February 2003 CTS Archive

• Pressley back in the #59 at Darlington: Jim Harris and Robert Pressley today announce plans to enter the Darlington NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Race to be held on Friday March 14th. The #59 team raised some eyebrows in Daytona this month when they arrived as a last minute entry and qualified 2nd, narrowly missing a victory in one of the closest finishes in NASCAR history. Team owner Jim Harris said, “I was so impressed with Greg Conner and the small group that we pulled together for the Daytona race. Robert Pressley did a great job and everyone communicated well. We finished third, but we were only inches from a win so continuing on to Darlington seemed logical. Robert has an impressive record at the track and another great finish there will put us in the middle of the Truck Series points race. We will need to find some sponsorship to run the full schedule, but your not going to attract a sponsor by sitting at home.” Pressley was understandably excited about the decision. “I’m a racer and the Harris Trucking team gave me a chance to race hard at Daytona. I’ve won a number of Busch Series races at Darlington and it is one of my favorite tracks. I’m looking forward to having another strong showing down there next month.”(Robert Pressley website)(2-28-2003)
• Nissan in the Truck Series too? Nissan, gearing up to launch a full-size pickup truck later this year, may race in a top pickup truck league of NASCAR, in an effort to promote the truck. Larry Dominique, chief product specialist for Nissan’s full-size pickup truck and sport-utility vehicles, said NASCAR has contacted and asked Nissan whether the Tokyo auto maker is interested in taking part in its Craftsman Truck race series. Though there are some obstacles, including a sizable investment needed to develop race-ready pickup trucks, Dominique said Nissan told NASCAR it wanted to keep the dialogue open and learn more about the series.(Yahoo Biz via WSJ). Toyota announced during Speedweek at Daytona that they would field a truck in the series in 2004.(2-21-2003)
• TV Ratings for the CTS Race: The debut of the CTS on SPEED Channel was a ratings success. SPEED’s 1.03 household rating (576,000 HH) for the Florida Dodge Dealers 250 on Feb. 14 was the highest Daytona rating received by the CTS since the series first ran at the famed speedway in 2000. According to Nielsen Media Research, SPEED Channel’s 1.03 rating was a 75% increase over last year’s Daytona season opener on ESPN (.6) and generated 14% more household impressions (576,000 to 507,000) and 42% more total viewers (870,000 to 612,000). The quarter-hour high for the SPEED broadcast (1:15 – 1:30 p.m.) was a 1.21 with more than one million total viewers.(Speed Channel)(2-21-2003)
• Rick Crawford Day: Rick Crawford stood by proudly and patiently as Mayor Mike Down ran through a string of “whereas'” and “wherefores” Tuesday, highlighting Crawford’s racing career in officially proclaiming Rick Crawford Day in Mobile. City councilman Reggie Copeland, then, astutely pointed out that Crawford no doubt learned the dramatic maneuver he used to win Friday’s Florida Dodge Dealer 250 at Daytona by driving on Airport Boulevard. The 44-year-old Crawford has been honored many times at Mobile International Speedway, where his racing career started, but this is the first time he has received formal city-wide recognition for his accomplishments. He finished second in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series points championship last year, the reason Tuesday’s ceremony was originally organized. Crawford made his homecoming even more special by winning at Daytona International Speedway Friday, passing Robert Pressley with the finish line in sight for the second victory of his truck-racing career. Two members of Crawford’s crew are also from Mobile — Robbie Geist and Jimbo Lee. Crawford plans to travel to Ozona, Texas, Monday to present Tom Mitchell, the owner of Circle Bar Racing, with the shiny trophy from his Daytona victory, which he also had on display here Tuesday.(Alabama Live)(2-19-2003)
• She Said Yes: Riding around on the pace lap before the start of Friday’s Craftsman Truck Series Dodge Dealers 250, Randy Briggs decided to get into the spirit of Valentine’s Day. He hit his radio button, got his girlfriend Mary Ward on the radio and proposed. It wasn’t until 106 laps later that he got his answer and a hug. “She did say yes, but I had to make sure I heard her right on the radio,” Briggs said. “She gave me a hug and said, ‘You bet.’ ” Briggs, who finished 14th after a stop-and-go penalty forced him to lose a lap, had been thinking about popping the question for quite some time. “She’s already listed in the media guide as my fiancée, even though she was still my girlfriend,” Briggs said. “I mean, three years is enough. I was rolling around [before the start] and I talked to my brother. I talked to Michelle [Mary’s niece, who serves as the team’s media-relations agent], and I thought, ‘We’ve been together for three years. We’re at Daytona.’ Mary and I have come down here three years in a row, to race here with our own truck, as she’s listed as the owner.” The team operates on a shoestring budget and hopes Briggs’ good run Friday will attract enough funding to run a full season. But the unusual proposal likely gets them more attention. “It’s Valentine’s Day,” Briggs said. “Her birthday was [Thursday]. It just seemed like the right time.”(Orlando Sentinel), congrats from Jayski…(2-15-2003)
• Crawford wins Daytona: #14-Rick Crawford won the Florida Dodge Dealers 250 at Daytona on Friday, his 2nd career win and first in 120 races, Homstead in 1998. #16-Travis Kvapil was 2nd with #59-Robert Pressley third and #4-Bobby Hamilton 4th. For results, see ThatsRacin.com.(2-14-2003)
• DW, Mikey, Tide and a few truck races – Boogity! Boogity! Boogity!: Darrell Waltrip will drive the Micahel Waltrip owned #17 Tide Chevy truck at Martinsville in April and at IRP in August in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Jeff Hammond is the “Interperator”; Bobby Kennedy the crew chief; Larry McReynoldsis the spotter. Martinsville will be Tide with Bleach paint scheme, IRP race will feature the “Give Kids The World Village” paint scheme. Speed Channel is going to mike up DW, Larry and Jeff
  AND Three-time NASCAR Winston Cup Series champion Darrell Waltrip is strapping in for two NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series events in 2003 and SPEED Channel is taking viewers along for the ride. Waltrip, a regular on SPEED Channel’s Trackside program, will be wired for sound and his #17 Chevrolet, sponsored by Tide, will be equipped with extra cameras. FOX broadcast partners Larry McReynolds and Jeff Hammond will get in on the act, with Larry serving as DW’s spotter and Hammond taking position on the pit box. Both will have live mics as part of the SPEED Channel broadcasts from the spring race at Martinsville and the August NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Indianapolis Raceway Park. “It doesn’t get any better than this,” said Rick Miner, SPEED Channel Sr. VP/Executive Producer. “DW behind the wheel, Larry Mac as our eye in the sky and Hollywood Hammond interpreting it all on the pit box. With Darrell using kid brother Michael’s truck as well as his NASCAR Busch Series pit crew, these will certainly be great events for SPEED Channel and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.”(Allwaltip.com)(2-14-2003)
  
  A Toyota Truck – From the Ford Racing site

• Toyota in the CTS in 2004: Toyota announced today at the Chicago Auto Show its historic plans to begin participation in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2004. Toyota Tundra Trucks will make their racing debut at Daytona International Speedway in February 2004.(Autoracing1.com need subscription to view/read article, also on NASCAR.com), Toyota has assembled the full-size Toyota Tundra exclusively at its Princeton, Ind., plant since its debut in 1999. Beginning with the 2004 season-opening NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Daytona, as many as six Toyota Tundra race trucks may be entered for competition. Team affiliations will not be determined until a later date. Toyota Racing Development (TRD), U.S.A. will design, develop, and build the Craftsman Truck Tundra V8 to NASCAR specifications in its Costa Mesa, Calif., facility.(2-12-2003)
• #14 to run a special scheme at Daytona: The #14 Circle Bar Racing Ford driven by Rick Crawford in the CTS will display a patriotic look for the season opening Florida Dodge Dealers 250 Friday at the Daytona International Speedway. The Stars and Stripes Ford will feature a special insignia dedicated to the honor of the Air Force Strategic Air Command (SAC) and B-36 Peacemaker that Circle bar Racing owner Tom Mitchell served upon. The mission of the Strategic Air Command (SAC) was to maintain a global nuclear deterrent force. SAC maintained an everyday capability to carry out conclusive long-range aerial bombardment against any target in the world. SAC conducted strategic air operations on a world-wide basis and was ready to support area commanders by attacks on suitable tactical targets. The B-36 was the largest American bomber ever produced and for the first time allowed SAC the capability for trans-Atlantic flights… The 230-foot wingspan’s signature was the six rear massive engines that mounted with the propellers facing the rear of the aircraft, the only bomber of its kind…During its eight years of service, the B-36 Peacemaker was one of America’s major deterrents to aggression by a potential enemy. Circle Bar Racing owner Tom Mitchell served as a Sen. Mechanic in the early fifties with the 42 BW at Loring Air Force Base in Maine in the 75th BS.. Mr. Mitchell’s service was under the command of famed Strategic Air Command leader General George LeMay who led SAC from 1948 until 1957. It was General LeMay’s driving force that made “SAC” into a household word and the most potent military force in history. The truck will feature a silver and white paint scheme with the SAC shield and famed star bar on the hood.. The team will continue its patriotic theme displaying the American Flag on the quarter panels.. Another addition of American pride is the Bald Eagle displaying the Circle Bar Motel and RV Park logo threw its talons on the trucks bed top. Making the scheme special to Crawford is the fact that he and fellow truck series driver Brendan Gaughan spent five-days visiting troops throughout Europe in January.. The duo had the opportunity to visit troops in Germany, Italy, Bosnia and Spain on a tour sponsored by NASCAR and the Department of Defense Employers Support for the Guard and Reserve.(Circle Bar Racing PR), for images of the truck, see my CTS Schemes.(2-12-2003)
• Crafton gets a sponsor on the #88 for Daytona: Enzyme Solutions, Incorporated has become a sponsor of the SealMaster Racing team. ESI, based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a manufacturer and marketer of a unique line of all natural, non-toxic enzyme-based household, industrial, medical, and dental cleaning products. SealMaster Racing fields the #88 Menards Chevrolet for driver Matt Crafton in the NASCAR Truck Series. “We are so pleased to have the opportunity to work with a driver like Matt Crafton,” said Enzyme Solutions’ Senior Vice President Jared Hochstedler. “He is young and aggressive, just like our company.. He has a winning background, and we look forward to being a part of the team as they work on getting to victory lane at Daytona.” Team owner Duke Thorson enthusiastically welcomes ESI to the team for the Daytona event. “The entire SealMaster Racing team is happy to have Enzyme Solutions on board for Daytona,” Thorson said.. “Over the course of the past couple of weeks, we have had a chance to use some Enzyme Solutions products around the house and office. We have a Bull Mastiff, and like most dogs, we have accidents from time to time.. Just the other day, we were outside rough-housing and she got a little cut on her leg. We didn’t notice until she came in the house and we found some blood on our white carpet. We sprayed Oops! Away on it and the stain was gone, almost instantly. We are always happy to welcome a new sponsor on board, and even happier when we know the product and believe in it.” Enzyme Solutions will join Menards as co-primary sponsor of the SealMaster Racing Team #88 for the Florida Dodge Dealers 250 and remain as an associate sponsor for the balance of the season. The ESI logos will be displayed on the hood, lower rear quarter panel, tonneau cover, and tailgate in the Daytona race. Menards, which joined SealMaster Racing at this event in 2002, is returning for its second year with the team in 2003.(LibertySports PR), for images of the truck, see my CTS Schemes.(2-12-2003)
• Houston gears up for 2003 NCTS season, Releases new website: Andy Houston, Driver of the #15 Billy Ballew Motorsports Ford released his new website this week at www.andyhouston.com. Learn more about Houston and his family, his past successes and chat with other race fans. In 2002 Andy teamed up to run a limited CTS schedule with Billy Ballew Motorsports. They ran the last five races of the 2002 season with several strong runs. Houston and his team have worked hard in the off season to prepare the #15 truck for the 2003 Florida Dodge Dealer’s 250 in Daytona Beach. “We are excited to get the season off to a great start. Gary Showalter and the rest of our crew have worked long and hard on the truck and feel we have a good shot to be competitive and run up front all day” Says Houston. Andy and the Billy Ballew Motorsports team are actively seeking sponsorship for the #15 Ford. Any inquiries should visit www.andyhouston.com(Global Performance PR)(2-12-2003)
• Trickle in a Truck at Daytona? UPDATE: the Dick Trickle Fan Club newsletter is reporting that Dick Trickle was contacted by a Craftsman’s Truck team, right before he departed for Daytona [to test and set up IROC cars], about the possibility of competing in the Daytona truck race. The team has limited sponsorship but has committed to the Daytona race. Trickle will be communicating with the team by phone, concerning their engine program, testing results, crew, etc. An actual decision may not be made until early next week, whether it by the team or Trickle.(Dick Trickle Fan Club Newsletter)(2-4-2003)
  UPDATE: The Truck owner who had called Trickle right before he left for Daytona was Tony Branson who owns the #66 Truck (that Tina Gordon left). Their team had planned to go to Daytona but didn’t have much sponsorship. Trickle didn’t want to commit himself or anyone who might want to support him with some sponsorship, on that quick of a notice. Trickle would had liked to went to their race shop, looked over their equipment, met the crew, etc. Randy Renfro had offered to bring some sponsorship and will be the driver in this weekends race at Daytona. Trickle plans to stop by and meet everyone this weekend.(Dick Trickle Fan Club Newsletter)(2-12-2003)
• Leffler wins pole at Daytona: Picking up where he left off last season as the top qualifier in the NASCAR Truck series, #2-Jason Leffler ripped off another blistering lap to claim the pole for Friday’s Florida Dodge Dealers 250 at Daytona International Speedway. Leffler, who won eight poles in 2002 but failed to win a race, turned a lap at 182.994mph to claim the top starting position. He was over a mile-an-hour faster than runner-up and fellow Dodge driver #59-Robert Pressley at 181.973. #1-Ted Musgrave was third, #6-Ed Berrier fourth and #29-Terry Cook rounded out the top five. #34-Eric Jones, #36-Geoffrey Bodine, #57-Brian Rose and #19-Ricky Sanders.(ThatsRacin.com)
  For qualifying results see ThatsRacin.com, NASCAR.com or Truckseries.com.(2-11-2003)
• Rose gets a ride for Daytona: Brian Rose he will be driving the #57 Dodge of Carpenter Group Racing and carrying the sponsorship of StockTrader.com for Friday’s Florida Dodge Dealers 250 at Daytona International Speedway. “I’m excited to be coming back to Daytona with StockTrader.com,” said Rose, who finished third in last year’s race at the famed superspeedway while driving for Bobby Hamilton Racing. “I believe everything I learned from Bobby last year will help us post another good finish. Since this is a new team we know we have to qualify well, and I think we’ll be pretty quick right from the start. If hard work and dedication can get you to the front, we’ll be there.” On board as Crew Chief is former Petty Racing Truck Chief Patrick Wall. “Patrick brings a ton of knowledge to the team,” said Rose. “He knows Dodge trucks, he knows Daytona, and he knows racing. When the race is on the line, there’s no doubt in my mind that he will make the right call.” The race truck will also carry the message “Always Remember STS-107,” which is the official designation of the Space Shuttle Columbia. Although Columbia’s accident was a national tragedy, those in the Houston area feel a strong local bond with the program and its crew, and this message is StockTrader.com’s small way of expressing condolences.(PR)(2-11-2003)
• Hillenburg to run Daytona: Legendary biker joint, Boot Hill Saloon is joining forces with Andy Hillenburg Racing as an associate sponsor of the #10 Dodge for this Friday’s running of the CTS race. Boot Hill Saloon is an unknown legend in the racing community.. NASCAR’s officials wrote out the current point system on a napkin while sitting on a barstool in the Daytona Beach saloon.. The “watering hole” hosts thousands of race fans during Speed Weeks, offering great music, entertainment and of course plenty to drink. Hillenburg is no stranger to NASCAR either; he has competed in the Cup Series, BGN and the CTS, running over 25 races within the three series.. He is also a test driver for the International Race of Champions. The Indianapolis, IN native is the president of Fast Track High Performance Driving School and has quite a bit of experience at Daytona International Speedway, which made him the obvious choice for Boot Hill Saloon’s sponsorship. “We have always been involved in Speed Weeks, this year we are just going to strengthen our involvement,” said Marty Edwards, general manager of Boot Hill Saloon.. “Boot Hill Saloon is really looking forward to being on the #10 Dodge with Andy Hillenburg behind the wheel.. He is a very talented driver and we are ready for a top finish at our hometown track.” Edwards and other Boot Hill Saloon members will join NASCAR and Budweiser to hand out the Bud Pole Award later today, to the winner of the Daytona 500 pole.(PR)(2-9-2003)
• Leffler plans to run the Indy 500 too: CTS and former Cup driver Jason Leffer plans to attempt at the Indianapolis 500 in May. Leffler, former USAC Midget and Silver Crown champ, drove in 2001 for Chip Ganassi [#01 Cingular Dodge] and retreated last year to the CTS with Ultra Motorsports [#2 Dodge]. He’s back in Ultra’s #2 Trucks this year. Leffler and team officials revealed Friday night that he would try to make at try at the 500, with details not yet clear, such as whose car he might drive or what sponsorship is available. #43-John Andretti and #31-Robby Gordon also have been given permission to run in the 500, with Gordon running the past two years there in cars co-owned by Cup car owner Richard Childress. Neither Andretti nor Gordon has made clear exactly what the plans are. Andretti says he wants to race at Indy because his cousin Michael will be making his final drive at the Speedway before retiring.(Speed Channel)(2-9-2003)
• The Navy re-ups with Wood: Roush Racing announced the U.S. Navy has teamed up with NASCAR’s Roush Racing to sponsor Jon Wood in the 2003 CTS again in 2003. The Navy sponsorship with Roush is part of an ongoing recruiting and retention effort, “Navy-Accelerate your Life.” Wood and the #50 Navy Racing Ford will hit the circuit from coast to coast. Besides having teamwork in common, the sport of racing, like the Navy, is also family-oriented. More than 75 million NASCAR fans along with their families turn out to enjoy a day at the races. “Jon Wood is part of a proud Wood family of racers just as the Navy is a family-oriented service and proud of it,” said Navy spokesman, Lieutenant Junior Grade Bill Danzi. The Navy plans to use the team, race truck and show truck as a motivational tool to attract young people to join the Navy, in addition to generating public awareness and pride for Sailors, Reservists, Veterans and civilians worldwide. Last year, Sailors around the fleet made the Craftsman Truck Series races one of the most watched events on the Armed Forces Television and Radio Networks. To find out more information about the Navy Racing Team or to schedule a reenlistment ceremony or recruiting event featuring the popular Navy show truck, contact (901) 874-2274 or visit the Navy on the web at www.staynavy.navy.mil.(Rosuh Racing PR)(2-8-2003)
• Pressley gets a ride: Jim Harris of HT Motorsports announced today that Robert Pressley will drive the #59 Dodge in the CTS Dodge Dealers 250 at Daytona International Speedway. Harris fielded CTS entries for Darrell Waltrip and Stacy Compton in a number of events last season. Harris said that he was particularly glad to have Robert, last year’s Daytona Truck Race Champion, pilot his Dodge. Pressley, who finished 7th in the 2002 CTS Drivers standings including three race victories commented, “I’m thankful that Jim Harris has given me this opportunity to defend my Daytona Truck Title. We had a good test at Talladega last week and I hope to return Dodge to Victory lane in Daytona.” Greg Conner will crew chief the entry. Sponsorship will be announced at a later date.(PR)(2-7-2003)
• #31 Team Hires Crew Chief: Todd Myers has been named as crew chief for Tina Gordon in the #31 Brevak Racing Dodge in the CTS. Myers, a Fort Worth resident has spent the past four years working with Texas based TKO Motorsports, and brings almost 30 years of racing experience to the team. During his time at TKO, Myers served as both crew chief and team manager. He has worked with many drivers in all three of the top NASCAR series, such as David Starr, Brendan Gaughan, Randy Renfroe, and Jamie McMurray. Myers is very excited about his new position at Brevak Racing and with the chance to work with Tina Gordon. “I’m proud to be involved with Brevak Racing and Tina Gordon and trying to build a strong foundation and good relationship with the team. I am also looking forward to trying to help bring a good young driver and a female driver to the forefront,” said Myers. “It’s also nice to be able to keep my involvement going with the Dodge brand.” Bob Brevak, co-owner of Brevak Racing, feels like they have chosen the right man and the right manufacturer. “Shelly and I feel fortunate to have such a highly experienced person as Todd Myers as our crew chief. Todd not only has shown success in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series for many years, he also comes with experience with the Dodge brand,” said Brevak. “Todd came highly recommended. After talking with drivers Todd has worked with, we feel we have a good leader for our team and our rookie driver, Tina Gordon.” After a long affiliation with Ford, Bob and Shelly Brevak are embarking on a new relationship with Dodge. Bob Brevak had this to say of the switch, “We decided to go with the Dodge brand because of the excellent record they have had in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. When the opportunity came up to buy a couple of first-class Petty Dodge trucks and have motors supplied by Maurice Petty and Associates, Shelly and I felt it was the right move.”(Victory Lane Motorsports PR)(2-6-2003)
• Bickle in the #07 Chevy: Greenlight Racing announced that Rich Bickle will pilot the #07 Chevy in the Ford 250 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Daytona International Speedway. The effort will be a team truck to Bobby Dotter’s #08 entry. While Bickle has competed at Daytona in the ARCA, NASCAR Winston Cup and Busch Series, this will be his first run in the Truck Series on the 2.5-mile superspeedway. “I’m looking forward to racing at Daytona without a restrictor plate,” said Bickle. “I remember going there as a kid to watch the Daytona 500 and seeing all the greats – Richard Petty, David Pearson, Cale Yarborough – just fly around there without restrictor plates. I’ve always wanted to do that and now I’ll have a chance, thanks to Greenlight Racing, team owner Gene Christensen, engine builder Carl Wegner and Bobby Dotter.” Bickle is one of NASCAR’s most versatile drivers posting 85 Winston Cup, 53 Busch Series and 58 Truck Series career starts since making his NASCAR debut in the fall Winston Cup race at Charlotte in 1989. Bickle competed in six CTS events in 2002 posting a season-best, sixth-place finish at Memphis, TN in June. In all, Bickle has 21 Top-5 NCTS finishes (38 percent) and 31 Top-10 efforts (53 percent) in just 58 career starts. Bickle has seven career starts at Daytona making his Daytona debut in the 1989 ARCA Permatex 200 driving a car he purchased from Dale Earnhardt. “I’ve raced just about everything at Daytona, with both good and bad results” said Bickle. “It’s a great place to race. Every driver wants to compete at Daytona. While testing showed the Chevrolets to be at a little technical disadvantage compared to the Dodges and the Fords, we’re confident this truck will race well. It’s actually a chassis that I raced when I drove for Darrell Waltrip and Jason Small finished seventh with the same truck at Daytona last year. Carl Wegner is handling the engine program and he always gives me great stuff, so we’re going to Daytona looking for a Top-10 finish.” Bickle also indicated Greenlight Racing is looking for sponsorship help for the Daytona event and the 2003 CTS season. “We’re going to Daytona with a blank truck hoping someone will recognize the potential of this deal,” said Bickle. “Right now, we’re just looking at a one-race deal, but depending how things go at Daytona, we’d like to be able to attract a marketing partner for both my truck and Bobby’s truck. Bobby has proven to be a great veteran of the Truck Series and has had a lot of success in the past. With the right kind of partner, he could win races and finish in the Top-10 in points this season.(Close Finishes PR)(2-6-2003)
• Ronnie Hornaday III to drive the #63 at Daytona: MB Motorsports and marketing partners, Summer Bay Resort and Dave Porter Truck Sales, are pleased to announce that Ronnie Hornaday III will drive the #63 Ford in the CTS race at Daytona next. “I was so excited last night when I got the call from Mike Mittler, I couldn’t sit still,” exclaimed Ronnie Hornaday III. “This is the opportunity I have been hoping for. Things are turning in my favor finally. I recently got engaged and now I get to drive for a competitive truck team. I’m really looking forward to working with all the guys at MB Motorsports. They have helped a lot of drivers get started in NASCAR and know what it takes to be competitive.” Ronnie Hornaday III is a third generation driver looking to follow in the footsteps of his father, Ron Hornaday Jr., and his grandfather. Ronnie III has competed in several CTS, BGN, and ARCA races since 1999. He started racing in southern California at the age of 15. Ronnie III isn’t just a driver he can build the car/truck from the ground up including engine assembly. “We are looking forward to Ronnie Hornaday III driving our #63 Ford F-150 Truck,” stated Mike Mittler, owner and crew chief. “Ronnie III is a young talented driver who brings Daytona experience to our team. We were contacted by 60 interested drivers over a 2-day period once the word got out that we needed a driver. It was a tough decision that came down to 3 qualified drivers, Ronnie Hornaday III, Jason Small, and Trent Owens. We consulted with our marketing partners and gave the call to Ronnie III. We had to scramble when our former driver Carl Edwards decided to move on one week before Daytona,” continued Mike Mittler. “We are very proud to have had the opportunity to work with Carl. He gave our team its best qualifying and finishing efforts in just seven races. Carl has a bright future ahead of him and we wish him the best throughout his NASCAR career.”
  “We worked closely with MB Motorsports to get everything finalized and then the driver moved on,” stated Phil Colwell, Summer Bay Resort spokesman. “Mike Mittler and Bill Politsch kept us fully informed the last few days and included us in the final decision. We had faith in MB Motorsports and knew they were very honorable. They kept their word to us.”(MB Motorsports PR)(2-6-2003)
• Capital City Motorsports to Run Limited ARCA & CTS Schedule: Greg Sarff, the owner of Capital City Motorsports will return to the ARCA RE/MAX Series schedule in 2003, however the team will return to the circuit on a limited basis. Sarff will be piloting the #38 Ford Taurus in six events this year.. “This is not a step back, we are going racing this year to prove that we can win and race upfront,” said Sarff. Along with competing in the ARCA RE/MAX Series, Capital City Motorsports will be taking their aim at the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. he Ohio based team will compete in seven NCTS races throughout the course of the year with plans to run for the championship in 2004. Capital City Motorsports will hit Kentucky Speedway in the first weekend in March to test their new Ford F-150 in order to prepare for the upcoming season.. “We’re not hitting the first races in the season, we’re taking our stab in the middle of the season and near the end,” said Sarff who competed in 20 ARCA RE/MAX events in 2002. Willie Green who drove the #38 Capital City Motorsports entry last year in Kentucky will pilot in the team’s first NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event on July 12th from Kentucky Speedway. Green will also climb behind the truck two weeks later at Michigan International Speedway in the team’s second attempt. Sarff will attempt to make his first CTS race at Nashville Superspeedway on August 8th. While the team has yet to make a primary sponsorship announcement, Sarff stated the sponsor would be named June 1st, just prior to the team’s first race. Capital City Motorsports will also announce their driver and sponsor for the final four NCTS events from California Speedway, Texas Motor Speedway, Phoenix International Raceway, and Homestead Miami Speedway by June 1st. Beannies Luxury Coach Sales, Coaches Corner, Cross County Inns, and Absolute Impressions will all be returning to the ARCA RE/MAX machine as associate sponsors, but will also become associate sponsors for the #38 Ford. The team currently has two trucks ready to roll, with two more ready for competition by June 1st. Mark Smith at Tri-Star Motors will power horsepower for both the ARCA RE/MAX Series car, and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series truck for the 2003 season. The team also made the announcement that Jeff Buice will serve as crew chief for the #38 truck at Texas, Phoenix, and Homestead.(Catchfence.com)(2-4-2003)
• So..what ever happened to Angie Wilson? Total Race Babe has agreed to become primary sponsor for Angie Wilson and Blackbeard’s Motorsport in the Daytona 150, NASCAR Dash Series race on Sunday February 9th at Daytona. Total Race Babe started supplying merchandise trailers with a line of checkered swimwear and activewear five years ago. The line has grown to shirts, hats, and other items all geared toward the female race fan. This year Total Race Babe will no longer sell its apparel to other trailers but will have its own trailer at race events. David Mitchell of totalracebabe.com said, “We feel that we have the best racer representing our line, and are very proud to be associated with Angie. Our hopes are that we can carry the momentum from Daytona and put Angie in at least six Craftsman Truck races this year”. Also helping out are Racefansconnect.com, a site where race fans can meet each other. KandCdistribution.com, a line of quality detailing products, and 1waydesign.com, a place for all your screenprinting needs. Wilson is returning to Daytona with something to prove. After qualifing last year in ninth place, she had an electrical problem that put her out of the race after only 10 laps. This year will be better. She had a very good practice two weeks ago and is ready.(Racing Milestones)(2-4-2003)
• Gordon and Brevek get Daytona Sponsor: Brevak Racing and driver Tina Gordon announced that Microtel Inns & Suites and Post-it Notes from 3M will be co-primary sponsors for the season-opening Florida Dodge dealers 250 in Daytona on February 14. Post-it Notes business continues its support of Tina Gordon after sponsoring her in two ARCA Series races in 2002. For Microtel, this is its first venture into the world of motorsports sponsorship and the company will continue to be on board the #31 truck throughout the season.(Victory Lane Motorsports Management PR)(2-3-2003)
• No Trucks for Kyle: Kyle Busch, the younger brother of Roush Racing Winston Cup #99 Driver Kurt Busch, has not only left the Roush organization but has joined one of its biggest competitors. Busch, 17, had planned to join Roush following his 18th birthday on May 2 and compete in the CTS in Roush’s #99 Ford truck. NASCAR requires drivers in its top three series to be at least 18 before they can compete. Instead, Kyle Busch has joined Hendrick Motorsports and will run a varied schedule of ARCA and BGN races this season, ThatsRacin.com has learned. Busch will drive in several ARCA races with Hendrick until he turns 18 then run a limited BGN schedule the remainder of the season, sources said. ARCA spokesman Don Radebaugh confirmed Monday Busch had the necessary speedway experience to compete in the series should he wish to enter this weekend’s Daytona ARCA race. However, it was unclear whether Hendrick would be able to put together the team in time.(ThatsRacin.com)(2-3-2003)
• Carl Edwards to the #99 and Roush: Roush Racing announced today that Carl Edwards will drive the #99 Roush Racing Ford in the CTS for the entire 2003 season, including Daytona. Edwards, 23, competed in seven truck races last season. His best finish was an eighth place at Kansas Speedway. “This is a huge opportunity for me,” said Edwards. “To have the resources of a team like Roush Racing is very exciting. Not too long ago, I was in the Charlotte area picking up an old school bus from Ken Schrader to tow my race car. As we were driving down the interstate, three of the Roush transporters passed us and I thought to myself what a dream it would be to drive for a team like that. This is the opportunity of a lifetime.” Although Roush is committed to run the full schedule, they are still actively seeking sponsorship for the team. “Carl is a very talented driver and he will complement our program really well,” said Jack Roush. “This is a great sponsorship opportunity for a company who is looking for a bright, young talent to represent their organization. Having a veteran crew chief like Doug Richert will help Carl speed up his learning curve in the series. I expect this team to really excel as the season gets underway.”(Roush Racing PR), supposedly Kyle Busch will NOT drive for Roush and has chosen to pursue other oppurtunities and is not under contract with Roush Racing, no idea what those oppurtunities are…yet. Edwards was slated to drive the #63 MB Motorsports Ford, no idea who will drive that truck now.(2-3-2003)
• BHR looking for fabricators: Gene Patient, shop foreman at Bobby Hamilton Racing and team manager, Kip McCord, are looking for a few experienced fabricators to work for the BHR tean in Nashville, TN. Hamilton runs the #4, #8 and #18 CTS teams. For team address and contact info, see my CTS Team Addresses Page.(2-3-2003)
• Bodine to run Daytona CTS race: Geoffrey Bodine plans to compete in the CTS race at Daytona on February 14th. Bodine will be driving the #36 Ford owned by A.L. Thompson, powered by a Robert Yates engine, with Walter Giles as Crew Chief. The South Carolina based team is currently seeking sponsorship. Geoffrey may also drive the #36 at Darlington on March 14th.(Geoffrey Bodine Fanclub)(2-1-2003)