his home track for his next NASCAR Busch Series start on Friday, May 5 at Richmond International Raceway, he will be making his 250th start in the popular series.(RCR PR)(4-11-2006)
St. Judes on the #12 at Nashville: Supercuts and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital have teamed up to sponsor the #12 Dodge Charger this weekend in Nashville. The St. Jude logo will adorn the hood of the car, just above the Supercuts logo.(FBR PR)(4-11-2006)
IRP Installing Safer Barriers: Indianapolis Raceway Park officials say they will begin installation of the SAFER barriers on the 0.686-mile oval Tuesday. The barriers will be installed in he corners but not on the frontstretch or backstretch. The project is expected to take six days.(NASCAR Scene)(4-11-2006)
Sorenson Faces Penalty: UPDATE 2 No: Reed Sorenson faces a possible points penalty for intentionally bringing out a caution in the O’Reilly 300 Busch Series race Saturday at Texas Motor Speedway. NASCAR threw the caution for a piece of roll bar padding from Sorenson’s car that was on the track and sent Sorenson to the end of the longest line at the time, a penalty of about five positions.(NASCAR Scene)(4-9-2006) UPDATE: NASCAR officials say Reed Sorenson will not be fined nor lose points for throwing a piece of roll bar padding out of his car during the O’Reilly 300 Busch Series race last Saturday.(NASCAR Scene)(4-11-2006)
Norris Suspended for Rules Violation: NASCAR announced today that Chad Norris, crew chief of the #17 Ford driven by Matt Kenseth in the NASCAR Busch Series, has been fined $10,000 and suspended from NASCAR until May 3, 2006 following rule violations at Texas Motor Speedway on April 8, 2006. Norris’ suspension will take effect immediately. Norris was found to be in violation of Sections 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used that do not conform to NASCAR rules: Section 20A-12.8.1D: Quarter panel height did not meet the required specification; too high in post-race inspection) of the 2006 NASCAR Busch Series Rule Book. Additionally, Kenseth was penalized 25 NASCAR Busch Series driver championship points and team owner Jack Roush was penalized 25 NASCAR Busch Series owner championship points for violating Sections 12-4-A and 12-4-Q (20A-12.8.1D).(NASCAR PR)(4-11-2006)
No #38 Team in Nashville?: UPDATE: Hearing that the #38 team of Akins Motorsports will not travel to Nashville this weeekend. Great Clips will reportedly move to the #32 team of Braun Racing.(04-10-2006) UPDATE: The Great Clips Racing program has announced the addition of Jason Leffler to its driver lineup, joining Braun Racing teammate and Rookie of the Year contender AJ Foyt IV who currently drives the #38 Great Clips entry. Great Clips, which this season has served as primary sponsor of Foyt’s #38 entry, will divide their sponsorship between Braun Racing’s #32 and #38 entries throughout the 2006 season. Leffler, driver of the #32 Chevy, will carry Great Clips as the primary sponsor of his car in select races beginning with this weekend’s Pepsi 300 at Nashville Superspeedway. Foyt will turn to a more limited schedule in the #38 Great Clips entry in an effort to give him more time to test and gain valuable seat time by possibly running in other series. He will retain his eligibility to compete for the Rookie of the Year honors. Foyt will be back behind the wheel of the #38 on April 21 at Phoenix International Raceway.(Great Clips PR)(4-10-2006) Image: See an image of the #32 Great Clips Chevy on my Busch Series Paint Scheme Page.(4-11-2006)
TheRaceSpace.com to Sponsor Barrett at Nashville: The most cutting-edge online community on the Internet began operation with a test launch March 12, and will make a major presence in NASCAR Busch Series this week. THERACESPACE.com has signed a limited primary sponsorship with Stanton Barrett Motorsports for 2006. The Pepsi 300 at Nashville Motor Speedway on April 15th marks THERACESPACE.com’s debut with the newly formed partnership on the #72 Chevy in the NASCAR Busch Series.(Stanton Barrett PR)(4-11-2006)
Dale Jr. Racing Experience at Bud World to be at Nashville: The Dale Jr. Racing Experience at Bud World will be at the Nashville Superspeedway Saturday for the Pepsi 300 NASCAR Busch Series race. The Dale Jr. Experience will be located in Expo Row. The Dale Jr. Experience is an exciting, state-of-the-art, mobile exhibit unit designed specifically for adult consumers to learn about Budweiser’s sponsorship of NASCAR and driver Dale Earnhardt Jr.(Nashville Speedway PR)(4-10-2006)
Lamar Leads Kleuver for Rookie of the Year: Burney Lamar leads Todd Kluever by seven points (74-67) in the Raybestos® Rookie standings entering the April 15 Pepsi 300 at Nashville Superspeedway. John Andretti was the Raybestos® Rookie of the Race in the April 8 O’Reilly 300 at Texas Motor Speedway. Andretti finished 19th and took Raybestos® Rookie of the Race honors for the second consecutive race.(Raybestos PR)(4-10-2006)
Federated Auto Parts to Sponsor Brewco & Brad Coleman: Federated Auto Parts has announced its primary sponsorship of Brewco Motorsports Inc. rookie driver Brad Coleman for the 2006 NASCAR Busch Series and ARCA RE/MAX Series seasons. Federated will serve as the primary sponsor of the Brewco entry in the April 15th PFG Lester 150 at Nashville Superspeedway and the Kentuckiana Ford Dealers 200 Presented by Federated Auto Parts on April 23 at Salem Speedway in Salem, Indiana. Federated will also serve as a major associate sponsor on Coleman’s car for the remaining 7 ARCA RE/MAX Series events and 7 NASCAR Busch Series events in which Coleman will compete during the 2006 race season.(Brewco PR)(4-10-2006)
Nashville Predators to Sponsor Mark Green at Nashville: Biagi Bros. Racing announced today that the National Hockey League’s Nashville Predators will support Mark Green’s efforts next weekend when the NASCAR Busch Series hits Music City, USA. In an initiative aimed at increasing awareness and ticket sales for the Nashville Predators, the #4 Dodge will carry a special paint scheme complete with the Predators saber-toothed tiger on the hood and the Predators navy blue, white, and yellow colors emblazoned down the sides of the #4 Dodge Charger.(Biagi Bros. PR)(4-7-2006)
Fedewa Now Spotting for Bowyer: Driver Tim Fedewa has been looking for a ride, but for now, he is working as Clint Bowyer’s spotter. Fedewa has been a spotter for Michael Waltrip in the Busch Series and a part-time spotter for Bill Elliott in Nextel Cup, but the Bowyer job will allow him to do both races each weekend.(NASCAR Scene Daily)(4-7-2006)
Keith Coleman Picks up Sponsor for Texas: Keith Coleman Racing will have clothier Manuel on the quarter panels of the #23 Chevy while in the Lone Star State. Manuel, the well-loved cowboy clothier to the stars, has been responsible for the “Man in Black’s” black suits, as well as celebrities such as George Jones, Dolly Parton, Travis Tritt, Kenny Chesney, and Keith Urban. He is credited with putting the skull and crossbones on the Grateful Dead and designing the Rolling Stones’ tongue logo. For additional information on Manuel Exclusives, visit www.manuelinc.com.(Keith Coleman Racing PR)(4-5-2006)
Kennon no longer with Akins: UPDATE: Gere Kennon is no longer with the #38 Akins Motorsports team. He is being replaced on an interim basis by Ken Davis.(NASCAR Scene Daily Newsletter)(2-24-2006) UPDATE: Trent Owens, a Randleman, NC native and nephew of Richard Petty, has been named crew chief of the #38 Great Clips team. Owens will begin calling the shots for driver AJ Foyt IV in this weekend’s O’Reilly 300 at Texas. (Akins PR)(4-4-2006)
Penske Truck Leasing to Sponsor Kurt Busch: UPDATE: Penske is now the primary sponsor of car #39 driven by former Kurt Busch. The car will appear in six NASCAR Busch Series events in 2006. [The races are reportedly spring Texas, spring Phoenix, spring Lowe’s, Daytona, Chicago, and Michigan.](Penske Truck Leasing PR)(2-24-2006) UPDATE: [Kurt] Busch will officially become a “Buschwhacker” for the first time in his career as he makes his career debut in the NASCAR Busch Series with a start in Saturday’s O’Reilly 300 at Texas. Busch will drive the #39 Penske Truck Rental Dodge in the O’Reilly 300, the first of six NASCAR Busch races he will run this season.(Texas Motor Speedway PR)(4-3-2006) NOTE: See an image of the car on my Busch Series Paint Scheme Page.
