Burton wins at Kansas: #9-Jeff Buron won the Mr Goodcents 300 at Kansas Speedway on Saturday. #12-Kerry Earnhardt was 2nd, his career best BGN finish, by 3.272 seconds. 3rd was #87-Joe Nemechek, 4th was #60-Greg Biffle and #33-Tony Raines was fifth. #60-Greg Biffle, also expanded his series points lead over Jason Keller to 127 points with six races remaining. #57-Jason Keller blew an engine and ended the day 30th. Earnhardt led a BGN race for the first time in his career. The race was slowed nine times by caution for 39 laps.(story at ThatsRacin.com).
For results see ThatsRacin.com or BGNRacing.com.(9-28-2002)
Waltrip on the Kansas Pole: #99-Michael Waltrip ran a track-record lap at 174.831mph to win the pole for Saturday’s Mr. Goodcents 300 at Kansas Speedway. It is his first BGN pole of 2002 and first since Richmond on Sept. 5, 1997. His previous best start this season was second last month at Michigan. #9-Jeff Burton was second, #92-Todd Bodine third, #1-Jimmy Spencer was fourth and #57-Jason Keller was fifth. CART driver #30-Christian Fittipaldi qualified for his second BGN race this year and will start 32nd. For lineup/results: see ThatsRacin.com, BGNRacing.com.(9-27-2002)
Cicci to run BGN team in 2003: Frank Cicci is back in the BGN team ownership business. The Elmira, New York native, who for 17 years had been a BGN owner, has purchased the 10,000-square foot race shop and adjacent land in the Mooresville Motorsports Park from Blaise Alexander Sr. who provided the equipment for the racing career of his late son. Cicci’s plan is to again field a team that will compete regularly on the BGN beginning in 2003. “I have taken the initial steps towards becoming a viable NASCAR team owner once again,” Cicci announced Friday. “I’ve had a lot a good feedback from the people I’ve talked to about joining my new team, and if everything works out the way we’ve got it planned, we should be a formidable group.” My discussions have been quite productive to this point, including several that I have had with potential sponsors. We hope to make a series of major announcements within the next few weeks including the selection of a driver”(Frank Cicci Racing PR)(9-27-2002)
Vickers Flies Victory Junction Gang Banner at Kansas Speedway: BLV Motorsports announced that they will run a special decal scheme on the #40 EMP/Dodge this weekend during the Mr. Goodcents 300 at Kansas Speedway. 18-year-old Busch Series rookie Brian Vickers will proudly display the Victory Junction Gang Camp logo on the quarter panels, TV panel and deck lid of the BLV entry. The tribute is part of an awareness campaign aimed at helping Kyle and Pattie Petty generate attention and increase charitable donations for the camp which marks its Official Construction Kick-Off in Randleman, N.C. next month. “The Pettys are wonderful people, and have been inspirational and supportive friends through my entire racing career,” Vickers said. “Kyle has always been there for me whenever I had questions or needed help and we should all be helping him as he strives to make a real difference in the lives of others. Adam was a dear friend of mine and I know he was committed to helping kids all over the country. He would absolutely love the concept of this great camp.”(ignition.inc PR)(9-26-2002)
Bradshaw book decal on the #12 at Kansas: BGN team FitzBradshaw Racing co-owner, Terry Bradshaw, continues his publishing success with the release of his second book, Keep It Simple. The book is authored by Bradshaw with David Fisher. A decal of the Keep It Simple cover will be featured this Saturday, September 28, 2002 at the Mr. Goodcents 300 on the Supercuts #12 Chevrolet Monte Carlo driven by Kerry Earnhardt. In his New York Times bestseller It’s Only a Game, Bradshaw told tales of his upbringing on a farm in Louisiana, his school days and the less-than-illustrious start of his professional football career which began when he was the first overall pick of the 1970 draft.. In his follow-up book, Keep It Simple, Bradshaw zeroes in on the intriguing details of his life and reveals how, after a career as one of history’s greatest quarterbacks, he successfully re-channeled his passions and became an award-winning broadcaster and one of America’s most sought-after motivational speakers. Keep It Simple is a far more personal look at Bradshaw.. He focuses on the intriguing details of his life and recalls how, after a career as one of history’s greatest quarterbacks, he managed to redirect his passions and transform himself into an award-winning broadcaster and one of America’s most beloved motivational speakers. “Despite Terry’s incredibly busy schedule with FOX, publishing, his speaking engagements and all of his personal commitments, it is so inspirational to have his enthusiasm focused on the race team,” said FitzBradshaw co-owner Armando Fitz.. “His commitment to leading the team to a full season of Cup in 2004 remains one of his priorities.”
Speaking candidly to the reader in Keep It Simple, Bradshaw openly reveals the important lessons that life has taught him, including:
When something unpleasant happens in your life, remain positive, and do what you know how is best.
Never stop believing in the possibility of true love.
Hire competent people and allow them to do the job you hired them to do.
Remember to treat the people working for you as you would like to be treated.
Find time for those things that give you real pleasure in life.
Let kids be kids; let them do the same things you did when you were growing up.
Know that nobody in the world can ever replace you.
Don’t waste your time fretting about yesterday; it’s done, it’s gone.
Keep it simple, smile a lot, be nice to other people.
(Fitz Bradshaw Racing PR), for more info, click on book title. (9-25-2002)
Wimmer picks up Assoc sponsor for Kansas: Overland Park, Kansas-New England Financial in Kansas City and North Carolina-based Bill Davis Racing have announced that New England Financial will be an associate sponsor on the #23 Pontiac driven by Scott Wimmer in the Mr. Goodcents 300 BGN at Kansas on Saturday, September 28th.. This is a sold-out race with an expected attendance of over 75,000 people in the grandstands.(BDR PR)(9-24-2002)
Wimmer wins at Dover: #23-Scott Wimmer won his first career BGN race at Dover in the MBNA All-American Heroes 200 in the unsponsored #23 Bill Davis Racing Pontiac. Wimmer is the fifth first-time winner in the series this season. His 26th starting position is the farthest back of any series race winner at Dover [actually Kyle Petty won in Cup from 37th in 1995, maybe this is for the BGN]. The previous mark was 24th. #18-Mike McLaughlin finished second and #24-Jack Sprague third. #21-Jeff Green and #57-Jason Keller rounded out the top five. Series points leader #60-Greg Biffle got caught up in the accident on Lap 140. His Ford suffered some damage and required several pit stops for repair. Biffle finished 17th, allowing Keller to close to within 35 points. Pole sitter #37-Kevin Lepage finished 24th.(ThatsRacin.com)
See results at ThatsRacin.com, BGNRacing.com or NASCAR.com (9-21-2002)
Lepage takes pole at Dover: #37-Kevin Lepage won the pole at Dover for the MBNA All-American Heroes 200 with a speed of 155.757mph. #33-Tony Raines is on the outside pole, followed by #21-Jeff Green, #40-Brian Vickers, and #57-Jason Keller.
See ThatsRacin.com, BGNRacing.com and MotorsportsOne for the speeds/lineup.(9-20-2002)
#46 sponsor to take part in tribute at Dover: Ashton Lewis, Jr. and the Civil Air Patrol Chevrolet crew are headed to Dover International Speedway for the MBNA All-American Heroes 200 on Saturday, September 21.. This weekend will be about more than just racing, as the members of the NASCAR community pay special tribute to the many American heroes. Dover International Speedway and MBNA have teamed up to honor civilian and military heroes this weekend.. The race was renamed the MBNA All-American Heroes 200, and the speedway has planned special events to honor Americans in what promises to be a memorable weekend.. The Civil Air Patrol will take a part in this when the Dover Composite Squadron Color Guard, located at Dover Air Force Base, presents the colors before Saturday’s race. Cadets Philip Harris, Ben Johnson, Mick Johnson and David Teal make up the color guard. Civil Air Patrol, the official Air Force Auxiliary, is a nonprofit organization with over 61,000 members nationwide. It performs more than 85% of inland search and rescue missions tasked by the Air Force Rescue Coordination Center in the continental United States. Volunteers also take a leading role in aerospace education and serve as mentors to the over 25,000 young people currently participating in CAP cadet programs.(Civil Air Patrol PR)(9-20-2002)
#200 For Spencer: The BGN has been a prominent stage for Spencer ever since his arrival in 1985.. He has 12 wins to his credit, the last four of which have come with the #1 Yellow Racing team and owner James Finch.. He also has 44 top fives and 89 top 10s in 199 career starts. Spencer’s 200th Busch Series start will come this weekend in the MBNA All-American Heroes 200 at Dover. Do you remember your first-ever Busch Grand National race at Rockingham in 1985? “Heck no.”(Team Yellow PR)(9-19-2002)
Hermie Sadler announcment? UPDATE 2: NASCAR’s Hermie Sadler (#02) will be at this Wednesday’s NWA (National Wrestling Alliance) TNA. He is expected to make a big announcement concerning NASCAR and TNA.(NWATNA.com)(9-14-2002) UPDATE: I’m a fan of Hermie Sadler because: (1)He demonstrated surprising wrestling talent in his last match. (2) He will be driving the NWA-TNA car in a big race. (3) He is a great person who loves our business. I’m looking forward to his appearance on the show.”(Wrestlingdotcom)(9-16-2002) UPDATE 2: it was announced on Wednesday’s NWA TNA that they will be the primary sponsor of Hermie Sadler’s #02 car on October 12 at Lowes Motor Speedway [that would be for the BGN race the Cup race is the 13th]. Hermie said that he enjoyed his time in the ring in TNA and talked about the TNA sponsorship on October 12.(NWATNA.com)(9-19-2002)
New Driver in the #63: Ron Young has replaced Shane Hall as driver for Ken Alexander’s BGN team. Young, a veteran of NASCAR’s All Pro series, is scheduled to drive the Greenville-based #63 Chevy for the first time this week in Dover. Hall said he will continue to pursue driver vacancies in the next few months as preparation for the 2003 season. “I’d like to run some American Speed Association races or maybe a (Craftsman) Truck race or two,” he said Wednesday. “I’d like to get in something where I could have some decent runs, something halfway impressive to get ready for next year.” Hall drove for the team without major sponsorship most of the season. Alexander also has driven his own cars. Young brings new financial backing to the team.(Greenville News)(9-19-2002)
Hispanic Driver to run three BGN races in 2002, more in 2003: Mario Hernandez, the “First Hispanic” NASCAR BGN driver announced that Hernandez has signed a contract with Telemundo the number one Hispanic T.V and now owned by NBC for 2002 and 2003 season. Telemundo/NBC will follow Hernandez’ racing and will air segments on their Nationally televised sports programs. Hernandez’ Telemundo agreement should render big results for those companies interested in expanding and/or entering the Hispanic market. Mario Hernandez is part of the risng team Fitz-Bradshaw where he will share the spotlight with Kerry Earnhardt. Hernandez is ready to start testing and plans to finish the 2002 season by running three races including the finale at Homestead.(MSports PR)(9-19-2002)
UPDATE 3 Hornaday back to Hendrick? Rockwell to leave RCR, to Gibbs: Speculation is that Ron Hornaday, current driver of the #26 Dr Pepper Chevy for Carroll Racing, will take over the #24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevy in the BGN with Rockwell Automation moving its sponsorship over from the #21 RCR team, sources say the deal is signed and done.(Winston Cup Scene – need sub to read)(9-5-2002) UPDATE: Richard Childress Racing/Brant Motorsports and Rockwell Automation, the primary sponsor for the team’s #21 Chevy in the BGN, will part ways after this season. However, RCR is committed to continuing the #21 program as it searches for a sponsor. Rockwell has been with RCR since 2000 and the seven different drivers who piloted the car. Jeff Purvis was the first to take the team to Victory Lane with his win at Pikes Peak last year. Jeff Green, who has shared driving duties with Jay Sauter this year, has notched two more wins. In addition, to date, the #21 Chevy team has three poles, 20 top five and 27 top-10 finishes.(NASCAR.com), no word in the story of Rockwell’s 2003 plans.(9-6-2002) UPDATE 2 Rockwell to Gibbs: Joe Gibbs Racing announced today that it has signed a multi-year contract with Rockwell Automation to be the primary sponsor of a second BGN team. The #20 Rockwell Automation/JGR Chevy will run as a teammate to the #18 MBNA team, which currently sits in sixth-place in the latest BGN point standings. The team will be under the guidance of Steve de Souza, V.P. of Busch Series Operations for Joe Gibbs Racing. Joe Gibbs Racing, which is owned by NFL Hall of Fame Coach and three-time Super Bowl winning coach Joe Gibbs, has been in existence since the middle of 1991 and races cars in the BGN as well as the Cup and CTS. The 2003 season will mark Rockwell Automation’s seventh consecutive year of involvement in the NASCAR Busch Series and their fourth year as a primary sponsor.(Camp & Assoc., Inc./Joe Gibbs Racing PR), no driver has been named for the #20 car, Coy Gibbs is supposed to move up to the BGN and Scott Wimmer has been rumored to a Gibbs ride.(9-17-2002)
Porter to run some BGN in 2003 and other news: NASCAR All-Pro Series driver, Toby Porter of Greenville, SC, and Dirt Late Model driver, Adam Stevens of Portsmouth, OH, have been named as the primary drivers for MJ Motorsports for the 2003 season. Porter, who has scored two wins on the All-Pro Series this season, will drive the Dodge Intrepids on the USAR Hooters Pro Cup Series. In addition, Porter will compete in a minimum of five BGN races in 2003 for MJ Motorsports. “I’m excited to have the opportunity to run the full Pro Cup Series with MJ Motorsports,” said Porter, “The alliance that Mike and Jenn have made with Team Jesel in the Busch Series will give us the resources to go for the (Hooters Pro Cup) championship.” Stevens, who at 23 has numerous wins on dirt, will compete as a Rookie and pilot the teams NASCAR Late Model Super Truck Dodges at the Hickory (NC) Motor Speedway. He currently works as a mechanical engineer for Petty Enterprises. “I am confident that a weekly racing program will help condition me for the future,” said Stevens, “we’ve got great equipment and I feel that I can adapt well to asphalt racing.” MJ Motorsports has recently formed a technical alliance with Team Jesel, who fields Dodges on the NASCAR Busch Series for drivers Casey Mears and Hank Parker, Jr. “I don’t think that we could have picked two better drivers than Toby and Adam to spearhead our foray to the next level of motorsports,” said Team Owner Mike Calinoff, who works for Winston Cup driver Matt Kenseth and Busch Series competitor Casey Mears as their Team Spotter, “their talents will speak for themselves.” Sponsorship announcements for both teams are forthcoming. More information at mikecalinoff.com.(9-17-2002)
Wimmer re-ups with Bill Davis Racing UPDATE maybe not? Scott Wimmer has signed an extension to his contract with Bill Davis Racing that will keep with the organization for years to come. “I am so happy to be returning to Bill Davis Racing next year,” said Wimmer.. “Loyalty is very hard to come by in this sport and both Bill and I have faith in each other.. He believes so much in me and I wouldn’t be where I am today without his support.. He took a chance on me a few years back and I plan on doing everything I can to make him proud of that decision.” Davis plans on running Wimmer full-time in the NASCAR Busch Series next season to contend for the championship. “We felt having Scott run another year in Busch was the best decision for his development,” said Davis.. “The whole team has really started to come on strong the past few months.. They have had some time to learn each other and that knowledge is starting to pay off.. We’re trying to put together sponsorship for his Busch program next year. Scott and the team are fully capable of contending for the championship, as they are real close to taking over third-place in the points battle right now.. We just hope we can find the right sponsor that wants to be a part of their success.”
“I’m just very excited about the way everything has progressed,” said Wimmer.. “This is a wonderful opportunity to be able to stay with the same team with the momentum we’ve been building and work towards the future.. Hopefully, we can get a sponsor that wants to build a relationship and move forward with us.. Right now our focus is to win races and keep everything intact to make a run at the championship next year.”(Bill Davis Racing PR)(8-29-2002) UPDATE: continue to hear rumors that Wimmer is being courted by Joe Gibbs Racing to go along with the Rockwell Automation sponsorship that is leaving the #21 RCR BGN team. Not sure if this means there is a loophole in the contract, if it was just a letter of intent or what?(9-17-2002)
Harmons’s car to Talladega Museum: Mike Harmon delivered his wrecked #44 BGN racecar and the remaining pieces to Talladega on Friday. The car was placed on display at the International Motor Sports Hall of Fame and Museum located at the Talladega International Superspeedway. A large number of media representatives covered the arrival of Mike and the car. Harmon’s car was destroyed on August 22nd in a spectacular crash during practice at the Bristol Motor Speedway. The car went hard into the wall entering turn two, crashed into an un-secured crossover gate, which cut the car in half. The racecar was then hit by another car narrowly missing Harmon in the now exposed driver’s seat. Harmon walked away with only a few scratches from this horrific accident. The wrecked car has now been placed inside the Talladega museum for all to see. ” I have been visiting this museum for many years and have always dreamed of being a part of it, Harmon said, I just didn’t imagine I would get in under these circumstances. I really hoped I would get in for a championship or something and not the worst wreck, I hope that brighter day will be coming soon.” He continues, ” I am happy however that everyone will be able to see this car. I hope that we can all learn something good from it. I am just really thankful I was able to get out of that mess alive.” The International Motorsports Hall of Fame & Museum is located between Birmingham and Atlanta, just north of Talladega, Alabama, on Speedway Boulevard just off I-20 and lies adjacent to the Talladega Superspeedway.(Racing Systems PR)(9-14-2002)
Mark Green takes over #38 fulltime: Akins Motorsports announced Wednesday that Mark Green will drive its #38 Fords in the BGN for the remaining races this season and on a full-time basis in 2003. Green had been sharing time this season with driver Christian Elder, who was injured in a wreck at Chicagoland in July. Elder has left the series and plans to compete in the SCCA Speed World Challenge Touring Series next season, will he will drive a BMW. “I came to Akins Motorsports to do a job helping Christian, building shocks and helping with the testing. I never even thought that this could turn out for me like it has,” Mark Green said. “This team has the best personnel and equipment I have been associated with since I started driving. For the last four years I have been working to get an opportunity like this.” The team will continue to be sponsored by Great Clips.(ThatsRacin.com)(9-11-2002)
Phillips 66 And The University Of Kansas Team Up To Go Racing: Phillips 66 and The University of Kansas have teamed up to produce a special paint scheme for the #66 Dodge that will run in the BGN race at Kansas Speedway on September 28. Mears also was at the campus to unveil the car at the University of Kansas on September 9. Replacing the familiar black and red colors of Phillips 66 will be the university’s colors of crimson and blue. Riding along and occupying center stage on the hood and rear quarter panels of the #66 Dodge will be the familiar KU mascot, the “Jayhawk”(Phillips 66 Racing PR), see story at The Capital-Journal(9-11-2002)
Penalties: Charlie Lewis, crew chief for the #46 Chevrolet of driver Ashton Lewis Jr., and team member Scott Honan received fines for actions during Friday night’s BGN race at RIR. Lewis was fined $2,000 for violation of Sections 12-4-A and 9-4-A: “Actions detrimental to stock car racing: Involved in an altercation in another competitor’s pit area: The crew chief assumes the responsibility for the actions of his team members.” Honan was fined $1,000 for being involved in an altercation in another competitor’s pit area.(NASCAR PR)(9-10-2002)
Earnhardt Jr/Gossamer win at Richmond: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. was in a race all to himself Friday night as he dominated the Funai 250 at Richmond, leading 190 of 250 laps to earn his second BGN victory of the season. He also won the season opener at Daytona. Earnhardt Jr.’s #8 Chevy – built by a new team he co-owns with stepmother Teresa Earnhardt – was head-and-shoulders above the rest of the field all weekend. He led practice, won the pole with a track record speed and coasted ahead of #27-Jamie McMurray by 1.25 seconds to take the win. Murray scored his career-best finish and was followed by #9-Jeff Burton, #33-Tony Raines and #57-Jason Keller. Series points leader #60-Greg Biffle finished sixth after having to pit early in the race because of a suspected tire problem. Biffle maintains his 78-point lead over Keller, but #23-Scott Wimmer, who finished ninth, moved into third place in the points race, 261 behind Keller. Full story at ThatsRacin.com.
See results at ThatsRacin.com, BGNRacing.com or NASCAR.com. See the points standings at BGNRacing.com(9-7-2002)
Derrike Cope hurt in BGN race at Richmond:Derrike Cope was injured in a severe crash during Friday night’s Funai 250 BGN race at Richmond. On Lap 68 of 250, Cope’s #49 Chevy entered Turn 1 and went directly into the outside retaining wall at full speed. After impact, his car skidded around the wall and rested at the exit of Turn 2. Cope was pulled from the car and treated on the track before he was placed in an ambulance and taken to the infield care center. After an initial examination by Dr. Stephen Kramer, Cope was diagnosed with a possible right shoulder injury and was taken to Memorial Regional Medical Center. Kramer described Cope as “awake and alert” at the scene.(ThatsRacin.com) AND Derrike Cope suffered a broken right scapula(shoulder blade) and a broken left fibula(leg).(RacingOne)(9-7-2002)
Cope sponsor for NHIS: Friendly’s Restaurants will sponsor #37-Derrike Cope at the New Hampshire International Speedway September 15, 2002. Cope will kick off this partnership at Friendly’s Corporate headquarters on Monday, September 9th with his show car will be making scheduled appearances throughout the state leading up to his Sunday performance at Loudon.(Derrike Cope Site)(9-7-2002)
Ganassi Third Cup Driver is…..Jamie McMurray: ChevronTexaco today announced that a multi-year sponsorship contract has been signed with Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates for its Havoline brand. Jamie McMurray will drive the Havoline Dodge for the Ganassi team in the 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup Series season. The terms of the contract were not disclosed. Commenting on the announcement today, ChevronTexaco’s Vice President of North American Lubricants, Mark Nelson said, “ChevronTexaco is thrilled to continue our participation in NASCAR racing by teaming with Chip Ganassi Racing and to continue our long standing involvement in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series. Havoline has a long history in NASCAR, and in this tradition, we look forward to pairing with a proven winner like Chip Ganassi. While we have truly enjoyed working with Robert Yates Racing over the years, we are excited about entering this next chapter in our successful NASCAR sponsorship.” Jamie McMurray is also looking forward to being a part of the new racing team and to run for the Rookie-of-the-Year title in the 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup Series. “This is the right move for me, and I am pleased to be part of Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates. Chip’s use of new technology has been introduced into every aspect of his NASCAR Winston Cup Racing teams. I am especially proud to drive ChevronTexaco’s Havoline car. Havoline has been an excellent sponsor in NASCAR for many years, and I am very humbled to be driving for them.” McMurray is currently racing in his second full season in the BGN (#27 Brewco Chevy). Team owner Chip Ganassi said, “The addition of ChevronTexaco adds alot of experience and energy to this team. Havoline has a successful history in NASCAR and I am excited about our new partnership with them. Jamie is a sought after young driver with a great work ethic and the talent to win a lot of races in the future and we will provide him with every resource and opportunity to succeed on our team. Our company is about winning races and championships, and adding value to our sponsor’s investments; and we hope to do both for Havoline.”(Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates PR), no mention of the number of the car, if it will #28 or something else, like #42.(9-7-2002)
Vickers and the Phoenix Project at RIR UPDATE Vicker’s misses race. Waltrip steps in to help: “The resilience of America, Americans and the American military embodied by the Phoenix Project,” will be symbolized by BGN rookie driver #40 Brian Vickers this weekend at Richmond. The 18-year-old rookie will proudly display the Phoenix Project emblem on the hood of the #40 BLV Dodge, saluting the accomplished mission of rebuilding the area of the Pentagon destroyed in the September attack on the famous military icon. The Phoenix Project’s goal was to restore the 400,000-square foot section of the Pentagon that was most severely damaged in the Sept. 11 disaster by its one-year anniversary. Through his motorsports involvement with the U.S. Army, Vickers was invited to tour the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense. Once at the Pentagon, Vickers witnessed the vast destruction from the attack and was moved by the resolve displayed by the Americans charged with the challenge of the demolition and massive reconstruction. “It was an honor to be invited by the U.S. Army to tour the Pentagon. During the tour, I met some of the soldiers that were working in the building on Sept. 11th and viewed where the plane impacted the building,” Vickers said. “I have such admiration for the men and women in our armed forces and I am proud to acknowledge their fierce dedication to our country and how they’ve expressed that in the swift restoration of the Pentagon through the Phoenix Project.” Walker Lee Evey, who serves as the principal adviser to both the Secretary and the Deputy Secretary of Defense in his role as Program Manager for the Pentagon Renovation Program (Phoenix Project), will be atop the BLV pit box as Honorary Crew Chief for the Richmond race. Mr. Evey will join Brian for a press conference in the media center prior to the race. The hood of the #40 U.S. Army Dodge will be autographed by Vickers’ fellow drivers in both the NASCAR Winston Cup and Busch Series circuits and presented to Evey in recognition of the efforts of his team. Those wishing to support the families of the Sept. 11th attack on the Pentagon may do so by contacting: Survivor’s Fund
1-866-994-4673 or 703-237-7334
c/o Northern Virginia Family Service
The Community Foundation for the National Capital Region
1112 16th Street, N.W., Suite 340
Washington, D.C. 20036 www.nvfs.org. See an image of the car on my BGN Paint Scheme page.(ignition inc PR)(9-5-2002) UPDATE: Brian Vickers, was all set to salute “the resilience of America, Americans and the American military embodied by the Phoenix Project,” by running a special paint scheme at Richmond International Raceway on Friday night. The Phoenix Project is the accomplished mission of rebuilding the area of the Pentagon destroyed in the September 11th terrorist attack on the military icon. The goal of the Phoenix Project was to restore the 400,000-square foot section of the Pentagon that was most severely damaged, before the one-year anniversary of the attack. Ironically, on Thursday night it was Vickers that needed a helping hand. A qualifying lap that narrowly missed the cut (.06 seconds) left the Phoenix Project tribute without a place on the starting grid – Enter Michael Waltrip and Aaron’s Sales & Lease Ownership. Waltrip is coming off a Busch Series win at Michigan, and qualified 16th for the Richmond run. “It only took a few seconds for us to make the decision to come to Brian’s aid in saluting the Phoenix Project,” Waltrip said. “I mean, isn’t that what this whole deal is all about – people pitching in to help others when they need a hand?”
“Aaron’s is honored to give up the hood of the #99 Chevrolet to the Phoenix Project in recognition of the sacrifice of the soldiers and civilians that perished on Sept. 11, and the perseverance of the Pentagon Restoration Project team,” said Ken Butler, president of Aaron’s Rents Sales & Lease Ownership. “The NASCAR garage is the place where you see the American spirit at work every day. These guys scrap and compete against each other every minute – but when one of them needs a lift, that same group of competitors is there right away to lend a hand.” Walker Lee Evey, who serves as the principal adviser to both the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Defense in his role as Manager for the Pentagon Renovation Office and Phoenix Project, will be atop the Aaron’s Racing pit box as Honorary Crew Chief for the Richmond race. Mr. Evey will join Waltrip and Vickers for a press conference in the media center at 6:00/et. The hood of the Phoenix Project entry will be autographed by Waltrip, Vickers and their fellow drivers in the NASCAR Winston Cup and Busch Series circuits, and presented to Evey in recognition of the efforts of his team. “Naturally, I’m really disappointed that we missed qualifying for the race,” Vickers said. “Since my visit to the Pentagon following the attack, we wanted to do something to honor those folks and we had been looking forward to this day. For Michael Waltrip and Aaron’s to come to our aid tonight at Richmond is something I’ll never forget.”(ignition-inc.com)(9-6-2002)
Dale Earnhardt Jr wins pole at RIR: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr won the pole for the BGN race at Richmond with a speed of 126.868mph in the Looney Tunes/Gossamer Chevy, set the track BGN qualifying record in the process. It is Earnhardt Jr’s first BGN pole since Myrtle Beach in 1999. The rest of the top five were #60-Greg Biffle at 126.399, #37-Kevin Lepage at 125.792, #9-Jeff Burton at 125.552 and #57-Jason Keller at 125.488.(story at ThatsRacin.com).
For qualifying results see ThatsRacin.com, BGNRacing.com or MotorsportsOne.(9-5-2002)
Marlin has new BGN ride for 2003 UPDATE: Steadman Marlin will compete in at least 12 BGN races next season, Sterling said this weekend. Steadman, who has competed in seven BGN races this season with the #95 Sadler Brothers team, will race in 12 events with Todd Braun’s team. “He’s going to drive for Todd Braun next year,” Marlin said. “Probably going to run about 12 Busch races with Keystone Light as the sponsor. We’re trying to hook up a couple more sponsor deals where he can run 15 or 20 races.” Steadman, 21, has a best finish of 22nd this season, scored at Kentucky Speedway. He has started a total of 16 Busch races in his career. Braun Racing has fielded ARCA cars for Chad Blount this season.(Racing One)(9-3-2002) UPDATE: Braun Racing has announced plans for two BGN entries next year for Chad Blount, 23, and Steadman Marlin, 21. The team, which is owned by Todd Braun, says it will field Dodge Intrepids for the duo out of a shop in Mooresville, N.C. Braun Racing has two victories with Blount in the ARCA Re/Max Series this season. Patrick Donohue, who has served as a crew chief for the Busch programs of Brian Vickers and Jeff Gordon, has been hired as a crew chief for the team.(Winston Cup Scene Daily Newsletter)(9-6-2002)
Evans to stay in BGN in 2003: Evans Motorsports is staying in BGN next year and is looking to start another BGN team if the right sponsorship can be found. The # 7 team has have decided to forego Cup races planned for later this year based on performance so far during the second half. Kleenex is signed on for next year, but driver Randy LaJoie is not signed yet.(BGNRacing.com)(9-05-2002)
New team at Memphis: Jarvis Motorsports with Butch Jarvis of Blountville, TN will be running the #53 car at Memphis, TN on 10/19/02 and will be running most of the races in 2003, the number of races will depend on sponsorship secured for the 2003 season.(Jarvis Motorsports PR)(BGNRacing.com)(9-05-2002)
Special #25 Patriotism Car Scheme at RIR: In a unique tribute that marks the first anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, Team Rensi Motorsports and the United States Marine Corps will give the #25 Team Marines Ford a new look at Richmond. Appropriately named, “The Patriotism Car” will serve as a patriotic tribute to the unwavering spirit of America and to the heroism of the United States Marines who have made and continue to make sacrifices to protect our country against international terrorism. As the first anniversary of the tragedy approaches and as the uncertainty in the world grows, Team Rensi Motorsports and their marketing partner, the United States Marine Corps felt it was important to recognize and celebrate the tremendous rise of patriotism in the United States since the terrorist attacks… The “Patriotism Car” is their way of doing just that. Team Rensi Motorsports co-owner,.Sam Rensi, hopes that Marines around the world will see the “Patriotism Car” and know that the American people appreciate all of their hard work and dedication. A die-cast replica of the Patriot Car is being produced by Mattel in 1/64th.. scale.. The product is expected to be available at retail by December 1, 2002. See an image of the car on my BGN Paint Scheme page.(Team Rensi PR)(9-5-2002)
TBR Signs STA-RITE Industries as Associate Sponsor for Richmond: Coming off an impressive test session at Richmond, Tommy Baldwin Racing with driver Damon Lusk has signed another associate sponsor for the September 6th “Funai 250” at the Richmond. ”We are pleased to have STA-RITE Industries join us at Richmond,” said co-owner Eddie D’Hondt, “they understand the benefits of marketing through motorsports and we’re excited about the new association.” STA-RITE Industries, a Delavan, WI based company, who manufactures pumps and water processing equipment for residential, industrial and agricultural markets worldwide, will adorn the “tv panel” of the TBR Dodge. STA-RITE’s Marketing Leader, Dan Mansfield, who heads up the professional water systems products division, remarked, “Sta-Rite Industries, along with our nation wide distributors and dealers are excited to be involved in Sta-Rite’s first NASCAR Busch Series Sponsorship. Everyone associated with the Sta-Rite professional brand of water and swimming pool related products will benefit from the excitement and exposure generated by TBR and Damon Lusk at this weekend’s nationally televised Busch race.” West Virginia Wild &Wonderful is the primary sponsor for this weekend’s race at the three-quarter mile track, where Lusk will make his BGN debut. The team is running a limited schedule for the remainder of the 2002 season.(TBR PR)(9-5-2002)
Fedawa in the #31 at RIR: Tim Fedewa will drive the #31 Whelen Chevy for Ted Marsh Racing for the second time in 2002 when the BGN visits Richmond. The Fedewa-Marsh combination finished 14th at Bristol two weeks ago despite racing the last third of the race without brakes. Fedewa said he was impressed with the Old Lyme, CT team that runs just a limited BGN schedule. Marsh Racing returns to Richmond where its driver Johnny Benson was the fastest in both practices before rain washed out qualifying in May. In the race, Benson was working his way up from his provisional starting spot when he was struck from behind by another car and suffered a broken and two cracked ribs. David Green substituted for Benson at New Hampshire, Dover and Kentucky while Fedewa raced Bristol. Marsh Racing finished ninth in 2001 and sixth in 2000 at Richmond with Steve Park. Fedewa has made three starts in 2002 finishing third at Talladega and 39th at Nazareth. Fedewa made 25 starts in 2001 with two top-five and six top-10 finishes, including a second-place run at Bristol in March. He finished 18th in the points in 2000 with three top-five and six top-10 finishes. He has four career Busch Series victories, his first coming at Nazareth (Pa.) Speedway in 1995. Marsh Racing owns seven top-10 finishes in limited schedule over the last three years. The Whelen Monte Carlo will carry special decals commemorating the American Spirit on the rear quarter panels.(PR)(9-5-2002)
BSLA Remembers Those Lost on 9/11 The Busch Series Ladies Association will help the members of the NASCAR Busch Series remember those who lost their lives in the tragic events that took place on September 11, 2001. The BSLA will distribute ribbons to the competitors in the NASCAR Busch Series for the running of the Funai 250 at Richmond International Raceway on September 6, 2002.. The ribbons are red, white and blue with a double-checkered flag in the center. “What happened last year effected everyone including the Busch Series family,” stated BSLA President, Cathy Green.. “We just wanted to do something to honor those who lost their lives that tragic day.. This is our way of showing the families of the victims that our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to them.” The Busch Series Ladies Association, founded in 1996, is a non-profit organization that helps injured drivers and crewmembers in the Busch Series family.. In addition, the BSLA works to promote other charitable works.. For more information or to contact us be sure to log on to www.buschladies.com.(9-4-2002)
