Mike Skinner will attempt to make the Daytona 500 in the No. 23 Toyota Camry for Bill Davis Racing (BDR). Skinner will test the car at Daytona in addition to the No. 5 Toyota Tundra. Crew chief for Skinner in the Cup car will be Tommy Baldwin. SCR

Matthew Blaylock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONCORD, NC - When the Georgia Asphalt Series (GAS) was created in 2004, it was done so to ensure the health of Late Model racing in the Peach State.  Since that time, GAS racing has not only kept the excitement of Late Model racing alive, it has grown to become one of the most successful and healthiest Super Late Model series in the country, with strong car counts and a loyal fan base in the Southeast.

 

In 2007, the Georgia Asphalt Series will continue its rapid growth, as the series announced today its largest schedule to date - 18 races (17 of which are GAS point events) – and the addition of events at the historic Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, FL, and Birmingham International Raceway in Alabama, as well as one of the founding tracks of the series, Senoia Speedway in Georgia.

 

With new events on the schedule and dozens of registrations coming in to GAS headquarters, 2007 is shaping up to be a breakout season for the Georgia Asphalt Series.

 

“Eighteen races – that’s tops for this series,” said Micky Cain, Director of the Georgia Asphalt Series.  “The series has grown and grown since we started it in 2004.  We did so to ensure the survival of two racetracks, Peachstate and Senoia, to accommodate us both with better Late Model car counts.  Fans want to see Late Model racing.  Then the people at Watermelon Capital came on board, and from there it exploded.  I’m really excited about this season and with the additions we have made to the schedule.”

 

The first two races of the 2007 GAS season take place at two new facilities for the series, and both tracks are synonymous with short-track racing in the Southeast.  The season kicks off with a rebirth of one of the most historic Super Late Model events, as the Georgia Asphalt Series will now be the premier division at “The Early Bird” event at Birmingham International Raceway on February 24th and 25th. 

 

The GAS stars will hit another new facility for its second event on March 10th with the series’ first-ever appearance at the historic Five Flags Speedway, home of the prestigious Snowball Derby and Snowflake 100 events each December.  The Snowflake 100 is one of the biggest two-barrel carburetor Pro Late Model races in the country, but with the addition of a Georgia Asphalt Series event at Five Flags, Late Model drivers from all over the Southeast will be converging on Pensacola, FL, in March as well as in December for the Snowflake.

 

“Pensacola, that place is the mecca of short track racing every December,” said Cain.  “They get 60-plus cars there for a Pro Late Model show.  Honestly, it wouldn’t surprise me if we get more than that come March 10th when we get there.  They got 60 cars there for the Snowflake, and I know there are 125 that ran with GAS Series last year.  That makes for over 200 Pro Late Models in the Southeast that are ready to go racing.  All that they’re looking for is a fair and honest shake on the track, and that’s what they have with GAS.”

 

Also new in 2007 is a second date at South Alabama Speedway in Opp, AL, in addition to two dates at Senoia Speedway (GA).  Senoia’s two events in April and October, plus four dates at Peachstate Speedway, mean a multitude of chances for victory for the GAS stars at the two tracks that formed the foundation of the series.

 

“It started out, just like our name states, the Georgia Asphalt Series.  Then we started getting calls from South Carolina, Alabama and more.  The people at South Alabama (Speedway) were nice enough to add us to the schedule next year.  They were real pleased with our event that before we even finished qualifying that night he was inviting us back, so this year we gave him two races.” 

 

The Georgia Asphalt Series will also be making two appearances at both Watermelon Capital and Lanier National Speedways in Georgia, in addition to one event at South Carolina’s Anderson Motor Speedway, before the series’ final event of the year, a 250-lap, non-points event during the World Crown Weekend at Peachstate Speedway in November, which is annually one of the most prolific Late Model events in the country.

 

“All of our competitors are really excited about the upcoming season.  We’ve had a lot of drivers renew numbers from last year, and we’ve had a bunch of drivers call us up to get information on the series for this season.  We’ll have a season full of great events at some of the best tracks in the South, plus we’ll wrap it up with a huge event at the World Crown at Peachstate.” SCR

 

 

 

 

 

Concord, NC - The date of January 6 has been circled on Donny Schatz’s calendar since his Championship winning World of Outlaws season wrapped up in late October, because that is the day of the annual $50,000-to win Classic at Tyrepower Parramatta City Raceway (PCR) in Australia.

 

Schatz, a native of Fargo, North Dakota, has won the event five of the six years it has been contested, including three in a row. He took a big step on Friday toward making it four in a row and six overall by winning the first night of the Bevelite Glass $50,000 Sprintcar International.

 

Schatz aboard the Pick N Payless J&J for Gary Rush Racing, has now won four events in a row at PCR this season and 13 of the last 14 he has competed in dating back to last year.

 

Schatz started on the pole for the 30-lap preliminary feature on Friday and led wire-to-wire. He was pressured early by Kerry Madsen who started on the outside of the front row, as well as by 20-time World of Outlaws Champion Steve Kinser, who started on the outside of the second row, and closed in on Schatz in heavy lapped traffic. With an open track ahead of him as the laps wound down, Schatz was able to pull away.

 

In the end, Schatz was too strong for the 68 cars that signed in and found himself standing on top of the podium again at PCR.

 

Kinser, who hails from Bloomington, Indiana, came home in the runner-up spot after starting fourth, with Madsen earning the final podium position.

 

In fifth it was Joey Saldana, the 1996 World of Outlaws Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year, driving for NASCAR star Kasey Kahne. Saldana lined up on the outside of the fourth row for the event. The native of Brownsburg, Indiana looks for his second win in the event on Saturday night, having won it back in 2003.

 

Paul McMahan came home sixth driving the Titan Racing machine after starting ninth, with fellow California native and World of Outlaws driver Jason Meyers in the eighth position in his first race of the year on Australian soil. Meyers, who was under the weather, started 20th in the 24-car field before charging into the Top-10.

 

In preliminary action, Schatz powered his way from the fifth starting spot in the first heat to earn the win. In the second heat, McMahan finished in the third spot. Saldana picked up the win in a very tough fourth heat, with Meyers coming home third and Kinser fourth.

 

In the first dash, Schatz lined up on the pole and took the win to earn the pole position for the preliminary feature, with McMahan finishing fifth. In the second dash, Kinser finished second with Saldana fourth.

 

Schatz, Kinser, Saldana, McMahan, and Meyers will be in action again at Parramatta City Raceway on Saturday night in the finale of the $50,000-to win Sprintcar International.

 

The 2007 World of Outlaws season opens on February 9 at Volusia Speedway Park with the 36th Annual DIRTcar Nationals Presented By Mopar Speedshop. SCR

 

 

 

 

HIGH POINT, N.C. - Bill Davis Racing (BDR) announced today that Dr. Andrew L. Randolph has joined the organization to serve as the Engine Technical Director for BDR. Formerly a part of Hendrick Motorsports, Randolph will lead a development team that defines the engine architecture for the Toyota engines used in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series.

 

“Hendrick Motorsports is a great organization with talented people that will continue to compete for the series championship yearly.  However, joining Bill Davis Racing offers a unique and exciting opportunity to partner with a new manufacture (Toyota) and grow a championship-contending team,” stated Randolph.

 

Dr. Randolph received his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Northwestern University in 1985.  During a 22-year career at General Motors and in NASCAR, Dr. Randolph’s work has ranged from fundamental engine research to mass-production engine development and from Wankel rotaries to Pro Stock drag engines.  In the process he has become one of the world’s foremost authorities on combustion analysis.  He has contributed to five NASCAR Cup championships with three different teams. Dr. Randolph most recently served as Director of Engine Development for Hendrick Motorsports.

 

Dr. Randolph has also authored over 20 technical publications and received five oral presentation awards from the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).  In 1995, he was a Distinguished Industrial Lecturer for SAE, and currently serves on the editorial board for the Advanced Power plant Subcommittee.  In addition to his motorsports responsibilities, he also serves on the Board of Directors for Kristler Instruments.

 

“I just feel like I was in the right place at the right time,” said Randolph.  “With all the engine resources and expertise that BDR and TRD have together, I think we have a tremendous amount of potential for the future.  I welcome the challenge and am anxious to get started.” SCR

 

 

 

 

Former NASCAR Champion Benny Parsons remains in the hospital after complications from lung cancer. Parsons who entered the Carolinas Medical Center in late December has lost all use of his left lung after fighting and beating cancer in 2006. SCR

Matthew Blaylock

 

 

 

 

HIGH POINT, N.C. – Bill Davis Racing (BDR) announced today that Derrick Finley will serve as crew chief for the No. 36 OTC 360 team and driver Jeremy Mayfield. In addition, the team has added several key employees to its organization.

 

“Derrick has been an important part of the Bill Davis Racing organization for several years,” stated team owner Bill Davis. “We look forward to once again giving him the opportunity to utilize his abilities both as an engineer and as a leader. He and Jeremy have had the chance to get to know one another over the past couple of months and we think the two of them will make a powerful and successful combination.”

 

Finley, 35, began his tenure at Bill Davis Racing near the end of the 2003 season and was chosen to become the crew chief of the No. 22 Caterpillar team for the final two races of the 2004 campaign. Finley spent 2005 calling the shots for that team before moving to the No. 55 team for the 2006 season. Midway through 2006, Finley returned to his engineering roots and became a key part of both the No. 55 and No. 22 teams’ efforts. Finley will pair up with veteran driver Jeremy Mayfield in 2007.

 

“This is a great opportunity to work a driver who is as experienced as Jeremy,” stated Finley. “He’s worked with some of the best teams out there and I’ve been impressed with his talent, attitude and ability. We’ve spent a lot of time together with the rest of the team testing and getting the chance to know each other and I think we have a ton of potential. Kevin Hamlin [crew chief of the No. 22 team] and I worked closely last year and there’s no doubt we’ll continue that relationship, which will make both of the Bill Davis Racing Cup teams stronger in the process. I’m looking forward to the challenges ahead of us.”

 

Finley, a native of Albuquerque, New Mexico and a 1996 graduate of the University of New Mexico, began working in NASCAR right out of college when he was hired by Dale Earnhardt, Inc. He remained at DEI until moving to Travis Carter Racing in 1999 and it was there that he was given his first opportunity to move into the crew chief position in NASCAR’s premiere series in 2003. Finley called the shots for driver Todd Bodine at BelCar Racing for 17 races before moving to the Bill Davis organization.

 

In addition, Bill Davis Racing has added several key employees to its roster. Gene DeHart has been called upon to oversee the team’s speedway program. DeHart most recently was involved with DeHart, Inc., using his expertise hanging bodies and building Chassis for various NEXTEL Cup, Busch and Truck Series teams. Prior to that he was with Kevin Harvick, Incorporated.

 

Gary Grossenbacher has also joined BDR and will function as the Cup program aerodynamicist. Grossenbacher spent the past three years working as the Technical Director for Synergy Racing in the Grand American Sports Car Series. Before that, Grossenbacher worked for G2 Inc., on its General Motors Motorsports Technology Group contract, which included engineering design, manufacturing, application and support of NASCAR suppliers and race teams.

 

Veteran crew chief Gene Nead has also been hired by Bill Davis Racing. Nead comes to BDR from Kevin Harvick, Inc. where he guided the No. 77 Busch Series team. At BDR Nead will oversee research and development as well as lead the ARCA RE/MAX and Busch Series programs for BDR driver Bobby Santos.

 

The engine department has added the knowledge and skills of Dr. Andrew Randolph. Dr. Randolph received his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Northwestern University in 1985.  During a 22-year career at General Motors and in NASCAR, Dr. Randolph’s work has ranged from fundamental engine research to mass-production engine development and from Wankel rotaries to Pro Stock drag engines.  In the process he has become one of the world’s foremost authorities on combustion analysis.  He has contributed to five NASCAR Cup championships with three different teams. Dr. Randolph most recently served as Director of Engine Development for Hendrick Motorsports. SCR

 

 

 

 

Robert Yates Racing and Masterfoods USA have decided to stick with the No. 88 for Ricky Rudd in NASCAR Nextel Cup competition instead of changing to the team's historic No. 28.

 

Team owner Robert Yates had left open the possibility of using the 28 for the car and new sponsor Snickers, which is replacing UPS as the sponsor.

 

But when the team tests at Daytona International Speedway on Monday, Rudd's car will have the No. 88 on it, a team spokesman confirmed.

 

The team had used the No. 28 when it had sponsorship from Texaco. Rudd drove that car for three seasons, while Davey Allison, Ernie Irvan and Kenny Irwin also have driven for RYR with the No. 28.

 

The number changed to 38 at the start of the 2003 season when Masterfoods began sponsoring Elliott Sadler with its M&M's brand.

 

"It's more about either the grandstands or the marketing - what's best for the marketing," Yates said Dec. 21 when talking about trying to decide between the numbers. "I've been dug down in the middle of the thing. I'm good with the 28, but the 88 has been our number that we chose.

 

"We sort of left that 28 alone when - good or bad - we dissolved our relationship at the end of 2002 with Ricky and just sort of chose a new number ... I like to wrap packages with a number that's a fun, good package. Now that we've sort of put closure to the Davey Allison car, the 28 coming back with us would be just wonderful for us, but I'll go either way. The 88 car, I'm still very fine with that number."

  

   

 

 

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – BAM Racing announced today that Mike Bliss will return as driver of the No. 49 WhatsOnline.com Dodge heading into the 2007 Nextel Cup Series season. In addition, the team is pleased to welcome veteran crew chief Lee McCall to lead the team into what promises to be its best season to date.

 

Bliss, a Milwaukie, Ore. native, has built an impressive resume across NASCAR’s three elite divisions. He has captured wins in both the former Busch Series and Craftsman Truck Series, including a championship title. He last competed in the Nextel Cup Series on a full-time basis in 2005. That season, he earned five top-10 and 10 top-15 starts with a total of two top-10 and nine top-15 finishes.

 

Bliss joined BAM Racing toward the end of last season amidst restructuring efforts for the team. In just seven attempted starts with BAM Racing, he qualified on time for six events with an average starting position of 27.0 and an average finish of 32.8. He garnered attention in Atlanta and Charlotte by nearly capturing top-10 finishes in both events.

 

“I welcome the opportunity to build upon the success we achieved as a team at the end of last season,” said Bliss. “I am looking forward to competing full-time in the Nextel Cup Series again and have high expectations for both myself and the BAM Racing organization.”

 

With the anticipated increase in the number of teams in the Nextel Cup Series coupled with tighter competition, BAM Racing has opted to utilize Evernham Engines in 2007. After a successful relationship with Arrington Engines, the move provides additional research and support for the team.

 

“We value the relationship we have built over the past four years with Arrington Engines,” commented team general manger Eddie Jones. “We realize that we could not have achieved the place we hold in this sport without Joey Arrington. The move to Evernham Engines provides our team with race engines as well as the resources of Evernham Motorsports. Both elements are invaluable to a single-car team in NASCAR racing today.”

 

Veteran crew chief Lee McCall brings the wisdom and insight of over 20 years in motorsports to BAM Racing. McCall comes to BAM Racing from Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates after years with the organization. Most notably, he served as crew chief for Sterling Marlin for over three seasons with the team contending for the championship title in 2002.

 

“I look forward to working with Mike Bliss and BAM Racing this season,” commented McCall. “There are certainly challenges facing single-car teams in our sport today. However, with hard work and determination, great rewards are possible.”

 

“Last season, our team learned what it takes to compete at this level,” said team owner Beth Ann Morgenthau. “Amidst the obstacles we faced, BAM Racing was supported by motivated and talented people including our driver, crew members, employees and sponsors like WhatsOnline.com. With the return of Mike Bliss, and the guidance and insight of Lee McCall, we are fully prepared to have our best season ever in 2007.” SCR

 

 

 

 

CONCORD, NC - Up-and-coming drivers will have plenty of incentive to test their skills on the 360 OTC World of Outlaws Late Model Series in 2007 thanks to a restructured Rookie of the Year program announced by DIRT MotorSports officials.

Highlighting the program is the $15,000 year-end bonus that will go to the rookie contender who accumulates the most points for their 30 best finishes in tour competition.

In addition, a $250 bonus will be presented to the highest-finishing Rookie of the Year contender in each 360 OTC WoO LMS A-Main contested in 2007.

A total of 49 events at 40 tracks in 23 states and one Canadian province are currently listed on the DIRT MotorSports-owned tour’s most ambitious schedule ever.

“We’re confident that the Rookie of the Year program we’ve put in place for 2007 will attract some exciting, rising talent to the series,” said Tim Christman, who is set to begin his first season as director of the 360 OTC WoO LMS. “With a driver’s top 30 finishes being used to determine the Rookie of the Year, we expect to see increased interest from up-and-coming racers in every region that the 360 OTC World of Outlaws Late Model Series will visit.

“It’s a tall order for a rookie driver to follow our entire 2007 schedule, so setting a best-30-finishes standard to determine the Rookie of the Year will open the door for more racers to make a run at the award and get a taste of traveling with the World of Outlaws.”

Since DIRT MotorSports began operating the tour in 2004, the 360 OTC WoO LMS Rookie of the Year Award has been presented to the driver ranked highest in the final overall point standings. Previous winners were Tim McCreadie of Watertown, N.Y. (2004), Josh Richards of Shinnston, W.Va. (2005) and Eddie Carrier Jr. of Salt Rock, W.Va. (2006).

While rookie contenders are not required to run all of this season’s 360 OTC WoO LMS events, they will have the opportunity to race their way into the tour’s ‘Winner’s Circle’ incentive program. Earning a coveted ‘Winner’s Circle’ spot after several early-season shows could help a rookie chase the complete tour and potentially finish high enough in the final standings to collect cash from the lucrative points fund.

The 2007 season for the 360 OTC World of Outlaws Late Model Series kicks off with events on Feb. 15 and 17 as part of the 36th annual DIRTcar Nationals Presented by Mopar Speed Shop at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, Fla. SCR

 

 

 

 

MOORESVILLE, N.C. - Ginn Racing announced today the first 14 races of Mark Martin’s limited 2007 schedule, with highlights including a record extending 19th consecutive start in the Budweiser Shootout, his 23rd running of the famed Daytona 500 and his 18th consecutive start in the Nextel All-Star Challenge, an event he won in 1998 and 2005.

 

When Martin is not in the No. 01 U.S. Army Chevrolet, rookie Regan Smith will pilot the Ginn Racing entry. The remainder of Marti