2009 Races [11] that BB&T is scheduled to be the primary sponsor:
Atlanta - 3/8
Bristol - 3/22
Martinsville - 3/29
Talladega - 4/26
Richmond - 5/2
Darlington - 5/9
Lowe’s Motor Speedway (Sprint All-Star Race) - 5/16
Atlanta - 9/6
New Hampshire - 9/20
Dover - 9/27
Martinsville - 10/25
Talladega - 11/1
2009 Races [3] that The Hartford is scheduled to be the primary sponsor:
Dover - 5/31
New Hampshire - 6/28
Pocono - 8/2
2009 Races [1] that Prilosec OTC is scheduled to be the primary sponsor:
Auto Club Speedway - 10/11
Contract Status: Sponsors: 2010?; Driver: 2010
- RCR to scale back to two teams? UPDATE - Statement: There is speculation that Chevy team owner Richard Childress may have to cut back to a two-car operation next season, if the Shell [#29-Harvick] and Jack Daniels [#07-Casey Mears] sponsorships are not renewed. Childress says he intends to have four Cup teams again next year, but conceded sponsorship issues remain to be resolved. Childress, through the Winston-Salem law firm Womble, Carlyle, has filed legal papers over what he says is GM's non-payment of a bill of $2,538,750. Childress insists he's not suing GM over its failure to make that payment due June 15th. That bill would apparently be a scheduled quarterly payment, part of a $10 million a year Chevrolet sponsorship for Childress' four-team operation.(mikemulhern.net)(6-22-2009)
UPDATE: The following is a statement from Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing regarding allegations that RCR has filed a lawsuit against General Motors: “I would like to set the record straight that RCR has NOT filed a lawsuit against General Motors and I do not appreciate anyone suggesting otherwise. As is standard practice in bankruptcy proceedings, RCR has made a filing which is common among creditors in these situations. As previously stated as recently as this past weekend in Sonoma, RCR is proud to be associated with General Motors and we are working closely with them during these difficult economic times.”(RCR)(6-23-2009) Comment here
- Richard Childress Statement about General Motors: The following is a statement from Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing, regarding cutbacks by General Motors: “Richard Childress Racing is proud to be associated with General Motors and Chevrolet. I’ve been driving Chevys since I ran a Camaro in Talladega’s first Cup race in 1969 and I look forward to continuing that relationship. I’ve been fortunate to see some of the great new products General Motors has to offer, vehicles with great fuel mileage and styling. I’ve recently purchased a new Corvette and a Camaro and they’re two of the finest cars I’ve ever driven. RCR is honored to help showcase GM products to help sell them in the dealerships. These difficult economic times have forced all of us to evaluate our budgets closer than ever but I can assure you that this will not affect our competition on the track.”(RCR)(6-20-2009) Comment here
- How much does GM pay to teams? While no one is saying how much General Motors is cutting its financial support from teams, at least one court document puts a price tag on it. Try $2,538,750. And that's to one Cup team. A court document [click to view pdf] shows that GM was to have paid RCR Enterprises, LLC (i.e. Richard Childress Racing) that amount on June 15. Childress spoke Friday at Infineon Raceway about the GM situation. Asked if he received his June 15 payment from GM, Childress said: "That's kind of personal. I didn't ask you if you got your paycheck this week.'' If nothing else, that gives you a sense of some of the money that's out there and involved in this sport. Childress would not reveal what kind of cutbacks GM is making with his team. Asked if he would have to lay anyone off, Childress said: "I don't know really what all is going to happen. We're going to have to make cuts like everybody in the sport or in business. We don't want to cut performance. For sure, we're not going to cut performance. We'll cut a lot of other things before that.''(Virginian-Pilot)(6-20-2009) Comment here
- Bowyer to run special Cheerios scheme: Clint Bowyer’s #33 Chevy will sport a “heart healthy” paint scheme this week at Michigan International Speedway as Cheerios, along with Richard Chidlress Racing president and CEO Richard Childress kick off a month-long program encouraging race fans to take care of their hearts. Thanks to a donation from Bowyer, Camp Alexander, located in Bowyer’s hometown of Emporia, Kan., will have enough money to operate their camp the rest of the summer, according to Kay Calvert, chairwoman of Camp Alexander’s board of directors.(RCR). MIS and Cheerios are teaming up for a “Good for the Heart” walk for fans at this year’s LifeLock 400, more info about the walk on my Racing Charities page.(6-9-2009)
- Richard Childress Elected to NRA Board of Directors" NASCAR championship-winning team owner Richard Childress [#'s 07,29,31,33] realized a long-time dream when he was recently elected to the board of directors of the National Rifle Association.
The NRA Board of Directors is elected by the Association’s four million members and has a broad spectrum of constituents with varying backgrounds, from law enforcement to competitive shooting, political activists to elected officials. Notable NRA Board members include Lt. Col. Oliver North, Karl Malone, Ted Nugent and Tom Selleck. The Board of Directors oversees the policies and programs developed by the organization. Childress, of Clemmons, N.C., is a lifelong supporter of the Second Amendment, a big-game hunter and an outdoor conservationist. The 12-time NASCAR championship-winning team owner is a Life Member of the National Rifle Association, Safari Club International, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Grand Slam Club/Ovis (Grand Slam #901). He was named a Board Member of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation in 2008. Childress works with local, state and national agencies on wildlife/outdoor conservation efforts and many related charities. He worked with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation in 2000 to reintroduce an elk herd into North Carolina for the first time in 200 years. His family recently teamed with Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center to create the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma.(RCR)(6-5-2009)
- New Colors for Bowyer at Dover: Clint Bowyer’s #33 Chevy will sport new colors this weekend at Dover International Speedway when the white, blue and maroon paint scheme of The Hartford adorns the #33 for the first of three races in which the Hartford, Conn. corporation will be featured as the primary sponsor. The Hartford is inviting fans to take part in Clint Bowyer’s birthday celebration. Fans can log on to www.TheHartfordRacing.com until Saturday, June 30 at 11:59pm/et and grant Bowyer birthday well wishes. The personalized card will then be given to Bowyer at a special presentation Sunday morning prior to the race.(RCR), see an image of the scheme on my #33 Team Schemes page.(5-27-2009)
- Primary Sponsorship for Prilosec OTC on Two RCR Cars in 2009: Prilosec OTC, the No. 1 doctor and pharmacist recommended over-the-counter acid reducer, will be the primary sponsor of two of Richard Childress Racing teams for three races during the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season. Prilosec OTC will be the primary sponsor of the #31 Prilosec OTC-Walmart Chevy driven by Jeff Burton at Richmond International Raceway in May and Indianapolis Motor Speedway in July. Primary sponsorship will then be featured on the #33 Prilosec OTC-Walmart Chevy driven by Clint Bowyer at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, Calif., in October. Prilosec OTC has been an associate sponsor of RCR’s #31 team since 2006. “Over the last four seasons, we’ve engaged millions of race fans, educating them on how Prilosec OTC can treat their frequent heartburn and get them back to enjoying NASCAR to the fullest,” said Robert Cleveland, Prilosec OTC Brand Manager. “Our partnerships with RCR and NASCAR play an important role in showcasing Prilosec OTC’s product benefits and its ability to treat frequent heartburn all day and all night with one pill a day.” Throughout the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season, Prilosec OTC has been featured on the rear quarter panel of the #31 Caterpillar Chevy as well as the uniforms and firesuits of Burton and the entire #31 team. In addition to the RCR team partnership, Prilosec OTC will sponsor the “Prilosec OTC BBQ Shootout Series” throughout the 2009 Sprint Cup Series race season. The mobile tour will travel to six NASCAR cities during the spring and summer months showcasing the country’s best BBQ Pit Masters [Texas a few weeks ago, Richmond in May, Charlotte in May, Indy in July, Bristol in August and Atlanta in Sept.](RCR PR), see an image of the #31 car on my #31 Team Schemes page.(4-30-2009) Comment here
- RCR Kicks off 40th Anniversary Celebration Where it All Began: What began in September 1969 as a stroke of good fortune for a young driver with a dream has become one of the more storied franchises in sports history. Richard Childress Racing launched its 40th anniversary celebration today at Talladega Superspeedway, the track where Richard Childress made his NASCAR Sprint Cup Series debut and where good fortune shined on his racing destiny. The RCR 40th Anniversary Celebration will continue through Nov. 1, 2009, the length of time between the two Sprint Cup Series races at Talladega. The cornerstone of the program will include the Pick the Greatest RCR Moment contest on RCR’s website, where fans will vote on one of a dozen great moments in RCR history, with one lucky fan winning RCR’s VIP prize package for two to the Oct. 30-Nov. 1 AMP Energy 500 weekend.
“I’ve been very fortunate in my racing career and I look forward to giving something back to the fans and sharing with them some of the great stories from the past 40 years,” explained Childress. “Talladega has always been a special place to me, from Mr. France (Bill France Sr.) allowing me to get my first Cup Series start there to some of the great runs Dale (Earnhardt) had to trying to win the race here this weekend. It just made sense to kick things off at Talladega. I’m looking forward to spending time with the winner of the Pick the Greatest RCR Moment contest in October.” Additional activities during the RCR 40th Anniversary Celebration will include a monthly breakdown of RCR highlights, from Childress’ driving career to the halcyon days with the legendary Dale Earnhardt and the famed black #3 GM Goodwrench Chevrolets to the current six-team operation with drivers Kevin Harvick, Jeff Burton, Clint Bowyer, Casey Mears, Stephen Leicht and Austin Dillon. The Winston-Salem, N.C., native started 26th and finished 23rd in that first Talladega race. Childress drove a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro after competing in the same car the day before in a support race for the inaugural event at what was then known as Alabama International Motor Speedway. He only competed in the race when NASCAR founder Bill France asked him to help fill the field after the regular series drivers refused to drive on the brand new 2.66-mile high-banked facility. Childress invested the money he made that weekend in a small piece of land where he built a race shop and, as is so often said, the rest is history.(RCR PR)(4-25-2009)
- RCR 40th Anniversary Announcement: Richard Childress Racing has scheduled a press conference for Saturday, April 25, at 9:30am in the infield media center at Talladega Superspeedway. The press conference will kick off RCR’s 40th anniversary celebration that will conclude at the fall races in Talladega, where Childress made his NASCAR Sprint Cup Series debut in 1969 in the track’s inaugural event.(RCR PR)(4-23-2009) Comment here
- Bowyer to appear on Biggest Loser: Clint Bowyer, driver of the #33 Cheerios/Hamburger Helper Chevy for Richard Childress Racing, will appear on NBC’s “The Biggest Loser” on Tuesday, March 24 (9-11pm/et/pt, following President Obama’s speech). During an intense challenge, Bowyer will witness just how strong the show contestants are. “Being involved with ‘The Biggest Loser’ was a real eye-opener,” said Bowyer, who is the first NASCAR driver to appear on the show. “The show is all about winning. It was amazing to see how hard everyone works and the sacrifices they make. The trainers really get the contestants to believe in themselves and commit to improving their lives for years to come. I can’t wait to see the show on Tuesday night.”(RCR PR)(3-17-2009)
- Realtree's Bill Jordan to Drive in Celebrity/Legends Race at Bristol: Realtree Founder and President Bill Jordan will drive a Team Realtree car, furnished by Richard Childress Racing, in the first annual Scotts Saturday Night Special Celebrity/Legends Race at Bristol Motor Speedway. Jordan's role in the race is to run the first 15 laps against other celebrities to determine the starting positions for the legendary NASCAR drivers, who will complete the remaining 35 laps of the 50-lap event. Jordan's NASCAR legends teammate will be Terry Labonte. Jordan and Labonte's honorary pit crew will be comprised of current NASCAR drivers, many of whom hunt with Jordan and appear on the Driven to Hunt television show on ESPN2. These pit crew members will include Kevin Harvick, Tony Stewart, Clint Bowyer, and Martin Truex, Jr. RCR president and CEO Richard Childress will serve as Jordan's spotter during the race. The First Annual Scotts Saturday Night Special Celebrity/Legends Race will air live on March 21 on ESPN2 following the completion of the Scotts Turf Builder 300 Nationwide Series race and will be followed by a 100-lap UARA late model event. Drivers will compete in late-model stock cars and $25,000 will be donated to the winning team’s charity of choice. The second-place team will have $10,000 given to the charity of its choice and $5,000 will go to the designated charity of the other entrants. Tickets, which include all three races, start at $45 and are available by calling the BMS ticket office at 423-989-6900 or by visiting www.bristoltix.com.(RCR PR)(3-14-2009) Comment here
- Bowyer's Crew Claims Tissot Pit Road Win in Atlanta: The #33 crew for Clint Bowyer won the Tissot Pit Road Precision Award in Sunday's Sprint Cup race at Atlanta Motor Speedway, becoming the fourth different team in as many races to capture top honors for pit road achievement. Bowyer's crew captured the Tissot pit road win as a result of the team's #33 BB&T Chevrolet Impala SS spending the least amount of time on pit road (364.400 seconds) during the Kobalt Tools 500. The quick pit stops helped lift Bowyer to a sixth-place finish as the Richard Childress Racing driver remained second in the driver point standings. Bowyer's over-the-wall crew consists of: Clint Pittman (front-tire changer), Shane Stevenson (front-tire carrier), Daniel Rankin (rear-tire changer), Michael Hodges (rear-tire carrier), Bill Ferguson Jr. (jackman), Bryan Smith (gasman), Chad Haney (catch can) and Scott Brewer (eighth man). The team's crew chief is Shane Wilson, pit crew coach is Matt Clark and the strength/conditioning coach is Ray Wright. For winning the Tissot Pit Road Precision Award, the #33 team will receive $5,000. The team with the most pit road wins at the completion of the 36-race schedule will earn a $100,000 bonus plus Tissot watches for the driver and over-the-wall crew members. (DMF Communications/Tissot PR)(3-11-2009) Comment here
- Philanthropists support the Childress Institute: News of the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma and its needs has touched the hearts of many generous donors who have recently made significant contributions. Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center has announced a $1 million commitment from John L. Morris, founder and chief executive officer of Bass Pro Shops, to the Childress Institute. An additional $1 million pledge has been made by an anonymous private family foundation. Another recent gift was made by the Eddie and Jo Allison Smith Foundation, established by Eddie Smith, owner and CEO of Grady-White Boats Inc., of Greenville, N.C. The Smith Foundation made a $250,000 commitment to the Institute for research and expansion of programs in pediatric trauma care. To date, contributors have given nearly $2 million to the Childress Institute, and pledges total almost $8.5 million. On July 30, 2008, Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center and the Richard Childress family announced the formation of the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma. The Childress Institute’s mission is to significantly improve survival rates of children nationwide who suffer serious injuries and reduce the lifelong impact of traumatic injuries in children. Richard Childress and his family have provided $5 million to the Medical Center to initiate the project. Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center and the Childress family are working with corporations and individuals to raise awareness and an additional $20 million to establish the Institute’s endowment fund. For more information on the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma visit www.childresspediatrictrauma.org.(RCR PR)(3-7-2009) Comment here
- BB&T colors for Bowyer this week: Clint Bowyer’s Chevy will sport new colors this weekend when the burgundy, white and gold paint scheme of BB&T adorn the #33 for the first of 11 races [see ,y #33 Team News page for the BB&T race list] where the Winston-Salem, N.C. corporation will be featured as the primary sponsor (RCR PR). See images of the scheme on my #33 Team Schemes page.(3-5-2009)
- RCR..four tracks left: Richard Childress Racing has earned a Sprint Cup Series victory at 18 of the 22 tracks on the 2009 schedule. The only tracks on the current schedule where RCR hasn’t earned wins are Auto Club Speedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Kansas Speedway. Additionally, RCR has Sprint Cup Series wins at 21 tracks overall, including North Wilkesboro, Riverside (CA) and Rockingham (N.C.) which are no longer on the schedule.(RCR PR)(2-26-2009)
- The Hartford Set to Sponsor RCR: With its iconic stag logo ready to stand firm on the hood at top speeds of 200 miles per hour, The Hartford Financial Services Group announced that it will sponsor Richard Childress Racing's #33 Chevy and driver Clint Bowyer at the following three Sprint Cup Series races this year - Dover International Speedway on May 31, New Hampshire Motor Speedway on June 28, and Pocono Raceway on August 2. The Hartford will also be an associate sponsor of RCR's #31 Caterpillar Chevy and driver Jeff Burton in the Sprint Cup Series. Both Bowyer and Burton will be spokesmen for the program, which will focus primarily on automobile and home insurance. For more information about The Hartford's commitment to racing, see thehartfordracing.com.(RCR PR)(2-13-2009) Comment here
- Kyle Busch joins Gillette Young Guns: With the NASCAR season ready to roll, Gillette announced that Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 M&M’s Toyota will be the newest member to its star-studded Gillette Young Guns lineup, which includes Clint Bowyer, Carl Edwards, Denny Hamlin, Kasey Kahne and Ryan Newman [Kyle replaces his brother Kurt]. During the off-season, Busch was welcomed to the Gillette Young Guns team when he participated in a two-day ad shoot to support the launch of the gaming-inspired Gillette Fusion Power Gamer, which features Fusion’s 5-bladed shaving surface for unsurpassed comfort and a sleek new look. The spot, titled “Jumbotron,” was created by BBDO NY, features all six Gillette Young Guns. Airing for the first time during the FOX telecast of the Daytona 500, “Jumbotron” follows the Gillette Young Guns as they attempt to sneak into the race track and play video games from atop a motorcoach.(Gillette Young Guns PR)(2-7-2009)
- Penske buys the #22, Davis a minority owner UPDATE more: Bill Davis is now a minority owner in Penske Racing. Penske has acquired Davis' #22 and will keep the number for further consideration to align with the #2 and #12. But for now, the #77 Mobil 1 Dodge driven by Sam Hornish Jr. will take the 22's owner points and start the 2009 season 31st, which guarantees it a position in the Daytona 500. "As a business person, you have to look at what your options are," Penske said by phone. "I think the key thing right now is it's too bad that anyone who has run a full season whether they're in the top 35 or not — and I don't mean the ones that run a half season — but if you run the full season last year, every car in every race, you hope you would be given some kind of priority."(FoxSports)(2-3-2009)
UPDATE: #09-Phoenix Racing’s Brad Keselowski will get the points from the #41 or #01 left over from the Chip Ganassi Racing-Dale Earnhardt Inc. merger, according to sources. That leaves one set of points remaining, and those possibly could go to Richard Childress Racing’s Clint Bowyer, who moved to the new RCR #33 car this year while Casey Mears, the new driver of the #07 car, has Bowyer’s points from last season. RCR officials would not confirm whether the team is working a deal for top-35 points. While having the points is good news for Hornish (who will still drive the #77), it is not good news for Richard Petty Motorsports’ #44-AJ Allmendinger, who now will have to qualify on speed or race his way in the Daytona 500. His car was 37th in owners points last year. Marcos Ambrose, driver of the #47 JTG Daugherty Racing car, is on the bubble at 36th from last season. If RCR gets points for Bowyer as expected, then Ambrose also will have to qualify on speed or race his way in the Daytona 500. Michael Waltrip, whose Michael Waltrip Racing builds cars for Ambrose, said Tuesday that he was unsure whether Ambrose would end up being locked in for the Daytona 500.(SceneDaily), see my 2009 Owners Points - 1st five races page(2-4-2009) Comment here
- Childress receives Tribute Award: Richard Childress accepted the North Carolina Motorsports Association’s (NCMA) Achievement in Motorsports Tribute Award Monday evening at the third annual NCMA industry awards ceremony at the Embassy Suites Convention Hall. Childress, who celebrated his 40th anniversary as a NASCAR Cup Series team owner in 2008, was recognized for his accomplishments in motorsports, his compassion and philanthropic efforts off the track, and for his individual integrity and character. Childress was introduced by last year’s recipient, “King” Richard Petty. The event also honored companies and institutions whose efforts in 2008 greatly impacted the motorsports industry in North Carolina in 10 distinct categories: 1. Education, Two-Year Central Piedmont Community College 2. Education, Four-Year Belmont Abby College 3. Workforce Diversity Winston-Salem State University 4. Marketing, Regional Food Lion Auto Fair 5. Marketing, National NASCAR’s Home Track Campaign 6. Event Facilities Z-Max Dragway 7. Economic Development Mooresville – South Iredell 8. Safety Innovation B.R.A.K.E.S 9. Small Company SRI 10. Large Company CV Products The NCMA is the voice of the motorsports industry in North Carolina, representing businesses that support more than 26,000 jobs in the state.(NCMA PR)(1-29-2009)
- Bowyer gets new plane: Clint Bowyer recently [Dec 22nd] took delivery of his Beechcraft Premier IA, the world’s fastest and most technologically advanced single-pilot business jet. With a cruising speed greater than 520mph – 50mph faster than its nearest competitor – the Premier IA is the only light jet in the world that satisfies Bowyer’s need for speed. While in Wichita for the delivery, Bowyer toured the Hawker Beechcraft manufacturing plant and signed autographs for employees. “As a NASCAR driver, I have a very demanding schedule that takes me from coast-to-coast on a regular basis,” Bowyer said. “My new Premier IA will allow me to operate more efficiently and effectively. I am proud to own an airplane made in my home state of Kansas. It was great to see many NASCAR fans at the factory today and I thank them for their work on this superior aircraft.”(Hawker Beechcraft)(12-29-2008) Comment here
- Part of I-85 in NC named For Richard Childress: Transportation Secretary Lyndo Tippett joined N.C. Board of Transportation member Nancy Dunn and other state and local officials to dedicate a 5.5-mile section of I-85 from U.S. 64 to Lake Road (State Road 2085) in Davidson County as the Richard Childress Freeway, in honor of the former NASCAR driver and current team owner Richard Childress. A ceremony officially naming the highway for Childress was held at Richard Childress Racing in Welcome on Tuesday. “Richard has been a great contributor to the sport of automobile racing, North Carolina’s growing wine industry and the economy of Davidson County,” Tippett said. “Naming this stretch of I-85 for him is a fitting tribute to the many ways he has given back to this state and its communities.” Childress is the president and owner of Richard Childress Racing. His race team, based in Welcome, has won 12 NASCAR championships including six Sprint Cup, five Nationwide Series and one Craftsman Truck series. Childress is also the owner of Childress Vineyards, located in Lexington. The vineyard, which opened in November 2004, has received several industry awards and was recently named one of America’s Top 25 Tasting Rooms by Wine Enthusiast. Through his efforts and dedication to the local community, Childress has helped create more than 500 local jobs and made the Childress group of companies one of Davidson County’s top five private employers. He has also directly invested more than $100 million into the local economy and recently donated $5 million to Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center to initiate the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma. The Davidson County Board of Commissioners requested the road naming, and the N.C. Board of Transportation passed a resolution dedicating the stretch of highway in Childress’ honor in July, 2008. (RCR site)(12-17-2008) Comment here
- Childress to have highway named for him: Transportation Secretary Lyndo Tippett will join local officials on Tuesday, Dec. 16th at Richard Childress Racing in a ceremony dedicating the segment of I-85 from Lake Road (State Road 2085) to U.S. 64 in Davidson County as the Richard Childress Freeway in honor of Childress and the work he has done for Davidson County and the Piedmont region of North Carolina.(RCR PR)(12-13-2008)
- RCR Gets 20/20 Hindsight: Richard Childress Racing will utilize Monitoring Technology Corporation’s 20/20 Hindsight system to improve the efficiency of its Sprint Cup Series and Nationwide Series over-the-wall pit crews. RCR, through its Human Performance department, and MTC have entered into a multi-year technical partnership. MTC, based in Fairfax, Va., provides products that monitor industrial equipment and processes utilizing high-speed cameras, vibration sensors, tachometers and other sensors. Its 20/20 Hindsight technology provides millisecond accuracy, portability and, as a result, increased efficiency.(RCR PR)(12-10-2008)
- Clint Bowyer on Motorcycle Safety: An increase of motorcycles on the road and the fact that less than half have taken an organized rider education course, indicates a need for increased awareness of proper motorcycle safety. Clint Bowyer, a Harley-Davidson motorcycle owner and Shell-Pennzoil sponsored NASCAR driver, began his career as a motocross racer. He truly knows the importance of safety, both on and off the track. "One of the first things I learned when I started racing was to recognize the importance of safety. You can't afford not to when you're competing at top speeds with 42 other drivers all around you," Bowyer says. "I apply the same philosophy in my personal life. Whether I'm going tire-to-tire on the race track or cruising the highway on my Harley, safety is always a priority."
Motorcyclists can apply Bowyer's safety philosophy to their own lives by following these simple tips:
1. Prepare - Wear appropriate gear for comfort and protection (eye wear, helmet, long pants, jacket, boots).
2. Be seen - Stand out. Wear bright colors and use retro-reflective material.
3. Be awake - Fatigue and drowsiness can impair a motorcyclist's ability to react, so be alert.
4. Be courteous - Be considerate on the road; show respect and civility.
5. Plan - Have your route and stops set in advance to ensure a safer ride.
6. Inspect - Conduct a safety inspection of your motorcycle before each ride. T-CLOCS is an easy way to remember what to inspect. Tires, Controls, Lights, Oil, Chassis and Sidestand.
Bowyer isn't alone in noticing the need for motorcycle safety awareness. Harley-Davidson not only provides its riders with safety tips for the road on its Web site, but it also offers the Rider's Edge New Rider Course, which has trained more than 140,000 students since the program's inception in 2000. Additionally, the Harley-Davidson Ride Planner version 2.0 provides an interactive Web-based tool that enables riders to map out a safe route before even leaving the garage. Motorcyclists can plot points of interest and amenities along any route. Ride Planner even highlights more than 14,000 Shell stations across the U.S., helping to ensure that riders won't be stranded by the side of the road on "empty" with no quality gasoline in sight. According to Bowyer, when it comes to safety, motorcyclists shouldn't "skimp."
"I wouldn't buy any bargain-basement helmet or cheap riding gear and I don't put discount gasoline in my tank. I want my Harley to perform like it was built to, so I always use a quality premium gasoline, like Shell V-Power." Using proper motorcycle safety on and off the road creates a safer environment for motorcyclists. Being aware and recognizing the different steps you can take to become a safer driver will ensure not only your safety, but also the safety of others. The more educated you are, the safer your ride.(Carteret News Times/ARAContent)(11-30-2008)
- Bodine, Wimmer to tour military bases: Geoff Bodine, Hillary Will, Scott Wimmer, and Arie Luyendyk will tour United States Military bases as part of the Racing Heroes 2008 goodwill military tour. The tour, which begins on December 9th and concludes on December 20th, will include visits to U.S. Military Bases in Iraq and Kuwait. The Racing Heroes 2008 goodwill tour is geared toward military personnel stationed overseas. The program focuses on raising spirits and providing inspiration to servicemen and women serving abroad. David Chavez, president of Pro Sports MVP says, "The UFC fighters' and models' visit will have a tremendous impact on the troops. We are certain that the Racing Heroes 2008 tour will be very entertaining and a welcome and needed break from the routine". The participants will attend autograph/photograph sessions, lead clinics and demonstrations, hold meet and greets, and visit hospital patients and staff.(Pro Sports MVP PR)(11-13-2008)
- BB&T to sponsor #33 & Bowyer for eleven 2009 races: BB&T Corporation and Richard Childress Racing have agreed to an 11-race sponsorship for RCR’s #33 Chevy with driver Clint Bowyer for the 2009 Sprint Cup Series season. In addition to 10 points races, BB&T will also be the primary sponsor on Bowyer’s #33 Chevy for the annual Sprint Cup Series all-star race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in May. The March 8 race at Atlanta Motor Speedway will mark the first of three consecutive races for BB&T, followed by four in a row starting at Talladega in April and wrapping up with the all-star festivities in Charlotte. In September, BB&T will be showcased again in Atlanta and at Dover for the first of three Chase for the Sprint Cup races. Bowyer’s #33 Impala SS will also feature a burgundy and gold BB&T paint scheme at Martinsville and Talladega next fall. BB&T will serve as a major associate sponsor of the #33 Chevy for the remaining 26 races on the 2009 schedule while General Mills’ brands Cheerios and Hamburger Helper will be the primary sponsor. Next season will mark the second-consecutive year that BB&T has expanded its role within the RCR family of sponsors. In 2007, BB&T sponsored a partial Nationwide Series schedule with Bowyer in RCR’s flagship #2 Chevrolet. That role evolved into a 25-race schedule in 2008, in addition to two races on the #07 Chevy in the Sprint Cup Series.(RCR PR)(11-12-2008) Comment here
- Childress named NCMA Achievement in Motorsports Tribute Award: Richard Childress will be the recipient of the North Carolina Motorsports Association’s Tribute Award at the group’s annual awards banquet on January 26, 2009, at the Embassy Suites Resort and Conference Center in Concord, NC. Childress is celebrating his 40th year as a NASCAR team owner in 2008, having amassed 11 championships, two Daytona 500 and two Brickyard 400 victories in addition to a lifetime of achievements on and off the track in his home state of North Carolina. As both a driver and team owner, Childress has been an integral part of NASCAR’s highest level of racing for five decades. His career as a driver spanned from 1969 to the middle of 1981 when he made the tough decision to step down as a driver but to remain a team owner with driver Dale Earnhardt. He built up his team and achieved his first Cup Series victory in 1983 with driver Ricky Rudd. Then in 1984, Earnhardt returned as Childress’s full-time driver, and together they went on to win six championships between 1986 and 1994. Still competing for championships to this day and continuing to grow, as Richard Childress Racing (RCR) will expand from a three-car to four-car operation in 2009, Childress is truly one of the most accomplished professionals in motorsports.
An avid hunter and outdoor conservationist, he contributes annually to the North Carolina Wildlife Habitat Foundation and has been a longtime supporter of the Winston-Salem Soap Box Derby. In July, he teamed up with Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center to form the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma – creating what will become the nation’s most comprehensive institute for pediatric trauma. In 2004, Childress was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine by Governor Jim Hunt, the state’s highest honor, and in May he was inducted to the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame. His passion for fine wine led to the founding of Childress Vineyards, a Napa Valley-influenced winery that produces quality North Carolina wines in Lexington, N.C. -- not far from his RCR race shop. Other winner’s of the NCMA’s Achievement in Motorsports Tribute Award include Richard Petty and Benny Parsons. Additionally, winners of awards in 10 distinct categories will be determined by an NCMA member vote.(NCMA PR)(11-12-2008)
- RCR Reorganizes its Business Unit: Richard Childress Racing has reorganized its business unit to help strengthen the overall performance of the 11-time NASCAR championship-winning organization. Ben Schlosser has been promoted to the position of senior vice president, business operations. Schlosser joined RCR in April 2002 as director of corporate sales and sponsorships and was named vice president of marketing in 2004. In his newly expanded role, departments reporting to him will include partnership marketing, business development, communications, licensing, the RCR Racing Museum, and show car and promotions. “The purpose of this reorganization is to be more efficient for our sponsors and everyone involved in making RCR a success,” said Richard Childress, president and CEO of RCR. “Ben has a very good understanding of the business side of RCR so bringing the communications, licensing and show car departments under his supervision, along with the partnership marketing department, will allow all of those units to work together more seamlessly.”
Bill Patterson has been named executive vice president, support services. Patterson began his fulltime tenure at RCR in 1983 and has been a part of all 11 of its NASCAR championships. The departments now under his direction will include finance and accounting, human resources, aviation, and facilities and maintenance. Additional responsibilities will include capital and major expenditures, driver contracts and other contract issues. "Bill has been an asset to RCR since the early 1980s and will continue to be moving forward,” said Childress. “His new responsibilities will allow him to focus more on RCR’s finances and accounting, which has always been important but is even more so in the current economic climate.”(RCR PR)(11-5-2008)
- RCR Names DiCio Director of Business Development: Michael DiCio has been named managing director of business development for 11-time NASCAR championship-winning Richard Childress Racing. DiCio comes to RCR with nearly 30 years’ experience in marketing and business development with R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company and Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corporation. His day-to-day responsibilities will include overseeing overall business development, including sponsorship opportunities across RCR's teams and new corporate and technical partnerships. He will also explore new strategic partnerships, potential B2B opportunities for RCR and its partners, and incremental revenue opportunities. “We are excited about Mike becoming a key member of our marketing team at RCR,” said Ben Schlosser, RCR’s vice president of marketing. “Mike’s energy and his nearly 30 years of strategic planning, business development, brand management and international business experience will make him a valuable asset to RCR and our partners.” DiCio earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences from The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. He was the 1978 NCAA Division III Springboard Diving Champion and a six-time All-America in both one-meter and three-meter competition (1977-79).(RCR PR)(10-28-2008)
- Martin to the #5...in 2008? UPDATE 2: hearing that Mark Martin may get started on his ride a few races early and running the #5 Carquest/Kelloggs Chevy for Hendrick Motorsports in the final four races [Atlanta , Texas, Phoenix, Homestead] of the 2008 Cup season. Casey Mears currently drives the car. Martin is slated to drive the #8 US Army Chevy for DEI in 3 of the 4 final 2008 races, with Aric Almirola in at Phoenix.(8-6-2008)
UPDATE: during SPEED's coverage of the first Saturday practice, Larry McReynolds said he had a nugget....Mark Martin will run the final four races of the 2008 Sprint Cup season, including the final race at Homestead, but not in the #8 DEI Chevy, but in a Hendrick Chevy, so he could be in the #5 Chevy, meaning we may see Casey Mears in a 4th RCR car [#33?] at Homestead.(10-25-2008)
UPDATE 2: Hendrick Motorsports is considering a plan that would put Mark Martin in the #5 car for the final race of this season at Homestead Speedway, sources told ESPN.com. Martin will drive the #5 car for Hendrick Motorsports in the 2009 season.
A contingency to the plan is getting Casey Mears, the current driver of the #5, into the fourth car at Richard Childress Racing that he will drive next season. But in order to do that Mears likely would have to drive the #33, not the #07 that he is slated to drive because Clint Bowyer is driving that car in the Chase. Richard Childress Racing is willing to put Mears in the #33 car unsponsored as it wants to get him in the race. Martin will be free of his duties in the #8 at Dale Earnhardt Enterprises after the next two races at Texas and Phoenix. He will end his part-time schedule that he has been on for a couple of years to run a full-time schedule for Hendrick Motorsports.
Officials from Hendrick Motorsports and Richard Childress Racing were not immediately available for comment.(ESPN)(10-27-2008) Comment here
- Bowyer talks bout new crew chief and car# change: #07-Clint Bowyer met with media [at Atlanta Motor Speedway] and discussed Shane Wilson named as crew chief for ’09, starting on a clean sheet of paper next year, and more:
ON THE ANNOUNCED PLAN THAT SHANE WILSON WILL BE HIS CREW CHIEF IN 2009.
“He’s the best man for the job. He’s been around RCR for quite some time. He’s going to fit in well right off the bat. That’s something that’s important. Everybody knows we’ve got to start off at Daytona right out of the box good to be in contention for this Chase. I think he’s the best guy for that and the fit-factor, and he’s organized. He’s got a game plan and that’s what I like about him.”
WHY WAS THAT DECISION MADE TO HAVE SHANE WILSON BE YOUR CREW CHIEF AND NOT GIL MARTIN?
“It’s for the betterment of our organization. Bringing a fourth team in and moving me over to the #33 car in the long haul, that’s going to be better for me. It’s going to bring more income in, more resources. When we go test, it’s another car I can pull information from. In the long haul looking forward it’s going to be a lot better.”
A LOT OF FANS THINK THE #07 IS JUST GOING TO SWITCH OVER, PUT NEW UNIFORMS ON, AND TAKE THE POINTS OF THE ’07, BUT YOU GUYS ARE STARTING ON A CLEAN SHEET OF PAPER
“Yeah, it is what it is. You’ve got to make the best out of it and we will. We’re going to make the Chase and hopefully we can get all four of us in it.”(GM Racing PR)(10-27-2008) Comment here
- Shane Wilson Named Crew Chief for RCR’s #33 in 2009: Richard Childress Racing has named veteran NASCAR crew chief Shane Wilson to head up its #33 Cheerios/Hamburger Helper team for the 2009 NASCAR Cup Series season. Wilson will call the shots for Clint Bowyer, who was announced in August as the driver for RCR’s fourth Cup Series team next year after completing this season with its #07 team. “Shane brings a great deal of knowledge and success to the Cheerios/Hamburger Helper team, much of which he has earned since coming to RCR in 2006,” said Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing. “He will be able to hit the ground running since he’s already familiar with and has been a part of the organization for the past three years. He and Clint have worked together a little bit and I’m confident they will complement each other in this new program.” Wilson, a South Royalton, Vt., native has been with RCR since January 2006 and has nearly a quarter-century of motorsports experience.(RCR PR), when the Mears-Bowyer switch was announced, it was mentioned that the #33 would NOT get the #07 team owners points, but that Childress had something in the works, like possibly buying owners points from another team, with all the merger rumors out there, that could be DEI, Ganassi or another team in the top-35. Have heard nothing since.(10-21-2008) Comment here
- Mike Wallace to attempt Talladega for RCR: Mike Wallace’s will attempt to qualify RCR’s #33 Realtree Driven to the Outdoors Chevy at Talladega and will give RCR four entries for this weekend’s AMP Energy 500. This will be his first Cup Series attempt this season but he has 186 career starts since making his series’ debut in 1991. In two Cup Series races last season, he finished fourth in the Daytona 500 and 19th at the fall race at Talladega. Richard Childress competed as a driver in Talladega’s inaugural race in 1969 and used his winnings from that race weekend to help start RCR. In cooperation with RCR sponsors Realtree, Chevrolet, Shell Oil Company and Motorsports Authentics, Wallace’s paint scheme will feature a Driven to the Outdoors themed paint scheme. In addition to a full line of NASCAR camouflage merchandise and memorabilia, the Chevy Driven to the Outdoors program will feature a unique sweepstakes that will ultimately reward one fan with a 2009 Chevy Silverado LTZ. Fans interested in learning more about the Chevy Driven to the Outdoors program and the rules associated with the sweepstakes can visit www.chevy.com/driven.(RCR PR)(10-3-2008)
- Mike Wallace to drive #33 for RCR at Talladega: Realtree, the home of America's most versatile camo patterns, will sponsor Richard Childress Racing's #33 Realtree Driven to the Outdoors Chevy and driver Mike Wallace in the Oct. 5 Amp Energy 500 Sprint Cup Series race at Talladega Superspeedway. RCR and Realtree, based in Columbus, Ga., have a long-standing relationship. Realtree president Bill Jordan and RCR president and CEO Richard Childress have been personal friends for decades and Team Realtree first sponsored the legendary Dale Earnhardt and RCR's #3 GM Goodwrench team in 1997. Team Realtree also sponsors Team Dillon Racing's Ty Dillon, the younger grandson of Childress, in the Fastrak Racing Series Dirt Late Model Touring Division.(RCR PR)(9-26-2008) Comment here
- RCR has never won a Cup race at Kansas: Surprisingly enough, in 20 starts at Kansas Speedway, RCR has only two top-five and just five top-10 finishes. Clint Bowyer finished second last year while Kevin Harvick went on to finish sixth. In 2006, Burton captured his career-best finish at the 1.5-mile oval by finishing fifth while teammate Bowyer finished ninth. Harvick notched a sixth-place effort in October 2003. All told, RCR's three-car team has a 22.6 starting average and a 17.6 average finish at the metropolitan Kansas City race course. The only other tracks on the current schedule where RCR hasn't earned Cup Series wins are Auto Club Speedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway and Las Vegas Motor Speedway.(RCR PR)(9-26-2008)
- Childress may merge to get points for #33: from a GM Racing PR:
RICHARD CHILDRESS, OWNER OF RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING, met with members of the media to announce the driver alignment for the #07 Jack Daniel’s Impala SS and the #33 Cheerios/Hamburger Helper Impala SS for 2009. Highlights from the transcript:
RICHARD CHILDRESS: “We have talked to the press several times over the last few months and said we are going to let you know, we are going to let you know, who is the fourth driver, what we are going to do. We did a lot of work, Mike Dillon, Ben Schlosser, our whole group. We looked at all the competition throughout RCR, we have picked Casey Mears as the driver of our fourth team, which all teams are equal, but he will be driving the Jack Daniel’s Chevrolet next year.”
CHILDRESS: “There have been a lot of questions asked about what we are doing and the one I get a lot is the points on the #07, are we changing them, what are we doing? The points will stay with the #07. We have all the confidence in the world in Clint and his team that we’re going to be ok there. We have some things working there as well. Right now, like we do every year at this time, we start evaluating our competition. Where we are at with all of our teams. We use Jeff’s and Kevin’s input a lot. Kevin is doing an appearance but Jeff is here, glad to have you Jeff. We are just thrilled about next year. We have our work cut out for us the next three weeks and that is what we are concentrating on right now is to get in to the Chase and at that point we want to be a championship contender which I know we will be. We’ve got to get through that and once we do that, then we will start addressing other things.”
RICHARD, ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A WAY TO GET OWNER’S POINTS FROM SOMEONE IN THE TOP-35? “We are going to be just fine. We’ve did a lot of research and looked in to a lot of different things. At this time, we really can’t say what the plan is, but we are definitely working on a few things.”
CLINT, WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT STARTING NEXT YEAR WITH NO OWNER’S POINTS? “It is like I told him (Richard), beats beatin’ dents in the body shop.”
RICHARD, CAN YOU TALK ABOUT CREWS? “We are working on all of that at this time. Like I said, we aren’t going to get in to all of that. We are evaluating every direction, we have some really good plans. At this time, we’re not going to say what we are doing there because we have to concentrate on the next three weeks. This is really important, this is an important day for all of us. Bringing Casey on and Jack Daniel’s staying with us and General Mills with Laura Rather and her group over here, it is a special day. But, we all know what work we have cut out for us for the next three weeks. We have been working on this fourth team for quite a while and we have some great plans and no matter which way we go, it is going to be successful.”(GM Racing PR)(8-24-2008) Comment here
- Mears to RCR? Swap with Bowyer? UPDATE2: with Truex now re-signed with DEI to stay there for another year, it looks like Casey Mears is the front runner to be RCR's 4th driver BUT am hearing that Mears could end up in the #07 Jack Daniels's Chevy with Clint Bowyer moving over to the 4th team, sponsored by General Mills/Cheerios, supposedly using the #33. The teams could switch owners points so Bowyer is not out of the top-35 in owners points and Mears would have to qualify the #07 for the first five races of 2009.(8-9-2008)
UPDATE RCR to announce 2009 plans: Richard Childress Racing is scheduled to make an announcement on Saturday [Aug 23rd] afternoon to outline their 2009 plans. This could be the announcement of the 4th Cup driver. Casey Mears is the latest rumored driver, with Mears taking over the #07 Jack Daniel's car and Clint Bowyer taking over the 4th car, the #33 General Miils/Cheerios Chevy. Part of the announcement could be announcing that Childress grandson, Austin Dillon, making his debut at RIR in the Nationwide Series.(8-22-2008)
UPDATE 2: Richard Childress Racing announced today that Casey Mears will drive for its #07 Jack Daniel's team and Clint Bowyer
will move to its new #33 Cheerios/Hamburger Helper team for the 2009 Sprint Cup Series season. With focus on having all three current RCR teams making the 2008 Chase for the Championship, RCR will continue its on-going process of evaluating team performance throughout the year to determine the crew chief, engineer and crew member lineups for the 2009 season.
"We're always looking for ways to improve RCR and feel strongly that this driver lineup will improve our company as a whole with our move to four teams next year," said Richard Childress, president and CEO of RCR. "These changes will continue to raise the bar and we have every intention of getting all four teams into the Chase in 2009 with the ultimate goal of one of our teams winning the championship. RCR is very fortunate to have partners like Jack Daniel's, Shell-Pennzoil and AT&T, in addition to new sponsors Cheerios, Hamburger Helper and Caterpillar, that work with us and support our making the competition decisions necessary to provide them with the best on-track performance possible."
Mears will join RCR for his seventh season of Sprint Cup Series competition. The Bakersfield, Calif., native earned a dramatic victory in the
2007 Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway and also has three poles to his credit. "This is a great opportunity and I'm honored to become part of both the Jack Daniel's family and the RCR family," said Mears. "Richard Childress and everyone at Jack Daniel's have put a lot of faith in me to continue the winning tradition that's been established by the #07 Jack Daniel's team over the last couple of years and I look forward to the chance to live up to those expectations." Jack Daniel's has been a primary sponsor partner of RCR since its first year
of involvement in NASCAR in 2005. The Jack Daniel's Distillery, located in Lynchburg, Tenn., is the oldest registered distillery in the United States and is on the National Register of Historic Places. "We thank our friend Clint Bowyer for all of his efforts to bring Jack Daniel's and our responsibility message to the forefront. We remain committed to Clint and are excited to watch him race his way in to the Chase in the #07 and vie for a 2008 Championship," said Tim Rutledge, VP, Brand Director, Jack Daniel's Americas. "We look forward to providing our support to Casey Mears, the Jack Daniel's Racing team, and our responsibility message in 2009. Casey is a seasoned veteran that is primed for great success in the #07 in 2009."
Bowyer, the current leader in the NASCAR Nationwide Series point standings, made his Cup Series debut in 2005 and has been with RCR since 2004 when he ran a partial Nationwide Series schedule. The Emporia, Kan., native has earned two victories and two poles since being named the full-time driver of the #07 Jack Daniel's Chevrolet for the 2006 season. "I'm proud to be joining the General Mills family," said Bowyer. "Cheerios and Hamburger Helper are brands my family and I grew up with. General Mills is a great sponsor and has been in NASCAR for many years. I look forward to driving the Cheerios/Hamburger Helper Chevrolet Impala SS to victory lane.At the same time, I have to thank Jack Daniel's for taking a chance on a rookie Cup Series driver and giving my career a great platform to build on. My focus
now is to get into the Chase and again compete for the championship."
The 2009 season will mark General Mills' 13th year of sponsorship involvement in NASCAR. Based in Minneapolis, Minn., General Mills is one of the world's leading food companies. "We are thrilled to welcome Clint as our new driver," said Pat Simmons, Vice President of Customer Marketing for General Mills. "Clint is a top-tier competitor. His performance on and off the track fit with the family-friendly
values that Cheerios and Hamburger Helper are known for. We're excited to build a winning partnership with RCR and Clint Bowyer."(RCR PR)(8-23-2008)
- Wimmer out at RCR after 2008:#29-Scott Wimmer, who combined with Jeff Burton to give Richard Childress Racing the 2007 Nationwide Series owners' title, isn't part of the team's plans for '09, he said Thursday. Despite his status as a part-timer, the 32-year-old from Wausau [Wisconsin] has won as many races as the rest of the Chidress drivers so far this season - one - but his chances presumably were hurt by his inability to take a checkered flag last year in a car with which Burton won five times. Wimmer was a candidate for Childress' fourth Sprint Cup team but wasn't the choice of sponsors.(Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)(8-22-2008) Comment here
- More about the Driven to the Outdoors schemes: Realtree will announce [Friday] a sweepstakes that will put Sprint Cup drivers in camo-wrapped cars and give fans a chance to win a new Chevy truck, racing and hunting trips, free gasoline and other prizes. Chevy Driven to the Outdoors program will be launched this week as NASCAR's premier drivers roll into Bristol Motor Speedway. Three cars in Saturday night's Bristol field will have camo patterns incorporated into their regular sponsorships. #07-Clint Bowyer, #1-Martin Truex Jr., #15-Paul Menard will all be sporting the new look. Bowyer, who drives the Jack Daniels car, will have Realtree's snow pattern. The sweepstakes is sponsored by Chevrolet, Jack Daniels, Menards, Motorsports Authentics, Bass Pro Shops, Shell Oil Company and Realtree. In addition to the Bristol race, #29-Kevin Harvick will drive a camo car in Concord, N.C. on Oct. 11. When the series comes to Talladega on Oct. 5, Mike Wallace will drive a Realtree sponsored [#33 Chevy] car for Richard Childress Racing. That car will be an experimental car for the 2009 Daytona 500, Realtree President Bill Jordan said.(Ledger Inquirer)(8-22-2008)
- Latest on Mears 2009 plans: RCR Announcment at Bristol? Although multiple sources say Casey Mears is headed to Richard Childress Racing next season, Mears contends it's not a done deal. Mears said on Friday at Michigan International Speedway that he is talking to more than one team about his Sprint Cup future. Penske Racing also has had discussions with the Hendrick Motorsports driver about replacing Ryan Newman in the #12. "Hopefully, I can get something squared here soon," Mears said. "I'm still not sure yet exactly what's going on. Hopefully, we can get something sorted out real quick. It's still up in the air on what is going on. I'm not going to say what team 'cause I don't know. If I knew I'd give some answers." Sources said RCR continues to work out details as ESPN.com's Terry Blount reported last week that would put Mears in the Jack Daniels sponsored #07 currently being driven by Clint Bowyer, who would move to the #33 that will be sponsored by General Mills. The switch would have to be made because General Mills reportedly isn't comfortable with Mears because of his association with rival sponsor Kellogg's at HMS. RCR then would petition NASCAR to move the points from the #07 to the #33 so Bowyer would be guaranteed a spot in the first five races next season. Asked about the possible switch, Bowyer said, "We're still working on that." RCR owner Richard Childress, who made Friday a target date to name his fourth driver more than a month ago, said "things aren't totally in place yet. Nothing is done," he added. "Nothing has been signed yet."(ESPN.com)(8-16-2008)
UPDATE: Barring a major snag Richard Childress Racing will introduce Casey Mears as its fourth driver next weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway, multiple sources told ESPN.com on Saturday. Team owner Richard Childress declined to comment, saying only that he hoped to name a driver soon. Mears said on Friday at Michigan International Speedway that he has signed nothing and continues to talk to more than one organization. But sources said RCR already has made tentative plans for a press conference next Saturday. To be finalized are details of a deal that would put Mears in the Jack Daniels-sponsored #07 currently being driven by Clint Bowyer, who would move to the # 33 that will be sponsored by General Mills. The switch would be made because General Mills reportedly isn't comfortable with Mears because of his association with rival sponsor Kellogg's at HMS. RCR then would petition NASCAR to move the 07 points to the #33 so Bowyer would be guaranteed a spot in the first five races next season.(ESPN.com)(8-16-2008) Comment here
- DEI names Hutchens VP of Competition: Dale Earnhardt Inc. has named NASCAR veteran Bobby Hutchens vice president of competition. Hutchens, who previously served as general manager of Earnhardt-Childress Racing Engines after a long tenure with Richard Childress Racing, will oversee all competition efforts at Dale Earnhardt Inc., including its four Sprint Cup teams. Hutchens' new position came as the result of a joint decision between DEI and RCR. The championship-winning NASCAR racing organizations have a long history of
successful collaboration including, among others, ECR Engines and the RAD aerodynamics program that also included Andy Petree Racing. Hutchens, who graduated from North Carolina State University with a degree in mechanical engineering in 1982, is highly regarded in Sprint Cup racing for his research, development and computer testing accomplishments. Hutchens has managed and developed all facets of RCR's R&D program, while overseeing RCR's engineering, engines, engine R&D, manufacturing, chassis R&D and aerodynamics programs. He was named general manager of ECR Engines when the program was put together in May 2007.(DEI PR)(8-12-2008)
- Mears or Truex to the #33? UPDATE: Richard Childress is still looking for the right driver to add to his Cup team. He said earlier this year that Richard Childress Racing plans to add a fourth Cup driver for next season, joining Kevin Harvick, Jeff Burton and Clint Bowyer. But the search has dragged on longer than Childress expected. "You've got to find the right person," Childress said Sunday. "You don't want to mess up the other three (teams). But we're still working on it and I think we'll get it done in the next couple of weeks." Two of the leading candidates for the RCR ride appear to be Casey Mears, who will leave Hendrick Motorsports at the end of the season, and Martin Truex Jr., whose future at Dale Earnhardt Inc. remains up in the air.(AP/ESPN.com)(8-4-2008)
UPDATE: with Truex now re-signed with DEI to stay there for another year, it looks like Casey Mears is the front runner to be RCR's 4th driver BUT am hearing that Mears could end up in the #07 Jack Daniels's Chevy with Clint Bowyer moving over to the 4th team, sponsored by General Mills/Cheerios, supposedly using the #33. The teams could switch owners points so Bowyer is not out of the top-35 in owners points and Mears would have to qualify the #07 for the first five races of 2009.(8-9-2008)
- Schrader may be back with BAM and/or RCR: Don't expect to see Ken Schrader in a Sprint Cup race anytime soon. But when it happens, he will drive for Beth Ann Morgenthau [#49 Toyota] and perhaps Richard Childress [#33 Chevy]. "The BAM team swears they're coming back," Schrader said. "Childress said I might run a couple of races. I don't give a (care). Whatever happens. I've got a bunch of stuff I want to do. It isn't any problem." In the past two years, Schrader has raced only 18 times in 57 races, including just five of 21 this season, earning $496,309. In those five events, he has driven for BAM, Childress, Chip Ganassi and Haas CNC Racing. His best finish came with BAM at Las Vegas on March 2 when he wound up 21st. He last hit the track in Charlotte on May 25 where he finished 33rd in the Coca-Cola 600 while driving for Childress. Since then, Schrader's name can't be found in the Sprint Cup results, which suits him just fine. "I'm not retiring," he stressed. "There just comes a time when you don't have anything to drive." After a 37th-place finish at Martinsville on March 30 with Morgenthau, the team announced it was switching to Toyotas from Chevrolets and would miss the next two races at Texas and Phoenix. There was hope the team would be up and running by Talladega on April 27. But a primary sponsorship deal once planned for the majority of the season has been scaled back to a portion of the season. Now it looks like BAM may return in the fall. That means Schrader can do anything he wants. And even though the NASCAR silly season is in full swing, Schrader's name is never mentioned as a possible replacement driver for 2009 because of his advanced age. "It's not going to be. It's not going to be," he said. "That's just the way the sport is. I don't have a problem with that. I was there a long time and it isn't any biggie."
To replace his NASCAR fix, and as has he has done all his life, Schrader does not sit still. He can be found racing a car in the ARCA series and at his first love — racing on a dirt track some place in the United States. He was at his own track, I-55 Raceway in Pevely, last Saturday night, racing his late model in the Tri-Track Challenge, where he finished fifth in the 40-lap feature. He also owns a NASCAR Craftsman Truck team, and he will race that truck at Bristol on Aug. 20. As well, he owns a car that is driven by former Supercross champion Ricky Carmichael in the Camping World East Series.(St Louis Post Dispatch)(8-9-2008)
- Franchitti hopes to talk to RCR about 4th ride: Dario Franchitti has been talking to teams and manufacturers about driving next season – in all sorts of series. “I haven’t talked to anybody in the IndyCar Series yet,” Franchitti said. “I’ve talked to a lot of other places, though.” Franchitti said he will talk to other teams in NASCAR, though he said he hasn’t spoken to Tony Stewart about the #4 Stewart-Haas Racing ride. Richard Childress Racing’s fourth car is a possibility, he said. “I speak to Richard all the time,” Franchitti said. “We haven’t spoken specifically about the fourth car yet, but that’s a subject I’m definitely going to talk to him about, for sure.”(SceneDaily)(8-9-2008) Comment here
- Latest on Truex UPDATE 3 RCR?: #1-Martin Truex Jr. said he is closer to deciding whether he will be back with Dale Earnhardt Inc. next year. And that’s about all he’d say about his future on Friday at Pocono Raceway. DEI plans to pick up its option on Truex for next season but they have yet to come to terms. “Yeah I’m closer [to deciding] – what else do you’ve got, there’s got to be something we could talk about that is better than that,” Truex said after qualifying. He later added, “You’ll know soon. It’s coming.”(SceneDaily)(8-12-2008)
UPDATE: hearing that Truex is talking to Richard Childress Racing about the 4th team ride and a deal could be reached soon.(8-3-2008)
UPDATE2: on SPEEDtv's NASCAR Raceday, it was reported that Truex Jr. said he is getting closer to re-signing with DEI.(8-2-2008)
UPDATE3: Richard Childress is still looking for the right driver to add to his Cup team. He said earlier this year that Richard Childress Racing plans to add a fourth Cup driver for next season, joining Kevin Harvick, Jeff Burton and Clint Bowyer. But the search has dragged on longer than Childress expected. "You've got to find the right person," Childress said Sunday. "You don't want to mess up the other three (teams). But we're still working on it and I think we'll get it done in the next couple of weeks." Two of the leading candidates for the RCR ride appear to be Casey Mears, who will leave Hendrick Motorsports at the end of the season, and Martin Truex Jr., whose future at Dale Earnhardt Inc. remains up in the air.(AP/ESPN.com)(8-4-2008)
- Childress Champions Pediatric Trauma Research: Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center and the Richard Childress family announced at a press conference Wednesday [July 30, 2008] today that they have teamed up to form what will become the nation’s most comprehensive Institute for Pediatric Trauma.
The Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma will focus on key areas in treatment, education and training, research and prevention of pediatric trauma. The Institute’s goal is to help pave the way for others in the nation searching for ways to help save the lives of severely injured children and help those who survive on the road to recovery.
“Accidental injury and death is the number one killer of children in this nation,” said J. Wayne Meredith, M.D., Chief of Surgery at Wake Forest Baptist, Medical Director of Trauma Programs for the American College of Surgeons and the Interim Director of the Institute. “This Institute will have a national impact and bring much more attention and awareness to this issue. We need a better way to treat children and there is not enough research being done.”
The Childress family has donated $5 million to the Medical Center to initiate the project, which will get underway later this year. Wake Forest Baptist and the Childress family are currently working with a number of corporations and individuals to raise the additional $20 million to establish the Childress Institute.
“Most people don’t know that traumatic injury is the biggest killer of our children,” said Richard Childress. “The Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma will be the focal point of a national movement to improve the level of pediatric trauma care available across the country. We will assemble the right team to conquer this national crisis in pediatric trauma. The Childress family is committed to making the Childress Institute the leader in pediatric trauma care.”
Because of significant programs and infrastructure in place at Wake Forest Baptist, the Institute will be able to devote most of the monies to research, education, treatment and prevention and to raising the national awareness about childhood injuries. The project will also help expand our state-of-the-art pediatric emergency department for the Triad region.
This institute has a goal to become the most comprehensive research center in the country as it develops new research initiatives and partners with other investigators throughout the nation. For example, the Institute will investigate pediatric devices to be used in treating pediatric trauma victims and will study issues including researching the best way to detect, prevent and minimize the effects of a serious injury in a child once it has occurred, Meredith said. The Institute also plans to offer four fellowships in pediatric trauma to help train the next generation of pediatric trauma surgeons.
“There is no one in the country presently studying this issue in a comprehensive manner as this institute is targeted to become,” Meredith said. “We won’t find a cure for pediatric trauma. You are always going to have injuries, despite our desire to prevent them, and some can’t be fixed. But for the kids who do get hurt, we’d like to find a better way to help them and reduce their disability. I think we can make the most difference here.”
The Institute will also work with national and regional research groups to pool knowledge and data that can be shared with healthcare providers nationwide. Charles L. Branch, Jr., M.D., Chair of Neurosurgery at Wake Forest Baptist, is one of the visionaries behind the formation of the Institute. “Our goal is to find the best possible way to care for children who have experienced traumatic injuries and then share that information with other trauma centers,” Branch said. “We want to help realize the Childresses’ vision to help children everywhere to get out of the hospital and back at play or in school and living normal lives as soon as possible.”
For more information about the institute, visit www.childresspediatrictrauma.com or www.wfubmc.edu, or call 866-635-8190.(RCR PR)(7-31-2008)
- McMurray to RCR? UPDATE 3 Denied: hearing that Jamie McMurray, currently the driver of the #26 Crown Royal/Irwin Tools Ford for Roush Fenway Racing, will be the driver of Richard Childress Racing's 4th team, to be sponsored by General Mills and supposedly will be the #33 Chevy. No word if Roush will run the fifth team in 2009 or drop down to four teams a year early. RFR will need to drop to four teams after the 2009 season.(7-25-2008)
UPDATE: On Friday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, owner Jack Roush was quick to defend his driver, Jamie McMurray -- right after he said he would not allow any of McMurray's four Roush Fenway Racing teammates to be pilfered from his team -- while pointedly omitting McMurray. "Jamie is important to me," Roush said. "But today, Jamie is not the driver that's been productive, to the extent that the other four are. I look forward to, and certainly expect, great things from Jamie, but the productivity has not been there at this point."
McMurray, whose current contract runs through the end of 2009 and who last won in the 2007 Pepsi 400 at Daytona -- 37 races ago -- is 22nd in the standings, with only three top-10 finishes this season in the #26 Ford.(NASCAR.com)(7-26-2008)
UPDATE 2: [Tony] Stewart said that Ryan Newman is just one of three drivers on his short list [for the 2nd team, the #4 Chevy]. Presumably, Martin Truex Jr. and Jamie McMurray are the other two. And Stewart is battling car owners Joe Gibbs and Richard Childress, who are both also looking for drivers. McMurray's future with car owner Jack Roush has been up for debate the past several weeks, and the speculation has become intense that Roush would be releasing McMurray. But apparently sponsor Crown Royal is pushing Roush to keep McMurray in the fold, and as tough as good sponsors are to find, that could well end that whole debate. McMurray has been mentioned as being on Childress' short list for his new fourth team. But Childress now appears to be back in the market trying to sign Truex. A Childress-Truex deal was in the works earlier this year, until Teresa Earnhardt, who owns DEI, said she would hold Truex to the option year on his current DEI contract for 2009.(Winston Salem Journal)(7-26-2008)
UPDTE 3: Jamie McMurray squelched reports on Saturday that he may be on his way out at Roush Fenway Racing. "If you guys want to print the truth, the truth is I'll be there with Crown Royal [as a sponsor]," McMurray said after his qualifying lap at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. "It's 100 percent." McMurray's name had been connected with the fourth car at Richard Childress Racing. Sources close to the situation said RCR made a run at him, but couldn't get him out of the final year of his contract at Roush. "Richard is looking for a driver and I'm somewhat flattered to have my name on the list that another owner would want you," McMurray said. "But I will be in this car and not at Richard Childress Racing."(ESPN.com)(7-26-2008) Comment here
- Bowyer re-signs with RCR: #07-Clint Bowyer said Friday at New Hampshire Motor Speedway that while he is flattered to be in the rumor mill and having other teams interested in him, he has signed with Richard Childress Racing for three more years [thru 2010?] to run the #07 Chevy.(PRN's Garage Pass)(6-27-2008) Comment here
- RCR close on fourth driver: Richard Childress said he has a short list of three to four drivers and that he should have an announcement by Aug. 15. He said the list includes drivers who are and are not in the Cup series but would not reveal any names. "We're very close," Childress said on Friday at Infineon Raceway. "We're just trying to find the right person that will be a good fit with General Mills." Sources close to the situation said Ryan Newman and Martin Truex Jr. are on the list but considered longshots. Dale Earnhardt Inc. has picked up the option for Truex next season. Unless he can get out of that he will return to the #1 car. Scott Wimmer is on the list, but considered on the lower end. Childress has hinted he may go with a younger driver with star potential. "He could be anywhere from 21 to 33 or 34," he said. Not on the list is Dave Blaney, who hopes to re-sign with Bill Davis Racing next season. Blaney's car is without sponsorship for 2009 after Caterpillar announced earlier this week it would sponsor Jeff Burton's car at RCR.(ESPN.com)(6-21-2008) Comment here
- Childress Honored by Davidson County Chambers of Commerce: NASCAR champion car owner and Davidson County (N.C.) businessman Richard Childress was presented with the "Are You With Me" Exemplary Award by the Davidson County Chambers of Commerce. The honor was bestowed upon Childress as part of the chamber's fourth annual Davidson County Business Showcase, held at Davidson County Community College. The award is presented annually to a Davidson County business that believes in
the principles of good business, doing business locally whenever possible, job creation, innovation, and community involvement. In addition to Richard Childress Racing (RCR), Davidson County is also home to Childress Vineyards and Yadkin River Angus, Childress' Black Angus cattle ranch.(RCR)(5-22-2008)
- Childress Inducted into N.C. Sports Hall of Fame: Richard Childress Racing (RCR) president and CEO Richard Childress and six others were honored in Raleigh last night at the 45th Induction Banquet for the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame. The evening's event, which took place at the North Raleigh Hilton, was a who's who of some of the greatest sports figures in North Carolina history. Those inducted in addition to Childress, who was the 258th inductee of the now 260-member group, were former Duke University Athletic Director Tom Butters, former Duke University quarterback Leo Hart, sportswriter and promoter Bill Hensley, former UNC and NFL offensive lineman Ken Huff, former Guilford College men's golf and basketball coach Jack Jensen, legendary former Harlem Globetrotter Fred "Curly" Neal, and current University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill men's basketball head coach Roy Williams. "It was a very humbling experience and an honor for me to be nominated and inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame," said Childress. "Only in America can a kid with a dream to drive a race car be fortunate enough to be inducted into the hall of fame of his home state. I'd be remiss if I didn't give Dale Earnhardt a lot of credit for my induction. I also have to thank all of the long-time team members at RCR and the current team members who are keeping the RCR heritage strong. Racing is a team sport and I've been fortunate to have been able to surround myself over the years with people who are committed to success." Childress, an 11-time NASCAR championship-winning team owner, including six Cup Series titles with the legendary Dale Earnhardt (1986-87, '90-'91, '93-'94), is the ninth member of the motorsports fraternity to be honored by the North
Carolina Sports Hall of Fame. The others include Lee Petty (1966), Richard Petty (1973), Ned Jarrett (1990), Buck Baker (1992), Junior Johnson (1992), Herb Thomas (1992), Dale Earnhardt (1994), and H.A. "Humpy" Wheeler (2004).(RCR)(5-17-2008) Comment here
- Schrader to run 4th RCR car in Coca-Cola 600: Ken Schrader will attempt to qualify Richard Childress Racing's #33 Camping World Chevy for the May 24 Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Schrader, 57, of Fenton, Mo, made his Cup Series debut in 1984 and ran his first full Cup Series season in 1985. After 20 full seasons in NASCAR's premier division, the veteran racer has tallied one win, six top-five and 13 top-10 finishes in 44 starts at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Camping World's blue and gold paint scheme will adorn the #33 Chevrolet Impala SS.(RCR PR)(5-13-2008) Comment here
- Childress talking to 3-4 drivers for 4th team: Richard Childress Racing owner Richard Childress said he's talking to three or four drivers for the fourth team he will start next season with General Mills as the primary sponsor. Childress would not identify the drivers, but said all currently compete in the Sprint Cup Series. "We hope to have something to announce in the next three or four months," he said.(ESPN.com)(5-2-2008) Comment here
- Wimmer to run 4th RCR car ar Richmond: Scott Wimmer will attempt to qualify for his first Cup Series race of the season this weekend at RIR driving the #33
Camping World Impala SS, giving RCR four entries in the Crown Royal 400. Wimmer was behind the wheel of the #33 at Homestead-Miami Speedway in November 2006
(St. 24 Fn. 12) and most recently at Indianapolis Motor Speedway (St. 21, Fn. 31) in July 2007.(RCR)(4-29-2008)
- Childress Vineyards named one of America's Top 25: Wine Enthusiast magazine has selected Childress Vineyards as one of America's Top 25 Tasting Rooms. In the May issue, the magazine asked its editors and contributors to suggest tasting rooms that were memorable to them for a number of reasons. Wine quality was the top criteria considered, followed by décor, staff savvy, amenities and overall uniqueness. Reporter Lynn Seldon wrote that Childress Vineyards, founded by NASCAR team owner Richard Childress in 2004, has "quickly become a stand-alone destination in the Yadkin Valley American Viticultural Area." The write up encourages readers to "go for the Signature Tasting to reveal winemaker Mark Friszolowski's best work to date. The Reserve Syrah and the Signature Meritage are both sublime, as is the setting - a stone and stucco building, terra-cotta style roof and large tasting room, shop and The Bistro restaurant, all reminiscent of Tuscany." Childress Vineyards is open daily for tours, tastings and lunch at The Bistro. Tastings range in price from $10 to $15 and include a souvenir glass. Free tours are conducted at Noon, 2 and 4 p.m. each day.(RCR)(4-14-2008) Comment here
- Biffle Doesn't Consider Childress a Future Option: Greg Biffle, a sought-after Sprint Cup star in a contract year, doesn't foresee the recently announced #33 Richard Childress Racing Chevys as an option for his future. Biffle, who last week said he was "90 percent" sure he would sign a contract extension with his current team, Roush Fenway Racing, for 2009 and beyond, cited the fickle nature of the top-35 rule as a key deterrent from considering Childress' fourth car. "I don't really see that being an alternative for me," Biffle said. "The one thing a guy's got to look at is, I'm third in points [now] and have a chance to make the Chase right now, and I'm running fairly well. And to go to a team that has no points and try to qualify for the Daytona 500, and go to Las Vegas and try to qualify, and California, on time, and dodge rainouts -- we see all these teams struggle to get in the top 35. I don't see that as a smart career move for myself."(ESPN.com)(4-5-2008) Comment here
- Labonte/General Mills to RCR in 2009? Richard Childress acknowledged that his organization is close to fielding a fourth team in the Sprint Cup Series, and Yahoo! Sports has learned that the driver of that car beginning in 2009 likely will be Bobby Labonte [currently #43 Petty Enterprises]. Sources close to the deal point to General Mills, Labonte's current sponsor with Petty Enterprises, coming along with him to RCR. According to Childress, he will field a fourth car sometime this season, though he wouldn't set an exact time frame. He did say things were progressing well and that he was pleased with how plans were coming together. "We're looking at entering a few races before the end of the season," Childress said. Childress entered a fourth car (#33) in selected races in 2007 with Scott Wimmer as the driver. Wimmer likely is the choice to be behind the wheel when the car makes it back onto the track this season. However, Labonte likely will be the full-time driver in 2009. Hiring Labonte would be an ace up the sleeve for RCR. Labonte is a past champion, which means he would get a champion's provisional that would guarantee him a spot in the field at the start of the '09 season. Labonte already has a relationship with Childress, having signed with RCR this year to drive the #21 Nationwide car on a part-time basis this season.(Yahoo Sports)(2-23-2008)
UPDATE - RCR to Field Fourth Cup Team in '09 with General Mills Sponsorship: Richard Childress Racing (RCR) and General Mills have agreed to terms on a multi-year partnership for the world's sixth-largest food company to sponsor the #33 Cheerios/Hamburger Helper Chevy beginning with the 2009 Cup Series season. The driver for the #33 Cheerios/Hamburger Helper Chevy will be announced at a later date. "RCR is honored to represent General Mills and its Cheerios, Hamburger Helper and many other brands in the NASCAR Cup Series," said Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing. "The partnership is another step in RCR's continued association with blue-chip global brands and companies. General Mills has a great history of activating its NASCAR programs so our focus now turns to the short list of drivers we feel will help continue that tradition as well as be at the same competitive level on the track as our current drivers and teams."
The 2009 season will mark General Mills' 13th year of sponsorship involvement in NASCAR as well as Richard Childress' 40th anniversary in the sport. RCR has earned 11 NASCAR championships, including six in the Cup Series with the legendary Dale Earnhardt, four in the Nationwide Series, and one in the Truck Series. Next year will be the first time RCR will run a fourth fulltime NASCAR Cup Series team.(RCR PR)(4-1-2008)
- Labonte/General Mills to RCR in 2009? Richard Childress acknowledged that his organization is close to fielding a fourth team in the Sprint Cup Series, and Yahoo! Sports has learned that the driver of that car beginning in 2009 likely will be Bobby Labonte [currently #43 Petty Enterprises]. Sources close to the deal point to General Mills, Labonte's current sponsor with Petty Enterprises, coming along with him to RCR. According to Childress, he will field a fourth car sometime this season, though he wouldn't set an exact time frame. He did say things were progressing well and that he was pleased with how plans were coming together. "We're looking at entering a few races before the end of the season," Childress said. Childress entered a fourth car (#33) in selected races in 2007 with Scott Wimmer as the driver. Wimmer likely is the choice to be behind the wheel when the car makes it back onto the track this season. However, Labonte likely will be the full-time driver in 2009. Hiring Labonte would be an ace up the sleeve for RCR. Labonte is a past champion, which means he would get a champion's provisional that would guarantee him a spot in the field at the start of the '09 season. Labonte already has a relationship with Childress, having signed with RCR this year to drive the #21 Nationwide car on a part-time basis this season.(Yahoo Sports)(2-23-2008)
UPDATE: Dustin Long went to Labonte on Saturday to ask him about the report. Here's what he said.
Q: What about the report?
LABONTE: "I just say that kind of like where that world is. I don't really believe a whole lot of stuff that you read and half of what you say sometimes, so I don't put nothing into it. What's the good of any? That's crap.''
Q: Robbie Loomis said the Pettys have presented you a contract offer, so what's the next step as you consider your future?
LABONTE: "Behind closed doors you work on it yourself. You don't need to know about it. You know what I mean? It's just the way it is. That's my next step (laughing). My next step is not to talk about it to you (laughing).
I also talked to Robbie Loomis, VP of operations at Petty, about the report. Here's what he had to say:
Q: What about the report?
LOOMIS: "I think that everybody knows that Bobby came here with a three-year deal. We're negotiating with him right now, in the middle of that. As far as the General Mills part, that was pretty outlandish I thought because we have a lot of things in our contract how specifically they won't touch a sponsor that is with alcohol, so for the General Mills piece to be going over (to RCR, which has Jack Daniel's as sponsor of the 07 car) ... I really find surprising. It's something we're in negotiations for sure and see where everything shakes out.
Q: What do you mean by negotiations with Labonte? Define where that is.
LOOMIS: "By the end of the year his current contract will be up, the end of '08, so you start negotiating to see if he wants to stay and he wants to make sure we're making the steps of improvement. It's just a shame that the story come out now because it disrupts the guys on the team and we're doing a lot of good things. We've got (crew chief) Jeff Meendering on board. The presence of the race team, moving to the race shop, so many good things going on, you hate to have an outside circulating story affect the inside.
Q: Where are you in the negotiations?
LOOMIS: "He has a contract from us. It's up to him what he wants to do with it, hopefully, he wants to sign it. We'd really like Bobby Labonte to finish career out with Petty Enterprises and the contract that's presented is kind of laid out that way. We think his values and what he stands for is a good fit for us. We'll see where the future is.''
Q: When do you need an answer?
LOOMIS: "It's hard to say. We haven't really put a timeframe on it. Obviously the earlier the better so that everybody can get their eyes back on the racing.''(hamptonroads.com)
AND: Petty Enterprises has offered Bobby Labonte a contract that it hopes keeps the 43-year-old driver with the team the rest of his career, although an internet report states he could be driving elsewhere next year. "I don't really believe a whole lot of stuff that you read and half of what you say sometimes, so I don't put nothing into it,'' Labonte said Saturday afternoon of the Yahoo! Sports report. Labonte, the 2000 series champion, is in the final year of his three-year contract with Petty Enterprises. Robbie Loomis, vice president for operations at Petty Enterprises, said the team is awaiting word from Labonte on the contract offer. "It's up to him what he wants to do with it,. Hopefully, he'll sign it,'' Loomis said. "We'd really like Bobby Labonte to finish his career out with Petty Enterprises and the contract that we presented him is kind of laid out that way. We think his values and what he stands for is a good fit with us.'' Loomis said he doesn't have a timetable on when the team would like a response from Labonte, but admits that "the earlier the better, so that everybody can get their eyes back on the racing.'' Labonte said whatever he does next will be behind closed doors. "My next step is not to talk about it,'' Labonte said. Loomis also said he does not see General Mills joining Richard Childress Racing as long as that team has Jack Daniel's sponsoring one of its cars. "We have a lot of things in our contract how specifically they won't touch a sponsor that is alcohol, so for the General Mills piece to be going over there ... I really find surprising,'' Loomis said.(Roanoke Times)(2-24-2008) Comment here.
