May 2002 Busch Series Archive

Kenseth gets BGN sponsor: Bayer Consumer Care is pleased to announce that it will partner with Reiser Enterprises and driver Matt Kenseth to compete in 15 selected BGN races throughout the 2003 racing season. The Bayer Consumer Care products of Bayer Aspirin, Alka-Seltzer, Alka-Seltzer Plus and Aleve will alternate as primary sponsors on the #17 Ford owned by Wisconsin natives, John and Robbie Reiser. The 2003 season will mark the 11th season that Bayer Consumer Care has served as a primary sponsor in the NASCAR Busch Series.. Over the past 10 years, Bayer Consumer Care has teamed with such racing notables as Chad Little, Terry Labonte, Buckshot Jones and most recently Tony Raines. Bayer’s association with NASCAR has helped to produce 10 wins, including six in 1996 with Chad Little. Kenseth will carry the Bayer Consumer Care colors for the first time in 2003 during the season opening BGB event at the Daytona International Speedway. Prior to last week’s event at the Lowe’s Motor Speedway, Bayer informed BACE Motorsports that Bayer Consumer Care would not be returning to their team as a primary sponsor for the 2003 racing season. In addition, the No. 17 Reiser Enterprise entry is also seeking major associate sponsorship for the 15-event schedule.(Motorsports ManagementPR)(5-31-2002)
Jeff Green wins pole at Dover: #21-Jeff Green won the BGN pole at Dover with a speed of 155.347mph at Dover International Speedway, winning his third BGN Bud Pole Award of the season. 2nd was #25-Bobby Hamilton, Jr at 154.738 and #60-Greg Biffle was third at 154.017. For lineup/qual results, see BGN Racing or MotorsportsOne.(5-31-2002)
Driver Debut at Dover: Nick Woodward hopes to make his BGN debut in Saturday’s 200-mile race at Dover International Raceway. The mile concrete track is less than an hour from Preston, Md., where the current High Point NC resident grew up. Woodward will drive the #49 Ford owned by Jay Robinson.(High Point Enterprise)(5-30-2002)
Elder to have surgery: Christian Elder, driver of the #38 Great Clips Ford, first injured in a crash last October at Talladega and who re-aggravated the sore neck when he hit the wall in California early this year will need neck surgery after undergoing several medical tests. Elder was scheduled to run a limited schedule this year with Mark Green running a few races. Now, Green will soldier much of the season until Elder can make a return. If all goes well, Elder, 33, hopes to be back in the car by September.(NASCAR.com)(5-30-2002)
#54 Crew Chief Fined: NASCAR Officials fined NASCAR Busch Series crew chief, Tony Lambert $22,500 for a rule violation found during post-race inspection following Saturday’s CarQuest Auto Parts 300 at Lowe”s Motor Speedway in Concord, NC. Lambert, crew chief for the #54 Chevy, was penalized under Section 12-4-T in the 2002 NASCAR Busch Series rule book, “Any car that is found to be under the specified height requirement after the completion¦ of the race.” The minimum height requirement is 50-1/2 inches – the #54 car was approximately 1/4 of an inch too low.(NASCAR PR)(5-28-2002)
Hermie back in the BGN for a few races: Hermie Sadler, winner of two races and three poles during his BGN career, will make his first BGN start since November of 2000 when he pilots the “Little Trees” Chevu in the Kentucky 300 on June 15 at Kentucky Motor Speedway. Sadler, the 1993 Rookie of the Year in the BGN, is excited about his return. “For the past two years I have worked hard to get back into the NASCAR Busch Series,” stated Sadler.. “With the help of Car-Freshner Corporation, I’ll get my chance at Kentucky.. I hope this will be the first of many more Busch series races for me.” Sadler also plans to compete in the Kroger 200 on August 3 in Indianapolis, carrying the colors of Car-Freshner, makers of the famous “Little Trees” air fresheners. “We are very excited to have Hermie racing with the “Little Trees” colors for these two events,” says Jeff Dobbins, Director of Advertising for Car-Freshner Corporation.. “We’ve had a long-standing, successful partnership with Hermie and being part of his return to Busch Series racing is certainly our pleasure.”(Sadler Enterprises PR)(5-27-2002)
Lepage in for Purvis at Lowes UPDATE and the next three races: Clarence Brewer Jr., owner of Brewco Motorsports, Inc., announced today that Kevin Lepage will drive the #37 Timber Wolf Chevrolet in the CarQuest Auto Parts 300 at the Lowe’s Motor Speedway on Saturday Lepage will substitute for Jeff Purvis who was injured in the BGN race at the Nazareth last Sunday, May 19th. With the condition of Purvis continuing to improve, and after consultation with team sponsors and the Purvis family, it was decided that the race team should move forward. Brewer stated that the appointment of Lepage is only for the BGN race at Charlotte this Saturday. Purvis, who was injured in a lap 167 accident in the Stacker 2 200 at the Nazareth, remains in the Lehigh Valley Hospital with head, neck, and leg injuries. Purvis scored the first career BGN victory for the #37 Timber Wolf team earlier this season (April 6th) in the O’Reilly 300 at the Texas Motor Speedway. An announcement concerning the future plans of the #37 Timber Wolf Racing Team will be made early next week.(Brewco Site)(5-22-2002)
UPDATE: hearing David Green could be in the #37 after Lowes until Purvis comes back, a little conflicting ‘rumors’ as Green is rumored in the #31 Whelen Chevy at Dover.(5-22-2002)
UPDATE 2: so much for that rumor – Clarence Brewer Jr., owner of Brewco Motorsports, Inc., today named Kevin Lepage to drive the #37 Timber Wolf Chevrolet for the next three BGN races. Lepage, who qualified ninth and finished sixth at Lowe’s Motor Speedway last Saturday, will continue to drive the car at Dover this weekend, Nashville on June 8th, and Kentucky on June 15th. Lepage substituted for Jeff Purvis at Charlotte after Purvis received head, neck, and leg injuries in an accident at the Nazareth Speedway on May 19th. Purvis’ condition continues to improve at a rehabilitation center.(Brewco PR)(5-27-2002)
Harmon car in commercial: The BGN car of Mark Harmon will make an extra pit stop in Chantilly, VA. on the way up to the Dover BGN race. Production begins Wednesday, featuring the #44 racecar, in a National Television Commercial for Cox Communications. Cox Communications will also be named as primary sponsor for the upcoming race, with the Cox logo on the hood of the #44 Racecar displaying the Cox familiar blue, red and green colors. Joining Cox in the #44 car sponsorship will be Best Data, who will also have their company’s logo on the Mike Harmon BGNcar. Best Data, is a leading developer and manufacturer of Broadband and data communications products. Best Data Products is celebrating its 17th year of manufacturing an extensive line of data communications products including, analog modems, broadband products, wireless home networking products, 2D/3D graphics boards, and other digital products for home and office use. The Mixon Motor Sports #44 Chevy will also be sporting a special “electric blue” paint theme for the MBNA Platinum 200 Busch Series event at Dover International Speedway. Cox Communications is considering additional races this year with NASCAR race teams, partnering with other companies in order to make the deals possible. The deal with Best Data is a good example of how well the sponsorship partnership can work. Cox also had partnered a BGN sponsorship deal in Richmond with The Speed Channel, and CompUSA.(Mixon Motor Sports PR)(5-27-2002)
Jeff Green wins at Charlotte, Biffle 2nd: #21-Jeff Green won theCarquest 300 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway on Saturday. #60-Greg Biffle lined up seventh on a restart on Lap 197 (of 200) after a caution, and moved into second with two laps to go. He closed to the rear bumper of Green’s #21 Chevy on the final lap, but Green held on for a .125-second victory. Rookie #10-Scott Riggs finished third, #18-Mike McLaughlin was fourth and #92-Todd Bodine rounded out the top five. #57-Jason Keller, who finished 13th, remains the series points leader, 21 ahead of #24-Jack Sprague. For results see ThatsRacin.com or BGNRacing.com.(5-25-2002)
Jay in for Johnny: Jay Sauter will replace his younger brother, Johnny, in the #2 ACDelco Chevy in Saturday’s Carquest 300 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. The decision was made by Richard Childress Racing officials following a team meeting Saturday morning. Health concerns were cited as reasoning for the change, as the younger Sauter took two hard hits in back-to-back races at Talladega Superspeedway and California Speedway. Jay Sauter, currently driving the #21 Rockwell Chevy at RCR on a part time basis, has four starts during the 2002 Busch Series campaign, with his best finish, seventh, coming at Nazareth Speedway last Sunday. Jay Sauter practiced the No. 2 Chevy in Happy Hour Friday.(NASCAR.com)(5-25-2002)
Big Fan Racing Announcement UPDATE 3 and a sponsor: America’s Most Wanted and Body Dynamics Racing have come to an agreement with Big Fan Racing to have (BFR) become the pilot and primary “America’s Most Wanted” racing team for the 2002 and 2003 racing seasons and they plan to make a major announcement on May 24, 2002 at Lowes Motor Speedway. For more, see the www.bigfanracing.comsite.(Body Dynamics Racing PR). Also hearing Lance Hooper will be driving the America’s Most Wanted, Missing Children/Big Fan Racing car in the BGN race at Dover.(4-30-2002)
UPDATE: The America’s Most Wanted/Big Fan Racing team is announcing a new partnership with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. In addition to including pictures of a missing child as part of the AMW paint scheme on their cars and equipment, BFR is going to donate $5.00 from each new membership to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, for membership information go to www.bigfanracing.com.
UPDATE 2: The America’s Most Wanted/ Big Fan Racing team gains primary sponsorship for the Dover BGN race on June 1, 2002 from Blair.com and Diamond Cut Jeans. The car will carry an “America’s Most Wanted” paint scheme, which is soon to unveiled, with the Blair.com /Diamond Cut Jeans logos will be displayed on the upper rear quarter panels and will share the hood with the “America’s Most Wanted” logo. In additon to Blair.com/Diamond Cut Jeans, Tide a Procter & Gamble product will also share positioning on the AMW car as well.(5-8-2002)
UPDATE 3: Big Fan Racing Team announced a partnership with the TV show “America’s Most Wanted” to compete in five BGN events beginning next week at Dover with Lance Hooper as driver. The car will feature pictures of missing children to increase awareness.(Roanoke Times), another sponsor on the car is Orange Lantern.(5-25-2002)
AND America’s Most Wanted/Body Dynamics Racing named Team One Promotions the official transportation provider of America’s Most Wanted Motorsports on Friday, May 24, 2002 at a press conference at Lowes Motor Speedway. Mr. John Walsh was on hand to confirm and express his thoughts about Team One Promotions becoming the official transportation provider for their program and their elite professionalism that they possess. Team One Promotions headed up by Todd Ward will be responsible for the showcar program of the team as well as the transportation of specialized vehicles used by the team and America’s Most Wanted television program. In addition they will carry photos of missing children on their transport equipment. For more information go to www.teamonepromotions.com.(5-25-2002)

1-800-CRIME-TV
America’s Most Wanted Car UPDATE: On Sunday’s “NASCAR This Morning” on Fox Sports Net (FSN), the America’s Most Wanted Motorposrts program took another step. They had a missing child’s father on the show, Mike Kibalo, father of three year old Samantha Kibalo who has been missing for 13 months. He came on the show to express his gratitude to everyone who was involved with featuring his daughter’s case on the hood of the AMW/FOX Sports studio car as well as the attentive and supporting fans of NASCAR Racing. He and host John Roberts also mentioned a relationship between the AMW Motorsports program and the www.BigFanRacing.com race team, something about Big Fan Racing carrying the AMW Missing children’s campaign in future races this season and said fans could go to their website for further details.(4-15-2002)

UPDATE: Big Fan Racing launches new website with an “America’s Most Wanted” theme, additions to the site will be features of missing children, links to “Americas Most Wanted” and the “National Center For Missing and Exploited Children”. Also profiles of the children that will be featured on the racecar coinciding with the races that the AMW/BFR race team will compete. This is a complete effort that all race fans can get behind and we ask for fans to visit to see the children that will be featured, because they maybe the one to bring a family back together. Please visit www.bigfanracing.com to see the new look and return to support our efforts to assist in the recovery of missing children(BDR/BFR PR)(4-19/5-25-2002)
Hispanic Racing Team makes debut at Charlotte: David Green debuted the Hispanic Racing Team’s #09 entry this season in Saturday’s BGN race at Lowes Motor Speedway. The team plans to put driver Roberto Guerrero in the car at Chicagoland and for three additional races this season. “I think it’s going to be a great program and we’re planning on five races this season with the plan to go full-time next year,” Guerrero said. “It’s a great concept because NASCAR hasn’t really tapped into the Hispanic market yet.”(ThatsRacin.com)(5-25-2002)
Crew Changes for Keller: the #57 ppc Racing team has changed some its pit crew lineup this week in anticipation of tougher races to come and the need for faster pit times to deal with others chasing the championship. Jim Carbon, a member of Ricky Craven’s [#32] Winston Cup pit crew, is scheduled to change front tires for Keller in today’s Carquest 300 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, and Steve Helwig has joined the team as car chief. Carbon is a temporary fix to a tire-change problem that hurt the team last week at Nazareth, Pa., although Keller rebounded from a slow pit stop to win the race. The team hopes to fill the position with a permanent replacement. With vacancies — both real and anticipated — popping up in the Winston Cup garage, Keller’s name is among those being tossed around as possible replacements. He has stressed that he won’t jump to Winston Cup unless the situation is a good one because of the strong team ppc has built — Keller and teammate Scott Riggs have won six of the season’s 12 races. The ppc team, a dominant presence in Busch racing, may move into the Winston Cup series in a year or two if sponsorship dollars become available. That possibility also could impact decisions on Keller’s future.(Greenville News)(5-25-2002)
The Busch Series Ladies Association in conjunction with the North Carolina Center for Missing Persons will help competitors in the NASCAR Busch Series recognize Missing Children’s Day during the Busch Series event at Lowe’s Motor Speedway on May 25. A tradition that began in 1996, the BSLA will distribute decals and ribbons to the teams for Saturday’s event… In addition to the decals being displayed on the cars, drivers, team members, and race officials are asked to wear the white ribbons, which are symbolic of the innocence of youth and serve as a reminder of those children who have been and who are still missing.. Corporate Image Graphics donated the decals for the cars. “The Busch Series Ladies Association is pleased to work with the North Carolina Center for Missing Persons again this year,” stated BSLA President, Cathy Green.. “This is an event we look forward to every year.” “The Busch Series teams and crew members are always eager to lend their support,” continued Green.. “We are proud to be a part of this recognition day.” May 25th was first designated as National Missing Children’s Day by Presidential Proclamation in 1983. Governor Mike Easly has also proclaimed May 25th as “Missing Children’s Day” in North Carolina. The North Carolina Center for Missing Persons is a program of the Division of Alcohol Law Enforcement of the Department of Crime Control and Public Safety.. The center’s phone number is 1-800-522-5437. The Busch Series Ladies Association, founded in 1996, is a non-profit organization that helps injured drivers and crewmembers in the Busch Series family.. In addition, the BSLA works to promote other charitable works.. For more information or to contact us be sure to log on to www.buschladies.com.(5-25-2002)
Hornaday wins pole at Lowes: #26-Ron Hornaday won the pole for the CarQuest Auto Parts 300 BGN race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway with a speed of 182.094mph, 2nd was #99-Michael Waltrip at 181.549, followed by #25-Bobby Hamilton Jr. at 180.832, #21-Jeff Green at 180.620 and #66-Todd Bodine at 180.608. Missing the race were #30-Christian Fittipaldi, #64-Carl Long, #91-Stanton Barrett, #84-Larry Gunselman and #90-Phil Bonifield. For lineup/qualifying results, see BGNRacing.com.(5-24-2002)
Purvis injured at Nazareth UPDATES out for the year? #37-Jeff Purvis was admitted to Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, Pa., in serious but stable condition Sunday after a two-car accident with #60-Greg Biffle at Nazareth. Purvis sustained a contusion to the left base of the brain and a fracture of the first and second vertebrae according to Dr. K. Shah, trauma surgeon at Lehigh Valley. The surgeon said Purvis was able to move all his extremities. Purvis was knocked out in the crash and was cut from his car. He was initially taken by ambulance to the track’s infield care center, where he was awake but disoriented. He was then taken by helicopter to Lehigh Valley for a CT scan and further evaluation, according to Dr. James Mock. Purvis was scheduled for more tests Sunday evening and additional tests either Monday or Tuesday. Biffle was also briefly knocked unconscious in the violent side-to-side collision, but after several minutes awoke and walked to an ambulance. After visiting the infield care center while awake and alert, he was taken by ambulance to St. Luke’s Hospital in Bethlehem, Pa., for a CT scan. Purvis apparently blew an engine, slid in its oil and hit the outside wall under the pedestrian bridge over Turn 1, Biffle also hit the oil and slammed into Purvis’ driver’s side door and left front fender broadside when he tried to avoid Purvis(NASCAR.com)(5-19-2002)
UPDATE: A team spokesperson at Brewco Motorsports said Monday morning that doctors were re-evaluating Jeff Purvis’s condition at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, Pa., after Purvis suffered injuries in a two-car accident in the Busch Series Stacker 2 200 at Nazareth (Pa.) Speedway Sunday afternoon. The spokesperson said they had talked to team manager and crew chief Terry Shirley, who said doctors were “weening” Purvis off a ventilator. The team spokesperson said Shirley said Purvis was “following commands, and that he had slept well throughout the night, and that doctors weren’t worried about his head injury any more.”(Brewco Site)(5-20-2002)
UPDATE 2: FSN’s Totally NASCAR reports that Purvis is listed in serious condition, heavily sedated but responding to commands and that no surgery is expected. Biffle has a separated shoulder, but plans to race at Lowes this weekend.(5-20-2002)
UPDATE 3: Jeff Purvis remains in the Neuro Intensive Care unit of the Leheigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, PA. Purvis is listed in serious but stable condition following a vicious wreck in Sunday’s race at Nazareth. Doctors are keeping Purvis sedated and on a ventillator to aid the healing process. Purvis also has clean fractures of the c-1 and c-2 vertebrae. Purvis is expected to spend one to two weeks hospitalized. No word on who will drive the #37 Timber Wolf Chevy at Lowes.(PRN’s Garage Pass)(5-20-2002)
UPDATE 4: Jeff Purvis, who was injured in the NASCAR Busch Series race at Nazareth (PA) Speedway on Sunday, May 19th, remains in the neuro intensive care unit of the Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Purvis is in serious, but stable condition. In addition to head and neck injuries, Purvis has a broken left leg. The doctors at Lehigh Valley Hospital have completed their procedures on Purvis and the next step will be rehabilitation. Purvis has been taken off the ventilator and his condition continues to improve. Purvis will remain at the Lehigh Valley Hospital until the location of his rehabilitation is determined. Another update on Purvis’ condition and a statement concerning the #37 Timber Wolf Racing Team will be made on Wednesday, May 22nd. Brewco Motorsports and the Purvis family would like to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers, and well wishes.(Brewco Site)(5-21-2002)
UPDATE 5: the Tennessean reports – Injured racer Jeff Purvis yesterday remained in serious but stable condition at a Pennsylvania hospital and a team representative said the driver from Clarksville is showing improvement. Spokesman Dennis Punch said Purvis’ injuries are no longer life-threatening. Punch said Purvis was conscious and talking with family members. He said the driver’s most serious injuries were two broken vertebrae in his neck and ”a slight bleeding of the brain,” but said tests show no spinal damage and there is no paralysis. Along with the head and neck injuries, Purvis suffered a broken left leg. He spent Sunday night and Monday on a ventilator, but was removed yesterday. Punch said doctors have completed their procedures on the broken vertebrae and leg, and the next step will be a lengthy rehabilitation period. He said he is not sure when Purvis will be returned to Clarksville, his hometown. The injuries make it highly unlikely the 43-year-old Purvis will be able to race any more this season. His team, Brewco Motorsports of Kentucky, will need a replacement driver, and Punch said team owner Clarence Brewer Jr. is expected to hold a news conference today to discuss the situation.(5-22-2002)
UPDATE – Purvis released from hospital: Jeff Purvis was released Friday from Lehigh Valley Hospital in Allentown, PA. Purvis was outfitted with a “halo” – used to restrict head and neck movement – and was flown to a rehabilitation center, where he will receive treatment for his head, neck and leg injuries. His family did not want to release the center’s location. Purvis continues to improve and spoke with Brewco Motorsports team president Todd Wilkerson Friday, inquiring about the team’s performance in Friday’s BGN practice session and qualifying. Cards and well wishes can be sent to Jeff Purvis, P.O. Box 30637, Clarksville, TN 37040.(ThatsRacin.com)(5-24-2002)
Bodine’s sponsor shifts: Brett Bodine Racing says Timberland Pro will shift its backing from associate sponsorship of the #11 Ford in the Winston Cup Series to primary sponsorship of the team’s #11 car in the BGN for some races. The team’s Web site says the shift, which will be for an unspecified number of races starting in August, will be part of a marketing strategy to give Timberland Pro “better visibility… within the race community.” The #11 BGN car is owned by Brett Bodine and driven by his nephew Josh Richeson.(Winston Cup Scene Daily Newsletter)(5-24-2002)
Vickers to Graduate High School and Qualify on the same day: After attempting to qualify his #40 Engineered Machined Products/U.S. Army Dodge for the Carquest Auto Parts 300 (Saturday, 1 p.m./FOX) – and then, if he has made the race, taking part in Happy Hour – final practice – he’ll leave Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Concord, NC and drive 55 miles to Trinity, NC, for his high school graduation ceremonies. Vickers will graduate with honors (Beta Club) from Trinity High, thanks to a 4.43 grade-point average. As that GPA indicates, finishing high school never was up for debate in his family, despite the lure of a ride in the BGN – the nation’s No. 2 motorsports series. “My father always had a rule that I had to keep a ˜B” average in order to race,” said Vickers, an 18-year-old who is amid a 24-race, 2002 BGN campaign. Vickers responded by getting “A’s”. That effort mirrored what he always has put forth on the race track. Vickers prefaced his four-race NASCAR debut in 2001 by running in the Hooters Pro Cup stock-car series. He was the HPC Rookie of the Year in 2000; in 2001 he won two races and had 14 top-10 finishes. Thus far in 2002, he has started five NASCAR Busch races, with one top-10 finish. Vickers looks forward to his graduation, especially since he missed his prom, the weekend of March 23. In his defense, he was sort of busy – driving his Dodge around the Bristol Motor Speedway half-mile oval, one of the toughest tracks in all of NASCAR. Vickers took solace by comparing his race car to the limousines or parents’ cars his friends were renting for prom night.(NASCAR PR)(5-22-2002)
Testing at Kentucky: NASCAR Busch Series Testing will be held on Wed., May 22, and Thursday, May 23 from 9:00am – 5:00pm at Kentucky Speedway, with #20-Coy Gibbs on May 22-23 and #66-Casey Mears – May 22 Only(Kentucky Speedway PR)(5-22-2002)
New Site: see Suite101.com, never enough good BGN sites and I know I don’t do as much as some like here, but alsways try to point out sites that may help out.(5-21-2002)
Keller wins at Nazareth, Purvis injured: #57-Jason Keller won the Stacker2 200 at Nazareth Speedway. #10-Scott Riggs was 2nd, followed by #26-Ron Hornaday, #27-Jamie McMurray and #7-Randy Lajoie. For results see BGN Racing and for BGN Standings.(5-19-2002)
Qualifying rained out at Nazareth: Rain washed out qualifying Saturday for the BGN Sacker2 200 race, giving points leader #24-Jack Sprague the pole for Sunday’s race at Nazareth Speedway. The rainout was the third in the last four BGN events, with Sprague starting his NetZero Chevy from the pole in each race. #57-Jason Keller will start second, followed by #7-Randy LaJoie, #10-Scott Riggs, #18-Mike McLaughlin, #47-Kenny Wallace, defending race champion #60-Greg Biffle, #2-Jay Sauter, #59-Stacy Compton and #25-Bobby Hamilton Jr. For lineup, see ThatsRacin.com or BGN Racing.com.(5-18-2002)
Labonte Plans: Terry Labonte says that plans are being made for his son, Justin, to drive in two or three Busch Grand National races at the end of the season. Justin Labonte, 21, has competed in 22 career BGN races but none since 2000. He currently competes in selected ARCA events and starts fourth in tonight’s race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.(News and Record)(5-18-2002)
Fedawa in the #87 at Nazareth: Tim Fedewa, a two-time BGN at Nazareth, has secured a deal to drive a #87 Chevy in Sunday’s Stacker 2 200 for NEMCO Motorsports. Fedewa, who has four career BGN wins has not had a full-time ride since he separated from Welliver Jesel Motorsports midway through the 2001 season. NEMCO Motorsports runs a partial schedule of races, primarily fielding Cellular One Chevys in the BGN for team owner and Cup driver Joe Nemechek. Fedewa has one BGN start this season. He was named to drive a back-up car for the Biagi brothers at Talladega Superspeedway, but finished third when a 29-car pileup reduced the field to about 15 cars that were still running when the race resumed. Fedewa suffered a third degree burn to his foot due to the car being improperly configured to complete the full distance but has virtually recovered from that injury, he said last weekend at New Hampshire. He also made a single start in the CTS, in the season opening Florida Dodge Dealers 250 at Daytona, for Roush Racing[#99]. Fedewa said he has been actively other driving opportunities and had several solid possibilities, including in the Truck Series and Busch Series. NEMCO’s next scheduled BGN race with Nemechek at Dover.(NASCAR.com)(5-17-2002)
Davis/Wimmer to cut back in BGN? to Cup for a few races? There’s a chance that Bill Davis will cut back on his #23 BGN operation with driver Scott Wimmer and run only the races for which they have backing from Siemens. The deal with Siemens is for 17 races, and several of those have already been run. Wimmer, however, said May 11 in New Hampshire that actually skipping races probably won’t happen until later in the season. “It’s just so hard to find sponsors, and then with all the money we’re spending, I think Bill’s coming to a point where it’s not really worth it,” Wimmer said. “I hate to do it, but I also understand from an owner’s standpoint. It’s just hard to run these teams with no money and no sponsors.” Also a possibility is moving to the Winston Cup circuit, where Davis fields Dodges for Ward Burton and Hut Stricklin. BACE Motorsports made a similar move earlier this year, opting to move its unsponsored team from the BGN to Cup with driver Chad Little. “It’s not definite,” Wimmer continued. “We’re not sure whether we’re gonna enter some Cup races and just cut back on our Busch races. If we get up in the top five in points, we’ll probably scrap the whole idea and run the rest of the year. We’re just talking about it.”(Winston Cup Scene – need sub to read)(5-16-2002)
Brewco to switch manufacturer? There’s a possibility Brewco Motorsports drivers #37-Jeff Purvis and #27-Jamie McMurray will be behind the wheel of something other than Chevys next season. Frustrated with a lack of support from General Motors, team owner Clarence Brewer has had “brief talks” with a couple of other manufacturers. The Central City, Ky.-based owner says he won’t decide on which make to run in 2003 until he’s “had the chance to explore all the avenues.” Brewco also gave serious consideration to changing his fleet to Dodges for this year, and is now in the process of taking a Chevrolet, Dodge and Pontiac to the wind tunnel in conjunction with Bill Davis Racing. If and when a change is made, it probably won’t take place this season, according to Brewer and team president Todd Wilkerson.(Winston Cup Scene – need sub to read)(5-16-2002)
Potashnick pleads innocent UPDATE 2 Re-instated: A NASCAR Winston West Series driver charged with drug possession after being pulled over in Flagler County during Speed Weeks pleaded not guilty Tuesday morning. Sammy Potashnick, 27, of Sikeston, Mo., was originally charged with possession of crack cocaine and illegal possession of prescription drugs. Last week, the crack cocaine charge was dropped when the State Attorney’s Office filed formal charges. Potashnick has publicly maintained his innocence. He did not appear at the arraignment, but attorney Michael Lambert entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(4-3-2002)
UPDATE: Suspended NASCAR driver Sammy Potashnick agreed to be evaluated for drugs and possibly undergo treatment during a court appearance Monday. He also pleaded no contest to the charge of illegal possession of hydrocodone — a prescription painkiller. In exchange, prosecutors said they will drop the charges against him. The program is common for first-time criminal offenders. Potashnick will be discharged after six months but must be evaluated. Potashnick, 27, of Sikeston, MO, a driver in the NASCAR Winston West Series, was arrested Feb. 14 and charged with possession of crack cocaine and possession of hydrocodone. It was later revised to one count of drug possession. Potashnick was suspended by NASCAR following his arrest, but his attorney Michael Lambert, said Potashnick is on track to be reinstated.(Daytona Beach News Journal), see more on this on my March 2002 BGN News Archive.(4-16-2002)
UPDATE 2 – Driver Re-instated: NASCAR Winston West Series and Weekly Racing Series Driver Sammy Potashnick returned to the track for last night’s NASCAR Super Late Model race at Mesa Marin Raceway. NASCAR has reinstated Potashnick’s license which was temporarily suspended in February due to inaccurate reports of drug possession. NASCAR reinstated Potashnick’s license following finalized legal proceedings and with confirmation of Potashnick’s negative drug screen results. There was in fact no charges of cocaine possession filed as some reports have said. Potashnick’s only offense was carrying prescription pain medication outside it’s prescribed container. That charge was dropped with proof of prescription presented. Potashnick is slated to run the both the ARCA race and NASCAR Winston West Series race at Kansas Speedway on June 1, however, may opt to compete in just one of the series’ races that weekend for equipment reasons. Potashnick will compete in numerous other Winston West Series and ARCA races with Crew Chief duties shared among Jerry Pitts and Mike Harvick. Potashnick also plans to run in as many local NASCAR Super Late races as his schedule and team budget will allow. His plans include competing in the next Super Late Model race at Irwindale Speedway in Irwindale, Calif. on May 18, as well as the Super Late Model race at Mesa Marin Raceway on May 25. A Response posted in a PR: NASCAR Winston West Series Driver and upcoming Busch Series Driver Sammy Potashnick has obtained legal council for the defense of alleged charges made against him in the Daytona Beach, Fla., area on February 14. To this point, there have been no comments made on behalf of Potashnick as advised by his lawyer. This will be the only comment made on behalf of Potashnick until all legal proceedings are final. To briefly summarize, Potashnick was the driver (at the time) of the rental car he rented for himself and some team members for the final week of the Daytona Speed Weeks. When Potashnick picked up the car, the car rental agency apologized that they had not yet had time to clean out the car from the time the last renter had returned the vehicle. Numerous team members and associates also had use of the car over the course of the few days Potashnick had the rental due to opposite Speed Weeks schedules at all hours of the day. The doors to the rental car had not been locked at all times. Although Potashnick was not yet scheduled to make his Busch Series Debut, he was in Daytona to meet up with the team he would be joining forces with later in the 2002 season. After making a wrong turn onto an unmarked road in an unfamiliar area, Potashnick pulled off the side of the road to correct the mistake he had made. A policeman pulled up at the same time. When asked if there were any drugs or alcohol in the vehicle, Potashnick told the officer about the prescribed pain medicine in his pocket. Potashnick was cited for having the medication out of its prescribed container. Potashnick has no knowledge of anything else found in the car, nor did he admit to being under the influence of any drugs as one report has stated. Cocaine was allegedly found in a cigarette box deep in the console of the rental car. Potashnick does not smoke cigarettes. Potashnick has tested negative for all drugs (including pain killers) on several drug tests since the allegations. Until then, Potashnick will not allow tainted reports to bring his spirits down. He will continue to make preparations for a transition to the NASCAR Busch Series later in the 2002 season. New Team Owner Jay Robinson stands behind Potashnick 100 percent and looks forward to the time when Potashnick will in fact drive the #49 car.(PR)(5-14-2002)
Nazareth Grand Marshal: World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) – formerly known as the WWF – Superstar Diamond Dallas Page has been named the Grand Marshal of the NASCAR Busch Series Stacker 2 “200” on May 19, 2002 at Nazareth. Page, a native of Pt. Pleasant, NJ, is one of the most prolific wrestlers in history. He is a three-time World Championship Wrestling (WCW) heavyweight champion, a five-time WCW Tag Team champion and was also a two-time WCW United States champion.(Nazareth Speedway PR)(5-14-2002)
2nd ST Motorsports car at Lowes UPDATE: If everything comes together as planned, ST Motorsports owner Tad Geschickter will field a second car for HRT Motorsports at Lowe’s Motor Speedway with either Roberto Guerrero or David Green behind the wheel. Both drivers tested at California and will test again at Charlotte. It’s important for HRT owner Rudy Rodriguez’ new sponsor, Ciclon, to qualify and Geschickter says that will play a large role in choosing between the drivers. According to Geschickter, any relationship past the Charlotte event is doubtful. “It’s just for right now,” Geschickter said. “It’s just a one-race deal right now. They claim the sponsor is gonna want to do more, but all we’ve agreed to is the sponsor doing that one race.”(Winston Cup Scene – need sub to read)(5-9-2002)
UPDATE: The Hispanic Racing Team’s “all-Hispanic” debut in NASCAR stock car racing will have to wait, but NASCAR veteran and former Busch Series champion David Green is the beneficiary. HRT, the dream of Texas cousins and team owners Rudy Rodriguez and Mike Vazquez, will make its latest appearance — the first of a five-race 2002 program — with Green at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in the May 25 CARQUEST Auto Parts 300. Green, the 1994 Busch Series champion who made the first start for HRT in the 1999 Busch Series finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway and rewarded the program with its first top-10 finish, has maintained a close relationship with the owners. It paid off when their regular driver, former Indy car standout Roberto Guerrero, crashed in a test session last week at LMS. HRT unveiled its #09 CICLON Energy Drink Chevy at Texas in April, announcing a five-race program for Colombian native Guerrero and a hoped for second team for his younger brother, South American road racing champion Jaime Guerrero. Green tested the team’s Chevy, which it is leasing from ST Motorsports’ owner Tad Geschickter, last month. The team tested with Guerrero last week and in a mid-afternoon mock qualifying run on a hot day, Guerrero backed the car into the wall between Turns 3 and 4, Green said. Over the past couple seasons, both Guerrero brothers have done several BGN tests and have each attempted to make one NBS race, without success. Roberto Guerrero previously crashed in a test session at LMS when the throttle stuck on his car, causing a shoulder injury. He was able to make a qualifying attempt for that May’s BGN event, but did not make the race. HRT plans no less than four more Busch races this season with the elder Guerrero. Jaime’s program is contingent on securing sponsorship. The owners say they will add additional races if more backing is secured.(NASCAR.com)(5-13-2002)
Hamilton Jr wins at NHIS: #25-Bobby Hamilton Jr won the race at New Hampshire, his first ever career BGN win. Hamilton Jr is the 2nd first time winner in 2002 (#10-Scott Riggs also), it is the 16th different winner in 16 BGN races at NHIS and Hamilton Jr is the 7th different BGN winners in 2002. #92-Bodine was 2nd and #24-Sprague was 3rd. #24-Sprague now leads the points standings at 1613, 64 ahead of #57-Jason Keller.
For results see: ThatsRacin.com or BGN Racing or NASCAR.com(5-11-2002)
Short Field at NHIS: With only 41 cars in the starting grid, Saturday’s Busch race will have the first short field (less than 43 cars) since only 39 cars were on hand for the race at Watkins Glen International in July, 2001. It also is the second year in row which the NHIS field will be short. Only 37 cars started Last May’s race.(Foster’s Online)(5-11-2002)
Buckshot Racing Closed? hearing the #00 BGN team owned by former #44 Cup driver, Buckshot Jones, has been closed and that Jones may not return to BGN or Cup racing.(5-10-2002)
Hmiel wins pole at NHIS: #47-Shane Hmiel won his 2nd 2002 pole, winning the pole for Saturday’s Busch 200 at New Hampshire International Speedway with a lap of 129.406mph. #25-Bobby Hamilton Jr. will line up second, #92-Todd Bodine third, #57-Jason Keller fourth and #7-Randy LaJoie fifth. 41 cars made an attempt and are in the race. See ThatsRacin.com or BGN Racing for the lineup/results.(5-10-2002)
Fox Crew to Wander: This Friday [May 10th] afternoon, the FOX cameras and commentators are headed north from New Hampshire International Speedway on route 106 and west on US 4 to the twin quarter-mile ovals in Canaan, NH. Its opening night at the Canaan dirt track, and promoter Chuck Elms expects full fields of 358 modifieds, late models, and fast four cylinders. But the FOX cameras are drawn to Canaan by the fan favorite coupe-bodied modifieds that race weekly there and at Canaan’s sister Saturday-night track, Vermont’s Bear Ridge Speedway. “The Bear Ridge and Canaan coupes are the last link to racing’s golden rra in New England,” enthused NASCAR on FOX lead announcer Mike Joy. “When those coupes are running on dirt, beneath the glow of the 300 watt bulbs suspended over the track, the viewer is transported back in time 30, maybe 40 years. Its a great sight to behold.”
“Chuck Elms has put his heart and soul into these two tracks, and where lesser promoters have had little success, he has done a great job,” Fox’s Dick Berggren said. “We’re all really excited about going up there, helmet in hand, this Friday.” Elms has arranged a match race among the FOX commentators, including Larry McReynolds, Jeff Hammond and Matt Yocum. Joy’s business, New England Racing Fuel and Berggren’s magazine, Speedway Illustrated, will sponsor the event. Berggren has a mantel full of trophies from his dirt track victories, while none of the others have ever raced on dirt. So you might see a Busch series driver or two in the pit area to add some needed coaching. The “highlights” or otherwise, will be shown on the FX telecast of the New England 200 Busch Series race on Saturday.(5-6-2002)
Special Bayer Scheme at NHIS: The May 11th race at the New Hampshire International Speedway will provide Busch Series driver Tony Raines with the chance to sport a new look aimed at impressing women. Raines and his sponsor, Bayer Consumer Care, have teamed up to run a special paint scheme that promotes the release of Bayer’s newest product for women, Bayer’ Women’s Aspirin plus Calcium. Bayer Women’s Aspirin plus Calcium is the only analgesic specifically designed to provide aspirin to help fight heart disease and calcium to help prevent osteoporosis. The Bayer Consumer Care sponsorship consists of the brands of Bayer Aspirin, Alka-Seltzerâ, Alka-Seltzer Plusâ and Aleveâ. Bayer Consumer Care is currently celebrating its 10th season as a Busch Series sponsor and has contributed to the racing efforts of Tony Raines and the #33 Chevrolet since the 2000 season. In addition to the new scheme, the #33 car will also feature an in-car camera that will be used to promote a special auction that Raines will hold in conjunction with Bayer Consumer Care to benefit the Busch Series Ladies Association. Raines will hold an auction at his personal web address, www.tonyraines.net, which will allow fans to bid on the actual drivers gloves he will be wearing throughout the race. The auction will be run through the assistance of the bgnracing.com website. In addition to receiving the autographed pair of driver’s gloves, the winning bidder will also take home a Tony Raines fan pack(PR), see an image on my BGN Paint Schemes page.(5-9-2002)
More races for the #38 and Green: In order to strengthen their team for both the present and the future, Akins Motorsports and Great Clips are adding some 2002 races for Mark Green with an accelerated test schedule for Christian Elder. Green and Elder will roughly split the remaining races on Akins Motorsports 2002 schedule in an effort to better prepare Elder and the team for a full 2003 BGN schedule, while seeking a sponsorship for a second team with Green for 2003. Mark Green started running in the NASCAR Busch Series in 1995 and made his 150th start at Richmond Friday night. Elder ran his first Busch Series race in 2001 and has 22 starts in Busch Series competition.(5-9-2002)
#31 to skip New Hampshire UPDATE nope David Green in: been told the #31 Whelen Chevy will not run at New Hampshire as planned to allow Johnny Benson’s broken rib to heal, next planned event is Dover on June 1st.(5-6-2002)
UPDATE: change of plans, the #31 Whelen Chevy will run at New Hampshire with David Green driving.(5-8-2002)
McLaughlin closes out Lowes testing as fastest: #18-Mike McLaughlin’s fastest lap came aboard the #18 MBNA Pontiac as 20 teams made final preparations for the May 25 CARQUEST Auto Parts 300. With mid-day track temperatures topping 135 degrees, the unofficial stopwatches caught McLaughlin at 174.193 mph in the Pontiac owned by Joe Gibbs. McLaughlin, winner of the 1998 “Little Trees” 300 NASCAR Busch Series race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, ran several laps in the high 173-mph range in the heat of the afternoon. Dan Pardus was involved in the only incident during Busch Series testing when he lost control and spun coming off turn four. Pardus’ yellow #32 Chevy made several loops through the quad-oval grass, but did not make contact with the wall. Top unofficial speeds NASCAR Busch Series:
Mike McLaughlin, 174.193
Jack Sprague, 174.025
Ricky Hendrick, 173.633
Tony Raines, 173.299
Bobby Hamilton Jr., 172.966
Kerry Earnhardt, 172.634
Casey Mears, 172.358
Jamie McMurray, 171.810
Michael Waltrip, 171.756
Scott Wimmer, 171.103.
(LMS PR)(5-8-2002)
Amick Staying at #26 UPDATE 3 Nope – Hornaday In: Reports were circulating at Nashville that #26 Dr Pepper team owner Dave Carroll was going to replace Amick with Winston Cup regular Mike Skinner. And while Carroll said it was true that tentative plans are being made for Skinner to run a second car as early as Richmond, he completely dismissed speculation that Amick would be fired. “That’s really not true,” said Carroll, who did not attend the Nashville event. “Reports like that get started when we’re running the way we are. We’re concerned about our performance right now, but we’re also doing what we can to get that corrected.” Like Carroll, Amick denied that he would be leaving. “I’m not planning on going anywhere,” Amick said. “You know how big Randy’s (LaJoie) mouth is. Randy’s a good friend of mine, but he’s already told me I was getting fired. If it’s up to Randy, I might get fired. But I don’t know anything of it. Nobody’s said anything to me. As far as I know, everything’s cool. Everything’s fine.”(Winston Cup Scene – need sub to read)(4-18-2002)
UPDATE: sources say Elton Sawyer could be in the #26 Dr Pepper car soon.(4-20-2002)
UPDATE 2: According to one source, however, Amick could remain employed by the team, but give way in a few races to another, more experienced, driver. Carroll has talked to Winston Cup regular Mike Skinner about driving a second car, but the owner again wouldn’t say if Skinner played into his plans for Amick. Still, Carroll did admit changes are probably on the way. If speculation around the garage is to be believed, he might act before the May 3 event at Richmond. Another possibility mentioned by the rumor mill is that Elton Sawyer would replace Amick, at least on a temporary basis. Carroll has talked to the Virginia native, but not in more than a month. (Winston Cup Scene – need sub to read)(4-25-2002)
UPDATE 2: Ron Hornaday will take over the #26 Dr Pepper Chevrolet for the remainder of the Busch Series season, replacing Lyndon Amick, who has been released by Carroll Racing.(NASCAR.com)(5-7-2002)
Hamilton Fastest in Lowes Testing: #25-Bobby Hamilton Jr. topped the unofficial speed charts Monday as testing shifted into high gear at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. Hamilton led the speed parade among the 22 BGN teams preparing for the May 25 CARQUEST Auto Parts 300. Former Indy Car driver Roberto Guerrero was involved in the only incident during Busch Series testing. The Medellin, Colombia, native lost control in turn four and backed his #09 Chevry into the wall. He walked away uninjured. Testing for both the NASCAR Winston Cup and Busch Series continues Tuesday.
NASCAR Busch Series speeds:
#25-Bobby Hamilton Jr., 173.633mph
#24-Jack Sprague, 173.410
#99-Jeff Burton, 173.244
#12-Kerry Earnhardt, 173.021
#99-Michael Waltrip, 172.855
#5-Ricky Hendrick, 172.689
(LMS PR)(5-7-2002)
#25 to honor Mothers: Bobby Hamilton, Jr., driver of the #25 Team Marines Ford Taurus, Team Rensi Motorsports and the United States Marine Corps will honor all the moms of America on Saturday, May 11, 2002, at the Busch 200 at New Hampshire International Raceway. To honor the special day, which occurs the day before Mother’s Day, local Marines from the Portsmouth, NH, Recruiting Command will hand out 1,000 red carnations, donated by Team Rensi Motorsports, to mothers in attendance. Along with the carnation will be a unity lapel pin of the Blue Star Service Flag to honor all of the men and women who are making sacrifices to protect their country, as well as their mothers, who are unable to celebrate the special day with their loved ones. The Blue Star Service flag, which was originated in the early 1900’s, is the symbol for a loved one serving in the Armed Forces during any period of war or hostilities the United States may be engaged in for the duration of such hostilities. The custom of displaying the flag in the front window of the home became widespread during WWII. Members of the Blue Star Mothers of America are being honored symbolically as representatives of all mothers of United States military personnel and will attend the race as special guests of Team Rensi Motorsports and the United States Marine Corps. The Blue Star Mothers of America, founded in 1942, is a service organization whose purpose is to unite all mothers who have sons and daughters in the Armed Forces of the United States of America, into a permanent organization. For Ed and Sam Rensi, owners of Team Rensi Motorsports, working with the Blue Star Mothers of America has a special meaning. Their father was the Legion Post Commander in Hopedale, OH after World War II and often worked closely with the organization. Sam Rensi remembers taking part in the memorial parades as well as playing “Taps” on the trumpet at many of the memorial services of fallen veterans.(Team Rensi PR)(5-6-2002)
Petty to bring back BGN team? Kyle Petty said a goal at Petty Enterprises is to form a BGN team and run a few races this season. Petty said the goal had been to put Steve Grissom in the team’s BGN car or align with a BGN team. That was before Grissom replaced Buckshot Jones in one of the team’s three Winston Cup rides [#44]. Petty said the team continues to work toward restarting a BGN program by the end of the year. If a team is developed, Petty said it probably won’t have a young driver. “At this point in time we are probably 80% sure, unless it’s a phenomenal younger driver, we’re not going to put a younger driver in the car,” Petty said. “We don’t have the luxury of a Hendrick or the luxury of a Roush organization or a Gibbs or a Yates to train a driver and bring a driver along. We’ve got to get guys in here that can win races. I think that was the main reason we made the change with Buckshot. We just felt like to move forward with Petty Enterprises we just didn’t have time to bring Buckshot along at the rate we needed to come along.”(Roanoke Times)(5-5-2002)
Keller in the #21? UPDATE: Don’t be surprised, by the way, if BGN points leader Jason Keller, who won Friday night’s Hardee’s 250, becomes one of the drivers seriously considered as Sadler’s replacement in the Wood Brothers’ #21. As it stands now, of course, Sadler figures to remain in the car through the end of the season. Keller has been around for years but only recently turned 32. After taking his knocks and being dismissed as a BGN lifer, Keller, all of a sudden, finds himself in the unlikely position of being an overnight sensation. When asked about the potential for finding a Winston Cup ride, Keller was cautious. “It would have to be a place where I felt like I could win races,” he said. “There have been some brief discussions, but nothing serious. I’m happy where I am, and right now there’s no reason to think anything is going to change. I love this team, and I’m comfortable where I am.”(Gaston Gazette)(5-5-2002)
UPDATE: BGN points leader Jason Keller, who got his third win of the season on Friday at Richmond, may be headed for the Winston Cup Series as soon as next season. Keller said he has been getting inquiries from Winston Cup teams interested in hiring him to drive one of their cars. “The phone’s starting to ring more and more, and I’m sure it’ll be ringing this week,” he said. “But it’s going to take a good situation to get me out of where I am now.” He said he wouldn’t leave his present team unless he felt he was going to a Winston Cup team that was capable of winning races right away. “I don’t think the grass is greener on the other side just because it’s Winston Cup,” he said. “I’m happy where I am now, and we’ll cross that bridge when we get there.” He said before he held any serious talks with a Winston Cup team owner, he’d go to his current owner, Greg Pollex, and tell him what he was doing. “I’m not the kind of person that would go behind anybody’s back,” he said. “Greg has been very good to me.”(Atlanta Journal Constitution)(5-5-2002)
Santerre wins North race: haven’t seen much on former BGN driver and winner, Andy Santerre: Andy Santerre made quite a splash in his return to the Busch North Series, winning the 2002 opener April 21 at Lee (N.H.) USA Speedway, staving off runner-up Mike Olsen, the defending series champion. ”It’s always good to win right off the bat, but that one wasn’t easy,” said Santerre, the native of Cherryfield, Maine, who last raced full-time on the Busch North circuit in 1997. ”There were a couple of cars that were real good, but I got a couple of breaks and got up front. I don’t think any races are free. You’ve got a lot of good cars and good equipment now. You’ve got to try to be the best prepared you can.” Santerre will try to make it two in a row in the Granite State when he competes in the Busch 125 Saturday at NHIS.(Tennessean/AP)(5-5-2002)
Keller wins at Richmond: #57-Jason Keller picked up his third win of the season Friday night in the Hardee’s 250 at Richmond International Raceway. #46-Ashton Lewis Jr. was second, #60-Greg Biffle was third, #99-Michael Waltrip fourth and #54-Kevin Grubb rounded out the top five. See story at ThatsRacin.com: Keller wins 3rd race of the season and for Results: Hardee’s 250 race results.(5-3-2002)
Truex to run #1 car at NHIS: Martin Truex Jr., a regular in the Busch North Series, will drive the #1 Yellow Chevy in the NASCAR Busch Series race on May 11 at New Hampshire International Speedway. Truex takes the place of regular driver Jimmy Spencer, who will be taking advantage of the rare weekend off by Winston Cup to spend time with his family and to celebrate his son’s birthday. Truex was selected to drive the #1 Yellow Chevy because of his success at the New Hampshire International Speedway. The 22-year-old driver from Manahawkin, N.J., won his first-ever Busch North Series race two years ago at New Hampshire in dominating fashion. He led every lap of the 100-lap race, this after setting the qualifying record a day earlier. Last year, he recorded a pair of runner-up finishes at the one-mile track. The New Hampshire race is the only one scheduled for Team Yellow in which Spencer will not be the driver. The decision to put Truex in the driver’s seat gives Yellow Racing an opportunity to show its appreciation to its loyal fans and employees in the northeast.(Team Yellow PR)(5-2-2002)
Qualifying rained out at Richmond: Qualifying for the BGN race at Richmond was cancelled due to rain. #24-Jack Sprague, as the series points leader, earned to top starting position for the race as rain forced the cancellation of qualifying. Sprague will be joined on the front row by #57-Jason Keller for Friday night’s Hardee’s 250 at Richmond International Raceway (7:00pm/et, FX). Sprague was 13th fastest in the morning practice, while Winston Cup driver Johnny Benson topped the chart. Benson claimed the final spot in the race when team which had filed its entry past the deadline was removed from the field. The team eliminated was the team with driver Brian Weber. #21-Jeff Green will start third; last weekend’s race winner, #10-Scott Riggs, starts fourth; and two-time series champion #7-Randy LaJoie will line up fifth.
For the lineup see ThatsRacin.com or BGN Racing Site or NASCAR.com(this lineup looks wrong) or MotorsportsOne.(5-2-2002)
Driver Debut at RIR: Zephyrhills (FL) resident David Reutimann (www.reutimannracing.com) will take a step up to compete in his first BGN race on Friday in the Hardee’s 250 at Richmond Speedway. His father, legendary modified and late-model driver Buzzie Reutimann, will serve as his crew chief. Reutimann will be racing in a #87 Chevy that he and his dad bought from Lakeland (FL) Winston Cup and Busch Series driver Joe Nemechek. Currently, Reutimann leads the Hills Bros. All-Pro Series in points, with a win and a second-place finish after two races.(Tampa Tribune), per NASCAR.com RIR BGN Entry list, the owner is listed as Andrea Nemechek, so Reutimann will has access to a provisional.(5-1-2002)