September 1998 News Archives

(9-30-98)

UPDATE: RPM2Nite reported that Martinsville winner Ricky Rudd met with Team Manager/Crew Chief Bill Ingle during the week about parting ways but decided to stick it out for the next two races. A win and the way Ingle talked an ill and overheating Rudd through the race may cure their problems.(9-27-98) — Ingle will go to Charlotte and decide after the race what he will do.(WC Today Radio)(9-30-98)
Teams that failed to make the field in first round qualifying and are 26th or worse but are guaranteed(by this I mean whatever happens in 2nd round, not where things stand now) to make the UAW-GM 500 at Charlotte based on owners points: #24-Jeff Gordon(1st in owners points and the 1st time in 1998 Gordon has not qualified in the top 25 1st round-not counting the Daytona 500); #99-Jeff Burton(7); #3-Dale Earnhardt(8); #94-Bill Elliott(16); #21-Michael Waltrip(17); #16-Kevin Lepage(19) and #35-Darrell Waltrip(champ prov). The five teams that would miss the race if things stayed the same: #46-Jeff Green(39); #71-Dave Marcis(44); #19-Tony Raines(53); #85-Randy MacDonald(60) and #80-Andy Hillinburg(67). Some surprises had to be Copes pole run, Todd Bodine qualifying 8th, David Green made the field with the #41 team who is out of provisionals, Gary Bradberry in the #78 was 16th and two rookies did quite well, Jerry Nadeau in the #9 Cartoon Network Ford(12th) and Kenny Irwin, who failed to make the Coke 600 at Charlotte in May is 10th!(9-30-98)
In 77 Winston Cup races at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Dale Jerrett’s win in 1994 in the fall race after starting 22nd is the farthest back anyone has started and won at the track.(RPM2Nite-Bill Weber, stat master)(9-30-98)
HOAX THE END. The Darrell Waltrip driving a Dale Earnhardt Inc Chevy sponsored by Bud is TOTALLY FALSE. I could not confirm or substantiate the rumor. The person who sent it came clean and I jumped the gun yesterday even reporting it. I apologize to all and will be more careful in the future.(9-30-98)
From Tyler Jet Motorsports: Darrell Waltrip is under contract to Tyler Jet Motorsports all of next year. Darrell has a deep appreciation for Tim Beverley, and the help and support Tim has given him over the last few months. This team is getting better by the day, Phil Hammer and Darrell are working together very well, we see marked positive change every week. Tim Beverley has been putting every effort into correcting any and all problems that routinely arise on a race team. Tim said ” I believe Darrell and I have a firm and meaningful agreement with each other and expect our relationship to continue and grow.”(9-30-98)
The five finalists for Winston’s “They Win, You Win” sweepstakes(No Bull 5), are Elizabeth Naylor of Boaz, AL; Paige Siker of Montogomery, AL; Sheila Altmann, Jamesburg, NJ; Wayne Lechleidner, Moorestown, NJ; and Carlos Vogel, Beaver Dam, WI. Jeff Gordon, who won the most recent Winston No Bull 5 race, the Southern 500, will be on hand to draw the winner on Oct. 11 at Talladega Superspeedway.(SpeedNet)(9-30-98)
From a Glen Grissom of the TNN Motorsports site: In a move that we may see again in the future of Winston Cup, three former co-workers, who now own their own race teams, have entered into an agreement with Automotive Aerodynamics, Inc. (AAI) and its founder, Louis Duncan. Richard Childress Racing, Dale Earnhardt, Inc., and Andy Petree Racing will form RAD Aerodynamics (Richard, Andy and Dale, get it?) to handle all the aerodynamic engineering for their three NASCAR teams in partnership with AAI. The agreement is effective December 1, 1998, exclusive to these teams, and a multi-year arrangement. Each of the teams will have full access to and share all of the information among themselves, including wind tunnel and track testing data. This is some of the most closely guarded information teams collect, so this is an unprecedented alliance of teams not owned by a common owner, i.e., Jack Roush or Rick Hendrick. Louis Duncan founded AAI in 1983, and his most recent aero contract was with Ford Motor Co. to supply aerodynamic support to all its Stock car programs: WC, BGN, ARCA and NCTS. See the rest of the story at the TNN site: Multi-year Aerodynamic Alliance (9-30-98)
In a story at GoRacing that can be termed related to the above story: Beginning October 1st, Ford Motor Company will take all NASCAR aerodynamic engineering operations in-house. This change marks a departure from the “norm” where an independent engineer handled such items for the teams directly at the track. Ford, who had been looking at bringing their “aero” operations in-house, was forced to move on the project after long-time engineer Lewis Duncan decided to move on to other challenges within the business. See the story by Mike Snow at Ford Brings Aero Work In-House.(9-30-98)
From That’s Racin’: Venerable NASCAR announcer Ned Jarrett said Tuesday that he expects 2000 to be his last full-time season on the air. Citing a nagging back injury and the desire to spend more time with his family, Jarrett said he would like to curb his announcing schedule to a fill-in role after 2000. Jarrett, 65, said he’s close to signing a two-year extension with CBS that would take him through 2000. See the rest of the story at: Jarrett says 2000 will be last season on air. I’ll miss ya Ned, but we still have a couple of years yet. Also see the That’s Racin’ story about Ned: Ned Jarrett becomes hometown hero.(9-30-98)
Some Japan News: Rich Woodland Racing is EXTREMELY pleased to announce Rich Woodland (ARCA #86) has been selected by NASCAR to be one of the 30 drivers invited to compete in Japan at the Twin – Ring Motegi Coca-Cola 500 in November(Sue’s Newsletter)(9-30-98)
The #15 Bud Moore team has split from David Robinson and Rescue Engine Formula and will not attempt to make the Charlotte race this weekend. Greg Moore hopes to have a sponsor signed so the team can compete at Rockingham.(RPM2Nite) Looks like Ted Musgrave who was to drive the #15 Ford at Daytona will now be available(9-29-98) — See the whole story at NASCAR Online: Moore loses sponsorship, ponders future(9-30-98)
Andy Hillenburg, president of Fast Track High Performance Driving School, will attempt to qualify a Stan Hover-owned car in the UAW-GM 500.(Times-Dispatch), this is the #80 Tampico/Classic Scents Ford, Randy MacDonald will also make an attempt in the #85 Mansion Motorsports Ford.(9-30-98)
UPDATE 2: Raceday reports that Ted Musgrave will announce today who he will drive for in 1999. Either the #13 FirstPlus Ford or the #75 Remington Butch Mock Ford(? and I thought we dispelled that rumor) are the teams mentioned by Raceday.(TNN’s Raceday)(9-27-98) — Ted Musgrave isn’t saying much about where he might drive next season, but one of the options he may be looking at, according to sources, is a ride with Butch Mock. And there are indications that Rick Mast, Mock’s current driver, may be on Bill Elliott’s list to run his second team in 1999(JournalNow), no Musgrave announcement that I saw of heard.(9-28-98) — Sources tell me that Musgrave will be in the #75 in 1999, no idea what is up or what Rick Mast will do.(9-29-98) — Rick Mast is expected to announce he will drive the #13 Ford owned by Bill Elliott and Dan Marino. Ted Musgrave should take over in the #75 currently driven by Mast in 1999.(Times-Dispatch)(9-30-98)
Xpress Motorsports, the team which fielded the #61 IWX Motor Freight Truck Series Chevrolet, and Doug Taylor Motorsports, which fields the Channellock Chevrolet in the BGN have joined together for this weekends All Pro Auto Parts Bumper to Bumper 300 Race at Charlotte. Kerry Earnhardt, son of seven-time Winston Cup Champion Dale Earnhardt, will drive the second Channellock entry. The Xpress Motorsports team will be handling car preparations, maintenance, and pit stops for the third-generation driver. The effort will use Xpress Motorsports equipment throughout the week. Doug Taylor Motorsports will be fielding the Channellock #40 for Kevin Lepage as it usually does and Earnhardt’s car will carry the traditional Channellock colors and the #04. Earnhardt has two BGN starts this season (23rd-place finish at Myrtle Beach, 26th-place finish at South Boston). Xpress Motorsports has announced that the 1999 season will have it fielding a BGN team for Winston Cup driver Derrike Cope on a limited (15 – 20 races) basis. The team also has plans to run a limited Winston Cup schedule (driver and races to be determined).(PR)(9-30-98)
Toby Porter will attempt to qualify for the All Pro Bumper to bumper 300 at Charlotte this weekend for Team Carolina Motorsports # 90 Chevy’s. This is the same team Jeff Fuller drove for a Darlington and qualified 8th. The team plans to finish out the year with Porter running events at Rockingham, Atlanta and Homestead.(MRM)(9-30-98)
UPDATE: With all of its ducks nearly in a row for 1999, Cicci-Welliver Team 34 is looking to the millennium — and a possible entry into NASCAR’s Winston Cup Series. The locally-owned Busch Grand National team just needs to dot the I’s and cross the T’s of a new sponsorship deal for Todd Bodine’s No. 30 Chevrolet. An announcement is scheduled for Wednesday in Charlotte. The new sponsor, which would replace Slim Jim, is already an established name in the Busch Grand National Series. See the rest of the story at With new sponsorship deal in works, Team 34 looks at ’99, beyond.(Star-Gazette(NY) ), the rumor I hear is Phillips 66 as the sponsor. This pretty much kills the #91 LJ Racing and Todd Bodine in 1999 rumor.(9-24-98) — In a press conference Phillips 66 announced that they would be moving their sponsorship support to Team 34 beginning with the 1999 season. The sponsorship effort will land on Todd Bodine’s Busch Series car. The move takes the sponsorship from the #66 Gary Bechtel owned team. See the complete story at GoRacing: Phillips 66 to Team 34, so that means Diamond Ridge Motorsports(#29 and #66) has lost both it’s sponsors in the last two days.(9-30-98)
Tim Fedewa, driver of the #33 Kleenex Monte Carlo fielded by Bace Motorsports announced he will not return to the team in 1999. Apparently an inability to agree on contract provisions is why Fedewa decided to move on and explore other opportunities. Defending Busch Series champion Randy Lajoie announced a few weeks ago he would not return to the team. At the moment the only driver expected to drive for Bace in 1999 is rookie Andy Michner.(Stock Car Racing Magazine Website)(9-30-98)

(9-29-98)
Winston Cup driver Sterling Marlin will suit up Saturday and drive Team Sabco’s #1 Rayovac Chevrolet Monte Carlo in this weekend’s BGN All Pro Bumper to Bumper 300 at Charlotte. This will be in addition to his normal driving duties in the #40 Coors Light Chevrolet for the Winston Cup UAW-GM Quality 500 Sunday.(SpeedNet)(9-29-98)
IRL Team owner John Menard is looking at moving to CART and is also looking at possibilities in NASCAR, something he has been interested in since the early 1990s.(iRACE)(9-29-98)
If you missed the Robert Pressley chat at NASCAR Family Chat Super Site last night you can read a transcript on the Internet at members.aol.com/adnascar/pressley.html. Among the highlights Pressley reinterated that Jasper Engines will be his sponsor in 1999, and remarked that he holds no ill-will or rancor against Buckshot Jones for the crash at Bristol.(Sue’s Newsletter)(9-29-98)
Clarence Brewer Jr, owner of Brewco Motorsports based in Central City, said Monday that Mark Green will not be back as the driver of the #37 Timber Wolf Chevrolet next year. Brewer said the search for a replacement driver is under way. Casey Atwood, a 17-year-old racer(now 18) from Tennessee, signed on with Brewco earlier this year for the ’99 season. Brewer said the plans for Atwood are to go ahead with a second car. A sponsorship deal for Atwood could be announced later this week, said Brewer, who also owns the #37 Craftsman truck driven by Scot Walters. No word on where Green may end up. See the story at the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer: Green, Brewco to go separate ways.(thanks to the many readers on the heads up on this story)(9-29-98)

(9-28-98)
NASCAR Truck driver Tony Raines will attempt to make his first Winston Cup race at Charlotte this week in the #19 Yellow Freight Roehrig Motorsports Ford Taurus. The team went to Charlotte early this month for a two-day test session and planned to perform a chassis dyno test the Monday before Charlotte. Yellow Freight System, Inc. is the primary sponsor of the #19 Ford driven by Raines and is a Fortune 500 company.(Grandstand Communications, Inc. PR)(9-28-98)
UPDATE: Dale Earnhardt Jr. might not make his first Winston Cup appearance on the other side of the world(Japan) after all. It could come, in fact, next Sunday at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Don Hawk, president of Dale Earnhardt Inc., said Saturday it’s possible the team might enter Earnhardt Jr., the Grand National circuit’s points leader, in next Sunday’s UAW-GM 500 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. See the rest of the story at That’s Racin’ – Dale Jr. may make Cup debut at Charlotte.(9-26-98) — but I hear that Dale Earnhardt Jr. will NOT compete at this Sunday’s Cup race in Charlotte(Racin’ with Russ) and per That’s Racin’, who broke the initial story: Scratch the possibility of a Winston Cup debut for Dale Earnhardt Jr. next weekend at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Don Hawk, president of Dale Earnhardt Inc., said that there’s no longer a possibility the son of seven-time Winston Cup champion Dale Earnhardt will drive in next Sunday’s UAW-GM 500 at CMS, see the story at That’s Racin’: Dale Jr.’s Cup debut will wait.(9-28-98)
Johnny Benson will try to qualify the Bace Motorsports Staff America #11 Chevy for the Bucsh Race in Charlotte on Saturday.(SpeedVision Inside Winston Cup per many readers)(9-28-98)
Sad News: Ralph Seagraves, who as president of R.J. Reynolds’ sports marketing operation from 1972 through 1985 and played a key role in the promotion of NASCAR’s Winston Cup series during its formulative years, died yesterday at Forsyth Hospital in Winston-Salem. Seagraves, 69, is survived by his wife Ardette and son Colbert.(JournalNow)(9-28-98)
Ricky Rudd extended his Winston Cup record of 16 seasons with at least one victory when he took the checkered flag Sunday in the NAPA AutoCare 500 at Martinsville Speedway. Rudd needed fluids and oxygen following the race, as the hot day and a malfunctioning cool suit produced sizzling temperatures in his No. 10 Ford. Here are the highlights of Rudd’s post-race press conferences Sunday at That’s Racin’:Q&A with Winston Cup driver Ricky Rudd, also Joe Fink of the StockCarFans site has Win Streak of Ricky Rudd broken down when he won and where.(9-28-98)
Now this is interesting: NASCAR officials plan to limit the number of crew members each team uses on race weekend, so crew members who fly to the track on race day may become a thing of the past. Winston Cup teams bring anywhere from 12 to more than 20 crew members to the track on race weekend — but NASCAR is considering cutting that number down to eight. That leaves seven crew members to pit the car during the race — and one extra, just in case. See the rest of the story at the Orlando Sentinel site: NASCAR to limit pit crew(9-28-98)
UPDATE: Car owner Gary Bechtel hasn’t made many track appearances lately and there is speculation he is ready to sell his NASCAR operation. Bechtel just sold a Busch car to Kenny Schrader.(JournalNow – NASCAR Notebook)(9-28-98) — Diamond Ridge Motorsports/Gary Bechtel is NOT selling out. They have 4 BGN cars for sale, (1 of which was sold to K.Schrader), all to be replaced by new cars. They are currently working on their new speedway car, and will be ordering 3 more cars as they sell off the older ones. They have done this every year, in order to keep their fleet up to date. They are also selling a transporter left over when they shut down the #29 Winston Cup operation, as well as the WC cars that were built for Elliott Sadler (since he is moving on). BRM still has active plans to compete full time on the BGN circuit with two(2) teams.(9-28-98)
An infield pit photographer, Darlene Ryland of Danville, GA., suffered “a possible right lower-leg fracture” when she was struck by the car driven by Jeff Green as it coasted behind the pit wall. Ms. Ryland was transported to nearby Memorial Hospital for further treatment.(SpeedNet), during the race they interviewed Green, who said he had no brakes and couldn’t stop when he hit the fan, he said he was sorry and felt bad. ESPN reported a possible spained ankle at the time(9-28-98)
Kyle Petty’s move to Level Cross means job changes, and Bobby Kennedy won’t be Petty’s crew chief next season. Who will get the job with Kyle? “That’s up to Robbie Loomis,” Petty said. “He’s the team manager and he’ll be heading both teams.” One possibility is Chris Hussey(former #22 chief). Petty Enterprises is being reorganized, and the Level Cross shops are being redesigned to accommodate Kyle’s team, which is moving up from Charlotte.(JournalNow)(9-28-98)
UPDATE: David Green failed to make the field for the NAPA AutoCare 500, but a regular job driving Larry Hedrick’s #41 Kodiak Chevrolet is his for the asking. Team manager Mike Hill said Green’s failure to make the field would not affect the decision and confirmed that an offer had been made. Green is under no pressure to make up his mind any time soon. Contrary to rumors(not here), Hill said Ricky Craven had not been considered for the ride.(SpeedNet/Monte Dutton)(9-27-98) — Green will drive the #41 at Charlotte and possibly at Daytona and Talladega as well.(Times-Dispatch)(9-28-98)
UPDATE: I hear Melling Racing(#9 Cartoon Network Ford) has not yet been able to re-sign the Cartoon Network for next year and is looking for other opportunities if they don’t come back.(9-22-98) — I hear the team is very happy with Jerry Nadeau, who is still race-to-race and hope to have him back in 1999 but the sponsorship plans are still up in the air.(9-28-98)
Hear the Jeff Gordon-Ray Evernham #24 Pepsi Chevy BGN team will be unveiled at Charlotte this week!(9-28-98)
A press conference is scheduled for Wednesday at 6:00 at CMS to announce the 1999 BGN sponsorship (car with paint scheme will be there), driver and crew chief for the #00 Buckshot Racing Pontiac.(9-28-98)
Bryan Reffner drove the #22 Thompson Craftsman Ford truck to a 23rd place finish at Martinsville. The best and ONLY finish for the fledging Crimora, Va. team in about seven attempts over the past two years. This was the first time the team had made a race.(Racin’ with Russ)(9-28-98)

(9-27-98)

NAPA AutoCare 500 at Martinsville. Results, Starting Lineup, Qualifying Results and some Practice speeds at Speedworld, GoRacing(2nd round) and, NASCAR Online. Ernie Irvan won the pole with a speed of 93.608mph. See the updated Jayski’s Provisional Page with Unofficial Owners Points and Jayski’s MISC Stats. Incredible run by Ricky Rudd, winning a race for the 16th straight year and nice run by Rich Bickle who finished 4th.
No Martinsville Fall winner has gone on to win the Cup championship since DW did it in 1982.(RPM2Day), and that streak will continue until at least 1999(9-27-98)
Heat exhaustion took its toll on a few drivers at Martinsville. Kenny Irwin made it only 180 laps before being replaced in the #28 Texaco Ford by Kenny Wallace, whose #81 Square D Ford gave out on him after 150 laps. Ted Musgrave was replaced by Steve Grissom in the #77 Jasper Ford on lap 225. Hut Stricklin stood by in Ricky Rudd’s pits throughout the afternoon as Rudd complained of heat exhaustion as well, but Rudd never relinquished his seat and won the race. Bill Elliott was treated by the AirCare medical personnel following the race as he suffered a heat blister on his left heel. The medical team administered oxygen to Elliott and gave him plenty of fluid to drink. After 30 minutes of treatment, Elliott walked out of his team’s trailer. Butt blisters were a common term in most interviews I saw today. Even Mark Martin was overcome by the heat after the race.(many sources)(9-27-98)
Robert Pressley, who has been injured and has missed the past two Cup races, will return behind the wheel of the #77 Jasper Ford next week at Charlotte.(NASCAR Online)(9-27-98)
Kyle Petty’s “Race to End Hunger” continues next weekend at the UAW-GM Quality 500 at Charlotte. Petty, Food Lion, WSOC-TV and the Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina have teamed up in an effort to help feed needy families. Fans can participate in the effort by taking four non-perishable food items to either of Petty’s souvenir trailers, which will be parked at Charlotte Motor Speedway beginning next Wednesday, and continuing through race day on Sunday. In exchange for the food donations, fans will receive a “Race to End Hunger” T-shirt, while supplies last. Fans will have the opportunity to meet Petty when he signs autographs at his souvenir trailer following the final practice session on Thursday afternoon.(NASCAR Online)(9-27-98)
Rick Mast will have the logo of the Speedway Children’s Charities on the #75 Remington Arms/Polaris Ford Taurus at Charlotte. Polaris has teamed with Mast to raise funds and awareness for Speedway Children’s Charities by giving race fans the opportunity to win a limited-edition Polaris ATV.(NASCAR Online)(9-27-98)
Suddenly there is a third player in the picture for Cat sponsorship. The prospective buyer of the AER team is said to be Joe Gibbs Racing. They are just down the street and pretty local to each other. If this occurs then Caterpillar is considering the option to stay put with that team depending on what driver is had. Ward Burton could still play into the picture.(9-27-98)
UPDATE: In five short track races this season, there have been five different winners — Martin (Bristol), Jeff Burton (Richmond), Gordon (Bristol), Hamilton (Martinsville) and Terry Labonte (Richmond).(That’s Racin’)(9-25-98) — make that six different winners now, which is a record in the modern era, since Ricky Rudd won at Martinsville.(9-27-98)
Hendrick Motorsports is seeking a major sponsor of its third team since Budweiser announced it will sponsor Dale Earnhardt Jr’s Cup car. Anheuser-Busch has another year on its contract with Hendrick and will honor its commitment, if necessary, but the brewery would like to be released from the contract. A source close to the situation says that Wally Dallenbach Jr. “needs a miracle” to hang on to his ride in the Hendrick car currently sponsored by Budweiser. The leading contender to replace Dallenbach appears to be Ward Burton, serving his third consecutive winless season with Bill Davis. Ted Musgrave is another contender, though at present his best offer is with the #13 Ford, which Musgrave will pilot at Charlotte, Talladega, Phoenix and perhaps Atlanta. Musgrave is committed to drive the #15 Ford, owned by Bud Moore, at Daytona in the Pepsi 400.(SpeedNet/Monte Dutton), sources tell me that Burton’s contract is Ironclad and he plans to be back in the #22, also hear the Bill Davis Racing team will make an announcement at Charlotte that Caterpillar will come aboard as the sponsor.(9-27-98)
But…..Team Hendrick is on the verge of nabbing Caterpillar as sponsor of its third team, making up for the recent loss of Budweiser. The car will carry No. 25 once again next year (it is #50 this year in honor of NASCAR’s 50th anniversary), and John Hendrick’s first choice as driver is Ward Burton, who has not as of yet accepted the offer. Caterpillar is currently sponsor of the #96 Chevrolet of Buz McCall, who has one more year on his contract. Caterpillar may be able to exercise an escape clause, according to an industry source.(SpeedNet/Monte Dutton)(9-27-98)
Although Jimmy Spencer still has not signed a contract for 1999, his car owner said Saturday that the issue is settled. Travis Carter said he and Spencer, together since 1995, had recently come to terms on a new agreement. Scuttlebutt in the garage area had Carter turning to Ted Musgrave if Spencer continued with his holdout.(SpeedNet/Monte Dutton)(9-27-98)
Get many questions about Scanners which I don’t own or know about, GoRacing has a review of one at: Product Review — RE2000 Scanner.(9-27-98)

(9-26-98)
2nd round Cup qualifying is over at Martinsville: Eleven drivers made attempts, Kenny Wallace was the fastest 2nd round attempt at 92.655mph(would have been 23rd fastest 1st round). Of the Eleven who stood on their 1st round time, two had to use a provisional, #9-Jerry Nadeau and #75-Rick Mast. DW made the race once on time and will start 30th. The #41 Kodiak team missed the race again with David Green driving as the team is out of provisionals even though the team is 34th in OWNERS points. Cope and Nadeau had to use provisional’s and now have no more left to use until Rockingham. Dave Marcis made the race via a Provisional.(9-26-98)
The FirstPlus Financial team has announced that Ted Musgrave will assume the driving duties for the #13 Taurus at Charlotte, Talladega and Daytona in the upcoming weeks. A driver for the three remaining races — at Phoenix, Rockingham and Atlanta — will be determined at a later date.(NASCAR Online)(9-26-98)
The Wood Brothers have put their plans to field a second team on hold for 1999. The team expects to field the team in 2000. Rumors had Matt Kenseth in the car. Kenseth will now stay in BGN for 1999 and may make a few starts with rhe Robby Reiser team he drives for in BGN.(WC Scene)(9-26-98)
From this weeks Winston Cup Scene: Sponsor May Leave Hendrick Early – With DEI signing Bud to a long-term sponsorship deal for Dale Earnhardt, Jr and their 2nd team Cup operation, sources say Bud could leave the Hendrick #25/50 team as soon as the beginning of the 1999 season. It goes on to say that the relationship between Hendrick and Bud has been seriously strained. Hendrick is actively looking for a new sponsor for the #50 team. Sources say, according to the article, that Hendrick has talked to Caterpillar(a Jayski source confirms this), who presently sponsors the #96 Buz McCall team and is rumored to be leaving. The #50 team is still talking to drivers for the 1999 season, current driver Wally Dallenbach is one of them, and expects to make a decision in the next few weeks.(WC Scene Mag)(9-26-98)
How does Ricky Rudd know he’s running out of chances this season to extend his streak of 15 consecutive seasons with at least one Winston Cup victory? The fans tell him so. See the story at That’s Racin’ – Rudd well aware of his situation.(9-26-98)
Ricky Craven has announced plans for the 2nd annual “snowmobile ride for charity” at Moosehead Lake in Greenville, Maine, where he has a home. The ride will take place on January 30, 1999, with all proceeds going to charities. For more info see North East Racing.(9-26-98)
Morning practice at Martinsville has 32 cars faster then the 36th fastest in 1st round qualifying, so we could see a hetic 2nd round qualifying and much bumping. #41 is fast enough to get up there in practice so far, the #’s 79 and 85 are still very slow. Eight teams ran 100 or more laps in practice: #’s 6,10,24,31,42,50,94 and 99. With Jeff Burton fastest in the #99 at 92.764mph.(9-26-98)
STREAKIN’…Jeff Gordon has 20 Top-10 starts in a row. Dale Jarrett has 9 Top-10 starts in a row, and 16 Top-10 starts in the last 17 races. John Andretti has 5 Top-10 starts in a row.(StockCarFans Newsletter-see link below)(9-26-98)
For more than 20 years the only battles John Linville had to fight were on the race track. In 1985, he prepared to fight for his life. Linville, a Kernersville, N.C. native, and a BGN regular was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Linville’s prognosis was unknown because there were few documented cases in the world. The chemotherapy and radiation treatments took their toll on Linville. He wasn’t strong enough to get out of bed, much less compete regularly on the rigorous Busch circuit. Eventually the treatments began to produce favorable results for Linville,55, allowing him to once again do periodic battle on the race track and also act as crew chief for Berrier who drives the #90 Mean Green Ford in select ARCA races. Berrier, still a regular competitor in the BGN and the regular driver of the Mean Green Ford, found it difficult to compete in both series due to the demands on his time. This left the #90 team without a full-time driver. Will Spencer, team manager and co-owner of Three Star Motorsports, the team that fields ARCA cars for Berrier, approached Linville about the vacancy. So linville will drive the car on Sept 30th at the Charlotte ARCA race. Along with the September event at Charlotte, Linville hopes to run the #90 Mean Green Ford at the season finale in Atlanta.(PR)(9-26-98)

(9-25-98)
Heard during Winston Cup qualifying that Steve Grissom is slated to drive the Buz McCall #96 Caterpillar Chevy at Charlotte next week(thanks Russ), also rumor has Robby Gordon running a few races for the team the rest of the season(RPM2Nite)(9-25-98)
On Sept. 26, 1909, William Henry Getty “Big Bill” France, the man who would create, organize and lead NASCAR from infancy into adulthood, is born in Washington.(That’s Racin’)(9-25-98)
Teams that failed to make the field in first round qualifying and are 26th or worse but are guaranteed(by this I mean whatever happens in 2nd round, not where things stand now) to make the NAPA AutoCare 500 at Martinsville based on owners points: #12-Jeremy Mayfield(6th in owners points); #3-Dale Earnhardt(8); #5-Terry Labonte(10); #23-Jimmy Spencer(15); #97-Chad Little(16); #21-Michael Waltrip(17); and #35-Darrell Waltrip(champ prov). DW is sitting at 29th now and looks like a good bet not to use a prov this week, using their cars now, not the inherited Pontiacs from ISM. The four teams that would miss the race if things stayed the same: #41-David Green(34 but no prov’s left); #78-Gary Bradberry(45); #79-Ken Bouchard(58) and #85-Randy MacDonald(60).(9-25-98)
Lake Speed might be signing on with #8 (no sponsor currently) Stavola Brothers Chevy, from Sue’s ADNASCAR Daily Newsletter.(9-25-98)
Since there is only 22 front stretch pit stalls at Martinsville, anyone from 22nd on back will pit on the back stretch, the three who made the top 25 but will pit on the back stretch are: #31-Mike Skinner; #26-Johnny Benson and #96-Mike Bliss. #42-Joe Nemechek got the 22nd and last front stretch pit stall. Congrats to Mike Bliss on his first Winston Cup start.(9-25-98)
UPDATE: Since Rich Bickle is leaving the #98 team at the end of the season, the team is looking for drivers: A few in the mix include: Ted Musgrave; Jeff Green and possibly Geoff Bodine(9-24-98) — Looks like the news I posted that Rich Bickle was definitely out of the #98 at the end of the season may not be quite true, on NASCAR Online Rich Bickle said Friday he’s not exactly sure if he’ll be back for another year with Cale Yarborough Motorsports in the #98 Thorn Apple Valley Ford. If he doesn’t have a Cup ride, he’ll run some BGN and Truck races next season out of his own race shop, with his own team.(NASCAR Online)(9-25-98)
Joe Whitley, a 15-year veteran of the motorsports industry, has formed The Premiere Group, a multi-faceted, full-service agency specializing in motorsports consulting, sponsor procurement, program management, marketing, public relations and licensing. Whitley, a 48-year-old native of Wilson, NC has worked with such industry notables as Richard Petty, Hendrick Sportswear, NASCAR Winston Cup driver, Dick Trickle and The Upper Deck Co. The Premiere Group, a subsidiary of The Premiere Corporation, is located in the Speedway Centre, directly across from Charlotte Motor Speedway in Harrisburg, NC(PR)(9-25-98)
The #4 Kodak Morgan McClure Motorsports team and Bobby Hamilton ran the spring Martinsville race, which they won, with the 18-degree motor. They qualified today with the SB-2, and are probably going to race with the 18-degree on Sunday.(ESPN Qualifying)(9-25-98)
Dale Earnhardt Chevrolet in Newton will hold its annual open house on Monday, Oct. 5, from 9am – 6pm/et. Earnhardt, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Ron Hornaday and Steve Park are scheduled to be there from 2 to 5pm/et to sign autographs.(That’s Racin’)(9-25-98)
He is playing it close to the vest. He doesn’t want to jump the gun. He wants to be 100 percent sure he is making the right decision. However, a cautious and tight-lipped Ricky Craven said he is negotiating with a Winston Cup team that could provide him with the perfect fit he is looking for. Newburgh’s Craven was pressured to resign his Winston Cup ride in the Budweiser #50 car by Hendrick Motorsports on Aug. 11. “I have a particular team I would like to race for. They have interest in hiring me. It’s a matter of us agreeing to agree” said Craven. Craven denied rumors that have linked him to the No. 7 Phillips car driven by Geoff Bodine and the Jack Roush team. – see the rest of Larry Mahoney’s story at Craven cautiously seeks new Winston Cup deal from The Bangor Daily News.(9-25-98)
UPDATE: I hear Casey Atwood and Brewco Motorsports has signed a sponsor for his BGN deal next year and will announce it at Charlotte next weekend(MRM)(9-23-98) — I hear now that Brewco Motorsports don’t have anything signed or any planned announcements for next week(9-25-98)
Tom Carey, who has won two BGNN races this year, will be attempting the race in a #42 truck (unrelated to his #42 BGNN team). That’s about the extent of my knowledge of this deal.(BGNN/StockCarFans Newsletter)(9-25-98)
Mike Olsen will be running a truck out of his own shop, with “Little Trees” air fresheners as the sponsor and his BGNN crew chief Steve Hibbard acting in a similar capacity for this effort.(BGNN/StockCarFans Newsletter)(9-25-98)

(9-24-98)
UPDATE: Another rumor that won’t seem to die(but now has) — Terry Labonte leaving Hendrick Motorsports and going to Robert Yates Racing, possibly in the RUMORED third team with the #27 team and David Blair/Doug Yates listed as owners. I hear Kelloggs may even come along. Not really sure what to think and it seems unlikely to me. Doesn’t make sense, Labonte is a Chevy man, and I have heard that he and the team are signed thru 2000??? — NOW THAT DIDN’T TAKE LONG!! Check this out!! – Rumors began circulating today that Terry Labonte was leaving Hendrick Motorsports. SCR spoke with John Hendrick from the Hendrick Motorsports complex in Harrisburg, NC at noon today. Hendrick states, “We have a signed contract with Terry through the year 2000 and we have a signed contract with Kellogg’s through 2000. In talking with Kellogg’s this week they are very pleased with everything that is going on with Hendrick Motorsports, with Terry. I spoke with Terry last night and everything is fine. Terry wants to end his career with Hendrick Motorsports. Things like this always come up at the end of the season but there is no truth to that.” Thanks to Tom Hintz of the Stock Car Racing Magazine(SCR) Site for the updated news. This rumor was put out of it’s misery quick.(9-24-98)
So far the results from the unleaded fuel test that 76 conducted in the NASCAR Busch Series race at Richmond have been good. Most teams did not have a problem with the fuel and the horsepower difference was negligible. The next unleaded fuel test will more than likely come at Charlotte for the NASCAR Busch Series. If all goes well we may see a test for the NASCAR Winston Cup teams at Atlanta BUT don’t count on it. Most engine builders want more time before the switch happens.(Marty Snyder’s MRN Notes)(9-23-98) — iRACE had the story posted a few days ago and I missed it, check it out at Busch cars making switch to unleaded by Bill Kiser.(9-24-98)
Check out this story from Ron Levanduski’s racing column in the Star-Gazette(NY) – With all of its ducks nearly in a row for 1999, Cicci-Welliver Team 34 is looking to the millennium — and a possible entry into NASCAR’s Winston Cup Series. The locally-owned Busch Grand National team just needs to dot the I’s and cross the T’s of a new sponsorship deal for Todd Bodine’s No. 30 Chevrolet. An announcement is scheduled for Wednesday in Charlotte. The new sponsor, which would replace Slim Jim, is already an established name in the Busch Grand National Series. See the rest of the story at With new sponsorship deal in works, Team 34 looks at ’99, beyond.(thanks to a reader for the heads up), the rumor I hear is Phillips 66 as the sponsor. This pretty much kills the #91 LJ Racing and Todd Bodine in 1999 rumor.(9-24-98)
INCORRECT: Continue to hear rumors that Steve Hmiel will return to Petty Enterprises — Dale Earnhardt Inc announced Thursday the hiring of Steve Hmiel as a consultant for its Winston Cup and Busch racing operations. Hmiel will work on the #1 Pennzoil Monte Carlo with crew chief Philippe Lopez and the #3 AC Delco Chevrolet with Tony Eury Sr. Hmiel will concentrate on car preparation at the team’s race shop in Mooresville, NC. as well as assist in pit strategy and car setups at the track for the remainder of the 1998 season.(Pennzoil Press Release)(9-24-98)
Lake Speed tested the Stovola Brother’s Winston Cup Chevy at Talladega today(WC Today Radio)(9-24-98)
UPDATE: Could Cale Yarborough’s team be for sale? Rumors circulate that three men will buy out the legendary driver turned owner. Sponsor Thorne Apple Valley is speculated to be leaving at season’s end. Financial matters inside the company could see the Michigan based sponsor leave the sport after only one season.(ICFlorida) — here is what I hear: Yarborough is selling the majority interest of his team to three people involved in Arena Football. The sponsor, Thorn Apple Valley, supposedly is coming back for 1999.(9-24-98)
NASCAR Garage Notes from ICFlorida.com via Cox – Buz McCall is expected to sell his team and close up shop at seasons end. Speculation is that Catapillar will leave the #96 team at season’s end and join the #22 Bill Davis Racing team. At least one prospective buyer has toured the new state-of-the-art shop.(ICFlorida)(9-24-98)
Micheal Waltrip is the lone team today testing at the Greenville-Pickens Speedway(MRM)(9-24-98)
UPDATE 2: Daytona 500 champions Dale Earnhardt and Dale Jarrett will participate in a two-day test session conducted by the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. starting tomorrow(9-22) at Daytona in preparation for next year’s Daytona 500. A section of the Oldfield Grandstand is open daily from 9am – 5pm/et for the test sessions at no charge with access through DAYTONA USA. The next scheduled event at the Speedway is the Oct 17 Pepsi 400. The Pepsi 400 will be preceded by two nights of practice and qualifying on Oct 15-16. Although all tickets for the Pepsi 400 have been sold, tickets for Bud Pole Qualifying are still available.(DaytonaUSA Site)(9-21-98) — Daytona 500 champion Dale Jarrett and Dave Marcis, substituting for Dale Earnhardt, are at Daytona International Speedway today and tomorrow for a two-day tire test. Earnhardt had other commitments.(DaytonaUSA) track time was severely limited by scattered day-long rain showers. The pair may be joined on Wednesday by Dale Earnhardt(NASCAR Online)(9-22-98) — Dale Jarrett and Dave Marcis, substituting for Dale Earnhardt in the #3 GM Goodwrench Service Plus Chevy, concluded a two-day tire test conducted by the Goodyear Wednesday at Daytona. The test was in preparation for next February’s Daytona 500(NASCAR Online)(9-24-98)
Brian Refner, will be driving in a one race deal with the #22 Ford truck team owned by Mike Thompson of Crimora, Virginia at this weekends race at Martinsville. You can see the entry list for the truck race at: NAPA AutoCare 250 entry list, Derrike Cope, Bobby Hamilton and Rich Bickle are the only Cup regulars entered.(9-24-98)
A Busch Series team for Richard Childress? It could happen by next season. Mike Dillon, Chidress’ son-in-law, could be joining RCR with Carolina Boot as one of two sponsors being mentioned. It would be seen by everyone as RCR grabbing ahold of a future Winston Cup star.(ICFlorida)(9-24-98)
Ricky Hendrick, son of Winston Cup team owner Rick Hendrick, scored his third late-model stock victory of the season in a race at Concord Motorsport Park. Hendrick won the race after starting from the outside pole.(That’s Racin’), Hendrick is rumored to be one of the drivers being considered for the Jeff Gordon/Ray Evernham BGN team that will run a limited schedule in 1999.(9-24-98)
I hear crew chief Kenneth Campbell of the #37 Brewco team will be leaving the team for the crew chief job at the Buckshot Racing BGN #00 Pontiac team, driver yet to be announced(MRM)(9-23/24-98)
Sources tell me that Mike Dillon will drive for the #59 BGN team next year, currently driven by Robert Pressley(9-24-98)
After losing out on Glenn Allen(to Akins-Sutton) the Diamond Ridge team is turning their attention to Tim Fedewa among others(9-24-98)

(9-23-98)
UPDATE: another rumor crushed into oblivian: Not sure what to make of this, but I have heard from two sources that Ted Musgrave would drive for Butch Mock, owner of the #75 Remington Ford team, in 1999. NO IDEA if this means Mock will go to a two car team or if Rick Mast is leaving.(9-22-98) — In part form GoRacing: The rumor mill, a little short on fodder, stopped by the #75 Remington Arms Ford for a little game of lets see if there’s any weakness. Car owner Butch Mock, who sits 35th in car owner points, admits to having had a serious talk with Mast while at Richmond. But as Mock is ready to point out he’s got commitments. Mock, when asked about the possibility of letting Mast go in favor of another driver said he has another year on his contract with Rick Mast, is fairly happy with Mast and has a commitment and can’t sign another driver for another year for the #75. But was willing to let him out of his contract if a big team like Hendrick or Yates offered him a ride. See the complete story with quotes at GoRacing – NASCAR Racing News: Homestead – Musgrave and Mock.(9-23-98)
T.R.I.X. Racing(link fixed) has entered the #79 Monte Carlo in the NAPA Auto Care 500 at Martinsville Speedway this weekend. Ken Bouchard, 1988 Winston Cup Rookie of The Year, is the driver of the #79. T.R.I.X. also announces the return of Big Daddy’s BBQ Sauce, Spices and Meats and Aphelion Technologies, Inc. (APTEX ) as sponsors of the #79 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. T.R.I.X. is proud to represent their sponsors in their advertising efforts. The support helps the team build momentum for next year. The team plans to compete in selected races for remainder of the ‘98 season and in ’99 T.R.I.X. plans to run an expanded schedule if they can secure the necessary sponsorship.(T.R.I.X. PR)(9-23-98)
Starting at Charlotte, Dale Earnhardt and the #3 GM Goodwrench Serivice Plus Chevy team will no longer carry just the word PLUS across the hood. Instead, it will have the entire GM Goodwrench Service Plus logo, the same logo that is seen on the Truck and NHRA teams.(NASCAR Online)(9-23-98)
Randy Renfrow, 40, a veteran short track campaigner from Fuquay-Varina, NC, will drive the #61 IWX Motor Freight Chevy truck at Martinsville this week in a one-race deal. Xpress Motorsports initially planned on Derrike Cope driving in Saturday’s race. Cope will be the team’s driver next season in a limited BGN campaign. Commitments with Cope’s #30 Gumout Cup team resulted in him not being available for the truck series event. IWX Motor Freight is a Springfield, Mo. based trucking firm having a fleet of 400 trucks. IWX serves 48 states and annually the trucks will log more than 98 million miles.(Xpress Motorsports PR)(9-23-98)
Don’t assume that Bill Davis has locked up Caterpillar for next year. There is another team already in the garage area that Caterpillar has interest in as well. Plus, Buz McCall has another year on his deal with Cat. So the residence of the Cat sponsorship is still undetermined as of yet.(Marty Snyder’s MRN Notes)(9-23-98)
Joining Jack Sprague and Mike Skinner today in testing at Greenville-Pickens Speedway was Jeremy Mayfield, Kenny Irwin, Bobby Hamilton and Darrell Waltrip.(MRM)(9-23-98)
Two Petty Racing Notes: At Charlotte, they will be unveiling a special car for John Andretti to drive in the Pepsi 400 that will salute one of America’s icons. Also Adam Petty will be making his ARCA debut next Wednesday at Charlotte. He will be driving a car prepared by the crew at PE2.(9-23-98)
As reported before in case it was missed: Robbie Loomis will be John’s Crew Chief For the 1999 WC Season. This was confirmed by John Andretti on his weekly appearance on Dave “the king” Wilson’s Show on WIBC-1070-AM.(The Petty Page)(9-23-98)
Ten drivers tested Tuesday at Talladega Superspeedway, but not all will be back for next month’s Winston 500 in the same equipment. Only Wally Dallenbach, Rick Mast and Buckshot Jones tested with the same team they’ll race with on Sunday, Oct. 11. Dallenbach tested the No. 50 Chevy for Hendrick Motorsports, while Mast was behind the wheel of the Remington Arms Ford he normally drives on the Winston Cup circuit. Jones tested the Stavola Brothers Chevrolet that he will make his Talladega Winston Cup debut in next month. Drivers Ted Musgrave, Hut Stricklin, Lake Speed, Krik Shelmerdine and Mike Dillon all were testing Winston Cup cars Tuesday, but not the cars they’ll be racing at Talladega on Oct. 11. Only Musgrave is a certain entry in the Winston 500, as he is scheduled to drive the First Plus Financial Ford for car owners Bill Elliott and Dan Marino. Shelmerdine is expected to run the Winn Dixie 300 ARCA Bondo/Mar-Hyde Series event Saturday, Oct. 10.(SpeedNet)(9-23-98)

(9-22-98)
Budweiser, the Official Beer of NASCAR, today announced it has signed Dale Earnhardt Jr. to drive for the brand on the NASCAR Winston Cup circuit through 2004. Earnhardt Jr., the current NASCAR Busch Series points leader, will drive a Budweiser-sponsored car in five select Winston Cup races in 1999 while racing a full Busch Series schedule. He will move to Winston Cup full time in the year 2000. His 1999 Winston Cup schedule and the number of the car will be announced at a later date. As part of his deal with Budweiser, Earnhardt Jr. will be featured in an extensive line of point-of-sale materials and licensed merchandise for the “King of Beers.” He also will appear in a variety of advertising and promotional campaigns for Budweiser and the brand’s status as the Official Beer of NASCAR.(Press Release), Earnhardt Jr’s BGN crew will move up with him.(RPM2Nite)(9-21-98), just about every NASCAR site has a story about this deal, a few: Stock Car Racing Magazine Site and iRace. Also, no number has been announced for the car. According to several sources in the sport, the total value of the package makes it worth more than $10 million per year.(9-22-98)
UPDATE 2: Steve Grissom has been released(actually a “mutual” decision), from the #41 Hedrick Kodiak Chevy. No driver has been named for Martinsville as of yet.(RPM2Nite)(9-21-98) — I hear David Green is a possible driver for Martinsville.(9-22-98) – it’s official, David Green will drive the #41 Kodiak Chevy at Martinsville, it’s on a trial basis for now and only for Martinsville.(NASCAR Online)(9-22-98)
Todd Bodine returns to the #91 LJ Racing Chevy at Martinsville with Larry’s Homes once again as the sponsor. Stop by the Larry’s Homes website and say thanks.(LJ Racing Website).(9-22-98)
From the Stock Car Racing Magazine Website: May be hard to believe, but during his ’89 championship season Rusty Wallace was leading in the standings at this point (after 26 races) with 3,758 points. That same number of points this year would have him exactly where he stands right now…in the fourth spot in the standings. He had 6 wins at this time that year, but he had the exact same number of top-5s & top-10s. He had 4 DNFs then compared to only 2 this year. (Tom Roberts PR)(9-22-98)
I hear Loy Allen may get a one(or two) race deal to drive for the #91 LJ Racing Chevy team at Talladega and/or Daytona.(9-22-98)
NASCAR Online chat Tuesday: Jeff Green chatted from Greenville-Pickens(SC) Speedway where the team was testing. A few highlights: Green mentioned he and the team were discussing him returning in 1999 but that they are working on a sponsor first, and hope to have that done this week(no word on The Money Store/FirstUnion if they are the sponsor or if they are leaving). The special Tampa Bay Devil Rays paint scheme that the #46 team was going to run at the Pepsi 400 in Daytona on July 4th will not be run in October, no other paint schemes are in the works for the rest of 1998. (NASCAR Online Chat)(9-22-98)
Other drivers/teams testing at Greenville-Pickens Speedway today: NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series drivers Jack Sprague, Ron Hornaday & Jimmy Hensley along with NASCAR Winston Cup drivers Joe Nemechek, Johnny Benson, Chad Little, and Mike Skinner.(MRM)(9-22-98)
Lake Speed is helping the Stavola Bros test their #8 Chevy at Talladega this week. Not sure where this is leading yet.(9-22-98)
Hut Stricklin was in Talladega at Monday’s testing session, and he tested THREE cars: Once the track dried from late morning rain, Stricklin tested the #55 Chevrolet of Andy Petree Racing(which he will probably drive at Daytona); the #96 Caterpillar Chevy of American Equipment Racing; and the #1 Pennzoil Chevrolet of Dale Earnhart Inc. The #50 Bud Chevy of Hendrick Motorsports was at the track, but driver Wally Dallenbach was still en route when testing began. Stricklin said he was down there to test the #55 car, but rain messed things up. Drivers for the other cars are supposed to be in Talladega, Tuesday. Steve Park, the normal driver of the No. 1, is still suffering from the effects of a practice crash last week at Homestead, so he will be replaced by Ted Musgrave during testing Tuesday. Kirk Shelmerdine is expected to test the Caterpillar Chevrolet for American Equipment Racing this week as well.(SpeedNet)(9-22-98)
The Most Caring Athlete awards honor three pros who go the extra mile in helping others. The honorees were selected by USA WEEKEND Contributing Editors Stephen Covey, Mia Hamm and George Foreman. Each athlete receives $1,000 for charity. The winners: Jamila Wideman, L.A. Sparks; Jeff Gordon, NASCAR racer; Avery Johnson, San Antonio Spurs. See the story at: USA Weekend – Most Caring Athlete.(thanks Kelbe)(9-22-98)
On Wednesday, 9-23-98, at the Biltmore House in Asheville, NC, the inaugural Ken Schrader/Andy Petree Gala will be held. This sold-out event is expected to raise $50,000 for the Hendrick Marrow Program. Rusty Wallace, Bobby Labonte and Terry Labonte, along with several other drivers and team owners, will join Schrader and Petree for the evening’s festivities. The program agenda includes a reception, sit-down dinner, auction and a candlelight tour of Biltmore House, an enormous private residence and tourist attraction. Legendary driver and racing analyst Benny Parsons will serve as auctioneer during the event’s benefit auction. For more info see the NASCAR Online: MBNA 400 Notebook and the Racing Connection Website.(9-21-98)
The Wood Brothers had This Week In NASCAR filmed at their shop today(Tuesday)! It will be broadcast on Fox Sportsouth on Wednesday, September 23 at 9pm/et. Alan Bestwick had guests Elliott Sadler, Eddie Wood, Len Wood, Glen Wood, and Leonard Wood.(9-22-98)
UPDATE: I hear Kenny Irwin, Jr. was to drive the #84(his old team in 1997 when it was #98) truck at Martinsville, no idea if he still will because of the Dover wreck(9-21-98) — Randy Tolsma was announced as driver of the #84 Porter-Cable Power Tools Ford for the Martinsville Truck race.(RacingPR)(9-22-98)
Other drivers/teams testing at Greenville-Pickens Speedway today: NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series drivers Jack Sprague, Ron Hornaday & Jimmy Hensley along with NASCAR Winston Cup drivers Joe Nemechek, Johnny Benson, Chad Little, and Mike Skinner.(MRM)(9-22-98)
Hermie Sadler announced today he has been given permission by Diamond Ridge Motorsports owner Gary Bechtel to look into other opportunities for the 1999 racing season. Sadler, who has another year remaining on his contract with Diamond Ridge, says he asked for permission to seek other options due to the unsettled sponsorship with his team.(NASCAR Online), rumor has DeWalt tools going to the #17 Matt Kenseth ride and Phillips 66 leaving the #66 team. DeWalt already announced they were leaving the #29 Diamond Ridge Team and H Sadler(9-22-98)
The #43 Cummings Dodge Richard Petty truck driven by Jimmy Hensley will carry the Players Inc. colors this weekend. The truck will have a green football field on the bed cover and the #43 number on a football. Other truck news: Todd Myers will no longer be the crew chief of the 78 MCI Dodge truck team.(9-22-98)
1998 Busch North series champion Mike Stefanik clinched his second straight series championship over the weekend. He was able to clinch the championship in part due to his Busch south races. He should also wrap up his second Modified series championship soon, making him the only NASCAR driver to win two touring series titles in one season, two years in a row. For more info see North East Racing.(9-22-98)
UPDATE 2: RPM2Nite reported that Glenn Allen, Jr would be the driver of the 2nd Akins-Sutton BGN Ford team in 1999, sponsored by Barbasol, Elton Sawyer will drive the #38 Ford sponsored by Lysol.(9-18-98) — Been told that Allen is rumored to this ride and has not signed any deals yet for 1999.(9-21-98) — Akins-Sutton Motorsports will operate a two-car team in 1999 with Glenn Allen Jr partnering with Elton Sawyer. Allen will drive the #38 Barbasol Ford in 1999 with an entirely new crew. Sawyer and his crew will run a Ford of unknown # with a sponsor that is currently finishing its final season with another BGN team.(NASCAR Online), psst it’s Lysol.(9-22-98)

(9-21-98)
Mike Bliss will attempt to make the Winston Cup race at Martinsville in the #96 Caterpillar Chevy, he will be the eighth driver to drive the car if he makes the race.(NASCAR Online)(9-21-98)
I hear Morgan Shepherd plans to go full time with his #05 Pontiac Cup team in 1999. J.T. Townsend is going to be the crew chief and Shepherd plans to announce the sponsor by the last race of the year. I hear it’s a banking company of somesort.(9-21-98)
Todd Bodine said he would finish the season in Joe Falk’s #91 Chevy, except for the races at Talladega and Daytona.(NASCAR Online)(9-21-98)
UPDATE: Quite a run(6th) Matt Kennseth had in his first Winston Cup race driving the #94 McDonald’s Ford. Chat with Matt on Lyco’s Monday night at 7pm/et, chat.lycos.com.(9-20-98) — Kenseth’s finish was the best debut performance by a driver in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series since Rusty Wallace finished second at Atlanta on March 3, 1980(NASCAR Online)(9-21-98)
Some Truck series news: I hear ARCA points Leader, Frank Kimmel is under consideration for Kenny Schraders #52 Purolator ride, not sure what is up with Mike Wallace. And I hear Dave Madar will drive the #84 Liberty Racing Truck for the rest of the year after Martinsville.(9-21-98)

(9-20-98)

MBNA Gold 400 at Dover: Starting Lineups, Qualifying Results, Practice speeds at NASCAR Online, GoRacing(has 2nd round) and, Speedworld. Pole winner with a new track record is Mark Martin, #6 Valvoline Ford, 155.966mph. Rusty Wallace was fastest during Happy Hour practice at 151.381mph. Jayski’s Provisional Page with Owners Points updated along with Jayski’s MISC Stats.
As reported here: Dale Earnhardt Jr., the son of one of stock car racing’s biggest names, will make his official debut on the NASCAR Winston Cup Series next season with backing from the Anheuser-Busch’s Budweiser beer brand. Sources have told iRACE that the DEI-Budweiser combination is a prelude to a full-season Winston Cup run with Earnhardt Jr. in 2000, with a second full-time DEI team. Reportedly, Budweiser’s current contract with Hendrick Motorsports runs through the 1999 Winston Cup season. While officials of the St. Louis-based brewing company have been looking to make a change for the past several months, sources told iRACE that they intend to honor their commitment with Hendrick next year.(iRace)(9-20-98)
UPDATE 2: Budweiser will stay with Rick Hendrick’s No. 50/25, at least through next season, although it is not known yet who will drive the car.(SpeedNet)(9-14-98) — I hear that Hendrick Motorsports may announce their 1999 driver at Dover this weekend(9-15-98) — so much for that RUMOR, nothing was announced at Dover.(9-20-98)
Kenny Irwin Jr. hit the wall pretty hard in the #28 Texaco Ford at Dover and was taken to Kent County General Hospital(DE) to get checked out. He was alert and conscious, but had his ‘bell rung’.(TNN during the race), Raceday reported Irwin is ok. An update on Irwin shortly after the race said he had been released, in a “real sore” state, after all tests were negative.(9-20-98)
Dale Jarrett and Kenny Irwin are the scheduled guests on QVC’s “For Race Fans Only” TUES SEPT 29th at 9pm/et. It is scheduled to be a 3hr show and no doubt will feature a lot of Batman and Joker merchandise since the Charlotte race is the following weekend!(Unofficial Yates Page)(9-20-98)
Dick Trickle is starting to look around and check his options, now that Heilig-Meyers has decided not to renew its sponsorship with car owner Junie Donlavey(#90 Ford). Crew chief Tommy Baldwin has already moved on, to Bill Davis’ team(#22). And team manager Jeff Kirk will be leaving Donlavey, too.(JournalNow)(9-20-98)
Geoff Bodine is looking for a ride, Filbert Martocci is looking for a driver, and they have been talking about 1999. Bodine has sold his share of the old Alan Kulwicki team to Jim Mattei, freeing both up to change directions. Mattei has been trying to sign Michael Waltrip.(JournalNow)(9-20-98)
Here’s a wild one!! — Bored with watching second-round qualifying, where the fastest guy gets only the 26th spot in the field? R.J. Reynolds execs are mulling over an interesting twist: The fastest guy in second round earns the outside front-row pole.(JournalNow/Mike Mulhern)(9-20-98)
Driver injuries this season have become a major cause for concern in the NASCAR garage, and now NASCAR officials are being asked to rethink the location of the driver inside the cars and the location of some rollbars, which some crew chiefs worry are too close to the driver’s head.(JournalNow)(9-20-98)
Ted Musgrave wrecked the #13 FirstPlus Ford in practice whem Musgrave apparently cut a rear tire heading into Turn 4 and slammed the wall with the left front. Musgrave was no hurt, but the team had to bring out a backup car and will go to the back of the field when the race starts. Also, Kenny Wallace caused caution during Happy Hour when an oil line came loose on his #81 Square-D Ford.(NASCAR Online)(9-20-98)
Steve Park banged and bruised in an accident during testing in Homestead earlier this week, will have David Green standing by in case he cannot go the distance at Dover.(NASCAR Today)(9-20-98)
Brian, a race fan from New Jersey, was recently paralyzed and is unable to attend the Dover race. His friend Dawn contacted Hendrick, DuPont, Quaker State, and Pepsi hoping that Jeff could sign a banner for Brian’s hospital room. See the rest of the story at: Gordonline – For Brian. There is a follow-up on this story at DaytonaMikes(9-20-98)

(9-19-98)
2nd round Cup qualifying is over at Dover: Only seven drivers made attempts, Todd Bodine was the fastest 2nd round attempt at 154.209mph(would have been 19th fastest 1st round). For some reason, Sterling Marlin made a 2nd round attempt and dropped three spots to 35th. DW made the race once on time and will start 33rd. Steve Grissom missed the race as he is out of provisionals even though the team is 34th in OWNERS points. Earnhardt used the past champ prov. To see who used provisionals and missed the race, go to Jayski’s Provisional Page.(9-19-98)
George Elliott, father to Winston Cup driver Bill Elliott, passed away last night at his Dawsonville, Ga. Home. Elliott, who had been treated and operated on earlier in the year for a brain tumor, was 74 at the time of his passing. Elliott will be staying home to spend time with his family. Matt Kenseth will drive the #94 for Elliott this weekend. George Elliot is survived by three sons – Bill, Ernie and Dan.(GoRacing). Funeral services will be at 2pm Sunday at Bethel United Methodist Church in Dawsonville, my thoughts and prayers go out to the Elliott family.(9-18-98) — In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be sent to the following charities: The Casey Elliott Memorial Fund, c/o M.D. Anderson Cancer Research Facility, 1515 Holcomb Blvd.-135, Houston, Texas, 77030; Lumpkin Campground, c/o Bethel United Methodist Church, 100 Lumpkin Campground Rd., Dawsonville, Ga. 30534 or Wesley Chapel Church Building Fund, 1751 Wesley Chapel Road, Dahlonega, Ga. 30533.(Times-Dispatch)(9-19-98)
From Monte Dutton and SpeedNet: Amazingly, a rumor dismissed as wishful thinking six months ago has risen again. Dale Earnhardt will announce a five-race Winston Cup schedule Monday that will let son — and apparent Busch Series champion — Dale Earnhardt Jr. wet his feet in the Winston Cup waters. However, with the Tabasco deal in jeopardy, Earnhardt is considering adding a second team for, yes, Darrell Waltrip next year. That way Waltrip, the three-time champion, could warm a seat for Earnhardt Jr., while at the same time Waltrip’s farewell tour would be handled under the marketing direction of the Earnhardt braintrust. Makes too much sense not to happen.(SpeedNet) — Jayski Note: Sources tell me this will not happen.(9-19-98)
Morning practice is over, speeds are much slower. Chad Little was fastest in his #97 John Deere Ford at 152.963mph, which would have been 37th fastes during 1st round qualifying. I think we’ll see many teams stay with their 1st round times, esp from 26th thru 36th.(9-19-98)
UPDATE: Under NASCAR rules, rookie drivers are not eligible to act as substitutes in the Winston Cup series, so Matt Kenseth had to receive special permission from Winston Cup director Gary Nelson and Mike Helton, vice president for competition, to substitute for Bill Elliott.(who’s Father passed away)(That’s Racin’)(9-18-98) — From the WC Rulebook: Any qualified car may be driven in any Event by an eligible driver. A Rookie driver must qualify the car he or she competes in. Rookie drivers may not be relief drivers UNLESS authorized by NASCAR.(9-19-98)

(9-18-98)
Teams that failed to make the field in first round qualifying and are 26th or worse but are guaranteed(by this I mean whatever happens in 2nd round, not where things stand now) to make the MBNA Gold 400 at Dover based on owners points: #99-Jeff Burton(5th in owners points); #12-Jeremy Mayfield(6); #3-Dale Earnhardt(8); #33-Kenny Schrader(9); #23-Jimmy Spencer(12); #40-Sterling Marlin(13); and #35-Darrell Waltrip(champ prov). The three teams that would miss the race if things stayed the same: #41-Steve Grissom(34 but no prov’s left); #96-Morgan Shepherd(43); and #71-Dave Marcis(44). Derrike Cope had a great lap and qualified 3rd and Matt Kenseth will get his first Cup start in the #94 qualifying 16th(nice job for the Elliott family) To see where the teams stack up in the provisonals, see Jayski’s Provisional Status Page.(9-18-98)
UPDATE 2: Dale Earnhardt Inc., will have a major announcement regarding future plans in NASCAR Winston Cup Racing. The press conference will begin at 3pm/et on Monday, September 21 at the new DEI Winston Cup race shop. — I hear the announcement will be that Anhueser-Busch will sponsor Dale Earnhardt, Jr in five Winston Cup races next year. No idea which beer brand or car number.(9-17-98) — Dale Earnhardt Inc. officials are expected to announce Monday that Budweiser will sponsor the car of Dale Earnhardt Jr. in five Winston Cup races next season. Two sources told The Observer on Thursday that Budweiser might move to DEI and become Earnhardt’s sponsor in 2000 as well, though final details have not been worked out. See the story at That’s Racin’ by Jim Utter: Limited Winston Cup run expected next year. Here are satellite coordinates to the Earnhardt Announcement Monday(9-21), They are SBS 6 Transponder 7. This is KU satellite. The feed of the press conference is from 5:15-5:30pm/et(thanks Robert)(9-18-98)
The partnership between Geoff Bodine and Jim Mattei as car owners came to an end this week after Jim Mattei bought out Geoff Bodine’s interest in the team. The deal closes the chapter in Geoff Bodine’s life as the car owner of the #7 Ford. Bodine, who’s shown some good runs the last few weeks, is rumored to be in play for another ride in 1999. The sale of the team could make it easier for either car owner – Mattei or driver – Bodine to make a decision if there is going to be a change in driver for the #7 Ford next year. See the rest of the story at GoRacing: Jim Mattei Now Sole Owner of Mattei Motorsports.(GoRacing)(9-18-98)
UPDATE: When Dale Earnhardt and the GM Goodwrench Service Plus team start this Sunday’s NASCAR Winston Cup race. It will mark a milestone for the man behind the wheel. Earnhardt will be starting his 600th NASCAR Winston Cup race this Sunday at Dover Downs International Speedway.(Stock Car Racing Magazine)(9-16-98) — Also, Terry Labonte will make his 600th start at Dover. In November, Labonte will make his 600th consecutive start.(many sources), also see the TNN story Dale Earnhardt Laps The World(9-18-98)
For 150 to 180 members of NASCAR Winston Cup pit crews, spotters, official scorers and family members of drivers, the Race Day Express concept is a reality. A chartered plane carries crews from Charlotte, where most of the teams are based, to the race and back on race day, efficiently and economically. But sometimes that reality can be more than even the most veteran crew member can handle. see Jim Utter’s story at That’s Racin’:Chartered air travel not so enjoyable on Winston Cup circuit(9-18-98)
From the JournalNow: One of the men to watch the next few weeks is Robin Pemberton, who might be getting burned out on the Rusty Wallace operation and who might be on the list of a number of rival car owners looking to add a top-notch crew chief. Steve Hmiel, who left Jack Roush two weeks ago in one of the season’s biggest surprises, and Pemberton used to be one of the sport’s top one-two punches.(JournalNow)(9-18-98)
Two teams/drivers not listed on my Entry list are attempting to make the MBNA 400 at Dover: #78-Gary Bradberry and #00-Buckshot Jones. So that is 46 drivers going for 43 spots.(9-18-98)
Bobby Labonte will drive the Shell Pontiac in the upcoming MBNA Gold 200 at Dover Downs International Speedway. The race will mark the Winston Cup regular’s fifth 1998 appearance in NASCAR Busch Grand National Competition. Labonte is subbing for Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Tony Stewart at Dover Downs due to the contractual commitment Stewart has with Menard Racing to compete in the Indy Racing League event in Texas. (RaceWire/Loney’s BGN Page)(9-18-98)
Airport Speedway in New Castle, DE., will play host to a challenge race for crew members from Richard Childress Racing (Nos. 3 and 31 Chevrolet teams) on Saturday night, starting at 6pm/et. The event will take place during the evening’s regularly scheduled program, featuring four classes for Micro-Sprint racing. The speedway is located on Speedway Drive in New Castle Corporate Commons (Delaware 37), off Delaware 141 (302-328-8302 or 302-654-9155).(NASCAR Online)(9-18-98)

(9-17-98)
UPDATE: It was announced today that Larry McReynolds would be staying put with Richard Childress Racing (RCR) and the #31 Lowes Team for at least one more year. See the rest of the story at GoRacing: McReynolds to Stay with the RCR Gang another story also at TNN’s Motorsports site: Larry Mac Not Forming New Team, Yet.(9-16-98) — Larry McReynolds will be back with Richard Childress and Mike Skinner next season as crew chief, Childress said yesterday after finally meeting with McReynolds to discuss their future. “Larry is staying, for the next two years,” Childress said. “That’s our four-year commitment.”(JournalNow)(9-17-98)
UPDATE 2: Testing at Daytona International Speedway opened today(tuesday) for a two day Winston Cup test session in preparation for the Pepsi 400 in October. Testing today were #36-Ernie Irvan; #99-Jeff Burton; #21-Michael Waltrip; #16-Kevin Lepage; #26-Johnny Benson and #75-Rick Mast. No speeds reported(Winston Cup Today and NASCAR Today Radio)(9-15-98) — see the story on the Daytona testing at: Mast feels the need for speed. Some speeds from the test: #75-188.640; #99-188.600 mph; #26-187.891; #16-187.852 mph; and #21-187.774.(no speed for the #36)(SpeedMagazine and NASCAR Online)(9-16-98) — Final Speeds from testing: #16-188.996mph; #75-188.640; #’s 21, 26 and 99 188.600. I assume Ernie Irvan did not test as I reported in the past.(NASCAR Online)(9-17-98)
Sam Ard, one of NASCAR’s drivers of the 1980s, has hit hard times, according to Ernie Irvan. ”He needed an operation on his neck, because he has a herniated disc, so he was raffling off his race car,” said Irvan, who bought 50 tickets.(JournalNow), I have no further info on this, if anyone does, I will post it.(9-17-98)
NASCAR officials continue to toss up possible changes for next season’s pre-race testing sessions. The latest: each manufacturer will get five tests, with those five to be determined by NASCAR.(JournalNow)(9-17-98)
Wayne Anderson was released from the #84 Liberty Racing Truck Team Tuesday. Anderson will run the remainder of the 1998 Slim Jim All Pro Series schedule with sponsorship from Porter Cable Power Tools, same sponsor that he had in the Truck Series. Bryan Reffner will drive the Porter Cable Power Tools truck this weekend at Gateway. Other drivers will fill the seat during the remainder of the season, including some Winston Cup drivers on weekends when the trucks share the track with Winston Cup.(9-17-98)

(9-16-98)
The Tabasco #35 team and Darrell Waltrip will have their own cars at Martinsville, reskinned from Chevy’s to Pontiacs. Expect to see an improvement in qualifying(9-16-98)
I hear the Nashville radio show “Racenight” reported last night that the Tabasco decals will NOT be on DW’s #35 Pontiac car this weekend at Dover. — sources tell me that is not true and that the Tabasco Decals are on for the rest of the year. Judge denied their motion two times last week. Court date set for January 1999. Also the team will start using their own cars start at Martinsville.(9-16-98)
UPDATE 2: Next season, Gumout will leave the #30 Bahari Pontiac of Derrike Cope. Associate sponsor Sara Lee is expected to step up to the main role.(Times-Dispatch)(9-13-98) — I am hearing Derrike Cope will not return to the team in 1999 and may leave before the 1998 season is over(9-16-98) — FALSE: Have heard from good sources that this rumor concerning Derrike Cope leaving the #30 team before the season ends or during the offseason are untrue. All indications are Derrike will be back with Chuck Rider’s Pontiac team next season. Derrike plans to be back with Bahari’ Racing in 1999, also hearing Sara Lee is close to a done deal as a sponsor for the team in 99.(9-16-98)
Richard Childress Racing, one of the leading NASCAR teams that competes in both the Winston Cup Series and the Craftsman Truck Series, will use PTC’s Solutions for the design-through-manufacturing development process of their three NASCAR racing teams. PTC will provide the team with software tools for mechanical design, reverse engineering, industrial design, surface modeling, and functional optimization. Richard Childress Racing will use Pro/ENGINEER Manufacturing Solutions to generate and optimize NC toolpaths for 5-axis machining of their engine blocks and race-car components. See the complete Press Release at: Parametric Technology Partners with Richard Childress Racing.(9-16-98)
Geoff Bodine is in a three-day test session in preparation for Martinsville Speedway’s NAPA AutoCare 500 on Sunday, September 27. He will finish testing today of his #7 Philips Consumer Communications Ford.(SpeedNet)(9-16-98)
Boston Reid has a mentor in racing mega-star Jeff Gordon. Gordon was 20 years old and driving a championship dirt car in Springfield, IL, when he was introduced to a blond-haired youngster with inviting eyes. Boston Reid asked Gordon to watch him race a quarter-midget in Indianapolis the next day. Read the rest of the story at SpeedNet: Following in his hero’s footsteps.(9-16-98)

(9-15-98)
#1 Pennzoil Monte Carlo driver Steve Park will drive in Sunday’s NASCAR Winston Cup race in Dover, DE. Results from a late Monday evening CAT scan showed Park sustained no head injury after an afternoon testing accident at the Metro-Dade Homestead Motorsports Complex in Homestead, FL. Park was released from the hospital Monday night after the CAT scan as well as X-rays on his neck and back.(Pennzoil PR)(9-15-98)
Fans have voted Bill Elliott into the Talladega/Texaco Walk of Fame, along with legends Junior Johnson and David Pearson. Elliott will be inducted Oct. 10 — the night before the Winston 500 — at Davey Allison Memorial Park in downtown Talladega, AL. The evening will conclude with a laser show in a park. All activities are open and free to the public. Past inductees include Dale Earnhardt, Benny Parsons, Richard Petty, Ernie Irvan, Cale Yarborough, Alan Kulwicki, Dale Jarrett, Ned Jarrett and Buddy Baker.(SpeedNet)(9-15-98)
I hear Ricky Craven is setting his sights on a full Cup ride for 1999 and will accept one of many offers within the next few weeks — he may run some Cup races this year as well. He will also run a limited BGN schedule with his own team.(9-15-98)
Well, today was supposedly the day #31 Lowes Chevy crew chief Larry McReynolds announced his 1999 plans, as either a crew chief or team owner. Didn’t happen. McReynolds now says the decision will come in the next few days. Sponsorship for his possible Cup team is the holdup at this point.(NASCAR Today Radio)(9-15-98) note, see above story
I hear Truck drivers Jimmy Hensley and Mike Wallace will be throwing out the first pitch at Wednesday night’s Cardinals vs. Pirates game in St Louis. Hensley and Wallace will also get a chance to meet Mark McGwire before the game.(9-15-98)
Testing at Talladega Tuesday were #78-Gary Bradberry; #12-Jeremy Mayfield; and #4-Bobby Hamilton.(WC Today Radio)(9-15-98)
Jeff Gordon is the third quarter nominee for the True Value Man of the Year Award. Sterling Marlin and Kyle Petty were the nominees for the first two quarters. The year-end winner will receive a prize of $50,000, which will be divided evenly between the driver and the charity of his choice. (WC Today Radio)(9-15-98)
The #90 Donlavey Racing and #22 Bill Davis Racing teams expect to make announcements concerning sponsorship in the next 3-4 weeks.(NASCAR Today Radio)(9-15-98)
Rich Bickle will drive the #59 Kingsford Charcoal Chevy at Dover in the BGN race this weekend in place of injured Robert Pressley(NASCAR Today Radio)(9-15-98)
Nathan Buttke will drive the Dr Pepper #50 Ford for Washington Erving Motorsports at Dover Downs for the MBNA GOLD 200. Darrell Bryant and the Crew are getting everything ready for Nathan Buttke for a good qualifying effort.(www.WashingtonErving.com)(9-15-98)
Casey Atwood will have a full-time ride for the rest of the 1999 BGN Season. He will replace Tracy Leslie in the #63 Lysol Chevy starting at Dover. No word why Leslie will not drive the car for the rest of the year. It had been announced earlier that Leslie would leave at the end of the season and that the team would be losing primary sponsor Lysol.(NASCAR Online)(9-15-98)

(9-14-98)
Ted Musgrave will drive the #77 Jasper Engines Ford at Martinsville on September 26th as Robert Pressley is still injured from his Richmond wreck.(9-14-98)
Todd Bodine returns to the #91 LJ Racing Chevy at Dover with Larry’s Homes as the sponsor.(WC Today Radio), stop by the Larry’s Homes website and say thanks. Check out the PR up on the LJ Racing Website.(9-14-98)
UPDATE: After blowing a tire and hitting the wall at Richmond, Robert Pressley was taken to a local hospital. X-Rays showed that Pressley has a broken right scapula (shoulder blade). He also has bruised right shoulder. His status with the #77 Jasper Engines Ford team and his BGN ride are up in the air for Dover.(NASCAR Online)(9-13-98) — Pressley will not be able to drive at Dover this weekend, Hut Stricklin has been named to sub in the #77 Jasper Ford.(RPM2Nite)(9-14-98)
Mike Hillman, former crew chief for the #98 Cale Yarborough team has joined the #90 Donlavey Racing team as the new crew chief, replacing Tommy Baldwin, Jr, who left to take the crew chief job at Bill Davis Racing and the #22 Team.(NASCAR Online)(9-14-98)
Hearing the #81 Filmar team may switch from Fords to Chevy’s in 1999.(9-14-98)
Morgan Shepherd will drive the #96 Caterpillar Chevy at Dover in the MBNA Gold 400 this weekend.(Williams Company), this will be the seventh driver for the team in 1998.(9-14-98)
#1 Pennzoil Monte Carlo driver Steve Park was groggy, but unhurt after a Monday afternoon testing accident at the Metro-Dade Homestead Motorsports Complex in Homestead, FL. Park crashed in turn three of the 1.5-mile oval and walked to the ambulance under his own power. Track medical crews transported Park to Homestead General Hospital for observation late Monday afternoon. Team officials were awaiting the results of a CAT scan Monday evening. Team members reported Park was a bit groggy and said he felt, “as if I had been beaten up.” Park was at the track assisting the Dale Earnhardt Inc. Busch team in its preparation for the season ending Jiffy Lube 300 on Nov. 15 and the Nov. 28 Winston Cup exhibition race at the similarly configured Twin Ring Motegi track in Japan. While Dale Earnhardt Jr. tested the team’s Busch car, Park was shaking down the Winston Cup car. Plans called for Dale Jr. to test the car the Winston Cup car on Tuesday. The Japanese race marks Dale Jr.’s first appearance in a Winston Cup car.(Pennzoil Press Release)(9-14-98)
On Tuesday, 9-15-98, Daytona International Speedway will be open for a two day Winston Cup test session in preperation for the Pepsi 400 in October. Approximately a half a dozen Cup teams are scheduled to be in Daytona Tuesday and Wednesday. Among those listed as scheduled to test are Jeff Burton and Kenny Wallace.(Nancy-StockCarFans)(9-14-98)
I hear the #27 David Blair Motorsports Ford team will be a third Yates team in 1999 with Doug Yates listed as the owner.(9-14-98)
Hearing that Progressive Motorsports who fields the #57 Jason Keller BGN Chevy will have an announcement soon on sponsorship and possibly a second team.(9-14-98)
In post-race inspections after Jeff Burton’s victory Saturday night in Roush’s Ford, NASCAR officials carefully cut large chunks out of Burton’s tires and Jeff Gordon’s tires. What might eventually happen to those samples isn’t clear. NASCAR officials say only that they’ll take them back to Daytona for storage, in case any questions arise down the road. The samples won’t be tested as the tires at Loudon, N.H. were, NASCAR executives said, because those test results backed up the validity of NASCAR’s own field testing.(JournalNow)(9-14-98)
UPDATE: Caterpillar appears even closer to a deal with the #22 Bill Davis Pontiac team.(Times-Dispatch)(9-13-98) — Caterpillar is high on the list of potential sponsors for the Bill Davis/Ward Burton team, although at least two others are ready to bite, sources say (one of which may be K mart). Caterpillar at present is allied with the troubled Buz McCall team, and McCall says he has a contract through 1999. McCall says he will be in business in NASCAR next year.(SpeedNet)(9-14-98)
UPDATE: Junie Donlavey is confident that he will find a sponsor for the #90 Ford for next season. Immediately following notification that Heilig-Meyers would not renew its option, Donlavey’s phone began to ring with leads on sponsors. He also received an offer to sell the team, but turned it down. He has been adamant about staying in Richmond. Donlavey could have a new deal within the next two weeks. Aside from sponsor concerns, Donlavey decides this week who will handle crew chief responsibilities. He has several members on staff who are capable, or he could reunite driver Dick Trickle with Mike Hillman. The two worked together in 1994.(Times-Dispatch)(9-13-98) — With Heilig-Meyers confirmed gone as sponsor of Junie Donlavey’s #90, the 74-year-old car owner insists he’ll continue to do business as usual, and the outlook apparently is bright. Word is that Donlavey has at least two big Virginia-based companies trying to work a deal with him (Circuit City is not one of them, sources say).(SpeedNet)(9-14-98)

(9-13-98)

UPDATE 2: I hear that Todd Bodine will be in the #91 LJ Racing Chevy for the remainder of the 1999 season and….also intends to run the full 1999 season with the team. Supposedly a sponsor deal is close to being secured.(9-11-98) — hmm…I now hear that Todd Bodine will stay with Team 34 next year and drive the #30 sponsored by Phillips 66.(9-12-98) — from what I hear, the LJ Racing rumor is false and the Team 34 rumors seems to more plausible.(9-13-98)
Jimmy Elledge has been named Andy Petree’s new crew chief, and starts working for Kenny Wallace’s new team this week.(JournalNow)(9-13-98)
I hear Rich Bickle has told the #98 team he will not return to the team in 1999. He supposedly plans to go back to the truck series full time.(9-13-98)
UPDATE: Last night on the NASCAR Family Chat Super Site, Geoff Bodine was talking about his son, Barry and said that Barry would race a Busch car in Rockingham and Homestead(didn’t say what team or car he would drive)(9-10-98) — After running 13 truck races this year with out much sponsorship, Barry Bodine will run 3 to 4 BGN races, sponsorship is in place. Planned races are Charlotte, Rockingham and Homestead and possibly Atlanta.(9-13-98)
UPDATE: I hear Randy LaJoie will drive for James Finch next year with Mark Reno as crew chief, possibly as a teammate to Jeff Purvis in the #4 Lance Snacks Chevy(8-22-98) — #4 BGN Team Owner James Finch confirms that he is adding a second race team for the 1999 season. The driver will be Randy LaJoie. They’ve been talking for about a month now, and they officially announced it this week. Former Ernie Irvan & Kenny Irwin crew chief Marc Reno will be the crew chief for LaJoie. An announcement on sponsorship will come later. Finch says they’re weighing several offers from potential primary sponsors. They’ll also expand their shop space in the coming months. Jeff Purvis returns to the Jeff Purvis #4 Lance Snacks Chevrolet from his four-race suspension this week as well.(WMBB Radio, Panama City, FL)(9-10-98) — See the story at: Phoenix expanding its racing stable from the Panama City News Herald.(9-13-98)

(9-12-98)
Exide NASCAR Select Batteries 400 at Richmond: Race Results, Starting Grid, Qualifying results, Practice speeds at NASCAR Online, GoRacing(2nd round), Speedworld and That’s Racin’.
2nd round Cup qualifying is over at Richmond: Only seven drivers made attempts, Mike Skinner was the fastest 2nd round attempt at 122.912mph and was the only one of the seven who could break into the top 36. DW made the race once again on the past champions provisional(his 14th used). Rich Bickle missed the race in the #98 Ford. Dennis Setzer crashed in practice and will go to a backup car and the rear of the field tonight when the race starts. To see who used provisionals and missed the race, go to Jayski’s Provisional Page.(9-12-98)
From the JournalNow: And for teams looking to NASCAR’s post-race chassis dyno tests at Darlington for some hint of just how much horsepower Gordon might have to play with — no such luck either. Chevrolet’s SB2 engines are widely thought to be pumping out a lot of horsepower, maybe as much as Robert Yates’ vaunted Ford motors. If so, GM teams managed to disguise the power quite well, because Gordon’s engine, according to sources privy to the dyno results, pulled only 627 horsepower at the rear wheels, much less than the 658 horsepower Jeremy Mayfield and the 668 horsepower Dale Jarrett pulled. Backing up Gordon’s figures, Ernie Irvan’s 636 horsepower chart. NASCAR doesn’t officially release chassis dyno results but the figures were widely available yesterday in the garage, which is unusual.(JournalNow)(9-12-98)

(9-11-98)
Teams that failed to make the field in first round qualifying and are 26th or worse but are guaranteed to make the Exide NASCAR Select Batteries 400 at Richmond based on owners points: #12-Jeremy Mayfield(6 in owners points); #3-Dale Earnhardt(8); #5-Terry Labonte(9); #36-Ernie Irvan(14); #21-Michael Waltrip(16); #16-Kevin Lepage(19); and #35-Darrell Waltrip(champ prov). The four teams that would miss the race if things stayed the same: #98-Rich Bickle(38); #78-Gary Bradberry(45); #00-Buckshot Jones(49); and #79-Ken Bouchard(59-none). And how about Dave Marcis, making the show(22nd) on the first day in the #71 Realtree Chevy!(9-11-98)
UPDATE: Tommy Baldwin, the crew chief for Dick Trickle who announced months ago that he would not be returning to #90 Donlavey Racing, reportedly is considering joining Bill Davis’ #22 Pontiac team.(Times Dispatch)(9-7-98) — I hear Chris Hussey has been released as crew chief of the #22 MBNA Bill Davis Pontiac who Ward Burton drives for. Tommy Baldwin who was the #90 Heilig-Meyers team crew chief takes over starting after(not at) Richmond. Baldwin mentioned that he thinks the #22 has a good sponsor lined up for next season.(that’s good news)(9-11-98)
UPDATE 2: Tabasco(McIlhenny Co) has filed a lawsuit against ISM Racing and owner Bob Hancher. Tim Beverley, owner of the Tyler Jet Motorsports team that bought ISM is not not named in the lawsuit. Beverley is in negotiation’s with Tabasco for them to remain as sponsor of the #35 Pontiac and DW in 1999.(WC Today Radio, I also hear this is in this weeks Winston Cup Scene, have not gotten my copy yet)(9-9-98) — RaceShop(home of PRN Radio) has an AP story on the lawsuit which: McIlhenney(Tabasco) Loses First Round in NASCAR Dispute. Mentions that DW can keep Tabasco on the car for this weekend at Richmond, but if the judge grants the permanent injunction, the logos would have to come off. Yikes(9-10-98) — Another AP update on the JournalNow site about the Tabasco deal: Waltrip’s car to have Tabasco logos for race.(Jayski note: For an AP story there are a few mistakes here, they spelled Bob Hancher’s name wrong(like I should complain about spelling, right) and they keep saying DW has not missed a race in 25 years, how about last year in Charlotte??)(9-11-98)
Not only will Tracy Leslie not return to the #63 Hensley Racing BGN Chevy in 1999, 5-year sponsor Lysol brand cleaners and disinfectants, will not return after this season to the car. Lysol also is the race sponsor at the BGN race at Watkins Glen, NY which will continue through 2000. Reckitt & Colman, makers of Lysol is currently exploring other BGN team sponsorship opportunities for the 1999 season.(NASCAR Online)(9-11-98)
Richard Childress Racing has signed Team Invinca-Shield as an associate sponsor for the Lowe’s Home Improvement Warehouse Chevrolet Monte Carlo driven by Mike Skinner.(SpeedNet), didn’t say how long the deal is for, but says they hope to have a long term relationship with the team.(9-11-98)
Gary Bradberry will be driving in the BGN series for Marcrum Motorsports, it was announced Friday. The new team is owned by Don Marcrum and is based in Bessemer, AL. It will be crew chiefed by Gary’s former ARCA crew chief Phillip Hamilton. The races on the teams schedule for the rest of 1998 are Rockingham, Homestead, and Atlanta while possibly running Charlotte if the equipment is ready. The team is presently searching for a sponsor. Interested parties who may wish to sponsor the team may send an inquiry to [email protected].(Official Gary Bradberry Site)(9-11-98)
Both Kyle and Adam Petty were out testing a #45 Pontiac on Hoosier tires during an open ARCA test at Charlotte on Wednesday. The car was primer in the front and rear with the roof being a dark blue. Adam’s Spree Foncard crew was there working on the car. Petty ran 3rd fastest in the test at 171.537mph.(9-11-98)
Royal Crown Cola(RC Cola) Thursday announced a two-year sponsorship contract extension with the Impact Motorsports #86 Truck team and driver Stacy Compton. Impact Motorsports owner David Hodson said the team might eventually try to run some NASCAR Winston Cup events with Compton, backed by RC.(NASCAR Online), I had a rumor up months ago that Compton would attempt the Martinsville Cup race later this month, not sure if he still will.(9-11-98)
LJ Racing, Inc. announced that The Dare County Tourist Bureau and OBX(Outerbanks) will return as sponsors of the #91 LJ Racing Chevrolet. The famous Cape Hatteras lighthouse was displayed on the hood of the #91 Chevrolet during the DieHard 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on April 26, 1998. Now, at Richmond International Speedway, during the Exide NASCAR Select Batteries 400, on September 12, 1998, the Dare County Tourist Bureau and OBX will kick off their private/public partnership to promote the Outer Banks. The OBX logo will appear on the hood of the #91 Chevrolet, and the TV panel will broadcast Dare County Tourist Bureau’s toll free number 877-By-The-Sea. Todd Bodine will drive the car at Richmond.(see the full story at the LJ Racing Website.(9-11-98)
All year, Bobby Hillin’s #8 Clean Shower Chevrolet has tracked the progress of St. Louis Cardinals slugger Mark McGwire as McGwire chased one of baseball’s most famous records. Now that McGwire has topped Roger Maris’ single-season home-run record, Hillin will run a special paint scheme to honor “Big Mac” when the NASCAR Busch Series comes to the St. Louis area. See the story and image at NASCAR Online: Hillin to salute McGwire’s achievement.(9-11-98)
UPDATE: Have had many inquiries about Chris Bradley’s(Adam Petty’s crew chief who was killed over the weekend) arrangements: Viewing is Thursday, 9-10 at 2:00-4:00pm/et and 7:00-9:00pm/et. The Funeral is Friday(9-11) at 11:00am/et. Location: Throop Funeral Home, 290 Henry Street, Coopersville MI 616-837-8161. Contributions in Chris Bradly’s name can be sent to: ASA Womens Aux., PO Box 350, Pendalton, IN 46064 or contact the ASA office in Pendalton IN. – see a related story about what happened, Miscommunication between crew members caused the death of crew chief Chris Bradley on Monday in the ASA Miller Lite 300 at the State Fair, a police investigator said: Miscommunication blamed for death at state fair race.(9-9-98) — The Funeral for Chris Bradly is going to be at the Beerlin Raceway in Marne MI. Their going to give him one last lap around the racetrack.(9-11-98)
NASCAR might change the spoiler rules and give Ford more spoiler for this week’s race at Richmond(JournalNow)(9-7-98) – have nothing else on this(9-11-98)

(9-10-98)
UPDATE II: Starting to hear rumors of a second Morgan-McClure team again. One rumor has Geoff Bodine driving for it.(9-9-98) – Am hearing that this rumor is completely false. At Bristol in August when Morgan-McClure announced an associate deal with Landair Transport Co. for the team, Larry McClure strongly denied a two car team anywhere in the near future.(9-9-98) – Just heard this from two sorces on the #4 team: I hear the team is still considering running a two car team in 1999 and get this…they are contemplating going to Pontiacs. Also last night on the NASCAR Family Chat Super Site, Bodine said he hasn’t talked to Morgan about any possibility of driving for them.(9-10-98)
UPDATE 2: During the NASCAR special Prime Time Country on TNN last night, Dale Earnhardt said that oldest son, Kerry Earnhardt will be announcing a full time BGN deal for 1999 soon.(TNN), I have heard rumors he may be in the #40 ChannelLock Chevy in 1999(thanks Kevin)(9-4-98) — It was announced on RPM2Nite that Kerry Earnhardt would drive the full 1999 BGN season in the #40 Doug Taylor owned chevy(RPM2Nite)(9-9-98) — Kerry Earnhardt, son of seven-time Winston Cup Champion Dale Earnhardt, has been named the driver of the #40 Channellock Chevrolet for Doug Taylor Motorsports in the BGN for the 1999 tour. Earnhardt has been working as a fabricator in Taylor’s shop this season while driving Late Model Stock cars at the New Asheville Speedway in NC. Earnhardt has two BGN starts this season, his debut in July at Myrtle Beach and a second race at South Boston. Earnhardt will begin his driving duties in the #40 Channellock Chevrolet at the October 17th race at Gateway International Raceway. Current driver, Kevin Lepage will finish out the tour this year. There is a possiblity that Earnhardt may drive a second car at some BGN dates this year.(THIS Week IN Motor Sports)(9-10-98)
Stock Car Racing Magazine – SCR has received many questions regarding the #24 teams use of nitrogen in their tires, many thinking this is itself illegal in NASCAR´S eyes. The fact is all teams use nitrogen in their tires, with NASCAR´s full knowledge. Normal compressed air contains enough humidity (moisture) to greatly increase the amount of pressure gain when the tire heats up. Nitrogen is essentially “dry” making the actual pressure change between cold and hot tires much more predictable. In this regard, the # 24 team is just going along with the crowd. Jayski Note: When I was in the Air Force working on the C-5A we used Nitro in the tires of the aricraft for the same reasons.(9-10-98)
Several Ford Taurus drivers from NASCAR’s Winston Cup series will be in Charlotte later this month for the inaugural “Ford Fan Appreciation Day.” Many of the top Ford drivers, including Mark Martin, a five-time winner this season, are planning to appear. See the story at That’s racin’ Fans get their day Sept. 23(9-10-98)

(9-9-98)
UPDATE: Morgan Shepherd has been released from the #91 LJ Racing Chevy. Todd Bodine will drive at Richmond this week.(Victory Lane Online), the team owner, Joe Falk is supposed to meet with a potential sponsor at Richmond, for more info also see the LJ Racing Website.(9-8-98) – Morgan Shepherd plans to form(or reform) his own Cup team for 1999.(Victory Lane Online)(9-9-98)
T.R.I.X. Racing has entered the Exide Batteries 400 at Richmond this weekend. 1988 WC Rookie of The Year, Kenny Bouchard will drive the black and day glo green #79 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. It has been a challenging year for the dedicated members of the T.R.I.X. crew, but they never give up. These guys work long hours for the love of the Winston Cup racing. The team entered Pocono in July, but failed to qualify due to the lack of horsepower. Most recently T.R.I.X. was in New Hampshire, where engine failure in practice kept them from making a qualifying attempt. We have come back with the help of our families, friends and sponsors more prepared to make our first race of the 1998 season.(T.R.I.X. Racing PR), Good Luck!(9-9-98)
Testing Speeds from Wednesday’s testing at Charlotte: #7-Geoff Bodine 180.722mph; #30-Derrike Cope 180.000; #28-Kenny Irwin, Jr 178.217; #90-Dick Trickle 177.748; #4-Bobby Hamilton 177.690; #96-Bobby Hillin 177.514; #36-Ernie Irvan 177.049; #24-Jeff Gordon 176.701; #50-Wally Dallenbach 175.324 and #1-Steve Park 174.523. Ted Musgrave was also there testing the #89 Elliott Ford, all primer no decals but the #’s.(RPM2Nite), great story at the Stock Car Racing Magazine Website about the test with images to see: Testing at Charlotte by Tom Hintz.(9-9-98)
Xpress Motorsports, who fields the #61 IWX Motor Freight Chevrolet for driver Randy Tolsma in the truck series, plans a limited BGN schedule of as many as 15-20 races in 1999 with Derrike Cope driving. The team may also attempt a few Cup races with a driver, dates and sponsorship yet to be determined.(NASCAR Online)(9-9-98)
UPDATE 2 more speeds: Testing at Charlotte Monday and Tuesday nights: #28-Kenny Irwin 183.673; #30-Derrike Cope 180.602; #1-Steve Park 180.481; #7-Geoff Bodine 179.041; #27-Todd Bodine(David Blair Fords) 179.223; #4-Bobby Hamilton 178.223; #10-Ricky Rudd 178.335mph; #50-Wally Dallenbach 177.573; #24-Jeff Gordon 177.049; #36-Ernie Irvan 176.817; and #9-Jerry Nadeau 175.895. Other drivers at the test – #59-Mark Gibson; #90-Dick Trickle; #71-Dave Marcis; #96-Bobby Hillin(not #97 sorry); #19-Tony Raines and #85-possibly Randy MacDonald. No speeds for the last group. More testing on Wednesday from 9am-4pm to simulate race conditions, Bill Elliott is supposed to participate – the reason for the night testing: qualifying for the Fall race will be at night.(WC/NASCAR Today Radio/RPM2Nite/SpeedNet)(9-8/9-98)
UPDATE: “The second Andy Petree team is not only busy trying to sign their driver but they are also courting potential crew chiefs. Petree’s outfit is one of the main teams after Larry McReynolds who was mum this weekend about his future plans. Word has it that Petree has offered McReynolds part ownership in the team which could be the key in luring him away from Richard Childress Racing(#31 Lowes Chevy). McReynolds has always been interested in owning his own team and this could be the first step in that process.”(MRN Notes – Marty Snyder’s Two Cents)(9-1-98) — From Marty at MRN net: A quick note from something we reported here last week. We were close but… Larry McReynolds was not offered part ownership of the Andy Petree second team that will start operation in 1999. The team courting McReynolds is instead a new team that wants to start up next year. The team is composed of some businessmen from Florida but it would be based in Huntersville, N.C. That would be a much closer drive to work for McReynolds who still lives in the Charlotte area but has to drive over an hour every day to get to Richard Childress Racing in Welcome, N.C. Plus the team is offering McReynolds part ownership in the team, which is very enticing to McReynolds. We should know whether or not this team can sang Larry Mac sooner than later…stay tuned.(Marty’s two Cents – MRN Notes)(9-9-98)
SCR-Stock Car Racing Magazine spoke with Ford´s Preston Miller at Charlotte and learned that the much anticipated new cylinder head from Ford will not be ready for submitting to NASCAR for a while yet as there remains a considerable amount of testing to be completed. Plans for marketing the head outside of NASCAR are not complete though Miller expects it will be marketed in some fashion once testing defines the best applications.(SCR-other good info there)(9-9-98)
I hear both the #27 David Blair and the #81 Filmar teams are looking at Todd Bodine for their 1999 rides.(9-9-98)

(9-8-98)
Clarified: NASCAR sued by an inventor who contends NASCAR is illegally using his patented high-tech spoiler system to make race cars safer.(roof flaps) – here is the link to the story I somehow missed on That’s Racin’: NASCAR, Roush industries sued over race car-spoiler patent.(thanks Jonathan)(9-8-98)
Hearing rumors that Steve Hmiel(former Roush TM/GM) may end up with Dale Earnhardt Inc. in some capacity.(9-8-98)
UPDATE: #13 FirstPlus news: Dennis Setzer will drive the car at Richmond, Ted Musgrave will drive the car at Dover and possible some of the other larger tracks.(NASCAR Online)(9-6-98) – Setzer will also drive at Martinsville. Plans are to used both drivers in selected races.(9-8-98)
UPDATE: Sad News from the ASA: The ASA Miller Lite 300 Monday at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds race track was marred by an fatal accident near the entrance to pit row. A crew member for driver Adam Petty died after he was run over by Petty’s car. The crew member, who was not identified because his relatives hadn’t been informed of his death, was under Petty’s car making an adjustment when the jack holding the car was lowered. Not knowing someone was still under the car, Petty — the son of NASCAR Winston Cup driver Kyle Petty and grandson of former NASCAR driver Richard Petty — accelerated out of his pit and ran over the crew member, see the story at Crew member dies after pit accident in Miller Lite 300, the crew member who died was Crew chief Chris Bradley, 40, of Grand Rapids, Mich., he was Johnny Benson’s ASA Crew chief and Glenn Allen Jr.s along with Joe Nott and Adam Petty. My thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family. Updated story at WRAL/AP.(many sources)(9-8-98)
The #81 Filmar team owner, Filbert Martocci says he has a few driver/sponsor possibilities he is working on.(NASCAR Today Radio)(9-8-98)
NASCAR Online has a story on Larry McReynolds: Decision on McReynolds’ future forthcoming by Shawn A. Akers, some highlights: McReynolds will make clear his plans for the future following a meeting with his boss, Richard Childress, scheduled for next Tuesday(9-15). McReynolds said his plans may include starting up his own NASCAR Winston Cup team in 1999, a deal that is currently in the works and that he hopes will come to fruition. He says he has not talked to anyone from the Roush, Petree of Gibbs organizations.(NASCAR Online)(9-8-98)
From the JournalNow: It appears that Ward Burton will stick with Bill Davis and add a Caterpillar sponsor uniform to his wardrobe next season, turning down any overtures from the Rick Hendrick-Budweiser camp.(Mike Mulhern/JournalNow), sources tell me that Burton never talked to anyone in the Hendrick camp(9-8-98)
Testing at Martinsville: Kevin Lepage and Terry Labonte – Sept 8,9; Geoff Bodine – Sept 14,15,16.(Martinsville Newsletter)(9-8-98)
UPDATE 2: Wake County businessman Steve Husketh plans to start the area’s first NASCAR team by building a 42,000-square-foot complex in Chatham County to house racing operations. Husketh, chairman of an auto-racing merchandising company and owner of six brake, tire and inspection shops in North Carolina, is the sole investor in a venture he estimates will cost about $2.5 million before the team tries to qualify for its first race. This story was first mentioned on this site on May 13th and can be seen at May 1998 past news(5-13-98), I have heard that the team will be called Premiere Motorsports – Steve Husketh owner – driver and sponsor yet to be named as the team is still actively looking for sponsors.(9-7-98) – I hear the ground is cleared at the site but no building has taken place yet.(9-8-98)
UPDATE: Mark Martin, Ken Schrader, and Chad Little will run in the Dura Lube 200 on Saturday and the Southern 500 on Sunday at Darlington. Then they’ll head to California for Monday, Sept 7th’s L.A. Street Race/Kroger Z-One 200 at 12noon/pt. Martin will drive a Roush Ford NASCAR Featherlite Southwest Tour car on the 1.4-mile course, which starts at the Los Angeles Coliseum and rolls through city streets to the Southern California campus. Willy T. Ribbs will also drive in the race.(many sources)(9-5/6-98) – See the AP story – NASCAR Stars Martin, Schrader, Little to Hit LA.(WRAL)(9-7-98) – Steve Portenga won Monday’s Kragen Z-One 200 on the streets of Los Angeles. Mark Martin, Chad Little and Ken Schrader all failed to finish. Truck driver Boris Said was 2nd.(SpeedNet)(9-8-98)
UPDATE: After finishing the Pepsi Southern 500 with no power steering, Ken Schrader passed out in his #33 Chevy and needed time in the infield hospital to recover.(Sue’s Newsletter)(9-7-98) – Ken Schrader apparently did briefly pass out after the race ended because he ran into the pit wall and did quite a bit of damage to his car while attempting to drive back to the garage. Mike Skinner needed relief help from Morgan Shepherd. But perhaps the most notable scene was Jimmy Spencer, behind the wheel of his passenger car after the race, waiting to get out of the track, still hooked up to oxygen.(News and Record)(9-8-98)
Ted Christopher will be attemping to make the Busch race at Richmond this Friday night. He and the #13 Marsh Racing team will also attempt the Rockingham and Homestead BGN races later this year. They hope to then run for the 1999 BGN Rookie of the Year title. Details at North East Racing)(9-8-98)
Casey Attwood will drive the Dr Pepper #50 for Washington Erving Motorsports at Richmond for the Autolite Platinum 250. Darrell Bryant(crew chief) and the Crew are getting everything ready for Casey Attwood for a good qualifying effort for this “Young Lion”. He’s the youngest driver ever in the NASCAR Busch Series, and at the BellSouth Mobility / Opryland 320 he became the youngest to win a Bud Pole.(WWW.WashingtonErving.com)(9-8-98)

(9-7-98)
Jim Mattei, owner of the #7 Philips Ford that Geoff Bodine drives, will make a decision on his 1999 driver within the next 10 days. He said he as talked to a few drivers, including Michael Waltrip.(RPM2Nite)(9-7-98)
NASCAR has impounded the top six cars following Sunday’s event for testing on the chassis dyno. The Fords driven by Jeff Burton, Dale Jarrett and Jeremy Mayfield, the Chevrolets of Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt, and the Pontiac piloted by Ernie Irvan were all put through their paces. The purpose of the test is to determine the horsepower output of the engine as measured at the rear wheels.(GoRacing)(9-7-98)
Mike Skinner was hoping to be in contention to collect the million dollar bonus anteed up by series sponsor RJ Reynolds. Instead, after losing a lap early in the event he was forced to get out of the car during the second caution period after being overcome by carbon monoxide. Morgan Shepherd replaced Skinner behind the wheel and brought the No. 31 Lowe’s Chevrolet home 26th.(GoRacing)(9-7-98)
While Gary Bechtel is understandably dissappointed in Elliott Sadler’s decision to leave the Diamond Ridge Team, He has no plans to pursue any legal action to prevent him from leaving. Diamond Ridge Motorsports has commitments to both Phillips 66 & Dewalt to complete the 1998 BGN season, and plans to do so. Diamond Ridge Motorsports plans to continue competing in both the WC & BGN series, and is currently putting together final plans for the 1999 season.(9-7-98)
I hear that BGN driver, Mike Dillon, who drives the #72 Chevy will drive for Richard Childress in Busch Series in 1999. Dillon is Childress’ son-in-law.(9-7-98)
I hear their will be a new BGN team for 1999, the #62 Metro Motorsports Pontiac out of Mishawaka, Indiana. They are talking to drivers and sponsors.(9-7-98)

(9-6-98)

Pepsi Southern 500 at Darlington: Results, Starting Lineup, Qualifying, Practice speeds at NASCAR Online, GoRacing(including 2nd round), and Speedworld. Dale Jarrett won the pole at 168.879mph.
#13 FirstPlus news: Ted Musgrave will drive the car at Dover and possible some of the other larger tracks.(NASCAR Online)(9-6-98)
Ted Musgrave said during an interview at Darlington after the #15 Ford fell out of the race, that he would help out Buz McCall next week at Richmond. So Musgrave will be driving the #96 Caterpillar Chevy at Richmond.(ESPN-race)(9-6-98)
Ernie Irvan, Bobby Hamilton, Brett Bodine and Rich Bickle have filed entries for the Richmond Truck race Thursday. Mark Martin, Dale Jarrett, Jeff Burton, Ken Schrader, Jimmy Spencer, Dick Trickle, Michael Waltrip and Kevin Lepage have signed up for Friday’s Busch race at Richmond.(Times-Dispatch)(9-6-98)
BGNN driver Tom Bolles, injured in the BGNN race last week in Loudon was released from Concord Hospital at 1PM on Friday, September 4. He was transported by ambulance from Concord to his parents home in Ellington, CT. Tom walks with assistance and he is becoming more aware and alert every day. The Bolles family is deeply touched by all of the cards, gifts, and E-mails that Tom receives daily. For more info on Tom, his email or address for cards see the Tom Bolles Racing Homepage.(9-6-98)
During the Pepsi Southern 500 at Darlington, NASCAR took a tire from the #3, 24, 88 and 99 teams to inspect. No word on any results. Word from the broadcast was that NASCAR planned to do this for the remainder of the season.(ESPN during the race)(9-6-98)
Sad News: Fan collapses, dies at Darlington.(iRace/AP)(9-6-98)
Drivers eligible for the Winston “No Bull 5” $1 million bonus in October in the Winston 500 at Talladega: Jeff Gordon, Jeff Burton, Dale Jarrett, Dale Earnhardt and Jeremy Mayfield.(9-6-98)
With Mark Martin now down 199 points to Jeff Gordon, there is now a magic number for Jeff Gordon, 3. If he finishes 3rd in all 9 races left, there’s no way that Mark Martin could catch him.(Nenry-StockCarFans Newsletter)(9-6-98)
Richard Petty was inducted Saturday night into the National Motorsports Press Association’s Hall of Fame in a ceremony at Darlington Country Club. He is already in the International Motorsports Hall of Fame in Talladega.(News and Record)(9-6-98)
Lake Speed did an interview on TNN’s Inside NASCAR and said he has not retired. He was originally diagnosed as having bruised ribs after his Sears Point accident. A second checkup found that he had 4 broken ribs and a broken sternum then resigned from the #9 Cartoon Network/Melling Ford. He said he’d like to come back when healthy but only to a team that wants him and that has sponsorship. He had gotten a few calls to drive, but feels he is not healthy enough yet.(9-6-98)
UPDATE: One of five NASCAR Winston fans will win $1 million in Winston’s No Bull 5 “They Win, You Win” sweepstakes. Each of the five fans will attend the Pepsi Southern 500 at Darlington 9-6, and one will walk away a millionaire. The five are: Jim Chorman, 54, Staten Island, NY; Patrick Fitzharris, 37, Huntington, NY; Nancy Green, 57, Silver Spring, MD.; Donald Kennay, 41, Ashton, IL; and Robert Tisdale, 45, Newport, NC.(NASCAR Online)(8-22-98) – Jeff Gordon pullout the name: Jim Chorman, 54, Staten Island, NY wins the million bucks, congrats Jim.(9-6-98)
Dale Jarrett has been the subject of a lot of behind-the-scenes negotiations the past few weeks, with a number of teams trying to figure out how to snare him. But he is signed with Robert Yates Racing thru 2000.(JournalNow)(9-6-98)
Elliott Sadler’s decision to go with the Woods next season may cost him his ride with Gary Bechtel’s Busch team the rest of this season, according to sources close to Sadler.(JournalNow)(9-6-98)
Robbie Loomis says he’ll back at Petty Enterprises again next season as crew chief for John Andretti.(JournalNow)(9-6-98)
Andy Petree made it official yesterday that Kenny Wallace will be his second driver next season, with Square D as sponsor. And Petree said that Larry McReynolds would not be joining the new team.(JournalNow)(9-6-98)

(9-5-98)
See the Official Press Release about the Wood Brothers and Elliott Sadler at The Wood Brothers Racing Site.(9-5-98)
Richard Childress has built one of the new Chevy Monte Carlos and plans to test it soon. No other teams have built one yet. Plans are for the car to be used in 1999.(WC Scene)(9-5-98)
During Happy Hour Dick Trickle spun the #90 Heilig-Meyers Ford and backed into the outside wall doing extensive damage and forcing the team to unload the backup car. That means Trickle will have to give up his 19th stating spot and fall to the rear of the field.(GoRacing)(9-5-98)
NASCAR has told the Cup teams that will store all sticker tires with Goodyear overnight after Happy Hour.(9-5-98)
2nd round qualifying is over: Only six drivers made attempts, Dennis Setzer was the fastest 2nd round attempt at 160.979mph. None of the six were able to break into the top 36. LJ Racing withdrew from the race prior to 2nd round qualifying. The team, which was out of provisionals coming into Darlington, earned one more provisional start by attempting to qualify for the field through first round. Car owner Joe Falk decided that he wanted to save that provisional for next week’s event at Richmond and instructed his team to pack it up early this weekend. The #91 team has a sponsor lined up for that race. DW made the race once again on the past champions provisional(his 14th used). Dave Marcis missed the race for the 15th time, he didn’t go out and make an attempt, knowing the speed was not there. Steve Grissom once used his 15th provisional, the team is also out until Rockingham. To see who used provisionals and missed the race, go to Jayski’s Provisional Page.(9-5-98)
UPDATE: Ted Musgrave has talked to Bill Elliott about driving the #13 FirstPlus Ford in 1999. He had hoped to drive the Travis Carter 2nd team car in 1999, but that deal fell through when a potential sponsor decided not to sign.(WC Scene)(9-4-98) – Musgrave will drive the #13 FirstPlus Ford from the Dover race on 9-20 through the end of the year.(9-5-98)
UPDATE: I hear Newt Moore(from the #81 Filmar team) will be named the new crew chief for the #77 Jasper Engines Ford Team. Not sure what is up with the #81 or who will be the new crew chief there.(8-31-98) – A source close to the #81 Filmar team said crew chief Newt Moore told him he has resigned from the team, effective following Sunday’s race at Darlington. Moore will take over as the crew chief for the #77 Jasper Engines team, beginning on Monday. David Ifft, who has served as crew chief for Gary Laton in the ARCA Bondo/Mar-Hyde Series recently, is at Darlington this weekend in an observatory capacity. He is expected to fill the position of crew chief for the #81 team.(NASCAR Online Notebook)(9-5-98)
Filmar Racing(#81) Team Manager Eddie D’Hondt has also resigned and has taken a position with the #13 FirstPlus Financial team owned by Bill Elliott and Dan Marino.(NASCAR Online Notebook)(9-5-98)
Four Pontiac teams are pushing hard to land Steve Hmiel, who was with Jack Roush for 11 years but was fired this week in a major surprise. Those most interested are the Kyle Petty-Richard Petty team, the Ernie Irvan-Robin Pemberton team, the Burton-Bill Davis team, and the Tony Stewart-Jimmy Makar-Joe Gibbs team. And Chevy’s Richard Childress said he would also like to talk with Hmiel about a job.(JournalNow)(9-5-98)
Crew Chief Larry McReynolds will let Richard Childress know by Sept. 15 if he’ll be back(with the #31) next season or if he’ll be moving on. According to one source close to the situation, McReynolds has turned down an offer to head Stewart’s team for Gibbs and Makar . . . but Gibbs and Makar promptly came back with another offer.(JournalNow)(9-5-98)
I-55 Raceway in Pevely, MO has been sold to Ken Schrader. Schrader had been leasing the track for the past two seasons.(St Louis Area Racing Info)(9-5-98)
It was officially announced yesterday, by ARCA driver Bill Baird, that Winston Cup Veteran Ken Schrader will drive in a substitute roll for Bill Baird at the upcoming Eddie Gilstrap Motors ARCA 200, September 13, at Salem Speedway. Bill is still hurting from an injury he received at the Atlanta ARCA race last week.(www.hotlaps.com)(9-5-98)
A new book has been released, a race in the life of ernie irvan, photography by Jay Weinmiller. The book will be available through the Ernie Irvan Fan Club and at Skittles Souvenir Trailers at the Race Tracks. I have six images of pictures in the book and the book itself. See some of images at Ernie Irvan Book.
A transformer went down Friday, knocking out power in half of the Darlington Raceway infield. Crewmen were pumping gas by hand at the Winston Cup garage gas pumps, and media members were, appropriately, in the dark in the new media center.(SpeedNet)(9-5-98)
Rockwell Automation/Dodge, normally an associate sponsor on Mike Dillon’s #72 BGN Chevrolet, will be the team’s primary sponsor in Saturday’s Dura Lube 200 Presented by Bi-Lo. This is a one-race deal with the South Carolina-based company.(SpeedNet)(9-5-98)
Practice speeds in the Saturday AM session at Darlington are slow, the fastest speed of 163.082mph by Jeff Burton would not make the top 43. Expect many teams to stand on their times/speeds they ran in 1st round.(9-5-98)

(9-4-98)
It’s official: The Wood Brothers have signed Elliott Sadler to a multi-year contract to drive the #21 CITGO Ford next year. “This is a tremendous opportunity for me,” said Sadler. “I think that I am ready to compete in Winston Cup, particularly with the experience of the Wood Brothers behind me.” Sadler and the Wood Brothers will be together for the first time in the NASCAR exhibition race at Motegi, Japan, in November.(GoRacingand NASCAR Online)(9-4-98)
The plans for a second Wood Brothers team have been scrapped as no sponsor was secured for the car. This means that Matt Kenseth will stay in the Busch series for 1999.(GoRacing)(9-4-98)
Joe Fink, resident trivia guru of the StockCarFans Newsletter is also running his own survey: “What are the Best looking cars and the WORST looking cars on the WC circuit?”, check it out at Joe’s Survey.(9-4-98)
Teams that failed to make the field in first round qualifying and are 26th or worse but are guaranteed to make the Pepsi Southern 500 based on owners points: #12-Jeremy Mayfield(6 in owners points); #5-Terry Labonte(9); #23-Jimmy Spencer(12); #36-Ernie Irvan(15); #11-Brett Bodine(24); #42-Joe Nemechek(25) and #35-Darrell Waltrip(champ). Three teams got the last three front stretch pit stalls: #36-Ernie Irvan(26th); #12-Jeremy Mayfield(27) and #44-Kyle Petty(26), but they can be knocked off those spots in Saturday’s 2nd round qualifying. The three teams that would miss the race if things stayed the same: #13-Dennis Setzer(41); #96-Hut Stricklin(42) and #71-Dave Marcis(44)-(FYI-this is not bashing any of these drivers, just stating a fact). To see where the drivers and teams stack up in the provisional standings check Jayski’s Provisional Page.(9-4-98)
Brett Bodine hit the wall in practice and had to qualify a backup car. Kenny Irwin hit the wall and spun out during his qualifying lap. Kenny Wallace got out of shape but kept it off the wall. Terry Labonte had engine problems that resulted in a slow lap.(ESPN2 Qualifying)(9-4-98)
No Bull Qualifiers: #24 Jeff Gordon(starts 5th); #6-Mark Martin(10th); #31-Mike Skinner(13th); #3-Dale Earnhadrt(18th) and #18-Bobby Labonte(24th). All five teams have red numbers on the roof, red spoliers and red air dams.(ESPN2 Qualifying)(9-4-98)
Steve Grissom is in the #41 Kodiak Ice Chevy, it’s a blue color with white numbers, looks nice.(ESPN2 Qualifying)(9-4-98)
Another reason to get the StockCarFans Newsletter, Check this out – Here’s some unconfirmed “rumblings” of a sort from an anonymous source:…”lots of turmoil going on at Diamond Ridge Racing right now. Elliott is real upset about the quality of cars provided to both himself and Hermie. His contract is suppose to be iron tight keeping him at Diamond Ridge through next season but there is a stipulation that he gets five WC dates this year and the cars must be competitive, which they haven’t been. The rumor of his pending move to the Woods Brothers WC car is on hold pending legal advice on his contract status. His lawyers say he can void his contract but Bechtel is threatening to fire both Elliott and Hermie if and when he goes through and signs, which would leave both of them out of rides to finish the Busch series. There has been to my knowledge some discussion of an offer from Hendrick MotorSports but I haven’t heard from my source how that will affect the Woods offer. I know Herman and Bell would like to see Elliott with the Woods ride but they want what is best for Elliott. Keep an eye out for them to maybe buy back some Busch equipment to finish out the year if calmer heads don’t prevail.”(StockCarFans)(9-4-98)
Sources tell me that Budweiser will be back with #25/50 Hendrick Motorsports team in 1999 and expect to announce their fulltime 1999 driver at Charlotte in October.(9-4-98)
Joe Gibbs Racing is also expanding their race shop facilities with a new building in Huntersville, North Caroilina. Designed to house both Winston Cup efforts and two NHRA teams the 124,000 sq. ft. facility is scheduled for completion in November of this year.(Stock Car Racing Magazine Website)(9-4-98)
BGN Champ Randy LaJoie and BACE Motorsports owner Bill Baumgardner announced Friday that they are ending their partnership following the conclusion of the 1998 season. LaJoie leave the #74 FINA team. He has turned down any WInston Cup offers and plans to return to the BGN series in 1999. No replacement has been named for LaJoie. BACE Motorsports still plans to field three BGN teams in 1999.(NASCAR Online), rumors I have heard are that LaJoie will join the James Finch team as a teammate of Jeff Purvis who drives the #4 Lance Snacks Chevy.(9-4-98)
From the JournalNow: Elliott Sadler has agreed to run for the Wood Brothers next season. The move is a major coup for Ford Motor Company, snaring one of Chevrolet’s most promising newcomers. Neither Sadler nor the Wood brothers would make the signing official, but sources close to the situation confirmed they have come to terms, agreeing to the deal in Winston-Salem on Tuesday.(JournalNow)(9-4-98)
More news about the #21 CITGO team and it is sad: The CITGO Motorsports Coordinator passed away on August 29th. Ed Mattie died of heart compliactions, he was 39/ Mattie worked closely with the Wood Brothers and driver Michael Waltrip since 1995. He is survived by wife, Valerie and children, Ryan and Sara. A college benefit account is being setup, call Nancy Werhane at (918) 495-4460 if you wish to contribute.(WC Scene)(9-4-98)
The Winston Cup Scene reports that Travis Carter owner of the #23 Winston/No Bull Ford will not start a 2nd team. Carter met with a potential sponsor on 8-28, but the sponsor decided not to sign the deal. So forget the Ted Musgrave rumor to this team. Carter is in negotiations to re-sign Jimmy Spencer for the #23, Spencer’s contract is up at the end of this season.(9-4-98)
A reader of the StockCarFans Newsletter heard the following on the Gerry V radio talk show from WBT radio out of Charlotte today(9/3): During an interview with Ray Evernham, Ray said that during the tire testing at Atlanta Motor Speedway this week, Jeff Gordon and Mark Martin drove each others cars. The purpose of the “trade” was to show the other driver what they had and that no one was cheating. Ray also said, “I would like to see Jack’s reaction when he hears about this.”(StockCarFans Newsletter)(9-4-98)

(9-3-98)
It’s OFFICIAL: Kenny Wallace will drive the #55 Square-D Chevy for Andy Petree in 1999 as a teammate to Kenny Schrader with Wallace signing a three year deal. Still interviewing crew chiefs. Story on NASCAR Online.(RPM2Nite)(9-3-98)
It’s OFFICIAL: Tony Stewart will drive the #20 Home Depot Pontiac for Joe Gibbs in 1999 as a teammate to Bobby Labonte. Still Interviewing crew chiefs. Story on GoRacing, NASCAR Online and Stock Car Racing Magazine Website(has 2 images).(RPM2Nite)(9-3-98)
I hear Elliott Sadler has signed with the #21 CITGO Ford team owned by the Wood Brothers. Great story on the Wood Brothers in last weeks Winston Cup Scene.(9-3-98)
UPDATE: I hear that Heilig-Meyers announced that they will not sponsor a car in 1999. That means the #90 Ford team will be looking for a sponsor for 1999. – Sadly this rumor has been confirmed. The #90 Junie Dunlavey Ford team will lose it’s sponsor after the 1998 season. Heilig Meyers has no plans to stay in Motorsports. Guess I should sell my Heilig-Meyers stock. Story at GoRacing: Donlavey Racing Needs Sponsor For 1999(9-2-98) – Feel free to email Heilig-Meyers from their website at Heilig Meyers – Contact Us.(9-3-98)

(9-2-98)
UPDATE: Hearing that if Caterpillar leaves the #96 team that they may end up with the #22 Bill Davis team. Ward Burton has a history with Caterpillar in the BGN series.(8-30-98) – I hear that the #22 Bill Davis team will have an announcement this week on Thursday, that is all I know for sure at the moment.(8-31-98) – This rumored has gotten stronger, may be an announcement soon.(9-1-98) – I now hear there will be no announcement this week, not sure when now(9-2-98)
The Southern 500 is the fourth of the five Winston No Bull 5 races this season, so the top-five finishers will qualify for a shot to win $1 million in the Winston 500 on Oct. 10 at Talladega. The five-race bonus program was originated to help recognize NASCAR’s 50th anniversary season, but look for it to return next year. Do not, however, look for the same five races to be the ones where the bonus is up for grabs. The Daytona 500 and the Winston 500 will be among next year’s five, but beyond that things could change.(Darlington facts and random thoughts at That’s Racin’)(9-2-98)
NASCAR Has announced 28 drivers who will go to Japan: See the list and the story at NASCAR teams set for Coca-Cola 500K.(NASCAR Online)(9-2-98)
Testing news for Wednesday: Goodyear Tire tests at Atlanta, fast times: #18-Bobby Labonte 185.728mph, #6-Mark Martin 183.820mph and #24-Jeff Gordon 182.009mph.(RPM2Nite) – Rusty Wallace, Ken Schrader, Buckshot Jones (Stavola Bros. Chevy) and Barry Bodine(#7 NCTS) all tested at the Greenville-Pickens Speedway(SC)(MRM)(9-2-98)
Tony Raines will drive the #19 Yellow Freight Kurt Roehrig owned Ford at Charlotte in the Cup race. Roehrig said that his team will run in the Truck, BGN and Cup series in 1999 with an announcement coming in a few weeks.(RPM2Nite)(9-2-98)
I hear Todd Bodine will run for the BGN Championship in the #30 car in 1999 and has no plans to go to the #81 Filmar Cup team(9-2-98)
Chip Ganassi, the most successful owner in CART the last two-plus seasons, is mulling a plunge into the world of NASCAR’s Winston Cup circuit. He says he has had exploratory talks with a couple of NASCAR owners but stresses that he won’t join the stock-car crowd unless everything – read sponsor and driver – is in place. He wants no part of the drip-drip scenario some would-be Winston Cup owners find themselves in after announcing their intention to field a team. He says he could see it happening for the 2000 season.(USA Today)(thanks Scott for the heads up)(9-2-98)
UPDATE 2: Rumor of another Winston Cup team forming – no crew chief or driver has been announced as yet. There are three owners involved with this team – all which are from Florida and have been nicked named “The Sunshine Boys”. The name of the Team is RDJ Motorsports. They are hoping to announce the team at Daytona in October.(8-30-98)The team plans to run Fords(9-1-98) – More news on this: The team is called RDJ Motorsports. The R in RDJ is for Reggie Crumbton, the D is for David McComb and J is for Jim McComb, the owners of RDJ Motorsports and William Archabald has been retained as Team Manager. All owners and current retained employees have a sunshine state (Florida) connection. They hope to be running with the number 34 and Ford. Talks continue for position of crew chief and driver.(9-2-98)
UPDATE 2: The release is official – Kenny Wallace announced on Monday that he will be leaving the FILMAR Racing #81 team at the end of this season. He also announced that he would be joining a 2nd team that will be formed by a current NASCAR Winston Cup Series operation in 1999. He would not disclose the identity of that operation(psst…..Andy Petree), but said an announcement with the details will be coming shortly. Wallace got his release Sunday morning and says he and Filmar owner Filbert Martocci will remain friends.(NASCAR Online)(8-31-98) – Kenny Wallace will make an announcement on RPM2Nite Wednesday, Sept 2nd. He will also have two guests with him.(RPM2Nite)(9-1-98) – The announcement has been postponsed due to leaglities, RPM2Nite hopes to have him on Thursday night for the announcement.(9-2-98)
UPDATE: I hear once again that Home Depot will be Stewart’s Winston Sponsor and the car will be the #20 Pontiac. Expect an announcement soon.(8-15/27-98) – I hear it is a three year deal and will be announced Thursday(Tony Stewart also mentioned this during a race on ESPN2 Thursday night)(9-2-98)

(9-1-98)
Roush General Manager and Crew Chief of the #26 Cheerios Ford, Steve Hmiel, has been released from Roush Racing. Hmiel says he has nothing in the works and that Jack Roush has taken care of him for the rest of 1998.(RPM2Nite) Harry McMullen will replace Hmiel as General Mgr, Ben Leslie will act as the interim crewchief on the #26 car. See the story at TNN’s website: Roush Racing Management Shakeup.(9-1-98)
UPDATE: Tim Beverley and McIlhenny Co. officials have had several meetings so far regarding the status of the TABASCO sponsorship and the #35/17 Tyler Jet Motorsports Team. Each meeting has been very positive and there has been every indication that this new relationship will continue. The posted rumors of a Tabasco and Bill Davis Racing union have been flatly denied by McIlhenny Co. officials.(9-1-98)
Ted Musgrave will be in the #15 Bud Moore-David Robinson Rescue Engines Formula Ford at Darlington. Musgrave ran well at Michigan a few weeks ago.(9-1-98)
Hut Stricklin will drive the #96 Caterpillar Chevy at Darlington this weekend in the Pepsi Southern 500.(The Williams Company)(9-1-98)
UPDATE: The #13 Elliott-Marino FirstPlus team is expected to name a different driver for Darlington this week. It won’t be Dennis Setzer.(TNN’s Raceday)(8-30-98) – Setzer WILL be in the #13 Ford for Darlington and Richmond it was announced today.(WC Today/NASCAR Today Radio)(9-1-98)
Marty has a lot of stuff this week at MRN Notes – Marty Snyder’s Two Cents including: “Ricky Rudd came real close to having a two-car operation two weeks ago. Rudd was on the verge of buying Junie Donlavey Racing but at the last minute Junie turned down the offer. The buyout would have meant that the number 90 team would have moved from Richmond, VA. to Mooresville, NC. Helig Myers (Donlavey’s sponsor) really wanted the sale to go through so now the question is how will that affect the sponsor/owner relationship for the 90 team? That will have to remain to be seen.” I picked a few other tidbits from Marty.(9-1-98)
“The second Andy Petree team is not only busy trying to sign their driver but they are also courting potential crew chiefs. Petree’s outfit is one of the main teams after Larry McReynolds who was mum this weekend about his future plans. Word has it that Petree has offered McReynolds part ownership in the team which could be the key in luring him away from Richard Childress Racing(#31 Lowes Chevy). McReynolds has always been interested in owning his own team and this could be the first step in that process.”(MRN Notes – Marty Snyder’s Two Cents).(9-1-98)
Pat Tryson, former crew chief for ISM racing(#35 Tabasco Pontiac), has been hired by Jack Roush Racing as the chief mechanic for Chad Little’s team.(MRN Notes – Marty Snyder’s Two Cents).(9-1-98)
UPDATE: Team sources indicated, and NASCAR officials confirmed Sunday, that NASCAR will begin trying to phase in unleaded fuel, starting with the Busch race at Richmond Sept. 11. For environmental and other reasons, NASCAR has looked seriously for at least a year at developing unleaded gasoline suitable for NASCAR’s engine specs.(SpeedNet/Ben Blake)(8-31-98) – Good probability that NASCAR will go to unleaded fuel in all divisions in 1999.(NASCAR Today Radio)(9-1-98)
Jim Bown will be back in his own #51 Chevy at Darlington and also plans to run Charlotte, Rockingham and Atlanta. He is still hunting sponsorship.(9-1-98)
Testing News: #16-Kevin Lepage at Richmond; #1-Steve Park at Dover; #6-Mark Martin, #24-Jeff Gordon and #18-Bobby Labonte were at a Goodyear tire test in Atlanta.(WC Today/NASCAR Today Radio)(9-1-98)