February 2004 Truck Series News Archive

 

  • Bradberry To Race With NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series: Charlie Bradberry’s 2003 season was about as good as it can get. His first-ever NASCAR championship (Southeast Series) and a handful of victories, including the prestigious Snowball Derby (Pensacola, FL) to close out the season, were enough to get anyone pumped up about racing again in 2004. But now the Southern-based hotshoe will tackle the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2004. The 21-year-old will compete in a part-time schedule with hopes of attracting a sponsor to his family-owned team. “We are going to run about 10 truck races this year with our own team,” said Bradberry. “We’re not sure of all the ones we are going to do just yet, but we do know we are going to open the year at Mansfield Motorsports Park (in Mansfield, OH) and we know we are going to run at Charlotte (Lowe’s Motor Speedway, NC). We are just going to see how things pan out from there. After the year I had last year, it was the next logical step,” added Bradberry. “I’m at a point where I really need to get my name out there and I’ve done what I can in the Super Late Model ranks. The way NASCAR has structured their system, the Truck Series is where I am graduating to; I just wish we had more financial backing, a marketing partner or another car owner to help me advance my career even further. I know I can succeed if given the right opportunity. At the same time, I’m excited about getting all this going.” Bradberry also plans to continue running a select number of Super Late Model shows around the Southeastern United States, including several Southern All Star events. The first SAS run will come this weekend at the Earlybird 100 at Birmingham (AL) Speedway. “We’ve got a short track truck and a speedway truck right now,” said Bradberry. “We’ve got a great crew chief in Philip Hamilton as well. We are really going to concentrate on the truck stuff this year. We know we are going to run seven races because that is the cut off for rookie status. If we are doing pretty good, then we will run up to 10 and if we can get some sponsorship help, maybe even a few more.” Bradberry and the team are still looking for sponsorship to help them in their run at the 2004 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. For inquiries, call the team at 205-678-9205 and be sure to visit charliebradberry.com for more information.(Speed51.com)(2-27-2004)
  • Wood Judges Pinewood Derby Competition: When Jon Wood is not racing his #50 Roush Racing Ford F-150, he is usually doing something related to racing. This week Wood took some time to relive his childhood by judging a Pinewood Derby competition in his hometown of Stuart, Va. Wood not only judged the current competition, but also brought his own Pinewood Derby car out of retirement. He had raced several years ago when he was a scout, but this time he was beaten out by the younger drivers. “I think they had a weight advantage,” Wood said. “I’m a bit bigger than they are so that might have slowed me down when I was coming down the ramp. I guess youth prevailed – now I know how some of the older Craftsman Truck drivers feel when Carl (Edwards) and I win. “Judging the Pinewood Derby race was a lot of fun. It takes me back to when I was a kid. I had a great time sanding and painting my car. You really get a sense of pride and accomplishment when you finally get to race something you worked so hard on to make it look good. The kids did a great job and I’m honored that they asked me to be involved. It was a fun evening.”(Roush Racing PR)(2-27-2004)
  • Line-X to Sponsor Truck Series race at Michigan: Line-X, the nationwide leader in spray-on truck bedliners, will sponsor the Line-X Spray-On Truck Bedliners 200 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Michigan International Speedway. “Since MIS is located in the backyard of the automotive capital world, partnering with a company like Line-X Spray-On Truck Bedliners is a perfect match,” said MIS Director of Marketing Keith Karbo. “We look forward to exposing our local marketplace to this great product.”
    “Our 2004 Motorsports Marketing Strategy is to greatly enhance the Line-X Brand awareness to light truck owners, so as to purchase our spray-on bedliner for their trucks,” said Claudio Burtin, Line-X company founder. “We want to assist our over 400 Nationwide Line-X dealers in building their business by showcasing our Rating of #1 in Customer Satisfaction. Sponsoring the Craftsman Truck Series race at MIS is just another way to reach our customers and dealers.” With over 400 dealers located across the nation, Line-X Spray on Truck Bedliners is rated No. 1 in customer satisfaction. Line-X molds around every contour of a truck bed and keeps a water seal for extreme protection and adds to the resale value of a truck. Line-X is the only spray-on bedliner with a limited lifetime warranty, valid nationwide. For more information on Line-X and a listing of dealers, visit them online at www.Goline-X.com. In addition to the sponsorship of the Line-X Spray-On Truck Bedliners 200 at MIS, Line-X has previously announced a partnership with BANG RACING. BANG RACING is a new NASCAR race team, which is fielding two Toyota’s in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2004. An innovative technology focused race team, BANG RACING was founded by 23 year-old businessman Alex Meshkin, the CEO and principle owner and Fox Sports announcer and former crew chief Larry McReynolds. In 2004 and beyond, BANG RACING will field two Toyota Tundra teams; the #24 LINE-X Spray-On Truck Bedliners Toyota Tundra with driver Travis Kvapil, the 2003 reigning Craftsman Truck Series champion; and the #42 Toyota Tundra with driver Mike Skinner, the 1995 inaugural Craftsman Truck Series champion. The 2004 Line-X Spray-On Truck Bedliners 200 at MIS is shaping up to be an exciting event, with the addition of Toyota to the series and the entrance of several former NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series stars to the circuit in 2004. All the Craftsman Truck Series drivers will try to top last year’s NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at MIS, when Brendan Gaughan set the record for the fastest race in series history by averaging 154.044mph.
    All seats for the July 31 Line-X Spray-On Truck Bedliners 200 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at MIS are just $30. A two-day combination ticket for the Line-X Spray-On Truck Bedliners 200 and the Sunday IRL Menard’s Infiniti Pro Series and IRL IndyCar Series races are just $50. Tickets are can be purchased now by visiting www.MISpeedway.com, or by calling the MIS ticket hotline at 1-800-354-1010.(MIS PR)(2-25-2004)
  • Penalties Announced from Daytona: Twelve NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series crew chiefs have been fined a total of $21,750 for various infractions prior to the Feb. 13 Florida Dodge Dealers 250 at Daytona International Speedway, NASCAR officials announced today.
    Douglas Howe, crew chief for the #07 Chevrolet of driver Shane Sieg, was issued the largest combined penalty of the group as he was fined $3,000 for an unapproved intake manifold and $1,000 for an unapproved rear bumper reinforcement bar. Howe was in violation of Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing), Section 12-4-Y (unapproved intake manifold modification) and Section 12-4-Q (parts and/or equipment used in the event that do not conform to NASCAR rules) of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Rule Book.
    Jeffrey D. Rollins, crew chief for the #4 Dodge of Bobby Hamilton, was fined $3,250 for use of unapproved air filter housing spacer and unapproved panel in the truck’s wheel well area. Rollins was in violation of Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and Section 12-4-Q, (parts and/or equipment used in the event that do not conform to NASCAR rules).
    Ernest G.[Greg] Conner, crew chief for the No. 59 Dodge of Randy LaJoie, was fined $3,000 for use of an unapproved carburetor spacer. Conner was in violation of Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and Section 12-4-Q, (parts and/or equipment used in the event that do not conform to NASCAR rules).
    Raymond W. Stonkus, crew chief for the No. 14 Ford of Rick Crawford, was fined $3,000 for use of carburetor venturis exceeding specified size. Stonkus was in violation of Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and Section 12-4-Q, (parts and/or equipment used in the event that do not conform to NASCAR rules).
    Jerry L. Pitts Jr., crew chief for the #38 Ford of Brandon Whitt, was fined $2,000 for improperly attached weight in the oil reservoir tank, $250 for a fuel cell check valve vent hose that exceeded specified size and $250 for a fuel line that exceeded specified size. Pitts was in violation of Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing), Section 12-4-W (improperly attached weight) and Section 12-4-Q (parts and/or equipment used in the event that do not conform to NASCAR rules).
    James M. Aube, crew chief for the #25 Chevrolet of Phil Bonifield, was fined $2,000 for improperly attached weight in the water overflow tank. Aube was in violation of Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and Section 12-4-W (improperly attached weight).
    Eric P. Phillips, crew chief for the #24 Toyota of Travis Kvapil, was fined $2,000 for improperly attached weight in the water overflow tank. Phillips was in violation of Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and Section 12-4-W (improperly attached weight).
    Jeffrey S. Hensley, crew chief for the #22 Toyota of Bill Lester, was fined $500 for use of unapproved jacking bolts. Hensley was in violation of Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and Section 12-4-Q, (parts and/or equipment used in the event that do not conform to NASCAR rules).
    Danny W. Gill, crew chief for the #46 Chevrolet of Dennis Setzer, was fined $500 for use of unapproved brake rotors. Gill was in violation of Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and Section 12-4-Q, (parts and/or equipment used in the event that do not conform to NASCAR rules).
    Walter E. Rogers, crew chief for the #6 Chevrolet of Matt Crafton, was fined $500 for using methods that compromised the inspection process. Rogers was in violation of Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 12-4-Q, (parts and/or equipment used in the event that do not conform to NASCAR rules).
    James A. Falk, crew chief for the #40 Chevrolet of Joey Clanton, was fined $250 for holes drilled in the truck’s hood support bar. Falk was in violation of Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and Section 12-4-Q, (parts and/or equipment used in the event that do not conform to NASCAR rules). Richard J. Wauters, crew chief for the No. 15 Chevrolet of Shane Hmiel, was fined $250 for use of fuel line exceeding the specified size. Wauters was in violation of Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and Section 12-4-Q, (parts and/or equipment used in the event that do not conform to NASCAR rules).
    The infractions for Conner, Falk, Hensley, Howe (Section 12-4-Y), Rollins, Pitts (Section 12-4-Q), Stonkus and Wauters were found during opening-day inspection (Feb. 10). Infractions for Aube, Gill, Howe (Section 12-4-Q) and Pitts (Sections 12-4-Q, fuel check valve and 12-4-W) were found during pre-qualifying inspection (Feb. 11). The infraction for Rogers was found during post-qualifying inspection (Feb. 11).(NASCAR PR)(2-24-2004)
  • #51 Driver Change: After a short but successful stint in the Craftsman Truck Series, Tucker’s Shane Sieg has signed on to run for rookie of the year in NASCAR’s Busch Series. Sieg, 21, will drive the #51 Dodge [guess Kevin Conway is out?] for driver-turned-owner Rick Ware with veteran Ted Kennedy serving as crew chief. Their first attempt to qualify is today at Rockingham. Ware said he hired Sieg because he’s young and because he was impressed by his performance in the truck series last year. “As a driver I can see things other owners can’t,” Ware said. “In Shane’s first race in a truck, at Loudon, New Hampshire, last year, he ran the whole race and finished on the lead lap. He ran three other times in a truck that wasn’t really all that good and ran in the top 20 with it every time.”(Atlanta Journal-Constitution)(2-20-2004)
  • Congratulations to Terry Cook: Wednesday Night was an extremely sucessful night for CTS driver Terry Cook and his PPC Craftsmen Truck series racing team, as well as Body Dynamics Racing Bodies, Inc. Cook and his #10 Power Stroke PPC Ford truck fabricated by Body Dynamics Racing Bodies, Inc. turned the fastest time Wednesday night at 183.643mph to claim the eighth pole of his career and first since August of last season at Indianapolis Raceway Park. In additon to Terry Cook’s pole winning position, Body Dynamics Racing Bodies, Inc. had another top ten placing client with the team of the #59 Melling Engine Parts/Harris Trucking Dodge and driver Randy LaJoie. Body Dynamics Racing Bodies, Inc. is located in Denver, NC and is the industry’s leading out-source race car and truck body fabrication facility. The company has a 20,000 sq. ft. facility, a complete fabrication department, a parts fabrication area, and a state-of-the-art preparation/paint facility. The training and experience of the Body Dynamics Racing Bodies fabrication team allows them to produce top quality race car and truck bodies with a turn around time faster than any other out-source fabrication facility in the industry.(Body Dynamics Racing Bodies PR)(2-15-2004)
  • Edwards wins at Daytona: #99-Carl Edwards, who cut a tire and spun bringing out a caution on Lap 26 of 100, rallied back to the front and held off #24-Travis Kvapil by .141 seconds to win Friday night’s Florida Dodge Dealers 250 at Daytona International Speedway. He started the post-race celebration by performing his trademark back flip after stopping his #99 Ford at the start/finish line. He then proceeded to Victory Lane. Friday’s is the fourth NASCAR Craftsman Truck series win for last season’s rookie of the year and culminated an eventful night. Edwards started from the rear of the field due to an engine change and fell back to the back again as a result of his tire incident. But by Lap 50, he was running back in the Top 10 and led the final 21 laps. Kvapil, last season’s series champion, edged #52-Mike Wallace for second at the finish line. #14-Rick Crawford, who won last season’s Daytona season opener, finished fourth and pole-winner #10-Terry Cook completed the top-five. Kvapil’s finish highlighted a strong debut for Toyota, which placed two trucks in the top 10 and four of its seven entries in the top 18. The race was slowed seven times by caution for 42 laps. There were 22 lead changes among 11 different drivers. Edwards led the most laps (28).(ThatsRacin.com)
    See race results at ThatsRacin.com, MotorsportsOne, Truckseries.com or NASCAR.com.(2-13-2004)
  • Crawford to the back: A multitruck wreck marred the final practice last night for today’s Florida Dodge Dealers 250. Damage from the crash will force Rick Crawford, the defending race winner, into a backup.(Richmond Times Dispatch)
    AND add #2-Houston who was involved in the same wreck and five drivers whose team changed engines: #52-Mike Wallace, #08-Ken Weaver, #93-Wayne Edwards, #72-Randy MacDonald and #99-Carl Edwards that will have to drop back.(2-13-2004)
  • California Truck Race Under the lights: California Speedway’s 2004 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series American Racing Wheels 200 will run completely “Under the Lights” during the Indy Racing League IndyCar Series/NASCAR weekend in October. The race, which will celebrate the series’ eighth trip to the two-mile, D-shaped oval, will start at 10:00pm/et and broadcast live on SPEED Channel. This event marks the first Saturday night racing at California Speedway under its new multi-million dollar lighting system. The NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series will be the first ever “Finish Under the Lights” race at the speedway with the Pop Secret 500 on Sunday of Labor Day weekend. Tickets are on sale now. For ticket and event information call 1-800-944-RACE (7223)(California Speedway)(2-12-2004)
  • Cook wins the pole at Daytona: Terry Cook, driving ppc Racing’s first entry in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, won the pole for Friday night’s Florida Dodge Dealers 250 season opener at Daytona. Cook, 35, turned a lap Wednesday night at 183.643mph in his #10 Power Stroke Ford to claim the eighth pole of his career and first since August of last season at Indianapolis Raceway Park. #8-Chase Montgomery, a rookie who won last season’s ARCA race at Daytona, was a surprise as the second fastest qualifier in a Dodge. Last season’s series champion, #24-Travis Kvapil, was third and the top Toyota performer; #46-Dennis Setzer and #6-Matt Crafton in Chevrolets rounded out the top five. Toyota, the first foreign manufacturer to compete in NASCAR’s top series, made a respectable debut, as all seven entries qualified 17th or better after struggling in preseason testing.(ThatsRacin.com)
    For the qualifying speeds/lineup, see ThatsRacin.com, MotorsportsOne, Truckseries.com or NASCAR.com.(2-11-2004)
  • Lasoski in a Truck UPDATE: World of Outlaws sprint-car driver Danny Lasoski plans to enter the Craftsman Truck Series race at Daytona. Lasoski, WoO points champion Steve Kinser and USAC champion J.J. Yeley also received invitations to participate in IROC, a series of equally prepared cars with drivers from several series. Lasoski said that due to the commitments related to IROC and CTS, he won’t be able to participate in the sprint cars at East Bay Raceway near Tampa, Fla, during Speed Weeks.(Patriot News)(2-4-2004)
    UPDATE no word on what happened with this deal.(2-11-2004)
  • Gordon gets another sponsor: Vassarette, a maker of women’s intimate apparel, announced at Daytona International Speedway on Tuesday that it was signing on as Tina Gordon’s primary sponsor for the full season. Its orange colors will be on Gordon’s #13 Chevy, fielded by ThorSport Racing, in Friday night’s opening race, the Florida Dodge Dealers 250. Gordon also will have a ride for NASCAR’s Busch series race at Talladega Superspeedway in April. She has sponsorship from Sticks’N’ Stuff furniture for that stock car event.(Alabama Live)(2-11-2004)
  • Montgomery ineligible for ROTY award UPDATE NASCAR changes mind: Chase Montgomery is 20, could pass for 16, and yet has been declared ”too experienced” by NASCAR to compete for rookie of the year in the Craftsman Truck Series. Montgomery will run in the #8 Dodge truck for Bobby Hamilton Racing in 2004. Montgomery competed in only one truck race, last year at Nashville Superspeedway. NASCAR policy permits a driver to compete in as many as six races in one season and still maintain his rookie status for the following year. But in an odd twist, Montgomery was declared ineligible for the truck rookie title because he ran 17 races last year in the more advanced Busch Series. ”We don’t have a hard-and-fast rule,” said Owen Kearns, manager of communications for the Craftsman Truck Series. ”We look at a driver’s experience, and in Chase’s case he has run a number of Busch races. It wouldn’t be fair for a driver with that degree of experience to challenge for Rookie of the Year in the Craftsman Truck Series.” Montgomery parlayed success in the ARCA Series into a limited Busch ride last year. Unable to land a full-time Busch ride this season, Montgomery and his father formed a truck team and planned to compete for rookie of the year. Jimmie White, in charge of NASCAR’s Raybestos Rookie of the Year program, said Montgomery’s status is unique but noted that there has been least one similar case. ”Mike Bliss was a rookie in the Busch Series last season but wasn’t eligible for the rookie award because he ran 25 Winston Cup races the previous season,” he said. ”It’s a judgment call,” White said. ”It’s simply intended to make sure that an experienced driver from a higher division doesn’t come into a lower division and take the rookie award.”(Tennessean)(1-23-2004)
    UPDATE: NASCAR has decided to allow Chase Montgomery to compete for rookie of the year in the Craftsman Truck Series. The 20-year-old racer initially was told he might not be eligible for the award because he drove in 17 races last season in the Busch Series. A panel that included NASCAR President Mike Helton met this week, reviewed Montgomery’s situation, and declared him eligible. The rookie award is worth $10,000 plus $1,000 for each race the driver runs the following season.(Tennessean)(2-11-2004)
  • Sears Awards Bonus to Teams Thats Win from the Pole: This season, the Craftsman “WIN FROM THE POLE” bonus is back with a whole new look and an added bit of excitement just like the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series which welcomes new manufacturer Toyota and two former champions to the Series in 2004. Sears will award a rolling cash bonus of $2,000 per race to any team that qualifies on the pole and wins the race. In the event the bonus is not awarded at one race, the $2,000 award rolls over to the next event, with the maximum award totaling $50,000. As in the past, the Craftsman “WIN FROM THE POLE” bonus is awarded to the team, the mechanics and pit crew members who turn the wrenches and work long hours in the garage and at the track to give the drivers the fastest truck on the track. The Craftsman “WIN FROM THE POLE” bonus has been awarded 23 times since its inception in 2000. Last season, three teams were awarded the bonus, the Ultra Motorsports team for the No. 2 ASE/CarQuest Dodge win at New Hampshire International Speedway, the Orleans Racing team for the No. 62 Orleans Racing Dodge win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and the Bobby Hamilton Racing team for the No. 4 Square D Dodge win at Homestead-Miami Speedway.(CTS PR)(2-11-2004)
  • TruckMoxie.com Sponsors #93 Troxell Upshaw Motorsports: TEN Magazines and TruckMoxie.com, announce a partnership with the Troxell Upshaw Motorsports Team #93, for the 2004 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Racing Series. TEN Magazines and TruckMoxie.com have teamed with Troxell Upshaw Motorsports to give millions of truck enthusiasts a behind-the-scenes view of what it takes to run a NASCAR racing truck within this exciting NASCAR series. Millions of truck enthusiasts online will see interviews with driver Wayne Edwards, find out how the truck is set up for various tracks and get the latest race results by logging on to TEN Magazines’ network of websites. TEN will also give away two pit passes to each NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race to lucky enthusiasts who log on to the TEN Network of websites. Current members of the TEN Network of 15 websites will also get a chance to meet the team and see the truck in person at several truck shows across the country. The partnership will begin with the first race of the season, the Florida Dodge Dealer’s 250 at Daytona International Speedway, February 13, 2004.(PR)(2-11-2004)
  • NASCAR CRAFTSMAN TRUCK SERIES NEWS AND NOTES – DAYTONA
    10-year anniversary for series begins at Daytona … The 2004 season figures to be the most competitive yet with an unprecedented three former champions – #42-Mike Skinner, #16-Jack Sprague and #24-Travis Kvapil – competing fulltime. Sprague will be in pursuit of his fourth title behind the wheel of IWX Racing’s 2002-03 championship Silverado. Steve Coulter’s team became the first to win back-to-back owner championships, doing it with two different drivers – Kvapil and Mike Bliss. Kvapil partners with Skinner, marking the first time that teammates have won the series crown.
    Fourth manufacturer joins series this week … Toyota’s Tundra makes its official series debut in the Florida Dodge Dealers 250. Four teams – Bang, Bill Davis Racing, Darrell Waltrip Inc. and Innovative Motorsports – will field a total of seven trucks. A historical footnote to consider: Chevrolet and Ford won in their first year in the series while Dodge did not capture a victory until its third. Chevrolet remains first in series wins with 104, followed by Ford (64) and Dodge (49).
    A first for female competitors in 2004 … #13-Tina Gordon and #02-Kelly Sutton are set for full-season efforts in 2004, marking the first time two female drivers have competed fulltime in a NASCAR national touring series during the same year. Sutton, a Crownsville, Md. native and former Dash Series Most Popular Driver, has applied for Raybestos Rookie of the Year candidacy. Gordon and Tammy Jo Kirk chased rookie of the year honors in 2003 and 1997, respectively. Kirk remains the best-ranked female driver with a 20th-place championship effort and 11th-place race finish.
    Joe Ruttman is the only driver to have won the Florida Dodge Dealers 250 from the Bud Pole … Two of four previous races at Daytona have gone into overtime – four extra laps in 2001 and six a year ago. When possible, NASCAR Craftsman Truck events conclude with two consecutive green-flag laps … In addition to broadcasting Friday’s Florida Dodge Dealers 250, SPEED Channel will air live practice and qualifying as part of its 70-plus hours of Speedweeks coverage … The 31 official lead changes in the 2000 Florida Dodge Dealers 250 remains the series record.
    Fast Facts:
    What: Florida Dodge Dealers 250 (Race No. 1 of 25).
    Where: Daytona International Speedway.
    When: 8 p.m. ET, Friday, Feb. 13.
    Track layout: 2.5 -mile high banked paved oval.
    Race length: 100 laps/250 miles.
    Posted awards: $765,653.
    TV: SPEED Channel, 8 p.m. ET.
    Radio: MRN, XM Satellite.
    2003 winner: Rick Crawford.
    2003 polesitter: Jason Leffler.
    Pre-race schedule (all times local): Wednesday – Practice, 9– 10:30 a.m. and Noon-1:30 p.m. Qualifying, 6:30 p.m. Thursday – Practice 5:30–6:15 p.m. Final practice 7-8 p.m.(NASCAR PR)(2-9-2004)
  • Hmiel in the #15 at Daytona: Shane Hmiel makes his return to NASCAR competition this week as he takes over the reins of the Billy Ballew owned #15 Earl Small Harley Davidson Chevy [was Dodge] in the Florida Dodge Dealer’s 250 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event at Daytona International Speedway on Friday. “We are excited to have Shane behind the wheel,” said Ballew. “He has a lot of talent. He has shown tremendous potential in the NASCAR Busch Series and I feel fortunate to have him join our NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series efforts. We recently switched to Chevrolets because of the support shown by Steve Hmiel and the engine department at Dale Earnhardt Inc. I can’t thank Steve and DEI enough for all the help they have given us in preparation for Daytona.”
    Billy Ballew Motorsports has put together a coalition of regional support from Ballew’s North Georgia connections to help fund a two-race effort. Even though the team is still looking for a fulltime primary sponsor, it will field trucks for Hmiel at Daytona and Atlanta. “We have had a lot of companies and individuals step forward to offer their assistance,” Ballew stated. “Earl Small Harley Davidson, Spondivits and D&D Aviation from Atlanta and Chase Wireless from Cleveland, TN as well as Charles Hardy have all gone beyond the call of duty to help this team reach it’s goals. We are looking for a primary sponsor and I think with the talent we have we can make that happen.”(Billy Ballew Motorsportss PR), no idea if Nelly is still involved with the team.(2-9-2004)
  • Clean Line, Brandon Whitt Joined By Lennox: The country’s leading heating and air conditioning manufacturer has joined forces with the #38 Cure Autism Now Ford of rookie driver Brandon Whitt in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series for 2004. Lennox Industries will serve as an additional associate sponsor on the team’s Truck this season. Whitt, the 21-year-old phenom from El Cajon, Calif., will be running for rookie of the year inb the series, following a highly-successful seven-race test stint last season. Besides marketing support from Cure Autism Now, which the team announced in November, Clean Line Motorsports also has associate sponsorship backing from McMillin Homes and Jenkins, Jenkins & Jenkins. “The fact that companies like Lennox and McMillin Homes have put faith in us as a team and myself as a driver means a lot,” Whitt said. “Their ability to work with Cure Autism Now and the fact we are showing what we can offer them on the race track means a lot to these companies. Their faith in us means a lot to our race team.” The Cure Autism Now Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and funding autism research and accelerating the pace of scientific progress toward effective treatments and a cure. The organization is the largest private funder of biological research in autism, providing more than $12 million in grants since its inception in 1995. Additional information is available at www.lennoxinternational.com(Williams Company PR)(2-6-2004)
  • MacDonald Gets New Sponsor: Randy MacDonald of MacDonald Motorsports is pleased to announce a new sponsorship partner, “Drill Doctor” The crew of the #72 NASCAR Craftsman Truck team is putting the finishing touches on the #72 Drill Doctor Chevy in preparation for Daytona. One of the finishing touches includes new colors for this new sponsor joining the team.
    Professional Tool Manufacturing, LLC from Ashland, OR, manufacturers and distributors of Drill Doctor will be participating as primary sponsor on a select number of races throughout the season, starting with Florida Dodge Dealers 250 from Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 13, 2004. The NASCAR Craftsman Truck series will hold 25 races events, 12 of these events are companion races with the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series races. The scheduled races are held in 19 states over the season, starting in Daytona and finishing on Nov. 19 with the Ford 200 from the Homestead-Miami Speedway. “The addition of Drill Doctor will help us be even more competitive, not only in Daytona, but as the race season progresses.” according to Randy MacDonald, owner and driver for the MacDonald Motorsports team. Drill Doctor is a precision tool to sharpen all your drill bits, allowing better, consistent performance and longer life for your drill bits. For more information on the Drill Doctor check out www.drilldoctor.com. MacDonald Motorsports team driver, Teri Macdonald will represent Drill Doctor at the Orgill Show on Feb. 12th in Orlando. MacDonald Motorsports has been involved in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck series for 8 years and Randy MacDonald finished 15th in points last season. MacDonald Motorsports will also race the #72 NASCAR Busch Series car in Daytona, competing in the Hershey Kisses 300 on Sat. Feb 14. For more information about MacDonald Motorsports visit: www.businessdriver.com.(PR)(2-6-2004)
  • Hamilton gets an assoc sponsor: Bobby Hamilton Racing team says Cooper Hand Tools’ Lufkin Pro Series will be a major associate sponsor for the #4 Dodge driven by team owner Bobby Hamilton in the Craftsman Truck Series. Financial terms of the deal were not announced.(NASCAR Scene Daily Newsletter)(2-4-2004)
  • #8 Gets an assoc sponsor: Bobby Hamilton Racing says Whirlpool Corp.’s Gladiator GarageWorks will be an associate sponsor for the #8 Dodge driven by Chase Montgomery in the Craftsman Truck Series this season. Financial terms were not disclosed.(NASCAR Scene Daily Newsletter)(2-4-2004)
  • Carelli Out? UPDATE Clanton in: the #40 Key Motorsports team website [www.ckeymotorsports.com reports a major driver announcement coming on February 3, 2004. Rick Carelli had been announced as the driver.(1-31-2004)
    UPDATE: hearing the driver will be Joey Clanton.(2-3-2004)
    UPDATE 2: Key Motorsports has finalized their 2004 plans to run the full season in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with the announcement of the signing of Joey Clanton, 2002 ASA Champion. Clanton has signed an agreement that will put him at the reigns of the #40 Chevrolet Silverado beginning with the Florida Dodge Dealers 250 in Daytona on February 13th. Clanton, 31 of Stockbridge, GA has been racing stock cars since he was a teenager. Curtis Key, owner of the # 40 truck also carries the optimism and confidence to Daytona. “We are very excited to have Joey as our driver. He is a working driver so he not only has proven driving experience but knows how to work on the truck as well,” said Key. Key Motorsports still has primary and associate sponsorship opportunities available. For more information on sponsorship opportunities contact the Marketing Department at 757-547-4411 or email: [email protected].(Key Motorsports PR)(2-4-2004)
  • LaJoie in the #59 at Daytona: Randy LaJoie will drive the Melling Engine Parts/Harris Trucking #59 Dodge Ram entry in the Florida Dodge Dealers “250” at Daytona International Speedway on February 13th. HT Motorsports is particularly glad to have Randy driving this year as a two-time winner at Daytona and past Busch Series Champion he should be a great fit for the Craftsman Truck Series. LaJoie says he is really looking forward to help this team build on it’s previous success by putting the Melling/Harris Dodge in victory lane after such a thrilling finish in 2003 – HT Motorsports finished third with Robert Pressley driving in the closest finish in Craftsman Truck Series truck history. Greg Conner will serve as crew chief for LaJoie. Mark Melling of Melling Engine Parts is excited about celebrating their “Silver Anniversary” of involvement with NASCAR racing in Winston Cup and the Craftsman Truck series. The team is actively seeking both primary and associate sponsor partnerships. Interested parties may contact Jim Harris at 434-528-6701 or via email at [email protected].(HT Motorsports PR)(2-3-2004)
  • OFFICIAL – Power Stroke Diesel goes Truck Racing with Terry Cook and ppc Racing: International Truck and Engine Corporation, designer and manufacturer of the popular Power Stroke Diesel engine for Ford Motor Company, today announces its sponsorship with driver Terry Cook and ppc Racing for the 2004 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Power Stroke Diesel is the spotlight of a motorsports marketing initiative that leverages the overlap of pickup truck owners and NASCAR fans to increase the organization’s diesel engine sales. The Power Stroke Diesel race truck will be seen by fans and potential diesel engine pickup truck buyers this summer live at the race tracks and on national television.
    The Power Stroke Diesel race team sponsorship is a key part of the International motorsports marketing programs that includes International and Ford Racing’s sponsorship of a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race in Indianapolis each summer. Since 1999, the manufacturers have teamed up to honor loyal customers and fans with a race of their own, the annual Power Stroke Diesel 200 at Indianapolis Raceway Park, across town from the Indianapolis engine plant where the popular diesel engine is built.
    The move to ppc Racing is a new venture for Power Stroke Diesel, and a new venture for ppc Racing as well. The 2004 race season will mark the first time ppc Racing will compete in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. ppc Racing and its new sponsor are confident the relationship will create highlights in 2004.
    Known for its success in the NASCAR Busch Series, ppc Racing will now brand its mark in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Cook will pilot the #10 Power Stroke Diesel Ford F-150 this year on the road to capturing his first NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series title. This represents the fourth season Cook will carry the torch for Power Stroke Diesel. Additional information can be found on the company’s Web site at www.internationaldelivers.com.(ppi racing PR)(2-3-2004)
  • Brevak Racing to run at Daytona: Brevak Racing announced that Joe Aramendia will be taking the wheel of their #31 Dodge for the season opener at Daytona. Brevak Racing, who comes off of two solid performances at the conclusion of the 2003 season with Mike Wallace behind the wheel, is excited to get back to racing in 2004.(Texas SpeedZone)(2-3-2004)
  • Kohuth to help out Hines UPDATE: Tim Kohuth, former crew chief for Ultra Motorsports, is teaming up with Rookie Tracy Hines, driver of the #88 Craftsman Truck at Daytona. Kohuth will act as crew chief.(1-31-2004)
    UPDATE – Thorsports Sets Daytona Crew Cheif Lineup: Two of the most-experienced crew chiefs in NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series history will head the ThorSport Racing effort at the Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway later this month, ThorSport owner Duke Thorson announced Monday. Jerry Cook, who has been with ThorSport since the team’s inception in 1996, will serve as crew chief for the #13 entry driven by Tina Gordon.  Tim Kohuth, who has won 10 truck events as crew chief for drivers Ken Schrader, Mike Wallace and Scott Riggs since 1995, will be the crew chief for the #88 Menards Chevrolet Silverado driven by Tracy Hines. “With Jerry and Tim we have two of the best crew chiefs in the series,” Thorson said.  “We couldn’t ask for two better people to lead us as we head to Daytona as a two-truck team for the first time.” Cook has served as a crew chief for ThorSport since the 1999 season.  In 2003, he led the ThorSport team to an 11th-place finish in the final series driver’s point standings with Matt Crafton at the wheel.  It was the best-ever result for the ThorSport team, and a career-best for Crafton. Kohuth comes to ThorSport after a successful multi-season run with Ultra Motorsports.  He headed Ultra’s No. 2 truck program in 1999-2002 and became the organization’s truck team general manager in 2003.  Kohuth’s leadership brought the team five 2003 wins with drivers Ted Musgrave (three), Jason Leffler, and Jimmy Spencer. Musgrave finished third in final driver points in the team’s No. 1 truck.  Several drivers teamed to finish eighth in the final owner points with the team’s No. 2 entry.(PR)(2-2-2004)

 

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Born On Date: February 27, 2004

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