December 2002 CTS Archive
- Owens with PPM UPDATE: PPM Racing announced that former CTS driver Trent Owens, nephew of NASCAR Legend Richard Petty will be coming on board as Shock Specialist beginning with the second BGN race of the season, at Rockingham, NC. Prior to coming on board with PPM Raicng, Owens will be available for consultation in preparation for any of the Daytona events in February.(PPM Racing PR)(12-28-2002)
UPDATE: A source close to Owens said that he is still seeking sponsorship and a home for the upcoming 2003 CTS season. He had hoped that something was in place by now, but he hopes now he could do some test-driving for a team needing a second test driver at the upcoming CTS Daytona test. Owens is however excited about the shock specialist position with PPM racing and said that all talks to this point have been very positive. He also plans to assist the #37 team of driver Derrike Cope in the upcoming Daytona Winston Cup events.(12-31-2002) - Power’s Shop Broken in to: On November 14th the #55 Powers Motorsports shop in Clayton Georgia was broken into. Team driver Tom Powers was returning from Atlanta when upon approaching the building he noticed that the front doors were open. When he entered with one of the team members they heard a noise from the shop area. While investigating this noise the perpetrators snuck out another seldom used entrance door. Immediately Tom and the crew member noticed several items missing. Upon assembling the other members of the team it was discovered that the majority of the new Dodge P7 motor parts had been stolen. The team is offering a reward for any information that leads to the return of these parts or the arrest and conviction of the persons responsible. Included in the missing parts are a Jerrico 4 speed transmission, Pit stop air gun and the 390 Carb that the team uses. Also missing are a good amount of misc. hand tools and parts to the scaling system used at the track. Any information regarding these items please the Rabun County Sheriffs Department. The team is now preparing for the upcoming season and hopes to recover some of these necessary items soon.(12-26-2002)
- Toyota in Cup – 2007? CTS in 2004: While it’s years from an official announcement, Autoweek has word that an agreement has been reached between Toyota and NASCAR for Toyota to race in Winston Cup in 2007. That’ll be three years after it starts in Craftsman Truck in 2004. Toyota engineers are working on the carbureted V8. It’s still on the computer at this point, but will soon come to three-dimensional form. One problem with the engine is casting it in iron. Most Toyota blocks are aluminum alloy, but engineers found a Toyota facility in Japan that still casts in iron. The Craftsman entry will feature a Tundra body and the Cup car will be a Camry, “whatever the Camry will look like then,” Toyota sources said.(Autoweek)(12-24-2002)
- What is up with Pressley? Robert Pressley’s plans for the 2003 season are still on hold. Right now Pressley is playing the “waiting game.” Pressley’s future depends largely on what truck-owner Bobby Hamilton plans to do in 2003. Robert wanted his fans to know that he is extremely happy with Bobby Hamilton Racing in the Craftsman Truck series and his top priority is to return to BHR, driving the #18 Dickies Dodge next season. However, Hamilton could return to the #18 truck if he is unable to work out a deal elsewhere. Pressley does have a couple of other options in the works at the moment; he has had talks with both a Winston Cup team and a BGN team. Both teams are new teams looking to make their debuts in the respective series. Pressely said that the Winston Cup deal doesn’t look too promising but the BGN deal is a distinct possibility.(Robert Pressley site)(12-24-2002)
- Ren looking for a gig: Rick Ren, a 27-year racing veteran, has spent the last five years as manager and crew chief of the #60 CAT Rental Store Team at Addington Racing in the CTS. In those five years, he led the team to four wins, 45 top-five finishes, 73 top-10 finishes, a Raybestos Rookie of the Year Award and the Chevrolet “Like a Rock” Award for completing the most laps three years in a row. Unfortunately, due to a lack of sponsorship, the Addington Racing Team has shut down. Ren remained to oversee the sale of the team’s equipment and facility but remains one of only five team members without definite plans for the 2003 season. “A lot of people don’t seem to know we’ve completely closed the Addington Racing operation,” said Ren.. “I’ve been so busy here that I haven’t had a lot of time to get the word out that I’m available.. We still have people calling here looking for jobs.. I just wanted to make it known that I am available for the 2003 season.”.(PR)(12-19-2002)
- Little slow so I though I’d post this, pretty interesting – Ideal Gifts for Craftsman Truck Series Racers — Sears motorsports marketing manager Touré Claiborne went Christmas shopping for the race drivers in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. He pored over the 2002-2003 Craftsman Power and Hand Tool catalog to find just the right gift for the top 10 drivers in the 2002 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship chase. Here is what Claiborne selected for each of the drivers, starting with the 10th-place finisher, and his comments on the gifts he chose.
Tenth place – Coy Gibbs; the Craftsman All-In-One Cutting Tool (page 112, #17250, $59.99).. “Coy brought down the house at the last two NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship banquets with cutouts he made to spoof one of the NASCAR inspectors.. Coy is moving to the Busch Series next year, and the All-In-One Cutting Tool, a versatile rotary tool for cutting, routing, engraving and grinding, is what he needs to prepare for the Busch Series banquet.”
Ninth place – Travis Kvapil; the Craftsman soft-sided Tool Caddy with 2 1/4-inch Rubber Bottom and Cooler (page 88, #40836, $44.99).. “Travis will be moving to a new Craftsman Truck Series team in 2003, but he’ll still be a star in our series.. He can use this tote bag to pack his gear for the move.”
Eighth place – Terry Cook; the Craftsman Professional 3/8-inch High Speed Ratchet (page 163, #19891, $109.99).. “The Craftsman Professional High Speed Ratchet is an air tool that is both fast and powerful.. Those adjectives also describe Terry and his team – they scored three poles and two victories this year.”
Seventh place – Robert Pressley; the Craftsman 9-piece High-impact Wood Chisel Set (page 87, #36817, $79.99).. “When the Craftsman tool brand was introduced in 1927, the first Craftsman tools to be included in the catalog were chisels, axes and other cutting tools.. They were an instant success.. Robert was also an instant success, winning his very first NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Daytona in February.”
Sixth place – Dennis Setzer; the Craftsman Heavy Duty 6-inch industrial-grade Vise (page 86, #51872, $119.99).. “Like a vise, in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, Dennis is tough, solid, and has a firm clamp on the competition.. He’s won at least one race each year he’s been a full-time competitor – that’s five in a row.”
Fifth place – David Starr; the Craftsman 20-piece Professional Screwdriver set (page 61, #47452, $49.99.. “Craftsman is America’s most popular tool brand, and the Craftsman screwdrivers are the most popular item we sell – Sears has sold more than 500 million screwdrivers.. That popular tool is a suitable gift for David, who was voted most popular driver in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series for 2002.”
Fourth place – Jason Leffler; the Craftsman 2-hp Variable-speed Plunge Router (page 96, #27500, $99.99).. “When it came to claiming Bud poles, Jason turned the 2002 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season into a ‘rout’.. He started in the number one position eight times, almost a series record.”
Third place – Ted Musgrave; the new Craftsman High-Visibility Socket Set (in store, #445877, $19.99).. “Ted is the most senior member of our top-10, so I thought he might appreciate these easy-to-read sockets.. The sizes are permanently laser marked so you can read them 10 feet away.. These sockets are so new, they are not in the catalog, but you can get them in the stores or through the free Craftsman Club.”
Second place – Rick Crawford; the Craftsman Gold Titanium Nitrate-coated 0-6 inch Dial Caliper in a solid mahogany wood case (page 81, #40196, $79.99).. “Rick was runner-up for the year, missing the Craftsman Truck Series championship by a mere 46 points, the third smallest margin of victory in series history.. Anything that close needs to be measured with a fine precision instrument.”
Champion – Mike Bliss; the Craftsman 75th Anniversary 22k Gold-Plated Ratchet (page 51, #46405, $39.99). “This commemorative, limited-edition gold ratchet is a proper memento of Mike’s golden season, culminating in the 2002 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship.”
Need help shopping for your favorite racer or do-it-yourselfer?. Order from the Craftsman Power and Hand Tool catalog at 1-800-377-7414, or on line at www.sears.com/craftsman. Celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2002, Craftsman is the Official Tools of NASCAR.. Craftsman has sponsored the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series since it began in 1995.. According to a 2001 EquiTrend survey, Craftsman is rated the number-one brand in the nation for overall quality.. Sears sells more than 1,800 Craftsman hand tools, all made in America and guaranteed forever.. Sears offers Craftsman tools, merchandise and related services nationwide through its full-line stores, Sears Hardware, Sears dealer stores and Orchard Supply Hardware stores, as well as through specialty catalogs and online at www.sears.com.(Craftsman Motorsports PR)(12-16-2002) - Kvapil gets a teammate? and a sponsor? UPDATE: Hearing that Tim Woods will become #16-Travis Kvapil’s teammate in the Truck series at the IWX team. Hearing Vokal could be a sponsor. Dave Fuge, Jr. will crew chief for Woods(12-14-2002)
UPDATE: I hear the team has spoken to Tim Woods, but that’s as far as it has gotten and that there has been discussion of sponsorships.(12-16-2002) - Gordon announcement UPDATE 3: Tina Gordon, on Monday, Dec. 16, will make an announcement at the Speed Channel Dome at the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in Talladega, AL concerning her plans for the 2003 season.(Victory Lane Motorsports Management PR) supposedly it’ll be for a Truck team in the CTS.(12-10-2002)
UPDATE: been told the ride may with the #79 RDS Motorsports, the team Joe Ruttman drove for at Daytona last year.(12-13-2002)
UPDATE 2: hearing the nimber will change to #66 and that RacingUSA could be the sponsor, and maybe run some BGN races too.(12-14-2002)
UPDATE 3: Tina Gordon Racing and RDS Motorsports announced that Tina Gordon will join the team as driver for the full 25-race NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series schedule in 2003. Under the direction of RDS Motorsports managing partner Tony Branson, Gordon will become the first female driver ever to compete full-time on the Craftsman Truck circuit. Branson, long a successful engine builder in NHRA and NASCAR, assumes the management role of his own team for the first time in his long career in auto racing. Along with Gordon, the team will also feature a new number on its Dodge Ram truck. The team will switch to the #66 from the #79 it ran in 2002. The RDS Motorsports entry competed in all 22 races last season and finished 21st in the CTS [owners] point standings. Its best finish was fourth in the season opener at Daytona [Joe Ruttman]. While the team continues a search for primary sponsorship, associate sponsors already committed for the 2003 season include Sticks N Stuff, Mesco Metal Buildings, Schaeffer’s Oil, MicroTel Inns & Suites, Total Race Babe and 3M Post-It-Note Division. The team will continue to base its operations in Burlington, NC. Branson assumes direction of RDS Motorsports CTS team as its managing partner after one season as its chief engine builder.(Victory Lane Motorsports Management PR)(12-16-2002) - Scott Racing to the CTS: Scott Racing plans to expand their NASCAR All-Pro Series team and make a competitiive NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Team in as many as five races next season. Jarod Robie who piloted the #89 Chevrolet in the NASCAR All-Pro Series in 2002, will again be behind the wheel next year in the series. 2002 marked the team’s first full season competing in the NASCAR All-Pro Series, which is sponsored by Hill Bros Coffee. The team wrapped up the season with one top five finish and four top ten finishes. Their best finish of the season occurred at Memphis Motorsports Park in Tennessee where Robie crossed the line third. In the team’s rookie year, they were able to finish 14th in the final standings. With solid experience in cars, many believe that Robie is up to the task by jumping up to trucks in 2003. “I am very excited about competing in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series next year,” he said. “Scott Williams is putting a lot of effort into this program, as well as our NASCAR All-Pro Series program and I am lucky individual to be a part of this.” While the team has yet to be given a truck number, they have narrowed down their choice of manufacturer for the series and begun shopping for a new truck. Robie will pilot either a Chevrolet Silverado or a Dodge Ram. With the team searching for primary sponsorship for both the CTS operation, and All-Pro Series team, Iron Horse Safety Specialties, and Dalloz Fall Protection will be on the truck and returning to the #89 Chevy in the NASCAR All-Pro Series in 2003. Lee McCallister will be calling the shots in the pits for both the cars and truck next year as crew chief role at Scott Racing. The team is targeting New Hampshire International Speedway, South Boston Speedway and Memphis Motorsports Park as tracks the team will attempt to make. If all goes according to the team’s plan, they will make a bid at the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Championship in 2004, along with Robie taking aim at Rookie of the Year.(Catchfence)(12-13-2002)
- Gordon announcement: Tina Gordon, on Monday, Dec. 16, will make an announcement at the Speed Channel Dome at the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in Talladega, AL concerning her plans for the 2003 season.(Victory Lane Motorsports Management PR) supposedly it’ll be for a Truck team in the CTS.(12-10-2002)
- L&R Motorsports for Sale or Lease L&R Motorsports [#90 Truck] announced that they are looking to sell their race equipment or lease out the team for the 2003 CTS season. L&R Motorsports currently operates in a 12,000 sq. ft. race shop in Concord, NC. The race shop is fully equipped for a race team and looking to find a new owner. L&R has 6 complete Chevrolet NASCAR Craftsman Trucks to include one Daytona Truck that has posted two Top 10 finishes. “We are actively seeking a new or existing race team to buy or lease our equipment,” said Ron Norick, team owner. “We have not finalized our plans for the 2003 race season, but we hope to release new information closer to the New Year.”
“We are continuing to work on our Daytona Truck and preparing for next year,” said Lance Norick, driver and team owner of the #90 Chevrolet. “The Craftsman truck series is competitive venue with a lot of opportunity for sponsors looking for an affordable way into the sport.” Lance Norick will be announcing his plans for the 2003 Race Season this month.(L&R Motorsports PR)(12-10-2002) - Powers Motorsports Inc. will team up with Netflix and Lycos for the 2003 season Team marketing representative for Powers Motorsports along with representatives from both Lycos and Netflix are happy to announce an association with Powers Motorsports for the 2003 CTS season. The team will carry the Lycos logo’s on the hood and rear panels for the 2003 season. Powers Motorsports, Inc. is offering all truck series fans a free trial of the Netflix online DVD rental service. With Netflix, you can rent as many DVDs as you want for $20 a month. Choose from over 12,000 DVD titles. Shipping is free both ways and there are no late fees ever. This year, Team members will be handing out free trial coupons for Netflix at all CTS races. In addition, Netflix banners will be seen throughout the Lycos network of web sites. All fans interested in a free trial of Netflix will use the code: NCTS55. Look for the Powers Motorsports’ team at any event this year to receive your free trial coupon or, go to or Lycos web site and click on any banner. Dave also announced that Powers Motorsports still has additional sponsorship opportunities available for next season. The team is offering a very unique sponsorship plan for every dollar in sponsorship received next year the team will supply $2.00 in Lycos advertising aimed at the sponsors specialty. This will include pop up and banner ad’s in all the major area’s of Lycos.(more info at the Tommy Powers site)(12-10-2002)
- Roush Still Seeling Sponsor for Kyle Busch team: Roush Racing says it still plans to run a full-time Craftsman Truck Series schedule for Kyle Busch as soon as he turns 18 next May, but it’s still looking for a sponsor for the truck. Busch, who earned two top-10 finishes in six starts in the series in 2001, hasn’t been able to race in the series since NASCAR began enforcing a rule mandating that drivers be at least 18 years old. Roush Racing says it will run the #99 Ford entry for the entire season even if it can’t find a sponsor.(Winston Cup Scene Daily Newsletter) supposedly Mark Martin is to run a few races in the truck.(12-10-2002)
- Ultra Motorsports Promotion: Ultra Motorsports announced veteran CTS crew chief Tim Kohuth has been named general manager of the organization’s two-truck NCTS operation. Long-time NASCAR pit boss Buddy “Red Dog” Barnes will replace Kohuth as the crew chief of the #2 Team ASE/CARQUEST Dodge Ram driven by Jason Leffler. Gene Nead will continue to serve as the crew chief of the #1 Mopar Performance Parts Dodge driven by Ted Musgrave. Kohuth, a native of Allentown, PA, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. In four seasons guiding the Ultra Motorsports NCTS effort, the veteran crew chief has amassed nine wins with drivers Scott Riggs and Mike Wallace. Prior to his joining Ultra Motorsports, Kohuth served as crew chief for Ken Schrader’s Truck Series and various stock car efforts.(Motorsports Management)(12-7-2002)
- Morgan Shepherd Announces 2003 Plans Morgan Shepherd and the Victory In Jesus Racing Team is officially announcing their preliminary plans for the 2003 season in the CTS and Winston Cup Series. “Many exciting things are in the works for 2003” said Shepherd. “Our plans include running some WInston Cup races, and we also have a few exciting things planned for the Craftsman Truck Series. We have signed a letter of intent with 18 year old Kyle Drum. We would like to get him started in the Craftsman Truck Series running for Victory In Jesus Racing. The number of events is undetermined at this time, pending sponsorship dollars.” Kyle Drum joins Victory In Jesus Racing with an extensive resume. “I am very excited about the opportunities that lay ahead of me. Morgan Shepherd is a wonderful person and is going to be a great teacher, said Drum, currently a student at State University of New York at Alfred, where he is working on his engineering degree. “The amount of knowledge that he has about racing is unbelievable. I can’t wait to start working with him.” In addition, plans will soon be unveiled for a new Internet Service Provider. The Morgan Shepherd Victory In Jesus Racing ISP will soon be available to subscribers across the country. For more information, see www.morganshepherd.com and www.kyledrum.com.(STB Marketing Group PR)(12-7-2002)