Jeff Purvis – Been asked often about former Busch Series [and part time Cup] driver Jeff Purvis, who had a bad wreck at Nazareth Speedway a year ago, see NASCAR.com for an article: Competitive fire still burns for Purvis by Lee Montgomery.(5-18-2003)
Reutimann’s Father Improving After Wreck: Buzzie Reutimann [son David run’s the #87 Hill Bros car for NEMCO in a limited basis] will miss son David’s NASCAR Southeast series race tonight in South Boston, Va., but he’s on the mend after a crash put him in Tampa General Hospital. “`I’ve got to get rested up and feeling better by next week, because we’re going to Nashville with the All-Pro [Southeast series] car,” Buzzie said Friday from his garage in Zephyrhills. “`We’ve never won on a superspeedway, but we’ve done some things to the car to make it faster, so we’re looking forward to it.” One of the area’s best known short-track racers, Buzzie suffered a broken and badly cut right leg May 22 at East Bay Raceway when a piece holding the driveshaft in place on his IMCA open-wheel modified car snapped, causing part of the universal joint to penetrate the driver’s compartment. He was released from the hospital Wednesday but has since experienced pain in his ribs and difficulty breathing. He’s taking antibiotics for fluid in his lungs, although he believes the main problem is a rib fracture that didn’t show up on X-rays. Buzzie says the IMCA car is brand new and the accident was caused either by a defective part or the driveshaft bottoming out on the dirt track. (Tampa Tribune)(5-31-2003)
Nemechek wins at Dover: #87-Joe Nemechek won the MBNA Armed Forces Family 200 at Dover International Speedway for his 15th career Busch Series win. It was the first time a driver had won from the pole at Dover since Morgan Shepherd in 1986 and the first from the pole in 2003. The rest of the top five were: #10-Scott Riggs, #37-David Green, #17-Matt Kenseth and #5-Brian Vickers.
Race results: at BGNRacing.com, MotorsportsOne or NASCAR.com.(5-31-2003)
Nemechek wins pole at Dover: #87-Joe Nemechek won the pole for Saturday’s MBNA Armed Forces Family 200 at Dover International Speedway (1:00pm/et, FX) with a track-record lap at 156.747mph. It’s Nemechek’s 17th career pole and third of the 2003 season in seven starts. He also won the pole at Daytona and Talladega. #38-Kasey Kahne came closest to catching Nemechek, but he was still almost a mile per hour slower at 155.750. #17-Matt Kenseth was third fastest, #10-Scott Riggs fourth and #19-Casey Mears completed the top five. Series points leader #92-Todd Bodine lines up 14th, 2nd in points, #37-David Green will start 11th. Missing the race was #96-Gus Wasson and #84-Brian Weber.(ThatsRacin.com)
For qualifying results/lineups see: ThatsRacin.com, BGNRacing.com, and NASCAR.com.(5-30-2003)
#48 Sponsor? The #48 Innovative Motorsports team and driver Shane Hmeil are reportedly close to a sponsorship deal. Something could be finalized by early next week.(Speed Channel Busch Qualifying via BGNRacing.com)(5-30-2003)
Bagwell to run in NASCAR North: As a starting point for a future move to the NASCAR Busch Series, Herbie Bagwell, Jr., received NASCAR approval this week to drive in the 2003 NASCAR Busch North Series. Bagwell, an African-American driver with 14 years experience racing in the northeast, is looking to make his debut in the series by as early as late June. “We are looking for a team to supply race cars, equipment and crew for the 10 races we plan to run,” said Bagwell when discussing this great opportunity. “I’m ready to race and I’ve had great success on some of the same tracks at which the NASCAR Busch Series races. I appreciate NASCAR’s consideration in granting me driving privileges and hope to demonstrate my skills at a sufficient level to allow me to move to the Busch Series next year and race nationally.” While the search for a BNS team progresses, Hawk Motorsports is also seeking sponsorship to underwrite the costs. The team had a major primary sponsor proposal working not long ago but it got lost in the corporate structure. “As far as I know the deal is dead,” said Bagwell “But our contact said they might be looking at it again at some point. That’s the way it goes in this business, I guess. We do have some dialogue going with a possible associate sponsor and a product endorsement deal, so if that comes through, we at least have a start,” he added. Bagwell and Hawk Motorsports is represented by 200mph Media out of Salisbury, North Carolina and can be reached at 704-209-3364 or [email protected] via email.(5-30-2003)
GEICO extends sponsorship of #4 and Wallace: Biagi Bros. Racing announced that GEICO has extended their sponsorship of the #4 Chevy driven by Mike Wallace in the Busch Series. GEICO has agreed to pick up an additional 14 races, starting with the June 7th running of the Trace Adkins Chrome 300 from Nashville Superspeedway. The deal was coordinated by Player Management International and was completed on Thursday. GEICO’s support of the Biagi Bros. team continues to grow. Since coming onboard in the summer of 2002, GEICO has steadily increased their involvement with the Biagi Bros. owned team. After their 10 race primary sponsorship last season, GEICO has stepped up their support to include a total of 27 events in 2003. In the ongoing development of their racing program, GEICO recently launched a new racing related website at www.geicoracing.com. They have also produced T-shirts, polo shirts, hats, and koozies with the infamous gecko spokeslizard. The merchandise is available for purchase online at www.geicoracing.com. “We urge everyone to call GEICO at 1-800-342-9070 for a free rate quote,” Wallace continued. “We really appreciate their continued support. We’re only six races shy of running the full season. Hopefully we’ll be able to gain additional sponsorship that will enable us to run the full season.” The Biagi Bros. team is not scheduled to compete at The Milwaukee Mile, New Hampshire International Speedway, Pikes Peak International Raceway, Michigan International Speedway, Kansas Speedway, and Memphis Motorsports Park. Those interested in sponsorship opportunities see the team site at www.biagibros.com.(Biago Bros PR) (5-30-2003)
Cope to pull double duty at Dover: Derrike Cope will be pulling double duty this weekend at Dover. Cope will be in the Jay Robinson Racing #49 Busch Series Car on Saturday with support from Fans Motorsports.com and Choice Marketing. On Sunday.Derrike and the Winston Cup Series Quest #37 Team will be running in the MBNA Armed Forces Family 400. The team is looking for a product deal to fill in as a primary sponsor for their Busch effort for the remainder of the season. Jason White will be in the Jay Robinson Racing #39 with sponsorship from Three Stooges Beer. The team is looking for a product deal to fill in as a primary sponsor for their Busch effort for the remainder of the season. They have the ability to sell product through Jay’s wholesale company. They would like to align themselves with a company that can take advantage of giving product instead of cash. All interested parties please contact Jay Robinson at (704) 821-4001.(5-30-2003)
Buschwackers wacked? Starting at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, all cars for team that are driven by Cup drivers in the Busch Series races, must be in the inspection line before the Cup practices on Saturday (usually starting at 9:30am) and not changes to the car before the Busch race.(XM Satellite- NASCAR Radio – Subscription Required)(5-29-2003)
Bingham not at Dover, hopes to have announcement soon: Busch series Driver Chris Bingham will not be with Jay Robinson racing for the next race at Dover. He hopes to make an announcement soon on his future plans which will include Busch and some truck races. (Bingham PR via BGN Racing)(5-29-2003)
More on Kyle Busch: 18-year old Kyle Busch told Benny Parsons on Monday night’s PRN’s Fast Talk radio show the reason why he signed with Rick Hendrick and not Jack Roush (like his brother Kurt) was that Roush Racing wanted to sign him to a 9-year contract. The younger Busch said, “I just didn’t want to feel the pressure of having to sign a 9-year deal. My sports attorney said it wasn’t a good idea to do it either and so he looked at some different options.” Busch inked a 2 year deal with Hendrick to run 7 ARCA and 7 Busch Series races this season before going fulltime Busch in 2004. At the end of 2004 he’ll become a free agent, but believes he will stay with Hendrick. Busch says both organizations have first class equipment, but felt he had to make a choice based on what he felt was best for his career.(PRN’s Fast Talk)(5-28-2003)
Rogers in Busch? There have been some discussions from a few different NASCAR Busch Series teams about having Clay Rogers drive for one of them on June 14th at Kentucky Speedway. The team names will not be released until a decision is made on which team Rogers will represent at Kentucky. (Clay Rogers PR via BGNRacing.com)(5-28-2003)
A few entries: #1-David Stremme, #19-Casey Mears and #81-Martin Truex Jr./Cheese Nips Chevy are all entered in Saturdays event at Dover.(NASCAR PR)(5-28-2003)
Wimmer to be Fast and Furious: #23-Scott Wimmer will sport a new paint scheme this weekend at Dover with the new summer blockbuster movie, 2 Fast 2 Furious, as the primary sponsor along with Stacker 2 on Wimmer’s Chevrolet.(Bill Davis Racing PR)(5-28-2003)
Keller to Find Nemo: #57-Jason Keller’s Albertsons/ACME Ford will sport a unique paint scheme at Dover International Speedway, carrying the characters of the new Disney/Pixar movie “Finding Nemo” set to hit theaters across the country on May 30th. Keller’s hood will feature Bruce, the great white shark who not only speaks in an Australian accent, but is also a member of Fish-eaters Anonymous.(Albertsons Racing/Elevation Motorsports PR)(5-28-2003)
Been Asked about the Rookie Stripe: Numerous questions have arose lately regarding the yellow stripe on the rear bumper of a car driven by a rookie driver. Busch Driver Mike Bliss has completed a season on the Winston Cup Circuit and participated in their Rookie of the Year award, this makes him ineligible for the Busch Series Rookie of the Year in 2003. However, NASCAR is requiring Bliss [and other’s such as Brian Vickers at Nazareth] to run the yellow stripe at any track where he has not competed at before.(Insider Racing News)(5-26-2003)
Get Well: PPM Racing, LLC would like to request your thoughts and prayers for Steven Walter Dykes, born on May 16 to Owners Beth and Darrin Dykes. Steven was born several weeks early and is receiving assistance in breathing while his lungs continue to develope. Please feel free to send your “Get Well” wishes to PPM Racing, LLC, PO Box 218357, Houston, TX 77218. PPM Racing, LLC is the home of the NASCAR Busch Series #03. www.ppmracing.com.(5-26-2003)
Humpy Apologizes to fans UPDATE: A spin by Greg Biffle brought out the caution with three laps remaining, so the race ended in anti-climactic fashion, prompting track president H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler to apologize to the fans over the public address system.(AJC)(5-25-2003) UPDATE: Wheeler laid into NASCAR Saturday afternoon, moments after the Busch Series Carquest 300 ended under caution. He used the public address system to apologize to fans for the finish, then angrily told NASCAR president Mike Helton that his organization doesn’t care about the fans. In this case, Wheeler was wrong. NASCAR has been using a “flag rule” to cover late-race incidents this year. Depending on the track’s length, officials won’t stop a race for track cleanup if fewer than five laps remain. Saturday’s race went under caution at lap 196, leaving officials no choice but to let it finish under caution.(Daily Press)(5-26-2003)
Kenseth wins at Lowe’s: #17-Matt Kenseth won the Carquest 300 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway on Saturday, his 2nd Busch win of 2003. #87-Kyle Busch finished 2nd in his Busch Series debut after taking two tires on the last pitstop, rounding out the top fiver were #10-Scott Riggs, #92-Todd Bodine, who retook the points lead, and #20-Mike Bliss. #37-David Green, who came into the race leading the points, finished 37th after getting together with #12-Kerry Earnhardt very early in the race.(see story at ThatsRacin.com)
See results at: ThatsRacin.com, BGNRacing.com or NASCAR.com.(5-24-2003)
Stewart in MIS Busch race: In a several-sided arrangment in which everyone presumably gets something, Tony Stewart will make a cameo in Busch at Michigan in August, in one of Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Chance 2 cars (co-owned with Teresa Earnhardt) and in collaboration with 3 Doors Down, a rock band on the Republic/Universal Label, and ubiquitous Action Performance, whose best property at present is Earnhardt Jr. Pictures of the show car, which is orange, has pictures of the band members on it, carries the #8, and has the nickname “Smoke” above the door are available, as are the toy cars and other trinkets, from Action outlets. “Action Performance is the exclusive supplier of all Chance 2 Motorsports team replica collectibles, including the 3 Doors Down race car,” the release said.(Speed Channel), see image and past news on my Jayski’s® Silly Season Site – Paint Scheme Gallery.(5-24-2003)
Sponsor Hunting: America’s Most Wanted/Body Dynamics Motorsports have been searching for a primary sponsor for the remainder of the 2003 racing season, but recently the evaluated the current economic position that corporations are finding themselves in these days and they have decided to offer limited schedule sponsorship packages for sponsors who want to utilize the NASCAR market, but do not have the Millions needed to do so. “We know that there are corporations out there that would love the opportunity to test the market of NASCAR but fear they do not have the millions necessary to sponsor a team for a full schedule and do not want to waste their,” stated Scott Davis, Director of Motorsports Affairs, “We have a tremendous opportunity to offer to a corporate sponsor, we have a championship quality team, facility and overall organization,” continued Davis “We can offer a no risk proposition, with our multi million dollar international media campaign, so a sponsor can experience on and off track success with a guaranteed return on their invested dollar.”(more info at bodydynamicsracing.com, while at the site, check out their webcams of the shop)(5-24-2003)
Fuller in for Nemechek: Jeff Fuller will drive the #88 Chevy that Joe Nemechek qualifed 15th in at Lowe’s Motor Speedway today, Fuller will have to fall to the rear of the field before the start of the race.(FX’s Pre-race coverage of the Lowe’s race)(5-24-2003)
Moore helps out Hamilton: Newt Moore, Bobby Hamilton’s crew chief in the the Truck Series, is crew chiefing the #25 Marines Ford for Team Rensi this week at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. Former Crew Chief and the team parted ways this week and Harold Holly will take over the job starting next week at Dover, but had commited to the #32 Team Amick car and Jeff Green for Lowe’s.(Speed Channel’s Busch Series Qualifying Coverage)(5-24-2003)
Amick Enlists: Lyndon Amick has enlisted into the National Guard and is being inducted today.(XM Satellite- NASCAR Radio – Subscription Required)(5-23-2003)
Nesquik Leaving the #10? UPDATE:XM Satellite- NASCAR Radio is reporting that current #10 ppc racing sponsor, Nesquik, will leave as a sponsor with an official announcement coming this afternoon.(XM Satellite- NASCAR Radio – Subscription Required)(5-23-2003) UPDATE: ppc Racing announces that Nestlé Nesquik, primary sponsor of the #10 Ford Taurus driven by Scott Riggs in the NASCAR Busch Series, has decided they will not utilize motorsports to market their brand in 2004. Nestlé Nesquik has served as primary sponsor of the #10 ppc Racing entry since 2000. “We enjoyed a great four-year relationship with Nestlé and the program attained a lot of success both on and off the track, but Nestlé has a new brand strategy that does not include a motorsports sponsorship,” said Pollex. “We hold out hope that they may reconsider, but we are moving forward and in discussions with other potential sponsors. With our performance record, we feel confident that we will soon secure a sponsorship partner and start building another successful program.”(ppc racing PR)(5-23-2003)
Harvick wins pole at Lowe’s: #29-Kevin Harvick won his 2nd Busch Series pole of the season turning a track-record lap at 184.543mph for Saturday’s Carquest 300 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. The rest of the top five are #33-Tony Raines, #10-Scott Riggs, #99-Michael Waltrip and #87-Kyle Busch. Six drivers didn’t qualify including #82-Casey Atwood in the U.S. Navy Chevy.(ThatsRacin.com)
See lineup/qualifying results at: ThatsRacin.com, BGNRacing.com.(5-23-2003)
#92 To Fold Soon? Still without a full-time sponsor, Herzog Jackson Motorsports and driver Todd Bodine may soon be forced to fold their hand and walk away from the Busch Series. The team will race at Charlotte on May 24 and most likely Dover on May 31 with backing from ESGR, the Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve. But after that, withouth sponsorship, it will most likely stay home. (Winston Cup Scene via BGNRacing.com)(5-23-2003)
Atwood in the Navy? UPDATE 5 It is OFFICIAL: hearing the U.S. Navy will sponsor a Winston Cup team in some capacity and an announcement will come soon. The Navy sponsors Jon Wood in the #50 Roush Racing Ford in the Truck Series.(5-13-2003) UPDATE: Roush Racing announced today that the U.S. Navy will not continue its sponsorship of driver Jon Wood and the #50 Truck Series team. “We are extremely disappointed that the Navy elected to withdraw from the Craftsman Truck Series in the middle of the year,” said Jon Wood. “Our team has really jelled this year, and I hope that someone will step in to help keep us going.”
“The Navy, through General Motors’ lead agency, Campbell-Ewald, submitted bid criteria to us only two weeks ago, that had no chance of being fulfilled by the Jon Wood’s Craftsman Truck team,” said John Miller, director of sponsor development for Roush Racing. “The criteria were clearly targeted to allow the winning bidder to be only by a Winston Cup or Busch team.”(Roush Racing), looks like maybe a GM Cup or Busch team?(5-13-2003) AND Atwood up for a Busch ride? Casey Atwood may be a candidate for a Busch Series ride as FitzBradshaw Racing studies the possibility of adding a partial schedule for a second team, this week’s NASCAR Winston Cup Scene reports. Busch Series Editor Rick Houston reports that team owner Armando Fitz has talked to Atwood, who has been out of racing since leaving the joint Winston Cup effort of Jim Smith and Ray Evernham last year. The story says former Busch Series competitor Tim Fedewa is another possibility for the car that would be sponsored by JaniKing in at least five races. The story goes on to say that rumors say Kerry Earnhardt job has been rumored to be in jeopardy but owner Fitz denies it, also the story says Earnhardt may be looking elsewhere for a ride in 2004.(Winston Cup Scene Daily Newsletter)(5-15-2003) UPDATE: hearing the US Navy will sponsor a 2nd FitzBradshaw Racing Busch Series team with Casey Atwood as the driver, not sure if it is a limited or full time schedule, if it happens of course.(5-16-2003) UPDATE 2: The Navy recruiting effort now appears to be directed toward the next NASCAR levels, either Busch and/or-eventually, Winston Cup. Word on the street is that FitzBradshaw Racing, which fields the No. 12 Busch cars for Kerry Earnhardt, could inherit the Navy sponsorship, under the assumption that Campbell-Ewald steps it up to the $4m annual Busch level. Casey Atwood, in limbo after a poor rookie season with Ray Evernham, is believed to be the top candidate for the Navy sponsorship, which naturally targets young men of about Casey’s age.(Speed Channel)(5-17-2003) UPDATE 3: Two-time Busch Series race winner Casey Atwood is expected to return to the series this season driving a second entry fielded by FitzBradshaw Racing, ThatsRacin.com has learned. Sources said the team is also the likely new home for the Navy sponsorship, which earlier this week pulled out of the Roush Racing NASCAR Truck series team driven by Jon Wood. “I have no comment other than that nothing has been signed with a sponsor or a driver,” said team publicist Tara Gudger. FitzBradshaw currently fields the No. 12 Chevrolets in the series driven by Kerry Earnhardt. Atwood did not return calls for comment.(ThatsRacin.com)(5-18-2003) UPDATE 4: Casey Atwood hopes to make his first start in the Busch Series in three years at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. FitzBradshaw Racing has entered Atwood, 22, in a #82 Chevy that will race as a team car to Kerry Earnhardt’s #12 Supercuts Chevy.(NASCAR.com), no mention of the U.S. Navy…..yet.(5-19-2003) IMAGE OF CAR: got an image of the car, see my Busch Series Paint Scheme Gallery.(5-20-2003) UPDATE 5: FitzBradshaw Racing today announced that the U.S. Navy has signed a nine-race sponsorship deal to back its #82 Chevy in the Busch and Winston Cup series. The team, which is owned by Armando Fitz and Pro Football Hall of Fame member Terry Bradshaw, says Casey Atwood will drive for the team, starting with Saturday’s Carquest Auto Parts 300 Busch Series race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. Eight of the planned races are Busch Series events. The other is the Sept. 28 EA Sports 500 Winston Cup race at Talladega Superspeedway.(Winston Cup Scene Daily Newsletter)(5-22-2003)
Baldwin increases sched: #6 Tommy Baldwin Racing, with driver Damon Lusk, is pleased to announce that STA-RITE Industries will continue to support their Busch Series campaign for five additional races during the 2003 season. “Our dealers have been very responsive and there’s a lot of excitement on the track whenever Damon’s there,” said Tom Strupp, VP Sta-Rite Water Systems, “our hospitality suites have been very well attended, and we’ve seen more of our customers catch the racing bug.” TBR is equally eager to move forward. “We are excited that STA-RITE has decided to join us for additional races,” said co-owner Tommy Baldwin, “it’s a great testimony to the progression of our program and the marketing benefits that they are enjoying. Together we can continue to build a strong team for Damon.” STA-RITE has added the venues of Milwaukee, Daytona, Michigan, Kansas and Phoenix, to what was originally a very limited schedule. The Milwaukee race serves as a special event for STA-RITE as their headquarters are in nearby Delavan, WI. “Having STA-RITE come on board for more races gives our whole team confidence,” said Lusk, “it shows us that our efforts have been heading in the right direction, and it will allow me the added seat time I need as we progress towards our overall goal of consistently racing up front with the top teams.” The next scheduled event for STA-RITE and the TBR Dodge team will be the Carquest Auto Parts 300 at the Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Charlotte, NC on May 24.(TBR PR)(5-22-2003)
Crew Chief Double: #66-Hideo Fukuyama’s crew chief, Gary Cogswell is pulling double duty this week at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, he will be Fukuyama crew chief in Thursday’s [now Friday’s] ARCA race and Casey Atwood’s crew chief for the #82 U.S. Navy Chevy in the Busch race on Saturday. This is a one-race deal at this time and Cogswell has no immediate plans to leave Fukuyama/Travis Carter.(5-22-2003)
Pattie to chief Busch at Lowe’s: #87-Kyle Busch is scheduled to compete in seven Busch Series events in 2003 while driving Chevrolets provided by Hendrick Motorsports teammate Joe Nemechek and his NEMCO Motorsports operation, who have already won two Busch Series races this season with the #87 Chevy. Brian Pattie will be atop the pit box this weekend, calling the shots for Busch as crew chief during the Busch Series race.(NASCAR PR)(5-22-2003)
Ciccarelli gets one race deal: Glidden Motorsports’ Busch Series Team and Dion Ciccarelli [#84] announce they have put together a one race sponsorship deal for the May 31, 2003 MBNA Platinum 200 at Dover International Speedway. The all Billings, Montana sponsors include Jones Construction Inc., Summit Gaming, The Squire Lounge, Fox 4 News and Beartooth Harley-Davidson/Buell. All of the sponsors are getting involved to promote and support tourism, both in the State of Montana and the Billings area.(Glidden PR via BGNRacing.com)(5-21-2003)
#19 Team in trouble? UPDATE 5 Blount Out, Mears In: hearing that the #19 Braun Racing team and driver Chad Blount may be without a sponsor soon, hearing that APP-American Petroleum Promotions may be leaving. UPDATE: A reliable source inside Braun Racing reports that the #19 car with Chad Blount will not be going to Nazareth this week due to sponsorship issues. As a result, Blount asked for his release and it was granted. The team will have a new sponsor announcement next week for Lowe’s. Rumor has it it will be a current Cup driver in the seat. These developments do not affect the #30 with Steadman Marlin and Keystone Light at all.(BGN Racing.com) UPDATE 2: on Fox Sport’s Net’s Totally NASCAR, it was reported that Chad Blount asked for and was granted his release from the team. The team will not be going to Nazareth. Hearing one of the Ganassi Racing drivers will be in the car at Charlotte.(5-15-2003) UPDATE 3: Casey Mears will drive the #19 Dodge for the remainder of the 2003 season.(Speed Channel’s coverage of Wonston qualifying)(5-16-2003) UPDATE 4: Chip Ganassi Racing officials confirmed Saturday rookie Winston Cup driver Casey Mears will enter at least two Busch Series races this season, including next weekend’s Carquest 300 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. Mears will drive the #19 Dodge fielded by Braun Motorsports. The team’s former driver, Chad Blount, asked for and received a release from the team after it developed sponsorship problems. Braun Motorsports currently gets car bodies and engines from Ganassi. Mears is also running in four ARCA races this season with Ganassi for additional seat time. Mears drove full time in the Busch series last season.(ThatsRacin.com)(5-18-2003) UPDATE 5: plans are to run at Lowe’s Motor Speedway and Dover with Microsoft as the sponsor, and then see where things stand after Dover and if a full sponsor can be found.(Fox Sports Net – Totally NASCAR)(5-20-2003)
Holly takes over crew chief duties at the #25: Championship-winning crew chief Harold Holly has been named Crew Chief and Director of Competition for the #25 Team Marines Ford Taurus owned by Team Rensi in the Busch Series effective immediately. In his new position Holly will be guiding Busch Series driver Bobby Hamilton, Jr. in the United States Marine Corps entry. The team has had a successful 2003 season to date with six top-10 finishes and one top-five finish in twelve starts. Team Rensi President, Sam Rensi, feels Holly can take the #25 Team Marines Ford to a new level of performance. “Harold (Holly) is a perfect fit for this team,” stated Rensi. “We expect excellence in everything we do and with his track record and proven management skills, Harold is the right man for the challenges ahead. We’re extremely excited to have him join our organization.” Holly makes debut as crew chief at Dover International Speedway on Saturday, May 31.(Rensi Motorsports PR). No mention on what former crew chief, Fred Wanke, will be doing. Holly was with Amick engines and the #32 Amick team.(5-20-2003)
Gibbs Wrecks at Dover: #18-Coy Gibbs, who was testing at Dover International Speedway Monday, hit the wall while running laps in the morning. “I think we might be able to save it,” said Gibbs, who is currently 15th in the Busch point standings. “But we won’t know until we get it back to the shop. You’re not going to hit too soft here.” But while his car was damaged, the former Stanford linebacker walked away uninjured.(Georgetown Newszap)(5-20-2003)
#7 Layoffs: Randy LaJoie’s #7 Kleenex team laid off six of their employees earlier this week.(BGNRacing.com)(5-17-2003) UPDATE: LaJoie, a two-time Busch champion, will meet a couple of strangers this morning who will be his critical over-the-wall tire changers. “We just fired four guys this week, two of them tire-changers,” LaJoie said. “They (Evans Motorsports) said everything will be good. I’ll find out tomorrow. I have no idea who they are or how they’re getting here.” LaJoie, who scored the first of his 15 career victories here in 1996, said a company called PIT Instruction Training is providing the new personnel.(Express Times)(5-18-2003)
Hornaday wins at Nazareth: #2-Ron Hornaday won the Goulds Pumps ITT Industries 200 at Nazareth Speedway. Hornaday beat #5-Brian Vickers by less than half a second to end a 63-event winless drought. Hornaday led 148 of the 200 laps in the race. #20-Mike Bliss was third, #37-David Green fourth and #92-Todd Bodine. Hornaday is the second two-time winner at Nazareth. Tim Fedewa won the Busch Series event in 1995 and 1998. Hornaday has three top-five finishes in four starts at Nazareth. Defending champion #57-Jason Keller finished 11th. Pole sitter #7-Randy LaJoie finished 7th.(ThatsRacin.com/AP)
For results see ThatsRacin.com, BGNRacing.com and MotorsportsOne and NASCAR.com.(5-18-2003)
LaJoie wins pole: #7-Randy LaJoie won the pole for the Goulds Pumps ITT Industries 200 at Nazareth Speedway with a speed at 133.215mph. The rest of the top five are #59-Stacy Compton, #2-Ron Hornaday, #20-Mike Bliss and #10-Scott Riggs.
Qualifying Results/Lineup at: BGNRacing.com, NASCAR.com.(5-17-2003)
Testing at IRP in July: Indianapolis Raceway Park [IRP] will hold an open test session for all Busch Series teams on July 14th and 15th. Wednesday, July 16th has been reserved in case of rain.. This test will allow teams to prepare for the Kroger 200 presented by Tom Raper RV’s Busch Series race, on August 2nd. The fee to test will be $250.00 per car number and teams may pay when they arrive at IRP. To register for the test session, teams should call 317-291-4090. Goodyear tires and 76 Racing Fuels will be notified regarding the test to provide products for the race teams. The test will be free and open to the public. The Kroger 200, presented by Tom Raper RV on August 2nd, is just one facet of the Kroger SpeedFest, which features three nights of exciting racing action. The J. D. Byrider 100, featuring the USAC Silver Crown Series kicks off the weekend’s activities on July 31st. On August 1st, the stars of the Truck Series return for the running of the Power Stroke Diesel 200, presented by Ford and International. The weekend concludes with the running of the Kroger 200 presented by Tom Raper RV’s Busch Series race, on Saturday.(IRP PR)(5-17-2003)
Barfield to run the #91 at Nazareth: Ron Barfield will make his second race of the season in the Busch Series at Nazareth Speedway in Sunday’s Goulds Pumps ITT Industries 200. ZOOM Performance Clutches along with Brute Power and parent company Perfection Clutch have signed on to be the primary sponsor for Ron Barfield’s #91 Ford Taurus. Barfield has raced at Nazareth twice before in the Truck Series. Many sponsors have stepped forward to support their driver. Sponsors include ZOOM, Clarion Hotel – Nazareth, Palmetto Auto Auction, Jeweler’s Bench, Don’s Car Crushing, and K & L Chrome Shop.(PR)(5-16-2003)
New Ganassi Driver UPDATE: ASA driver Reed Sorenson is not only one of the top rookies on the ASA circuit, he’s set to join the driver development program at Chip Ganassi Racing, the team that fields Winston Cup cars for Sterling Marlin, Jamie McMurray and Casey Mears. Sorenson will continue to race in ASA next year, but he’ll become a test driver for Ganassi’s Winston Cup teams and could run five Busch Series races. Reed already has attended Winston Cup races as Ganassi’s guest, and McMurray showed up in Sorenson’s pit during last week’s ASA race at Concord, NC. Lorin Ranier, who runs Ganassi’s driver development program, has high hopes for Sorenson. “We think Reed has a ton of talent,” Ranier said. “We’re very interested in developing that.”(Atlanta Journal-Constitution)(4-25-2003) UPDATE: Chip Ganassi’s next project will be teen sensation Reed Sorenson. Ganassi has signed the 17-year-old ASA rookie to his talent-laded driver pool. Although terms were not disclosed, published reports have Sorenson, a former Legends Car National Champion, running a handful of Busch Series races next year (under Ganassi’s guidance) while still competing for the ASA Racing Series title. Ranier attended the ASA race at Concord Motorsport Park recently and was in Sorenson’s pit stall for much of the evening. He also brought Jamie McMurrray to the track to check things out and also visit Stremme, who was helping another of Ganassi’s projects, Ryan Hemphill (ASA rookie).(51 Sports Racing)(5-16-2003)
#22 Changes Engine Suppliers and visits Nadeau: Regan Smith and Bost Motorsports will have a new motor program starting at Nazareth.. Dennis Fischer will now be supplying the engines for the #22 Chevy. Fischer made his name in NASCAR supplying Chevrolet V-6 motors to the late Dale Earnhardt in the late 1980’s from a California based operation that he has since moved to the Charlotte, NC area. Smith is excited about his first attempt at Nazareth Speedway and will be driving the same Chevy he finished 19th with last week at Gateway. As he heads to Nazareth, just like before going to St. Louis, Smith will have his friend Jerry Nadeau on his mind. On Tuesday following the Richmond race while most of the Busch Series teams and drivers were getting focused and putting the finishing touches on the cars they would be racing at St. Louis, Regan Smith and his mother Lee were on the interstate heading back to Richmond where they had just left three days earlier. Smith had raced at Richmond Friday night May 2, and finished 25th in his ninth career Busch Series start. That afternoon, a couple of hours before the start of the Busch Series race, Jerry Nadeau. — friend and a former driver for their family-owned race team — had been seriously injured in the final Winston Cup practice. Regan, Lee and his father Ronnie, had planned to drive back to the Charlotte area in their motor home from Richmond International Raceway after the race. With all the unknowns surrounding Nadeau’s condition that night they decided to stay over and go by the Medical College of Virginia Saturday morning to check on Jerry and see if there was anything they could do to help the family. “We just wanted to stop by and see Jerry’s wife Jada, let her know we were thinking of them and see if there was anything we could do or needed doing back at their house in Charlotte while they would be away,” said Regan Smith. Nadeau and Smith have many things in common, though separated by thirteen years in age.. They both came the South to race stock cars from the North, Nadeau from Danbury, Connecticut and Smith from Cato, New York. Their families started both of them racing in go-karts at the age of four. In 1995 and 1996, the paths of the two racing families crossed and Nadeau drove several races for a Busch series team owned by the Smiths. Regan was 12 and had just suffered a serious foot injury in a dirt bike accident that had him in bed and out of school for several months. “Jerry only ran a couple of races for us as he and our team were both struggling for sponsorship. We closed up the Busch team and then he went to Europe to race formula cars, but we have always stayed in close touch,” said Regan Smith. So that Tuesday, Regan and Lee came back to Richmond and had lunch with Jada and her family. Regan was able to check on Jerry. “He looked good, but he is still in a coma and though he seems to be improving we are still worried about him,” said Smith. “Other driver’s like Bobby Allison and Page Jones have recovered from more severe injuries, so I think he will be OK in the long run.”(PR)(5-16-2003)
Frank Cicci Racing with Jim Kelly announces Associate Sponsorship: Frank Cicci Racing with Jim Kelly is pleased to welcome the return support from Machine Solutions Inc / MSI Racing Products, as an Associate Sponsor for the 2003 NASCAR Busch Series season. MSI has had a long standing relationship with Frank Cicci, Mike McLaughlin and Clyde McCleod, dating back to 1991 season. Located in Troutman, NC, MSI is a leading manufacturer of wheel studs, lug nuts and custom machined products for the NASCAR industry and other divisions of Motorsports. www.msirp.com (PR)(5-15-2003)
Mark Green to run at Nazareth: Veteran Mark Green will make his season debut at Nazareth driving for Akins Motorsports, in the #98 Deka Batteries Ford, which also fields Kasey Kahne’s #38 Great Clips Ford. Green made 21 starts last season in the #38 Ford.(NASCAR PR)(5-15-2003)
Biffle to run Lowe’s Busch race: Roush Racing confirmed that reigning Busch Series champion Greg Biffle would be in the Carquest 300 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in the #9 Ford. That car was fielded with Winston Cup driver Jeff Burton last season in Busch competition.(ThatsRacin.com) AND Greg Biffle is set to make his first Busch Series start since wrapping up the 2002 championship at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Nov. 16. The event: the Carquest Auto Parts 300 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway on May 24. The car: the #9 Uh-Oh! Oreo Ford prepared by Roush Racing. Kraft Foods North America is extending its partnership with Roush Racing, taking the opportunity to introduce one of its newest products to race fans with a one-race sponsorship of the #9 Uh-Oh! Oreo Ford Taurus. Kraft Foods’ involvement with Roush Racing also consists of the Team Kraft sponsorship, which includes an associate sponsorship of Biffle along with teammates Mark Martin, Matt Kenseth, Jeff Burton and Kurt Busch in the Winston Cup Series. The #50 Craftsman Truck Series team will setup the car and service it throughout the weekend with Jon Monsam performing the crew chief duties.(Roush Racing PR)(5-14-2003)
What happens to Park and Chance 2? Been asked….UPDATE Park out, Parker In: Steve Park’s departure last week from DEI has created a chance for another driver in DEI’s affiliated Busch Series team. When Park was released it created a four-race vacancy in the seat of #8/81 Chance 2 Motorsports’ Chevy that owners Teresa Earnhardt and Dale Earnhardt Jr. field in select Busch Series events. A DEI spokesman said that the organization was close to naming a driver for the next race the team was supposed to do, the CARQUEST Auto Parts 300 next week at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. Chance 2 started the season with an approximate 14-race program: Three races for Earnhardt, five for Park (Las Vegas, Michigan in August [Tont Stewart?], Kansas and Atlanta), and six for Martin Truex Jr.(ran #81 at Richmond, others scheduled: Dover in June, Richmond, Charlotte in Oct, Rockingham and Homestead). Hermie Sadler is mentioned as one possible driver for Lowe’s as is Hank Parker Jr.(NASCAR.com)(5-13-2003) UPDATE: Chance 2 Motorsports, the team co-owned by Teresa Earnhardt and Dale Earnhardt Jr., will enter driver Hank Parker Jr. in the Charlotte Busch race. Parker Jr. also is scheduled to be in the car for three other Busch races this season, ThatsRacin.com has learned. Former Dale Earnhardt Inc. driver Steve Park was scheduled to run four races in that car, but was released from the team last week.(ThatsRacin.com)(see schedule on my #8 Cup Team News and Links page), should call it Team Junior: Dale Jr, Martin Jr and Hank Jr.(5-14-2003)
McLaughlin to run Featherlite Modified at Nazareth: “Magic Shoes” Mike McLaughlin will make his return to NASCAR Featherlite Modified racing this weekend at Nazareth Speedway, running the #21 Lombardi Inside Out/Rebuilders Automotive Chevy for champion car owner Art Barry in Sunday’s Service Electric 100. The car’s usual driver, Mike Stefanik, will be competing in the NASCAR Grand National Division, Busch North Series event at Lake Erie Speedway on Sunday. While it’s been ten years since McLaughlin has strapped in behind the wheel of a Modified, McLaughlin is no stranger to this type of racing. He won the series’ championship in 1988 and the Waterloo, NY native has posted 16 Featherlite Modified Tour victories, tying him for seventh all-time with fellow New Yorker Steve Park. McLaughlin’s last victory came in 1993 at Thompson Speedway. Modified racing isn’t the only thing on McLaughlin’s list of things to do this weekend. He’ll also be practicing Todd Bodine’s #92 ESGR Herzog Jackson Motorsports Chevy [Bodine will be in Charlotte for the Winston Open].(Nazareth Speedway PR)(5-14-2003)
Looking for a sponsor: America’s Most Wanted Motorsports Is actively looking for a primary sponsor for the remainder of the year for their team and driver Billy “Catfish” Parker. They have an extensive package that includes but not limited to a 45,000 square ft. facility, championship quality equipment and personnel and a guaranteed media package that includes national coverage equaling an estimated $2.5 million for the remainder of the 2003 racing season, this is in addition to the publicity from on track exposure. Contact Scott Davis, Director of Motorsports Affairs at 704-483-7233 or [email protected].(AMWM PR via BGNRacing.com)(5-13-2003)
Weber gets a sponsor; and crewmen: #84-Brian Weber has secured a marketing agreement with PlatinumOne Pre Paid Mastercard for the Nazerath Event. Details for the remainder of the season are being finalized. PlatinumOne Card is a rapidly growing stored value card offering payroll cardd and Mastercards, as well as Cheque Matico cards. Weber will be at the OnCenter in Syracuse NY on 5-15-03 attending the NY association of conviniece stores trade show AND Brian Weber is seeking mechanics, light fabricators, and entry level help. Please send resume or just a note with phone number to [email protected] or call 704-658-0428.(Brian Weber PR via BGNRacing.com) AND Fox Sports Net’s Totally NASCAR reports the sponsor is for the rest of the season.(5-13-2003)
#300 for Keller: When #57-Jason Keller takes the green flag at Nazareth Speedway on May 18th, he will not only be defending his race title, but making his 300th-career start as a Busch Series driver. Keller becomes only the fifth driver in NASCAR Busch Series history to reach the milestone joining Tommy Houston(417), Elton Sawyer(392), Dale Jarrett(324) and Randy LaJoie(301) – only LaJoie is still active in the Busch Series. Keller made his Busch Series debut in 1991 at Lanier Speedway in Georgia.(Elevation Motorsports PR)(5-13-2003)
Jay Robinson Racing Inks Deal with Fans Motorsports: Jay Robinson and Mark Westrick are pleased to announce that Fans Motorsports will sponsor the #49 Jay Robinson Racing Busch Series car for the remainder of the 2003 Season. Over the past 10 years there have been a number of organizations that have announced intentions to form a “fan-supported” race team and some have even taken to the track with limited success. Fans Motorsports and Jay Robinson Racing plan to take things a step further and bring the original concept full circle. Provide fans with the real thing, a full-time race team that will compete weekly in 2003 with significant support and input from a fan-based membership.(More info at the Fans Motorsports site)(5-13-2003)
#22 Releases Crew Chief: #22-Bost Motorsports announced today that they have released crew chief Matt Groeschl effective immediately. “Matt was instrumental in the turn around we have experienced here at Bost Motorsports since January,” stated team General Manager George Church. “We are grateful for all the hard work and dedication Matt has shown here and certainly wish him the best in the future. Matt is a very talented young man with a bright future in this sport and I am sure he will do well wherever he goes.” George Church will be assuming the duties of crew chief on an interim basis while the team restructures it’s roster.(Bost Motorsports PR via BGN Racing)(5-13-2003)
Truex Jr wins: To Martin Truex Jr. dominated by leading all 150 laps to win the NASCAR Busch North Series New England Dodge Dealers 150 at Stafford Speedway. The triumph was the fourth of Truex’s career and his second at the Connecticut half-mile oval. Driving a Chevrolet, Truex was also the race’s fastest qualifier at 90.000 mph. Starting from the pole slot, the Mayetta, N.J., driver quickly moved away from the remainder of the 30-car field and was never seriously threatened. Defending series champion Andy Santerre was second, followed by Ryan Moore, Matt Kobyluck and Tom Carey.(News Times)(5-12-2003)
Kyle Busch wins at Kentucky: Kyle Busch, the 18-year-old brother of Winston Cup driver Kurt Busch, won his second consecutive ARCA race, dominating most of Saturday night’s Channel 5-205 at Kentucky Speedway. Busch remains undefeated since joining Hendrick Motorsports in February to run a combination of ARCA and NASCAR Busch series races this season. To gain the win Saturday, Busch repeatedly held off veteran Frank Kimmel, who had won all three previous ARCA events at the 1.5-mile speedway, located about 40 miles southwest of Cincinnati. Kimmel, 41, is a four-time series champion. Busch’s win was the third by a teen in the past four ARCA races. Busch, then 17, won the April 11 race at Nashville, Tenn., and 17-year-old Shelby Howard won the April 27 race at Salem, Ind. Kimmel has finished second each time to Busch and Howard and won the last race, May 4 at Toledo, Ohio. Originally, Busch planned to sign with Roush and compete in the NASCAR Truck series. Roush also fields cars for Kyle’s brother, Kurt, who was in attendance Saturday night. Busch is scheduled to make his Busch debut May 24 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Concord, NC.(ThatsRacin.com), the race will be televised on Speed Channel on Sunday, May 11th at 2:00pm/et.(5-11-2003)
Riggs Wins at Gateway: #10 Scott Riggs won the Charter Pipeline 250 at Gateway International Speedway on Saturday, his first win of the 2003 season. #37-David Green was 2nd, followed by #57-Jason Keller, #5-Brian Vickers and #25-Bobby Hamilton Jr. David Green takes over the points lead by 5 over #92-Todd Bodine, who finished 11th.
For race results, see BGNRacing.com or NASCAR.com.(5-10-2003)
Lewis Jr wins pole at Gateway: #46-Ashton Lewis won the pole for Charter Pipeline 250 at Gateway International Speedway with a speed of 131.903mph, followed by #2-Ron Hornaday, #57-Jason Keller, #59-Stacy Compton and #38-Kasey Kahne. Only 42 cars showed up, so all made the field.
For qualifying results/lineup, see ThatsRacin.com, BGNRacing.com or NASCAR.com.(5-9-2003)
Sadler leaving #54? UPDATE 2 Sadler leaves Busch ride, will focus on Cup team: hearing that Hermie Sadler asked for and was given his release from his contract to drive for #54 Team Bristol Motorsports. No word on his future plans or those of Team Bristol Motorsports.(5-6-2003) UPDATE: also hearing Team Bristol will not go to the race at Gateway and that sponsor Toy-R-Us may be leaving the team.(5-7-2003) UPDATE 2 – Sadler leaves Busch ride, will focus on Cup team: Hermie Sadler has left the #54 Busch Series team, which is on hiatus for at least four races after apparently losing its primary sponsor. “The money hadn’t been there all year to do what we needed,” said Sadler, ranked 25th in the points standings through 10 starts with a best finish of 11th at Richmond. “They said they needed to take four to five weeks off, so I asked them to release me.” Sadler is focusing on his Winston Cup team and will drive a Virginia Tech-emblazoned car in The Winston Open on May 17 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. He is hunting for another Busch ride but didn’t rule out a return to the #54 if the team’s funding problems are resolved.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(5-9-2003)
Points Leader [#92 Bodine] to miss Richmond? UPDATE 3 gets a 6 race sponsor: Because of lack of sponsorship, it appears unlikely the team of Busch series points leader Todd Bodine will compete this weekend at Richmond, Va., team officials confirmed. Bodine, who was testing at Lowe’s Motor Speedway with his Winston Cup team Tuesday night, declined to comment on the situation when asked. Bodine’s team, which is expected to remain in business, has been without a sponsor since the start of the season.(ThatsRacin.com)(4-30-2003) UPDATE: Todd Bodine’s Busch team will make the trip to Richmond this weekend after all. Bodine, the Busch Series points leader in the #92 Chevy, said Wednesday that his Busch Series team has found a sponsor to keep the team going for the next few races. “We weren’t going to Richmond as of last night,” Bodine said. “But we have a sponsor that was going to sponsor us for four or five races starting at Charlotte that agreed to move that up. …It just buys us some time.” Bodine said three car owners in the Busch Series offered to put him in their cars at Richmond if his current team didn’t make it. One owner offered to build him a new car, but the car would have been entered past the NASCAR deadline and therefore he would not have been eligible for points had he driven that one. Bodine said the team is talking to another sponsor about a long-term deal for the rest of the season.(ThatsRacin.com) AND Busch series points leader Todd Bodine secured enough financing Wednesday to race Friday night in Richmond. Employer Supporting Guard and Reserves will sponsor the #92 Chevy for the next four to five events, Bodine said.(Sporting News/AP)(5-1-2003) BUT hearing that ESGR will not be the sponsor at Richmond, but a company Garmin will be. Garmin is a leader in Global Positioning System (GPS) technology and an innovator in consumer electronics. UPDATE 2: thegpsstore.com with help from Global Positioning Systems (GPS) manufacturer Garmin have signed on for a one-race deal allowing the #92 to run in Friday’s Hardee’s 250 at Richmond.thegpsstore.com came on board this past week in order to allow Todd Bodine and his crew to continue their quest for the 2003 NASCAR Busch Series championship. Even with a 99-point lead over second place, the points lost if they were to miss the event this weekend could send the team plummeting in the standings. With the considerable media covering the team’s sponsorship plight, Herzog Jackson Motorsports caught the eye of The GPS Store business owner Drew Reger. Fortunately, thegpsstore.com with help from Global Positioning Systems (GPS) manufacturer Garmin signed on for a one-race deal allowing the #92 to run in Friday’s Hardee’s 250 at Richmond. thegpsstore.com came on board this past week in order to allow Todd Bodine and his crew to continue their quest for the 2003 NASCAR Busch Series championship. “The media we have generated these past weeks has allowed us to be here today. In fact, our sponsor, Drew Reger, heard about our situation on XM Radio. He tracked us down and made us an offer. That’s the power of NASCAR’s media and NASCAR’s fans,” explained team co-owner Randy Herzog. “He heard about our situation and as owner of The GPS store he was able to make something happen for us – I can’t believe our good fortune. Drew understands the business benefits of NASCAR. Our job is to run up front and make sure our fans know that thegpsstore.com made it possible. I am so excited to be on the No. 92 Chevrolet Monte Carlo this weekend,” explained Reger. “I have been a NASCAR fan for years and I know the business opportunities a NASCAR sponsorship can provide. With this team running as well as it has, it just made sense for us to help out. We are all going to be on hand to see the race. Hopefully thegpsstore.com Chevrolet Monte Carlo will make its way to victory lane.”(Eclipse Management PR)(5-2-2003) UPDATE 3: Busch Series points leader Todd Bodine and #92 Herzog Jackson Motorsports (HJM) have signed a six-race partnership deal with ESGR (Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve) that will allow the team to continue its quest for the 2003 Busch Series Championship. The #92 HJM Chevy has been unsponsored for most of the season. The team, which is co-owned by Bill, Randy and Stan Herzog along with baseball Hall-of-Famer Reggie Jackson, ran without funding for the first nine races of this season. Questionable to run last weekend at Richmond, the team managed to land a one-race partnership deal with thegpsstore.com, an online site which specializes in the sales of Global Positioning Systems (GPS). Garmin, a leading manufacturer of GPS equipment, partnered with thegpsstore.com for the event. ESGR’s partnership with the HJM team allows the racing organization’s future to be less uncertain. Locations named in the partnership deal include: Gateway (Ill.) International Raceway, Nazareth (Penn.) Speedway, Lowe’s (N.C.) Motor Speedway, Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway, Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway and Kansas (Kan.) Speedway. Chartered in 1972 by Presidential Proclamation, the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defense agency that acts as a liaison between those serving in the Guard or the Reserve and their full-time civilian employers. Based in Arlington, Virginia and using a network of 4,200 volunteers nationwide and overseas, ESGR serves as the official employment rights information source for members of the Guard and Reserve and their civilian employers. Herzog Jackson Motorsports and ESGR will team up for the first time this weekend for the running of the Charter Pipeline 250 at Gateway (Ill.) International Raceway in Madison, Illinois. For more information on Herzog Jackson Motorsports, Todd Bodine and ESGR, please visit www.hjmotorsports.com, www.reggiejackson.com, www.todd-bodine.com and www.esgr.com.(Eclipse Management PR)(5-8-2003)
Busch Cars and Trucks? Cats and Dogs? With rain on both Monday and Tuesday shuffling the schedule, the Busch Series cars, preparing for the May 24 CARQUEST Auto Parts 300, and the Truck Series machines, testing for the inaugural Hardee’s 200 on May 16, shared the 1.5-mile superspeedway from 8:30am until rain ended the session 30 minutes early at 9:30pm. According to those in the garage area, it was the first time since the truck series debuted in 1995 that the pickups had shared a race track with the cars. “It was a really neat experience,” said David Starr, driver of the #75 Spears Manufacturing Chevy truck. “The cars were obviously much faster and I really had to watch my mirror and rely on my spotter in order to give them the right of way. We gave each other room and it worked really well after we got the hang of it. It was a cool situation and I would like to thank Lowe’s Motor Speedway because it gave drivers in both series more track time and considering the weather the last two days we all really needed it.”(LMS PR)(5-8-2003)
Scary Time for Tuna: Ed Susen (aka Tuna), motorcoach driver for Braun Racing team owner – Todd Braun – was the latest victim of a tornado in the Midwest. With his self labeled – Tuna Tour 2003, Tuna and the Newell motorhome began their trek to the Gateway International Raceway yesterday in preparation for this weekend’s NASCAR BGN Series event. As he approached the Illinois state line last evening, Tuna literally drove right into a tornado. The force picked up the motorhome and tossed it around before depositing it into a roadside ditch. Tuna, who was thrown around heavily in the encounter, received only minor injuries. Being towed behind the motorhome was a brand new enclosed trailer containing a company van, scooter and golf cart. It is believed at this point that everything is a total loss, but more importantly Tuna is doing well.(Braun Racing site)(5-8-2003)
Congrats: Veteran Busch Series Marketing and PR person for Camp and Assocates, Charlies Roakes and wife Grace welcomed a new arrival on Wednesday, Tyler McKay Roakes was born at 1:59pm, Tyler weighed 7 pounds 9 ounces and is 20 1/2 inches long.(5-8-2003)
Gateway Grand Marshal: Marine Pvt. Adrian Fakes, wounded in the battle of Al-Nasiryah during Operation Iraqi Freedom in March, will be the Grand Marshal for this year’s Charter Pipeline 250 at Gateway International Raceway. Fakes, a 21-year-old from Elsberry, Mo., is a member of the Second Combat Engineers Battallion. He was coming from the southern Iraqi city where he had succeeded in destroying a military installation when his unit encountered machine gun, grenade and rocket fire from Iraqi forces. He was wounded in the leg during the action.(Gateway International Raceway PR)(5-8-2003)
TV Ratings: After nine races of the NASCAR Busch Series season, the key demographic group ‘Male 18-34’ showed a 48% increase in television viewership for America’s No. 2 motorsports series. Also, after nine races the average household viewership for NASCAR Busch Series races was 2 million, a 4% increase from 2002. These increases can be traced, in part, to incredibly impressive numbers from the season-opening race, the Koolerz 300 at Daytona International Speedway. Broadcast by FOX, the race was the highest-rated (4.0) and most-watched (4,247,000) NASCAR Busch Series race in broadcast history. (Note: All figures compiled by Nielsen Media Research.)(NASCAR PR)(5-8-2003)
#34 gets an assoc: The Omega Coating Corporation, a high quality custom paint company, has signed on as an associate sponsor of the Frank Cicci Racing with Jim Kelly, NASCAR Busch Series race team for the balance of the 2003 season. Based in Eldorado, Kansas, Omega Coating Corporation is a manufacturer of custom coatings for specialized industries in three designated markets – industrial, aerospace and marine. Omega has utilized the latest technology resin systems in developing its specialized high solids, solvents and water-born coatings, which is the firm’s specialty. All of the #34 LesCare Kitchens Chevrolet Monte Carlo race cars being prepared for driver Mike McLaughlin at Frank Cicci Racing with Jim Kelly will now be painted with Omega products. The team has competed in two races thus far this season under the LesCare sponsorship with nine more on the schedule. The team will next run in the CarQuest Auto Parts 300 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Charlotte, NC on Saturday, May 24.(Frank Cicci Racing with Jim Kelly PR)(5-7-2003)
Tuesday Testing at Charlotte: #21-Kevin Harvick topped the speed charts Tuesday as NASCAR Busch Series teams tested at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in preparation for the May 24 CARQUEST Auto Parts 300. Persistent showers limited Busch Series drivers and teams to just one hour and 45 minutes of track time. Driving Richard Childress’ #21 Chevy, Harvick posted a lap of 30.161 seconds, 179.039 mph, on the unofficial watches to top the 14 Busch Series teams. Harvick, a four-time Busch Series starter at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, will be looking to duplicate the effort that saw him claim the pole for the 2001 CARQUEST Auto Parts 300. Kyle Busch, who turned 18 on May 2 and plans to make his first Busch Series start in the May 24 race, was second fastest in the #87 Chevrolet at 178.974 mph with Ron Hornaday third quickest at 178.536 mph in the #2 Chevrolet. Matt Kenseth was fourth at 178.341 mph in the #17 Ford with defending CARQUEST Auto Parts 300 winner Jeff Green rounding out the top-five in the #32 Chevrolet at 178.141. The testing session was a homecoming of sorts for Green who was reunited with veteran crew chief Harold Holly for the first time since they won the Busch Series title in 2001. Green already had plans to defend his CARQUEST Auto Parts 300 victory in a car owned by Amick Motorsports and prepared by Holly before he was fired Monday from his Richard Childress Racing Winston Cup ride. The yellow flag was never unfurled during the Busch Series portion of the test. With rain limiting track time for both divisions, the remaining schedule now calls for the Busch Series cars and Craftsman Truck Series machines to run alternating sessions on Wednesday from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. The trucks are then slated to continue testing until 10 p.m. The main grandstand will be open free to the public. Tickets for all May events at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, including the May 16 Hardee’s 200 and the May 24 CARQUEST Auto Parts 300, are available by calling 1-800-455-FANS or online at www.lowesmotorspeedway.com.
The unofficial top-10 speeds: NASCAR Busch Series:
#21-Kevin Harvick, 179.039
#87-Kyle Busch, 178.974
#2-Ron Hornaday, 178.536
#17-Matt Kenseth, 178.341
#32-Jeff Green, 178.141
#31-Dave Blaney, 178.118
#33-Tony Raines, 175.393
#6-Damon Lusk, 172.844
#56-Tim Sauter, 172.612
#86-Jeff Fultz, 171.276.(LMS PR)(5-7-2003)
Busch at Kentucky: Kyle Busch, driver of the #87 ditech.com Chevy, will make his second start for Hendrick Motorsports on Saturday at Kentucky Speedway in the ARCA Series.(HMS PR)(5-7-2003)
Harvick wins at Richmond: #21-Kevin Harvick won under caution in Friday night’s Hardee’s 250 at Richmond International Raceway. It’s Harvick’s 10th career NASCAR Busch Series victory and second in his past three races. Harvick has finished in the top 10 in each of his six series starts this season, including five top-fives. #10-Scott Riggs was 2nd, #33-Tony Raines finished third, pole winner #99-Michael Waltrip was fourth and #23-Scott Wimmer completed the top five. #92-Todd Bodine, who finished 29th, continues to lead the series points. The race was slowed 14 times by caution for 93 laps. There were 10 lead changes among eight drivers.(ThatsRacin.com)
For results, see ThatsRacin.com, BGNRacing.com, MotorsportsOne or NASCAR.com.(5-2-2003)
Waltrip wins pole at Richmond: #99-Michael Waltrip won the pole at Richmond got Friday night’s Hardee’s 250 with a speed of 125.523mph (7:30pm/et, FX). It is Waltrip’s fifth pole at Richmond and first of the 2003 season. #57-Jason Keller will start second, followed by #59-Stacy Compton, #48-Shane Hmiel, and #2-Ron Hornaday. New Jersey’s #81-Martin Truex will start 6th in Dale Earnhardt Jr’s Chance 2 car. Drivers had to wait through a more than 3½-hour delay because of moisture seepage coming up through the track. The first two drivers who tried to qualify – Jason Rudd and Dion Ciccarelli – both wrecked. Track officials then discovered water seeping through cracks in the track. After trying to get the water drained off by cutting grooves into the track, NASCAR made the decision to resume qualifying at approximately 8:00pm/et. Some drivers still complained about the track’s condition. “Some drivers said there were wet spots. We made the decision to go ahead and qualify based on talking to many of the drivers,” said NASCAR vice president Jim Hunter. “We felt it was OK.” The biggest problem areas were in entrance to Turn 1 and the exit to Turn 2. Hunter said heavy rain Wednesday night contributed to the problem and said NASCAR would monitor the situation overnight.(ThatsRacin.com)
Kind of a shame what happend to #84-Dion Ciccarelli and #01-Jason Rudd who crashed their cars when water seepage on the track caused them to wreck their cars and miss the race.
See qualifying results/lineup at ThatsRacin.com, BGNRacing.com or NASCAR.com.(5-2-2003)
Meeting the President: Tim Suggs co-owner of America’s Most Wanted/Body Dynamics Racing received a formal invitation from the White House to attend yesterdays Presidential signing of the “Child Protection Act” in the historic Rose Garden. “I was more than pleased to be asked to attend such an historic event.” stated Suggs, “and I am proud that the efforts of our America’s Most Wanted racing team gains such admiration and respect from President Bush and the White House.” The America™s Most Wanted racing team is still working to secure a full time sponsor for their program. For more information on the America’s Most Wanted Racing team please visit www.bodydynamicsracing.com .(5-1-2003)
Hmiel and #48 get a sponsor for Richmond: This week, Gearheadfans.com will adorn the hood and upper quarter panels of the #48. The team is still searching for primary sponsorship for the remainder of the 2003 season. Interested parties should email the team at [email protected].(5-1-2003)
Busch turns 18 on Friday: Kyle Busch’s 16-month exile from big-time stock-car racing ends tonight at the stroke of midnight when the Las Vegas youth turns 18 and can retrieve his NASCAR driver’s license. In December 2001, NASCAR president Mike Helton issued several decrees to shore up the sanctioning body’s beleaguered rule book. One of those proclamations was that drivers must be at least 18 years old to compete in NASCAR events. Busch, younger brother of Winston Cup sensation Kurt Busch, had run a limited Truck Series schedule for Roush Racing as a 16-year-old.(Daytona Beach News Journal), Busch will make his first Busch Series start for Hendrick Motorsports at Charlotte.(5-1-2003)
