November 1997 News Archives - Jayski's NASCAR Silly Season Site

PAST NEWS NOVEMBER 1997

Update: I hear that on Inside NASCAR today (TNN) it was reported that Larry Pearson will drive the #50 Bobby Jones BGN Pontiac in 1998(I thought the #50 was for the Washington-Erving BGN Dr Pepper Ford)(11-30-97)

(11-29-97)
Good News: NASCAR president Bill France Jr., recovering from a mild heart attack he had in Japan a week ago, is expected to leave Japan on 11-30 and return home on 12-1(AP)(11-29-97)
Many readers have reported to me that the radio show, Winston Cup Today is reporting that Home Depot will be the sponsor for the #98(11-29-97)
The Winston Cup Scene (11-27 issue) reports that contrary to published reports that Washington-Erving Motorsports team will not be sponsored by 7up(11-29-97)
The Diamind Ridge #29 BGN team with driver Elliott Sadler will switch to #66 in 1998(WC Scene) and I understand his brother Hermie will use the #29(11-29-97)

(11-27-97)
Greg Sacks has been named to drive the #98 Cale Yarborough Ford in 1998 and have named Mike Hillman crew chief(NASCAR Online), it is mentioned in the story that Hillman had just been announced as the crew chief of the #46. Not sure if this means Terry Shirley will be the crew chief there as announced on NASCAR Online back on 10-15(11-27-97)
Cale Yarborough Motorsports is expect to announce their primary sponsor for the #98 on December 10th and are still looking for major assoc sponsorship. I hear the primary sponsor will be Thorn Apple Valley(meat processing)(11-27-97)
The Charlotte Observer’s David Poole has a story about ‘The Hat Man’ in which he tells us that, Bill Brodrick hasn’t been booted from that job as reported. Brodrick worked as a publicity and public relations specialist for Unocal. According to a statement issued by Tosco Corporation, which purchased the assets of Unocal’s 76 Products Co. in April, Brodrick retired from Unocal effective July 31, 1996, so he never was officially a Tosco employee. His duties in Victory Lane are controlled by tracks and race organizers, and the Tosco statement said Brodrick is free to continue those duties.(Observer)(11-27-97)
Press Release: “KANNAPOLIS, N.C. – CAA Performance Group, LLC, which has fielded
the Big A Auto Parts Ford on the NASCAR Busch Grand National circuit this season, has brought in noted driver and crew chief Brad Noffsinger to lead the team as crew chief in 1998. The announcement was made by motorsports director Cary Agajanian. Noffsinger replaces John Birosh, who resigned as crew chief on Friday. “I want to confirm that we will be ready for Daytona in February,” Agajanian said. “There was never any question that we are moving forward, and have every intention of continuing with the Big A Auto Parts team. “We will continue to build upon the ongoing success of this race team. We are solidly behind Stevie Reeves as our driver, as we announced on
October 22nd, and we are very excited to have Brad Noffsinger join our team. We’ll have other additions and announcements in the near future that will excite a lot of people in this sport,” Agajanian said. CAA Performance Group, LLC plans on running a full NASCAR Busch Grand National schedule for the second straight year in 1998, Agajanian said. The team finished in the top 20 in the final standings, a strong
showing for a first-year full-schedule team. Noffsinger joins CAA from Sabco, where he served as crew chief for driver Wally Dallenbach’s NASCAR Winston Cup team. Though running a partial schedule, the car was one of the fastest at many events, and was
consistently a top qualifier.” (11-27-97)
Darrell Waltrip has announced that John Cunningham has been promoted to the position of team manager for his team(NASCAR Online)(11-27-97)
I now hear Tim Fedewa will remain in the #33 BGN Bace Chevy and not be released as reported here a few weeks past. I also hear that BGN driver Jason Keller’s plans are still up in the air and he is holding onto his equipment(11-27-97)
Officially announced on NASCAR Online: “Darrell Waltrip Motorsports has closed its NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series operation after its sponsor, Sears, Roebuck and Company, (Diehard) decided to discontinue its support.” All equipment will be sold and truck personnel will move over to the WC side(11-27-97)

(11-26-97)
SABCO has named crew chief’s for the three teams: #40 Coors Lite Chevy-Buddy Barnes(comes over from the #37); #42 BellSouth-Scott Eggleston(in house promotion);#46 First Union-Mike Hillman(moves over from the #40). Tony Glover assumes the role of SABCO team manager(NASCAR Online), not sure what happened to Terry Shirley who was named crew chief of the #46 in October(11-26-97)

(11-25-97)
Sources tell me that the rumor involving Ricky Craven getting released from the #50(was #25) Hendrick Bud Chevy is FALSE(11-25-97)
See the stories concerning Ricky Craven’s crew members at WRAL.(11-25-97)
“Bill Brodrick, (the hat man) long-time publicity and public relations specialist for the racing division of Unocal 76 and P.R. counsel for that division, has been terminated from the position. Unocal — the official racing gasoline of NASCAR — was acquired by TOSCO Corp. earlier this year.”(iRace)(11-25-97)
“For the first time in almost a century, Siemens is going racing. Back then, Siemens also built the car. This time around, Siemens will be the major associate sponsor of the #96 Caterpillar Chevrolet driven by David Green.”(Siemens Press Release)(11-25-97)
While Quaker State will not return as a primary sponsor on the Hendrick Motorsports Truck #24 in 1998, it WILL return as an associate on all 3 Hendrick Chevy’s. It was incorrectly reported here that QS would leave and Valvoline would return as an assoc, that is not the case.(11-25-97)
The #91 will run a minimum of 10 races next year, if they fail to get a primary sponsor. Secondary sponsor Pionite will provide the funds to accomplish the task. If they manage to nail down a primary sponsor, which they are still working on, they will run a full schedule. It also appears that Kevin Lepage will be the man behind the wheel.(Victory Lane, news section)(11-25-97)
As reported here a week ago: “The Indianapolis Motor Speedway will replace Charlotte Motor Speedway in next year’s four-race International Race of
Champions(IROC) schedule.” The dates for the races are: Daytona-2/13, California-5/2, Michigan-6/13 and Indy-7/31.(iRace and the Charlotte Observer a week ago). Of course these are not the dates the races will be televised.(11-25-97)
From the AP: Bill France, president of NASCAR president, was transferred to a Tokyo hospital 11-25 in preparation for his trip home after having a mild heart attack in Japan Friday, also see the story on NASCAR Online.(11-25-97)
I hear Dale Earnhardt Inc has hired 14 people from Hendrick Motorsports to work on the #14 Pennzoil Chevy(11-25-97)
“Kevin Cram, a member of 1996 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion Ron Hornaday’s team at Dale Earnhardt, Inc., has accepted the crew chief’s position for the 1998 season at Impact Motorsports, Inc., which fields Fords for driver Stacy Compton. Troy Selberg, who served as Impact Motorsports’ crew chief in 1997, will remain with the team but will assume the role of general manager.”(NASCAR Online)(11-25-97)
“Graybeal Motorsports plans to run 12 Busch Series events next season, with car owner Keith Graybeal teaming with former ARCA driver L.W. Miller III and
crew chief Teddy Brown to field Chevrolets in 1998. Miller will make his debut with Graybeal Motorsports in late February in the Busch Series event at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.”(iRace)(11-25-97)
The The CAA Performance Group, owners of the BGN #96 Big A Autoparts Ford, driven by Stevie Reeves has shut it’s doors because a dispute between owners – Cary Agajanian, Mike Curb, Don Laird and John Andretti. All employees were laid off on Friday(11-21). At this time there is no word on status of the team and if they will reopen the doors or not.(Speedworld and other sources)(11-25-97)
Mayflower Transit, an assoc sponsor on the #99 Exide Ford driven by Jeff Burton has renewed it’s agreement with the team for three more years(NASCAR Online)(11-25-97)

(11-23-97)
I hear Tommy Kendall will drive the #27 David Blair Ford in 1998, no idea on a sponsor(11-23-97)
“International Speedway Corporation announced Friday, that its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Bill France,(Jr) is resting comfortably in satisfactory condition at a Japanese hospital, following an angioplasty procedure. The Company expects Mr. France to make a complete recovery.”(thanks Cindy and Phatman), full story at Yahoo Business.(thanks Larry), also there is a story at iRace: France Resting after Heart Attack, Angioplasty Procedure in Japan.(11-21-97), France will be allowed to come back to the USA when he is well rested and ready to travel(RPM2Nite)(11-23-97)

(11-22-97)
Larry Lockamy owner of the #12 Chevy that Jeff Purvis drove in a few race in WC during the 1997 season still has no primary sponsor in WC but he will have a couple of WC cars ready for 1998 and they are still actively pursuing sponsors in WC and Busch. He will be forced to run only a very few races in Winston Cup if sponsorship doesn’t come. Purvis will still drive any Cup dates for Lockamy even though he left the Lockamy Busch #28 so he could run with James Finch #4 Lance Crackers sponsored effort in Busch.(11-22-97)
#91 Chevy owner, Joe Falk has been talking to several potential sponsors, but has not reached an agreement with any of them yet. Pionite parent company Pioneer Plastics is one of the companies currently in negotiation for full sponsorship. Also, apparently Hanes has not resigned with Gary Bradberry yet, and has approached Falk about sponsoring his team. They hope to have a sponsor signed soon, but in the event they don’t, Falk is prepared to run the first 5 races of 98 without a sponsor.(Victory Lane, news section)(11-22-97)
Veteran crew chief Darrell Bryant will be the crew chief of the Washington Erving Motorsports BGN Ford driven by Jimmy Foster and sponsored by Dr. Pepper soda(NASCAR Online)(11-22-97)
“Mark Martin put his Valvoline Ford on the pole at Suzuka Circuitland, all the while it was raining! The cars have special windshield wipers on them, rain tires, and a running light on the rear bumper. The morning two hour practice was run entirely in the rain, a first for NASCAR. The qualifying format was also modified due to the weather. Qualifying order was determined in reverse order of the morning practice, slowes to fastest. Five cars were sent out at a time for three laps, and the fastest of the three laps determined the starting grid.”(Speedworld)(11-22-97)

(11-21-97)
From the Ricky Craven site, part of a press release: “While the Budweiser Chevy will change next year to No. 50 to commemorate NASCAR’s 50th Anniversary of racing excellence, Ricky Craven, driver of Budweiser’s No. 25, will remain behind the wheel of the newly numbered car. The No. 50 design imprinted on Budweiser’s car next year is a direct lift from NASCAR’s 50th Anniversary logo.” So take it for what it is worth, I am hunting down the Craven out of the Bud car rumor with all my sources, like I have said before, I doubt this rumor and it doesn’t seem to make sense to me, take the report with a grain of salt until I can find out more(11-21-97)
Sears Diehard is leaving Darrell Waltrip’s truck team. They are not going to go to another team but getting out to concentrate their efforts elsewhere. If DW does not get a sponsor soon they plan to sell the trucks and equipment(11-21-97)
Great stories at NASCAR Online on the Silly Season: Changes are in the wind for 1998 season and also on iRace Gordon Living Hard-to-Believe Dream.(11-21-97)
“As part of the release of NASCAR ’98 for Sony Playstation,
Electronic Arts will sponsor Tex Racing and driver Kenny Wallace in the Suzuka Thunder 100. Wallace, a regular Ford driver, will pilot the #72 Chevrolet Monte Carlo in the exhibition.”(Speednet)(11-21-97)

(11-20-97)
Here’s a wild rumor: Ricky Craven released by Hendrick Motorsports???? I hear Jeff Purvis is being considered?? If this happens it will be a surprise to me.(see above stories)(11-20-97)FALSE
TNN has an excellent story about Rich Bickle signing with the Washington-Erving WC team with 7-Up as the sponsor and Phil Hammer as the crew chief, see the story at TNN Motorsports. The sponsor makes sense since Dr. Pepper is their BGN sponsor and 7-Up and Dr. Pepper are the same company.(11-20-97)
I heard from a source that Rudd Performance Motorsports is not selling the team and the rumor reported here a few days ago is untrue (see the LTN rumor on 11-16)(11-20-97)
CBS Sports will broadcast the Pepsi 400 from Daytona live in prime time starting in 1998. The 40th running of the Pepsi 400, Saturday, July 4 at 8pm(et) on CBS, marks the first time a network will broadcast an auto race live in prime time.(NASCAR Online)(11-20-97)
Another Ray Evernham story: Gordon Hopes to Keep Evernham as Crew Chief by Mike Harris of the AP(11-20-97)

(11-19-97)
I hear Cale Yarborough Motorsports(#98) has signed Thorne Apple Valley as their primary sponsor(11-19-97)
Gary DeHart has left Hendrick Motorsports and will be the General Manager/Crew Chief for Lyndon Amick’s #35 BGM Pontiac team(RPM2Nite)(11-19-97)
Now I hear Mike Wallace is talking to the #98 team, no idea about a crew chief now, but head engine builder Tony Santicola is staying with the #98, so expect strong engines for this team again in 1998(11-19-97)
I hear Michael Jordon may join Washington-Erving as a partner(11-19-97)
Officially announced that the Bud Chevy, driven by Ricky Craven will be #50 in 1998 in honor of NASCAR’s 50th anniversary(RPM2Nite)(11-19-97)
Want to see the new layout of Sears Point go to Sears Point Homepage.(11-19-97)
From a reader who emailed Texaco: Ques- Will it(the #28) have his new paint scheme, or will it be the same as Ernie’s?; Ans- The car for the Japan race will be “CALTEX” branded and the new paint scheme will be relatively close in color. The uniform will be white with the Caltex brand.(Brian and Texaco)(11-19-97), I saw a shot of the car and it did not look that much different(11-23-97)
Two-time NASCAR Winston Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon had successful surgery Wednesday morning to remove a polyp from his vocal cords and was resting comfortably at home late in the afternoon, a Hendrick Motorsports spokesperson reported. Due to the surgery, Gordon will be forced to miss this weekend’s NASCAR Thunder Special Suzuka at the Suzuka Circuit in Japan.(NASCAR Fans)(11-19-97)
The rumor has been dispelled: See the story at NASCAR Online, Evernham silences departure rumors(11-19-97)
From a reader thru NASCAR Fans: Concerning the Bud Moore and Tim Steele info, they are linked together. In The State (newspaper, Columbia, SC) a few days before Atlanta, there was an article about Bud Moore and his lack of running a race this year. In the article, both Bud Moore and Tim Steele mentioned that they would be teaming together next year as partners with Tim Steele buying out Bud Moore’s team in the future(Chris & NASCAR Fans)(11-19-97)
Bill Elliott underwent surgery Wednesday to remove plates and screws from his left hip that was placed in the hip in April 1996 following a crash at Talladega(Thanks Chaz Hinkle and the AP)(11-19-97)
“On Feb. 15, 1998, more than 40 drivers will pursue that trophy and their share of a NASCAR-record $6 million in posted awards. The posted awards for the 1998 Daytona 500 are a record for the NASCAR Winston Cup Series. To date, no NASCAR Winston Cup event has paid awards equaling $5 million or more.”(DaytonaUSA), see the story at
Daytona USA.(11-19-97)
I hear that Goodyear is prepared to use the rain tires that were tested last year if it rains during the exhibition race in Japan, which is on a road course, oh yes, Goodyear will be leaving Formula One as a tire supplier after the 1998 season(11-19-97), the tires were used during practice and qualifying
Ed Berrier has signed a deal to drive the full BGN schedule in 1998 for the #77 PRW Racing Lear Ford team. The announcement was made during the broadcast of the ARCA race at Atlanta by one of the broadcasters. No idea if he will continue to drive for Sadler Racing.(11-19-97)
I hear Rich Bickle has signed a 2 year deal with Washington-Erving for their WC Ford(I hear iRace has info on this), I hear 7-Up will be the sponsor, not sure of the car#. I hear Phil Hammer will take the crew chief job for Washington-Erving and not the #98(11-19-97)
I hear Rich Bickle may not take the deal with the #98 and may instead sign with Washington-Erving instead.(11-19-97)

(11-17-97)
Update: Was looking through the National Speed Sport News(NSSN) and there is a story by Stan Creekmore called “What’s ‘In the Best Interest of the Sport'”. A good story where Stan explains the Billy Standridge engine controversy and even mention’s this site and the web address. Stan has emailed me a copy and given me permission to link the story to a webpage I have made for it. The story was in the latest edition of the NSSN dated 11-12-97. See the story at What’s ‘In the Best Interest of the Sport’.(11-17-97)
A reader got this response from MCI on possible NASCAR sponsorship after asking MCI if they were going to sponsor Geoff Bodine: “Thanks for dropping by the site and for taking the time to leave a us message. Yes, MCI should have a Cup car next year (and a Busch and a Craftsman Truck) but we can’t publicly say who yet. MCI and Geoff did talk, but another sponsor got him. Look for an announcement at the banquet.”(thanks Pete)(11-17-97)
It’s official: John Andretti, who won his first NASCAR Winston Cup race this season, will return to Petty Enterprises in 1998 to drive the #43 STP Pontiac for Richard Petty.(11-17-97)
“The NASCAR Thunder Special – Suzuka is the second of the NASCAR exhibition races in the Pacific Rim, scheduled to be held at Suzuka Circuitland on Sunday, Nov. 23, at. 12:30pm (Japan Time). Because Japan is 14 hours ahead of the United States, the race will air live in the United States on Saturday, Nov. 22, at 10:40pm (EST), TBS Superstation will broadcast the race live in the United States.”(Fast Lane Racing)(11-17-97)
“Charlotte Motor Speedway will not be part of the 1998 International Race of Champions(IROC) series. The series, matching drivers from various racing circuits in identical cars, has raced at CMS on the Friday night before The Winston the past two years. Next year’s IROC schedule reportedly will include Daytona, Talladega, Indianapolis and California. The addition of an IROC event at Indianapolis Motor Speedway could rekindle interest in the series, which Mark Martin has won the past two years. CMS also has decided to take the July 25 date it was given by the Indy Racing League for its second open-wheel event. The track doesn’t like having that race scheduled on the same weekend Winston Cup cars are racing at Pocono, Pa., but officials have decided to live with it.”(Charlotte Observer), I think this is incorrect as California replaced Talladega last year and now Indy will replace Charlotte in 1998, Michigan is an IROC track as far as i know for 1998 and have had readers email me that they have gotten their ticket renewal for 1998 it had an IROC race scheduled for Saturday, June 13th.(11-17-97)
I hear Cale Yarborough has made Rich Bickle an offer and the sponsor will be Thorne Apple Valley a meat processing company and that the team is going to have to come up with 1 or 2 associates to be able to maintain the budget they got from RCA.(11-17-97)
John Andretti signed last Wednesday with Richard Petty for the #43 ride. I hear the King will make an announcement Tuesday, 11-18.(11-17-97)
“At the NASCAR Winston West Banquet Monday night in Las Vegas, GEOFF LEE of Sears Point Raceway confirmed what many already knew…that next time NASCAR runs an event there it will be on the new course which is under construction now. There will be a
configuration which will be called The Chute and will run from Turn Four to Turn Seven and cut out the twisty bits.”(The Snoop-Racing PR)(11-17-97)

(11-16-97)
Here is a wild one: From the LTN hour, a syndicated radio show from Milwaukee, WI, Ricky Rudd is ready to sell his race team to Heilig-Meyers. That would give Heilig Meyers 2 teams, because they are buying Junie Donlavey out also. The teams would be run as 2 independent teams. Hmm…not sure about this one, can’t imagine Rudd giving up control, but the LTN hour was right about the Dick Trickle BGN sponsor news and must have some inside news on the Trickle teams who also drives the #90(LTN Hour)(11-16-97) sources say this won’t happen
UNOCAL 76 money for winning from the pole will stand at $53,200 and be available to the pole winner of the Daytona 500 in February 1998. The NASCAR WC Leader Bonus ended at $70,000 and will be added to the point fund and distributed to the top 10 in points at the Banquet, see the explanations at Misc Stats and Japan News.(11-16-97)
RPM2Nite on 11-15 mentioned that the Penske/Kranefuss ‘merger’ announcement that was planned for Atlanta has been pushed back a few weeks. It won’t be a true 2 car team, the first year the teams will just share information and possible merge in 1999(RPM2Nite)(11-16-97)
Mike Skinner won the WC Rookie of the year with 257 points, David Green was 2nd with 227, Jeff Green moved up to 3rd with 214 and Robby Gordon finished last and 4th with 208(AP)(11-16-97)

(11-15-97)
Geoff Bodine’s new sponsor is expected to be WorldCom(MCI?), the communications conglomerate run by one of his car owners, John Porter(JournalNow)(11-15-97)
“Hendrick’s operation plans a two-day “engine research and development” test at Metro-Dade Homestead Motorsports Complex next weekend with a Winston Cup car, probably one of 1996 champion Terry Labonte’s No. 5 Chevrolets. It will be the first to put a Cup car on the 1.5-mile oval.” See the story at: Winston Cup research run at Homestead.(Miami Herald)(11-15-97), have heard nothing about this since(12-2-97)
Rick Mast and the #75 Remington Ford owned by Butch Mock will have a new paint scheme in 1998. I hear it will be more yellow with green and orange(11-15-97)
“Schneider National Inc., North America’s largest truckload carrier, Saturday
morning announced its sponsorship of the Dennis Shoemaker-owned NASCAR Busch Series Grand National Division team with driver Dick Trickle for the 1998 season.”(NASCAR Online), in the #64 Chevy as rumored here thanks to the LTN hour and for more info see The Shoemaker Racing Page.(11-15-97)
Jeff Gordon crashed his primary car during Saturday morning practice, he was on pit road trying to get the tires up to temp and skidded into the parked #43. Both Gordon and Hamilton must go to backup cars as both cars were too damaged to get fixed in time. Jimmy Spencer, debuting his 1998 colors, crashed his No. 23 Team Winston
Ford in morning practice as well. Spencer was also forced to a backup car(not sure if it is a Winston or Camel car). Geoff Bodine was fastest in Sat morning practice at 196.255mph and ran a qual lap of 197.478mph(ESPN2 Qual)(11-15-97)
As rumored here but I had no idea what team: “Players Inc., the licensing and marketing subsidiary of the NFL Players Association, will be an associate sponsor of the Petty Enterprises No. 43 Pontiac, the No. 44 PE2 Pontiac of Kyle Petty and the Petty team’s Craftsman Truck Series entry”(SpeedNet)(11-15-97)
John “Andretti, meanwhile, would not confirm or deny reports that he has signed on with the Richard Petty team for next year. “There’s nothing down in writing,” Andretti said. Asked whether he has a handshake agreement with Petty, Andretti smiled and said, “I’m an agreeable type of guy.” Yarborough crew members said Yarborough now has a sponsor, said to be an Illinois meat processing company. Yarborough would not be specific but said he is optimistic.”(SpeedNet) and another…”And it appears John Andretti will finally sign a long anticipated deal with Richard Petty to replace the outgoing Bobby Hamilton. Sources told iRACE that the announcement could come as early as Monday. Andretti’s car owner, Cale Yarborough, will likely sign truck standout Rich Bickle.”(iRace)(11-15-97)
“NAPA has signed on to sponsor the November Winston Cup race at AMS for five more years”(SpeedNet)(11-15-97)
“Preston Miller, who “resigned” as Ford’s NASCAR program director three weeks ago, has agreed to keep the job, under the regime of new Ford Special Vehicle Operations chief Dan Davis. Miller will continue as an independent contractor under contract to Ford, Miller said.”(SpeedNet) and another…”Ford Motor Co. announced the replacement for Bruce Cambern, who resigned from his post amid pressure as the automaker’s top auto racing official two weeks ago. He’s Dan Davis, who moves over from Ford Automotive Operations, where he served as executive director. Davis, 48, has a lengthy engineering involvement with the company, including a stint as Ford director of vehicle controls and powertrain products.”(iRace)(11-15-97)
This just in from Speedworld: “After a meeting with Goodyear, the plan is to throw a competition yellow around Lap 25 to check tire wear. Although NASCAR was fairly satisfied with tire wear after the rain-shortened happy hour, the rain and the rubber laid down by the ARCA cars has everyone wondering what will happen concerning tire wear Sunday. All teams will start out with 3 sets of tires. Once they go beyond that, they get the 4th, then the 5th. When they get to the 7th and 8th set of tires, no team will get their 9th set of tires until everyone has had a chance to get their 7th and 8th sets.”(Speedworld)(11-15-97)

(11-14-97)
I hear that on the LTN hour on 11-2 (LTN hour is a nationally syndicated show based out of Milwaukee, WI), it was revealed that Darrell Waltrip will be sponsored by the FOX TV network(11-2-97) and Darrell Waltrip confirmed yesterday he plans to spend 2 more seasons as a full-time driver and that he is close to securing a sponsor for next year.(Times-Dispatch)(11-14-97)
“Bill Elliott announced Friday he will join with NFL quarterback Dan Marino to run a second car for the 1998 season. FirstPlus Financial is sponsoring the No. 13 Ford, which will be driven by rookie Jerry Nadeau. Thirteen is the uniform number of the Miami Dolphins quarterback. Nadeau drove five races this year in the No. 1 car, never finishing higher than 30th before he was replaced by another rookie, Lance Hooper.
Marino joins the growing list of stars from other sports with ties to racing, including Joe Gibbs, Mark Rypien, Joe Montana, Joe Washington, Julius Erving, Walter Payton, Brad Daugherty and Jim Harbaugh. The second car has no impact on Elliott’s No. 94 team, which will continue to be sponsored by McDonald’s.”(NandoNet), Jerry Pitts will be the crew chief(iRace)(Pitts, good name for a crew chief)(11-14-97)
Speednet has a story about scanner legalities: Scanners safe from legislation.(11-14-97)
Reported on this a few weeks back but Speedworld has a much more detailed story at: FansTeam/ARBY’s brings NASCAR closer to fans(11-14-97)
As announced here: “Amoco announced yesterday it will sponsor a new Busch Grand National team owned by Bill Davis. Driving the car will be Dave Blaney, a former sprint car champion who has earned more than $3.5 million. It’s a three-year deal. The team plans to race in 21 events next season, the full schedule in 1999 as well as a few Winston Cup races. If all goes well, plans are to move to Winston Cup in 2000.”(Times-Dispatch), former crew chief of the #81, Gil Martin will head up the new team(11-14-97)
Good stories at MCI Racing about the Ford Thunderbird and Darrell Waltrip(11-14-97)
Just got an email from Chevron, they say they will not be sponsoring a NASCAR team in 1998(Chevron)(11-14-97)
The #77 Jasper team has announced Robert Pressley will drive their Ford in 1998(11-14-97)
“Wally Dallenbach said yesterday the details have been worked out on a new contract that’ll keep all the principals in place for another two years, but he’ll also be getting another infusion of newness. That would be a new crew chief, Mike Hillman, as well as several other crew members who’ll arrive from Sabates’ No. 40 car. Dallenbach’s present crew chief, Terry Shirley, will work on Marlin’s ride next year.”(Times-Dispatch)(11-14-97)
“Talladega Superspeedway officials demolished the track’s 22-year-old press box last week to make room for a larger facility. Also, two additional buildings with restrooms and concession stands will be built in the same vicinity.”(SpeedNet)(11-14-97)
Dick Trickle has an announcement planned for this weekend. He will announce his Grand National series sponsor for 1998 on Saturday morning.(Charlotte Observer), I hear the sponsor will be Schneider Trucking out of Green Bay, WI(11-14-97)

(11-13-97)
NASCAR Online has the line-up for the Japan race on November 23, 1997 at:
NASCAR Suzuka Thunder Special Entry List(11-13-97)
Check out the new driving school, David Pearson’s Performance Racing School and Hot Lap Driving Experience will provide race fans the opportunity to drive Martinsville Speedway twice during December. See the story at: Pearson gives fans a close-up.(11-13-97)
CART team, Pac West plans to run a Dodge truck team in 1998(11-13-97)
Rich Bickle has left DW’s WC and truck teams. If Andretti takes the #43 ride, Bickle will probably end up in the #98. If Andretti stays, look for Bickle in either the Washington-Erving ride or the #43 ride. As for the truck team, things are up in the air, they may sell or may try to run in 1998. No word on DW’s sponsor for 1998 yet(11-13-97)
I hear that Chicago Rawhide(CR) Oil Seals and bearings will be an associate sponsor on the #99 Exide Ford in 1998(11-13-97)
Bill Elliott has a press conference scheduled for Friday(11-14) night in Atlanta to announce his second team with Jerry Nadeau as the driver. The car will be #13 with a green, white and orange paint scheme and First Plus as the sponsor. Dan Marino is unable to attend the press conference, but will answer questions via satellite. I hear Jerry Pitts will be the crew chief(11-13-97)
The #91 LJ Racing Chevy will attempt to make the NAPA 500 with Kevin LePage as the driver and Pionite and Shelby America as the sponsor(RPM2Nite)(11-13-97)
Heard a rumor that a new WC team would be starting up with Chevron as the sponsor (11-11-97) and I hear Tim Steele may be the driver, bot sure what happened to the Bud Moore/Steele merger(11-13-97)

(11-12-97)
I hear Phil Hammer, former crew chief of the #25 Bud car will take Tony Furr’s place as the crew chief on the #98 car. Of course we all know Furr is going to the #25(#50) Bud team after the 1997 season as the crew chief(11-12-97)
I hear that Quaker State may not be leaving Hendrick Motorsports and Jack Sprague said on RPM2Nite that QS will stay on as an associate sponsor and they are looking for a primary sponsor. The past rumor was Valvoline Quik-Lube and I doubt they would allow QS to stay on the truck as an associate.(11-12-97)
In a story on the News and Record website about Washington-Erving Motorsports it is mentioned that the team is on the verge of signing a driver within the next week. See the story at Joe Washington – much regard for stock car racing(11-12-97)
ARCA Champion Tim Steele who crashed in the #15 Bud Moore Ford last week during an Atlanta test and was injured will not race in either Atlanta race this coming weekend and the Bud Moore team has withdrawn it’s entry for the NAPA 500(RPM2Nite, Chaz Hinkle and the AP)(11-12-97)
“Ten Pontiac’s will attempt to qualify at Atlanta, and should they all make the show, it will mark the most Grands Prix in a Winston Cup race in the 1990s.”(iRace), let’s see #00, #1, #18, #22, #30, #35, #36, #43, #44 and #97(11-12-97)
Randy “LaJoie became the first driver in the Busch Series’ 16-year history to earn $1 million during a season, once all his post-season bonuses are figured in, as well
as becoming the series’ all-time earnings leader.” his season earnings:$1,057,201.(iRace)(11-12-97)

(11-11-97)
Terry Labonte is not going to Japan and Jack Sprague will driver the #5 Chevy, Rain-X will be the sponsor(11-11-97)
“Pennzoil Products Company announced Tuesday that Gumout will sponsor the #30 Bahari Racing Pontiac driven by Derrike Cope in 1998″(NASCAR Online), looks like the earlier rumor of Jiffy Lube being the sponsor was incorrect(11-11-97)
Cartoon Network Wacky Racing will be unveiling their #9 1998 Ford Taurus car on CNN’s TalkBack Live, this Thursday(11-13) between 3:30-4 pm(est). It will be a NASCAR show with Lake Speed and Bill Elliott talking about the sport and the NAPA 500. At some time during the show, the will unveil the car Lake will drive next year. I hope to have images sometime Thursday to post(11-11-97)
“With only one of 32 races remaining in the Winston Cup season, there have been 10 winners. Four drivers who won at least once in 1996 remain winless. They are Dale Earnhardt, Sterling Marlin, Geoff Bodine and Bobby Labonte.”(Speedworld)(11-11-97)
I hear NFL Players Inc. will make an announcement at Atlanta on their involvement
with a NASCAR Winston Cup Team for 1998(11-11-97)
I hear from a reader: The #3 and #31 cars were testing at the track, and Jay Sauter, Mike Dillon (Childress’s son-in-law) and Dave Marcis were testing the #3 and #31 Chevy’s at Talladega on Monday(11-10). Marcis put one of the cars in the wall during the test in the morning. Per “Winston Cup Today” radio show, the car Marcis was testing was destroyed, the right rear tire blew, Marcis was ok, they were
testing the new SB2 GM heads(11-11-97)
Kevin Lepage will attempt to make the NAPA 500 in Atlanta in the the #91 LJ Racing Chevy with Doug Richert as the crew chief and Clyde Booth as a technical consultant during qualifying(RPM2Nite)(11-11-97)
A BGN rumor has Tim Fedawa out of the #33 BACE Motorsports chevy with Jason Keller taking that ride and no third BACE team(11-11-97)

(11-10-97)
Check out the image of the car Mark Martin will drive in Japan: Valvoline/Kosei Thunderbird, also the #35 Tabasco Pontiac and Derrike Copes BGN ride are pictured at VPS Motorimages(11-10-97)
Bill Weber said on 11-9’s RPM2Day that Geoff Bodine has a sponsor, but is waiting to make the announcement. Some rumors I hear include MCI Worldcom, Radio Shack and Quaker State(11-10-97)

(11-9-97)
Winston West Las Vegas results and stories at:: Las Vegas Review-Journal. Results can be found at: Nando Net from the AP. Still no idea when it will be on TNN. I would have thought with so many WC regulars attempting this race there would have been more coverage. The Winston West Page and the Las Vegas Motor Speedway Page also have info on the race(11-9-97)
Llumar Window Film will sponsor the #93 Great Dane Racing Chevy Trucks in 10 races in 1998, with Mike Skinner driving 5 races, son Jamie Skinner in 2 races and owner Dana Dorman in 3 races(NASCAR Online)(11-9-97)
More truck news: Ron Barfield will drive the #35 Ortho Lawn & Garden Products Chevrolet in 1998 in a one-year deal. Any NASCAR Busch Series program Barfield would do in 1998 would be independent of Bill Elliott’s race team which he ran in this year. Wayne Anderson signed a three-year deal and will replace departing driver Kenny Irwin in the No. 84 Liberty Racing Ford, which will be sponsored in 1998 by Porter-Cable Power Tools. The team/sponsor choose #84 to have it’s own identity from the #98 and will be painted bright red(NASCAR Online)(11-9-97)
The LTN Hour(“The LTN Hour is a live NASCAR/Winston Cup call-in radio program with hosts announcer/humorist Todd Behling and veteran parts supplier/chassis specialist Ed Cluka. An acronym for “Let’s Talk NASCAR”, the show started in 1985 on WAUK, broadcasting out of Waukesha/Milwaukee, and was syndicated in 1993. For affiliate and/or sponsorship information, call 1-800-227-3586.”) reports that Dick Trickle’s #64 BGN Chevy will be sponsored by Schneider Trucking out of Green Bay WI. in 1998(11-9-97)
Luxaire will return as the sponsor on the #99 Chevy driven by Glenn Allen, Jr for 1998.(NASCAR Online)(11-9-97)
Just heard that the Andy Santerre-Ricky Craven BGN deal has come apart because Andy’s Busch North Sponsor Monroe Muffler did not come up with enough money for the BGN deal. Santerre has now been linked to three BGN deals (36, 45, 2) that have all fallen through. I hear Craven is now talking to an ASA or ARCA driver(11-9-97)
News on BGN driver Dale Shaw’s plans for 1998 at George’s NASCAR Page(11-9-97)

(11-8-97)
“Additional bonus awards from Winston and Unocal have pushed the purse for the 38th annual NAPA 500 on Sunday Nov. 16 above $2 million for the first time in Atlanta Motor Speedway history.”(NASCAR Online)(11-8-97)
“Engine builder, David Evans, has been hired by #75 team owner Butch Mock to oversee an in-house engine program at Butch Mock Motorsports. The team plans to utilize its own powerplants beginning with the 1988 Daytona 500.”(NASCAR Online)(11-8-97)
Fleetwood Motorhomes supposedly will leave the #2 Rusty Wallace Miller Lite team and will sign on with the #88 RYR Ford(11-8-97)

(11-7-97)
Jimmy Spencer will run his 1998 Winston paint job at Atlanta. As reported in the past Wally Dallenbach will run a Woody Woodpecker/Universal Studios paint scheme at Japan, blue with a yellow hood. Earnhardt is running a special AC-Delco paint job for Japan again(11-7-97)
“Goodyear has released the specifics on tires for the season finale at the reconfigured Atlanta Motor Speedway Nov. 16. Left front tire pressure will be set at 30 pounds per square inch; left rear at 30 psi; right front at 48 psi; and right rear
at 45 psi. The Goodyear Eagle Superspeedway Radials will have a left-side circumference of 87.4 inches and a right-side circumference of 88.6 inches.”(SpeedNet)(11-7-97)
I hear in yesterdays Atlanta Journal, NASCAR announced that they were not going to make any changes to the cars for the upcoming race at Atlanta(i.e. no restrictor plates…)(11-7-97)
I hear current #98 assoc sponsor Campbell-Husfield (the compressor people) is talking to the team about primary sponsorship for 1998.(11-7-97)
Tony Furr will become the crew chief of the Budweiser Chevy driven buy Ricky Craven in 1998. He is leaving the #98 RCA(for now) Ford team who has no sponsor for 1998(RPM2Nite)(11-7-97)
David Poole of the Charlotte Observer has a good story (another one) on the Craven Provisional used at Phoenix. See the story at NASCAR on spot over Craven’s spot(11-7-97)
I also hear Hendrick Motorsports has removed the Quaker State stickers from it’s cars, no idea if this means the stickers will be gone from the Atlanta cars or if anything else will replace them(such as Valvoline)(11-7-97)
I hear that Gary DeHart has a huge three-year offer from another team to be a team manager but has turned it down to stay at Hendrick Motor Sports(11-7-97)
Looks like the rumor I heard that actor/race driver Paul Newman will attempt to make the Homestead BGN race is untrue, he is not on the entry list. Ends up Newman ran some laps at Nashville during the Mark Colley race.(11-7-97)
Wayne Anderson will drive the #84 Porter-Cable Power Tools Ford for Liberty Racing. The team is switching the number as to break from Raybestos and Kenny Irwin, Jr.(11-7-97)
Big Story and news! “A $25 million – $30 million motorsports facility will come to
town in the near future, according to new owners of Nashville Speedway USA. Dover Downs Entertainment Inc.,(DVD) which operates the successful Dover Downs International Speedway in Dover, Del., today announced it has acquired Nashville Speedway USA with the intention of building a new speedway in another location. Gaylord Entertainment will become a minority partner in the project. According to Dover Downs President and CEO Denis McGlynn, “The facility will house a superspeedway(at least a mile in length), a drag strip, a dirt track and a road course.” Initially the seating will be for about 50,000 fans with the ability to expand that right from the start. See the full story by Joe Caldwell/Banner Sports Writer at Gaylord Joins Venture to build $25M Motorsports Complex(forwarded to me by a reader/Nashville Banner). Also see The Nashville Speedway Page for additional info.(11-7-97)

(11-6-97)
Jerry Pitts is going to be the crew chief for Bill Elliott’s second team with driver Jerry Nadeau. Pitts has been working for Bahari Racing(#30) as
a fabricator and on raceday pit crew and is from Bakersfield, CA(11-6-97)
“NASCAR spokesman Kevin Triplett said no decision has been made on what steps, if any, should be taken to slow the cars(at Atlanta). But he said a testing session on Tuesday was more encouraging than the first trips around the repaved track a couple of weeks ago. The tires were wearing longer and speeds didn’t seem quite so treacherous.”(Charlotte Observer)(11-6-97)
“John Andretti’s Winston Cup future apparently lies with Richard Petty, not Cale Yarborough. Bobby Hamilton, who will leave as driver of Petty’s No. 43 Pontiac’s after the Atlanta race, said in a recent on-line chat session that he believes Andretti will replace him. Tony Furr, crew chief for Andretti on the Yarborough-owned team this year, has reportedly agreed to become Ricky Craven’s crew chief for the 1998 season. Craven’s current chief, Andy Graves, will be Terry Labonte’s crew chief next season.
Who will drive Yarborough’s No. 98 Fords next year, provided a sponsor to replace RCA can be found? Perhaps Rich Bickle, who was supposed to move from the truck that Darrell Waltrip owns into a Winston Cup ride for Waltrip next season. Waltrip is having trouble finding a sponsor for his own car, let alone two sponsors for a two-car team, and has told Bickle he’s free to look for other options.”(Charlotte Observer)(11-6-97)

(11-5-97)
Tim Steele crashed the #15 DaytonaUSA Bud Moore Ford at Atlanta, was taken to the hospital but they do not think he sustained any serious injuries. No idea if Bud Moore has another car ready for the Atlanta NAPA 500. Steele was fourth fastest before the accident today with a speed of 191.834mph. Steele was released from the hospital early this evening(RPM2NIte)(11-5-97)
Many email messages to Miller resulted in a unified response: Rusty Wallace’s colors on the #2 Ford will stay the same in 1998(11-5-97)
I hear Tim Steele’s sponsor for 1998 in the #15 Bud Moore(Steele Family) Ford is supposedly RESCUE, the same sponsor Blaise Alexander had in the Busch race at Rockingham(11-5-97)
“Penske Motorsports announced Wednesday that the North Carolina Business
Court in Charlotte ruled in its favor and dismissed a lawsuit by Bruton Smith.” See the rest of the story at
Bruton Smith’s lawsuit against Penske Motorsports dismissed(Charlotte Observer)(11-5-97)
BGN News/Rumors: Homestead. Tim Fedewa will have Kleenex back on his car next season but they have not confirmed whether they will be with BACE Motorsports. At
Roush Racing, Matt Kenseth will soon be announced for a full time BGN ride in 1999. His duties for Roush next year may include driving in selected Busch races or testing Cup and Busch cars. Musgrave’s possible BGN deal won’t happen. Also, since Kingsford Charcoal has announced they will be with #59 Busch team next year, Royal Oak has rethought their decision to leave Team 34 and may co-sponsor the car with Gould’s Pumps or may re-replace them. If not, Royal Oak will appear on another Busch Car as
a primary sponsor.(11-5-97)
Truck News/Rumors: Quaker State not back with Jack Sprague, LCI has not committed to Joe Ruttman’s Roush ride, Rich Bickle will not be in a WC ride with Darrell Waltrip in 1998 but DW hopes to retain Bickle for the truck and is close to re-signing Sears Die Hard, Wayne Anderson will replace Kenny Irwin, Jr in the #98 with Porter Cable as the sponsor, Raybestos looks like they will not return to the truck series(RPM2Nite)(11-5-97)
Terry Labonte was fastest today in testing at Atlanta with a speed of 192.166, Todd Bodine in the #35 Tabasco Pontiac was second at 192.097, others who tested in order was Dick Trickle, Tim Steele, Ward Burton, Kyle Petty, Rusty Wallace, Bobby Hamilton, Ricky Rudd, Darrell Waltrip, Jeremy Mayfield, Gary Bradberry, Steve Grissom, Ed Berrier and Mike Miller(#08)(RPM2Nite and NASCAR Online)(11-5-97)
“NASCAR has announced a licensing agreement making Goodyear the exclusive licensee of automotive belts and hose for the fastest growing motorsports series in America. This agreement includes automotive Gatorback Poly-V belts, Gatorback v-belts, timing belts and curved hose. The agreement is an extension of Goodyear’s active involvement in NASCAR. With 40 years of experience in NASCAR racing, the company is the exclusive tire supplier for NASCAR’s top three divisions”(NASCAR Online)(11-5-97)
Kevin Lepage will drive a 2nd ST Motorsports(Pressley’s team) car this weekend at the Homestead BGN race(11-5-97)

(11-4-97)
“Busch Series regular Roy “Buckshot” Jones will attempt to make his Winston Cup debut in the NAPA 500 at Atlanta. It will be a home-track event for Jones, 27, a native of Tucker, Ga., and a graduate of the University of Georgia. Aquafresh toothpaste, the primary sponsor of Jones’ Busch Series entry, will be primary sponsor of the car at Atlanta and in eight Winston Cup events in 1998 in which Jones plans to compete.”(iRace), he will drive the #00 Pontiac(11-4-97)
Atlanta Notes: Tim Steele will run the #15 Bud Moore Ford at Atlanta and ran the fastest lap today in testing at 192.166mph, Todd Bodine was second in the #35 Tabasco Pontiac at 191.655mph. Kevin LePage also tested the #91 Chevy and was 10th(RPM2Nite)(11-4-97)
Fuel to the rumor fire. Bobby Hamilton said during his NASCAR Online chat that it
will probably be John Andretti in the 43 car for 1998(11-4-97)
“Richard Petty will announce his driver for 1998 following the Atlanta race. All signs point to John Andretti. … Rumors have it Al Unser Jr. has contacted the King about his Pontiac ride.”(iRace)(11-4-97)
“Jeff Gordon will miss the Nov. 23 exhibition race at Suzuka City, Japan, to undergo surgery to remove a polyp from a vocal cord. The surgery is scheduled for Nov. 19, two days after the Atlanta season finale. Ricky Craven, Gordon’s Hendrick Motorsports teammate, will drive Gordon’s car in Japan.(iRace)(actually Craven will drive one of his cars repainted, still a Hendrick car(11-4-97)
Kenny Irwin, Jr (with Yates), Ron Hornaday, and Rick Carelli have been added to the Suzuka(Japan) list(NASCAR Online)(11-4-97)
Add Kenny Irwin, Jr, who will drive the Texaco Havoline Ford, Mike Wallace and Tim Steele to the entries for the Winston West 300K at Las Vegas on Saturday, November 8th at 6pm(est), The race will be televised on TNN, but on a tape delayed basis, and NASCAR does not yet know when it will be aired(Winston West Page)(11-4-97)
I hear Ernie Irvan will be in the #39 Pedigree Pontiac at the Winston West race in Las Vegas. The car will be yellow with white numbers, Pedigree on the hood and TV Panel and Petco on the Rear Quarter panels and rear decklid(11-2-97), the entry list has Irvan in the #39 Skittles Pontiac(LVMS Page)(11-4-97)
Sources tell me Tony Furr, present crew chief for the #98 RCA Ford will be named the new crew chief of the #25 Bud Chevy driven by Ricky Craven and owned by Hendrick Motorsports(11-4-97)
Action Performance has bought out the diecast division of Revell for $15 million.(many sources all over the net)(11-4-97)
“Darrell Waltrip is heading to the final race of the season still looking
for a sponsor for 1998. ”We’ve got a whole bunch of definite maybes,” he said after Sunday’s 12th-place finish. ”I didn’t want it to be this way, but it looks like
it’s going to come down to the final hour. It looks like something will surface, but I don’t know exactly what yet. ”At the beginning of the season I was thinking this would be my last year and that I’d just race part-time in ’98 . . . because I thought
Western Auto was going to stay. And I thought Kentucky Fried Chicken would step up for Rich (Bickle).” None of that happened, however, and Waltrip is scrambling. ”Driving part-time seems like such a neat idea,” he said, ”but you can’t. You lose so much when you do that. It takes the same amount of equipment, and still a lot of people. But you’re nowhere in the points. Economically and strategically it doesn’t work.” (Mike Mulhern,JournalNow/NASCAR Fans)(11-4-97)
“Cale Yarborough, who owns the (#98) team (John) Andretti drives for now, has approached Rich Bickle about a job next season, according to sources close to the situation. Bickle has been driving Trucks for Darrell Waltrip, but Waltrip’s plans to field a Winston Cup team for Bickle next season have fallen through. Bickle has the option of continuing as Waltrip’s Truck driver.”(JournalNow)(11-4-97(from 11-1))
“Julius Erving and Joe Washington are down to the final days of being able to put together something of a Winston Cup team for next year, although most NASCAR veterans would say that deadline really passed sometime in late September. Now, however, there are indications that the two sports stars may actually be ready to announce something at Atlanta. The entire affair has been something of an embarrassment for Ford Motor
Company, which ”won” the battle with GM’s Pontiac Division for the right to negotiate a marketing package with Irving(Erving) and Washington.(M.M. JournalNow/NASCAR fans)(11-4-97)
Before allowing spectators on the hillside overlooking the PIR east end zone, as it were, animal control officials spent a couple of hours catching snakes. That’s right. Snakes. A track official said that’s common practice before any event in which
fans sit on the hill. He added that it’s not unusual for at least 50 snakes to be snared. They’re detained during the race, then released once the racing is finished. (Times-Dispatch/NASCAR Fans)(yikes)(11-4-97)
Well it’s official: Dale Earnhardt, Jr will drive his fathers BGN #3 AC Delco Chevy in 1998, announced at the SEMA show in Las Vegas, which is an automobile after market parts show, with many cars and parts(RPM2Nite)(11-4-97)
For those of us wondering why Butch Gilliland did not run at PIR see the story What Happened to Gilliland at PIR?(11-3-97)

(11-3-97)
Kenny Irwin, Jr will attempt to make the Atlanta NAPA 500 in the #27 David Blair Ford with a G.I. Joes/Action paint scheme(11-3-97)
Once again I hear Hendrick Motorsports going back to Valvoline oil products and dropping Quaker State. Apparently all of Hendrick’s car dealerships will use Valvoline products too.(11-3-97)
SpeedNet reports that “It appears John Andretti will replace Bobby Hamilton at Richard Petty Enterprises after all. Two sources said Sunday before the Dura-Lube 500 that Andretti will join Petty’s team after the season finale in two weeks. “It’s a done deal,” one source said. Asked to comment on the purported deal, Andretti wouldn’t confirm or deny it. “You’ll have to get it from Richard Petty or Cale Yarborough,” Andretti said. “All I’ll say is something is going to happen because I want to keep racing.” Andretti’s status on Yarborough’s team became uncertain for 1998 when the team’s major sponsor decided not to renew its contract. Although Andretti was under contract for another season with Yarborough, it became void last week when the car owner was unable to secure another sponsor. Andretti previously drove for Petty in 1994, but left to accept a position with car owner Michael Kranefuss. “Halfway through his first season with (Kranefuss), John wished he hadn’t left Petty,” another source said. Andretti spent most of two seasons with Kranefuss before leaving for Yarborough for the final eight races of last season. And now it appears he again is returning to Petty.”(SpeedNet)(11-3-97)
See the story about James Finch signing Lance Snacks as the sponsor of the #4 BGN Chevy and bringing back Jeff Purvis to drive at Finch lands two-year deal with Lance in the Panama City, FL News Hearld(11-3-97)
The qualifying attempt Jack Sprague made in the #52 car was actually in a backup car for Ricky Craven, and had Jack qualified and Ricky not, Ricky would have run the
race. The car was already in Budweiser/Pedigree colors, all they had to do was
invert the numbers to the #52.(many sources)(11-3-97)
“The only 2 position move upward in the points this week went to Bobby Hamilton (17th to 15th). John Andretti fell 3 spots (20th to 23rd), and Ricky Rudd fell 2 spots (15th to 17th).”(Henry-NASCAR Fans)(11-3-97)
#11 unsponsored Ford of Brett Bodine had Commander Produce in Phoenix put up at least $25,000 to get his logo on the car’s hood for the Dura-Lube 500k Sunday 11-2(SpeedNet)(11-3-97)
From a reader: “Mario Andretti was at PIR Sunday. We went to get his autograph in the infield, and someone asked him if he’d be getting involved in NASCAR. He said something like, “We’re looking in to running a truck, but that’s all I can say.'”, if I recall, a while back there was a rumor that Jeff Andretti, Mario’s son was going to attempt the truck series(11-3-97)
Not sure what to think of this and have heard nothing official, but I have gotten many messages saying folks have heard that Rusty Wallace may change colors again in 1998, to red and white, with more of a Miller look. No real sources have said anything(11-3-97)
Kenneth Campbell will crew chief the #37 Timber Wolf Chevrolet for BGN driver Mark Green in the 1998 BGN series(NASCAR Online)(11-3-97)
“The crowd on Sunday(11-2), watching under cloudless skies in temperatures reaching 87 degrees, appeared to equal the record 1996 audience of 104,000 at PIR.”(AP)(11-3-97)

(11-2-97)
Nine WC drivers will attempt to make the Winston West race at Las Vegas next weekend: Ernie Irvan(in the Skittles car); Bill Elliott, Ken schrader, David Green, Kenny wallace, Brett Bodine, Mike Skinner, Lake Speed and Rick Mast. Elliott, Schrader, Skinner and Bodine will also attempt in the Truck Race(NASCAR Online)(11-2-97)
During the post truck race interview on Saturday in Phoenix, Jack Sprague
said that Quaker State was not going to be back in 1998 on the #24 truck(11-2-97)
During the race today, Dick Berggren said the #25 Bud Team has signed a veteran crew chief and the announcement will be made soon(hmm..Tony Furr??)(11-2-97)
It was announced on Raceday this morning that Terry Labonte would not be going to Japan as originally scheduled, and That Jack Sprague would be driving the car. They did not give any reasons as to why(Raceday-TNN)(11-2-97)
Jack Sprague attempted to make the Dura-Lube 500 at Phoenix in the #52 Bud Chevy. He failed to make the race(RPM2Nite)(11-2-97)
CART driver/owner Bobby Rahal and sports car driver Tom Gloy formed a Truck team to field a Fords for Dave Rezendes in 1998. Icehouse Beer(Miller) will be the sponsor and debut Saturday in Phoenix(Greensboro News & Record)(11-2-97)

(11-1-97)
I hear Bill Elliott will announce the second team at Atlanta with Jerry Nadeau driving the #92(or maybe #13) Ford, First Plus and Sprint are the rumored sponsors(11-1-97)
Mike Skinner was the fastest second-round qualifier at Phoenix, the rest of the top 38 stood on their time. See who had to use the provisionals and see who failed to make the show! The updated provisional page thru qualifying at Phoenix, see Gary’s Jayski’s Provisional Page. Gary, also has some NASCAR insights at the following site NASCAR Noodles & Nuts(11-1-97)
“Gary DeHart, who resigned last month as crew chief for Terry Labonte, says that he’s not interested in going to work for another team, that he instead plans to set up his own chassis-building shop, probably near Salisbury.”(JournalNow)(11-1-97)
Very Interesting from NASCAR Online concerning Ricky Craven and the #25 Bud Chevy making the race per a provisional(he had no regular provisional left): “NASCAR rules allow for an additional provisional starting position for this race for the top-10 car owners in NASCAR Winston West Points. If it is unused, the provisional is awarded to the car owner highest in NASCAR Winston Cup Series points, who did not otherwise qualify for the event. Of the non-qualifiers for the event, Craven ranked highest in car owner points.”(NASCAR Online)(11-1-97)
“Ford Motor Company officials said that Dan Davis would be replacing Bruce Cambern as head of the company’s worldwide racing operations. Cambern, who took the job last fall, has been under fire for several months.”(JournalNow)(11-1-97)
Jack Sprague and NASCAR Winston West driver Butch Gilliland did not attempt first day of qualifying because they had not registered at the track prior to the morning draw for qualifying. Sprague attempted second day in the #52 Chevy, no idea who/if was the sponsor on the car. Gilliland did not make an attempt which is odd, because he was guaranteed a spot in the filed with a Winston West Prov(11-1-97)
“Dave Marcis said RealTree, the camouflage clothing company that is sponsoring his No. 71 Chevrolet, will be back next year.”(Charlotte Observer)(11-1-97)
“The Wood Brothers CITGO Ford of Michael Waltrip is in retro-trim for the Dura-Lube 500 presented by Kmart. The No. 21 Ford features he candy-apple red and white colors of the team’s cars from their “glory years” in the 1970s with drivers like Cale Yarborough and David Pearson. Jeremy Mayfield has a new paint scheme this weekend as well. His Kmart/RC Cola Ford is black with red lettering, in contrast to its usual red, white and blue.”(NASCAR Online)(11-1-97)
Rick Mast says he has absolutely no plans to leave the No. 75 car owned by Butch Mock.(Times-Dispatch)(11-1-97)
BACE Motorsports is looking to start a third BGN team for 1998 with Jason Keller as the driver. BACE is talking with a big company, new to racing about sponsoring the new team(Winston Cup Scene)(11-1-97)
Andy Petree, owner of the #33 Skoal Chevy is still looking to form a second team for 1998. He is still looking for a sponsor and if one is found he would look for an established driver, not a rookie(Winston Cup Scene)(11-1-97)
Ernie Irvan has purchased 35 acres of land near Charlotte Motor Speedway, and has not disclosed any plans for the project/land(Winston Cup Scene)(11-1-97)
Bodine-Scandia Racing will run Roush chassis and engines in 1998(NSSN)(11-1-97)
The #90 Heilig-Meyers Ford driven by Dick Trickle owned by Richmond’s Junie Donlavey is expected to be unveil their new look for 1998 at Atlanta, although Trickle’s competition car will carry the present design and colors.(Times-Dispatch)(11-1-97)
“Ricky Rudd still likes the idea of fielding a second Winston Cup team, but he wouldn’t want to try it until 1999. Although the Chesapeake, Va., native had considered putting something together for next season, the owner/driver decided to push back those plans.”(Times-Dispatch)(11-1-97)
Jack Roush announced his third NASCAR truck team with sponsorship from W.W. Grainger, Inc., a manufacturer of motors, pumps, fans and air compressors.with Greg Biffle, a NASCAR Northwest Tour series driver from Vancouver, Wash., handling the driving duties(The Depot-Bob Zeller)(11-1-97)