NOTE: many of the links in the past news will be old and may not work
decided it was not worth the time to go thru each one on all the Team Past News pages
2008 News
Races [2] that Pennzoil Platinum is scheduled to be the primary sponsor:
All-Star Race, LMS, 5/17
Bristol 8/23
Races [2] that Reese's/Hershey's is scheduled to be the primary sponsor:
Phoenix 5/5
Daytona 7/5
#29 team expects to test at least 10 times in 2009: Todd Berrier, crew chief for Richard Childress Racing’s #29-Kevin Harvick, expects that his team will test at least 10 times next year despite NASCAR’s ban on testing at all tracks that host its Sprint Cup, Nationwide, Truck, East and West series. Berrier expects his team will look at options such as the Virginia International Raceway and Heartland Park Topeka (Kan.) road courses, along with Rockingham Speedway in North Carolina and the half-mile Sandusky Speedway in Ohio. None of the facilities is covered by the ban. “The places you can test, you’re going to test,” Berrier said in a phone interview Monday. Berrier expects the #29 team to test several times throughout the season at non-NASCAR venues and possibly before the season begins, weather permitting.(SceneDaily)(12-17-2008) 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)
#29 to carry United Way logo at Homestead: Kevin Harvick and the #29 Shell-Pennzoil Racing team will carry the United Way logo on the deck lid of the #29 Richard Childress Racing (RCR) Chevy in the season finale Sprint Cup Series race this weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Shell Oil Company is an avid supporter of the United Way and participated in a “Day of Caring” at the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club in Houston on October 30, 2008. Approximately 125 Shell employees along with #29 Shell-Pennzoil driver Harvick and members of his crew all took part in making improvements at the facility. Activities included re-tilling a baseball field, sprucing up landscaping, refurbishing the children’s area, and painting and organizing storage rooms at the club.
The logo that Harvick will carry on the #29 Shell-Pennzoil Chevy is a way for Shell Oil to say thank you to the United Way and all they do in the greater Houston community.(Shell-Pennzoil PR)(11-14-2008) 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)
Harvick Donates Van to Former NASCAR Nationwide Champ Ard: Kevin Harvick presented former NASCAR champion driver Sam Ard [see samard.com] with the van that was used in the Shell fuels commercial featuring the #29 Shell-Pennzoil driver and the “Passionate Experts” from Shell at Atlanta Motor Speedway today. Ard, who won the NASCAR Nationwide Series title in 1983 and 1984, has been battling Alzheimer’s disease and facing financial woes. The former champion was 66 years old when he was first diagnosed with the disease. Doctors believe that that the onset of the disease was likely quickened by severe head injuries Ard sustained in a career-ending accident in 1984. Despite missing the final event of that season, he still won the championship by more than 400 points. In addition, Ard’s wife Jo has been diagnosed with a degenerative eye disease that is slowly taking her vision. “Sam Ard has been a huge part of NASCAR and an inspiration in my career,” said Harvick. “A lot of people don’t understand how hard those guys raced and how different it was back then. Those guys spent everything they won on racing and I am just happy that we are able to help Sam because none of us would be able to do what we love to do if it weren’t for guys like Sam Ard.”
In just three seasons as a competitor in the Nationwide Series, Ard recorded an astonishing 22 wins, 24 poles, 67 top-five and 80 top-10 finishes. He had 10 wins in the 1983 season alone. Ironically, in 2006, Harvick chased Ard’s record for most wins in a season but fell one victory short before the season ended as he went on to claim his second Nationwide Series championship. The donated Chevrolet van was used in the Shell fuels commercial that has run throughout the 2008 season. The commercial featured the driver of the #29 Shell-Pennzoil Chevrolet and the Shell “Passionate Experts.” The Shell pit crew along with the experts, were trying to pull a prank on Harvick by disassembling what they thought was the two-time Nationwide Series champion’s van. The experts realize the vehicle they tore apart wasn’t Harvick’s as he drives away in another van identical to the one they dismantled. After the commercial shoot was completed, professional mechanics put the van back to its original state and Shell, along with Harvick, decided to present it to Ard.
The NASCAR Foundation and Motor Racing Outreach have partnered together for an online auction to raise additional funds for the Sam Ard Fund more info on my Racing Charities page.(RCR PR)(10-26-2008)
Harvick/Edwards confrontation: UPDATE 2: hearing there was a confrontation in the Nationwide Series garages at Lowe's Motor Speedway between Carl Edwards and Kevin Harvick over last Sunday's Talladega wreck. Details as they are found will be posted.(PRN's Garage Pass Radio Show)(10-9-2008) UPDATE: Witnesses said Edwards approached Harvick in the garage stall housing Harvick's #33 Chevy and engaged in conversation. Following what a witness called a heated discussion, Harvick turned to walk away and Edwards grabbed him by the shoulder and spun him around. According to reports Harvick then shoved Edwards in retaliation, forcing Edwards onto the hood of the #33 Chevy. #33 crew chief Rick Ren pointed to a dent in the hood where he said Edwards landed. Others on site then proceeded to separate the drivers, and witnesses said Edwards was grabbed around the neck in a headlock by Harvick's motor-home driver, Jeff Smith. No punches were thrown, witnesses said. NASCAR did not immediately comment on the issue. Edwards and Harvick were not immediately available to comment. Witnesses claim the verbal exchange Thursday was in reference to a handwritten note Edwards left in a seat on Harvick's airplane following the AMP Energy 500 last weekend at Talladega Superspeedway. The note facetiously thanked Harvick for disparaging comments he made toward Edwards on ABC following a multi-car wreck on Lap 174 of 188, which was triggered when Edwards tapped teammate Greg Biffle. Harvick was collected in the incident.(ESPN)(10-9-2008) UPDATE 2: Carl Edwards and Kevin Harvick were warned before Saturday night's Sprint Cup race at Lowe's Motor Speedway not to let the physical confrontation they had on Thursday spill over onto the track. Edwards and Harvick met with NASCAR president Mike Helton, vice president of competition Robin Pemberton and series director John Darby following the drivers' meeting. There will be no fines and neither was placed on probation.(ESPN.com)(10-12-2008) Comment here
Harvick "Driven to the Outdoors" at LMS: In cooperation with RCR sponsors Realtree, Chevrolet, Shell Oil Company and Motorsports Authentics, Kevin Harvick’s #29 Shell-Pennzoil Chevy will feature a camouflaged-based Shell-Pennzoil paint scheme at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, as part of the first ever Chevy Driven to the Outdoors program. 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)(10-7-2008)
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)
Ricky Carmichael to attempt ARCA 'Dega race: Ricky Carmichael, a 10-time AMA national motocross champion from 1997 - 2006, will attempt to make his ARCA RE/MAX series debut at Talladega Superspeedway on Oct. 3. Carmichael, a rookie on the Camping World East Series this season for Ken Schrader Racing, has been entered into the event at the 2.66-mile speedway by Kevin Harvick Inc. With three top-5 finishes and six top-10's Carmichael, 28, is eighth in the Camping World East Series standings after 11 of 13 events this season.(Hartford Courant)(9-17-2008) Comment here
Congrats: Josh Mick, front tire carrier for Richard Childress Racing Sprint Cup team #29 for Kevin Harvick, and wife, Kelly Mick are the proud parents of a baby girl. Taylor Grace Mick was born Thursday, August 21, 2008 weighing in at 6lbs, 1.5oz. She is the first child for Josh and Kelly.(9-13-2008)
Special scheme for Harvick at BMS: #29-Kevin Harvick is going platinum for the Sharpie 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway, transforming his bright yellow and red Shell-Pennzoil Chevy into a shining platinum colored paint scheme in recognition of his sponsorship from Pennzoil Platinum full synthetic motor oil. Pennzoil Platinum full synthetic motor oil has adaptive molecules to manage the constant mechanical stresses inside an engine. Along with its additive package, Pennzoil Platinum motor oil is designed to survive the searing heat, intense pressures and shearing forces of today's precision-made engine parts. For more information visit: pennzoilplatinum.com.(RCR PR), see images of the scheme on my #29 Team Schemes page.(8-20-2008)
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)
Driven to the Outdoors schemes to be run: The timing for the "Driven to the Outdoors" program is the third quarter ...which aligns with the launch of hunting season. A program targeted towards the outdoors enthusiasts is a solid, strategic fit with the NASCAR fan. Four drivers will run special "Driven to the Outdoors". At Bristol three drivers will run the schemes: #1-Truex Jr., #07-Bowyer and #15-Menard. And #29-Harvick will run the scheme at Lowe's Motor Speedwat in October. See images of the schemes on my Paint Scheme Gallery.(8-5-2008)
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)
Harvick rain delayed at Oxford: UPDATE: he wins The TD Banknorth 250 featuring Kevin Harvick against a field of top local and regional drivers was postponed Sunday because of rain. Race officials said qualifying heats would resume Monday afternoon, weather permitting. Rain remained in the forecast and there was a flash flood watch in effect through Monday evening. Taking advantage of an off week for Sprint Cup drivers, Harvick chose to spend the weekend at Oxford Plains Speedway. He finished second in his qualifying heat to earn a spot in the feature race.(Associated Press)(7-21-2008) UPDATE: Monday Kevin Harvick added the winner's trophy from the Super Bowl of short track racing to his collection. The Bakersfield, Cal. native drove away from the field in the late stages to win the TD Banknorth Oxford 250 Monday at Oxford Plains Speedway in Oxford, Me.(Hartford Courant)(7-22-2008) Comment here
Reese's on the #29 at Daytona: Reese's, a major associate sponsor of RCR's #29 Chevy of Kevin Harvick kicks into high gear this weekend in Daytona as Harvick and the #29 team transform their bright yellow-and-red Shell-Pennzoil Chevy into a bright orange Reese's racing machine for the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway. Reese's has become the No. 1 selling candy bar in the United States and the Reese's brand is the most successful brand owned by The Hershey Company. On Thursday, July 3, Harvick will officially wave the green flag on the Pennzoil Clean Change Challenge, a nationwide campaign to raise awareness about the need to properly dispose of used motor oil. Harvick will join Pennzoil and Wal-Mart's finest team members in an attempt to collect 200 gallons of used motor oil in just two hours. The two-hour event, which will kick off at 10 a.m. at the Wal-Mart located at 1101 Beville Rd, in Daytona Beach, Fla., is designed to help ensure that used motor oil is properly recycled and that Florida's drinking water stays clean. In honor of Harvick's commitment, and to help motivate the local residents to participate Pennzoil is proud to donate $29 to the Central Florida Boy Scouts Council for each gallon of used oil collected.(RCR PR), see images of the scheme on my #29 Team Schemes page.(7-3-2008)
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
Harvick goes Platinum for All-Star race: #29-Kevin Harvick is going platinum for the Sprint All-Star Race at Lowe's Motor Speedway. The defending All-Star champion winner will transform his bright yellow and red Shell-Pennzoil Chevrolet into a shining platinum colored paint scheme in recognition of his sponsorship from Pennzoil Platinum full synthetic motor oil. Pennzoil Platinum full synthetic motor oil has adaptive molecules to manage the constant mechanical stresses inside an engine. For more information visit:
www.pennzoilplatinum.com. Harvick also will switch his existing racing seat to a Hendrick Motorsports Carbon Fiber seat this weekend during the Sprint All-Star Race. The Bakersfield, Calif., native spent two days at the HMS complex to get fitted for his new seat that will make him safer and more comfortable in the cockpit of the #29 Shell-Pennzoil Chevy. The HMS seat will cost approximately $10,400 for the main section and $1,200 for the headrest. The Carbon Fiber seat is designed to withstand 90G which is 10G more than NASCAR requires for certification.(RCR PR), see an image of the scheme on my #29 Team Schemes page.(5-14-2008) Comment here
Harvick's DNF Record Remains in Tact: #29-Kevin Harvick was forced to bring his Shell-Pennzoil Chevrolet to the garage mid-way through the Dodge Challenger 500 at Darlington Raceway after hard contact with the outside retaining. Despite the heavy damage, the #29 crew was able to get Harvick back on the racetrack and grabbed two positions in the running order and gained six valuable championship points. Additionally, the hard work by the Shell-Pennzoil crew allowed Harvick to extend his streak of races without a Did Not Finish (DNF) to 55 consecutive races, the longest active streak in the Sprint Cup Series. Harvick holds the modern era record with 58 consecutive races without a DNF (10/3/02-8/1/04).(RCR)(5-13-2008)
Harvick approaching DNF record: #29-Kevin Harvick has not recorded a DNF in 54 consecutive races, which is the longest active streak. Harvick holds the modern era (1972-present) record with 58 consecutive races without a DNF (10/3/2002-8/1/2004).(RCR)(5-7-2008)
Harvick Visits Shell Oil Company Off-shore Platform “Brutus”: #29-Kevin Harvick made a unique stop in route to this weekend’s Sprint Cup Series event at Talladega Superspeedway. Harvick visited the Shell off-shore oil and gas production platform, Brutus, on Thursday [April 24th]. Brutus, the largest of five Shell signature deepwater tension lake platforms, is located 160 miles off the shore of New Orleans, Louisiana in the Gulf of Mexico. The 35,000 ton platform is home to as many as 150 Shell staff members who spend two weeks at a time at the facility. Located in over 3,000 feet of water, the platform is used for the initial processing and transportation of oil and gas to shore. “After today’s visit I have a whole new appreciation for the Gulf of Mexico and "America's Energy Coast (Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama) and the importance this Region plays to our US Energy Supply”, commented Harvick. During his visit Harvick had the opportunity to meet and greet the staff of Brutus and joined them for lunch in the galley. A comprehensive tour of the facility followed before heading back to New Orleans. “I was impressed with the focus and attention to safety that is part of the Shell culture”, continued Harvick. “The staff has great pride in their facility and what they do. These are very focused employees that use extremely advanced technology to get energy out of the ground and deliver it to people across the country every day. ” Harvick was joined by Shell executives along with local radio sports talk show host, Bobby Hebert, former NFL/Saints QB.(PR)(4-29-2008)
Kevin Harvick Inc. implementing drug testing: Kevin Harvick Inc. has implemented a different type of testing the past couple of weeks. The racing team has started a random drug testing program since recent revelations that former Nationwide and Craftsman Trucks driver Aaron Fike had used heroin on some race days. "The whole company will be tested within the next week," Harvick said. "We've got most of them done. We haven't had any failures yet, so that's a good thing." An outside company was hired to administer the tests, and he said all the drivers and crew chiefs volunteered to go to the drug-testing facility. Harvick is hoping NASCAR will adopt a similar policy to help keep the sport clean. He initially approached officials pushing that idea last season. NASCAR's substance abuse policy is based on "reasonable suspicion" and allows drug tests anytime.(Associated Press)(4-26-2008) Comment here
Dickies to be associate sponsor of #29 Team: Dickies, the leading global workwear brand, and Richard Childress Racing (RCR), are expanding their partnership to include an associate sponsorship position on the #29 Shell-Pennzoil team with driver Kevin Harvick in the Cup Series. Dickies and RCR began their partnership in 2006 as the official provider of work apparel for RCR. The opportunity to increase their involvement into team partnership with RCR was the next logical step in a successful relationship.(RCR PR)(4-18-2008) Comment here
Harvick exploring options in drag racing as an owner: #29-Kevin Harvick and his wife DeLana have teamed with NHRA drag racing veteran Bob Vandergriff Jr. to explore the option of fielding a Top Fuel dragster in NHRA competition. The proposed Harvick-Vandergriff Motorsports will specialize in offering its sponsors marketing opportunities in NHRA, NASCAR Sprint Cup, Craftsman Truck, and the Nationwide Series. "I think we have a unique opportunity to provide unprecedented reach for companies looking to achieve their objectives through motorsports," Vandergriff said. "As this deal evolves, we want to offer the companies aligned with Harvick-Vandergriff Motorsports the chance to use the best of NHRA and NASCAR through the same program. We'll have the capabilities to provide something no other team can offer." Vandergriff and Harvick plan to begin assembling a race team and all of the necessary components and people within the next two months as they prepare for a 2009 debut. Announcements regarding the driver and sponsors will be forthcoming. See full story at NHRA.com.(4-14-2008) Comment here
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
Orange colors for Harvick at Phoenix: Reese's, a major associate sponsor of RCR's #29 Chevy, kicks into high gear this weekend in Phoenix as Harvick and the #29 team transform their bright yellow-and-red Shell-Pennzoil Chevrolet into a bright orange Reese's racing machine for the Subway Fresh Fit 500. Reese's Peanut Butter Cups are peanut butter-filled chocolate cups. They were created in 1928 by H.B. Reese, a former dairy farmer and foreman for Milton S. Hershey. The H.B. Reese Candy Co., established in the basement of Reese's house in Hershey, Pa., went on to merge with The Hershey Company in 1963 due to the popularity of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Today, Reese's has become the No. 1 selling candy bar in the United States and the Reese's brand is the most successful brand owned by The Hershey Company.(RCR), see an image of the scheme on my #29 Team Schemes page.(4-9-2008) Comment here
Harvick leads March Madness Picks: #29-Kevin Harvick currently leads the washingtonpost.com celebrity NCAA tournament pick challenge. Harvick has a one-point lead over second place Byron Mouton (former University of Maryland Basketball player) and a five-point lead over third place Antawn Jamison (Washington Wizards All-star Forward). Harvick has the University of North Carolina (UNC) and University of Memphis meeting in the finals with UNC winning the National Championship.(RCR PR)(4-2-2008)
Stewart getting waxed on Monday - “Operation Wax Smoke”: After almost a year, Tony Stewart will finally be getting his back waxed on Monday night [March 17th] at an undisclosed top secret location. Kevin Harvick will fill-in for Stewart through out much of the show [8:00pm/et Sirius Satelitte NASCAR Radio Channel 128]. At some point during the show Kyle Petty will receive a check for $100k for the Victory Junction Gang Camp. Some of the folks scheduled to appear or call-in: Kevin and Delana Harvick, Ford Martin, Kyle Petty and Darrell Waltrip, plus you never know who may call in to check on Stewart's condition. Also Jimmie Johnson told Ford Martin, TSL's National Motorsports Correspondent, that if Ford pulled a piece of wax off Stewart's back, Jimmie would donate an extra 10k to Stewart's foundation.(3-14-2008)
Special Pennzoil scheme for Harvick: #29-Kevin Harvick is scheduled to run a Platinum Pennzoil scheme at the Sprint All-Star race in May and the August race at Bristol. See am image of the scheme on the #29 Team Schemes page.(3-10-2008)
Harvick to honor students: #29-Kevin Harvick will recognize students from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo on Friday, February 22 at 2:05 p.m. in the California
Speedway media center. These students designed and built a prototype vehicle that traveled 1,902.7 miles per gallon using conventional fuel to win the 2007 Shell Eco-marathon Americas competition. The Shell Eco-marathon Americas challenges college teams to travel the farthest distance using the least amount of fuel. Teams compete using prototype vehicles fueled by conventional or alternative fuels or energy sources. The winning team receives a grand prize of $10,000 that is awarded to the team's educational institution. The winning vehicle will also be on display at the California Speedway media center.(RCR PR)(2-20-2008)
RCR missing California win: Richard Childress Racing has earned a Cup Series victory at 18 of the 22 tracks on the 2008 schedule. The only tracks on the
current schedule where RCR hasn't earned wins are California Speedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Kansas Speedway.
Additionally, RCR has Cup Series wins at 21 tracks, the three defunct tracks being North Wilkesboro (N.C.), Riverside (Calif.) and Rockingham (N.C.).(RCR PR)(2-20-2008)
Pinnacle Foods Joins RCR to as Assoc Sponsors for Cup Teams: Pinnacle Foods, a leading producer, marketer and distributor of high-quality branded food products has joined Richard Childress Racing's (RCR) family of partners in a multi-year sponsorship agreement for all three of the 11-time championship winning racing organization's Cup Series teams. Pinnacle Foods will showcase its Hungry-Man meals, Armour canned meat and Vlasic pickles, peppers and relish brands on, the #07 Jack Daniel's Chevy (driver Clint Bowyer), the #31 AT&T Chevy (driver Jeff Burton) and the #29 Shell-Pennzoil Chevy (driver Kevin Harvick), respectively.(RCR PR)(2-9-2008)
Reeses back on the #29 in 2008: Reese's/Hershey's will be the primary sponsor for #29-Kevin Harvick for two races; at Phoenix in May and at Daytona in July. See images of the scheme on the #29 Team Schemes page.(1-22-2008)
Childress auctioning 'Intimidator' Camaro: UPDATE: A highlight on the auction block of the 2008 Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event will be "The Intimidator," a one-of-a-kind Richard Childress '69 Series 3 Camaro that honors the accomplishments of Childress with NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt. The Intimidator '69 Series 3 Camaro is scheduled to roll onto the main stage Jan. 19 at approximately 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. The bidding for this one-of-a-kind vehicle can be seen live on SPEED. To pay homage to the #3 Chevy made famous by Dale Earnhardt Sr., Richard Childress joined forces with Total Performance, Inc. to build the '69 Series 3 Camaro. The car crossing the block in Scottsdale will be Serial #3 and the only one with the official title of "The Intimidator" - a total of 50 '69 Series 3 Camaros will be built over the next three years. The black, red and silver muscle car commemorates the dynamic relationship forged between Childress, Richard Childress Racing (RCR) and Earnhardt.(RCR PR)(1-18-2008) UPDATE: “The Intimidator,” a one-of-a-kind RCR Series 3 Camaro with direct ties to Richard Childress Racing (RCR) and the legendary Dale Earnhardt, sold Jan. 19 at the Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, Ariz., for $575,000. The RCR Series 3 Camaro (www.rcrseries3.com) is a joint venture between RCR and Total Performance Incorporated (TPI) of Wichita, Kan. “The Intimidator,” serial No. 3 of the 50 which will be produced through 2010, is equipped with the actual engine block and other engine components that powered Earnhardt and the #3 GM Goodwrench Service Plus Chevy in the 2000 Daytona 500. The buyer, Jimmy Richardson, principal of Colson Park Capital, Inc., in Hickory, N.C., also has ties to the famed No. 3 GM Goodwrench teams. His Mom ‘N’ Pop’s Old Fashion Sugar Cured Country Ham was an associate sponsor of the team for six years (1991-96), three of which resulted in championship seasons (1991, ‘93, ‘94).(RCR PR)(1-21-2008) Comment here
RCR reaches agreement with Garage company: Richard Childress Racing has agreed to licensing terms with garage interiors and home storage market leader, Slide-Lok, for the categories of garage cabinets, garage flooring, Slat-Wall storage and closet systems for a multi-year term. Slide-Lok's most recent licensing agreement with Richard Childress Racing, which comes in the wake of their latest announcement with NASCAR, Inc. and Roush Fenway Racing, includes the signing of Richard Childress Racing's drivers #29-Kevin Harvick and #31-Jeff Burton. The RCR drivers will be notably featured in Slide-Lok's new "Racing Garage" product line which will brandish the names, numbers, color schemes and signature logos of the top drivers of NASCAR integrated into Slide-Lok's patented plywood garage cabinets, Slat-Wall storage, closet systems and garage floor coatings. The unveiling of the new Slide-Lok Racing Garage line is set for early 2008. For more information on Slide-Lok garage cabinets, garage floor coating systems, garage storage and their patented, innovative design advantages, contact Slide-Lok directly at 800-835-1759 or visit them on the web at www.slide-lok.com.(Marketwire)(1-10-2008)
2007 News
Harvick To Star In Shell's Anti-Gunk Campaign Return: The Shell "Stop Gunky Build-Up" campaign returns in January, this time featuring #29-Kevin Harvick. In February, the gasoline retailer will add the "Un-Gunk Your Car" promotion. The focus continues to be the company's commitment to fuel quality. The campaign will continue the current TV spots as well as adding two new spots, says a Shell spokesperson. One features Harvick, and the other spot brings back the "Shell Passionate Experts," the two serious Shell engineers in their white lab coats. The media buy includes network TV and national cable networks. In conjunction with TV, Shell will also introduce a new online campaign, enhanced point-of-purchase materials, radio advertising, outdoor billboards and all-new promotions designed to drive traffic to Shell stations. All marketing components will reinforce last year's successful Passionate Experts program and educate motorists that "All gasolines are not the same." Beginning Feb. 11, the "Un-Gunk Your Car" promotion will aim to drive traffic to stations and inside convenience stores. Through March 30, Shell customers who purchase a minimum of 10 gallons of gasoline will receive one free microfiber cleaning cloth specially formulated to help "un-gunk" the interior of their car (no fuel purchase required in New Jersey). While supplies last, consumers will be encouraged to collect all three limited-edition versions of the cloth--"Shell V-Power Cleans Up Gunk," "Un-Gunk Your Car" and "I Hate Gunk" with Harvick's #29 logo. Each of the 23 million cloths will be accompanied by a 2008 Sprint Cup Series race schedule in support of the Shell relationship with Richard Childress Racing, Kevin Harvick and the 29 Shell-Pennzoil car.(MediaPost)(12-23-2007)
MLB team owner Hicks to join RCR? Nextel Cup team owner Richard Childress hasn't joined the trend of adding an individual partner to his organization. Not yet, anyway.
Childress paused and had a big smile on his face when asked if Texas Rangers team owner Tom Hicks might become a future partner of Richard Childress Racing. "Tom's a friend of mine," Childress said with a grin. "We talk a lot about different things." Hicks, who also owns the Dallas Stars NHL team, attended the Cup race at California Speedway on Labor Day weekend as Childress' guest. Hicks also is a business partner with George Gillett, who bought majority ownership in Ray Evernham's Cup team earlier this year. Gillett, who owns the Montreal Canadiens NHL team, partnered with Hicks to buy the Liverpool, England, soccer team earlier this year for $430 million. Childress said he has been approached this year by several corporations wanting to invest in RCR, but he already has a relationship with the New York firm of Chartwell Investments. "I brought Chartwell in here in 2002," he said. "They're still involved in a small percentage of the company. At this time, we still want to go in the direction we've been going."(ESPN.com)(11-17-2007)
Blaney, Harvick and Bodine to pull triple duty at Homestead: Dave Blaney will attempt to qualify a fourth entry for Bill Davis Racing in the Ford 200 at Homestead Miami Speedway. Blaney will be driving the #22 Toyota and will carry the familiar yellow-and-black colors of Caterpillar this weekend. Caterpillar also sponsors Blaney's #22 Nextel Cup Series Camry. Not only will Blaney attempt to qualify a fourth BDR truck this weekend, he will also continue his quest to stay locked into the top 35 in the Nextel Cup Series owners' points standings and compete in the Busch Series as well [in the #10 Braun Racing Toyota](Bill Davis Racing PR) AND Kevin Harvick will also run all three races at Homestead, in the #29 Shell Chevy in Cup, #21 Chevy in the Busch Series and the #2 Truck in the Craftsman Truck Series race; and Todd Bodine will run all three races: #4 Chevy in Cup, #03-Toyota in Busch and #30-Toyota in Trucks.(11-13-2007)
Kevin Harvick Day in Houston: The City of Houston has declared November 1, 2007 as Kevin Harvick Day. The proclamation honoring the RCR driver and the # 29 Cup Series team, sponsored by Houston-based Shell Oil Company, will be delivered by Mayor Bill White. A full day of events across the city with personal appearances by Harvick, team owner Richard Childress and many members of the #29 Shell-Pennzoil team are scheduled for Houston's Kevin Harvick Day. The event will kick off with a public event at City Hall when the proclamation will be read. This event will begin at 11 a.m. local time.(RCR PR)(10-31-2007)
NASCAR studying how Hamlin, Blaney had water in fuel: MORE Denny Hamlin, who thought he had enough gas while leading when his car sputtered and didn't start with three laps remaining in the Pep Boys Auto 500, actually had water in his fuel cell at the time. Whether that caused him not to accelerate and get hit from behind by Martin Truex Jr. is uncertain, Joe Gibbs Racing Senior Vice President Jimmy Makar said Sunday night at Atlanta. But what is certain is that Hamlin and Bill Davis Racing's Dave Blaney had water in their fuel cells, and Roush Fenway Racing's Greg Biffle also might have had a similar situation. NASCAR Nextel Cup Series Director John Darby said that no water was found in the Sunoco pumps following the race. Darby said all of the Sunoco documentation from the weekend shows no water in the tanks.(SceneDaily.com)(10-28-2007) UPDATE: Water found in the fuel tanks of cars driven by #11-Denny Hamlin and #22-Dave Blaney during Sunday's Nextel Cup race at Atlanta was not isolated to those teams, a NASCAR official said Monday. Water also was discovered in the fuel of the Penske Racing cars driven by #2-Kurt Busch and #12-Ryan Newman after returning to Charlotte, N.C. In addition, water was found in the fuel cell of all three Richard Childress racing team cars belonging to #29-Kevin Harvick, #07-Clint Bowyer and #31-Jeff Burton. #16-Greg Biffle believes his car may have had water in its fuel, although no evidence was found. NASCAR Nextel Cup Series director John Darby said the problem is more widespread than originally thought and that NASCAR has issued bulletins to all Cup and Truck Series teams to check for evidence of contamination so they can locate the source. Darby said everything from the underground fuel-holding tank at the track to the fuel trucks that deliver the gas to the individual gas cans are being analyzed. He said the underground tank is the least likely source because there is an alarm system located that can detect the slightest amount of contamination. Darby dismissed sabotage as a possible explanation, saying too many teams were affected for anyone to have been singled out.(ESPN.com)(10-30-2007)
Holiday Inn Renews with RCR: Holiday Inn has exercised the option in its current contract with Richard Childress Racing by signing a multi-year contract extension as the Official Hotel of RCR and the primary sponsor of RCR's #29 Chevy in the Nationwide Series with co-drivers Scott Wimmer and Jeff Burton. At the same time, Wimmer has reached agreement with RCR on a contract extension with the 10-time NASCAR championship-winning organization. The 2008 season will once again feature Wimmer and Burton as co-pilots of the #29 Holiday Inn Chevy [in the Nationwide Series]. Wimmer will also run a limited schedule of Sprint Cup Series events next season.(RCR PR)(10-25-2007)
Childress likely sticking to three full-time teams: Richard Childress said Friday he would likely not expand to four Sprint Cup entries for 2008 because he can't find the "right situation." Childress fields three Nextel Cup cars - for #29-Kevin Harvick, #31-Jeff Burton and #07-Clint Bowyer - and wanted to add a fourth team next year. But the lack of sponsorship appears to be the main issue. Busch Series driver Scott Wimmer would "probably" be the driver of the fourth team, Childress said. Cars were already built for the fourth Cup team, Childress said, but those would be used among the three current teams.(SceneDaily.com)(9-28-2007)
Sports Teams Owner is Childress' Guest at California: [MLB's Texas] Rangers and [NHL's Dallas] Stars owner Tom Hicks and members of his family were scheduled to attend the Sharp Aquos 500 Nextel Cup race at California. Hicks said it was a social invitation by team owner [#s 07, 29, 31] Richard Childress. He wouldn't comment on whether he has any interest in investing in a NASCAR team. But his sports empire has grown this year. In February, he became co-chairman of the Liverpool Football Club, one of the most storied soccer franchises in the English Premier League. Hicks' partner in that purchase was George Gillett, the owner of the NHL's Montreal Canadians and now a major investor in Ray Evernham's NASCAR team.(Dallas Morning News)(9-3-2007)
Chevy and RCR continue partnership: Chevrolet, the winningest nameplate in NASCAR, will continue its partnership in NASCAR competition in 2008 with one of racing's elite organizations, Richard Childress Racing (RCR). "2008 marks Richard Childress's 39th year as a team owner and his cars proudly carry the Chevy bowtie," said Ed Peper, Chevrolet general manager. "At Chevrolet and GM Racing, we are very excited to continue a long and successful relationship with one of the best racing organizations in NASCAR, both on and off the track." RCR's lineup includes #29-Kevin Harvick, #31-Jeff Burton and #07-Clint Bowyer in the Cup Series and Harvick and Tim McCreadie in the #21, Burton and Scott Wimmer in the #29 and #2-Bowyer in the Buscg Series.(GM Racing PR)(8-18-2007)
Harvick vs. Montoya....still brewing: #42-Juan Pablo Montoya and #29-Kevin Harvick were asked to pay a courtesy visit into the NASCAR hauler Friday, to make sure there were no lingering effects between them following last Sunday's contretemps at Watkins Glen. NASCAR's interest may have been piqued by comments made by the two. "He drives like he doesn't know what he's doing, to be honest with you," Harvick opined about JPM. "He goes out, he can run fast but he's all over the place and every week it seems like he runs into a different person."
"You know, I think he's a great guy, he's a great racer and it's a shame the position he's in," Montoya said of Harvick. "I think we're mature enough and big enough being in the sport, I haven't been in this sport long enough but I've been racing all my life and I learned to get over things like this because we're going to meet again and again and again in the race track and it's a lot nicer and better when you have a good relationship."(Ford Racing)(8-18-2007)
Harvick wins first dirt race: In front of a packed house, Dale Blaney notched the victory in the 50-lap, $5,000 to win sprint race, but Kevin Harvick stole the show as he outdueled the field of local e-mod drivers as well as NASCAR stars Tony Stewart, Dave Blaney and Clint Bowyer to score his maiden dirt win in the 25-lap, $1,000 to win e-mod feature at Sharon Speedway on Tuesday night. Harvick scored his very first victory on dirt after just eight starts. The rest of the NASCAR stars in the field also drove strong races. Bowyer rolled off last in the feature, and put his dirt modified experience to good use, as he drove all the way to seventh. Blaney rolled off 14th and crossed the finish line ninth. Stewart retired with a mechanical problem, and finished 22nd in the feature. Behind Sharp in second was Joel Watson, who drove a stellar race. Watson started 21st before finishing third. Hess came home in fourth, with Turner rounding out the top five. Following the race, in a very classy move, Harvick donated his $1,000 winnings to second place finisher Sharp. Harvick was commended by his fellow NASCAR competitors for running a nearly-perfect race. Stewart, Bowyer and Blaney applauded Harvick’s savvy drive despite his limited experience in the ranks of dirt racing.(RCR site)(8-16-2007)
No fines planned for Harvick-Montoya: On the first turn after a restart [lap 72 at Watkins Glen on Sunday], #1-Martin Truex Jr. got into the back of #42-Juan Montoya, who climbed the track and got into the side of #29-Kevin Harvick to send both into a spin. As Montoya's car came to a rest, Harvick drove the front of his car to block him from continuing to the garage. Harvick, unaware that Truex instigated the incident, then gave Montoya an inappropriate gesture that Montoya obviously didn't appreciate. The two climbed out of their cars and met on the track, with Montoya grabbing the bottom of Harvick's helmet like a football player would an opponent's face mask. The two then had an in-your-face verbal exchange that continued until Montoya shoved Harvick in the chest. NASCAR officials and Harvick's teammate, #31-Jeff Burton [also involved in the wreck when he couldn't avoid the #42 car], eventually separated the two. "I went to Kevin and said, 'It wasn't my fault. I got hit from behind,'" Montoya said. "He started shouting and grabbing me and I don't appreciate that. I have a little respect for the guy. Well, I used to have a little respect for the guy like that, because he helped me out a lot to start with." For the record, neither is expected to be fined. "I don't think they were fighting," said Robin Pemberton, NASCAR's vice president of competition. "They were discussing things." Said series director John Darby, "I thought it was cool as hell."(more at ESPN.com) AND Harvick will not be fined for saying 'kick his a**' as that is a word that is allowed on network TV by the FCC.(8-13-2007)
Harvick still ticked at Stewart: #29-Kevin Harvick is still upset with good friend #20-Tony Stewart, who ran into him in the closing laps at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and ruined what should have been a second-place finish. "He's called. I just haven't answered," Harvick said Thursday between practice sessions for the inaugural Busch Series race at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. The contact between the two cars with 10 laps to go in Sunday's race damaged Harvick's front fender and ruined his Chevrolet's handling. Stewart drove off to victory, Harvick faded to seventh, and the difference cost him 24 points in the standings and $116,439 in prize money. As they head to Pocono Raceway for this weekend's Nextel Cup race, the duo will have to work through Harvick's hard feelings. Stewart admitted right after Sunday's race that he'd made a mistake by running into Harvick while attempting to retake the lead. "If I'm going to preach about give and take, it's stupid for me to not do the same thing," Stewart said. "If I want people to race me with respect, I'm going to race people with respect. I didn't mean to get into Kevin. That wasn't my intention. There was no logical reason to get into him. That was a mistake on my part." It's particularly awkward because Harvick and Stewart are good friends, and Stewart regularly drives Harvick-owned cars in the Busch Series. Stewart even drove Kevin Harvick Inc. cars to a pair of victories at Daytona.
Harvick said he just needs some time. "I don't think you let anything on the track affect your relationship off the race track," he said. "For me, it's better to just take some time and think about things and just realize where we are and go from there. I'll get over it. At some point. And we'll still be friends."(Associated Press)(8-3-2007) UPDATE: from a GM Racing PR, #20-Tony Stewart was asked if had spoken to #29-Kevin Harvick:
Q) Have You and Kevin Harvick Talked Since Indy? "Yeah, we talked last night. And I know what he was disappointed about. He should have run second. He had the second best car for sure. Kevin and I are good friends and we talked about it last night. I would have been upset if the roles were reversed too. I can't blame him for that. I made a mistake. I let the car get too high. I've heard differences of opinions from people watching the tape but I still take responsibility for it. I would never race Kevin like that on purpose. I don't race anybody like that on purpose because I'm big about racing guys clean and having them race me clean. But the thing is, when I make a mistake I fess up to it right away and I did it right in victory lane when we won the race. We had more to lose there then to gain in that situation. So it shows how big a race it is to everybody. Finishing second there would have been a heck of a lot better for him than seventh, for sure."(GM Racing PR)(8-4-2007)
Harvick summoned to NASCAR Hauler; no penalty expected: #29-Kevin Harvick was summoned to the NASCAR principal's office following the Allstate 400 to clarify post-race contact on the backstretch with race winner #20-Tony Stewart. Harvick said it was a standard congratulatory love tap, not retaliation for racing contact his team felt might have cost him the race. Thus he won't be penalized, NASCAR said.(ESPN.com)(7-30-2007)
RCR to honor Prosser at Indy, run Wake Forest decals: Richard Childress Racing's (RCR) Nextel Cup Series teams will honor Skip Prosser, the former Wake Forest University men's basketball coach who died unexpectedly on Thursday, with Wake Forest decals in Sunday's Allstate 400 at the Brickyard at Indianapolis Motor
Speedway. RCR's three Chevys driven by Kevin Harvick (#29 Reese's), Jeff Burton (#31 AT&T) and Clint Bowyer (#07 Jack Daniel's) will carry a Wake Forest decal on the B-Post of each machine. Scott Wimmer will also attempt to qualify the #33 Holiday Inn Chevy for this weekend's Nextel Cup race. If the Wimmer makes the race, the #33 machine will also display the decal. "I grew up in Winston-Salem and have spent my entire life living and working in the area," said RCR president and CEO Richard Childress. "We just want everyone in the Wake Forest Community to know that we're thinking about them during this difficult time." Wake Forest University is located in Winston-Salem, N.C., just 14 miles north of RCR's campus in Welcome, N.C.(RCR PR)(7-28-2007)
Elvis, Reese's & Harvick at Indy: #29-Kevin Harvick is scheduled to run a Elvis-themed #29 Chevy that will introduce Reese's Peanut Butter & Banana Creme Cups featuring Elvis Presley and the Reese's "Live Like The King" promotion. The Collector Edition Reese's include a thin layer of banana creme, a flavor combination made famous by Elvis' love of peanut butter and banana sandwiches. Look for an announcement at Indy on July 28th.(7-20-2007)
Harvick and Burton Say NASCAR Needs More Drug Testing: #29-Kevin Harvick questioned NASCAR's drug testing policy after Craftsman Truck Series driver Aaron Fike was arrested and charged with possession of drugs last weekend. "I believe that every driver and every national series should be drug tested a couple of times a year randomly regardless of who you are, what you are doing," Harvick said on Friday at Chicagoland Speedway. "We owe it to the sponsors and the fans to 100 percent know this is a clean environment. It would eliminate a lot of those problems of the younger guys that disrespect the sport and the system."(ESPN.com) AND: Jeff Burton said he would like to see series officials do even more drug testing. "I honestly wish that we would test more than we do," Burton said. "I wish that we would have a random number of drug tests throughout the year - you know you're going to do five or six every year, or whatever the number is. There's too much at stake for this sport, too much at stake for the drivers, the racetrack, the crew members on pit road," Burton said.(Associated Press/Fox Sports)(7-14-2007)
RCR-DEI Engine Debut at Daytona: Earnhardt-Childress Racing Technologies will debut the new common engine package this weekend at Daytona International Speedway. All six Richard Chiledress Racing [#07,#29,#31] and Dale Earnhardt, Inc. (DEI) cars [#1,#8,#15] will run the new engine.(RCR PR)(7-4-2007)
Childress interested in Kyle Busch: Car owner Richard Childress was unable to sign Dale Earnhardt, Jr., but his team is hardly hurting as is. The car owner said Saturday that like a lot of car owners in the garage, he’s very interested in talking with newly minted free agent Kyle Busch, possibly for a long-rumored fourth Richard Childress Racing car. “Anybody would look at Kyle right now - any team in here,” said Childress. Childress, one of the most independent minds in the Nextel Cup garage, is not someone even remotely daunted by Busch’s reputation as a hot head. “I can name you eight or 10 guys in here at his age that were a handful. He's learning." Of Busch, Childress added, “He's the hottest property on the market right now.” In fact, some in the garage believe that Busch’s driving talent is equal to or even ahead of that of Dale Earnhardt, Jr.(SPEEDtv.com)(6-17-2007)
Some teams looking to add 4th team: The season is not even half over and several teams say they want to expand for next season. Officials from Dale Earnhardt Inc., Evernham Motorsports, Richard Childress Racing have said they'd like to expand to four cars next year. There have been hints other teams might look add a team. How many actually do will depend on what kind of sponsorship they can find.(Greensboro News and Record)(6-16-2007)
Burton says RCR 'likely' to add fourth team next season: #31-Jeff Burton thinks Richard Childress Racing will add a fourth Nextel Cup Series team in 2008, citing much recent discussion about the subject as partial evidence. "I think it's likely," Burton said of adding a fourth full-time team to the RCR stable. "Obviously we can't divulge what's on our minds but we have some exciting things that could happen." Burton wouldn't divulge details, rather said "there's a lot up in the air right now that we don't 100 percent know what's going to happen." The addition isn't a no-brainer, Burton said. He was quick to point out the negatives of adding another program: 25 percent more challenges, 25 percent more problems. The chief benefit of adding a fourth team is the additional knowledge added to the resource pool.(ESPN.com)(6-9-2007)
#29 Pit Crew wins 1st Qtr MVP Crew Award: Start the year with a Daytona 500 victory, two top-5 and five top-10 finishes in the first 10 races of the Nextel Cup Series season and your competitors will pay attention. Nextel Cup Series crew chiefs have noted the handy work of the #29 RCR Shell-Pennzoil Pit Crew by naming them the First Quarter Mechanix Wear Most Valuable Pit Crew. The Mechanix Wear Most Valuable Pit Crew Award is given quarterly throughout the Nextel Cup Season. At the end of each quarter, the winning pit crew is determined by a vote of each team’s crew chief. The four quarterly winners are eligible for the year-end Mechanix Wear Most Valuable Pit Crew Award and a check for $100,000 awarded at the 2007 Nextel Cup Series Awards Banquet at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City.(Mechanix Wear PR)(5-21-2007)
Harvick wins Nextel Challenge: #29-Kevin Harvick won the Nextel Challenge All-Star race at Lowe's Motor Speedway for his first ever win in the All-Star race and winning the $1 million+. #48-Johnson finished 2nd followed by #01-Martin, #31-Burton [with AT&T logos], #20-Stewart, #70-Sauter [was 2nd in the Nextel Open], #17-Kenseth [won segment 1 & 3], #12-Newman, #8-Earnhardt Jr. and #1-Truex Jr. [won the Nextel Open]. #5-Kyle Busch won the 2nd segment and took out his brother #2-Kurt Busch on lap 62 of the final segment. #78-Wallace finished 16th after winning the fan vote to get in the race. Harvick is the 4th driver to win both the Daytona 500 and All-Star race in the same year, joining #48-Jimmie Johnson [2006], #24-Jeff Gordon [1997] and the late Davey Allison [1992]. Johnson and Gordon also won the Cup championship in the same year. For the race rundown, see my 2007 All-Star Page.
See the results on the 2007 Nextel Challenge/Open Race Results page.(5-19-2007)
Harvick and Childress off to Iowa Speedway on Sunday: #29-Kevin Harvick [who won the Nextel Challenge Saturday night] and owner Richard Childress will head to Iowa Speedway where Harvick will compete in the NASCAR Grand National Division combination race between the Busch East Series and the West Series. The Featherlite 200 will be the first NASCAR-sanctioned race at the track located in Newton, Iowa. Harvick will compete in the race while Childress serves as the Grand Marshal. Richard Childress Racing also has two development drivers in NASCAR's Grand National Division, with Ryan Foster and Tim McCreadie in the West Series. Other Grand National Division drivers with development ties to the Nextel Cup Series are Joey Logano and Marc Davis (Joe Gibbs Racing), Jeffrey Earnhardt (DEI), Chase Austin (Rusty Wallace Inc.), Jamie Hayes (Ken Schrader Racing), Ruben Pardo and Pierre Bourque (Fitz Racing), and Jesus Hernandez (Ginn Racing). Rusty Wallace played a key role in designing the Iowa Speedway.(LMS Pit Notes). The race be aired live on HDNet at 4:00pm/et.(5-20-2007)
DEI and RCR team up to build engines: One of NASCAR's greatest partnerships - Childress and Earnhardt - has been expanded with the creation of Earnhardt-Childress Racing Technologies. Richard Childress and Teresa Earnhardt announced today that the joint venture partnership will combine the Chevrolet engine departments of Richard Childress Racing (RCR) and Dale Earnhardt, Inc. (DEI), with engine development work to begin immediately. Construction of a permanent stand-alone facility located between RCR and
DEI will begin later this summer with completion expected by mid 2008. A specific site has not been announced, although a location has been identified pending zoning approval. Until that facility is complete, all work will be divided between the RCR's engine shop in Welcome, N.C. and DEI's shop in Mooresville, N.C. It is anticipated that all six RCR and DEI cars will run the first common engine at Daytona in July. Earnhardt-Childress Racing Technologies will develop and build engines for the Chevrolet Nextel Cup Series and Busch Series teams campaigned by the two companies. A long-term goal of the joint venture will include an engine leasing program for teams in NASCAR's top three divisions. The partnership also has long-term plans to diversify and expand beyond NASCAR by providing race engines to teams competing in series such as the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series, various off-road and stock car series, sports car series, etc. This is not the first time RCR and DEI have worked together in a technology partnership. RAD, an acronym for the three teams owned by Richard Childress, Andy Petree and Dale Earnhardt, was formed in the late 90's as an aerodynamic consortium between the programs. The partnership was considered wildly successful with the three teams dominating the aerodynamically sensitive restrictor plate tracks Daytona and Talladega for the next few years.(DEI PR)(5-18-2007)
Harvick goes Platinum for All-Star Challenge: #29-Kevin Harvick will transform his bright yellow-and-red Shell-Pennzoil Chevy into a shining platinum colored paint scheme for the Nextel All-Star Challenge at Lowe's Motor Speedway in recognition of his
sponsorship from Pennzoil Platinum Full synthetic motor oil. Pennzoil Platinum full synthetic motor oil has adaptive molecules to manage the constant mechanical stresses inside an engine.(RCR PR)(5-16-2007)
Reese's 2007 debut on the #29 at RIR: Reese’s, a major associate sponsor RCR’s #29 Chevy, kicks into high gear this weekend in Richmond as Kevin Harvick and the #29 team transform their bright yellow-and-red Shell-Pennzoil Chevy into a bright orange Reese’s racing machine for the Crown Royal 400.(RCR PR), see an image of the scheme on my #29 Team Schemes page.(5-4-2007)
Childress running the #3.....in Late Models with grandson: NASCAR fans often ask Richard Childress when he'll bring back the black #3 Chevrolet made famous by the late Dale Earnhardt. Fans who attended last Saturday's dirt-track races at 311 Speedway know the answer. And they know that Childress, who has said since Earnhardt's death that it would take a unique situation to bring back the best-known number in NASCAR, stayed true to his word. The driver he chose to run #3 is young and talented, clean-cut and polite and thinks the world of Childress. He's Childress' oldest grandson, Austin Dillon. Based on the way he drove in his first Super Late Model race, there may come a day when Dillon is behind the wheel of a similar-looking car in NASCAR. In his first try in dirt racing's elite division, Dillon qualified fifth from a field of more than 30, then drove like a veteran, broad-sliding through the corners, stepping on the accelerator to make the car turn and challenging the drivers in front of him on almost every lap. Childress watched from the top of the team hauler, just as he has done for decades during Nextel Cup races. Every pass brought a big smile to his face. "He's driving the heck out of it," Childress said. "He's doing good for a 16-year-old kid." Childress dotes on his grandsons, Austin and Ty, who is two years younger than Austin and beginning his own racing career. They are the sons of Mike Dillon, a long-time Busch Series driver, and Childress' daughter, Tina.(see full story at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and an image of the car at
tommysracingphotos.com(4-14-2007)
Harvick and Martin to race at Iowa: #29-Kevin Harvick and #01-Mark Martin will race at Iowa Speedway this year. Harvick, driving for Richard Childress Racing, will race in the track’s first NASCAR race, the NASCAR Grand National East-West Sunday, May 20. Martin, driving for Ginn Racing, will race Friday night, July 13, in the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series race. The announcement was made by Iowa Speedway Vice President and General Manager, Craig Armstrong.(Iowa Speedway site)(4-12-2007)
Harvick's helmet taken.....but recovered UPDATE: don't have a ton of details on this, but heard from sources at the track that someone broke into the #29 RCR garage this morning at Atlanta Motor Speedway, taking Kevin Harvick's helmet and was supposedly caught climbing a fence with the helmet on, no word on any other items taken or any damage by the person.(3-18-2007) UPDATE: Daytona 500 winner Kevin Harvick's helmet was stolen from the #29 hauler in the Nextel Cup garage Sunday morning. But the caper was quickly foiled by speedway security. "[NASCAR] was notified early this morning that track security had come across and apprehended two individuals in the garage who were in the possession of Kevin Harvick's racing helmet," NASCAR spokesperson Kerry Tharp said. "The police were notified, the individuals were arrested and the helmet was returned safe and sound."(Atlanta Journal-Constitution)(3-19-2007)
Childress to Speak March 8 at Neurosurgeon Convention: Richard Childress will give a speech March 8 to the American
Association of Neurological Surgeons and Congress of Neurological Surgeons (AANS/CNS). The speech, entitled "The Importance of Teamwork," is part of the 2007 AANS/CNS Section on Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves Annual Meeting at the J.W. Marriott Desert Ridge Resort in Phoenix. The 10-time NASCAR championship team owner and winning team owner of the 2007 Daytona 500 was invited to speak to the group by his friend, Charles L. Branch Jr., MD, chair of the AANS/CNS Joint Section on Disorders of the Spine
and Peripheral Nerves, and a practicing neurosurgeon at Wake Forest University Medical Center in Winston-Salem, N.C.(RCR PR)(3-8-2007)
Harvick's Shell Logos to be scaled down UPDATE: #29-Kevin Harvick likely won't be wearing his Shell sponsorship logos quite so prominently this weekend at California Speedway. Harvick's team has been asked to utilize logos representing the Pennzoil automotive lubricant part of the company more prominently instead of the dominant Shell logo associated with the company's gasoline in an effort to play down any perceived competition with Sunoco, the official fuel of NASCAR. Sunoco has exclusive rights to the fuel category at a NASCAR track, and company officials raised the logo matter after Harvick won both the Busch and Nextel Cup series races wearing prominent Shell logos at Daytona International Speedway. As a result, Harvick will apparently be sporting smaller Shell logos at this weekend's events at California Speedway. "Obviously we've got a lot of partners and constituencies in the garage area that are important to the entire industry, and when these things come up we want to work through them as best we can," NASCAR spokesman Ramsey Poston said Thursday morning.(SceneDaily.com)(2-22-2007) UPDATE: #29-Kevin Harvick isn't the only participant to have a new racing uniform for the Auto Club 500 today at California Speedway. His crew has new uniforms, too. The crew uniform, which had the Shell logo as the prominent display on the front and back of the uniform and "Shell" down the pant leg, now has the word "Pennzoil" on the front and back in addition to the Shell logo and now has Pennzoil written down the pant leg. The new uniform is similar to the new one of Harvick's. According to NASCAR Vice President Steve O'Donnell, the Shell sponsorship is supposed to focus on the motor oil Pennzoil and not the gasoline so as not to interfere with official fuel supplier Sunoco's marketing agreement. Shell received incredible exposure with Harvick's Daytona 500 victory last week. NASCAR, which is responsible for enforcing Sunoco's exclusivity deal, required the change in the Richard Childress Racing team's uniforms as well as Harvick's helmet.(SceneDaily.com)(2-26-2007)
Harvick's Winning Daytona 500 car inducted Into DAYTONA USA: Kevin Harvick and his #29 Richard Childress Racing team had an early wake-up call on Monday morning for Daytona 500 car induction ceremonies at DAYTONA USA. After celebrating their triumph in the 49th annual Daytona 500 victory on Sunday night, Harvick, owner Richard Childress and crew chief Todd Berrier inducted their winning racing machine into DAYTONA USA as part of the Banquet Brown 'N Serve Champion's Breakfast. The #29 Shell Chevy will rest inside Gatorade Victory Lane at DAYTONA USA for the next 364 days and will be returned to the team before the start of the historic 50th annual Daytona 500 on Feb. 17, 2008. Harvick also autographed artist David Arrigo's DIRECTV Speedweeks mural
painting and the entire #29 team including Harvick signed the winning #29 car.(DIS PR)(2-19-2007)
Harvick wins Daytona 500: #29-Kevin Harvick won the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway for his 1st ever Daytona 500 win on the 6 year anniversary of Dale Earnhardt's death. It was the 2nd Daytona 500 win for car owner Richard Childress, who won in 1998 with Earnhardt. Harvick is the 31st driver to win the Daytona 500 in 49 races and it was his 11th career win. Harvick won $1,510,469. With a green-white-checker finished after a wreck on lap 196. Martin was leading when the green-white-checker flew and was holding off the field until #5-Busch got loose and caused a large wreck at the very end. NASCAR chose not to throw a caution and let Martin and Harvick race to the start-finish line, with Harvick nipping Martin by 2/100ths of a second. Martin held onto 2nd followed by #31-Burton, #09-Wallace, #6-Ragan [the highest finishing rookie], #19-Sadler, #9-Kahne, #38-Gilliland [pole sitter], #13-Nemechek and #24-Gordon.. Harvick had also won the Busch race Saturday, becoming the 4th driver to win both races [Bobby Allison 1988, Darrell Waltrip 1989, Dale Earnhardt Jr 2004]. #2-Kurt Busch led the most laps with 95, but while running 2nd, got into a wreck with then leader #20-Tony Stewart, ending both of their days. #07-Clint Bowyer had a wild ride on the final lap wreck, crossing the s/f line on his roof, the car turned back over, caught fire and Bowyer got out ok. There were 7 cautions for 25 laps [and approx a 15 minute red flag during the 6th and final caution] and 9 drivers lead the race with 13 lead changes.
For race results see my Daytona Race Results page
For points standings see my Drivers/Owners Points Standings page after Daytona page.(2-18-2007)
2007 Daytona 500 Champion's Schedule:
(Tentative and Subject to Change) Monday, February 19th
7:50am - ABC’s Good Morning America LIVE via satellite
8:00am - Daytona 500 Car Induction Ceremony Daytona USA
9:00am - Daytona 500 Media Breakfast, Bill France Room - Daytona USA
9:45am - One on One Interviews:
ESPN Cold Pizza
INSIDE Nextel Cup
The Morning Drive on SIRIUS
10:30am - FOX Sports Radio Out of Bounds
12:00pm - Wheels up to New York, NY
4:00pm - The Late Show with David Letterman [guest: Jim Carrey], airs 11:35pm/et Tuesday, February 20th
9:00am - Live with Regis and Kelly [guest: Heather Graham]
11:00am - Luncheon with New York Media, Waldorf=Astoria Peacock Alley
1:00pm - Nextel Cup Series Teleconference
3:00pm - Various Interviews at ESPN Headquarters Wednesday, February 21st
1:00pm/pt - California Speedway Day in LA Hollywood and Highland
4:00pm/pt Mason and Ireland Radio Show
7:00pm/pt ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel LIVE Thursday, February 22nd
7:20am/pt - Rick Dees Radio Show
TBA - Various TV and Radio Morning Shows.(NASCAR PR)(2-18-2007)
Childress Inducted into Oceanside Rotary Club Stock Car Racing Hall of Fame: NASCAR champion team owner Richard
Childress was inducted into the Rotary Club of Oceanside Stock Car Racing Hall of Fame last night in ceremonies at The Shores Resort and Spa in Daytona Beach Shores. The 18th annual event also saw the induction of legendary NASCAR executive Les Richter. The Hall of Fame is located inside The Shores Resort & Spa. Past inductees include Richard Petty (1990), Bill France (1993), Benny Parsons (1998), Bill France, Jr. (2001), and Dale Earnhardt (2004).(RCR PR)(2-14-2007)
Chevy offering Free Premiers of 'Dale' to race fans: Chevrolet and GM Goodwrench will support the premier of the highly
anticipated documentary "DALE" as presenting sponsors and by hosting exclusive screenings in 40 markets across the U.S. mirroring the Nextel Cup schedule. Chevrolet and GM Goodwrench dealers will hold over 100 premiers of "DALE," a documentary showcasing the life of Dale Earnhardt. The first Chevrolet/GM Goodwrench showing will take place in Clearwater, Fla. on Jan. 28 with 23 additional Florida screenings to be held throughout Daytona, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and West Palm Beach prior to the Daytona 500. Go to www.dalethemovie.com or see your local Chevy Dealer for details?
Race fans can find a list of participating dealers, relive their favorite memories of Earnhardt, express their relationship with the #3 team, view exclusive interviews and fresh content on the film, as well as Earnhardt's racing career at www.Goodwrench.com.(GM Racing PR)(1-25-2007)
Teresa a 'deadbeat' owner per Harvick; Dale Jr. says "That's ridiculous": #29-Kevin Harvick knows the odds of #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. leaving the company his father built for the company his father raced for are very long. But Harvick would understand if NASCAR's most popular driver left Dale Earnhardt Inc. for Richard Childress Racing after the 2007 season if contract negotiations broke down. He can't imagine how difficult it is for Earnhardt Jr. to work in a company where the owner, stepmother Teresa Earnhardt, seldom comes to the track. "It's hard when you have what I call a deadbeat owner that doesn't come to the racetrack," Harvick said during Tuesday's visit to RCR on the second day of NASCAR's 2007 media tour. "Richard [Childress] is one of the best owners in the garage.
You always see Richard Childress. You always see Chip Ganassi. All these owners, they all come to the racetrack. It's not just a money pit that somebody says, 'Well, I can make money off of Dale Jr. I can make money off of Dale Earnhardt.' " Harvick, who owns a Busch Series team, said race teams can't be run from home. "You have to be at the racetrack and you have to play the politics of the sport and you have to be a part of your team and you have to understand what's going on," he said. "To me, from the outside looking in, it doesn't look like that's happening."
Earnhardt Jr., at a dinner Monday night in Concord, said, "You're killing me. That's ridiculous," Earnhardt Jr. said. "I don't think there is a comment for that remark." Earnhardt Jr. said with everything his stepmother has dealt with since the death of his father in 2001 on the last lap of the Daytona 500, "she had a full plate. We're successful on the racetrack, the people are in the right place." Earnhardt Jr. said negotiations are ongoing for a contract beyond 2007, and he expects to settle in the next couple of months.(ESPN.com)(1-24-2007)
Rheem Manufacturing to be a major associate sponsor on #29 RCR Chevy: Rheem Manufacturing Company announced its sponsorship of the Richard Childress Racing (RCR) #29 car for the 36-race Nextel Cup Series season. Rheem will be featured prominently on the lower rear quarter panels of RCR's #29 car driven by Kevin Harvick. Rheem becomes the major associate sponsor of the car, while Shell is the primary sponsor. The new Rheem-RCR relationship takes to the track for the Nextel Cup Series opener at the Daytona 500 on Feb. 18. According to Rheem President J.R. Jones, Rheem will fully leverage its sponsorship through numerous business-driving initiatives, with a main emphasis on reward, recognition, and new business development programs for heating, cooling and plumbing distributors and contractors. In addition to a fully-integrated sales and marketing communications program that will be rolled out throughout the year, Jones says Rheem will also explore new business and marketing relationships with other motorsports sponsors. More info about Rheem at www.rheem.com.(RCR PR)(1-23-2007)
RoadLoans.com to be an associate sponsor on #29: Kevin Harvick Inc. (KHI) announced a partnership with RoadLoans for the 2007 season. The internet direct-to-consumer auto lender will sponsor the #33 Chevy for 14 Busch Series races. RoadLoans.com will also be an associate sponsor on the Richard Childress
Racing (RCR) #29 Shell Chevy driven by Kevin Harvick in the Nextel Cup Series.(KHI PR)(1-18-2007)
Congrats: Cooper Berrier was born early Saturday, December 30th at 1:44am to Todd and Ginger Berrier. Cooper weighed 8lbs 9oz.(1-4-2007)
2006 News
Neighbors not happy with RCR engine noise, RCR working on problem: Until a few months ago, racing the engines at the Richard Childress Racing [#'s 07,29,31,33 in Nextel Cup] garage in Welcome, NC was never a problem, according to residents. Then, the team cleared 10 acres of forest between its buildings and nearby neighborhoods for its expansion. Those trees served as a muffler for the noise. Now that they're gone, people say the noise is unbearable. Some neighbors said the noise rattles their windows. Monday night, the Davidson County Commissioners granted RCR a zoning request that green lights the expansion. While the neighbors were disappointed with the decision, RCR spokesman Bill Patterson said the racing team will plant cypress trees along the back property line to create a buffer. Patterson also said the team has spent $500,000 on reducing noise and will do more. Neighbors said they'd like to see a sound reduction wall.(wxii12.com)(12-12-2006)
Harvick wins at Phoenix: #29-Kevin Harvick won the Checkers Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway to sweep both Cup races there in 2006, his 5th win of 2006 and 10th of his career. Harvick led the most laps with 252 of 312. #48-Johnson finished 2nd [for the 3rd race in a row] to increase his points lead over #17-Kenseth to by 63 points. If Johnson finishes 12th or better at Homestead-Miami he will win the 2006 Nextel Cup Championship. The rest of the top-10 were #11-Hamlin, #24-Gordon, #99-Edwards, #6-Martin, #9-Kahne, #2-Busch, #8-Earnhardt Jr. and #31-Burton. Only two Chasers out of the top-10: #17-Kenseth 13th and #5-Busch 38th after getting involved in a late race crash. There were 10 cautions for 58 laps [a ~9 minute red flag during the last caution] and 7 drivers lead the race with 12 lead changes. Race Results on my Phoenix Race Results/Awards Page. Points Standings on my Drivers/Owners Points after Phoenix page Race Rundown: see my Phoenix Race Info/Rundown Page for my race rundown page, laps led, top 10, race penalties, race notes, lucky dogs and more.(11-12-2006)
Harvick Victory at Phoenix Awards 29 Lucky Race Fans an All-New 2007 Chevy Avalanche: #29-GM Goodwrench driver Kevin Harvick powered to victory in the Checker Auto Parts 500 at Phoenix International Raceway to complete the #29 Goodwrench Expertise Challenge and award 29 lucky Expertise Challenge grand prize winners with an all-new 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche. With the win at Phoenix and a victory at Richmond International Raceway in September, Harvick and the GM Goodwrench team successfully completed the #29 Goodwrench Expertise Challenge, a unique promotion designed by GM Service and Parts Operations (GMSPO) to award a total of 29 lucky fans with an all-new 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche, a $1,000 GM vehicle maintenance certificate from Goodwrench and a trunk full of Reese's products, if Harvick won 2 of 12 selected Nextel Cup races. As part of the Expertise Challenge promotion, GM Goodwrench also will establish a $200,000 scholarship fund to provide tuition assistance to AYES high school students who choose to continue their automotive technical education by attending GM ASEP colleges. Beginning in May, the Expertise Challenge promotion offered GM customers and race fans the chance to win a variety of prizes, including an all-new 2007 Avalanche, by visiting a Chevrolet dealership or a Chevy display at select NASCAR events to obtain a ticket with an official promotion code. They also could visit goodwrench.com/expert to obtain a promotion code and complete the registration process.(GMSPO PR)(11-14-2006)
Cookies Scheme for Harvick at Phoenix: Kevin Harvick will get behind the wheel of the #29 Reese’s Milk Chocolate Layered Cookies Chevy. Reese’s Milk Chocolate Layered Cookies have the candy taste you love with a big cookie crunch.(RCR PR)(11-9-2006)
#10 crew member/Harvick scuffle UPDATE 3: reported on Speed Channel's SPEED Report by Bob Dillner, per FoxSports.com:
Emotions definitely flowed over to the postrace activities as the guys walked to the garage area. After the Dickies 500, the #10 and the #29 teams were coming down the entrance way to the garage area where all of the teams bring their pit boxes. There was an altercation between the #10 team and Kevin and DeLana Harvick. Apparently, Kevin and DeLana both got knocked down. NASCAR's Jim Hunter told me they are investigating the situation wholeheartedly and expects that there will be fined and penalties either Tuesday or Wednesday. "After the fact, right out of the moment, everybody's pretty hot-headed (and) got to running their mouth a little bit," Richard Childress Racing Director Mike Dillion said. "That's about all it was. Somebody got shoved, and they're sorting it out now. But they shoved Kevin and his wife down in front of the pit box is what was bad. Everybody out here has done it in their racing career at some point in time. It's just unfortunate. The guys need to let the drivers handle it. One of the NASCAR officials got hurt trying to stop the box," Dillion continued. "That's pretty bad, too. Hurt his ankle so they took him to the infield care center." A lot of people were called to the NASCAR trailer after this race, including Rodney Childers, the crew chief for Scott Riggs and the #10 team. He's responsible for the actions of everybody. DeLana and Kevin Harvick were both brought in as well. Several eyewitnesses were brought in. In fact, Roger Penske was up there talking to NASCAR President Mike Helton and Nextel Cup Series Director John Darby and everybody that was looking at the incident.(11-5-2006) UPDATE: been told the #10 Crew Member has been suspended for the rest of the season.(11-7-2006) UPDATE 2: Sirius Speedway has learned that NASCAR will announce later today that it has indefinitely suspended Craig "C.C." Curione, the front tire carrier for Scott Riggs' #10 Dodge, for his role in a postrace altercation Sunday night at Texas Motor Speedway. Curione was identified as the member of Riggs' Evernham Motorsports crew who shoved Kevin Harvick from behind while he and his wife, DeLana, were walking to the infield media center following the Dickies 500. The Harvicks and NASCAR official John Sacco all fell, landing in the path of the #10 team's war wagon, which hit Sacco and left him with a sprained ankle. The Harvicks were not hurt.
Spokesman Kerry Tharp said earlier today, "NASCAR has been looking into this postrace incident since it occurred. It's something we take very seriously. An announcement regarding a course of action could come as early as Tuesday." A spokeswoman for Evernham Motorsports said the team has cooperated with NASCAR's investigation, and will have no comment until a final determination has been made.(Motorsports Soapbox)(11-7-2006) OFFICIAL Penalty: NASCAR announced today that Craig Curione, a crew member for the #10 Dodge team, has been suspended indefinitely from NASCAR and fined $10,000 for a rule violation he committed following last Sunday’s race at Texas Motor Speedway. The action resulted from violation of Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing; involved in an altercation with another Competitor) of the 2006 NASCAR Rule book.(NASCAR PR)(11-7-2006) MORE: Statement from James Rocco – Valvoline Evernham Racing, Designated Team Owner: “After a comprehensive internal review of the post-race incident between Kevin Harvick and a member of the #10 team, Valvoline Evernham Racing supports NASCAR’s decision to indefinitely suspend the involved crew member. We apologize to Kevin and DeLana Harvick, NASCAR, our partners and our fans for this incident. The behavior demonstrated by the involved crew member was in violation of the Valvoline Evernham Racing Employee Code of Conduct and will not be tolerated. We concur with NASCAR’s ruling and will not appeal the suspension or fine.”(Evernham Motorsports/Clear!Blue PR)(11-7-2006)
Harvick to skip Memphis Busch Race? There may be a slim chance newly crowned Busch Series champion Kevin Harvick will skip the October 28th race at Memphis. Harvick and the US Coast Guard Chevy team locked up the title this past weekend at Charlotte. "I haven't even looked at the schedule yet" said Harvick during a break at the Homestead-Miami Speedway test. "I don't foresee that happening. We didn't plan to do anything but racing there at the beginning of the year anyway. We'll sit down and look at it for sure after Martinsville and go from there."(PRN's Garage Pass Radio Show)(10-17-2006)
Sponsor change on the #29? UPDATE 4 Shell/Pennzoil to be sponsor: hearing that GM Goodwrench will not return as the primary sponsor of Kevin Harvick's #29 RCR Chevy in 2007, supposedly Reese's/Hershey's will return as a co-sponsor and a gasoline and lubricant supplier would be the other co-primary.(9-16-2006) UPDATE: During the PRN's "Fast Talk with Benny Parsons" radio show Monday night car owner Richard Childress commented briefly on rumors that GM Goodwrench would not be back to sponsor Kevin Harvick's Chevy in 2007. "There's always rumors out there swinging around. We're talking about 'em right now...we're looking at what we're going to do next year and right now our plans are Goodwrench and Hershey for next year but who knows what can happen in the sport...things change."(PRN's "Fast Talk with Benny Parsons" radio show)(9-19-2006) UPDATE 2: hearing the new co-primary sponsor for the #29 RCR Chevy will be Shell Oil, no idea how many races. Hershey's/Reese's will return in 2007, supposedly in a simliar number of races as 2006.(10-5-2006) UPDATE 3: RCR is scheduled to make some sort of annoucement at Talladega regarding some 2007 plans, not sure if the Shell announcement will be made. Also the Shell site has a link to a shell announcement webcast.(10-6-2006) UPDATE 4:UPDATE 4: it was announced on Saturday, Oct 7th at Talladega Superspeedway that Shell/Pennzoil will sponsor the #29 RCR Chevy in 2007 for a unspecified number of races, Hershey's will still sponsor some races and GM Goodwrench will be aboard as a sponsor for a couple of races. The 2007 car was unveiled using the Car of Tomorrow painted in Shell/Pennzoil colors, mostly yellow with a white roof, the word Pennzoil and the Shell logo on the hood, Shell and the Shell logo on the quarter panels. PRESS RELEASE: Shell Oil Company announced the brand's return to NASCAR today through a multi-year primary sponsorship of Richard Childress Racing (RCR). Through the sponsorship both Shell and Pennzoil brands will be featured on the #29 Chevy to be driven by Kevin Harvick in the 2007 Nextel Cup series. Shell will also be the associate sponsor on other RCR cars including the #31 Cup car driven by Jeff Burton and the #07 Cup car driven by Clint Bowyer. "We're proud to have Shell come on-board as the primary sponsor of RCR's #29 team with Kevin Harvick," said Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard
Childress Racing. "Shell has a long history in motorsports throughout the world and we look forward to adding to that winning tradition. We're fortunate to once again have a sponsor for the #29 team that is committed to supporting its racing program in a lot of exciting ways. We're also proud to be continuing our relationship with GM Goodwrench and the winning tradition we've had together for more than two decades."
The company's technological leadership and its innovative products have helped position Shell as the "preferred partner" both on and off the track for some of the auto industry's top companies including General Motors (GM), Ferrari and Audi. The new alliance with Richard Childress Racing and Kevin Harvick bring together the market share leader in fuels and lubricants with a #1 team, which makes a formidable combination. "Our plan with RCR and Kevin Harvick is pretty simple; have fun with our employees, wholesalers, retailers, distributors and customers through a sport we all love," said John Hofmeister, president, Shell Oil Company. "It's also about aligning the leading fuels and lubricants brands with a winner on the track so we can create innovative marketing platforms and products that drive business. NASCAR fans and Shell customers are one in the same, and rejoining Shell with the NASCAR family is the next logical step in our global motorsports platform."
Shell lubricant brands, Pennzoil, Quaker State and ROTELLA T, have all been collectively active in NASCAR for several decades. Additionally, Pennzoil has maintained a variety of sponsorships and technical partnerships with DEI and Roush Racing, while Quaker State has been with Hendrick Motorsports since 1995. This season, ROTELLA T and Morgan Dollar Racing with Dennis Setzer are partners in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. GM Goodwrench, currently the primary sponsor of Harvick's #29 car, will also continue to support RCR racing and Kevin Harvick as an associate sponsor. "We're pleased that GM Goodwrench will continue to have a presence on the car," added Hofmeister. "To be associated with a sponsor with a strong history in motorsports is really the icing on the cake. This new relationship on the track will complement the many programs we have with General Motors off the track. We're working together to make hydrogen available to consumers through a local Shell station in Washington, D.C; in Chicago we have a joint test pilot to gauge consumer interest in E85, and we provide supply for some of GM's lubricants needs." While no immediate plans were shared with regard to the company's marketing efforts in NASCAR, Shell officials said more news will be forthcoming on activations plans surrounding Richard Childress Racing and the #29 Shell car. For more information about Shell, visit www.shell.com.(RCR PR)(10-7-2006)
DeLana Harvick honored: DeLana Harvick, wife of Nextel Cup driver #29-Kevin Harvick, was honored by the Hershey Co. on Saturday morning. Harvick was chosen as a “Sensational Woman” by the company for her efforts in helping the first against breast cancer. Today marks the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. She was the first of four women to receive the honor from the chocolate company. Harvick, who lost her father to cancer last year, had $5,000 donated in her honor by Hershey. “It’s important that people get behind this all year long,” Harvick said. “It’s more than just a one-month-a-year cause.”(Kansas City Star/GM Racing PR)(10-1-2006)
Hershey Honoring Delana Harvick at Kansas: The Hershey Company and Young Survival Coalition will be honoring DeLana Harvick, this Saturday at 11:0am at the Sprint Fan Walk Stage. DeLana will be recognized as one of four “Sensational Women” on behalf of The Hershey’s Company and YSC. YSC is the only international, non-profit network of breast cancer survivors and supporters dedicated to the concerns and issues that are unique to young women and breast cancer. Limited edition pinkYork peppermint patties, Hershey’s Kisses and Hershey’s Nuggets will hit the shelves this Fall to raise breast cancer awareness across the country. The Hershey Company is also supporting the campaign by contributing $250,000 to the Young Survival Coalition (YSC), the only non-profit network of breast cancer survivors and supporters dedicated to addressing the concerns and issues unique to young women and breast cancer. The donation doubles Hershey’s 2005 financial contribution and will be supported by the York peppermint pattie, Hershey’s Kisses and Hershey’s Nuggets brands.(RCR PR)(9-27-2006)
RCR Forms Partnership with Metris: Richard Childress Racing (RCR) is investing in a multi-million dollar partnership with Metris to utilize the Belgium-based company’s integrated metrology solutions for use in the production of the nine-time NASCAR champion racing organization’s engines and race cars. Metris, with U.S. operations in Detroit, California and Virginia, will supply RCR with proven high-technology metrology systems, both contact and optical, and the expertise to improve the aerodynamics and boost the performance of its engines. The partnership is another strategic move in RCR’s continuing bid to boost the performance of its cars with winning technology. “We’re partnering with Metris because of its impressive range of advanced metrology products,” said Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing. “We’re confident that the expertise its engineers have demonstrated will help us to push the performance of our race cars to the next level. The technology involved in NASCAR today continues to grow and RCR’s partnership with Metris will put us on the cutting edge in both the engine and fabrication shops.” Metris provides integrated solutions for automotive and aerospace metrology. The portfolio comprises Coordinate-Measuring Machines (CMM), Optical CMM, 3D Laser Scanners, Laser Radar and iGPS systems along with Focus, the leading inspection and reverse engineering software. “Having Metris’ equipment on-site at RCR will help facilitate our engine and body fabrication sides of the business,” said Bobby Hutchens, RCR’s vice president of research and development. “On the fab side, it will provide us with the technology to more precisely duplicate our bodies and, on the engine side, will ensure that both the parts we purchase from outside sources as well as those produced by RCR’s Okuma Technology Center meet our current specifications.” More info about Metris at www.metris.com. (RCR PR)(9-22-2006)
Ex-employee's lawsuit claims improprieties in engine shop at RCR UPDATE Statement by Childress: .A lawsuit filed by a former Richard Childress Racing employee includes specific allegations that engines the team used in events at 2006 Speedweeks at Daytona were designed to defeat NASCAR rules. The team denies the allegations. Anthony Corrente, who lost his job as assistant manager for engine research and development for RCR earlier this year, filed his suit Wednesday in Mecklenburg County superior court. It alleges wrongful termination, defamation and breach of contract against the team, which fields Nextel Cup cars for #29-Kevin Harvick, #31-Jeff Burton and #07-Clint Bowyer. Corrente said he inspected an engine from Harvick’s #29 Chevy after the Budweiser Shootout and found it had been altered to allow more air to enter, which would be contrary to the purpose of carburetor restrictor plates used at the Daytona track. “Inserts were placed in the four outside corners of the cylinder head where the manifold is attached,” the lawsuit says. When tightened, the bottom of the bolts hit these inserts, leaving room for air to get in between the intake manifold and the cylinder head. Such air would get to the engine beneath the restrictor plate, which is designed specifically to limit the flow of air. More air means more power, at least in theory. The suit also says that Burton won the pole for this year’s Daytona 500 with another engine that had the same modifications. Burton’s engine passed NASCAR inspection following the qualifying session. David Hart, a spokesman for Richard Childress Racing, said Thursday that Corrente’s allegations are untrue. “We will deal with them in the courts,” Hart said. Corrente left Joe Gibbs Racing in July 2005, signing a three-year contract with a two-year renewal option at RCR. He said he was fired after a conversation with Harvick in May during a test at Lowe’s Motor Speedway, where Harvick’s team had tested an engine built to Corrente’s specifications that differed from what the team had been doing. See full story by David Poole at ThatsRacin.(9-21-2006) UPDATE Statement by Richard Childress: The following is a statement from Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing (RCR), regarding allegations made in a lawsuit filed by a former employee: "The allegations made about RCR in a lawsuit filed by a disgruntled former employee are absolutely untrue. Specifically, our cars passed NASCAR inspection both before and after qualifying for the 2006 Daytona 500. Additional allegations made are also untrue. We will make no further comments until after the issue is resolved in a court of law."(RCR PR)(9-22-2006)
More on the Speed Channel/RCR Wheels Report: per NASCAR Live with Eli Gold, Kevin Harvick comments, "We have an inspection process that happens every week. The ironic part about it is that our wheels are taken to the racetrack by a wheel company every week. Really, the only thing you can touch is the valve stem. And the report was, that, you know, I don't even know, laser cut
holes in the wheels. So, there's really no possible way that you could even wind up knowing what corner that the wheels are going to be mounted on, because the tires are already mounted when you get to the race track. If somebody would have just done their homework for thirty seconds or a couple of minutes and just figured out exactly what they were doing, they would have realized they would have realized that it's virtually impossible to do what they reported. So, it's just unfortunate that we've spent the whole week talking about Bob Dillner instead of talking about our win, and that's unfortunate for the Speed Channel that they are where they are in their journalism state of reporters."(MRN Radio)(9-21-2006)
Coast Guard will not return to RCR #21 Busch car in 2007: The United States Coast Guard will not return in 2007 as the primary sponsor of Richard Childress Racing’s (RCR) #21 Chevrolet in the NASCAR Busch Series. Budget restructuring allocated the proposed funding for the team sponsorship to other areas of the Coast Guard. “It’s been an honor for RCR to have the Coast Guard sponsor the #21 team Busch team this season,” said Richard Childress, president and CEO. “We have been fortunate to spend some time with the brave men and women of the Coast Guard who are serving their country by keeping its maritime borders safe. While we hoped they would return in 2007, we understand the Coast Guard’s decision and will do all we can to win them the NASCAR Busch Series championship.” Team Coast Guard, with drivers Kevin Harvick and Jeff Burton, currently leads the Busch Series point standings with seven wins (six with Harvick; one with Burton), and 19 top-five and 25 top-10 finishes in 28 races. Harvick has a 619-point lead in the driver standings with seven races remaining and is on track to have the largest season-ending point margin in series history. “Richard Childress Racing has been a terrific partner. They have represented the Coast Guard extremely well both on and off the track, with numerous promotional events and an unprecedented level of success in the Busch Series this year,” said Adm. Thad W. Allen, U.S. Coast Guard Commandant, “We thank Richard, Kevin and Jeff for all they’ve done to raise the awareness of the Coast Guard with the legions of NASCAR fans everywhere. I congratulate the entire organization for what has truly been an unforgettable year.”(RCR PR)(9-20-2006)
Issue with #29 and #31 cars after race at NHIS UPDATE's NASCAR denies; RCR & Speed's statements: FoxSports/Speed's Bob Dilner reports: have learned that there was an issue with the winning car of #29-Kevin Harvick and also his teammate, #31-Jeff Burton, in postrace tech [at New Hampshire Intl Speedway in the Cup race]. That issue surrounded the actual [wheel] rim of the race car. The team apparently manipulated that rim to act as a bleeder valve to release air pressure from that rim. In English, it was performance advantage for the RCR team. Now, it was not against anything in the rule book so there won't be any fines or points penalties later on this week, but they have been told not to do it again.(more at FoxSports)(9-18-2006) UPDATE: Race winner Kevin Harvick and his teammate, Jeff Burton, did not have any problems in post race tech Sunday night at Loudon. Late Sunday night, it was reported that the Richard Childress Racing teams had manipulated their rims to act as a bleeder valve to release air pressure from the rim. According to NASCAR however, the issue of the rims never surfaced during post race tech. “We’ve been checking valves and valve stems for about 4 months now,” said Jim Hunter Vice President of Corporate Communications for NASCAR said Monday. “What it was, was one reporter trying to make something that wasn’t there. Then another reporter went on TV and reported it as fact, when it was actually totally untrue. It was one reporter’s unsubstantiated fantasy,”(Cupscene.com) AND The following is a statement from Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing (RCR), regarding
allegations in the media after the Sept. 19 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race at New Hampshire International Speedway that two of RCR's teams had manipulated the rules: "Reports in the media, specifically on SPEED TV, that one or more of our NEXTEL Cup Series teams was found by NASCAR to be manipulating the rules yesterday at New Hampshire International Speedway are false and misleading. Our cars passed post-race inspection and officials at NASCAR assured us last night and again today that no one from RCR was told at any time not to bring a part back to the race track. The reported events and conversations did not happen. Our focus remains on two of our teams competing for the championship and the other finishing as high in the points as possible.(RCR PR)
SPEED statement: SPEED issues the following response to statements made by NASCAR and Richard Childress Racing regarding a story filed by SPEED reporter Bob Dillner during the Sept. 17 LIVE broadcast of The SPEED Report. "SPEED reporter Bob Dillner has a strong record of solid reporting from the NASCAR garage; so there is no rational reason for us to consider that the events and conversations he related to SPEED viewers are anything other than the truth," said Chris Long, SPEED Executive Producer for NASCAR programming.(SpeedTV.com)
AND Kevin Harvick told Sirius Speedway that he believes a rival team was behind Sunday's SPEED TV report alleging that NASCAR had discovered issues with the team's right-front wheels. "I absolutely think it was a plant from another team," said Harvick. "NASCAR didn't say anything, so it's pretty obvious to me where it came from. It's an attempt to try and distract us from what we're
doing, but they're going to have to do a lot better than that." Harvick said he knows who planted the story, but declined to name names.
(Sirius Speedway/MRN Radio)(9-18-2006) UPDATE 3: Car owner Richard Childress told Benny Parsons during Monday night’s PRN's “Fast Talk radio show" that a Speed Channel report that RCR manipulated a rim giving the 29 car a performance advantage at New Hampshire was not true. Childress said reporter Bob Dilner “Got some bad information and he talked about it before he knew all the facts." Childress fielded many phone calls from various sponsors about the story, but he did not chastise Dilner. “I’ve got to say something for Bob Dilner. He did not report that on purpose. He didn’t do it out of anything derogatory to RCR or Jeff or Kevin. Its part of you guys (the media) job sometimes…you report things and maybe you don’t get the whole story.” Meanwhile the incident brought back some fond memories to the long-time car owner who won six championships with Dale Earnhardt. “All it did was made me think back to the days when Dale and RCR was winning and running good. You know, nobody ever loses…if you’ve ever heard that story...it’s because somebody’s doing something wrong to win. So, naturally with Kevin’s performance the last few weeks and RCR’s performance this year, people are going to say things.”(PRN's "Fast Talk with Benny Parsons" radio show)(9-19-2006)
Peters to RCR? UPDATE: Dodge released Timothy Peters as driver of the Craftsman Series #4 truck, Bobby Hamilton Racing announced Tuesday. However, Peters shouldn’t be without a ride for long. After racing for two seasons with Bobby Hamilton Racing, Peters is expected to sign with Richard Childress Racing as early as this weekend in New Hampshire. Phone messages left with Richard Childress Racing were not immediately returned, and Peters said he couldn’t comment on his future. “I’m not at liberty to say anything,” he said. In 17 Truck Series races this season, Peters has one top-10 finish - placing sixth on June 23 at Milwaukee. He has three career top-10 finishes in 33 Truck Series starts, and is currently 19th in the points standings. “We brought Timothy Peters in as a rookie, and with some seat time under his belt he has proven to be a hot commodity,” team owner Bobby Hamilton said in a release. A potential deal with RCR would join Peters with Danville native Peyton Sellers, who is in RCR’s development program, and South Boston native Jeff Burton. For now the plan is to team back up with his Bailey’s South Boston team for the Bailey’s 300 late model race at Martinsville Speedway on Oct. 1.(Danville Register Bee)(9-15-2006) UPDATE: Richard Childress Racing has signed Timothy Peters as a driver for its 2007 NASCAR Busch Series program. Peters raced the past two seasons in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series for Bobby Hamilton Racing. A determination is forthcoming as to which of RCR’s Busch teams he will drive for. RCR is also scheduled to field a car for Peters in the Oct. 7 ARCA race at Talladega.(RCRRacing.com)(9-19-2006)
Harvick wins at Richmond; Stewart Misses Chase: #29-Kevin Harvick backed up his Busch Series win on Friday night by taking the win in the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 on Saturday night. He led on 6 different occasions, for 54 laps. He took the lead for the final time on lap 399, passing #5-Kyle Busch, who dominiated most of the race, leading 248 laps. #9-Kasey Kahne raced his way into the Chase for the Championship with a third place finish. #22-Dave Blaney finshed fourth and #6-Mark Martin fifth. The rest of the top ten were #16-Greg Biffle, #21-Ken Schrader, #17-Matt Kenseth, #31-Jeff Burton, and #10-Scott Riggs. It was a tough night for many of the chase contenders. #20-Tony Stewart battled an ill-handling backup call all night, finishing 18th, and falling out of the top 10 in points by 16 points. He will not be able to defend last year's championship. #11-Denny Hamlin had engine problems but managed a 15th place finish. #8-Dale Earnhardt, Jr. had brake problems and finished 17th. #48-Jimmie Johnson was involved in 2 accidents but stayed on track and finished 23rd. #24-Jeff Gordon finish 31st, two laps down. There were 8 leaders with 16 lead changes and 7 cautions for 48 laps. Race Results: on my Richmond Race Results/Awards Page. Points Standings: on my Drivers/Owners Points after Richmond page Race Rundown: see my Richmond Race Info/Rundown Page for my race rundown, laps lead, top 10, race penalties, race notes, lucky dogs and more.(9-9-2006)
Barenaked Ladies featured on the #29 at RIR: GM Goodwrench driver Kevin Harvick's #29 GM Goodwrench Chevrolet will sport a special paint scheme with the music group Barenaked Ladies at Richmond International Raceway for the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 and the seventh #29 Goodwrench Expertise Challenge race Founded in 1988 by singer-guitarists Steven Page and Ed Robertson, the Toronto-based Barenaked Ladies includes Tyler Stewart, Jim Creegan and Kevin Hearn. The band has sold more than 14 million records worldwide, with hits such as "One Week," "Pinch Me" and "Brian Wilson." Along the way, they have developed a dedicated following and a reputation as one of North America's best-loved live acts [one of Jayski's fave].(RCR PR), see images of the scheme on the #29 Team Schemes page.(9-6-2006)
#200 for Harvick: #29-Kevin Harvick will make his 200th career Nextel Cup Series start this weekend during the running of the AMD at The Glen on Sunday, August 13th. Among active drivers to reach this feat, Harvick will be the 26th driver to do so behind Kurt Busch who has 204 career Nextel Cup Series starts.(RCR PR)(8-9-2006)
Hershey's scheme for Harvick at Daytona, to make S'Mores: The Hershey’s Milk Chocolate brown will don the #29 RCR Chevy hood of Kevin Harvick this weekend at Daytona International Speedway. The Hershey Milk Chocolate bar is one of five special paint schemes The Hershey Company will run throughout the 2006 season. Hershey’s driver Kevin Harvick and members of the Richard Childress Racing Team will light up the infield on Thursday, June 29, at Daytona with a S’mores campfire event. Celebrating this quintessential summertime snack, Hershey’s will distribute more than 2,000 S’mores kits complete with graham crackers, marshmallows and Hershey’s Milk Chocolate bars to fans staying in the infield to celebrate race week at Daytona International Speedway. Randomly selected kits will contain invitations to join Harvick and the Team for “s’more” fun around the campfire. Local Boy Scout Troops will get the campfire started; while Smoky the Bear looks on to ensure a safe party in the Fan Zone.(RCR PR), see an image of the scheme on my #29 Team Schemes page.(6-28-2006)
Childress interested in Gilliland: [#07,#29,#31] team owner Richard Childress said Sunday [at Infineon Raceway] that he is among those interested in signing David Gilliland to a contract. Gilliland, currently driving without a contract for a part-time, unsponsored entry in the Busch Series, has seen his stock skyrocket since winning the June 17 Busch race at Kentucky, then getting a weak car into Sunday's Nextel Cup race at Sonoma. "He's probably the hottest young commodity out there today," said Childress, who currently fields three Cup cars and won six Cup championships with the late Dale Earnhardt Sr. "There are several teams here that will be after him, but he'd definitely be a good fit for us." Childress noted that Gilliland's good character and family background (his father Butch was also a NASCAR driver) play into the 30-year-old's favor. Childress didn't shy away from expressing his interest in Gilliland, but said the driver might be better served to get more time in the Busch Series. Gilliland has just seven career Busch starts and made his Cup debut Sunday. "I think he has all it takes to become a Cup driver, I'll put it like that," Childress said. "I think he could win races in the Cup Series. I believe if I was him, I'd run a few more Busch races (first)."(Inland Valley Daily Bulletin)(6-26-2006)
Harvick & Bowyer skipping Happy Hour: #29-Kevin Harvick and #07-Clint Bowyer will skip Saturday morning's final 45-minute Nextel Cup practice session at Infineon Raceway to give them a little extra time to get to The Milwaukee Mile for the Busch Series race that night. The first practice for NASCAR's Cup teams ends at 10:15 a.m. Pacific - 12:15 p.m. in Milwaukee - and Harvick and Bowyer will leave after that. Four other drivers doing the double - #11-Denny Hamlin, #99-Carl Edwards, #18-J.J. Yeley and #5-Kyle Busch - all plan to stay for the final 45-minute session, which ends at 1:55pm/ct. All of the drivers have substitutes ready to practice and qualify: Harvick has Randy LaJoie, Bowyer has Brandon Miller, Hamlin has Aric Almirola, Yeley has Casey Atwood, Edwards has Hank Parker Jr. and Busch has Dennis Setzer.(SceneDaily.com)(6-24-2006)
RCR to Sponsor Local Soap Box Derby: Richard Childress will lend support to his racing roots June 3 at Hobby Park in
Winston-Salem for the Winston-Salem Area Soap Box Derby presented by Richard Childress Racing. The winner of this All-American Soap Box Derby "local race" will advance to the 69th annual All-American Soap Box Derby presented by Levi Strauss Signature, July 22 in Akron, Ohio. Childress was a teenager in the late 1950s when he and his brother, Larry Childress, went door to door in downtown Winston-Salem soliciting shop owners for funding to purchase a soap box derby kit. Nearly 50 years later, the wheels and axles from that soap box derby racer are on display in the RCR Racing Museum on the RCR campus. For further information, visit the web site of the Winston-Salem Area Soap Box Derby at wsasbd.com.(Richard Childress Racing PR)(5-18-2006)
DeHart splits with Harvick: Gene DeHart, former Fabrication Manager/Director with Kevin Harvick Inc., has parted ways. He is currently in the final stages of re-establishing DeHart, Inc., which formerly was DeHart Racing Inc., where his expertise was hanging bodies and building Chassis for various Nextel Cup, Busch and Truck Teams.(5-13-2006)
Childress to Receive Honorary Degree: NASCAR Team Owner Richard Childress will be awarded an honorary degree from the board of trustees of Davidson County Community College (DCCC) during tonight's commencement ceremony on the school's campus in Lexington, NC. Childress' wife, Judy, will accept the award as he will be busy directing his NASCAR Busch Series teams' efforts in tonight's Diamond Hill Plywood 200 at Darlington Raceway. "I'm honored to receive this recognition from Davidson County Community College and I'm sorry I won't be there to accept it in person," said Childress, President and CEO of Richard Childress Racing (RCR). "Davidson County Community College provides its students with a great opportunity to continue their education and prepare for better jobs in the future. It's also an honor to be rewarded at the same time as my friend Bob Timberlake." Childress and Timberlake, a world renowned artist, are only the fourth and fifth community leaders to receive such recognition from DCCC.(Richard Childress Racing)(5-12-2006)
#29 Team Takes PIt Crew Honors at Richmond: Kevin Harvick's race team scored its first win of the season in the weekly Checkers / Rally's Double Drive-Thru Challenge competition by spending the least amount of time on pit road in Saturday night's Nextel Cup race at Richmond International Raceway. The GM Goodwrench crew, which spent 164.225 seconds on pit road during the Crown Royal 400, helped propel its driver to a third-place finish in the event. Harvick also led the most laps, 272 of 400. "It was a great race for our entire GM Goodwrench crew," said Todd Berrier, crew chief for the #29 Chevrolet. "Our guys did an excellent job on pit road. We had good, clean, fast pit stops all night that helped keep Kevin up front." Harvick's over-the-wall crew consists of: Nick Terry (jackman), Josh Mick (front-tire carrier), Jason Pulver (front-tire changer), Matt Krueter (rear-tire carrier), Clint Pittman (rear-tire changer), Brian Englehart (gasman), Scott Naset (catch can), Rick Tulbert (2nd gas can) and John Goodwin (eighth-man). The team's pit crew coach is Corrine Mauldin. The #29 Richard Childress Racing crew will be awarded the weekly $10,500 prize. A bonus of $105,000 will be presented by Checkers/Rally's to the team with the most pit crew challenge wins at the completion of the 36-race schedule. After 10 Nextel Cup races, the pit crews for Jimmie Johnson, Tony Stewart and Elliott Sadler are tied for first place in the Checkers/Rally's Double Drive-Thru Challenge standings with two wins each. Checkers/Rally's is the Official Burger and Drive-Thru Restaurant of NASCAR, more info at checkers.com.(DMF Communications PR)(5-10-2006)
Why didn't Harvick pit at Richmond late in race? Kevin Harvick's #29 Chevy was so good out front during the Crown Royal 400 at Richmond International Raceway that crew chief Todd Berrier didn't want him to pit on lap 289 with Harvick leading the Nextel Cup race. While Harvick stayed out, the rest of the field pitted. Running on older tires, Harvick eventually lost the lead and was sixth when everyone pitted again under caution with about 50 laps remaining. Harvick, who led 272 laps of the race, wound up third. Berrier figured if Harvick pitted on lap 289, other drivers would stay out. "When you're leading the race, they're going to do the opposite of what you're going to do," Berrier said after the race. "That's kind of the way it works. ... I didn't want to come back and be 10th on the race track." If there were no cautions after the pit stops on lap 289, only Harvick would have had to pit. But Berrier was confident that everyone would pit again. "I knew everybody would [pit again]," Harvick said. "Not that they had to. I knew they would. And they did." Harvick's car got tighter over the final 100 laps. "We weren't aggressive enough [with changes]," Berrier said. "It's awful easy to play it a little bit different when you're chasing somebody instead of getting chased. It's just a bad position to be in." The crew chief obviously was disappointed.
"We had a good car, but at the end of the day we didn't win the race," Berrier said. "It hurts."(SceneDaily.com)(5-8-2006)
RCR, Harvick Agree to Contract Extension: Richard Childress Racing (RCR) and Kevin Harvick have agreed to terms on a contract extension that will see Harvick as an RCR driver through the 2009 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series season. Harvick drives RCR's #29 GM Goodwrench/Reese's Chevy in the NEXTEL Cup Series and RCR's #21 Coast Guard Chevy in the Busch Series. Harvick's career statistics include six victories and 70 top-10 finishes in the NEXTEL Cup Series and 19 victories and 98 top-10 finishes in the Busch Series. "Kevin is an important part of the RCR organization and we're happy that will continue," said Richard Childress, President and CEO of RCR. "He has done a great job in both the NEXTEL Cup and Busch Series and we look for that to continue over the next several seasons." Harvick is currently seventh in the 2006 NEXTEL Cup Series point standings with one win and four top-10 finishes. He leads the Busch Series standings by 274 points, ahead of RCR teammate Clint Bowyer in second place, with two wins and nine top-10 finishes. "I'm looking forward to the next three years at RCR," said Kevin Harvick. "We've made a lot of changes over the past year that have really helped point the organization in the right direction. The chemistry feels right between the drivers, the crew chiefs and the teams. Above all else, there is a long relationship at RCR that Richard and I have. I feel like it would take time to recreate what we've built over the last seven years."(RCR PR)(5-5-2006)
Harvick/Childress close to a deal UPDATE: Richard Childress and #29-Kevin Harvick are close to a deal that would keep the driver with Richard Childress Racing well beyond the 2006 season. "I think (a deal) is real likely," Childress said Friday at Talladega Superspeedway. "We hope to get it done in the next couple of weeks." Harvick, in the final year of his contract with RCR, was considered a major target for Toyota, which is entering NASCAR's Nextel Cup series in 2007, especially after he voiced concerns late last season that his current team was not capable of winning a championship. Childress said he met with Harvick earlier this week and got most of the deal worked out.(Associated Press)(4-29-2006) UPDATE: look for an announcement soon that Harvick has signed to stay with RCR thru 2009.(4-30-2006) UPDATE 2: announcement could come as soon as Friday as RCR has a press conference scheduled at Richmond. AND As Kevin Harvick and car owner Richard Childress continue their contract talks, teammate Jeff Burton hopes Harvick will stay at RCR. "I want Kevin to stay. Kevin is valuable to our effort. Obviously his talent speaks for itself. Kevin to me has proven to be a good teammate and I don't want Kevin to go anywhere." Burton says he hasn't been the middle of the discussions because "It's about what they want to do, it has nothing to do with what I want to do. I think Kevin's only hang up is...can we do as a company what we need to do to be successful and to compete for championships. It's nothing personal, it's all just about performance. Kevin is talented enough and good enough he deserves to have a chance at the very best equipment he can get his hands on because if he has it he can be highly successful. I can speak from experience...he won't go somewhere else and see a whole lot more than what he can see right here."(PRN's Garage Pas Radio Show)(5-3-2006)
Childress Vineyards Set to Release Racing Collection: Childress Vineyards is set to release its first collection of race-related wine sets celebrating the championship style of RCR Racing, one of NASCAR’s most winning franchises owned by Richard Childress. The Collector’s Edition sets will feature “Champion’s Blend” Meritage Red Wine individually boxed with two etched crystal Childress Vineyards logo wine glasses. Each of RCR’s car numbers, #29, #31, #21, and #2, will have its own label while a special bottling, called “Legendary,” is planned for the #3. The “Legendary” Limited Collector’s Edition will come in a boxed set along with two etched crystal wine glasses, featuring the number 3. Members of Childress Vineyards Fast Track Wine Club will have the first opportunity to order the Collector’s Edition boxed sets until April 30. Remaining supplies will go on sale to the general public on Monday, May 15 with a limit of 3 per person. The sets will be sold exclusively at the winery in Lexington, N.C. Each will retail for $99.99. Wine club members will receive a discount of 15%.(RCR)(5-3-2006)
4th RCR team,,,with Mears? denied: RCR team sources tell [Marty Smith - NASCAR.com] the organization would like to add a fourth team with [Casey] Mears [current driver of Ganassi's #42 Dodge] as driver, but RCR spokesman David Hart discounted the speculation Wednesday. "No decisions have been made to add a fourth team with Casey Mears or any other driver," Hart said.(NASCAR.com)(4-27-2006)
Berrier Wins WypAll Wipers Crew Chief of the Race: Team owner Richard Childress may have been the one on a hunting trip this weekend, but it was his driver Kevin Harvick who came home with the trophies. Harvick won both the Busch Series and Nextel Cup Series races at Phoenix International Raceway, bringing each of his crew chiefs, Shane Wilson and Todd Berrier, the WypAll Wipers Crew Chief of the Race award. Following each race, a panel of voters; including Tony Eury Sr., Robbie Reiser, a member of the local media and a WypAll Wipers representative; cast their vote for the crew chief they thought made the biggest impact on his team. Wilson and Berrier were voted the WypAll Wipers Crew Chief of the Race for their solid runs. In the Subway Fresh 500 on Saturday, it wasn't until lap 304 that Harvick cruised into the lead, putting him at the point for the final nine laps. For winning the Crew Chief of the Race award, WypAll Wipers gave Berrier $1,000. At the end of the season, the Nextel Cup crew chief with the most weekly wins will receive $20,000 and be crowned the WypAll Wipers Crew Chief of the Year. This was Berrier's first Crew Chief of the Race award in 2006, which ties him with Darian Grubb and Roy McCauley for second-place in the standings. Robbie Reiser and Kenny Francis are tied for the lead, each with two wins.(Wypall PR)(4-26-2006)
Reese's back on the #29: The #29 Reese’s Chevy that Kevin Harvick will drive is sporting Reese’s Caramel Cups once again this weekend in Talladega. Last time Reese’s Caramel Cups were on the #29 Chevy, Reese’s Caramel Cups is one of six special paint schemes Reese’s will run throughout the 2006 season. Harvick teamed up with 2004 IRL Champion and Hershey’s driver Tony Kanaan to film a commercial promoting the new Reese’s Caramel Cups. Race fans can see what is going on with the #29 Reese’s Racing team at www.reesesracing.com.(RCR PR)(4-26-2006)
Harvick wins at Phoenix: #29-Kevin Harvick won the Subway Fresh 500 at Phoenix International Raceway, leading the final 10 laps [of 312], blowing by #16-Greg Biffle [who was saving fuel and eventually ran out, finishing 16th] on lap 303 to win his first race of 2006, first since Bristol last April and 6th career win. Harvick swept the Nextel Cup and Busch Series races at Phoenix. #20-Tony Stewart, who was to start 3rd, but had to start last due to a tire infraction [drivers qualifying in the top-10 must start the race on the tires they qualified with] finished 2nd, followed by #17-Kenseth, #99-Edwards and #07-Clint Bowyer [his first career top-5]. The rest of the top-10 were #9-Kasey Kahne, #48-Jimmie Johnson, #43-Bobby Labonte, #31-Jeff Burton and #24-Jeff Gordon. Only ten drivers finished on the lead lap with #6-Martin, #16-Biffle, #1-Truex Jr. among the lead lap cars who ran out of fuel. #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. hung around the top-10 all day until a late accident [he admitted it was his fault] relegated Earnhardt to a 23rd finish, 2 laps down. #5-Kyle Busch, the pole sitter, sped entering pit road while leading early in the race, got sent to the end of the longest line. Busch then got into #42-Mears then spun and with another wreck behind them which caused a 9 minute red flag. Busch then rammed Mears car and headed to the garage for repairs and refused interview requests from FOX or MRN. When Busch's team fixed the car and he went back on the track, Busch was black flagged and penalized five laps for ramming Mears, he finished 36th. #17-Kenseth takes over the points lead by 9 points over former leader #48-Johnson. There were 7 cautions for 29 laps and 11 leaders with 20 lead changes. Race Results on my Phoenix Race Results/Awards Page. Points Standings on my Drivers/Owners Points after Phoenix page. Race Rundown: see my Phoenix Race Info/Rundown Page for my race rundown page, laps led, top 10, race notes, lucky dogs and more.(4-22-2006)
Toyota to buy out Robby? Harvick? Jarrett AND UPS? #7-Robby Gordon declined to comment on the latest reports that Toyota and sponsor Red Bull are making an offer to buy him and his entire team. General Motors executives are still hopeful of keeping Gordon in their fold and point to the extensive work they've done to help Gordon become more competitive as an independent owner-driver. #29-Kevin Harvick, also said to be on Toyota's wish list, is still negotiating with GM and owner Richard Childress for a contract renewal, and the yes or no could come in the next few days. Harvick has set a package and price, and the ball is in Childress' court. But team sources indicate that Childress isn't willing to meet Harvick's demands. Childress has been unavailable for comment, and Harvick has declined to comment. According to sources, Dodge owner Ray Evernham may be interested in hiring Harvick.
And Toyota apparently wants not only Dale Jarrett but also his sponsor, UPS. That situation is unclear, but it appears to mean that if car owner Robert Yates wants to keep UPS on his quarterpanels, he would also have to re-sign Jarrett for two more years.(Winston Salem Journal), note: supposedly UPS is signed thru 2007 with Yates and Jarrett is signed thru 2006.(4-22-206)
Harvick says no excuse DeLana Harvick, who takes an active role in the career of husband Kevin and heads up his race team, tried to be understanding when asked about the recent confrontation between Nicole Lunders, Greg Biffle’s girlfriend, and Eva Bryan, Kurt Busch’s fiancée, at Texas Motor Speedway. But Mrs. Harvick, who grew up in a racing family, stressed that disputes between wives and girlfriends are indefensible. “The thing is, we as wives or girlfriends hear a lot of things in the motor-home lot that you guys, the media, never see,” she said. “Because of that, I think there are things on the race track that you see in a different light.
“However, there’s absolutely no reason to confront another spouse. They absolutely have nothing to do with what happened on the track, period. It’s inappropriate and it’s unacceptable. It’s a double-edged sword. You’re so emotionally attached to everything that happens. Someone’s safety is at stake. However, there are people there. There are cameras. That’s not acceptable.”(Gaston Gazette)(4-16-2006)
Toyota and...Jarrett? UPDATE 3 Allmendinger? Gibbs?: The new NASCAR Nextel Cup Toyota operation that is being backed by Red Bull "has opened the checkbook," according to one top Ford man, who points to Red Bull's hiring of John Propst, a top Ford Motor Company vehicle dynamics specialist, and the hiring of a top Dodge engineer from the Ray Evernham camp for its new stock-car racing team. General Motors executives are anxiously watching their own key engineers for any similar defections. Elsewhere on the Toyota-NASCAR front, Toyota has made a bid to sign a two-year contract with Dale Jarrett, the tour's 1999 champion and a three-time Daytona 500 winner. Jarrett's contract with car owner Robert Yates is up at the end of this season. While it has been unclear for several months if Yates and Jarrett could come to new terms, Ford officials said Yates is offering Jarrett a contract similar to the Toyota deal.(Winston Salem Journal)(4-8-2006) UPDATE - Red Bull Drivers? When Red Bull Racing debuts their two Toyota teams at Daytona in February of 2007, rumor has it the organization is looking to pair a rookie with a veteran, taking an approached used by Evernham Motorsports with Dodge. Veterans on the Red Bull list are said to be Kevin Harvick and Dale Jarrett. No word on a rookie, but it could easily be an accomplished veteran from another of the Motorsports arenas.(CircleTrackPlus)(4-9-2006) UPDATE 2 Allmendinger? Murmurs in Champ Car circles say Red Bull, which carries a personal services contract with AJ Allmendinger, might like to see the young American in Nextel Cup, where it hopes to strike big in 2007 in partnership with Toyota. With so much money and fame up for grabs in NASCAR, it has become a challenge to keep promising open-wheel drivers away from the France family circus. It could prove difficult for Owner Carl Russo and Champ Car to hold onto Allmendinger, especially if he starts winning.(Autoweek)(4-9-2006) UPDATE 3 Gibbs? There is still no word on which drivers Toyota might back, but Toyota may be making a run at car owner Joe Gibbs, with hopes of persuading the veteran Chevy man, and his three-man team of #20-Tony Stewart, #11-Denny Hamlin and #18-J. J. Yeley, to jump to the Camry brigade, according to sources. Chevy's Kevin Harvick continues to be a focal point of Toyota speculation. However, there is word that Harvick may be under consideration by Ford's Jack Roush for a driving job next season, though Harvick insists "I've not talked with Jack Roush, and I don't know Geoff Smith (Roush's contract attorney)." Smith was not here to discuss the situation, and Roush demurred: "I hear Toyota goes with Kevin Harvick, and there's not a Toyota in my future. What I do know, is Toyota just hired (engineer) John Propst from Ford, and that gives Toyota access to everything all the Ford teams have known about the engineering of the cars, and that's a cheeky move by Toyota, and it's certainly a coup for Toyota. The thing that is more distressing is Toyota is in position to make their own tires, with its relationship with Bridgestone....And I've heard Toyota has acquired 100 acres of land in Charlotte to put together a test track."(Winston Salem Journal)(4-10-2006)
Sadler's old crew chief leaves RYR: Kevin Buskirk, formerly head engineer at Robert Yates Racing and Elliott Sadler's interim crew chief at the end of 2005, has gone to work at Richard Childress Racing as the engineer for driver Kevin Harvick's #29 GM Goodwrench/Reeses Chevy. "Kevin joined the organization a couple of weeks ago, and he's a great talent and a great find," Richard Childress said Saturday. "Him and [crew chief] Todd Berrier think and work a lot alike, and I think he'll do a lot of things. I'm excited to see how that will work out."(NASCAR.com)(4-9-2006)
Harvick not to own Cup team; leaning toward RCR? While rumored to be the top choice of Toyota when that auto maker ventures into NASCAR Nextel Cup Series competition in 2007, driver #29-Kevin Harvick says none of the future moves he makes will entail the role of owner/driver. In fact, Harvick's comments Friday at Bristol Motor Speedway sounded more like the five-year Cup veteran would rather remain with current car owner Richard Childress than either exit to start his own Cup program - he already fields Busch and Truck entries through Kevin Harvick Inc. - or leave to drive for another owner. Harvick is in the final year of his contract with Richard Childress Racing, although there are contract options available to Childress to re-sign the driver. And while the two have mutually agreed to discuss their future later this year, Harvick said Friday that there was no specific date set to have any issues resolved. The talk of Toyota, he said, is speculation. "... As far as [Toyota] courting me, I don't know what would fall into that category. Everything up to this point is speculation of what's happening. Right now, there's nothing done or nothing happening anywhere from any manufacturer or anything."(SceneDaily.com) AND There was also a new report, from usually reliable sources, that Harvick is also entertaining a job offer from a current rival team on the tour, possibly Ford's Jack Roush, although Roush wasn't here to discuss that.(Winston Salem Journal)(3-25-2006)
Harvick's price tag too high for GM? #29-Kevin Harvick has set too high a price tag in his contract renegotiations with General Motors, and it now seems unlikely that car owner Richard Childress will renew the deal, according to sources. The two have set an early April deadline. Harvick drives Nextel Cup [and Busch] cars for Childress, and also fields a Truck for Ron Hornaday and two Busch cars, for Burney Lamar, Ron Fellows, Tony Stewart and himself, all under Kevin Harvick Inc. Toyota would likely be willing to support Harvick with a full Nextel Cup-Busch-Truck package, but it is unclear if GM is willing to match that. And it's unclear if Harvick would back down on his price in order to stay with Chevrolet. That is all raising speculation about who Childress might hire to replace Harvick if Harvick does move on.(Winston Salem Journal); Harvick has been rumored to the Red Bull Toyota team and to Michael Waltrip Racing's 2nd team.(3-20-2006)
Harvick/RCR up in the air: Whether #29-Kevin Harvick returns to Richard Childress Racing next season will not be totally up to the 2001 Nextel Cup rookie of the year. A source close to the organization said there is concern over whether Harvick is focused enough on his Cup career to be given a long-term contract. Harvick already owns teams in the Busch Series and Craftsman Truck Series, and is believed to be a target of Toyota as a driver and perhaps owner when the Japanese-based manufacturer enters NASCAR's top series in 2007. Harvick and team owner Richard Childress have set an April deadline for determining whether they will remain together past this season. Childress has maintained he would like Harvick back. He also admitted the decision is not one-sided. "It's got to be right for both of us,'' said Childress, who attended Sunday's race at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. "It can't be right for just one. It has to be a deal that both of us believe we can win races and win championships.(NASCAR.com) AND The Ltn Hour ( Let's Talk Nascar ) Radio Show reported on this weeks show that Robert Yates Racing is also looking at Kevin Harvick to take over the #88 UPS Ford in 2007 as current driver Dale Jarrett's contract ends at the end of 2006. Jarrett has said he would like to driver at least thru 2007. UPS is signed thru 2007.(LTN Radio Show)(3-7-2006)
Special Scheme for Harvick at Calif: #29-Kevin Harvick will drive a specially wrapped #29 Icebreakers Ice Cubes gum NEXTEL Cup race car in the Auto Club 500 at California Speedway.(California Speedway PR)(2-20-2006) IMAGE: see images of the scheme on my #29 Team Schemes page.(2-23-2006)
Teresa doesn't expect to see #3 run again: [DEI Team owner] Teresa Earnhardt doesn't believe anyone -- including her stepson, #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. -- will bring the #3 the late Dale Earnhardt made famous back to Cup racing."Contrary to popular belief, everyone cannot be replaced," Teresa Earnhardt said. "Legends live on forever. I don't think the #3 will ever be driven by anyone else."
The rare public comment from Teresa Earnhardt comes from a one-hour television show, "NASCAR Five Years Later," that will air tonight on Speed Channel at 8:00pm/et. The #3 has not been used in the Cup series since Earnhardt's death. NASCAR controls car numbers and assigns them to team owners on an annual basis. Richard Childress has maintained control of the #3 since Earnhardt's fatal crash.
Earnhardt Jr., who drives the #8 Chevrolet for Dale Earnhardt Inc., the company his father formed and his stepmother now runs, said again recently he would like to drive the #3 before the end of his Cup career. "I really think that'll happen," Earnhardt Jr. told NASCAR.com. Earnhardt Jr. said his desire to drive the #3 does not mean he has any short-term plans to leave DEI. At the Speedweeks media day on Thursday, Earnhardt Jr. said he'd like to run DEI one day. "I'd love to take over at DEI," he said. "Teresa and I will talk about that when the time comes, but that's not in the near future." Earnhardt Jr. started JR Motorsports, which owns a team that plans to run in the Busch Series this year.(Thatsracin)(2-14-2006)
Harvick comments on Gordon: #29-Kevin Harvick, who stepped into his seat at Richard Childress Racing the week after Dale Earnhardt died in a crash during the 2001 Daytona 500, says no one has been able to replace Earnhardt as a voice for the drivers in the NASCAR Nextel Cup garage area. Speaking Thursday during NASCAR's annual Media Day, Harvick said longtime Cup star Rusty Wallace filled some of that void until he retired last year. "With him gone, I can't tell you who is going to step up," Harvick said. "It's like our biggest stars are involved in a lot of other things and not taking 100 percent interest in the sport now." Without saying his name, Harvick made it clear that he believes four-time champion Jeff Gordon should be filling Earnhardt's role as the unofficial drivers' representative to NASCAR. "There are people who should be more involved and you know who I mean," he said. Gordon shrugged off the apparent criticism, saying the sport has changed and no one can really replace the charismatic and often enigmatic Earnhardt. "I know people have asked me, `Why haven't you done that? Why haven't you done that?' I've never really felt like it was my place to do that," Gordon said. "I feel like over the years that I've been here that I've earned more respect, but I don't know if I'll ever have the type of respect that Dale had. I think we all play a certain role in doing it together as drivers. It is our responsibility to bring up certain issues and try to do our best to keep the sport growing. But the sport is growing. It's been doing good."(ESPN.com/AP)(2-10-2006)
Emerson Climate Technologies partners up with RCR: Emerson Climate Technologies has been named an official partner of Richard Childress Racing (RCR) and will be an associate sponsor of the #29 GM Goodwrench/Reese's team in the NEXTEL Cup Series and #2 ACDelco team in the Busch Series. Emerson Climate Technologies, a business of Emerson, is a provider of technology solutions for the global heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration industries serving residential, industrial and commercial markets. Key products of Emerson Climate Technologies include Copeland Scroll compressors, White-Rodgers thermostats and controls, and Emerson motors. Emerson Climate Technologies will use its RCR program as a relationship-building tool with industry-leading HVAC and refrigeration contractors through point of purchase and internet promotions, driver appearances at industry events, show car appearances, bringing contractors to race events, and events at the team's race shop. For more information, visit www.EmersonClimate.com.(RCR PR)(1-29-2006)
Three Teams to field Camry's in 2007 Cup Series: hearing that Bill Davis Racing [#22,23], Michael Waltrip Racing [#55] and Team Red Bull will run the Toyota Camry in 2007 when Toyota enters the series. In addition to Red Bull, other sponsors that will be associated with the Toyota teams are Caterpillar (Bill Davis Racing) and NAPA (Michael Waltrip Racing). Team Red Bull will be based in Mooresville, NC, and stock car veteran Marty Gaunt [Penske] will serve as the team's general manager. Who will drive for Red Bull? how many teams/cars? not sure, Robby Gordon, who owns his own team has been sponsored by Red Bull. And have heard that Kevin Harvick, who drivers the #29 RCR Chevy, could be one of the drivers for Red Bull team. Expect these teams, but doubt the Red Bull drivers, in part to be announced at Toyota's Press Conference at Lowe's Motor Speedway tonight.(1-24-2006)
RCR Personnel Moves: Mike Brown has been named director of licensing for Richard Childress Racing (RCR), replacing Chuck Spicer who has assumed the new position of director of competition business operations. Brown is responsible for all aspects of RCR's licensing programs. He has been involved in the sales, marketing and licensing end of the NASCAR industry for more than a decade, most recently in a three-year stint as director of sales and marketing with Team Caliber. Prior to that, he spent more than four years as director of licensing for International Speedway Corporation (ISC), establishing and then supervising the sales, marketing, licensing and purchasing activities of its Charlotte office. Spicer's new responsibilities include RCR's driver development and diversity programs, team travel, engine department business opportunities, and to serve as the liaison between the competition and business sides of the company. He served as RCR's licensing director since moving from Bill Davis Racing in December 2000.(RCR PR)(1-22-2006)
2005 News
Harvick joins "The Kelly's": #29-Kevin Harvick will appear on the 2005 series finale of The Kellys, the first animated series depicting the experiences of a stock car racing team. The final episode, "Harvick Dusts Team Kelly" will be available exclusively on www.nascar.com beginning Friday, November 18th leading into the season finale of the Nextel Cup Chase and the Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. "I'm thrilled to be the first Nextel Cup driver featured on The Kellys," Harvick said. "I am a big fan of the show. I always wanted to be a cartoon when I grew up."
The Kellys is an animated series, optimized for broadband viewing, about a dedicated racing family who are the most popular underdogs on the racing circuit. Harvick, appearing as himself, was chosen by NASCAR fans as one of the five most popular drivers in 2004 and a winner of the prestigious Brickyard 400, among his career accomplishments. The Kellys features other highly regarded voice-actors such as Nancy Cartwright (The Simpsons; Rugrats; Kim Possible), Rob Paulsen (Pinky, Elmyra & the Brain; Land Before Time), Jess Harnell (Alf; Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Kath Souci (Rugrats; Winnie the Pooh) and Corey Burton (101 Dalmations; Toy Story 2).(NASCAR)(11-15-2005)
Sad News: After a long and courageous fight, John Paul - DeLana Harvick''s father - has lost his battle with cancer. He passed away on Tuesday, November 1, 2005. In lieu of flowers or gifts, they are asking that donations be made to Victory Junction Gang Camp in memory of John Paul Linville. Donations should be sent to: Victory Junction Gang Camp, 4500 Adam's Way, Randleman, NC 27317.(Kevinharvick.com)(11-1-2005)
Reeses to take larger role on #29 in 2006? UPDATE 3: hearing Reeses/Hershey will take a larger sponsorship role [up to a 1/3rd of the races?] on the #29 GM Goodwrench Chevy that Kevin Harvick drivers for Richard Childress Racing in 2006. This is not seen on the 2006 Paint Scheme Vote winner at gmgoodwrench.com, where the Black & Silver paint scheme won the vote with 61% favoring, over 53,000 votes were tallied.(10-13-2005) UPDATE: GM Goodwrench/REESE'S Press Announcement...Richard Childress Racing will hold a press conference on Saturday, October 29 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.(10-27-2005) UPDATE 2: nothing official yet..but on Speed Channel's NASCAR Live, it was reported that Reeses will be the primary sponsor for 12 races in 2006.(10-29-2005) UPDATE 3: Richard Childress Racing (RCR) announced that GM Goodwrench and The Hershey Company have joined
forces as co-primary sponsors of RCR's #29 Chevy driven by Kevin Harvick in 2006. GM Goodwrench will be the primary sponsor for 24 races, including the Daytona 500. The Hershey Company, through its Reese's brand, will be the primary sponsor for 12 races, including the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. "We see this as a great opportunity to extend our NASCAR program with a brand like REESE'S," said Jim Moloney, General Director, GM Service and Parts Operations Marketing. "We have had a relationship with The Hershey Company through our involvement with Richard Childress Racing for five years now and it continues to grow and prosper. When we analyzed our GM Goodwrench sponsorship program, we saw a great opportunity to reach a much larger demographic audience by teaming up with The Hershey Company. While it may be strange for fans to see the #29 Chevrolet without GM Goodwrench as the lone primary sponsor, the opportunity for additional exposure generated by REESE'S is too good to pass up."(RCR PR)(10-29-2005)
Martin on the #29 pit box at AMS: RCR's ACDelco Chevrolet Busch Series crew chief Gil Martin will spend his Busch Series bye week calling the shots on the #29 GM Goodwrench Monte Carlo for driver Kevin Harvick at Atlanta. Martin was the team's crew chief last Sunday at Martinsville Speedway.(RCR)(10-29-2005)
Hussey takes over for Berrier UPDATE: For the second time in 2005, #29 GM Goodwrench driver Kevin Harvick will be without his long time crew chief, Todd Berrier. Richard Childress Racing lost their appeal Wednesday after Berrier was suspended by NASCAR for two races after a rules violation in qualifying at Talladega Superspeedway last weekend. Despite the loss of their leader, Harvick and the entire GM Goodwrench team are prepared for "business as usual" in Martinsville, Va. Chris Hussey, a former Cup Series crew chief at Petty Enterprises, will take over for Berrier.(RCR PR)(10-20-2005) UPDATE: Chris Hussey will be unable to serve as #29 Kevin Harvick's interim crew chief this weekend because of a family obligation. Car owner Richard Childress said that Rick Viers, a crew chief for one of Childress' teams, might make the pit calls for Harvick today.(Roanoke Times)(10-23-2005)
Berrier's penalty upheld: On October 19, 2005, the National Stock Car Racing Commission [Brad Daugherty, Richard Gore, and George Silbermann, Chairman] heard and considered the appeal of Todd Berrier, crew chief for the #29 car. The appeal pertained to a penalty issued by NASCAR under Section 12-4-A of the Rule Book "Actions detrimental to stock car racing" and Section 12-4-Q "Any determination by NASCAR Officials that the car, car parts, components and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform to NASCAR rules: Unapproved aerodynamic modifications and unapproved fuel cell vent mounting." The penalty stemmed from post-qualifying inspection at Talladega Superspeedway for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series event on September 30, 2005.
The penalty assessed was:
* $10,000 fine; suspension from NASCAR until October 19, 2005; probation until December 31, 2005.
* Upon the request of the Appellant, the Commission deferred the original penalty until the hearing could be conducted.
Taken individually, each of the components that failed to conform to the rules had plausible explanations, but taken collectively, constituted a serious violation of the rules. Therefore, it is the unanimous decision of the National Stock Car Racing Commission to uphold the original penalty issued by NASCAR. The period of the suspension will be adjusted to commence from the date of this
hearing. The Appellant has the right under Section 15 of the Rule Book to appeal this decision to the National Stock Car Racing Commissioner.(NASCAR)(10-19-2005)
Harvick's father-in-law ill: Kevin Harvick will be leaving the Kansas Speedway as soon as he qualify's his Busch car later this afternoon to be at his wife's side. Delana Harvick's father, John Linville, is nearing the end of a long battle with cancer. Harvick plans on being back tomorrow. However, if he doesn't come back Jeff Burton will drive the #21 Reese's Chevrolet in the Busch race. RCR Busch
Series driver Clint Bowyer will practice a few laps in the #29 GM Goodwrench Chevy this afternoon in case he has to be Harvick's qualifying stand-in tomorrow.(10-7-2005) UPDATE: Harvick is back at the track and plans to at least qualify and may run the Busch Series race.(Speed Channel's NASCAR Live program)(10-8-2005)
Hearing set for RCR Appeal: Car owner Richard Childress said the team's appeal of NASCAR penalties issued to crew chief Todd Berrier has been set for Oct. 19. NASCAR suspended Berrier, crew chief for Kevin Harvick, two races, fined him $10,000 and placed him on probation until Dec. 31. Officials found that Harvick's car had an unapproved aerodynamic modification and fuel cell at Talladega.(Roanoke Times), while the penalty is being appealed, Berrier can serve as the #29 Crew Chief on Sunday at Kansas.(10-8-2005)
Harvick's father-in-law ill: Kevin Harvick will be leaving the Kansas Speedway as soon as he qualify's his Busch car later this afternoon to be at his wife's side. Delana Harvick's father, John Linville, is nearing the end of a long battle with cancer. Harvick plans on being back tomorrow. However, if he doesn't come back Jeff Burton will drive the #21 Reese's Chevrolet in the Busch race. RCR Busch
Series driver Clint Bowyer will practice a few laps in the #29 GM Goodwrench Chevy this afternoon in case he has to be Harvick's qualifying stand-in tomorrow.(10-7-2005)
Richard Childress Statement Regarding NASCAR Penalty The following is a statement from Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing (RCR), regarding NASCAR's penalty to RCR crew chief Todd Berrier for a rules infraction Sept. 30 at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway: "After several discussions with the crew of the #29 team, we have decided to appeal NASCAR's ruling. We feel we have a responsibility to GM Goodwrench and all of our sponsors, as well as all of our fans, to stand up for what we think is right. Regardless of the outcome, we can't let it get in the way of what the #29 team is trying to accomplish this season. The goal is to finish 11th in the point standings. That's where they are now and that will remain their focus."(RCR)(10-5-2005)
#29 Crew Chief Berrier Suspended: NASCAR announced today that NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series crew chief Todd Berrier has been suspended, fined and placed on probation because of rule violations this past weekend at Talladega Superspeedway. Berrier, crew chief of the #29 Chevrolet driven by Kevin Harvick, was suspended from NASCAR competition until Oct. 19, fined $10,000 and placed on probation until Dec. 31. During post-qualifying inspection last Friday, the #29 was found to have an unapproved aerodynamic modification and an unapproved fuel cell vent mounting – violations of Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components, and/or equipment that do not conform to NASCAR rules) in the series rule book.(NASCAR PR)(10-4-2005)
Harvicks time tossed, fails post-qual inspection UPDATE Berrier tossed: #29-Kevin Harvick WAS to start 2nd at Talladega Superspeedway in the UAW-Ford 500 but the overflow tube for the fuel tank was missing along with venting problems and NASCAR disallowed Harvick's run and he will start from the rear of the field on Sunday.(Speed Channel's Trackside show)(9-30-2005) UPDATE - NASCAR comment on Harvick's qualifying run being disallowed at Talladega: NASCAR spokesman, Jim Hunter, addressed the media following qualifying with the following comment: "The No. 29 car's qualifying time has been disallowed. He (Harvick) will start Sunday's race from the rear. There were a couple of things in the rear area of the car did not comply with post-qualifying inspection. The trunk area was not sealed properly. It was not vented to the outside as prescribed in the rulebook. The shock doors inside the trunk area were opened and not secured. So there were several violations in the trunk area of the car. So there will probably be penalties coming out the first of the week. But that's why."(GM Racing PR)(9-30-2005) UPDATE 2: hearing that crew chief Todd Berrier, already on probation for the infractions at Las Vegas in March, has been escorted from Talladega Superspeedway and will not be calling the shots for the race on Sunday, no word on who will be the acting crew chief for Harvick. AND For the second time this year, Kevin Harvick will be without his regular crew chief after NASCAR found violations with the #29 Chevrolet. Crew chief Todd Berrier was removed from the track by NASCAR on Saturday, one day after NASCAR found multiple violations in post-qualifying inspection. Gil Martin, crew chief for Clint Bowyer in the Busch Series, will serve as Harvick's crew chief on Sunday in the UAW-Ford 500. Team owner Richard Childress will be atop the pit box with Martin. Childress declined comment on the situation. In March, Berrier was suspended for four races after NASCAR found an unapproved fuel filler and unapproved fuel cell vent in post-qualifying inspection at Las Vegas.(NASCAR.com)(10-1-2005) AND II: Crew chief Todd Berrier was suspended for Sunday's race at Talladega Superspeedway after Kevin Harvick's car failed inspection. Harvick qualified second for the race, but his Chevrolet was disqualified after NASCAR found three violations in the trunk area. Car owner Richard Childress was called into the NASCAR office Saturday morning and informed Berrier was ordered from the track.
It's not clear how long the suspension will last. Berrier sat out four races at the beginning of this season when he was caught rigging Harvick's fuel tank. He also was fined $25,000 and the team was docked points. Childress spent an hour arguing with NASCAR on Berrier's behalf. "If I said what I wanted to say right now I'd probably be in bigger trouble than Todd," Childress said. "All I can say is it's a new era in NASCAR."(ESPN.com/AP)(10-1-2005) AND III PLEASE GIVE US YOUR OPINION ON THE SITUATION AND BERRIER BEING ESCORTED OFF THE PREMISES: [Childress] "Well, I don't think he was escorted. He was just told he needed to leave, to clarify that. The next thing is, I gave my opinion to NASCAR this morning. They know my feelings on the situation that's happened over the past few weeks and I'm going to leave it at that. Let you all figure it out."
SOME THINGS HAVE HAPPENED WITH OTHER TEAMS LATELY WHICH HAVE NOT RESULTED IN A PENALTY. CAN YOU COMMENT ON THAT: "I was very outspoken with NASCAR this morning and I'm going to leave it at that. I'm biting my tongue."(GMRacing PR)(10-1-2005)
NASCAR comment on Harvick's qualifying run being disallowed at Talladega: NASCAR spokesman, Jim Hunter, addressed the media following qualifying with the following comment: "The No. 29 car's qualifying time has been disallowed. He (Harvick) will start Sunday's race from the rear. There were a couple of things in the rear area of the car did not comply with post-qualifying inspection. The trunk area was not sealed properly. It was not vented to the outside as prescribed in the rulebook. The shock doors inside the trunk area were opened and not secured. So there were several violations in the trunk area of the car. So there will probably be penalties coming out the first of the week. But that's why."(GM Racing PR)(9-30-2005)
Harvick rumors won't die....to #11? UPDATE: #29-Kevin Harvick and car owner Richard Childress have said they intend to team again next season, the last year of their current contract, but that hasn't stopped speculation that car owner Joe Gibbs has been looking at Harvick for a full-time ride with his #11 FedEx-sponsored team.(Winston Salem Journal) BUT been told that there was a 'trade' discussed not too long ago, Harvick to Gibbs and Bobby Labonte to RCR, but it all fell thru and was never really serious.(9-26-2005) MORE: hearing talk was pretty strong that the Harvick-Labonte trade was moving along until the night of the Bristol race, and Gibbs decided he didn't want Harvick. Think both drivers are still looking to go to other rides but Harvick's comments at Bristol ended the Gibbs possibilities. So don't expect Harvick to go to the #11 car.(9-27-205)
RCR Joins The Motorsport Industry Association: Richard Childress Racing (RCR) has been accepted as the newest international member of the Motorsport Industry Association (MIA), and the UK association's first US-based NASCAR stock car racing team organization. The MIA works tirelessly to strengthen its network of contacts within the worldwide motorsport industry, including the NASCAR sector, and the membership for RCR will open up the world market through the MIA's membership on all continents.
Chris Aylett, CEO of the MIA, said "North Carolina, USA and Motorsport Valley in the UK are far closer than geography suggests. The culture of the motorsport businesses in both of these highly successful business communities is based on success. RCR's decision to join the MIA and become the first NASCAR team to do so cements the closeness of those relationships. The MIA will offer access to a truly global motorsport business network from which RCR will gain commercial and competitive advantage. I am delighted that this outstanding company has chosen to join our membership, and we look forward to helping them succeed in whatever way we can."
"RCR is honored to be the first NASCAR team to be accepted into the Motorsport Industry Association," said Richard Childress, president
and CEO of Richard Childress Racing. "The process began when we hired Nick Hayes (former technical director for Cosworth) earlier this year to head our engine research and development program. Gaining a competitive edge in racing is very important, whether it's NASCAR,
Formula 1 or at the local dirt track. Being an MIA member will provide RCR with the opportunity to build relationships to achieve that edge
and we hope to be able do the same for other members."
The MIA is a truly global network and has a strong presence in both the UK and the US as well as a liaison office in the Far East. The
MIA offers a wide range of motorsport-specific services including market research, conferences, networking events and exhibitions, as well as a number of trade missions to events in the US, the Gulf, and the Far East. For more info on the MIA and its international events, see the-mia.com.(RCR PR)(9-24-2005)
Harvick staying at RCR in 2006 UPDATE but?: Kevin Harvick will be back behind the wheel of Richard Childress Racing's (RCR) #29 GM Goodwrench Chevrolet for the 2006 NEXTEL Cup Series season. Speculation has fueled rumors that the 2001 NEXTEL Cup Series Rookie of the Year would move to another team at the end of this season. RCR President and CEO Richard Childress hopes to put that speculation to rest. "Kevin will be the driver of the #29 GM Goodwrench Chevy next season," said Childress. "He and I have committed to moving forward together in fulfilling our current agreement, which runs through 2006, and we anticipate being together for many years beyond that. Our focus is on continuing to improve our performance this year and being a championship contender in 2006."
Harvick is in his fifth year of NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series competition, all with RCR, and has five victories, 30 top-five and 63 top-10
finishes, and four poles. He is currently 14th in this season's point standings with one victory, three top-five and seven top-10 finishes.
In his sixth season of driving in the NASCAR Busch Series for RCR, he has 16 victories, 60 top-five and 85 top-10 finishes, and 13 poles.
"Richard has made key additions to RCR that will benefit the organization," said Harvick. We are both committed to make 2006 a
successful season. I've always intended to fulfill my obligations to Richard, RCR and all of our sponsors."(RCR PR)(9-16-2005) UPDATE the Winston Salem Journal reports.....Kevin Harvick has been noticeably unhappy this season. And even Friday's unusual announcement by car owner Richard Childress that he and Harvick would be living up to their contract and sticking together through the 2006 season hasn't diminished speculation that Harvick has something in the works. There's speculation that he might have a 2007 game plan with car owners Roger Penske or Chip Ganassi. The Ganassi option seems logical. Jamie McMurray has signed a 2007 contract to take Mark Martin's place with Jack Roush, so Ganassi has that hole to fill. So this year's version of NASCAR's annual game of musical chairs has taken on an unusual tone. Now, might Ganassi release McMurray to Roush for 2006, if Ganassi could get Harvick from Childress, and would that be enough inducement for Roush to release Kurt Busch to Penske for 2006?(Winston Salem Journal)(9-18-2005)
New Hires at RCR: Richard Childress Racing (RCR) has hired Tom Knox as its managing director of business development and promoted Jason Garrow to the director of sponsor services. Knox will be responsible for evaluating and pursuing new business
opportunities, leading the efforts to add to RCR's family of sponsors and technical partners and working with RCR's sponsor services group
to bring additional opportunities to its partners. The Wayne, N.J., native comes to RCR from Rusty Wallace, Inc., where he had been since 1999 and last held the position of vice president of business development. From 1997-99, he was a sales account manager with NASCAR's New York office. Knox earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Management from Fairfield University in 1994 and a Master of
Business Administration in Marketing from Seton Hall University in 1997.
Garrow will oversee day-to-day business activities and client activation with current sponsors, manage sponsors' event and at-track
activities, work with RCR partners to leverage their sponsorship assets and help develop new marketing activities and services for RCR. The Marshall, Minn., native had been RCR's senior sponsorship manager since February 2003. A 1992 graduate of Augustana College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration/Economics, he earned a Master of Science degree in Sports Management in 1996 from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst.(RCR)(9-15-2005)
DEI and RCR...merge? a merger between RCR and Dale Earnhardt Inc. is rumored to be in the works. Although DEI vice president Richie Gilmore says the partnership will involve nothing more than promotional plans, the two organizations enjoyed a beneficial aerodynamic alliance several years ago. Considering the strength of powerhouses Roush and Hendrick Motorsports, a marriage between RCR and DEI would move their programs up a level. Another benefit? Dale Earnhardt Jr. could follow in his late father's footsteps in an RCR car.(Sporting News)(9-5-2005)
Harvick to the #42? No Comment: Childress: Rumors here [California Speedway] are widespread that Kevin Harvick may be headed to Ganassi’s #42 Texaco Dodge, thus freeing Jamie McMurray to move to Roush Racing [#6] a year early [he signed for 2007]. Richard Childress, who owns the cars Harvick currently drives, wouldn’t comment directly on speculation that the team might be breaking up. Childress did, however, reminisce on the longstanding relationship between him and the late Dale Earnhardt. “He (Earnhardt) had a chance to leave,” said Childress. “I told him in 1985 after we had blown 11 engines that year and run horrible. I told him on the way back from Pocono, we met out by my pool, and I said, ‘Dale, you’re too good of a race driver to be here.’ He said, ‘We made a commitment commitment together, and we’re going to finish it together.’ That was 1985 and we came back next year and won 11 races and the championship, and the same thing in 1987, and the rest is history.”(Gaston Gazette) AND Kevin Harvick apologized to his team during Speed Channel's broadcast of qualifying for the critical comments he made about them at Bristol last weekend.(News and Record)(9-4-2005)
Claification - Harvick: some reports/articles/columns report that Kevin Harvick's contract with Richard Childress Racing ends at the end of the 2005 season. That is not true. As reported many times, Harvick himself has said [6-15-05 and 8-30-05] his contract with RCR is through 2006. Back in March 2003 when the contract was signed, the terms were 3 year extension [2004-2006] with an additional 2-year right of first refusal. Back then GM Goodwrench, sponsor of Harvicks #29 Chevy in Nextel Cup, signed thru 2006.(8-31-2005)
Harvick tests at Milwaukee: Kevin Harvick and the #29 team tested at The Milwaukee Mile on Monday. While missing the Chase might have been a good reason to cancel the test, GM Goodwrench crew chief Todd Berrier continues to work to improve the team’s program for the final races and get a head start on next years season.(RCR PR)(8-31-2005)
Snap-on scheme for #29 at Charlotte in Oct: This year marks the 85th anniversary of Snap-On Tools, the global leader in professional tools. For the past 85 years Snap-On Tools has been providing its customers with their favorite hand tools, power tools, industrial tools, tool storage products, tool boxes, automotive diagnostics, and shop equipment. To commemorate this exciting anniversary, #29-Kevin Harvick will be drilling into the competition in a special Snap-On 85th Anniversary special paint scheme on October 15th at the Charlotte Nextel Cup event.(Action), see image of the scheme on my #29 Team Schemes page.(8-30-2005)
Harvick putting the pressure on RCR UPDATE to the #42? #77?: #29-Kevin Harvick, saying he’s putting pressure on [Richard] Childress to improve the team and could leave next year if his things don’t go the way he wants. “I’m checking things out and really just trying to see how it all goes,” Harvick said Friday. “We’ll race to the end of the year and see what happens.” Queried about his relationship with his car owner, Harvick added, “I think I’ve been leaning on him pretty hard … I just want to see some improvement in the whole organization.”(Speed Channel)(8-27-2005) UPDATE: After Kevin Harvick was caught up in the Jarrett-Newman [2nd] wreck, he got out of his car and ripped his team and his spotter on camera. “Happy” has been increasingly vocal in his public criticism of his RCR team, leading to speculation that he’s angling to leave for what he perceives to be greener pastures. The buzz is that he wants to replace Jamie McMurray next year in Chip Ganassi’s #42 Texaco Dodge, which would free McMurray to replace Mark Martin in Jack Roush’s #6 Ford in 2006, which in turn would mean Roush might allow Kurt Busch to leave to join Roger Penske’s team next year, replacing Rusty Wallace. And with Scott Riggs leaving MB2 Motorsports to drive Ray Evernham’s third [#10] car next year, soon-to-be-former-Ganassi-driver Sterling Marlin might take Riggs’s spot with MB2 next year.(Speed Channel), plus hearing Harvick could end up at Penske Racing, but in the #77 Dodge. Harvick was rumored to be going to the #2 a few months ago, but denied it saying he was getting ready to announce something special with RCR....obviously things have soured between Harvick and RCR.(8-30-2005)
Harvick waiting before re-upping with RCR: #29-Kevin Harvick is one of the biggest-name drivers who is not signed up for 2007. Harvick says his contract with Childress is up at the end of the 2006 season - the same as Busch and Jamie McMurray. Harvick says he wants to see some improvements in the Childress camp before he resumes contract renegotiations with Childress. Harvick has General Motors ties through Childress and through his own Busch and Truck programs, and those GM sponsorships are also at stake [not returning to his Truck Series team]. "Richard and I have a deal and I will fulfill that, and hopefully into the future, so there's no point in talking about doing anything different, because this is what I'm doing," Harvick said. However Harvick has not been pleased with his performance this season and says he wants to see improvements before he signs any new contract with Childress: "It's not that I'm unhappy, I just want to see some improvements. I want to see what all these changes do. I don't want to get into a situation where we make changes and it gets worse."(Winston Salem Journal)(8-15-2005)
Congrats: #29 RCR Engineer, Scott Miller and wife Suzette, welcomed an addition to the family on July 22 at 5:00pm when Eva Margaret was born at 5 pounds, 5 ounces, and 18 inches long. Everyone is doing great.(8-3-2005)
VOTE: GM Goodwrench has sponsored a race car for 20 years. Now, for the first time ever, they're letting fans decide what it's going to look like. So get in on the excitement by voting for the 2006 standard paint scheme on the GM Goodwrench #29 car, driven by Kevin Harvick. Go to gmgoodwrench.com to vote.(7-26-2005)
Childress says all 3 teams will remain intact for 2006: [Team owner Richard] Childress said his three teams will return intact next season: "We're pretty much set on everything right now." All three drivers, #31-Jeff Burton, #29-Kevin Harvick and #07-Dave Blaney, will be back with their current crew chiefs, Kevin Hamlin, Todd Berrier and Philippe Lopez? "Yes, as far as I know," Childress said.(Winston Salem Journal)(7-25-2005)
Reese's and Harvick at Bristol: #29-Kevin Harvick will run a Reese's Big Cup / GM Goodwrench scheme in the SHaroies 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway in August. See an image of the scheme on my #29 Team Schemes pages.(7-21-2005)
RC Wine...the good stuff: A bottle of 2004 Childress Vineyards' Barrel Select Pinot Gris was chosen as one of the top wines produced by celebrity wine proprietors in today's USA TODAY. Legendary NASCAR championship team owner Richard Childress is also the proprietor of Childress Vineyards, located at the gateway of the Yadkin Valley in Lexington, N.C. In a "Food & wine" column ("Heard about stars through the grapevine", July 8, 2005), columnist Jerry Shriver wrote about celebrities involved in winemaking and the taste test USA TODAY entertainment reporter Donna Freydkin conducted with 11 wines having celebrity connections. Freydkin mentioned the Childress Vineyard selection first, commenting that she "preferred the smooth, easy-to-drink-while-sitting-on-your-porch character" of the North Carolina wine crafted by award-winning winemaker Mark Friszolowksi.
The list of celebrities, other than Richard Childress, proprietor of Childress Vineyards president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing,
included: movie director Sofia Coppola; her father, director Francis Ford Coppola; the rock band Doobie Brothers, music legend Bob Dylan; golfers Ernie Els, Greg Norman and Arnold Palmer; Vince Neil, lead singer for Motley Crue; and acting legends Fess Parker and Fred MacMurray.(RCR PR)(7-10-2005)
RCR makes changes in the engine dept: Richard Childress Racing (RCR) continues to make personnel moves to improve its championship-winning engine department. Engine shop manager Spenny Clendenen, an RCR employee since 1985 and head engine builder from 1995 to 1997, has been named to the position of general manager in charge of the department’s business and administrative responsibilities. He will also be the focal point for RCR’s customer engine program, which furnishes engines for Kevin Harvick, Inc. (Busch and Truck), PPI Motorsports (NEXTEL Cup) and Morgan-Dollar Motorsports (Truck). Rick Mann has been named chief engine builder and will oversee all competition-related responsibilities. He brings 17 years of NASCAR engine building experience and nearly 30 years of overall engine building experience to his new position. Assistant engine shop manager Danny Lawrence, an RCR employee since 1985 and head engine builder from 1998 to 2001, has been named assistant chief engine builder. He will responsible for all at-track activities involving RCR’s NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series team engine tuners and will assist Mann at the shop. "I think the reorganization we’ve made is a positive new start to our entire engine department,” said Richard Childress, president and CEO of RCR. ”We’ve had tremendous growth at RCR over the past couple of years and the workload we’ve asked our management group to be responsible for was keeping us from achieving the success I know we’re capable of. These moves, in addition to bringing on Nick Hayes to head up our engine research and development department, have put RCR in a much better position to reach the goals we’ve set for ourselves.” A new engine shop manager will be named at a later date.(RCR Site)(7-8-2005) AND Nick Hayes has been named by Richard Childress Racing (RCR) as its engine research and development director
and will lead all RCR engine research and development activities from a newly-created R&D facility at the RCR complex. Hayes comes to RCR after a well-documented yet unique career at Cosworth, which is based in England, including spells in Formula One
engine design, development and track support before rising through the ranks to lead its F1 program through the late 1990s. Recent years saw him leading all technical activities at Cosworth as Technical Director. The move to RCR marks the start of a new chapter in Hayes' illustrious and successful race engine career that has covered a wide variety of series but, until now, has not touched NASCAR significantly.(RCR PR)(7-10-2005)
Sad News: Richard Childress Racing's (RCR) fabrication shop manager Paul Wise passed away this morning after a
brief illness. He was 58. Wise was employed by RCR since January 2003 after spending two-and-a-half years in a similar position with Dale Earnhardt, Inc. All six RCR cars competing this weekend at Daytona International Speedway, in both the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series and NASCAR Busch Series, will carry "In Memory of Paul Wise" decals. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 30, at Charity Baptist Church, 2420 Brantley Road in Kannapolis, N.C. The Rev. R.J. Hammond and the Rev. Gene Beaver will officiate. The body will be placed in the church one hour prior to the service. Internment will follow at Carolina Memorial Park in Kannapolis. The family will receive friends from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Wednesday, June 29, at Charity Baptist Church.
Born Jan. 6, 1947, in Cabarrus (N.C.) County, Wise was the son of C. Winfred Wise and Ethel Howell Wise of Kannapolis. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War and was a recipient of the Air Force Commendation Medal. He worked with many NASCAR teams during his career. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Paula Jean Wise, Feb. 14, 1975.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife, Barbara Austin Wise; son, Jason Paul Wise and wife, Brittany Cromer Wise, and
granddaughter, Jayleigh Austin Wise of Kannapolis; sister, Anne W. Watts and husband, Charles, of Raleigh; brothers, Phil Wise and wife, Lynda, of Kannapolis and Mark Wise and wife, Derlene, of Raleigh; along with 13 nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be sent to the American Cancer Society, Dancers for Cancer, c/o Carolina Dance, 2353 Concord Lake Road, Suite 110, Concord, N.C. 28025.(RCR)(6-28-2005)
Childress would welcome Dale Jr....if....UPDATE 2 denied: Richard Childress does not see Dale Earnhardt Jr. leaving Dale Earnhardt Inc., after the season, but if that happens, his door is open. “Junior has his own deal working good at DEI, and I hope it all works out for him,” said Childress, who won six Nextel Cup championship with the late Dale Earnhardt. “I think it will (work out), ’cause it’s a really good organization. I also would say if he ever left there, I’d sure hope he’d come this way. I know what Dale Sr.’s vision and dream was with DEI,” Childress said. “It was to build that operation for Dale Jr., (sister) Kelly and his family. Dale Jr. has done a great job of representing DEI and what they want to do, so it’s a good deal.”(The State)(6-24-2005) MORE......Does "Little E" ever wonder if it might be better if he had moved on out of the DEI team his father founded and went to the Childress team his father drove for? "Yeah!" he says, cheer suddenly rising in his hoarse voice, his eyes brightening. "And I think about that. And that's still -- that's always an option." As the only man alive who could carry "3" on his door panels with public approval and indeed celebration, and with his Bud sponsorship willing to follow him wherever he goes, it would seem he could pick up the phone and virtually be there. "Right," he confirmed. "Yeah. Richard and I haven't really sat down at a desk to talk about it, but he owns the number '3' and I want to drive the No. 3 race car before I retire. I've told Richard I want to finish my career in his race car, or in a No. 3 car if he and Teresa [Earnhardt] can come to some agreement or whatever." He means a transfer of ownership of the number. His stepmother, Dale's widow Teresa, owns Dale Earnhardt Inc. and has the ultimate say, although Richie Gilmore runs the company for her. She rarely comes to races or appears in public and doesn't speak with the media. Earnhardt Jr. is under contract to her through 2007. But could something be worked out? And how long would it take? "Oh, if everybody was for it, less than 24 hours, I would assume," Earnhardt said. "But I don't see that happening. I mean, not everybody's going to be cool about it. I don't think Teresa would want me to leave, in the first place."(See very large and interesting column at the Orlando Sentinel)(6-25-2005) UPDATE 2: DEI, founded by Earnhardt Sr. when he was driving for Richard Childress, is now run by Earnhardt's widow, Teresa. Earnhardt Jr. and his stepmother have had a rocky relationship. In an interview in Saturday's Orlando Sentinel, Earnhardt reiterated the notion that he might someday leave DEI. Reached Saturday at the track, Earnhardt said he was simply restating his desire to drive for Childress "years and years" down the road. "Nothing's going on, I promise you that," he said.(USA Today)(6-27-2005)
Harvick finishes 7th in final Mesa Marin appearance: Brian Richardson was the class of the 28 car Late Model 'McMillin Homes Firecracker 100' at Mesa Marin Raceway winning over Burney Lamar and Eric Richardson. After getting caught up in a lap 4 accident, Kevin Harvick came back to finish seventh, minus the front body parts and the left front shock of his #29 car. With Mesa Marin sold and closing at the end of its 2005 season, it is the final race Harvick will run at the track. Harvick had two consecutive NASCAR Late Model wins at Mesa Marin.(in part from the Mesa Marin site)(6-25-2005)
RCR and United of Omaha Reach Settlement: A settlement has been reached in the trial brought by Richard Childress Racing (RCR) against United of Omaha insurance company in a case that arose out of the death of Dale Earnhardt at Daytona International Speedway on February 18, 2001. The jury trial began May 23, 2005, in the Superior Court in Lexington, N.C. The parties reached a confidential settlement over the weekend of June 17. The settlement was reached after both parties had presented all of
their evidence and had a full understanding of the intentions of the other party. By settling the case, both parties were able to avoid further prolonged litigation which would have included appeals to the North Carolina appellate courts. Also, the settlement precludes any further
disagreements or litigation by both parties over the issues and subject matter of the lawsuit.(RCR PR)(6-20-2005)
Harvick cuts some grass: Kevin Harvick was in Hastings, MI Wednesday to mow the soccer fields at Tyden Park. Hastings resident Mary Parsons won the "I Can't Believe Kevin Harvick is Mowing my Lawn" promotion by Yard-Man, sponsor of the #33 Busch Series car owned Kevin Harvick, Inc. but chose to donate the lawn care to the town park. Harvick mowed the fields and then took pictures
and signed autographs for many of the more than 300 fans who turned out to see the NASCAR star.(Edelman PR)(6-16-2005)
Sad News: Robert Ray "Bud" Hutchens, 63, father of Richard Childress Racing's Bobby Hutchen's, passed away Saturday, June 11, 2005, at his home. He was retired from Leaseway Motor Cars. Mr. Hutchens was an avid NASCAR fan and had cars that raced at Bowman Gray Stadium for over 40 years. Surviving are his wife of 46 years, Mrs. Carol Long Hutchens; two sons, Bobby Hutchens and wife Sharon, Kenny Hutchens and wife Robin, all of Winston-Salem. NC; a daughter, Lisa Thomas and husband Chris of Greenville, NC; seven grandchildren; and two sisters, Margaret Edwards and Nancy Tulbert, both of Winston-Salem. A graveside service will be conducted at 11:00am/et Monday, June 13, at Waughtown Cemetery with the Rev. Norwood Green officiating. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 this evening, June 12, at Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, 4A Oak Branch Drive, Greensboro, NC 27407 or to the Bowman Gray Neurosurgery Dept., Medical Center Blvd. Winston-Salem, NC 27157.(Winston Salem Journal)(6-12-2005)
Harvick to the #2? UPDATE Harvick talks, denies and fumes: it was reported during Speed Channel's Texas Truck Series race that Kevin Harvick, driver of the #29 GM Goodwrench Chevy was in negoatiations with Penske Racing to take over the #2 Miller Lite Dodge fielded by Penske Racing. This was reported as a rumor back in Febuary by NASCAR.com and the Winston Salem Journal. The big questions would be, Harvick is supposedly signed thru 2006 with a 2-year option, how does this effect Harvick's Chevy Busch and Truck programs [not gonna see Stewart in a Dodge Busch car] and if under contract can't image Richard Childress just letting Harvick go.(6-11-2005) UPDATE - denied by Harvick: from a GM Racing PR after qualifying at Pocono Raceway for he Pocono 500: KEVIN HARVICK, NO. 29 GM GOODWRENCH CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO - Responds to Craftsman Truck TV broadcast comment on 6/10 reporting that Harvick would be making a move to Dodge: "I think that Ray (Dunlap, SpeedTV on-air talent for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series) will probably be thoroughly embarrassed in the next couple of months there with everything we've been working on (contracts). The bad part about it is that I have another year on my contract with RCR and a couple of years with Chevrolet. I think if the facts would have at least been checked on and not just dreamed up over a couple of beers, we probably would have had a much better telecast on the Speed channel last night watching the Truck race. They need to worry about what the hell they're doing and things will be reported a little more accurately." (ARE YOU A WANTED MAN? ARE YOU GETTING CALLS?) "No, I haven't gotten calls from anybody because I'm not available. It's one of those things that's dreamed up. Richard and I are working on a lot of things to go forward in the future and there isn't any other home that's going to be available for me. It's unfortunate, but stuff happens. Like I say, in the next couple of months it'll be something that he'll probably regret. He'll be embarrassed about saying it." (WERE YOU WATCHING THE TELECAST LAST NIGHT?) "Yeah, the disappointing part about it is that I'm laying in my motor home and (Ron) Hornaday is pretty much annihilating them during the race. And they were talking about me driving another car and not even reporting on the race. That's the unfortunate part for GM Goodwrench and the race fans and everybody. They're not even worried about their own telecast. It's unfortunate. So I went to bed with a headache, to say the least. I was watching the race with the guys on my team and with Scott Wimmer, actually, and they all kind of looked at me and I (shrugged shoulders) said, 'Hey, you guys know how this world works.' So it was unfortunate. But like I say, it's pretty easy to put to rest and that's why I wanted to make sure that it didn't go any further. If all the facts were known with all the contractual stuff, it wouldn't even be reported." (WHAT ARE YOU AND RICHARD CHILDRESS WORKING ON LONG TERM?) "Oh, it'll be great. It'll probably catch you guys (media) off guard a little bit. But once we get it all done, it'll be awesome." (DOES IT INVOLVE OWNERSHIP?) "Oh, you never know."(GM Pocono Quotes/PR)(6-11-2005)
Crew Standby for the #29: Dan Blizzard, the front tire changer for RCR's Busch Series driver #2-Clint Bowyer, will be on standby to change front tires on Kevin Harvick's #29 Cup car. Regular front changer Jason Pulver cut his hand at home one week ago and is listed as doubtful.(USA Today)(5-29-2005)
No penalties for Harvick/Nemechek: NASCAR will not punish Kevin Harvick or Joe Nemechek, who had a televised shoving incident that included verbal assaults after Stewart, Nemechek and Harvick started a wreck with five laps remaining in the All-Star Challenge.(Rocky Montain News)(5-25-2005)
RCR Lawsuit Against United of Omaha Begins Today: Court proceedings in the lawsuit filed by Richard Childress Racing against the United of Omaha Life Insurance Company will begin on May 23, 2004, at 10:00 a.m., in Superior Court in nearby Lexington, NC. This case arises out of life insurance covering the death of Dale Earnhardt at Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 18, 2001. It
involves the three-year contract Earnhardt and Richard Childress signed in 2000 to cover the years 2001 through 2003. Richard Childress Racing agreed to insure Earnhardt for $7.2 million, to be payable to Teresa Earnhardt if he died during the first year of the contract. A $3.5 million life insurance policy was already in effect with National Life of Vermont and Richard Childress Racing purchased an additional policy worth $3.7 million through agents of United of Omaha, a subsidiary of Mutual of Omaha prior to Earnhardt's death.
The insurance policy application with United of Omaha was completed and signed in January 2001 by all parties involved: Richard Childress Racing, Dale Earnhardt personally, and United of Omaha. Two premium payments were made by Richard Childress Racing to agents of United of Omaha.
Within 24 hours of Earnhardt's death, United of Omaha declined payment on the $3.7 million policy and stated they had closed their file on the case. Shortly after that, National Life of Vermont sent a check for $3.5 million to Richard Childress Racing, which was delivered to Teresa Earnhardt. The lawsuit against United of Omaha is for violation of North Carolina laws dealing with bad faith and unfair and deceptive trade practices by insurance companies. Under those laws, insurance companies must conduct a reasonable investigation of all claims based upon all available information. Richard Childress Racing contends that United of Omaha did not conduct such an investigation and illegally refused to pay under the policy, thus violating the law and regulations applicable to insurance companies in North Carolina. He is pursing this case on behalf of Dale Earnhardt, Dale's memory, and Teresa Earnhardt.
This trial is set for a special session of the Superior Court of Davidson County in Lexington, N.C., which will begin May 23, 2005, at
10:00 a.m. The case will be heard by a resident Superior Court judge in Davidson County, the Honorable Kimberly G. Taylor. This is to be a trial by jury that is expected to last for one to two weeks.(RCR PR)(5-23-2005) AND - MORE: But the insurance company, United of Omaha, argues the policy was never in effect. Part of the problem: Earnhardt died before taking a physical. There's also a dispute over whether Childress had paid enough of the premium. The team says it made an initial payment and got the bill for a second on Feb. 19, 2001 -- the day after Earnhardt's last race. It paid the bill. But the company says more money was owed before the policy would take effect. Richard Childress, who owned the No. 3 car that Earnhardt -- a Kannapolis native -- made famous, sat in front of the courtroom with his attorneys. He contends that United of Omaha didn't conduct a proper investigation of his claim, as required by N.C. law.(ThatsRacin.com)(5-24-2005)
Nemechek/Harvick altercation: in the garage after Joe Nemechek and Kevin Harvick came back from the infield care center at Lowe's Motor Speedway for the Nextel All-Star Challenge, Nemechek walked up to Harvick's wrecked car and started to apologize to Harvick's crew when Harvick walked up and they went nose-to-nose. Here's what was said:
Nemechek: "Hey, I'm sorry about that dude."
Harvick: "I'm starting to get tired of you wrecking me."
Nemechek: "I didn't start the deal."
Harvick: "You called me out at Daytona."
Nemechek: "Hey, if you wanna go at it..let's have at it big boy."
Harvick: "But you know what, you need to take your old washed up [butt] out of here...that's what you need to do."(from a source in the garage at LMS)(5-21-2005)
Chevy Rock and Roll Schemes to be unveiled UPDATE 2 - IMAGES: Chevrolet will give race fans a taste of what they will see when they return to Richmond International Raceway in September for the Crown Royal IROC, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series 200, Emerson Radio 250 NASCAR Busch Series and Chevy Rock & Roll 400 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series races. As an official partner and longtime race sponsor at Richmond International Raceway, Chevrolet plans to unveil three Rock & Roll themed stockcars on Friday afternoon.(RIR Fact Sheet)(5-10-2005) UPDATE: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. will have 3 Doors Down on his car. Others: #31-Jeff Burton / Big & Rich; #29 Kevin Harvick / e Gretchen Wilson; #10-Scott Riggs / Nickelback and #07-Dave Blaney / Drive by Truckers.(5-11-2005) IMAGE added the #10 Nickelback and #29 Gretchen Wilson images to the #10 Team Schemes and #29 Team Schemes pages.(5-13-2005) UPDATE 2: Chevrolet is mixing the red carpet with black asphalt announcing today that more stars and cars than ever will be part of the popular Chevy Rock & Roll 400 at Richmond International Raceway on Saturday, September 10. NASCAR drivers #29-Kevin Harvick, #10-Scott Riggs and #25-Brian Vickers helped Chevrolet General Manager Ed Peper unveil their musical artist-themed Chevy Monte Carlo racecars for the event. Chevrolet also will host a pre-race concert with Nickelback performing and Gretchen Wilson singing the national anthem.
Three of the specially themed cars that will compete in the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 were revealed:
· Kevin Harvick's #29 GM Goodwrench Chevy Monte Carlo will feature Gretchen Wilson.
· Brian Vickers' #25 GMAC Chevy Monte Carlo will feature Green Day.
· Scott Riggs' #10 Valvoline Chevy Monte Carlo will feature Nickelback.
This is the sixth consecutive year that Chevrolet will be the title sponsor of the fall race at Richmond International Raceway. With more than 107,000 fans attending, the race will mark the 28th consecutive sell-out of a NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series event at the track and will be broadcast live during primetime. The Chevy Rock & Roll 400 is the 26th race of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series season and will determine the participants in the "Chase for the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Championship." Today's announcement is the first of many musical pairings to be announced prior to the Chevy Rock & Roll 400. Additional vehicles that will be participating in the event will be announced later.(Chevrolet-GM/Action Performance/RIR), see updated images and the #25 car on my #25 Team Schemes pages.(5-13-2005)
Harvick in DC to give Driving tips: Washington, DC area residents have the unique opportunity to receive a driving lesson from Kevin Harvick, driver of the #29 GM Goodwrench Chevrolet Monte Carlo, when General Motors brings AutoShow in Motion to FedEx Field. Harvick will share driving and safety tips during a vehicle demonstration on the first day of the four-day event. AutoShow in Motion gives consumers the opportunity to test-drive more than 150 cars, trucks and SUVs on specially designed driving courses. Not only does GM offer its own vehicles for test drives: consumers can drive and compare GM products with competitive models from Mercedes, Toyota, BMW and more. There are no sales people at this family-friendly event and the atmosphere encourages leisurely exploration of the vehicles. Kevin Harvick will appear on Thursday, May 12, 2005 - 11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. AutoShow in Motion Public Days will be Thursday, May 12 to Sunday, May 15. Consumers interested in attending AutoShow in Motion should register by logging onto the Web site at www.autoshowinmotion.com or by calling 1-877-THE-ASIM (1-877-843-2746). Test drive participants must have a valid driver's
license and be at least 18 years old (children can ride with an adult).(GM Racing)(5-4-2005)
#150 for Harvick: #29-Kevin will make his 150th NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series start on Saturday night at Phoenix International Speedway.(RCR)(4-20-2005)
Harvick Crew Wins at Texas: Richard Childress Racing's crew for the #29 Chevrolet of Kevin Harvick has won the Checkers/Rally's Double Drive-Thru Challenge for the fastest pit work among participating teams during Sunday's Samsung/RadioShack 500 at Texas Motor Speedway. The crew collects $10,000 for the win in a contest that awards $100,000 to the crew with the most weekly wins at the end of the season. No times or other details were announced.(NASCAR Scene Daily Newsletter)(4-20-2005)
Dickerson may have a new gig UPDATE RCR? DEI?: Chassis and body guru Eddie Dickerson, who was released by Hendrick Motorsports after being arrested in the early-morning hours at Daytona in February (disorderly intoxication), could land at Richard Childress Racing, sources in the garage said.(Speed Channel)(4-11-2005) UPDATE: Former Hendrick Motorsports chassis director Eddie Dickerson will interview with Dale Earnhardt Inc. this week. DEI is starting an in-house chassis program, and Dickerson could use his magic to develop better-handling cars for Dale Earnhardt Jr., who complains about the drivability of his cars.(FoxSports/Sporting News)(4-13-2005)
Harvick goes for Hat Trick: If Kevin Harvick wins the Kroger 250 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race Saturday at Martinsville, he will become the first driver to win in all three of NASCAR's top series in consecutive starts. Harvick won the Nextel Cup race Sunday at Bristol and followed with a win in the postponed Busch race on Monday. Mark Martin came closest to reaching the NASCAR triple in 1996 – winning a truck race at North Wilkesboro and a Busch event one week later at Lowe's Motor Speedway, then finishing second in the Cup race the next day.(Dallas Morning News), Eleven drivers have won at least one race in each if the three Nationals Series [Cup, Busch, Trucks]
Only two driver have won a race in all three series in the same season, Kevin Harvick in 2003 and Terry Labonte in 1995.(4-8-2005)
Harvick goes testing....after winning Busch race: Just how glamorous is big time auto racing? Well, as soon as Kevin Harvick was finished in victory lane Monday afternoon [after winning the Busch race] he took a helicopter to Asheboro, NC [Caraway Speedway] to test his cup car until dark for this weekend’s upcoming race at Martinsville. Crew Chief Todd Barrier, who is serving a four race suspension, joined his driver at the half-mile non-NASCAR [non Cup/Busch track] short track.(PRN's Garage Pass Radio Show)(4-4-2005)
Fill In Crew Chief Takes Harvick to Victory Lane: Nothing was going to deny Kevin Harvick a trip to victory lane this weekend. With Scott Miller filling in as crew chief, Harvick went from worst to first in the Food City 500, collecting his first win in over fifty races. Miller's spectacular day earned him the WYPALL Wipers Crew Chief of the Race. Miller led Harvick from the back of the pack not once, but twice. On the morning of the race, the #29 Goodwrench crew found a leak in the power steering system and replaced a faulty pump. For making a change to the car after it had been impounded, Harvick was sent to the back of the field for the start of the race. On top of that, Harvick had to come in for an unscheduled pit stop after two of his lug nuts were left untightened, once again sending him to the tail end of the lead lap. Despite the setbacks, Miller stuck with his game plan and inched Harvick back into the lead. "The last pit stop was one of the biggest factors in our win," said Miller after the race. "We brought Kevin (Harvick) in when the leader stayed out. The crew did an awesome job to get him out of the pits first. That's when our strategy fell into place. He had fresh tires and that's what he needed to take the lead and pull away." The panel of voters selecting the Crew Chief of the Race; including Robert Daski of the Lynchburg Daily News, a WYPALL Wipers representative and Tony Eury Sr.; all thought Miller was the standout crew chief. Miller was awarded $1,000 for taking home Crew Chief of the Race honors. He is now tied with Bob Osborne, Alan Gustafson, Pete Rondeau and Doug Richert in the point standings for the WYPALL Wipers Crew Chief of the Year. At the end of the season, the crew chief with the most weekly wins will receive $20,000. For more information, visit www.wypall.com.(4-4-2005)
Harvick wins at Bristol: #29-Kevin Harvick won the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway, his first win in 55 races at Indy in 2003 and also the first win for RCR since Robby Gordon won at Watkins Glen in 2003 [a week later then Harvick]. It is Harvick's 5th career win and RCR's 77th win, which breaks a tie with Roush Racing. Harvick officially started 13th, but ended up starting from the rear as the team needed to make repairs to the power steering pump, which is unapproved after impounding. The rest of the top-5 was #38-Sadler [pole sitter], #20-Stewart, #8-Earnhardt Jr. and #88-Jarrett. #77-Travis Kvapil was the rookie of the race with a 7th. #45-Kyle Petty finished 8th for his first top-10 since Talladega in April of 2002 when Petty finished 10th, 99 races [Petty DNQ's 5 races in that span]. #48-Johnson finished 6th and increased his points lead to 94 over #16-Biffle, who faded late to 9th.
Race results on Jayski's Bristol Race Results page
Points on Jayski's Driver/Owners Points after Bristol.(4-3-2005)
Childress on the #29 pit box at Bristol: #29 team owner, Richard Childress is reasserting himself to the team. He will be on Kevin Harvick's pit box tomorrow for the Food City 500, helping interim crew chief Scott Miller, the first time Childress has been on a pit box for a race since the 2001 season.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(4-2-2005)
RCR Will Not Appeal the Appeal: Car owner Richard Childress says he will not appeal the National Stock Car Racing Commission’s decision to uphold the fines and penalties stemming from violations discovered at Las Vegas. Childress told PRN’s Garagepass "It’s over with us…I’m not going to go any further. I’ve said my mind and I’ll leave it up to the fans and the media to say if justice was done or not. Our fans are really into this stuff and they’re the ones that can say hey these guys were being treated fair or they’re not or the systems fair or the system isn’t. I’m surprised at some of the appeals that have been turned over. In my many, many years of doing appeals I’ve never had one changed in my whole career in racing from the days of Dale Earnhardt at Richmond, Virginia and on down the line."(PRN's Garagepass Radio Show)(3-31-2005)
Childress Statement Regarding NASCAR Penalty: The following is a statement from Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing (RCR), regarding NASCAR's decision to uphold its penalty to RCR's #29 team for a rules infraction March 11 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway: "It is impossible for me to describe how disappointed I am with NASCAR's penalty and appeal process. First of all, what Todd Berrier did was wrong and we deserve to be penalized. But I think suspending him for four weeks, in light of everything else that has happened in the past several weeks, is wrong. The infraction took place during qualifying and we were sent to the back of the field to start the race. Penalizing Kevin Harvick, who knew nothing about the infraction before the fact, is also wrong. NASCAR's decision to deduct driver points, whether it's Kevin Harvick or any other driver, does an injustice to the sponsors and everyone involved with the racing organization. There is no consistency in NASCAR's penalty and appeal process. It's black and white. You're either legal or you're not."(Richard Childress Racing)(3-30-2005)
#29 Appeal Heard; Decision ANNOUNCED: The appeal on behalf of Kevin Harvick's crew chief Todd Berrier has been heard. Both NASCAR and the Richard Childress Racing team presented their arguments to the National Stock Car Racing Commission today. The panel hopes to decide by late Wednesday if the four-race penalty will stick for the chief of the 29 team. NASCAR suspended Berrier and issued a $25,000 following the race at Las Vegas after an illegal fuel cell was found after qualifying. Harvick lost 25 points as did car owner Richard Childress. Berrier sat out in Atlanta. No word yet about whether he'll be back atop the pit box at Bristol. Last week, the commission did rescind the crew chief suspensions of two Hendrick Cup chiefs and replaced them with a 90-day suspension. But the fines and point penalties remained in tact.(FoxSports/NASCAR Nation TV Show)(3-29-2005) DECISION ANNOUNCED: National Stock Car Racing Commission Statement: On March 29, 2005, the National Stock Car Racing Commission heard and considered the Appeal of Richard Childress, Kevin Harvick, and Todd Berrier concerning three penalties assessed by NASCAR relative to the #29 car following the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series event at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 13, 2005.
The infractions concerned Section 12-4-A of the NASCAR Rule Book “Actions detrimental to stock car racing” and Section 12-4-Q “Any determination by NASCAR Officials that the car, car parts, components, and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform to NASCAR rules: unapproved fuel filler and unapproved fuel cell vent.” The penalties assessed were:
• Loss of 25 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Championship Car Owner Points for car owner Richard Childress.
• Loss of 25 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Championship Driver Points for Kevin Harvick.
• $25,000.00 fine and suspension from NASCAR until April 20, 2005 and suspension from the next four (4) NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series races for crew chief Todd Berrier.
The Appellants acknowledged that the sealed-off filler and the plug inserted in the vent line were deliberate rules violations, but appealed the severity of the penalties. The Commission found the penalties to be appropriate. Therefore it is the unanimous decision of the National Stock Car Racing Commission to uphold the original penalties assessed by NASCAR. The Commission notes that Mr. Berrier has already served the suspension for one of the four NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series races. The Appellants have the right under Section 15 of the Rule Book to appeal this decision to the National Stock Car Racing Commissioner.(NASCAR PR)(3-30-2005)
Jeff Burton Back to Busch UPDATE 2 #21 RCR: Nextel Cup veteran #31-Jeff Burton will join the Busch-whacker brigade in the April 2 Sharpie Professional 250 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Burton was among the drivers testing at BMS Tuesday. "I’ve got a good car and I’m real happy with what I’m seeing on the track," Burton said. "We’ve been trying to figure out what kind of setup we need to win this race. I think we are in good shape. Right now, we are planning on running three Busch races. But I bet that number ends up being seven," said Burton, who ranks eighth in career Busch wins with 20. "Next year, we’re hoping to run about 15 Busch races.’’(Bristol Herald Courier), doesn't say what team [RCR #29?] Jeff will run for.(3-23-2005) UPDATE: Everyone knows, peanut butter and chocolate go hand-in-hand; however, NASCAR drivers Kevin Harvick and
Jeff Burton will go head-to-head promoting Reese's rich milk chocolate and creamy peanut butter at Bristol Speedway on April 2. Always a winning combination, Reese's will debut two Limited Edition cups: Reese's Peanut Butter Lovers and Reese's Chocolate Lovers March 15. Chocolate Lover Kevin Harvick will be sporting the Reese's Chocolate Lovers car and Burton the Reese's Peanut Butter Lovers car each looking for a win at Bristol and for their favorite Reese's Limited Edition to win top spot on reeses.com. Burton will be wearing the Reeses's Peanut Butter Lovers uniform and the #21 Chevrolet will be sporting the Reese's Peanut Butter Lovers
theme. Decked in a Reese's Chocolate Lovers uniform, Harvick will be driving the #29 Chevrolet featuring the Reese's Chocolate Lovers
theme. "I'm thrilled to represent Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and campaign for Reese's Chocolate Lovers at Bristol," said Kevin Harvick. "The Reese's Limited Edition Vote and race cars add another layer of excitement for our race fans at Bristol."
While Harvick and Burton will be campaigning on the track, they are also encouraging Reese's lovers to taste, vote and win as part of The Great Reese's Limited Edition Vote. After enjoying the new Reese's Peanut Butter Lovers and Reese's Chocolate Lovers Peanut Butter Cups, consumers can log on to www.reeses.com to enter their favorite winning combination. All entrants will have the chance to win a trip for four to the sweetest place on Earth - Hershey, Pa. Voting runs now through September 20, 2005 and is limited to one online entry per person.(Keystone Marketing)(3-24-2005)
RCR Sues ESPN over the number '3': The stylized No. 3 symbolizing the legacy of Dale Earnhardt has been reproduced on jackets, on stickers with an angel's halo, on the walls of local restaurants, and on countless other products and memorials to the late racing legend. RCR Enterprises Inc., which owns the trademark rights to the stylized No. 3, says that one of those memorials went too far. RCR, of Welcome, is owned by Richard Childress. RCR filed a federal lawsuit this week against ESPN Inc., the all-sports cable-television network that recently produced a film about Earnhardt's life. The film and its related products use a stylized No. 3 similar to the trademark owned by RCR, according to the lawsuit. RCR is owned by Richard Childress.
"(ESPN's) use of a colorable imitation of the Stylized 3 Mark in connection with a motion picture, DVDs and books is a purposeful attempt to draw a connection between those products and RCR's Stylized 3 Mark," the lawsuit argues. "Defendant has used and is using a colorable imitation of the Stylized 3 Mark in commerce to advertise and promote itself and its products and services," the lawsuit continues. "Defendant has offered and is offering, in commerce, products and services for commercial sale or for commercial profit under a colorable imitation of the Stylized 3 Mark." Josh Krulewitz, a spokesman for ESPN at its headquarters in Bristol, Conn., said that the company did nothing illegal. "We did not make use of the plaintiff's trademark, and our use of the No. 3 was entirely legal," he said. In the lawsuit, RCR charges that ESPN is violating its trademark, is competing unfairly under federal law and is diluting the symbol used by Earnhardt when he was driving for RCR for 20 years. "The Stylized 3 Mark is distinctive and has become famous through extensive advertising, promotional expenditures, careful control and over 20 years of continuous use and commercial exposure," the lawsuit says. "Defendant's use of a colorable imitation of the Stylized 3 Mark has resulted in and will continue to result in a lessening of the capacity of the Stylized 3 Mark to identify and distinguish authorized products and services."
RCR is asking the court to order ESPN to stop using any stylized No. 3 that could resemble its own trademark, and to recall and destroy any products that include such a symbol. Company officials are also asking for damages, attorneys' fees and "three times all gains, profits and advantages derived by them from (ESPN's) infringement, dilution, unfair competition or unfair trade practices." They also want interest. The two symbols have some similarities and some differences. The No. 3 used by Earnhardt was a block number italicized to the left. The No. 3 used by ESPN in its marketing has rounder edges, and it leans to the right.(Winston Salem Journal)(3-19-2005)
RCR Names Interim Crew Chief for the #29: Richard Childress Racing says chief engineer Scott Miller will take
over crew chief duties for the team's #29 Chevrolet of Kevin Harvick for this weekend's Golden Corral 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Miller will fill in for crew chief Todd Berrier after NASCAR suspended Berrier for four races for a fuel cell infraction last weekend at Las Vegas. The team has said it will appeal the terms of the suspension [the appeal is scheduled to be heard on March 28].(NASCAR Scene Daily Newsletter)(3-17-2005)
Appeals Allow Suspended Crew Chief's to be at Atlanta; Berrier to sit out: NASCAR crew chiefs Chad Knaus [#48] and Alan Gustafson [#5] will be allowed to compete in Atlanta this weekend while they appeal their two-race suspension. Both were suspended on Tuesday for allegedly cheating at Las Vegas last weekend. Team owner Rick Hendrick appealed, and the National Stock Car Racing commission can't assemble until next week to hear their case, NASCAR officials said Wednesday. Under NASCAR's rules, the crew chiefs can still compete until their appeal has been heard. Todd Berrier was suspended for four races, and NASCAR spokesman Jim Hunter said they expected to receive notice of his plans to appeal in time for him to compete in Atlanta this weekend.(AP/ESPN.com). Richard Childress said onSpeed Channel's NASCAR Nation that Berrier will sit out the Atlanta race and the suspension will be appealled.(3-17-2005)
Top Two Finishers May Face Penalties UPDATE Penalties, Fines and Suspensions: Speed Channel is reporting that #48-Jimmie Johnson, the winner at Las Vegas, was found in post race inspection to be too low and the 2nd place finisher #5-Kyle Busch's Chevy quarter panels were too high. NASCAR decisions will come Monday or Tuesday. The win will probably stand.(3-13-2005) UPDATE: NASCAR probably won't take away #48-Jimmie Johnson's victory in Sunday's UAW-DaimlerChrysler 400, despite his car's failing an inspection after the race for being too low at the roof. First, it might be difficult to give the win to teammate #5-Kyle Busch, who finished second, because Busch's car also failed post-race inspection, for being too high at the rear quarterpanels. But it's not nice to try to fool John Darby, NASCAR's competitions director, and his justice may be harsh for both Johnson and Busch. But, a win is a win, no matter the asterisks - and no matter the razzing from rivals. The low roof that led to Johnson's violation would likely provide both an edge in speed on the straightaways as well as better handling in the corners because more air would reach the crucial rear spoiler. The high rear quarterpanels that led to Busch's violation would likely provide an edge in handling in the corners, because the rear spoiler would be higher. What NASCAR will likely do is take away enough points, probably 25, to knock Johnson out of the Nextel Cup points lead. That would put Kurt Busch, who finished third, back atop the standings.(Winston Salem Journal)
Wanna stop the cheating....take the freakin' win away, make a statement, that starting next week, post-RACE infractions cost 25 points, if it is the winner, they drop to 4th or 5th, and the win goes to the 2nd place car, or the next legal car.(3-15-2005) UPDATE - Fines, Penalties and Suspensions: NASCAR has announced that rule infractions this past weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway have resulted in the suspension of three NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series crew chiefs. The #48 Chevrolet team received three penalties, due to the car's roof height being too low in post-race inspection — a violation of Section 12-4-A of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series rule book (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and Section 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components, and/or equipment used that do not conform to NASCAR rules).
A penalty of 25 driver points dropped Jimmie Johnson — the race winner at Las Vegas — back to second place (500 points) in the standings, 10 behind reigning series champion Kurt Busch (510). Chad Knaus, Johnson's crew chief, has been suspended from competition for the next two races and fined $35,000; Jeff Gordon, the #48 car owner, has been penalized 25 owner points. #29 Team: Todd Berrier, crew chief for the #29 Chevrolet driven by Kevin Harvick, has been suspended for the next four races and fined $25,000. Those penalties resulted from the #29 having an unapproved fuel filler and unapproved fuel cell vent. The car was in violation of Sections 12-4-A and 12-4-Q. The violation was found during post-qualifying inspection. In addition to Berrier's penalties, Harvick has been penalized 25 driver championship points, dropping him from eighth to 10th in the driver standings, while car owner Richard Childress loses 25 car owner championship points. #5 Team: Alan Gustafson, crew chief for the #5 Chevrolet driven by Kyle Busch, has been suspended for two races and fined $25,000, due to the car's quarter-panel heights being too high in post-race inspection — also violations of Sections 12-4-A and 12-4-Q. Busch has been assessed 25 driver points, dropping him from 18th to 22nd in the standings; car owner Rick Hendrick loses 25 owner points. In addition:
Harold Holly, crew chief for the #32 Chevrolet driven by Bobby Hamilton Jr., was fined $5,000 because of the #32 having an unapproved deck lid, a violation of Sections 12-4-A and 12-4-Q that was determined during opening-day inspection.
John Latchford, crew chief for the #89 Dodge driven by Morgan Shepherd, was fined $1,000 because of an unapproved fire suppression agent found during opening-day inspection. That also violated Sections 12-4-A and 12-4-Q.
Larry Carter, crew chief for the #2 Dodge driven by Rusty Wallace, was fined $1,000. During opening-day inspection, the car's shoulder harness did not have a date tag displayed, a violation of Sections 17.2-C (and 12-4-A).(Fox Sports/Sporting News) POINTS UPDATED on my Jayski's Drivers/Owners Points after Las Vegas page.(3-15-2005)
RCR to Appeal NASCAR's Penalty Against Berrier: Richard Childress Racing (RCR) will appeal the fine and suspension NASCAR handed down today to one of its NEXTEL Cup Series teams as a result of a rules infraction last week at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. "I understand NASCAR's reasons for imposing a penalty," said Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing. "However, I think the penalty they have given us is out of line so we have decided to appeal their ruling."(RCR)(3-15-2005)
Harvick's Qualifying Speed Disallowed UPDATES illegal fuel cell: #29-Kevin Harvick's car failed post-qualifying inspection after Bud Pole Qualifying at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, his speed/time was disallowed as the car did not have a full tank of fuel, which is required this year for qualifying, so he will start 42nd on Sunday.(Speed Channel's Nextel Cup Series Qualifying Coverge) AND From Speed Channel: The quirk was the #29 car of Kevin Harvick, who ran fourth-fastest. Harvick, however, was found to be in violation of a little-known rule which requires cars to qualify with a full tank of fuel. Harvick's car was found to carry 18gal instead of the full 22gal. UPDATE: Todd Berrier, Kevin Harvick's crew chief, installed an illegal fuel cell in the #29 GM Goodwrench Chevy for Bud Pole Qualifying at Las Vegas Motor Speedway -- one he said was rigged to appear filled to 22-gallon capacity while actually holding just five gallons. But Berrier said if they'd been a tick slower, NASCAR would never have known they were using an illegal cell. In seasons past, teams could qualify with the fuel load of their choice. But with NASCAR's new impound procedure, they're required to qualify with a full fuel load. Berrier doesn't foresee a points penalty from NASCAR. "I'm sure they'll fine us, but I don't think they'll take points," he said. "It wasn't a points event. It was a qualifying event.(NASCAR.com). NOTE: #21-Ricky Rudd's and team were docked 25 drivers/owners points and #7-Gordon's team was docked 25 points for infractions found in inspection, days before the Daytona 500. NASCAR tends to fine/penalize heavy for infractions involving the spoilers, fuel system and engines.(3-12-2005)
Seven Drivers in Tylenol Spots: Johnson & Johnson has signed endorsement deals with seven Nextel Cup drivers to promote the launch of Tylenol's Extra Strength Rapid Release Gels, Street & Smiths's SportsBusiness Journal reports. Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Dale Jarrett, Kevin Harvick, Matt Kenseth and Elliott Sadler make up Team Tylenol. The campaign will include television ads during race broadcasts and sponsorship at 11 tracks. Earnhardt Jr. and Gordon are scheduled to be featured on packages of the product sold during the third quarter of the year. Exact financial terms of the deal were not reported, but the story by Terry Lefton says the entire campaign is "an eight-figure investment."(NASCAR Scene Daily Newsletter)(3-8-2005)
Harvick may not run Mexico Busch race: Kevin Harvick, scheduled to drive in this weekend’s Busch Series race in Mexico City [in the #21 RCR Chevy], is still sore from his crash during the Gatorade Duels at Daytona. Harvick has played in pain the past two weeks, but his bruised ribs could preclude him from driving on the Mexican road course. If so, Brandon Miller will replace him. Harvick’s familiar Reese’s livery will give way to a special paint scheme for this race to promote PELON PELO RICO, one of Mexico’s leading brands of spicy candy. Crew chief Rick Viers emphasized that “The decision (whether or not to drive) is up to Kevin, and he will not make it until after practice on Saturday. There is a chance that Brandon Miller will run the #21 during practice since it’s about five hours long. This will also give Miller some seat time just in case Harvick can’t run the race on Sunday.” Viers indicated Miller shouldn’t be too hopeful though: “I think in the end Harvick will tough it out.”(Speed Channel)(3-2-2005)
Beneficial to Sponsor Two RCR Teams: Richard Childress Racing (RCR) has teamed up with Beneficial in a multi-year associate sponsorship agreement for two of its NASCAR Cup Series teams. Beneficial will sponsor and have decal space on the "B" posts of the #29 GM Goodwrench Chevrolet of driver Kevin Harvick and the lower rear quarter panels of the #31 Cingular Wireless Chevrolet of driver Jeff Burton. It will also be the primary sponsor of the #31 Chevrolet for the June event at Michigan International Speedway. Finally, Beneficial will have status with the racing organization as the "Official Consumer Lending Company of RCR." More info on Beneficial at beneficial.com.(RCR PR)(2-24-2005)
Harvick's backup no stranger to Daytona: #29-Kevin Harvick's back-up Chevy is the car the team ran in all four restrictor
plate races in 2003.(GM PR)(2-19-2005)
New Season of 'NASCAR DRIVERS: 360' return: The FX network has placed a second season order of seven episodes for "NASCAR Drivers: 360." The show, which takes a behind-the-scenes look at the everyday lives of NASCAR drivers, premieres May 13 at 10:30 ET. Kurt Busch, Kevin Harvick, Robby Gordon, Kasey Kahne, Jamie McMurray, Kenny Wallace, Mark Martin and Rusty Wallace will be featured during the seven-week run.(NASCAR Scene Daily Newsletter)(2-18-2005)
Harvick, Johnson meeting to clear air: After #29-Kevin Harvick exited the infield care center with an aching chest Thursday, #01-Joe Nemechek nearly hit him with a water bottle. It was a clear display of the anguish Harvick caused during the second of two 150-mile qualifying races for the Daytona 500. Harvick bumped #48-Jimmie Johnson more than halfway through the 60-lap race, starting a seven-car wreck and stirring the emotions of several drivers and their crews. "It's frustrating because I know how much all these guys have put into this, and to have it taken out by someone like him, that's stupid,'' Nemechek said. Johnson, who trailed only three-time Daytona winner Dale Jarrett in pole qualifying last Sunday, was leading the race when he slowed in the second turn and got rear-ended by Harvick. The bump turned Johnson's car sideways and ignited a crash that took out Johnson, Harvick, Nemechek and fellow top contenders Mark Martin and Rusty Wallace. None of them was injured. But some of their cars were badly damaged. Harvick, Nemechek and Wallace were forced to switch to backup cars and will move to the back of the field for NASCAR's biggest race. "It's a shame. He just tore up six or seven good race cars,'' said Johnson, adding that team owner Richard Childress should fire Harvick and NASCAR should penalize him. "This is ridiculous, absolutely ridiculous.''
Harvick and Johnson were summoned to the NASCAR trailer after tempers had cooled. Harvick acknowledged fault in the wreck, and NASCAR vice president Jim Hunter warned the drivers that future problems could result in fines or suspensions. "We told them that they need to either work it out for themselves or we'll work it out for them,'' Hunter said. "We just consider it a racing incident. If they get into it again, there could be some severe penalties, like missing a race.'' Hunter added that the drivers shook hands and agreed to meet by themselves Thursday night -- without crew chiefs, car owners or NASCAR officials -- to work through their differences, which began at Phoenix last year. "We want to make absolutely sure that at the start of a new season, there's no carry-over,'' Hunter said. Harvick apologized for his error, but that did little to soothe emotions in the garage area. "I just spun him out, and I feel sorry for the teams and everybody involved,'' Harvick said.(ESPN.com/AP)(2-18-2005)
Harvick to Penske? UPDATE 2: The biggest question facing #2 [and #12, #77] owner Roger Penske this season is signing someone to take Rusty Wallace's place [after he retires at the end of 2005]. The most obvious answer, of course, is Jamie McMurray, who is already in the Dodge camp and driving Wallace's Busch cars. But McMurray is still under contract to Chip Ganassi [supposedly thru 2007], whose rivalry with Penske is well-known and who is not going to give up his own No. 1 driver easily. Penske shies away from even talking about McMurray. "I will tell you at this point I have not even had one conversation with Jamie McMurray about driving on this race team," Penske insisted. "Yes, he would be a great driver, but he's already under contract with Chip." One name that has just come up on Penske's tentative list, according to sources, is Kevin Harvick, who has been driving for Richard Childress since Dale Earnhardt's death in 2001. Miller Brewing, a longtime Penske-Wallace sponsor, has been pressuring the team for more results, in light of the impressive performance by Bud-sponsored rival Dale Earnhardt Jr. In fact, Miller execs, according to sources, have wanted Penske to bring Ryan Newman, Wallace's teammate - sometimes estranged teammate, as at the moment - into the Miller sponsorship fold.(in part from the Winston Salem Journal)(2-5-2005) AND .......McMurray is Wallace's first choice to replace him in the #2, but word is McMurray's Ganassi Racing contract spreads through 2007. Now, the name I [Marty Smith] continue to hear being associated with the No. 2 ride is Kevin Harvick, but Harvick told me Monday he's never been contacted by Penske Racing. He has heard the same rumors we have, but says that's the extent of his association with Penske.(NASCAR.com)(2-9-2005) UPDATE 2: Kevin Harvick is rumored to be under consideration for a ride with Roger Penske next season, possibly now the driver to take Rusty Wallace's ride. But Harvick's contract with car owner Richard Childress is reported to run through the end of 2006.(Winston Salem Journal)(2-18-2005)
GM Goodwrench Kicks off 20th Anniversary Celebration: GM Goodwrench, a division of General Motors Service and Parts Operations (GMSPO), has announced plans for their 20th anniversary celebration of NASCAR sponsorship with Richard Childress Racing in 2005.
1) The celebration kicks off in Sunday's Daytona 500 with the first of four special paint schemes. Announced last year at Kansas Speedway, GM Goodwrench driver Kevin Harvick will pilot a multi-colored #29 Monte Carlo that combines the different looks the longest running primary sponsor has been a part of over the past two decades.
2) Atlanta Motor Speedway, a track that holds many memories for the GM Goodwrench family, will see the next special paint scheme in March. Unveiled earlier this year at Childress' new winery in Welcome, N.C., this 2005 Chevrolet commemorates Harvick's first Cup win in Atlanta in 2001, one that will surely resurrect emotions of that day.
3) Two events will coincide with the May race weekends at Lowe's Motor Speedway. First, fans watching the NEXTEL All-Star Challenge will see a recreation of one of the first special paint schemes when the #29 GM Goodwrench Silver Select Chevrolet hits the 1.5-mile high-banks. That next week, GM Goodwrench and RCR will host a Family Reunion at the RCR Museum, bringing together faces from the past and present that have helped keep the GM Goodwrench/RCR bond so strong.
4) A fourth and final paint scheme, unveiled today at Daytona International Speedway along with the Silver Select Chevrolet, will
run at Indianapolis (Ind.) Motor Speedway in August. Both Harvick and Dale Earnhardt enjoyed emotional Brickyard 400 victories with the RCR organization, so the hood of this #29 Chevrolet Monte Carlo will be decked with trophies commemorating those dates and achievements.
GM Goodwrench first officially shared room on the #3 Wrangler Chevrolet with Earnhardt as an associate sponsor at RCR in May of
1985. Two-and-a-half years later they took over the primary sponsorship role on the #3 and remained on the hood until Earnhardt's passing in February of 2001. The next race at North Carolina Speedway, Harvick was given the honors to take over the coveted GM Goodwrench ride with a brand new #29 on the side and it's been that way ever since.
As a sponsor, GM Goodwrench has enjoyed unparalleled success during its relationship with RCR, accumulating six NASCAR Winston Cup Series championships, a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship, 68 race wins, the biggest Daytona 500 victory in the modern era, and two stunning Brickyard 400 wins.
Famed NASCAR illustrator Sam Bass is the creator of all four of the unique paint schemes that will help GM Goodwrench celebrate their 20-year partnership with RCR. "It's an honor to be able to create these unique paint schemes for such a big occasion," said Bass, who also created GM Goodwrench's 20th anniversary logo. "All of these paint schemes were pretty easy to come up with, especially with the significance of what was going on during those times. I really appreciate GM Goodwrench and RCR allowing me to be a part of so much in their partnership, and I hope this helps to show their dedication to one another."(Champion Sports Group PR)(2-16-2005)
Coca-Cola Racing Family New Anime Ad to Debut During Daytona 500: In the first-ever NASCAR-themed Anime ad, Coca-Cola Racing Family members Tony Stewart, Kyle Petty, Bobby Labonte and Kevin Harvick are seen as animated superheroes engaging in adventurous activities such as scuba diving with sea monsters and flying fighter planes before they return to the track for a Coke and a bit of racing. Breaking during the broadcast of the Daytona 500 on February 20 -- a growing showcase for new advertising -- the 60-second ad, entitled "Fantastic Four," is the only animated spot in the new Coca-Cola "Make It Real" campaign. It will also run in more than 10,000 movie theaters across the country and a 30-second version of the spot will be featured on NASCAR broadcasts throughout the season. The spot concludes with one word -- 'Adrenaline' -- followed by the campaign tagline, 'Make It Real.' The word 'adrenaline' underscores the drivers' energetic attitude both on and off the track. Created by Berlin Cameron / Red Cell, the new 'Make it Real' campaign also includes print and outdoor executions. Additional ads are planned for later in 2005.(Coca-Cola PR)(2-15-2005)
Young Guns back: After a highly successful 2004 season, the Gillette Young Guns are kicking the 2005 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series into high gear with new sweepstakes and consumer promotions that will give fans and the National Prostate Cancer Coalition (NPCC) the chance to win prizes ranging from $1,000 to $1 million. The Gillette Young Guns - #97-Kurt Busch, #8-Dale Earnhardt, Jr., #29-Kevin Harvick, #48-Jimmie Johnson, #17-Matt Kenseth and #12-Ryan Newman - dominated their inaugural 2004 season, winning over 50 percent of the 36 Cup races. Busch won the 2004 championship, followed by fellow Young Guns Johnson and Earnhardt Jr., who finished second and fifth in the final points standings, respectively. Newman and Kenseth finished in seventh and eighth place, respectively, and Harvick finished 14th overall for the season. Collectively the Young Guns won 22 of the 36 races in 2004, claimed 70 top-fives and 109 top-10 finishes along the way. Gillette will again leverage these drivers and its NASCAR sponsorship with a comprehensive marketing communications program on several levels throughout the 2005 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup season. The program includes consumer promotions and retail events, a national "Watch
& Win" consumer sweepstakes, dedicated NASCAR print and broadcasting advertising, licensing, interactive on-line consumer promotions, charitable contributions and hospitality. Consumers can celebrate the beginning of the 2005 NASCAR Nextel Cup season with the Gillette Young Guns $1 Million Watch & Win Sweepstakes. If the year end Chase for the NEXTEL Cup isn't exciting enough, consumers will have the opportunity to win big by following the Gillette Young Guns over six of the last seven races of the season. By correctly predicting the finishing order of the six Young Guns for each race, fans will automatically be entered into a points race of their own. One lucky fan that wins this unique points race will win a trip for two to the final race of the season at Homestead-Miami and the chance to win up to $1 million. Cnsumers also will be able to register online to predict the highest finishing Gillette Young Gun prior to each of this season's 36 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup events. Each week, all correct entrants will be automatically entered in a drawing for a $5,000 prize. More info on my Racing Contests page or at www.gilletteyoungguns.com.(Alan Taylor Communications PR)(2-11-2005)
Harvick comments on missing Cup testing at Daytona: While some made a big deal over Kevin Harvick skipping the Daytona 500 test, it appears it was no big deal. Harvick said “When we went to the test our car sat in the shop and were painted ready for the Daytona 500 so that’s something a lot of people probably don’t understand...but I know for a fact that both 29 cars were sitting in the shop painted and never even went to the test. Kerry Earnhardt tested the #29 Chevy at Daytona.(PRN's Garage Pass Radio Show)(1-26-2005)
Special Atlanta Scheme for Harvick: looks like Kevin Harvick will run a special #29 Black and White GM Goodwrench Chevy at Atlanta Motor Speedway in March, see my #29 Team Schemes page for a few images of the car.(1-26-2005)
Childress Team Member Leaves: NASCAR's controversial decision to allow liquor sponsorships has caused a popular personality in the garages to quit because of his religious convictions. David Smith, a former crew chief for the late Dale Earnhardt and team manager and pit crew coach for Richard Childress Racing, told Childress during the offseason that he couldn't work on a car backed by a liquor company. Last season, Childress teams were sponsored by AOL, Cingular and Goodwrench. When AOL dropped out, Jack Daniels took the spot. "The absolute hardest part of this deal was to tell Richard that I was leaving after 25 years," said Smith, who in four decades has been a six-time all-pro jackman. I had a great job, the best anybody could ask for. I may never have a job as great as that again, but I'll have peace of mind from knowing that what I did was the right thing to do. That's worth more than money." Liquor sponsors Jack Daniel's, Jim Beam and Crown Royal will be prominent throughout the sport this season. Smith said his decision actually was made years ago when he gave up his wayward ways to become a Christian. "I trusted the Lord with my life, and He changed it around for me," Smith said. "I went to work for Richard in 1979 and told him when I went there that I'd work for him as long as he didn't have an alcohol or dirty magazine or gambling sponsorship on his car. And he was OK with that." Dave Blaney, who drives the #07 [RCR Chevy] sponsored by Jack Daniel's, said he's not much of a drinker, but he's proud to be associated with his sponsor. Childress said that although he and Smith are on different sides of the liquor issue he still respects him highly. "I've admired David Smith for years," Childress said. "I've always said I wish I could have been as strong a man as he was many, many years ago."(Atlanta Journal-Constitution)(1-21-2005)
RCR borrows Hendrick engine AND GM's idea - never made it on the track: [Richard] Childress [teams #07, #29, #31, #33] borrowed an engine from the Rick Hendrick team [#5,#24,#25,#48] for a few laps [at Daytona 500 testing], to see if the problem was engine or aerodynamics. The Hendrick engine provided more speed.(Winston Salem Journal)(1-20-2005) AND: What appeared to be a simple engine change caused quite a stir in the garage at Daytona. Crew members installed a Hendrick Motorsports engine into the #29 Chevrolet owned by Richard Childress Racing, which has its own engine shop. Childress said the experiment was initiated by General Motors, which supports both teams. Drivers using Hendrick engines have dominated preseason testing, and Childress' teams have struggled. Scott Riggs and Nemechek, using leased Hendrick engines, have been fastest on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week. The #29, driven this week by Kerry Earnhardt, who is filling in for Kevin Harvick, was 38th fastest Wednesday. The switch was not completed in time for Earnhardt to run a lap with the Hendrick engine.
(Atlanta Journal-Constitution) AND II been told the motor wasn't borrowed but a program that we RCR is working on together with Hendrick to further develop the GM Engine and never made it on the track.(1-20-2005)
Harvick skipping Daytona testing, Kerry to test: Kerry Earnhardt is assigned to test Harvick's #29 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet next week during the second round of Nextel Cup Series Preseason Thunder. Earnhardt has a busy testing schedule. Earlier this week, he tested RCR's #33 Chevrolet that he'll try to qualify for the Daytona 500. He is also scheduled to test his full-time 2005 ride -- owner Billy Ballew's #15 Chevrolet truck, this weekend.(NASCAR.com)(1-15-2005)
2004 News
Harvick and Schrader to run Copper Classic: The Copper World Classic will make its triumphant return as the nation's best four-races-in-one day event, and the first 'major' race of the season at Phoenix International Raceway January 29-30, 2005. The NASCAR Grand National, West Series and NASCAR Elite Division, Southwest Series events will not only be the first race of the season for NASCAR fans, but it will also feature some of the most skilled drivers from the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series and the INDY Racing League. Racing from the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series will be Ken Schrader and Kevin Harvick, while former Indy Racing League standout Sarah Fisher, is expected to be in the starting lineup for the West series race. Other NEXTEL Cup or Busch Series drivers could join the field in the weeks ahead.(FoxSports)(12-23-2004)
SKF to RCR? UPDATE: hearing longtime #99 Roush Racing Asscoiate sponsor, SKF, will move over to the #31 Cingular Wireless Chevy that Jeff Burton will drive in 2005 and the other RCR teams [#07, #29]. Burton had driven the #99 Ford since its inception.(12-5-2004) UPDATE: SKF announced the expansion of its NASCAR NEXTEL Cup involvement, signing a multi-year sponsorship agreement with Richard Childress Racing (RCR). With the start of the 2005 NASCAR season, SKF will hold sponsorship
positions on the #07 of Dave Blaney, the #29 of Kevin Harvick and the #31 of Jeff Burton. Additionally, the agreement includes a
technical partnership between RCR and SKF engineers. Both parties will communicate worldwide to develop new technologies focused toward building on RCR’s racing performance, as well as new products intended to increase the safety and performance of consumer vehicles. For the past seven seasons, SKF has utilized its NASCAR involvement to promote its products, services and industry activities. SKF actively communicates the messages of the Be Car Care Aware Campaign and the Right to Repair Act through its NASCAR relationships.(SKF PR) and a note on the SKF site.(12-6-2004)
A Hint of the future? [just a rumor....] While there were only a few mistakes made on stage during the nearly three-hour event, one very glaring error raised more than a few eyebrows. During a video montage of comments by drivers and team owners discussing Nextel's impact upon the sport as series sponsor in 2004, a three-second clip showed Richard Childress on the left side of the screen with a split-screen of identical images of Dale Earnhardt Jr. on top of each other on the right. Rumors continue to build – and especially in light of this past week's shakeup at Dale Earnhardt Inc. – that Dale Earnhardt Jr. may jump ship after his contract with DEI expires following the 2006 season and join RCR, perhaps replacing Kevin Harvick.(Yahoo Sports)(12-5-2004)
#29 Hauler Drivers wins Challenge: Jim Baldwin, transporter driver for Richard Childress Racing’s (RCR) # 29 GM Goodwrench team in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, is the winner of Pilot Travel Centers’ 2004 Pilot Truck Driver Challenge.
The Pilot Truck Driver Challenge enabled transporter drivers from the NEXTEL Cup Series to display their positive attitudes toward safe and responsible truck driver. Baldwin narrowly defeated a class field to earn the $50,000 grand prize. During the announcement, Pilot revealed plans for repeating the challenge in 2005.(RCR Site/Pilot Truck Driver Challenge site)(12-1-2004)
Childress Announcement? in NYC? UPDATE 2 GM Goodwrench reassessing?: hearing that an announcement scheduled at RCR's on Wednesday to announce Dave Blaney/Jack Daniels/Phillipe Lopez deal.(11-17-2004) AND? have heard Nothing about an announcement.(11-18-2004) UPDATE: had heard that the announcement would be on Saturday morning at Homestead, but now hearing the announcement will now be made in New York City the week of the Nextel Cup banquet [Dec 3rd on TNT].(11-19-2004) UPDATE 2: Richard Childress' sponsorship announcements will apparently be postponed until NASCAR's postseason New York City awards banquet. Childress is expected to announce Jack Daniel's as a sponsor, with Dave Blaney as the driver. And Childress is expected to announce renewal of the long-running Goodwrench sponsorship. However, there has been speculation recently that General Motors has been reassessing its Goodwrench sponsorship because Childress' operation hasn't delivered socko returns over the past few years. But GM's Doug Duchardt said his company understands the ups and downs of racing: "This business is cyclical. One thing I see is that there has been some stability since Jeff Burton has come. We've seen them start to run better. How many times have we seen Robby Gordon in the top-five and Kevin Harvick, only to have some issues? "I expect Richard to get back. Kevin was fifth last year in points. So those guys have the potential to do it; they just have to get back on their game."(Winston Salem Journal)(11-21-2004)
Berrier to Ganassi? there is speculation of a shakeup in the #29 Kevin Harvick operation, with crew chief Todd Berrier perhaps moving to the Chip Ganassi camp.(Winston Salem Journal)(11-20-2004)
NASCAR to investigate Harvick-Kahne clash UPDATE: NASCAR officials said they will investigate an incident between drivers #29-Kevin Harvick and #9-Kasey Kahne to determine if disciplinary action is needed. Kahne tried to pass Harvick on the last lap Sunday as the two cars bumped. When the race ended, Harvick pulled in front of Kahne's car and blocked it before walking over to confront Kahne. Harvick, though, was restrained by crew members. "Kahne started running into me after a caution, so I wanted to stop and ask him what the problem was," Harvick said. "Before that, I got to him a little bit, so I guess he was ticked off. But we were just racing hard."(Dallas Morning News)(11-8-2004) UPDATE: Drivers Kevin Harvick and Kasey Kahne were fined $10,000 each and placed on probation for their actions during an on-track incident that occurred after the conclusion of Sunday’s NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series race at Phoenix International Raceway, NASCAR officials announced today. Harvick, driver of the# 29 Chevrolet for Richard Childress Racing, and Kahne, driver of the #9 Dodge for Evernham Motorsports, were penalized for violating Section 12-4-A (Actions detrimental to stock car racing) of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Rule Book when the two made deliberate contact with each other following the conclusion of the race. Both drivers’ probation periods will extend to Nov. 30.(NASCAR PR)(11-10-2004)
Martinsville Performance Gives Harvick's Pit Crew First Win of Season: The pit crew for Kevin Harvick scored its first victory in the McDonald's Drive-Thru Pit Championship fueled by POWERade by taking top honors in Sunday's Nextel Cup race at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway. The No. 29 crew earned $20,000 for the win. With four races remaining, only 13 points separate the top three crews in the McDonald's/POWERade standings. Elliott Sadler's crew leads with 1140 points. Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s crew is second with 1129 and Kurt Busch's crew is third with 1127. The championship pit crew will earn a $200,000 bonus. Harvick's GM Goodwrench Chevrolet spent the least amount of time on Martinsville's pit road with a time of 323.762 seconds. Jeff Burton's AOL Chevy was second at 340.342 and Busch's IRWIN Ford was third at 349.652. "Kevin does everything he can on the track so we have to do everything we can for him when he comes into the pits," said Todd Berrier, crew chief for the No. 29 GM Goodwrench Chevrolet team. "Track position is critical at Martinsville because of how difficult it is to pass so winning the McDonald's/POWERade award there shows how good our Goodwrench crew is. All the pit stop practice and time in the weight room the guys do at the shop during the week really pay off." Harvick's over-the-wall crew consists of: Mike Scearce (jackman), Brian Englehart (gasman), Scott Naset (catch can), Jason Pulver (front-tire changer), Josh Mick (front-tire carrier), Clint Pittman (rear tire changer) and Kenny Barber (rear-tire carrier).(DMF Comminications), for the top-10 and seasonso standings, see my Pit Crew News page.(10-27-2004)
What's Wrong with RCR? What's wrong with Richard Childress Racing? To Kevin Harvick, driver of RCR's #29 GM Goodwrench Chevrolet, it's simple. "Our engines are topping the wrong end of the list," Harvick said. "That's about it. That's about all you need to say."(NASCAR.com)(10-16-2004)
Some RCR Changes UPDATE: #29 team Catch-can man Kirk Almquist is moving up the RCR chain of command. Starting this weekend he'll be the car chief for the #31 Cingular Wireless team with driver Robby Gordon. Kevin Gabard will fall into his position on the weekend crew and #29 car chief Scott Naset will take over catch-can duties.(RCR PR)(10-13-2004) UPDATE: This weekend, Gil Martin will be teaming up with the #31 Cingular Wireless racing team to assume the responsibilities as interim crew chief. Martin has spent the majority of 2004 working with the #29 GM Goodwrench team and serving as crew chief of RCR’s special teams programs. Martin is one of a select few crew chiefs to win in NASCAR’s Cup, Busch and Truck Series. He and Gordon are no strangers, having worked together in 2001 and 2002 when Gordon first joined RCR, the duo scored their first NASCAR Cup Series win together at New Hampshire International Speedway in November 2001. Martin will work as a co-crew chief with Gordon’s current crew chief, Chris Andrews.(Robbygordon.com)(10-14-2004)
GM Goodwrench Unveils 2005 Daytona 500 Paint Scheme: GM Goodwrench unveiled at Kansas Speedway, the 2005 Daytona 500 paint scheme that will help kick off their 20th anniversary with Richard Childress Racing (RCR) in NASCAR. The multi-colored #29 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, a combination of the different looks that GM Goodwrench has been a part of over the
years, is only the beginning of a yearlong celebration planned to commemorate the great partnership that has brought so much to stock car racing. As a sponsor, GM Goodwrench has enjoyed unparalleled success during its relationship with RCR, accumulating six NASCAR Winston Cup Series championships, a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship, 68 race wins, the biggest Daytona 500 victory in the modern era, and two stunning Brickyard 400 wins. The special paint scheme, designed by famed NASCAR illustrator Sam Bass, unites old with new by combining the original black #3 GM Goodwrench Chevrolet driven by Earnhardt in 1988 with the white #29 GM Goodwrench Chevrolet first driven by Harvick in 2001. The 20th anniversary logo commemorating the 20 years with RCR sits on the silver hood that adorned the GM Goodwrench paint scheme run throughout the 2002 season. GM Goodwrench plans for next year's 20th anniversary celebration are going to be widespread, with several unique special paint schemes in store, a number of parties, special guests from the past, innovative promotions, and even a few surprises. Being the longest continuous team sponsor in the sport allows for some excitement to be had throughout the year. (Champion Sports Group/RCR PR), added an image of the car on the 2005 Paint Schemes page.(10-9-2004)
NASCAR Teams Using Facilities at ORNL to Increase Performance: More and more, NASCAR teams seeking a racing edge are making pit stops at Oak Ridge National Laboratory's High Temperature Materials Laboratory [ornl.gov / Oak Ridge, TN] for high-tech tips to better performance. "ORNL facilities that are used to test and develop transportation and materials technologies are gaining popularity among the NASCAR set," HTML Director Arvid Pasto said. "HTML provides a means for racing teams to study ways to enhance a car's ability to race at high speeds." Pasto said the HTML helps solve problems in advanced energy conversion systems -- such as race cars -- to make them more efficient and reliable. Engineers with Richard Childress Racing (RCR) of Welcome, N.C., which includes three cars [#'s 29,30,31] on the Nextel Cup circuit and two more in the Busch series, said they have been able to improve performances of their cars during the first half of the 2004 season based in part on research conducted last fall at the HTML.(more at azom.com.(9-1-2004)
So What Happened to Harvick? During the Sharpie 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway, #29-Kevin Harvick's left arm began to go numb, prompting a search by his team for a relief driver. Team officials eventually located Kyle Petty, whose day ended on Lap 150, in his motorcoach. He returned to the track infield with his uniform. A caution on Lap 328 for debris allowed Harvick to rest a bit and he remained in his No. 29 Chevrolet. But when another caution came out on 359, he radioed crew chief Todd Berrier that, "I have to get out. I can't feel my arm." After a lengthy pit stop, Harvick got out of the car and Petty got in. Petty drove the remainder of the race and finished 24th. "My arm just fell asleep during that long green-flag run. My seat was pinching a nerve under my left bicep and it just went numb," Harvick said after the race. "I tried to bring it back to life after that pit stop, but once we went racing again it fell right back asleep. I knew the only thing to do was have someone replace me because I knew I couldn't drive the car with one arm."(ThatsRacin.com)(8-29-2004)
Harvick gets Real[tree] for Bristol: Team Realtree Racing (TRR) announces that GM Goodwrench and Richard Childress Racing (RCR) will provide TRR the primary sponsor location on the hood of the #29 Chevrolet Monte Carlo for the Aug. 28 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Sharpie 500 at Bristol (Tenn.) Motor Speedway. Team Realtree was the primary sponsor of NASCAR legend Dave Marcis’ No. 71 team until his retirement in 2002. The company has also been a longtime associate sponsor of RCR.(RCR PR), see an image of the scheme on my #29 Team Paint Scheme page.(8-25-2004)
Harvick gets a new spotter: Now that Kevin Harvick is in the thick of the battle for a top-10 spot, he has asked [former CTS driver/winner] Rick Carelli to serve as his spotter for the rest of the season and to also work in a driver-coach capacity.(Rocky Mountain News)(8-24-2004)
New team manager for the #29: Scott Miller, who served as Ricky Craven's crew chief last season and returned to RCR for 2004, will serve as the team manager for Kevin Harvick and the #29 GM Goodwrench Chevrolet. Miller replaces Gil Martin, currently heading up special projects for RCR.(FoxSports/Sporting News)(8-16-2004)
Some Parts confiscated: Over the weekend, NASCAR inspectors confiscated an expired shoulder harness from the No. 40 Dodge of Sterling Marlin and an unapproved filler board from the No. 29 Chevrolet of Kevin Harvick.(ThatsRacin.com)(8-16-2004)
Harvick's DNF Steak ends at 58 so....: #29-Kevin Harvick ended his DNF streak of running at the finish in 58 straight races, the modern era record, Jeff Gordon previously held the record at 56, and Dale Earnhardt before at 53. The all-time record is 84 races held by Herman Beam from April 30, 1961 thru March 10, 1963.(8-2-2004) AND the new leader of the DNF streak is #38-Elliott Sadler with 25 straight races running at the end, followed by #31-Robby Gordon at 18 and #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. with 17.(8-4-2004)
Harvick and KISS at RIR: #29-Kevin Harvick in Cup, #6-Matt Crafton in Trucks and #2-Ron Hornaday in the Busch Series will run paint schemes adorning the rock group [and Jayski fave - 24 CD's] KISS. These special paints are scheduled to be run at the Chevy Rock and Roll weekend at Richmond in September. See an image of the #29 on my #29 Team Paint Schemes page.(6-11-2004) UPDATE: Rock and Roll all Night....party every day.... NASCAR Busch Series driver Ron Hornaday, fresh off his win this past
weekend in Milwaukee, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver Matt Crafton, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of the rock group KISS, Executives from Chevrolet, Warner Music Group, Action Performance Companies, Inc., and Richmond International Raceway will hold a press conference on Tuesdaym June 29th as KISS will be featured on Hornaday's #2 AC Delco, Crafton's #6 Chevy truck and Kevin
Harvick's NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series #29 GM Goodwrench Chevy during the September 9-11 Chevy Rock & Roll 400 weekend at Richmond International Raceway. For the second straight year, the Chevy Rock & Roll weekend will feature concerts and special paint schemes featuring some of the most popular musical artists around. The concert lineup for race weekend and participation from other
bands will be announced in the near future.(RIR PR)(6-29-2004)
Harvick Tshirt goes for $3.2k - plus!: Take one Matt Kenseth t-shirt worn by Kevin Harvick during Michigan qualifying, add 29 hours to bid on it in the name of a great cause, toss in a bunch of fans from both sides wanting to win it for their driver's "family," and you've got a recipe for a fabulous fund raiser. Kevin decided to auction off the Kenseth t-shirt as a way to raise money for the Victory Junction Gang Camp. On Wednesday, June 16 at 3:00 p.m. ET, bidding began for the infamous shirt. By 3:01 p.m., the bidding was up to $500.00. A few minutes later, that amount doubled. Soon enough, fans of driver Matt Kenseth began tossing in bids of their own, letting their loyalties be known and prompting Kevin's fans to try harder. Bids began flying with taglines such as "Kenseth Rules" or "Harvick Rules More!" As the 29 hours wound down, a neutral bidder was in the lead. Kevin's fans rallied in order to prevent the shirt from landing in the hands of anyone but a die-hard Harvick fan. In the auction's final moments, Kevin's fans surrounded Sue Bunce, a Harvick fan who was determined to place the highest bid. After receiving help from fellow fans, Sue presented a final bid of $2,929.29. Seeing the amount of Sue's bid, Kevin asked those in charge of the auction if she had won it. With two minutes remaining in the event, they were unable to give Kevin a positive answer because there were other participants (of the Kenseth variety) still actively bidding. Saying, "I can't let anyone but a Harvick fan get it," Kevin tossed in an extra donation to bring the amount of Sue's bid to $3,245.29, a number that represented not only Kevin but honored Adam Petty, who drove car number 45. His extra push helped Sue's bid stay above another one received in the final moments of the auction. Following the announcement of the winner, Kevin matched the amount, increasing the total monies raised to $6,490.58. Every single penny is being sent to the Victory Junction Gang Camp in the name of Kevin Harvick's fans. On a side note, Kevin also wore another Kenseth shirt on race day at Michigan, which he plans to give to the VJGC on behalf of all the Harvick fans that pitched in to make this a successful bid! Following the auction Harvick had this to say, "We couldn't let the shirt get into anyone but a Harvick fans hands."(Kevin Harvick Site)(6-24-2004
Still Feudin': #17-Matt Kenseth and #29-Kevin Harvick continued their feud from last weekend's race at Pocono in dueling news conferences Friday at Michigan International Speedway. Kenseth and Harvick each spun out in incidents involving the other in the final four laps of last Sunday's Pocono 500. This week, NASCAR fined each $25,000 and placed both on probation until Aug. 11. Harvick said Kenseth's spin was the result of Kenseth brake-checking in front of him, while Kenseth said he retaliated against Harvick because if "I was going to lose those spots (on the track), then he was going to lose his, too." While Kenseth spent much of his time with the media contradicting Harvick's account of the incident, Harvick directed most of his comments at NASCAR officials, saying he was penalized him without cause. "We presented NASCAR with everything they needed. (Kenseth's) skid marks are very evident on the race track and I wish now I had taken a picture of them. There's no way you can spin someone out under caution without at least knocking the grille out of your car," Harvick said. "Just like (Nextel Cup Series director) John Darby told me, 'Your past is probably why you're getting a fine.' I don't think that's the right way to go. But then, what has been right the past few weeks?" Harvick said he would not appeal the penalty. "The appeals process doesn't work. It doesn't matter if you're right or wrong, you're going to lose," he said. Harvick and his team owner, Richard Childress, remain adamant that Kenseth instigated both incidents under caution. "I've done a lot of wrong things, and that's the first time I have ever talked to Mike Helton twice and presented everything we presented," Harvick said. "Whether they like it or not, they are hard, cold facts." Kenseth denied he brake-checked, triggering the first spin. After both news conferences, Darby again asked both drivers to visit the NASCAR hauler, where they met for several minutes before the start of Friday's practice session.(see full story at ThatsRacin.com)(6-19-2004)
Seen on Pit Road: Kevin Harvick, driver of the #29 GM Goodwrench Chevy, in a Matt Kenseth Championship T-Shirt.(MRN Radio Qualifying Coverage)(6-18-2004)
Special Coca Cola Schemes at the Pepsi 400 UPDATE: interesting, hearing that eight drivers will run special Coca-Cola C2 [never flavor of coke, less sugar or something] schemes at Daytona in the July 3rd, 'Pepsi 400'. The drivers? #29-Harvick, #1-Andretti, #91-Elliott, #16-Biffle, #97-Busch, #99-Burton, #21-Rudd and #20-Stewart. See images of the #29 and #1 on my 2004 Cup Schemes page.(6-4-2004) ADDED: #16, #21, #97 and #99 Coca-Cola C2 to my 2004 Cup Schemes page.(6-5-2004) UPDATE: Bill Elliott has become a big player in the cola wars that will be fought at Daytona International Speedway next month. The July 3 Nextel Cup race is sponsored by Pepsi, but Atlanta-based Coca-Cola has chosen the event for a huge promotion of its new mid-calorie, reduced-carb beverage, Coca-Cola C2. Elliott, who hasn't raced in Cup since April 4 at Texas, will drive a Coke-sponsored #98 Dodge [not sure how this effects the #98 Ford team and who would get to use the number, they are listed at #198 for owners, and last I heard, #98 is held by Yates, assume Elliott would be owner #298]. Because his usual car owner Ray Evernham has a deal with Pepsi, Elliott will have to be his own car owner. He will lease the car from Evernham, and after a recent test at Daytona is confident of a strong run. "I'm looking forward to this," Elliott said Wednesday. "Coke's from Georgia and so am I, so for me this is a really neat deal." Seven other drivers will be carrying the C2 colors at Daytona, including #1-John Andretti, who like Elliott, is running a limited schedule this season. Elliott's return as a car owner actually will come this weekend at Michigan when he'll field an ARCA car for his dirt racing buddy, Ray Cook. "Ray's a good young driver and he's worked awfully hard at racing," Elliott said. "I'm just trying to open some doors for him and help him get some credibility."(Atlanta Journal-Constitution) and see the #20 Home Depot/Coca-Cola image on my #20 Team Paint Scheme page.(6-17-2004)
Harvick and Kenseth dropped in final finishing order UPDATE and fined $25k: after meeting with #17-Matt Kenseth and #29-Kevin Harvick for their beating and banging and spinning each other out, NASCAR moved both to the tail end of the lead lap. So Kenseth goes to 21st and Harvick goes to 20th. Unofficial results already had Kenseth in 21st due to his pitstop, Harvick drops from 10th to 20th but maintains 9th in the driver points standings.(Speed Channel's Speed News coverage)(6-13-2004) AND the official results are now posted at the Pocono Race Results/Awards page.(6-14-2004) AND II Matt Kenseth and Kevin Harvick were penalized for bumping each other at the end of the Pocono 500. With Sunday's race about to end under caution, Harvick spun Kenseth into the infield in Turn 3 on Lap 197. Kenseth then did the same to Harvick on the backstretch on the next lap. Both Kenseth, the 2003 series champion, and Harvick were interviewed after the race by NASCAR officials, who then dropped them to 20th and 21st. Harvick originally finished 11th, and Kenseth had finished 10th. More penalties could be coming later this week, NASCAR president Mike Helton said. "It boils down to a frustration level between the 17 [Kenseth] and the 29 [Harvick] that got played out on the race track, under caution, and that's something we frown on ... greatly," Helton said.(CNNSI/AP)(6-15-2004) UPDATE - Kenseth and Harvick fined: Kevin Harvick and Matt Kenseth were each fined $25,000 by NASCAR and placed on probation until Aug. 11 for bumping incidents between the two during the final laps of Sunday's Pocono 500 at Pocono Raceway. Harvick, driver of the #29 GM Goodwrench Chevy, and Kenseth, driver of the #17 DeWalt Ford, took part in bumping and spinning out each other during the final caution period of the race, which extended from Lap 197 to 200. Both drivers were penalized for involvement in an altercation with another competitor during a caution period. The rift began 11 laps from the finish when Harvick passed Kenseth coming out of Turn 1 and cut in front of Kenseth's car. Kenseth then used the front of his car to lift Harvick's rear wheels and passed him again as the final caution came out. While the race was under caution, Harvick spun Kenseth into the infield in Turn 3 on lap 197. At the time, no penalties were assessed or drivers or crew chiefs called to the NASCAR hauler. Kenseth then returned the favor on the backstretch on the following lap, after which NASCAR called both drivers and crew chiefs to the hauler after the race.(ThatsRacin.com)(6-16-2004)
Harvick creeping up on record: by finishing the Pocono 500, #29-Kevin Harvick has now been running at the end of 53 straight races. No DNF's [did not finish]. The modern era record [1972-present] is 56 held by Jeff Gordon [2001-2002], the all time record is 84 races held by Herman Beam from April 30, 1961 thru March 10, 1963.(6-14-2004)
Harvick and KISS at RIR: #29-Kevin Harvick in Cup, #6-Matt Crafton in Trucks and #2-Ron Hornaday in the Busch Series will run paint schemes adorning the rock group [and Jayski fave - 24 CD's] KISS. These special paints are scheduled to be run at the Chevy Rock and Roll weekend at Richmond in September. See an image of the #29 on my #29 Team Paint Schemes page.(6-11-2004)
Changes at RCR: A change in management occurred last week when Richard Childress Racing [#'s 29,30,31,33] promoted Mike Dillon, a former Busch Series competitor and Richard Childress' son-in-law, to general manager. Bobby Hutchens was named vice president of competition. Childress says RCR has been operating as a three-team organization despite its growth to five full-time teams in Cup and Busch. Childress did not rule out additional changes with his teams if performance does not pick up. Dillon added, "We're trying to improve all aspects of competition, and the change will take some of the weight off Bobby's shoulders." The move will allow Hutchens to spend more time with the engineering and R&D departments.(FoxSports/Sporting News)(6-7-2004)
RCR Crewman wants Biffle: Crewmen at Richard Childress' shop are chomping at the bit with the possibility of acquiring Greg Biffle. "We need someone to step this operation up a notch," an RCR crewman said. "And Biffle could do that. Childress needs to get him - no matter what it costs."(Winston Salem Journal)(6-5-2004)
RCR Getting Bigger: Richard Childress Racing is growing again. The latest plans include a 40,000-square foot engine shop that is expected to be completed by November.(FoxSports/Sporting News)(5-31-2004)
#3 Could be used again: Car owner Richard Childress says there could be a day when a #3 car returns to NASCAR's top series, but it's not likely to happen soon. Childress retains the rights to the number -- made famous by the late Dale Earnhardt -- but has not used it in a Cup race since Earnhardt's death in the 2001 Daytona 500. "I don't think the stylized 3 should ever be brought back to racing unless it was a special, special event for an Earnhardt or a family member or something, but I don't see it coming back full time,'' Childress said. What about somebody using a #3 that is styled differently than what adorned Earnhardt's cars? "I would hope everyone would respect that and not want to do that," Childress said.(News and Record)(5-29-2004)
Special Paint for RCR at LMS in Oct: All three of RCR's fulltime NASCAR NEXTEL Cup cars will have special paint schemes in the UAW-GM 500 made famous by RCR over the years. The #29 GM Goodwrench Chevrolet will have a blue-and-white paint scheme reminiscent of the #3 Wrangler cars, the #30 America Online Chevrolet will carry a white-blue-and-red paint scheme reminiscent of the #3 Piedmont Airlines cars, and the #31 Cingular Wireless scheme will be reminiscent of the #3 Quicksilver car. RCR's two fulltime NASCAR Busch Series teams, the #2 ACDelco Chevrolet and the #21 Reese's Chevrolet, will maintain their primary paint schemes and will also carry the RCR 35th Anniversary logo on the hood. All RCR cars currently carry the 35th Anniversary logo. AND Richard Childress Racing (RCR) will celebrate its 35th Anniversary by giving one lucky fan (and a guest) a fantasy race weekend at the UAW-GM 500 weekend in October at Lowe's Motor Speedway and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with team owner Richard Childress. The "Ride with Richard" promotion begins today (May 27) and will run through Sept. 8, when the winner will be chosen. Race fans will enter by signing up in the Fan Central section of RCR's revamped RCRNetwork web site at www.rcrracing.com, www.rcrnetwork.com, or at AOL Keyword: RCR.(RCR PR)(5-28-2004)
Engine Competition UPDATE: there was some sort of Engine Competition at NASCAR Institute between Richard Childress Racing and Hendrick Motorsports. XM Satellite NASCAR Radio reports that RCR had the fatest time of 19:52, but nothing is official yet barring penalties.(5-26-2004) UPDATE: Lanny Barnes and Todd Hamm of Richard Childress Racing (RCR) defeated Mike Maiwald and Shane Parsnow of Hendrick Motorsports Tuesday night in the final round of the 2004 Clevite Engine Builder Showdown. The four-round competition, which began in January at Hendrick Motorsports in Charlotte, N.C., and concluded with the final round at the NASCAR Technical Institute in Mooresville, N.C., requires each team build an engine from the block up and specifies that it run for one minute. The RCR team turned in a time of 19:52 minutes while the Hendrick team finished in 20.33 minutes. Each team was penalized one minute for a rules infraction (the RCR team cross-threaded an oil pan nut), canceling what would have been a record time for Barnes. RCR has won two of the last three final rounds of the Clevite Engine Builder Showdown. Danny Lawrence, RCR's assistant engine shop manager, won the event in 2002 and was runner-up last year. Barnes defeated Lawrence in the semifinals this year. Lawrence owns the record time for the build, 20:26 minutes, which he established during the 2002 competition. This was Barnes' fourth appearance in the competition and first time in the final. Richard Childress, president and CEO of RCR, attended as an analyst for The Speed Channel's coverage of the event, which is scheduled to air July 18 at 8:00pm/et.(RCR PR)(5-26-2004)
Harvick Paint News UPDATE: Kevin Harvick is scheduled to run a #29 Ice Breakers Liquid Ice Chevy at Texas, the new mint item is billed as the future of instant breath freshening.(1-25-2004) UPDATE: Childress, Harvick, Hershey Foods and GM Goodwrench to unveil first completely holographic race car. The #29 Ice Breakers Liquid Ice / GM Goodwrench Chevy will be driven by Kevin Harvick in Samsung/Radio Shack 500 Nextel Cup race on Sunday, April 4, 2004 and be unvieled at the track on Friday, April 2nd in the morning. In conjunction with the race car graphics, Hershey Foods is introducing new Ice Breakers Liquid Ice mints. The first intense, liquid-filled mints from Ice Breakers, Liquid Ice delivers instant mouth freshening and is designed for consumers with a need for breath-freshening speed (Keystone Marketing PR). See a diecast image of the car on my #29 Team Paint Schemes page.(4-1-2004)
New Chevy Nose? Kevin Harvick got a nose job when he tested last week at Texas Motor Speedway. According to sources at the test, Harvick's #29 Chevrolet was sporting a variety of noses, including pieces from Ford and Dodge. General Motors tested the different combinations of the noses in the wind tunnel before putting the car on the track but did not find an advantage.(FoxSports/Sporting News)(3-29-2004)
New Sneaks for Harvick: #29-Kevin Harvick is endorsing a new line of sneakers from Lugz, a boot and shoe company looking to expand beyond its mostly "urban-based" clientele. The new shoes go on sale in July.(USA Today)(3-23-2004)
RCR Adds Design Technology: Blue Ridge Numerics announced that Richard Childress Racing (RCR) in Welcome, NC, has selected CFdesign for virtual prototyping fluid flow and heat transfer performance of automotive components and systems built in Pro/ENGINEER Wildfire. On their first project, the RCR engineering team used CFdesign to identify a significantly improved design of the fuel delivery system used to refuel cars during pit stops. Recognized as a one of the heavyweights of NASCAR, RCR has a reputation for finding engineering innovations that help current drivers Kevin Harvick, Johnny Sauter, Robby Gordon, Ron Hornaday, and Clint Bowyer cross the finish line first in Nextel Cup and Busch Series races across the country. RCR saw the benefit of CFdesign with the very first project. Always looking for an edge in a competition where a fraction of a second determines winners and losers, CFdesign helped improve the fuel delivery system used by pit crews to refuel the car. Holden says the improvement achieved with CFdesign is a gain that will show up on the racetrack.(tenlinks.com via Insider Racing News)(3-20-2004)
Harvick Gets the Ring: Kevin Harvick, in Indianapolis this week to accept his ring for winning the 2003 Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, talked about how tough it was to take over the car driven by the late Dale Earnhardt. "It was like the shadow you'll never get rid of," he said. Even though he won in his third start in the car, which was renumbered 29 after Earnhardt's death, the Intimidator's memory was never far away. "To be honest with you, it was very hard at the beginning, because I've always been somebody who made my own footsteps, got to where we were by performing well and doing the things we were doing," he said. Even though Harvick has driven the car for three seasons, he still feels like Earnhardt is a part of the team. "He had taken our sport to what it is today [and] he's responsible for making the Goodwrench car what it is today," he said. "We respect that."(Atlanta Journal-Constitution)(3-12-2004)
Foam Confiscated From #29 Car: Several large chunks of foam were confiscated from the #29 GM Goodwrench Chevy on Saturday morning at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. A NASCAR official said that it was removed from the fuel cell because the foam was cut at angles and the rule book clearly states that it needs to be squared off.(Insider Racing News)(3-6-2004)
DEI Tuner leaves to start own biz? UPDATE 2: hearing that DEI Engine Tuner and #8 Gasman, Jeff Clark has left DEI to start a Motorcycle Business in the Charlotte, NC area.(1-6-2004) UPDATE: Engine tuner John Dennison has left Kevin Harvick's #29 RCR team to replace crew member Jeff Clark on Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s #8 car. Clark submitted his resignation in January, but he stayed on to help the team through Speedweeks. Brian Englehart will temporarily fill in on the #29 crew until a full-time tuner is hired.(Yahoo Sports/Sporting News)(2-9-2004)
UPDATE 2: One of the final touches to the #29 Team GM Goodwrench was made over the off-weekend in Welcome, NC. In search of a permanent engine tuner to fill the position vacated by John Dennison [who went to DEI] in January, Danny Lawrence, Trackside Engine Manager for Richard Childress Racing Enterprises, Inc. (RCR), hired John Goodwin [not Munson, RCR corrected this]. A 36-year old Houston, Texas native, Munson came from Bill Davis Racing's #22 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series racing team.(RCR #29 Preview)(3-3-2004)
Duracell on the #29: Duracell, the world's leading manufacturer and marketer of high-performance alkaline batteries, today announced a multi-year marketing and promotional agreement with NASCAR. Under the terms of the agreement, Duracell becomes the Official Status Sponsor and the "official alkaline battery" of NASCAR. Duracell will also partner with NASCAR NEXTEL Cup driver Kevin Harvick and become an Associate Sponsor of the Richard Childress Racing's #29 Team. Duracell will leverage Harvick and its NASCAR sponsorship with an integrated marketing communications program throughout the 2004 season. The program includes consumer promotions, in-store POP, print FSIs, and advertising in the form of TV, print and radio executions, highlighting Duracell's "Trusted Everywhere" theme. Harvick, who will sport Duracell logos on his uniform and on the front lower quarter panel of his No. 29 Chevrolet, will star in the Duracell TV spot, scheduled to break during NBC's coverage of the 46th running of the Daytona 500 on February 15.(Business Wire)(2-11-2004)
Harvick Paint News: Kevin Harvick is scheduled to run a #29 Ice Breakers Liquid Ice Chevy at Texas, the new mint item is billed as the future of instant breath freshening.(1-25-2004)
Harvick to Snap On in the Challenge: #29-Kevin Harvick scheduled to run at the new Nextel All-Star Challenge at Lowes Motor Speedway – May 22 - with a Snap-On scheme.(1-25-2004)
2003 News
Harvick special paint at The Challenge: Kevin Harvick will show up in a fire engine red Snap-On paint scheme at the NEXTEL All-Star race in Charlotte [Lowe's Motor Speedway] on May 22nd. For the second year in a row Snap-On is sponsoring the car for this event.(12-20-2003)
Childress and the new points system? Richard Childress, who won six Winston Cup championships with Dale Earnhardt under the points system in place since 1975, said he was hesitant about a proposed playoff format for NASCAR's top series, but has since gained a better understanding of it. NASCAR plans to announce by the middle of next month whether it will adapt a 26-race "regular season" and 10-race playoff format. Only the top-10 drivers in points after 26 races would be eligible to race for the championship over the final 10 races. "From a purely selfish standpoint I would prefer the system stay the same," said Childress, who won Cup titles in 1986, '87, '90, '91, '93 and '94 with Earnhardt, the late seven-time champion. "When I first heard about it around the time of the (Cup awards) banquet in New York, I didn’t think much of it." Childress said he recently spoke extensively with NASCAR officials, looking for answers to several questions he had about the proposal. "I think I have a better understanding now of what NASCAR is thinking. Sometimes you have to step back and take a look at the big picture," he said. "I can certainly see where the added media exposure and excitement surrounding a playoff atmosphere would help grow the sport and continue its success." Nextel, which takes over sponsorship of the Cup series in 2004, has been meeting with NASCAR over the proposal. Many fans have mistakenly cited Nextel as the reason for the change, when in fact it has been heavily promoted by new NASCAR chairman Brian France.(more at ThatsRacin.com)(12-20-2003)
Smirnoff Ice back with Kenseth? hearing that Smirnoff Ice will return to sponsor 2003 Winston Cup champ, Matt Kenseth, somehow in 2004. There had been rumors that Smirnoff Ice/Triple Black would move to the #29 team and Kevin Harvick.(12-11-2003)
more Congrats: Megan and Brian Englehart of RCR welcome a set of twins. Megan is the #31 PR person and Brian is the gasman for the #29 car.(12-3-2003)
NASCAR Press Conference UPDATE Gillette Young Guns: NASCAR will be announcing a sponsorship deal involving six of NASCAR's top ten drivers this Friday, Nov. 14 at 12:45pm/et from Victory Lane at Homestead-Miami Speedway. On hand will be 2003 champ Matt Kenseth, Jimmie Johnson, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Ryan Newman, Kevin Harvick, Kurt Busch and NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France.(11-12-2003) UPDATE: hear it is something with Gillette.(11-13-2003) UPDATE 2: Gillette Co. is expected to unveil a $10 million-plus sponsorship deal today with NASCAR and six of its most prominent young and aggressive drivers. The Hub razor maker is gunning for a huge and growing group of auto racing fans with a sweeping deal to be unveiled in Miami. As an official NASCAR partner, Gillette and its Duracell and Oral-B brands will gain exclusivity in the shaving, battery and oral care categories, industry sources say. Gillette also will sponsor six young drivers including #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr., #29-Kevin Harvick and this year's Winston Cup Champion, #17-Matt Kenseth. The six - to be dubbed Gillette Young Guns - will anchor promotional programs designed to drive sales. Gillette is expected to spend more than $10 million on the effort overall. The deal is comparable only to Coca-Cola Co. (KO: chart, news)'s sponsorship of 13 drivers under its Coca-Cola Family of Racers campaign.(Boston Herald)(11-14-2003) UPDATE 3: Kurt Busch, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kevin Harvick, Jimmie Johnson, Matt Kenseth and Ryan Newman have been called "young guns" for some time. Next year, they'll get paid for it. In a deal worth a reported $20 million a year, Gillette has signed a multiyear agreement for those Cup drivers to endorse Gillette razors, Duracell batteries and Oral-B toothbrushes. The deal also includes "official" sponsor status for Gillette. The agreement also includes a weekly contest for fans, who can register online at www.gilletteyoungguns.com, to predict the highest finisher among those six in each 2004 race. All correct entrants will be entered in a drawing for a $5,000 prize. If those six drivers finish in the top six in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte in May or the Ford 400 at Homestead, and a consumer correctly picks the order of their finish, the prize would be $5 million. Gillette will also donate at least $1,000 per week to the National Prostate Cancer Coalition as part of the program. None of the money in the deal goes any of the race teams involved. The agreements are with NASCAR and the individual drivers.(ThatsRacin.com)(11-16-2003)
Harvick Press Conference UPDATE: On Friday morning [11/14], Kevin Harvick and GM Goodwrench will take part in a press conference at the Media Center with Chevrolet and GM Racing on sponsorship for the 2004 NASCAR season.(Kevin Harvick site), this could be for Harvick's Truck Series team that Matt Crafton will drive for in 2004, only other 'rumors' I have heard was that Smirnoff Ice was a possible associate sponsor on the #29 Cup car in 2004, but that has died down quite a bit and haven't heard much about that in a while.(11-12-2003) UPDATE: GM Goodwrench, a division of General Motors Service Parts Operations (GMSPO), announced today its return to the NASCAR Truck Series through 2005. As the primary sponsor of a Kevin Harvick, Inc. owned #6 Chevrolet Silverado driven by NASCAR Touring Champion Matt Crafton. When it came to picking a driver to compete full time on the circuit, Harvick didn't have to look far. He competed against Matt Crafton on the West Coast and knew of the Tulare, Calif., native's potential. Crafton has been following the same path of his new truck owner, with a 2000 Featherlite Southwest Tour Series championship already under his belt. His first appearance on the Truck Series circuit came in 2000, and since then he's posted 29 top-10 finishes in 71 starts with two teams, including a career-best 12th place finish in the points standings in 2001. "This is the most excited I've been about anything," exclaims Crafton, currently 11th in the 2003 Truck Series standings with the No. 88 Menards Chevrolet Silverado owned by Duke Thorson. "I can tell you right now this is the biggest and best step I've taken in my racing career. I know we can go out and win races. GM Goodwrench as a sponsor is unreal. They've been so successful with all they've done in racing. I just hope I can continue that trend."
"We looked long and hard to find a person that would most benefit the opportunity and our operation" adds Harvick. "Matt was the most ambitious. He wanted the job more than anyone else did. We didn't feel he was showing his full potential where he was. Matt's got a ton of talent and I've been impressed with how he handles himself. I think he'll be a great addition to our program and will bring a lot to the table."(Kevin Harvick Site)(11-14-2003)
Hornaday in 4th RCR car at Homestead: Richard Childress Racing Busch Series driver [and championship contender], Ron Hornaday will drive the #90 Childress Vineyards/RCRRacing.com Chevy in the Nov. 16 Ford 400. Childress Vineyards broke ground in September on its winery facility in Lexington, NC, and current plans call for its first vintage, using grapes from other North Carolina growers, to be available in late 2004. RCR last entered a #90 car when John Andretti drove the AOL 9.0 Optimized/Special Operations Warrior Foundation Chevrolet at Talladega in September, when he started 24th and finished 15th in the EA Sports 500.(RCR PR)(11-11-2003)
Didja Know 3? when Kevin Harvick won the Truck Series race at Phoenix on Friday, he became the second driver ever to win a race in all three of NASCAR's National Series in the SAME season. Who was the first? Terry Labonte in 1995 [3 Cup wins, 1 Busch and 1 Truck win]. Seven drivers have won at least one race in all three series: Jimmy Spencer, Greg Biffle, Mark Martin [Truck sin in 1996 but NO Cup wins that year], Bobby Hamilton, Kevin Harvick [no Busch wins in 2002], Terry Labonte and Ken Schrader. Biffle owns Busch and Truck championships. NOTE: Geoffrey Bodine's Truck win was an exhibition race and doesn't count.(a few readers asked...so I looked it up...so you don't have to)(11-1-2003)
Harvick beats Spencer: Kevin Harvick beat Jimmy Spencer by six inches to win Saturday night's 20-lap Winston Cup match race at Lanier National Speedway. Split into two 10-lap sprints, Kerry Earnhardt won the first race by narrowly edging Harvick, Spencer, and Michael Waltrip. After inverting the field for the final 10-lap dash, Harvick and Spencer spent much of the second event side by side and swapping the lead. Spencer passed Harvick for the lead on lap six. Harvick reassumed the lead on lap seven and held on by inches at the checkered flag. Earnhardt finished one-car length behind in third while Waltrip collected fourth.(ThatsRacin.com)(10-26-2003)
RCR cars have “SOWF” decals this week All five Richard Childress Racing entries scheduled to compete in Friday night’s NASCAR Busch Series’ Little Trees 300 and Saturday night’s UAW-GM 500 at Lowe's Motor Speedway will carry decals of the Special Operations Warrior Foundation (SOWF). The SOWF began in 1980 as the Col. Arthur D. "Bull"Simons Scholarship Fund and was created after the Iranian hostage rescue attempt to provide college educations for the 17 children that survived the nine men killed or incapacitated at Desert One. A tax-exempt 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization, SOWF is dedicated to providing college scholarships and educational counseling to the children surviving Special Operations personnel killed as a result of an operational mission or training accident. These services are provided throughout the United States, or overseas, depending upon where the surviving children reside. To date, 455 children of fallen Special Operations personnel are involved in the program, of which 65 are currently attending college. RCR's relationship with the SOWF is a continuation of the support Richard Childress and Richard Childress Racing have for the United States armed forces. Childress and long-time RCR crew member Danny "Chocolate" Myers visited with U.S. troops in Europe last January as guests of the Tennessee Air National Guard.(SOWF site)(10-8-2003)
Why #75 for the 4th RCR car? UPDATE Andretti and the 4th RCR team, #90 AOL [not #75]: John Andretti will drive a fourth RCR entry at Talladega, using the #75, sponsor to be announced. Why #75? The number was chosen as a nod to the late Neil Bonnett, a close friend of team owner Richard Childress. Andretti is currently in the #1 DEI chevy, but had committed to RCR before he got that ride. Jason Keller will drive the #1 at Talladega.(Winston Cup Scene page 22 - need sub to read)(9-18-2003 UPDATE - Andretti and the 4th RCR team, #90 AOL: John Andretti will drive the #90 America Online/Special Operations Warrior Foundation (SOWF) Chevy for Richard Childress Racing (RCR) in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series’ EA Sports 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on Sept. 28. The fourth RCR Winston Cup entry will be a research and development car in preparation for the 2004 NASCAR Nextel Cup season. Bobby Leslie will be the crew chief and the over-the-wall crew will be RCR’s #21 PayDay NASCAR Busch Series team. Legendary NASCAR team owner Junie Donlavey agreed to allow RCR the use of his famed #90 for the race to tie into the recent introduction of the AOL 9.0® Optimized service, the most compelling upgrade in AOL history.
“John’s current driving situation with DEI was not in place when he committed to drive the fourth car for us at Talladega so I’m glad we were able to work this deal out,” said Richard Childress, president and CEO of RCR. “We’re running the fourth car to get a head-start on the 2004 season so I appreciate John helping us out with the work we’ll need to have done before testing at Daytona in January. Being able to tie AOL and the Special Operations Warrior Foundation together on the car is very important to me personally because of my respect and admiration for everyone in the military, and especially those in Special Operations. We’re just doing what we can to help raise awareness for the group and the work they do to provide college scholarship grants and counseling for the children of Special Operations personnel who are killed in action or training exercises. I also want to thank Junie Donlavey for letting us use his #90. That number has a great history in NASCAR because of Junie, so I hope we can get a good finish for him.”
Andretti was named as the driver of the Dale Earnhardt Incorporated (DEI) #1 Pennzoil Chevy in late August after already committing to drive the RCR entry at Talladega. He has two NASCAR Winston Cup victories, 13 top-five and 37 top-10 finishes since becoming a fulltime Winston Cup driver in 1994 and finished 18th in last year’s EA Sports 500. .
The SOWF began in 1980 as the Col. Arthur D. “Bull” Simons Scholarship Fund and was created after the Iranian hostage rescue attempt to provide college educations for the 17 children that survived the nine men killed or incapacitated at Desert One. A tax-exempt 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization, SOWF is dedicated to providing college scholarships and educational counseling to the children surviving Special Operations personnel killed as a result of an operational mission or training accident. These services are provided throughout the United States, or overseas, depending upon where the surviving children reside. To date, 455 children of fallen Special Operations personnel are involved in the program, of which 65 are currently attending college.(RCR PR)(9-19-2003)
Wine for Childress UPDATE: NASCAR Championship Team Owner [#29,#30,#31,#75 Cup] Richard Childress will break ground on Childress Vineyards on Wednesday, September 17th at the Childress Vineyards construction site, at the northwest corner of the intersection of Highways 52 and 64 in Lexington, NC.(RCR PR)(9-16-2003) UPDATE: Childress Vineyards broke ground today on the winery portion of the new Childress Vineyards complex in Lexington, NC. Childress Vineyards is a 60-acre facility located at the junction of Highways 52 and 64 in Lexington, N.C. The Childress Vineyards winery will be a 34,000 square foot facility. Approximately 25 acres of grapes will be grown at the site. Other facilities planned for the site include walking trails, an amphitheater, and separate retail and hotel space. The projected completion date for the winery is Aug. 1, 2004. Plans call for the production area to be fully operational by April or May of next year with the retail sector open in August. Childress Vineyards will produce 10 different wines. Childress has more than 25 acres of grapes (Vidal, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah) growing on the grounds surrounding his home in nearby Clemmons, N.C. His business partner, Greg Johns, owner of Johns Plumbing in Greensboro, has five acres of grapes (Sangiovese) growing in Summerfield, northwest of Greensboro in Guilford County. Production plans call for Childress Vineyards to produce wine from its own grapes and purchased grapes in 2004. Approximately 8,500 cases will be produced in 2004 and the 2005 vintage will also be produced from a combination of estate-grown and purchased grapes.(RCR PR)(9-17-2003)
Harvick/Rudd Talk: Kevin Harvick and Ricky Rudd finally had a little talk on Saturday. The main participants in last week's late-race crash and post-race melee at Richmond spent about three minutes talking, apparently amicably, while leaning on a pile of tires in the garage area at New Hampshire International Speedway. Winston Cup president Mike Helton stood nearby, listening, but didn't join the conversation. "It was just time," Rudd said. "We needed a couple of words with each other. Having Mike standing there, I guess, didn't hurt." Neither Harvick nor Helton were available to comment.(Charlotte Observer/AP)(9-14-2003)
#29 Replacements: Two members of Richard Childress Racing's Busch Series teams will join the pit crew on Winston Cup driver Kevin Harvick's team this weekend at New Hampshire. Nick Terry, who works on Ron Hornaday's #2 Chevrolets in Busch, will serve as Harvick's jackman. Steve Brown, who works on RCR's #21 Chevrolets in Busch, will join Harvick's team as a tire specialist this weekend. Mike Scearce, Harvick's jackman, and Gene Pasquale, Harvick's tire specialist, were both suspended for this weekend's race for their involvement in the post-race pit road incident between Harvick and Ricky Rudd at Richmond, Va., last Saturday night.(ThatsRacin.com)(9-12-2003)
Childress’ Statement Regarding Post-Race Incident at RIR: The following is a statement from Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing (RCR), regarding the post-race incident involving Kevin Harvick and members of the No. 29 team on Sept. 6 at Richmond (Va.) International Raceway: “NASCAR Winston Cup racing is a very emotional sport, whether it’s on a short track or a superspeedway, racing for the lead or racing for 30th place. In no other sport does an athlete have to stay in the game for three or four hours straight like a driver does. As a result, emotions can run high and that is part of what fuels a driver’s and crew’s desire to be the best. Sometimes, though, in the heat of battle, those emotions can get the best of you and things happen that you regret later. I apologize for the actions taken by some members of the #29 team on pit road after the race. I called the Wood Brothers to apologize and told them that I would pay for the damage done to their race car by those crew members. While I understand the emotions of our pit crew, the action they took was uncalled for. I want to say, however, that I understand and support Kevin Harvick’s feelings for wanting to have a few words with Ricky Rudd after the race. Kevin knows the mistakes he made and I’m sure he would do some things different if he had to do it over again but I stand behind him because I’ve been in the same situation as a driver.”(RCR Racing PR)(9-9-2003)
Smirnoff and the #99? or to Penske? UPDATE 2 to the #29>: hearing that Smirnoff Ice/Triple Black could end up being the sponsor for the #99 Roush Racing team and driver Jeff Burton, either in a full time capacity or similar to what they are doing with #17-Matt Kenseth this year [seven races as a primary sponsor on the car], OR could re-up with Kenseth for another year OR could do a similar deal with #12-Ryan Newman [not sure how Miller Lite would like that] also being a sponsor on one of Penske's IRL cars [who is losing Marlboro] with one of their hard liquior labels, which is allowed in the IRL but not in NASCAR. While mulling over this one, kmowing it looks like a sponsor will stick with NASCAR, check out their contest: Smirnoffice.com - Hang With Matt & The Crew [that Chris Brock seems fun to hang out with](7-28-2003) UPDATE: now hearing the sponsorship [7-8 races, like it is for this year] is between staying with the #17 team or going to the #29 RCR team and Kevin Harvick.(8-28-2003) UPDATE 2: hearing Smirnoff Ice will end up going to the #29 team, running seven or so Cup races as the primary, as it did with the #17 in 2003.(9-10-2003)
RIR Penalties Announced: Driver Kevin Harvick, along with five Richard Childress Racing crew members from the No. 29 team, and Pat Tryson, crew chief for Ricky Rudd, received a varying range of penalties for their involvement in an altercation following Saturday evening's NASCAR Winston Cup Series race at Richmond International Raceway, NASCAR officials announced Monday.
Harvick, driver of the #29 GM Goodwrench/Sugar Ray Rock and Roll Chevy, was fined $35,000 and placed on probation until Dec. 31 for his role in the post-race incident. He was in violation of Section 12-4-A (Actions detrimental to stock car racing: Hitting another competitor's car on pit road after the completion of the race, use of improper language) of the NASCAR Winston Cup Series Rule Book.
Todd Berrier, Harvick's crew chief, was fined $10,000 for violation of Sections 12-4-A (Actions detrimental to stock car racing) and 9-4-A (The crew chief assumes responsibility for the actions of his or her driver, car owner and team members).
#29-Crew member Mike Scearce was suspended from NASCAR competition until Sept. 17 [misses one race], placed on probation until Dec. 31 and fined $5,000. He was in violation of Section 12-4-A (Actions detrimental to stock car racing: Involved in an altercation on pit road after the completion of the race, damaging another competitor's car following the completion of the race, use of improper language).
#29-Crew member Gene Pasquale was suspended from NASCAR competition until Sept. 17 [misses one race], placed on probation until Dec. 31 and fined $2,500. He was in violation of Section 12-4-A (Actions detrimental to stock car racing: Involved in an altercation on pit road after the completion of the race, throwing an object at another competitor, use of improper language).
#29 Crew member Kirk Almquist was placed on probation until Dec. 31 and fined $2,500. He was in violation of Section 12-4-A (Actions detrimental to stock car racing: Involved in an altercation on pit road after the completion of the race, use of improper language).
#29-Crew member Ken Barber was placed on probation until Dec. 31 and fined $2,500. He was in violation of Section 12-4-A (Actions detrimental to stock car racing: Involved in an altercation on pit road after the completion of the race, throwing an object at another competitor, improper use of language).
Tryson, crew chief for Rudd's No. 21 Ford, was issued a $5,000 fine for use of improper language, which is in violation of Section 12-4-A (Actions detrimental to stock car racing).(NASCAR PR)(9-9-2003)
Kerry Earnhardt and RCR: Kerry Earnhardt may race a Looney Tunes RCR Busch car in the Phoenix race. The car will have several of the characters on it. There is no sponsor as of yet. The possible number on the car is #03. Kerry may also field an RCR Winston Cup car at the Atlanta race. This car also does not have a sponsor and will be decorated with The Cat In The Hat characters. The number being considered for this car is also #03.(a notice to some diecast dealers)(9-4-2003)
Feud Settled? During Spencer and Busch's tussle at Michigan, two former combatants were getting along fabulously inside the media center. After finishing in the top five together at Michigan, #29-Kevin Harvick and #16-Greg Biffle, who tried to choke each other after a Busch race at Bristol last year, said their rivalry had ended. "Everybody thinks we fight and bicker," Harvick shrugged. "We just sell hats and T-shirts," Biffle said.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(8-26-2003)
Childress; IRL; and Wallace's son; and.....another Horish rumor: [#29,30,31 team owner] Richard Childress is putting together a major technological association with a top Indy-car team, to add another layer of expertise to his Winston Cup operation, and to give Robby Gordon a solid Indy 500 option next May. Childress also confirmed that he is considering a fourth Winston Cup team, but only if he feels his current three teams are each solid. 'I've been exploring with Indy-car teams how to use their technology, the way Roger Penske and Chip Ganassi can use their own Indy-car technology down here,' Childress said. 'We're trying to hook up with a top Indy-car team to put a technology program together and tie the sponsorship programs together. We haven't worked out the structure, but it's all being discussed.' One possible driver for a fourth Cup team would be Sam Hornish, the GM Indy-car star who is being wooed by other NASCAR teams as well. Childress already has a long-term contract with Rusty Wallace's 16-year-old son, Steven [actually Stephen], 'because he's good. He wins in everything he sits in. And he couldn't have a better teacher.'(Winston Salem Journal)(8-25-2003)
The burnout at the Brickyard: getting many questions about Kevin Harvick's burnout at the Brickyard 400 when he popped the tire and tore up the rear 1/4 panel. A far as I know, NASCAR, even thou it was rumored a year ago [dated 8-8-2002], did not stop the drivers from doing the victory celebrations, just as long as they stay off the top of the roof [remember the pvc 'fence'?]. If a driver blows a tire, the team puts new ones on before the car is put threw post-race inspection, under NASCAR's watchful eye of course. The only thing that got a bit messed up from the fender getting tore up, is that the car didn't go to the wind tunnel, which most teams would love for NASCAR to do, a free wind tunnel test.(8-13-2003)
Didja know? Richard Childress Racing teammates #29-Kevin Harvick and #31-Robby Gordon were the only drivers to finish in the top five in both of this season's road-course races this season.(ThatsRacin.com)(8-11-2003)
Hutchens gets first win since 1985: Bobby Hutchens, the general manager and competition director for Richard Childress Racing, found his way back to the victory lane after an 18-year absence, winning last night's 107-lap Modified race at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, NC.(Winston Salem Journal)(7-27-2003)
#29 Fined, Penalized and Loss of Points: NASCAR officials announced today that Todd Berrier, crew chief of the #29 NASCAR Winston Cup Series team, has been fined $25,000 due to a rule infraction discovered last week at Chicagoland Speedway following the Tropicana 400. In addition, NASCAR has penalized the team's driver, Kevin Harvick, 25 NASCAR Winston Cup Series championship driver points and team owner, Richard Childress, 25 NASCAR Winston Cup Series championship owner points.
During the event's pre-race inspection process, the rear suspension of the #29 Chevy was found to have an unapproved travel limiting device, a violation of Section 12-4-Q of the 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup Series Rule Book (parts and/or equipment used that do not conform to NASCAR rules) and Section 12-4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing).(NASCAR PR)(7-16-2003)
Why did Harvick run out of gas at Chicago? Kevin Harvick's team discovered a fueling problem this week that prevented the car from getting all the fuel possible on its final stop Sunday, a team official said. The team thought it had filled the car with fuel on that stop. Harvick ran out of fuel while running second with about two laps to go. He finished 17th. The team was not specific on the fueling problem but said that all three Richard Childress Racing cars had the same issue and changes were being made to correct the problem. Harvick stopped with 69 laps left Sunday. With 17 laps of caution - where cars get better fuel mileage at the slower speeds - run after that final stop, Harvick should have had plenty of fuel to finish the race.(Roanoke Times)(7-16-2003)
Harvick looking to make history: #29-Kevin Harvick will be gunning for his name to be written in the record books by winning his third Tropicana 400 in a row at Chicagoland Speedway. No driver in recent NASCAR Winston Cup Series history has ever won the first three races at any track. Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart and Richard Petty have set the standard with two consecutive wins at a new track, but no driver has made it three in a row.(Chicagoland Speedway PR)(7-9-2003)
ZZ Top out - Sugar Ray in: ZZ Top will NOT be the featured band for #29 Kevin Harvick for the Chevy Rock & Roll Program - Sugar Ray will now be on the car, Ozzy Osbourne was rumored in the past.(6-23-2003)
Harvick wins at Sonoma....the Southwest series event: Kevin Harvick ran away from Said and the rest of the field Saturday in the Southwest series event at Infineon Raceway. For both, it was a tuneup for Sunday's Dodge/Save Mart 350 Winston Cup race. Harvick started fourth, but took the lead on the first lap and relinquished it only during pit stops. Despite four caution flags in the last 23 laps, Harvick quickly opened a substantial lead over Said, who used his blocking skills to hold off third-place finisher David Brown. Harvick's margin of victory was 3.938 seconds. Said starts on the pole Sunday with Harvick sixth on the grid. Harvick's Winston Cup teammate, Robby Gordon, who starts beside Said on the first row Sunday, was a late substitute in the Southwest race. He went out with a mechanical problem on the 28th of 65 laps.(ThatsRacin.com, see results and more at Racing West)(6-22-2003)
Double Duty for Harvick: #29-Kevin Harvick will run the Featherlite Southwest Tour Series race on Saturday in the #29 Kevin Harvick Inc. Snap-on Chevrolet Monte Carlo. This will be the second year in a row he'll participate in this race, finishing 35th in 2002 due to an ignition box problem halfway through the 64-lap event.(RCR PR)(6-18-2003)
Rock n' Roll at Richmond in Sept UPDATE 2: #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. featuring the band Staind; #20-Tony Stewart featuring the band Diamond Rio; #15-Michael Waltrip featuring the band Hootie & The Blow Fish; will run at Richmond in Sept. Supposedly the "Chevy Rocks" program is said to be similar to the Looney Tunes program ran at Richmond the last couple of years in that it will include many Chevy teams from Cup and maybe some Busch and Truck Series.(4-25-2003) UPDATE: add Busch driver #2 Ron Hornaday with the band Trapt and #30 Steve Park (sure is weird not putting #1) with Third Eye Blind.(5-16-2003) UPDATE 2: Warner Music Group (WMG), Chevrolet and Action Performance Companies, Inc. announced today that some of the hottest names in music and NASCAR will team up for the Chevy Rock & Roll 400 NASCARâ Winston Cup Series race on Saturday, September 6 "under the lights" at Richmond International Raceway. The campaign kicked off today in the Chevrolet Rock & Roll Tour at Charlotte's Food Lion Speed Street festival and featured a performance by Elektra Recording artists Third Eye Blind and appearances from NASCAR drivers #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr., #15-Michael Waltrip and #25-Joe Nemechek (with Uncle Kracker). In addition, representatives from WMG, Chevrolet, Richmond International Raceway and Action Performance unveiled the official Chevy Rock & Roll 400 pace car and event logo. Steve Park and his #30 AOL Chevrolet show car featuring Third Eye Blind were also on hand for the announcement.(RIR PR), see full PR and images of the #8, #15, #25, #30 on my Paint Scheme Gallery page, also, #29-Kevin Harvick is part of the program and will be paired with the band ZZ Top.(5-22-2003)
Childress 1st Qtr Pocono Spirit Award: Richard Childress has been named the first quarter winner of the National Motorsports Press Association/Pocono Spirit Award. The award recognizes character and achievement in the face of adversity as well as sportsmanship and contributions to motorsports. Others receiving first-quarter votes included drivers John Andretti, Ricky Craven and Morgan Shepherd, sponsor Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouses, and General Motors public relations representative Nancy Wager. Four quarterly winners of the award will be named, with the overall winner to be announced at the NMPA's annual banquet in Jan., 2004.(ThatsRacin.com)(5-21-2003)
Snap-on Tools and RCR Announce New Deal: Snap-on Tools and Richard Childress Racing (RCR) announced a new three-year sponsorship agreement that extends the unique partnership into the 2006 season. The announcement comes as Snap-on Tools and Richard Childress Racing celebrate the 10th consecutive season they've raced together at tracks literally around the world. The agreement, which includes full-season endorsement and associate sponsorships with each of the RCR Winston Cup and Busch series teams, was announced at a press conference just a few hours before the start of the 2003 Winston. Snap-on is celebrating 10 years of partnership with RCR through a special "Decade of Dedication" initiative that featured the special-edition #29 car raced in "The Winston" and a host of new racing-themed tool and equipment products. During 2003, for a limited time Snap-on will offer commemorative tool storage units, as well as shop equipment, hand and power tools to automotive technicians and race fans. Tool storage units, for example, will feature special graphics that depict the 10 cars raced at The Winston and include Snap-on Racing and RCR logos. Decade of Dedication apparel and collectibles (including die-cast pit wagons, cars, haulers and trailers), are available through local Snap-on dealers. During 2003, Snap-on and the #29 car primary sponsor GM Goodwrench are also working together on an initiative called the "GM Powertrain Clinics with Snap-on" to bring Snap-on customers to GM-sponsored technical instruction clinics where they learn about GM Powertrain products and warranties. The program also includes tours for automotive technicians of GM dealerships and often #29 show car appearances. Clinic attendees see demonstrations of the latest Snap-on products and receive tool certificates redeemable through Snap-on dealers with the purchase GM Goodwrench engines and transmissions.(PR)(5-19-2003)
AOL will be back in 2004: [#29, 30, 31] Owner Richard Childress says rumors that he will field only two Winston Cup cars next season are "absolutely not" true. There have been questions about the financial stability of AOL, the primary sponsor for Childress' #30 car [now Steve Park driving], but Childress says AOL is committed to honoring the final year of its contract, which ends after the 2004 season. "Not only will we have three full-time Cup teams and two Busch teams, we'll run seven or eight cars at some tracks next year," he says.(Sporting News)(5-19-2003)
Realtree and the #29? UPDATE 2: hearing Realtree, who sponsored Dave Marcis for years on the #71 car, will be on Kevin Harvick's #29 GM Goodwrench as the primary or co-primary at an upcoming race. UPDATE: This special paint will run August 23rd at Bristol under the lights.(3-14-2003) UPDATE 2: now have an image of the scheme, see my 2003 Winston Cup Paint Schemes - Cars #'s 24-99 page for the image.(4-10-2003) UPDATE 3: hearing this scheme has been cancelled.(5-6-2003)
Green not a happy camper: #30-Jeff Green, running in the top five of Saturday night's race at Richmond, was hit from behind by Richard Childress Racing teammate #29-Kevin Harvick on Lap 268 of 400, bringing a premature end to a strong run by Green's team.
Green was upset after the incident, and following a radio interview, walked hurriedly down pit road to Harvick's pit. Green first confronted Harvick's crew chief, Todd Berrier, on top of the team's pit box, than had a heated exchange with team owner Richard Childress, who was standing in the pit area. The incident lasted only a few moments before Green left the area and returned to the garage, where his #30 AOL Chevy had been towed. "We're supposed to be teammates, but it doesn't seem that way right now," Green said. "It's one thing to get spun out, it's another to get spun out by your teammate."(ThatRacin.com)(5-4-2003)
New RCR Museum to Open in Mid-May: What was once the race shop where six championships were earned is now being transformed into a museum honoring one of NASCAR’s most storied racing operations. Richard Childress Racing’s (RCR) original race shop and museum at the RCR complex, with the construction of a connecting building between the two, is now a single-structure museum showcasing five decades of auto racing history. Nearly 50 race cars driven by Dale Earnhardt, Kevin Harvick, Mike Skinner, Richard Childress and others will be on display along with an incredible array of trophies, banners, photographs and other memorabilia.. Also near completion in the 47,000-square-foot building is a gift shop in the area that was the original race shop’s administrative offices. The new RCR Museum & Gift Shop is scheduled to open to the public May 16, 2003.
The original shop area will be dedicated to the famed No. 3 teams with Earnhardt that earned NASCAR Winston Cup championships in 1986-87, 1990-91, and 1993-94. Nearly 20 of the world-famous black paint-schemed No. 3 GM Goodwrench Chevrolet Monte Carlos, including the 1998 Daytona 500 and 2000 Winston 500 (at Talladega [Ala.] Superspeedway) winners, will be on display. Video screens and memorabilia throughout the building will showcase the highlights and amazing history of the No. 3 team during its 16 seasons within those walls.
“With all the history made within those walls, it wouldn’t be right to just lease the building out to another company or to put another race team in it,” said Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing Enterprises, Inc. “I had mixed emotions on how to do it. I wanted to do something the Earnhardt family would be proud of, every employee that ever worked at RCR would be proud of, and the race fans would be proud to come and see. To me, it’s going to be one of the most incredible stock car racing museums in the country because of the history that was made there over the years. I want the race fans to feel they are a part of that history because they were the ones that made it possible. When they leave, I want them to walk away with a smile on their face knowing that they had just been on an incredible tour.”
The area that was the original RCR Museum and Gift Shop will have a variety of cars on display. Vehicles representing RCR’s championships in the NASCAR Winston Cup, NASCAR Busch Series and NASCAR SuperTruck Series (RCR is the only organization to have championships in all three), its current lineup of Winston Cup and Busch Series teams, cars for each of the No. 3 team’s special paint schemes for The Winston from 1995 through 2000 and a number of other race cars significant to RCR’s history will be showcased.
“There’s a lot of history that I’ve kept over the years from all of the RCR race teams that I’m looking forward to sharing with race fans,” Childress said of the area that was the original museum. “Those cars, the ones driven by Kevin Harvick, Mike Skinner, Robby Gordon, and many others, including some that I drove, are also a big part of RCR’s success through the years.”
The newly constructed center part of the building will be dedicated to Childress’ devotion to wildlife and outdoor conservation. The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, the North Carolina Wildlife Habitat Foundation, the National Wild Turkey Federation and Ducks Unlimited, all actively involved in the conservation of the nation’s wildlife and natural resources, will be showcased in this area along with many of the animal trophies Childress has collected over the years.
RCR moved into the building, located in this small town 10 minutes south of Winston-Salem off Highway 52, in June 1986. The entire operation at that time was under one roof in the 33,000 square-foot building. The No. 3 team earned its first victory working out of the new shop in October 1986 at Charlotte Motor Speedway (now Lowe’s Motor Speedway). They went on that year to capture RCR’s first, and Earnhardt’s second, NASCAR Winston Cup championship. During the time the No. 3 team occupied the building, from mid-1986 through the first race of 2001, it earned 58 victories, 16 pole positions and more than $38 million in race winnings. The three-car Winston Cup program and the administrative staff moved into a state-of-the-art 86,000 square-foot building in the same 35-acre complex in early May 2002. RCR, which also has a two-car NASCAR Busch Series program, now consists of more than 260 employees working in 12 buildings with approximately 300,000 square-feet of shop space.(RCR PR)(4-12-2003)
Chartwell Investments invests in RCR: Chartwell Investments II LLC announced today that it has made an equity investment in RCR Enterprises, LLC, the elite NASCAR racing team founded and majority-owned by Richard Childress. "We are pleased to partner with Chartwell Investments," said Richard Childress, President and CEO of RCR. "I've had investors in RCR since the late 1990's and I am confident that Chartwell's people and capital will help us to continue to build one of NASCAR's top organizations. I've made a long-term commitment to Chartwell and there will be no changes in how RCR is run."
"NASCAR is the fastest-growing major sport with over 75 million fans nationwide and we are enthusiastic about partnering with Richard Childress, a legendary figure in the NASCAR racing world," said Todd R. Berman, President and Founder of Chartwell Investments. "We hope our participation will give Richard even more time to focus on winning races and supporting the company's sponsors."(PRN Newswire)(4-3-2003) UPDATE: Winston Cup car owner Richard Childress confirmed Wednesday he has sold partial equity in his Richard Childress Racing company to Chartwell Investments, a private New York City-based equity firm. "We have had an investor in RCR since I expanded with (Mike) Skinner in the No. 31 (in 1996), but on a limited basis. This is more extensive," Childress said. "Nothing will look different. I still have control of the company, I own the majority of the company and I'm still the CEO." Chartwell's investment was not disclosed, but Childress said he holds more than a 50 percent interest in RCR. The addition of Chartwell, Childress said, strengthens his organization. "We aren't a little corporation any more," he said. "They can help RCR Enterprises go to another level in this sport. There are a lot of ways you can grow your business in this sport without adding race teams. I've made a long-term commitment to Chartwell, to my employees and to the sport."(ThatsRacin.com)(4-10-2003)
RCR to Honor POW's: All five cars fielded by Richard Childress Racing (RCR) will carry decals recognizing the plight of United States prisoners of war in Iraq during this weekend's NASCAR races at Texas Motor Speedway. "The men and women captured by the Iraqis are serving our country in the most honorable way possible," said Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing Enterprises, Inc. "They have put their lives on the line in the name of our country so we all have to keep them in our thoughts and prayers and hope that they will be returned safely." RCR's Chevrolet Monte Carlo teams in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series include the #29 GM Goodwrench entry with driver Kevin Harvick, the #30 America Online entry with driver Jeff Green and the #31 Cingular Wireless entry with driver Robby Gordon. Its NASCAR Busch Series teams include the #2 ACDelco entry with driver Ron Hornaday and the #21 PayDay entry of Johnny Sauter, who will be driving the car this weekend in Texas. The POW decals will be placed on the C-posts of each car. Childress was the catalyst behind a five-day visit in late January to U.S. troops stationed in Europe. NASCAR team owners, drivers and celebrities traveled to Germany, Bosnia, Sicily and Spain with the 134th Air Refueling Wing of the Tennessee National Guard. Last October at Lowe's Motor Speedway, Childress signed a statement of support for the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves (ESGR). The National Guard and Reserves make up nearly half of the United States military personnel.(RCR PR)(3-28-2003)
Harvick Plans Triple Header in August: Trucks will return to Bristol when the circuit comes back here in August. Kevin Harvick, who won Saturday's Busch series race, said yesterday he'll run all three events.(Richmond Times Dispatch)(3-24-2003)
Crew Chief change at the #29? hearing that former #30 RCR crew chief, Todd Berrier will be the new crew chief for the #29 GM Goodwrench Chevy at RCR effective immediately. Supposedly former crew chief Gil Martin has been named #29 Team manager and Martin has been pushing for the move and to hire Berrier for the #29 team for a while.(3-17-2003) UPDATE: Totally NASCAR has confirmed a crew change within the #29 Winston Cup team. Todd Berrier becomes Kevin Harvick's crew chief. Berrier and Harvick teamed up for the 2001 Busch title. Gil Martin moves to team manger.(FoxSports)(3-18-2003)
Realtree and the #29? UPDATE: hearing Realtree, who sponsored Dave Marcis for years on the #71 car, will be on Kevin Harvick's #29 GM Goodwrench as the primary or co-primary at an upcoming race. UPDATE: This special paint will run August 23rd at Bristol under the lights.(3-14-2003)
Sad News: it was reported on this morning's NASCAR This Morning on Fox Sports Net, that Richard Childress' mother, Virginia Hodge, passed away last night. Thoughts go out the the family. AND Just hours after signing Kevin Harvick and Goodwrench to a contract extension, team owner Richard Childress received news that his mother had died. Virginia Hodge, a resident of East Bend, NC, was 79. She passed away Saturday night after a brief illness, according to a team press release. Childress flew back to North Carolina on Sunday morning to be with family.(NASCAR.com)(3-9-2003)
Harvick expected to sign long term deal with RCR UPDATE: Richard Childress Racing owner Richard Childress has scheduled a news conference for 1:00pm/et on Saturday at Atlanta Motor Speedway. He is expected to announce that Harvick has signed a long-term contract extension with the team, sources confirmed Friday. In addition, the team is expected to announce that the sponsor of Harvick's #29 Chevrolet, GM Goodwrench, has signed an extension. GM Goodwrench has sponsored the car since 1988. Harvick joined the team after Dale Earnhardt's death in 2001.(ThatsRacin.com)(3-7-2003) UPDATE: Richard Childress announced two contract extensions Saturday, signing #29 driver Kevin Harvick to a three-year extension, with an additional two-year deal with the right of first refusal. In a separate agreement, RCR has extended its contract with GM Goodwrench, Harvick's sponsor, for three more years.(ThatsRacin.com)(3-8-2003)
Special #29 Scheme: To mark its 10th season with one of the most famous teams in the history of motorsports, Snap-on Tools Company, in association with Richard Childress Racing (RCR), is unveiling a one-of-a-kind Snap-on Tools paint scheme for Kevin Harvick's #29 Chevrolet race car, which Kevin will race in "The Winston" at Lowe's Motor Speedway, May 17, 2003. The special-edition #29 car pays tribute to this vibrant tradition with its own unique design. As part of Snap-on Tools' "Decade of Dedication" celebration, the special-edition #29 car will feature an exclusive paint scheme that includes metallic red, RCR crushed-glass silver, and gloss black paint with pearl-white Snap-on logos, as well as a commemorative Decade of Dedication emblem. According to Carl Johanson, Snap-on Tools motorsports marketing manager, "The Decade of Dedication celebration looks back on ten years of winning driven by a storied team and legendary tools." As part of the celebration, Snap-on will offer commemorative tool storage units as well as equipment, hand and power tools for a limited time to automotive technicians and race fans. The tool storage units, for example, feature special graphics that depict the 10 cars raced at The Winston and include Snap-on Racing and RCR logos. Decade of Dedication collectibles including die cast pit wagons, cars, haulers and trailers and apparel are available through local Snap-on dealers. The Decade of Dedication initiative also includes GM Goodwrench - the primary sponsor on the #29 car - through the "GM Powertrain Clinics with Snap-on" program.(Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide PR). See an image that has been posted for a while on my Paint Scheme Gallery of the car.(3-8-2003)
Harvick Fans Helping out Military: Two weeks ago [3rd week in Feb, 2003], US Marine Chuck Englert - a fan of NASCAR driver Kevin Harvick and a regular poster on the message board at kevinharvick.com - said goodbye to his online friends as his platoon was deployed to Kuwait. Not satisfied with a simple messages of "goodbye" and "good luck," fellow Harvick fans decided to take action to show their support. Under the guidance of fan Laurie Allsup, "Operation Harvick Fans" bloomed. Englert's entire platoon has been "adopted" by his online friends and fellow fans. Weekly care packages, filled with both necessities as well as racing-related items, will be sent to Chuck's entire platoon in the name of Kevin Harvick's fans. When Englert was notified of "Operation Harvick Fans," he was delighted. "I want to thank everyone involved for adopting us as your unit," Englert said in a recent e-mail. "My marines are humbled by the response. I will also send some pictures of the marines so you all can see us first hand. You are all so awesome and I am breathless that something like this could happen to us. Thank you from the bottom from my heart." Chuck Englert is a native of Jersey City, New Jersey and has served in the United States Marine Corps for eighteen of his thirty-seven years. He is currently a Gunnery Sergeant and serves with the 15Th Marine Expeditionary Unit located at Camp Pendleton California. Currently a resident of Oceanside, California, Englert is married with four children. His wife, Suze, is expecting their fifth. "My wife and I are serious Kevin Harvick Fans and watch every race when possible," Englert said. "My Marines' morale have gone through the roof with all the support from HOL (Harvick OnLine) and everyone involved with 'Operation Harvick Fans.'" Word is spreading quickly among his platoon. 'Operation Harvick Fans' will continue until further notice. Fans who wish to participate can send anything from cards and letters to issues of racing magazines and items featuring Kevin Harvick. Englert has sent a list of suggested items, and stated.. "Any Kevin Harvick items sent will be proudly displayed and worn with pride," Englert said. »Click for suggested items.
Donations should be sent, along with a couple of dollars to help cover the cost of shipping, to:
OPERATION HARVICK FANS
PO Box 336
Stuart, Iowa 50250
If you have any questions or would like more information on this program, drop an email to operationharvickfans@kevinharvick.com. Or stop by our message board for the latest news or questions. »Operation Harvick Fans Forum.(3-3-2003)
Harvick and Ozzy? hearing Kevin Harvick will run an Ozzy Osbourne (a Jayski fave - Ozzy Rules! thanks Rocketman), probably at Richmond in one of the BGN or Cup races.(1-25-2003)
Childress Wine: NASCAR team owner [#29,#30,#31] Richard Childress and a business partner have announced plans to develop 70 acres for a winery, vineyard and hotel in Davidson County, NC. Childress said the initial investment would be from $6 million to $8 million. Childress and business partner Greg Johns of Greensboro plan to develop the land at the intersection of U.S. 64 and U.S. 52 west of Lexington. Plans include a 25,000-square-foot winery, a 25-acre vineyard, a hotel, restaurant and gift shop. Childress said construction on the winery could begin this year. It will likely be the spring of 2004 before the winery opens.(ThatsRacin.com/AP)(1-15-2003)
Harvick to run in the CTS and have team: Kevin Harvick, driver of the #29 GM Goodwrench Chevy for Richard Childress racing, announced that he plans to field trucks for 10-15 Craftsman Truck Series events in 2003. "We were really pleased with our truck efforts right out of the box," Harvick said. "My goal was to establish a top-notch truck team, and I think we've proven that our team is capable of winning each time we show up to the track. "I'd like to run another year of trucks, move to the Busch Series for a couple of years and then be a Winston Cup owner," continued Harvick." Harvick plans to run the majority of the scheduled truck races in 2003, along with Ed Berrier, Harvick's crew chief in the Truck Series, and Brandon Miller, a newcomer to the series. Berrier, who previously raced for Junie Donleavy in the Winston Cup Series and is a veteran of the BGN, will pilot the #6 Chevy for the season-opening event in Daytona. Miller, a 21-year-old resident of Bakersfield, CA, who has predominately raced Late Models on the West Coast will make his Truck Series debut at Mesa Marin Raceway in March. KHI's 2003 Truck Series Line Up (Tentative): Berrier will run at: Daytona; Harvick at: Darlington, Martinsville (both), Bristol, Richmond, Lowe's, Dover, NHIS, Phoenix and Homestead; and Miller at: Mesa Marin.(ThatsRacin.com)(1-13-2003)
2002 News
RCR Med Exams: Richard Childress [#29,#30,#31] is requiring his drivers to undergo medical examinations before the start of the season to establish a baseline for their health. "We want to make sure that if they get hurt, we can compare 'A' to 'B,'" he says. Childress didn't find out until after the season that Johnny Sauter, his Busch Series driver, raced hurt for part of 2002.(Sporting News)(12-9-2002)
Childress to build Fairgrounds Speedway engines UPDATE: Weekly racing at Fairgrounds Speedway [Nashville] next season will undergo the most radical change in the track's 44-year history when standard engines are issued to all competitors in the top two divisions. Track President Dennis Grau yesterday said every team in the Late Model and Supertruck divisions will be required to use track-issued ''crate motors'' which are intended to cut costs, balance the competition and reduce cheating. The engines will be built by Richard Childress Racing and sold through the track at a cost of $5,000. Grau said teams in the premier divisions this season have been spending $15,000-$25,000 per engine. He said the track will not earn a profit from the sale of the engines. The engines will be sealed, which will discourage illegal tampering.(Tennessean)(11-26-2002) UPDATE: been told by RCR that the team will NOT be building these engines.(11-27-2002) UPDATE 2: Fairgrounds Speedway President Dennis Grau said Richard Childress Racing will not build the standardized ''crate motors'' for the track's top divisions as he had originally been told. ''My original understanding was the motors would be built by RCR, but I have since learned that they will be manufactured and distributed by GM Performance out of Detroit,'' Grau said. All drivers in the Late Model and SuperTruck divisions at the Fairgrounds will be required to use the motors by midseason. Grau said eight teams already have purchased the motors.(Tennessean)(12-6-2002)
Changes at Childress? Cup [#'s 29,30,31] team owner owner Richard Childress said changes might be in the works for his race teams. "There will be personnel changes," Childress said. "We're going to be shifting a lot of people around, moving a lot of people. We've got to work on getting the right fix and the best people we can in all those positions." BGN champion crew chief Harold Holly of ppc Racing recently visited RCR's complex but decided not to go to work there. Some speculation has surrounded crew chief Todd Berrier and driver Jeff Green, who work together on the #30 AOL Chevy, and Childress indicated the changes could come very soon.(NASCAR.com)(11-17-2002)
Childress Crew Chiefs: Richard Childress is still working on the 2003 lineup of crew chiefs for his five cars (three Winston Cup, two BGN). Childress would not confirm that he’d hired Harold Holly, who left ppc Racing earlier this week for an undisclosed position with a Winston Cup team. When asked about the selection of five crew chiefs from the pool of six Childress said, “I don’t know, but I’ll be able to tell you next week.”(Ford Racing)(11-12-2002)
Harvick and the CTS in 2003: After capturing his first CTS series win this weekend at Phoenix, Winston Cup [#29] driver Kevin Harvick said he still plans to compete in seven or eight races next season in his own team. Harvick said Ed Berrier, who has Winston Cup and BGN experience, will drive Harvick's truck in the season-opening Truck race at Daytona. "The Truck schedule is awesome next year. NASCAR has done a great job putting the schedule together," Harvick said. "I'll probably run the (two) Martinsville races, Bristol and other companion events (with Winston Cup)."(ThatsRacin.com)(11-10-2002)
Harvick to run 15 BGN races in 2003: Kevin Harvick will drive the #21 PayDay Chevy for Richard Childress Racing in 15 BGN events at 13 different tracks in 2003. His season starts begins at Daytona International Speedway for the Koolerz 300 on Feb. 15. He will want to win that one for his sponsor, Hershey, which makes both PayDay candy bars and Koolerz gum. Current RCR talent Johnny Sauter will assume duties as secondary driver of the #21 PayDay Chevy beginning on February 22, at North Carolina Speedway in Rockingham, NC. Along with his duties as secondary driver, Sauter will play a vital role in maintaining the #21 PayDay team's run at an owner's championship. Harvick will not compete in more than three consecutive Busch Series races. His three-race stints are in August and November. Harvick is not scheduled to compete in any BGN events that are not accompanied by a Cup event on the same weekend at the same venue. Sauter will compete in all the non-companion events. Here is Harvick's entire 2003 NASCAR Busch Series schedule:. Feb. 15, Daytona; March 1, Las Vegas; March 22, Bristol; April 26, California; May 2, Richmond; May 24, Lowe's; May 31, Dover; July 19, New Hampshire; Aug. 16, Michigan; Aug. 22, Bristol; Aug. 30, Darlington; Oct. 10, Lowe's; Nov. 1, Phoenix; Nov. 8, North Carolina; Nov. 15, Homestead.(Keystone Marketing PR)(11-7-2002)
PPI signs plate engine deal with Childress: #32 team owner Cal Wells III said the in-house engine program he had announced several weeks ago for his PPI Motorsports team was still coming together well, he did have one piece of the puzzle in place. "We're real pleased to have been able to do an agreement with Richard Childress for the restrictor plate engines for next year, starting with the Daytona 500," Wells said. "We're going to be able to focus on our higher-powered stuff -- all our open motors -- without having to worry about the science of restrictor plate racing next year." PPI will have plenty on its plate, considering they will switch from Fords to Pontiacs next season for driver Ricky Craven. "We'll look at doing our own restrictor plate engines in the fall of '03 looking to '04. We've got some personnel lined up and we're actually going to start at Rockingham," Wells said. "We're lining it all up (a chief engine builder), but we're not there (ready to announce it) yet." While he said Robert Yates Racing's engine department would not build GM engines next season, he did not discount the possibility that his program might be similar to the one employed by Petty Enterprises, which this season employed former Yates engine builder Mike Ege to do its Dodge engines.(NASCAR.com)(9-30-2002)
#29 Crew Chief to miss Kansas: Gil Martin, crew chief for Kevin Harvick's #29 GM Goodwrench Chevy, returned to his home in Concord, N.C., Saturday after being diagnosed with acute bronchitis. Martin has been fighting the condition all week.
Harvick, car owner Richard Childress and car chief Scott Naset will assist in calling the race in Martin's absence. Martin is expected back for next Sunday’s race at Talladega.(ThatsRacin.com)(9-29-2002)
TV Camera Wire Causes Problem on the #29 car: During TV camera installation a TV wire was clamped over a brake wire and when driver Kevin Harvick flipped a switch it caught fire under the dashboard burning some rollbar padding, the team fixed it and Harvick went back out and practiced.(TNT Happy Hour Coverage)(9-21-2002)
Stewart and Harvick set to races trucks ar RIR: Tony Stewart and Kevin Harvick will join the mix of the most competitive NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season in history when they drive in the Virginia is for Lovers 200 race on Thursday, September 5 at Richmond International Raceway. Also expected to drive in the race are Bobby Hamilton, Stacey Compton and Ken Schrader. Heading into the Virginia is for Lovers 200, eight drivers are within 133 points of leader Mike Bliss. Rounding out the top eight are Terry Cook, Musgrave, Rick Crawford, Robert Pressley, Jason Leffler, David Starr and Setzer, who won the pole at Richmond International Raceway last year. Bliss and Cook lead the series with four wins each this season. For the second straight year at Richmond, Harvick will field his own truck, while Stewart will drive for Andy Petree. All seats for the Virginia is for Lovers 200 are only $30. Renewable, reserved tickets to the FUNAI 250 are only $40 and general admission tickets are only $35. Tickets to the FUNAI 250 include practice and qualifying for Saturday's Monte Carlo 400 With The Looney Tunes- The Rematch!, which is sold out. In addition, kids 12 and under are free in the general admission sections on Thursday and Friday when accompanied by a paying adult and military personnel receive $5 off general admission tickets both nights.(Richmond International Raceway PR)(8-28-2002)
Harvick after IROC title:IROC Points leader Kevin Harvick will attempt to become the sixth rookie to win the International Race of Champions title during this afternoon's 40-lap/100 mile season-finale. The IROC rookie champions are Mark Donohue (1974), Harry Gant (1985), Al Unser Jr. (1986), Geoffrey Bodine (1987) and Ricky Rudd (1992).(Fort Worth Star Telegram) AND All 11 drivers competing in the IROC have a mathematical chance to win the season title. Harvick, who will start last, is the points leader by 44 points. Al Unser Jr., who won't race while undergoing treatment for an alcohol problem, is five points back and tied with Tony Stewart.(Hoosier Times) The race will run Aug 3rd and be televised Aug 11th on ABC at 5:00pm/et.(8-3-2002)
Did ya know? Kevin Harvick is the first driver to win the first two races at a new Winston Cup track since Tony Stewart won at Miami-Homestead in 1999 and 2000. Before that, no one had done it since A.J. Foyt won at Ontario, Calif., in 1971 and 1972.(Chicago Sun Times)(7-15-2002)
Harvick wins The Tropicana 400 at Chicago: #29-Kevin Harvick won the Tropicana 400 at Chicago for the 2nd straight year, even after spinning out late in the race. #24-Jeff Gordon was 2nd. Harvick's win put's him in the 2003 The Winston and knocks the remaining 2001 winners, who have not won in 2002, out of the All-Star event. Re-Air dates/times: The race will be re-aired on TNT, Tues, July 16th, 1:00am/et; Speed Channel on Wed, July 17th, 8:00pm/et and Thurs, July 18th, 1:00am/et and 12:00noon/et. Results: for race results, see ThatsRacin.com or NASCAR.com.(7-14-2002)
Harvick to race a truck at NHIS: Winston Cup driver Kevin Harvick will return to NASCAR’s Truck series next weekend, when he drives his own entry in Saturday’s New England 200 at New Hampshire. Harvick, as well as several other Cup drives, are planning to run the event in order to gain additional track time. Since last season, speedway officials have added an additional 12-feet of racing surface on the inside of the turns. Harvick’s last appearance in the series was in April at Martinsville, Va., when he got into an incident with driver Coy Gibbs on the track and was "parked" by NASCAR officials. NASCAR extended the "parking" through the next day’s Winston Cup race, forcing Harvick to sit out.(ThatsRacin.com)(7-14-2002)
Harvick set to re-sign with RCR: In one of the first interviews he has granted in several weeks, Winston Cup driver Kevin Harvick [#29 GM Goodwrench Chevy] said Monday night he plans to sign a long-term deal with Richard Childress Racing and remain driver of the team of the late Dale Earnhardt for the foreseeable future. The deal, which owner Richard Childress has said he has been working on in recent weeks, should end the rampant speculation that has engulfed Harvick and Childress since NASCAR "parked" Harvick for the April race at Martinsville. Harvick said he hopes the deal, which he said will be made official and a formal news conference in the coming weeks, will end speculation that his relationship with Childress has gone sour.(see full story at ThatsRacin.com)(7-2-2002)
Harvick gets his MTV: #29-Kevin Harvick has landed a gig with the VH1 music channel. The Richard Childress Racing driver will co-host the "Top Ten All Time Greatest Driving Songs" with Rachel Perry on VH1 twice on Thursday and again on Sunday. VH1 says the hosts will cruise to Ocean Grove, N.J., while listening to "great music and making fun pit stops at places like Springsteen's famed Stone Pony club." The show is scheduled to run at 1 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. (Eastern and Pacific times) on Thursday and at 10 a.m. Sunday.(Winston Cup Scene Daily Newsletter)(7-2-2002)
Harvick/RCR talking three year extension UPDATE: RCR owner, Richard Childress says "He's [Harvick] got one year left on his contract, and we're already in discussion on signing him for another three,'' Childress said.(ESPN/AP), yes I know, an earlier report a few days ago with Robby Gordon said RCR only does one year deals, just reporting what is found.(6-18-2002) UPDATE: Richard Childress said he and driver Kevin Harvick have talked about extending Harvick's contract, which currently extends through the end of next season. Harvick has been struggling this season after finishing ninth in points and winning the BGN championship in 2001. "We're even talking about going further down the road with it. Right now, we want to get our cars back to running where they're supposed to be. It'll make the pressure a lot easier on everyone," Childress said. "When you're not competitive and you know you're supposed to be, little things just cause bigger problems. That's what we've got to work on right now. That's my No. 1 goal is to get these cars back like they're supposed to be." When asked if he would allow Harvick to pursue an opportunity with another team, Childress replied: "Commitments, not only in contracts, but in life, are big. I'm a big believer in commitments. We've committed. We've got 11 or 12 sponsors in that race car and it's just hard to up and walk from commitments."(ThatsRacin.com)(6-21-2002)
Harvick a free agent? Childress switches pitboxes too UPDATE Childress not happy: There was one small item omitted from the team press release that announced Richard Childress changing the #29 and #31 crews. The missing bit of info — the location from which the car’s owner would sit during the Pocono 500. Childress, who has been wrestling with a combination that would make his three-car operation a little more competitive, has taken a real shine to Robby Gordon, driver of his #31 RCR Chevy. Childress has gotten to the point where he’s not hiding his feelings for Gordon; and went so far as to save a chair for Gordon during the Pocono Raceway driver’s meeting. When Gordon walked into the crowded room Childress jumped up waiving to attract Gordon’s attention. The acid test came prior to the start of the race, as Childress’ war wagon mounted chair was set atop the orange and black Cingular war wagon. Then, moments before the race, Childress came and took his seat at the helm, all the while wearing a smirk that carried a great deal of attitude. The Pocono 500 was the first race since Childress took on GM’s Goodwrench Services sponsorship that he wasn’t perched on that team’s toolbox – so say RCR personnel. Apparently Harvick is a free agent at this time, or so one would believe with the number of car owners who claim the driver who has caused a stir in the Winston Cup garage has approached them. One owner, who is looking for talent for next year, was asked if he was tough enough to tame Harvick. After a smile came across the owner’s face he responded, “I don’t know anyone that tough.”(see full story at Ford Racing)(6-12-2002) UPDATE: Winston Cup car owner Richard Childress criticized Ford Motor Co. and its FordRacing.com Web site for a posted earlier this week claiming Childress watched last weekend's race at Pocono from driver Robby Gordon's pit box because of his disillusion with driver Kevin Harvick. The story, which did not have a byline, also claimed there were "more folks" who said that Harvick's two Winston Cup victories last season came from "cheated-up cars." "It's just like your competition. When you're down they try to kick you. It surprises me it came off that Web site," said Childress, who owns three Chevrolet Cup teams that have struggled this season. "It just surprises me that they want to get involved in starting rumors and making accusations when they don't know what's really going on." Last weekend was the first Harvick's former crew chief and team members from the #29 moved over to Gordon's #31 team, and Gordon's crew chief and team went to the #29. Childress said he moved to Gordon's pit because he has performed duties on the pit box with Kevin Hamlin, now Gordon's crew chief, and planned to continue in that role. "Yes, I'm going to try to help Robby's team because that's the team I've been working with. I can't just desert them and say, 'To hell with it,' " Childress said. "I have just always been on that (#29 team) box. I have always helped call the races with Kevin, that's just always been my position." Ford officials say there was nothing unusual about the story, that it is typical of the content of the Web site, which is intended for fans of Ford Racing. "In terms of Childress being disappointed, I'm sorry if he is, but I haven't heard anyone saying the story wasn't accurate or the story wasn't true," said Kevin Kennedy, public affairs manager for Ford Racing Technology. "The story was done by a professional journalist who is part of the NASCAR scene and is in the garage area every day, and we stand by the story," Kennedy said the Web site has an agreement with its correspondents not to use their names on the stories, so as not to disrupt their professional careers.(ThatsRacin.com)(6-14-2002)
DEI, Childress, Eanrhardt Jr reports as transcribed from a sports report at Channel 8 WGHP/Fox High Point, NC by Rich Brenner: From the 6:00pm/et report on Wednesday, June 12th:
The rumors are out there and at this time they're just that. Intriguing and to a degree they actually make sense. The hot one running through the race shops and the Internet, "Teresa Earnhardt wants to sell the race teams of DEI - Dale Earnhardt, Inc, Earnhardt's old car owner - Richard Childress - is interested in buying". At this time, No, but there are some interesting possibilities. Especially the second part of the equation. Dale Earnhardt, Jr thus, if the deal happens, comes to Childress Racing and gets into the number 3 car, meaning Little E changes his number from 8 to 3, remember he did race number 3 for Childress at the Busch Grand National race at Daytona and won, right now Childress does own the rights to number 3 and while Junior could have it. He hasn't made any overtures again, so far all this is nothing but speculation. But interesting speculation which makes sense, and something else, the Childress-DEI connection is strong, the organizations work well together, share, and have employees in key positions who have worked for both organizations. From the 10:00pm/et report on Wednesday, June 12th:
If you go by race shop and internet rumors Richard Childress is getting set to buy the Dale Earnhardt, Inc 3-car race team from Teresa Earnhardt. According to Childress insiders this is not the case, but when you come down to it and if Teresa Earnhardt does want to move out of Winston Cup racing this idea makes alot of sense. These two powerful organizations work closely together and share a lot of the same philosophies not to mention history. It would also reuniite "an Earnhardt" and "a Childress" Dale Earnhardt, Jr and Richard Childress and return an Earnhardt with the number 3 which Childress still holds rights to. We all know the number 3 will some day return to Winston Cup competition and that Dale Jr will be the guy behind the wheel. As for Junior taking over DEI, he'll be the first to tell you, he's not ready for that end of the business.(WGHP)(6-14-2002)
Three to Double at Sears Point: Sears Point Raceway says NASCAR Winston Cup drivers #31-Robby Gordon, #30-Jeff Green and #29-Kevin Harvick will pull double-duty as they compete in both the Dodge/Save Mart 350 Winston Cup race and the Snap-on Tools/Jelly Belly 200 NASCAR Featherlite Southwest Series events on the weekend of June 20-23.(Winston Cup Scene Daily Newsletter)(6-5-2002)
Harvick makes good: Something good has definitely come from Kevin Harvick's "parking" incident at Martinsville Speedway. Holding an on-line auction from his Web site (kevinharvick.com), Harvick put the hood from the truck he raced in Martinsville April 13 up for bid in order to benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. In was in the NASCAR Truck series race at Martinsville when Harvick spun driver Coy Gibbs on the track and later was "parked" -- sat out -- the next day's Winston Cup race. The auction was open to members of The Kevin Harvick Fan Club and lasted 29 hours. The hood featured the fan club's logo. Susan Bunce of New York won the hood for a sum of $4,500. "I didn't want to see the hood of my truck from Martinsville thrown to the side or just reused when I knew I could do something good with it. I figured people collect so many things and this would be something someone would want," Harvick said. "I figured it'd be a good deal, just to auction it off on the Web site and give the money to St. Jude's." St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is world renowned center for the treatment of children's catastrophic diseases, focusing mainly on pediatric cancer, immunodeficiencies, and genetic disorders. "One of the things that shows St. Jude's dedication is they treat people with no thought as to whether they can afford the treatment," Harvick said. "St. Jude's operates mostly on donations. Anything I can do to drum up support for them is worth it."(ThatsRacin.com)(6-4-2002)
Cup drivers in the Baja 1000: Long-time off-road racer Robby Gordon will compete in the Tecate SCORE Baja 1000 this fall. Gordon, who is competing in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series this year, will have another Cup star, Kevin Harvick, as his co-driver in a Trophy Truck for the off-road marathon. Sal Fish, SCORE International chief executive, announced earlier this week that the dates for this year's Baja 1000 were being moved back by two weeks to Nov. 20-23. The original schedule would have had the Baja 1000 on the same weekend as season finales for the Cup series and the National Hot Rod Association.(Las Vegas Review-Journal) AND Kevin Harvick and Robby Gordon, who would make an ornery tag-team pair in world wrestling circles, may have NASCAR company when they team up at November's Baja 1000. There is some speculation Dale Earnhardt Jr. also may drive a rival Trophy Truck during a portion of the race.(Arizona Republic)(6-4-2002)
Action and Childress extend: Action Performance Companies announced an extension to their ongoing exclusive licensing and marketing contract with Richard Childress Racing. The new agreement, which extends the exclusive license relationship until May 2012, seeks to capitalize on the long-term merchandising value of Richard Childress Racing. Under the revised agreement, Action will have the exclusive right to produce die-cast race car replicas, apparel and other merchandise for Richard Childress Racing team drivers, which currently includes Winston Cup drivers Kevin Harvick (#29), Jeff Green (#30) and Robby Gordon (#31), and Busch Series drivers Johnny Sauter (#2) and Jay Sauter (#21). In addition to the standard personal services clauses and production exclusives, the agreement also allows Action Performance to continue developing and producing Historical Series vehicles from the Richard Childress Racing stable.(Business Wire)(6-3-2002)
Chocolate Myers Injured Will Sit Out Of Cup Race: Chocolate Myers, longtime spokesperson and safety director for RCR who doubles as the gasman on the #29 GM Goodwrench team, has injured his left arm and will not participate in Sunday's MBNA Platinum 400 Winston Cup race at Dover. Larry Hartle, who is the gasman for RCR's #2 ACDelco Chevy on the Busch circuit, has been named as Chocolate's replacement for Sunday's race.(Catchfence)(6-2-2002)
RCR Crew Swap? UPDATE 2 Yes and Chocolate too: hearing rumors that the #29 and #31 Richard Childress Racing teams could swap crews in order to try to turn around their season.(5-22-2002) UPDATE: Richard Childress Racing (RCR) crew chief Kevin Hamlin and many current members of the #29 Goodwrench Service NASCAR Winston Cup team will swap places with fellow RCR crew chief Gil Martin and many current members of the #31 Cingular Wireless team starting at next weekend's Pocono 500 at Pocono Raceway. In essence, Hamlin and his group will become the Cingular Wireless crew for driver Robby Gordon while Martin and his group will become the GM Goodwrench Service crew for driver Kevin Harvick. "We're making this move to help the GM Goodwrench Service and Cingular Wireless teams and all of RCR," said Richard Childress, President and CEO of Richard Childress Racing Enterprises, Inc. "The results of our performances this season have not been up to expectations. Jeff Green and the America Online team have had the best results so far and are showing a lot of promise for the second half of the year so we're not going to change what they have been building on. But the 29 and 31 teams are down enough in the points right now that it makes the most sense to make some changes between the two. Kevin (Hamlin), Gil and all of the guys in the shop haven't forgotten how to build and prepare race cars and Kevin (Harvick) and Robby still know how to win races so it's just a matter of getting the right people in the right places. We've made changes like this before and it's worked out and we're confident that it will again." Hamlin is actually moving back to where he began at RCR. He was the #31 team's crew chief during its inaugural NASCAR Winston Cup season in 1997 until midway through the 1998 season when he swapped places with former RCR crew chief Larry McReynolds.(RCR Racing Site)(5-29-2002) UPDATE 2: Danny "Chocolate" Myers, the well-known gasman during all six of the late Dale Earnhardt’s Winston Cup championships with Richard Childress Racing, will fuel the #29 Chevrolet for the final time this weekend at Dover before moving to RCR’s #31 team. RCR announced on Wednesday the crew chiefs and crews would swap between the No. 29 and 31 teams beginning next weekend at Pocono. "Richard (Childress) let me have the choice of staying with the 29 team and I would love to but, on the other hand, I’ve worked with that group of guys moving to the 31 team for so long and so well that I don’t want to break up that deal," Myers said. "I’ve been at Richard Childress Racing for nearly 20 years and I feel like there are a lot of younger guys coming in that look up to me because I’ve been doing this for so long. By making this change and not having a problem with it, it should give the other guys reason to be able to do the same thing."(ThatsRacin.com)(5-30-2002)
Sad News: Kevin Harvick, driver of the #29 GM Goodwrench Chevy, lost his grandmother, Nana Walker on Friday morning.(Kevin Harvick Site). Thoughts and condolences out to the the family.(5-28-2002)
RCR Crew Swap? UPDATE: hearing rumors that the #29 and #31 Richard Childress Racing teams could swap crews in order to try to turn around their season.(5-22-2002) UPDATE: Richard Childress Racing (RCR) crew chief Kevin Hamlin and many current members of the #29 Goodwrench Service NASCAR Winston Cup team will swap places with fellow RCR crew chief Gil Martin and many current members of the #31 Cingular Wireless team starting at next weekend's Pocono 500 at Pocono Raceway. In essence, Hamlin and his group will become the Cingular Wireless crew for driver Robby Gordon while Martin and his group will become the GM Goodwrench Service crew for driver Kevin Harvick. "We're making this move to help the GM Goodwrench Service and Cingular Wireless teams and all of RCR," said Richard Childress, President and CEO of Richard Childress Racing Enterprises, Inc. "The results of our performances this season have not been up to expectations. Jeff Green and the America Online team have had the best results so far and are showing a lot of promise for the second half of the year so we're not going to change what they have been building on. But the 29 and 31 teams are down enough in the points right now that it makes the most sense to make some changes between the two. Kevin (Hamlin), Gil and all of the guys in the shop haven't forgotten how to build and prepare race cars and Kevin (Harvick) and Robby still know how to win races so it's just a matter of getting the right people in the right places. We've made changes like this before and it's worked out and we're confident that it will again." Hamlin is actually moving back to where he began at RCR. He was the #31 team's crew chief during its inaugural NASCAR Winston Cup season in 1997 until midway through the 1998 season when he swapped places with former RCR crew chief Larry McReynolds.(RCR Racing Site)(5-29-2002)
Harvick and Yates? UPDATE: There are persistent reports that Yates would like to hire Kevin Harvick away from Chevy's Richard Childress, although Childress and General Motors executives say that won't happen.(Winston Salem Journal)(5-18-2002) UPDATE: [Robert] Yates said he hasn’t talked with Harvick. And Richard Childress, who owns Harvick’s Chevrolets, said his driver isn’t going anywhere. This despite numerous sources indicating the relationship between Harvick and his crew is anything but rosy. Childress, meanwhile, insists otherwise. “I’ve heard the same rumors, read the same things,” Childress said in regard to overtures to Harvick. “All I can say is you need to go ask (Yates). All I know is Kevin’s under a contract for another year. We plan on keeping him. He’s happy. We’re happy. Everything’s happy.”(Winston Cup Scene - need sub to read)(5-23-2002)
Harvick wins IROC at California: Kevin Harvick held off a last-lap charge from defending series champion Bobby Labonte to win the second leg of the 2002 IROC series at California Speedway. Tony Stewart, who won the first IROC race at Daytona this year, maintained the series lead with 35 points to 32 for Harvick and 30 for Labonte.(ThatsRacin.com), see more on my IROC 2002 Page; Saturday's IROC race is scheduled to air on Sunday, April 28th on ESPN at 1:00pm/et with Bob Jenkins, Scott Goodyear and Jeff Burton calling the action.(4-28-2002)
No more trucks for Harvick? (as a driver): While cars were going through inspection Friday [at Talladega], car owner Richard Childress said that he might prohibit Kevin Harvick from driving in the truck series again. "I don't think I'll let him do that,'' Childress said. "We haven't discussed it, but I don't think so.''(High Point Enterprise). Harvick could still own the team and run with other drivers.(4-20-2002)
Sponsor sticks by Harvick: GM Goodwrench Service's director of brand marketing, Jon Brancheau, says the sponsor understands NASCAR's one-race suspension of driver Kevin Harvick but continues to support the driver and the Richard Childress Racing team. "We recognize NASCAR's concern regarding the situation in Martinsville and look forward to seeing Kevin back in the #29 GM Goodwrench Chevrolet Monte Carlo in Talladega this weekend," Brancheau says. "As the sponsor, we proudly support the entire RCR organization." For his part, Harvick says he has learned his lesson from the suspension that followed an incident Saturday in which he rammed the truck of Coy Gibbs during the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Advance Auto Parts 250. "Having to miss the [Winston Cup] race in Martinsville definitely got my attention. I'm still learning how NASCAR works and what is involved in the decisions they make. They are trying to create a fair playing field with those decisions, and they're not out to get anyone."(Winston Cup Scene Daily Newsletter)(4-18-2002)
Harvick Statement: The following is a statement from Kevin Harvick, driver of Richard Childress Racing's #29 GM Goodwrench Service Chevy, regarding NASCAR's penalty from Martinsville Speedway. "It tore me up Sunday to watch the race from home while Kenny Wallace drove the 29. I haven't been racing since I was five years old and made it this far in my career to throw it all away now. Having to miss the race in Martinsville definitely got my attention. I'm still learning how NASCAR works and what is involved in the decisions they make. They are trying to create a fair playing field with those decisions and they're not out to get anyone. In all reality, you make and control your own destiny in this sport. I wish that my team and GM Goodwrench Service weren't dragged into a situation that they had nothing to do with. For that, I want to thank everyone at RCR and GM Goodwrench Service for sticking with me. In addition to thanking Kenny for stepping in at the last minute and helping us out, I want to thank the Winston Cup drivers who have called over the past couple of days to offer their advice and support. I especially want to thank all of the fans for standing behind me. They have supported me through some very tough times. Our on-track performance so far this season isn't what we expected it to be and having to sit out last week's race only dug the hole deeper. But that just means that we're going to do everything we can to turn things around." From the RCR site.(4-16-2002)
DW talks about Harvick: Three-time Winston Cup champion turned FOX TV commentator Darrell Waltrip thinks NASCAR did the right thing by.taking a stronger stand against Kevin Harvick's actions during Saturday's Craftsman Truck Series Race. Waltrip.said "I think he's a great kid and I love playin' with him and havin' fun with him, but he does have to understanding that.this is the big leagues (Winston Cup, Busch and Trucks) and when you get to that level you have to leave that Saturday night.fight mentality.back at the short tracks and there's a standard of excellence that you have to adhere to." DW went to say "I've been expecting this...wanting this personally for quite some time...puttin' a driver on probation. So what?, what does that mean? It's never meant anything in the past. I spent five years on probation. So, they did what they had to do, they (NASCAR) didn't do it...he did it to himself is the way I look at it. It's ugly, you don't want to see it happen, and I sure don't want to see it happen to anyone else...I don't want to see it happen to him again, but, that's what it took to get his attention". Waltrip, who says he wants to talk with Harvick, recalled a time when he and Richard Petty sat Ernie Irvan down in the NASCAR hauler several years ago.when Irvan was getting into a lot of wrecks and "kinda had a cavalier attitude about whole thing". The next weekend, Irvan apologized to all the competitors in the drivers meeting for his behavior and that he was going to try and do better. Darrell said "Kevin needs to do the same thing."(PRN's Garage Pass)(4-16-2002)
Harvick Fined: NASCAR officials announced that driver Kevin Harvick has been fined $35,000 and his probation has been extended through the remainder of the year for his actions this past weekend at Martinsville Speedway. NASCAR also put Harvick on notice during this probationary period that if there are any actions, in NASCAR's opinion, that are deemed detrimental to the sport or disruptive to the orderly conduct of an event, he will be suspended indefinitely. Harvick, already on probation following an incident March 23 during the BGN race at Bristol, was initially "parked" by NASCAR officials after an on-track incident with Coy Gibbs during Saturday's Truck Series race. The penalty was then extended to include Sunday's Virginia 500 NASCAR Winston Cup event. Following further review of the incident by NASCAR officials, a fine was levied and Harvick's probation, originally scheduled to conclude Aug. 28, was extended through the end of the calendar year to Tuesday, Dec. 31.(NASCAR PR)(4-15-2002)
Childress Statement: Statement from Richard Childress regarding NASCAR's "Parking" of Kevin Harvick: "NASCAR had to do something in response to Kevin's actions during the Truck race yesterday, but I think their response was completely wrong. I have not seen the clip of Kevin's actions during the Truck race so I can't comment on what he did. He has had problems in the Busch and Truck Series and had been on probation for his actions, but the decision to 'park' him during the Winston Cup race is wrong. NASCAR should keep the actions and punishments separate to each series. This should be Kevin's punishment only, but what NASCAR is doing is punishing the tens of thousands of race fans who probably didn't know until they got to the track this morning that Kevin won't be allowed to race today. NASCAR is also punishing the entire No. 29 team and all of Richard Childress Racing for one person's actions. NASCAR is also punishing GM Goodwrench Service, who has been nothing but loyal to RCR and the sport for many years. This is only my opinion. I will sit down with Kevin Monday morning to discuss what happened and how we will proceed from here."(RCR PR)(4-14-2002)
Harvick Parked for Martinsville, Kenny Wallace in the #29 for the race: Winston Cup driver #29-Kevin Harvick has been "parked" by NASCAR officials and will not be allowed to drive in Sunday's Virginia 500 at Martinsville Speedway, NASCAR officials confirmed Sunday morning. A formal announcement of the action is expected at the track Sunday morning. Kenny Wallace will drive Harvick's #29 GM Goodwrench Chevy Sunday. He would have to start at the rear of the field since he did not qualify the car. Harvick's "parking" - defined in the NASCAR rulebook as an emergency action that is "final, non-appealable and non-reviewable" - comes in response to NASCAR officials' demand he park his truck after spinning Coy Gibbs in Saturday's CTS race at Martinsville. Harvick and Gibbs tangled on the track several times over the course of several laps. Gibbs spun Harvick one time exiting Turn 4. Following a caution on Lap 188, Harvick rammed Gibbs' rear bumper entering Turn 1 and finally spun him exiting Turn 2. NASCAR had enough, black-flagged Harvick and parked him for the day. Harvick parked his #6 Chevy in front of the Truck series hauler near pit road. He was told to report to the NASCAR hauler and met with series officials for nearly 90 minutes following the race. Harvick was already under probation from his post-race incident with Greg Biffle at the BGN race at Bristol last month. Harvick was fined $15,000 and placed on probation until Aug. 28. After Sunday's race, Harvick may receive a more traditional suspension, which could be appealed under NASCAR rules, sources said.(ThatsRacin.com), also see NASCAR.com: The Buzz: Harvick suspension imminent? and Harvick ordered to meet with NASCAR after incident. AND from the Kenny Wallace site: An emergency call sends Kenny Wallace to Martinsville. NASCAR and Richard Childress called DEI to release Wallace for the Martinsville race. Wallace drove to Martinsville and is staying with bother Rusty for the night.ANDRacingOne.com reports that a press conference with #29 car owner Richard Childress was scheduled for 9:00am/et at Martinsville Speedway, while Harvick was to address the media at 10:00am/et.AND NASCAR.com announces:Harvick not allowed to drive in Virginia 500: NASCAR's statement: "NASCAR officials have announced they have "parked" NASCAR Winston Cup Series driver Kevin Harvick until the conclusion of the Virginia 500 NASCAR Winston Cup event at Martinsville Speedway. Harvick, on probation following an incident at Bristol Motor Speedway March 23 for actions during a NASCAR Busch Series event, was parked during Saturday's Advance Auto Parts 250 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event. That time has been extended, preventing him, but not the No. 29 RCR Winston Cup team, from participating through the completion of the event at Martinsville."(4-14-2002)
No Indy 500 for Harvick in 2002: ESPN 2's RPM 2 Night reported that Kevin Harvick, driver of the #29 GM Goodwrench Chevy, says he will NOT attempt to make or drive in this years Indy 500 as rumored.(4-8-2002)
Expect Harvick and R Gordon to be fined and penalized UPDATE penalties announced: #31-Robby Gordon and #8-Dale Earnhardt Jr. were called to the NASCAR hauler to meet with series officials following Sunday’s Food City 500 at Bristol. The two traded bumps several times during the race, and after the race ended, Gordon drove his No. 31 Chevrolet into the back of Earnhardt Jr.’s car on pit road, turning it around. NASCAR officials said they planned to review the incident and that Gordon would likely be penalized in a similar fashion to Tony Stewart, who was fined $10,000 last year for spinning Jeff Gordon on pit road. After the pit road incident, Robby Gordon drove to the garage area, while Earnhardt Jr. stopped on pit road for media interviews, as is common for drivers who finish in the top five (Earnhardt Jr. was fourth). As Earnhardt Jr. was getting out of his car, Mike Scearce, the jack man for Gordon’s team, ran up to Earnhardt Jr.’s car and Scearce and members of Earnhardt Jr.’s team exchanged obscenities before they were separated.(ThatsRacin.com) AND Kevin Harvick likely faces a large fine and probation for his actions on pit road following Saturday’s Channellock 250 BGTN race at Bristol. Greg Biffle hit Harvick’s car exiting Turn 4 on Lap 240, sending Harvick into the wall. Harvick waited in a pit stall on the frontstretch until the race was over and when Biffle brought his #60 Ford on pit road, Harvick charged after him and the two locked arms for nearly a minute before they were separated(actually jumped on and over Biffle's car). Saturday afternoon, Harvick, his crew chief, Kevin Hamlin, and car owner, Richard Childress, all met with NASCAR officials. Childress met with NASCAR President Mike Helton again early Sunday morning, and Childress, Harvick and Helton met again for 25 minutes later Sunday morning. Harvick had to cancel an appearance in the hospitality village Sunday morning because of his meeting with Helton. Helton said penalties against Harvick will be issued this week, perhaps as early as Monday. “I think the issue we have to deal with, is how disruptive Harvick’s actions were and how detrimental his actions were to the overall scheme of things,” Helton said. Childress agreed that NASCAR had to take some action. Not only was Harvick frustrated with having his car wrecked, but he was shaken by the wreck itself. “It was a tough hit,” Childress said. “He couldn’t walk hardly last night. He’s really hurting today.”(ThatsRacin.com)(3-25-2002) UPDATE: NASCAR officials announced today they have penalized NASCAR Winston Cup Series drivers Robby Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr., for intentionally running into each other's car during the cool-down lap of the Food City 500 at the Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, TN. Gordon, driver of the #31 NASCAR Winston Cup Series team, was fined $10,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until Aug. 28th. Earnhardt Jr. was fined $5,000. Both drivers were penalized under Section 12-4-A in the 2002 NASCAR Winston Cup Series rule book: "actions deemed by NASCAR Officials as detrimental to stock car racing."
A penalty was also levied against driver Kevin Harvick for his actions in the pits following Saturday's Channellock 250 NASCAR Busch Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway. Harvick, driver of the #29 NASCAR Busch Series team, was fined $15,000 and placed on NASCAR probation until Aug. 28th. He was penalized under Section 12-4-A in the 2002 NASCAR Busch Series rule book: "actions deemed by NASCAR Officials as detrimental to stock car racing."(NASCAR PR)(3-25-2002)
Childress off to the Artic after Bristol: Richard Childress [owner of the #'s 29,30,31] is taking a hunting trip, smack in the middle of Winston Cup season. "I'm changing my lifestyle a little bit," Childress said. "I need to." The change was prompted in part by the death of Childress' friend and driver, Dale Earnhardt, more than a year ago. Not that the hunting trip will cost Childress much time in the garage, but it might. A day after Sunday's race at Bristol, Tenn., Childress leaves for the Arctic to hunt polar bear and musk ox. Winston Cup does not race the following weekend, Easter Sunday. Childress plans to fly directly to Texas on April 7 for that race weekend at Texas Motor Speedway.(Atlanta Journal Constitution)(3-21-2002)
Harvick goes Sonic: Reigning BGN Champ Kevin Harvick, Richard Childress Racing and Sonic announced plans to enter the #29 Sonic Chevrolet in the BGN race at Texas Motor Speedway. The April 6 event marks the first race Harvick will run in the series since clinching the championship title in 2001. The #29 Sonic Chevrolet will be red and black and feature the Sonic logo on the hood and rear quarter panel. The deck lid will feature signature Sonic favorites- Cheese Coney, Tater Tots and Cherry Limeade. Sonic is giving four fans the chance to compete in a go-kart race against Harvick at SpeedZone in Dallas. To win, fans need to stop by a participating Sonic location in Dallas/Ft. Worth and enter the drawing. Sonic, which specializes in made-to-order fast food, is known for its specialty menu items and personal Carhop service. Popular menu items include Toaster Sandwiches (Chicken Club and Bacon Cheddar Burger on this Texas Toast), Extra-Long Cheese Coneys (hot dogs with chili and cheese), hamburgers, fresh-made Onion Rings, Tater Tots (hmm...a Jayski fave - love Sonic - need one in NJ) and a variety of Frozen Fountain Favorites(tm) such as Cream Pie Shakes and Cherry Limades.(Three Wide Marketing PR). See my Paint Schemes Gallery for four images of the car.(3-10-2002)
Harvick to do double duty at Seas Point: Kevin Harvick has agreed to a one-race sponsorship with Snap-on Tools for the Southwest Series event at Sears Point Raceway and will drive a Chevrolet in the 70-lap feature, set for June 22. He will switch to his familiar #29 Goodwrench Service Chevy the next day (June 23) for the Dodge/Save Mart 350 on the twisting road course. Harvick is no stranger to double-duty, having competed in both the NASCAR Winston Cup and Busch Grand National Series during the 2001 season. He placed ninth in Winston Cup and won the Busch Series championship. The native of Bakersfield (Calif.) is also quite familiar with Sears Point, having won a NASCAR Winston West event there during his 1998 championship year. He has also competed at Sears Point in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, and he placed 14th in 2001 in a Winston Cup car. The Southwest Series deal came together thanks to Snap-on, an associate sponsor on Harvick's Winston Cup car, and a long-time sponsor of Richard Childress Racing. "Snap-on is very excited to sponsor our own car in this race and continue what is already a great relationship with Richard Childress
Racing and Kevin Harvick," said Denny Chittick, Snap-on branch manager for Northern California/Nevada. Harvick's primary competition in the Snap-on Tools/Jelly Belly 200 will come from Jim Inglebright, the two-time defending champion of the event from Fairfield in the Bay Area.(Sears Point PR)(3-8-2002)
One Thousand Starts for RCR: Robby Gordon's #31 Chevy will represent the 1,000th start for the Richard Childress Racing team when he takes the green flag Sunday at Las Vegas. Gordon qualified 12th on Friday, ahead of teammates Jeff Green (22nd) and Kevin Harvick (28th). More than half of the team's cup starts were made by the late Dale Earnhardt with 529. Childress added 188 of his own. Mike Skinner has 157 starts, Ricky Rudd 60, Harvick 37, Gordon 12, Green 10, Morgan Shepherd and Neil Bonnett 2 each and Mike Dillon and Rodney Combs one each.(Daytona Beach News Journal/AP)(3-2-2002)
Special #29 Scheme at the Winston? UPDATE: hearing that Kevin Harvick will have a special paint scheme for the Wintson called GM Goodwrench/On a Roll, soemthing about the launch of a new tire program.(2-7-2002) UPDATE: see a diecast image of the car on my Paint Schemes Gallery(2-8-2002)
Harvick wins award: Because of Kevin Harvick's performance under the trying circumstances, he was on Sunday named the winner of the 2001 Richard Petty Award as the National Motorsports Press Association’s Driver of the Year. Harvick, who turned 26 in December, is the first Winston Cup rookie to win the award.(ThatsRacin.com)(1-21-2002)
ET Phone Bristol? UPDATE 4: hearing the Richard Childress Racing Cup cars, #29-Harvick, #30-Green and #31-Gordon (yes Gordon is listed) will run a 20th Anniversary of ET paint scheme at Bristol in 2002, not sure which Bristol, the 1st or 2nd event(11-10-2001) UPDATE: ET will be re-released on April 1, 2002 for its 20th Anniversary so I imagine it'll be the spring race(11-11-2001) UPDATE 2: now hearing (ironically) that the ET schemes will run on the #24-Jeff Gordon and #31-Robby Gordon cars - BUT am now hearing the #30 Green and #31 Gordon E.T. Paint schemes have been cancelled and that #29 Harvick will carry the special ET paint for the re-released movie(11-27-2001) UPDATE 3: hearing that the car and scheme may be reveiled at the Winston Preview this weekend(1-18-2002) UPDATE 4: This Friday, GM Goodwrench Service, in conjunction with Universal Studios Consumer Products Group, Richard Childress Racing Enterprises, Inc., and Action Performance Companies will celebrate the 20th anniversary of E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial by unveiling a pair of specially painted NASCAR stock cars at the Richard Childress Racing shop in Welcome, NC. In celebration of the 20th anniversary of Steven Spielberg's timeless and beloved classic, Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment will re-release E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial nationwide on March 22, 2002 in a new version along with never-before-seen footage, state-of-the-art computer-generated enhancements and a digitally remixed soundtrack. E.T. will celebrate his 20th anniversary by spending two days as a passenger on a NASCAR® stock car on March 23rd and 24th at Bristol Motor Speedway during two of the season's most anticipated racing events. E.T. will appear on the flanks of two RCR NASCAR cars in consecutive races; first, on the red and black #29 GM Goodwrench Service/Action car during Saturday's BGN race, and then on the blue and black #29 GM Goodwrench Service car for the Winston Cup event on Sunday. The two cars, to be driven by 2001 BGN champion and Winston Cup Rookie-of-the-Year Kevin Harvick, will be first unveiled to the public at the RCR race shop as part of the Lowe's Media Tour, and then they will be on display from 8:30am until 6:00pm/et time at the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Winston-Salem, N.C. Team owner Richard Childress and Harvick will also be on hand to meet the press at the RCR unveiling. As part of the E.T. 20th Anniversary celebration, Action Performance has been licensed to produce collector merchandise, including die-cast racing replicas, which will be available to consumers through Action's extensive network of distribution channels.(Action Performance PR), Paint Schemes Gallery for a images of the cars(1-18-2002)
Hutchens promoted: Richard Childress has reorganized his three-team Winston Cup operation for this season, and Bobby Hutchens, the company's chief engineer and general manager [and of the Hutchens device], has taken on another role, as team manager for all three Cup teams(Winston Salem Journal)(1-15-2002)
24 Hours - Been asked...here ya go: SpeedChannel, formerly SpeedVision, will air the Rolex 24-Hours of Daytona live starting February 2 and at various times that weekend.(RacingOne)(1-15-2002)
Childress Trademark News: A U.S. magistrate judge issued a permanent injunction and judgement last month in favor of Richard Childress Racing in its trademark infringement lawsuit against Charlotte, N.C.-based Heavenly Deigns of N.C. Inc. and its owners, Barry and Billi Jo McCall Baker. In an order signed Dec. 10, Judge Russell Eliason awarded RCR approximately $500,000 in damages, costs and legal fees. He also issued a permanent injunction prohibiting Heavenly Designs from "manufacturing, distributing, advertising, offering for sale, or selling goods under any designs or marks comprised of a number 3, with or without angel's wings and/or halo." Childress said he was pleased the case was over and the injunction issued.(That's Racin')(1-11-2002)
Why no Harvick? UPDATE: been asked, why no Kevin Harvick at the Daytona Testing even though the #29 team was 7th in owners points? Haven't heard, but can only assume that since the BGN Banguet is on the 11th in California, he has commitments there(1-9-2002) UPDATE: One of the teams not on hand that was scheduled to be was the #29 Chevrolet of Kevin Harvick. NASCAR will allow Harvick to test next Monday-Wednesday since he has to attend the NASCAR Busch Series banquet in California later this week.(NASCAR.com)(1-9-2002)
Harvick and Hershey: Hershey recruits Nascar's Winston Cup circuit Rookie of the Year Kevin Harvick for a $28 million TV, radio, print and Web campaign positioning its new Reese's FastBreak candy bar as the meal on the run. The quick-meal message is punctuated by a 15-second spot, via DDB, New York, breaking this week that shows Harvick pulling his #29 GM Goodwrench Car into the pit, chomping on a FastBreak and quickly being sent back on the track by his fuel man. Voiceover asks, "Need to refuel?" and touts the milk chocolate, soft nougat and Reese's peanut butter ingredients. The tagline: "Refuel and go." Radio ads place Harvick at a press conference where reporters suggest that Reese's FastBreak should be rookie of the year because the driver performed great in races where he ate one. In another, Harvick thanks his pit crew for always being there with the candy bar even though they occasionally forgot to give him gas and sent him on the track with three tires.(Brandweek), NOTE: harvick ran a Reese's FastBreak candy bar schemes last Nov at NHIS, see my 2001 Cup Paint Scheme page for the image(1-7-2002)
2001 News
Harvick in the Indy 500? If Kevin Harvick does well in the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona [see story below], look for Harvick to try his hand at the Indianapolis 500.(Sporting News)(12-31-2001)
Rolex 24 at Daytona - Robinson in?(no) UPDATE 4 Harvick, Petty, R Gordon, Stewart, Dallenbach, Andretti: hearing Shawna Robinson is going to be driving a second Flis Corvette in the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona, with Conway and Goad as co-drivers. Supposedly Bam Motorsports is buying the seat time for her.(12-7-2001) UPDATE: hearing Shawna Robinson will NOT drive in the Rolex 24 Hours at Daytona and that Kevin Harvick could be in the seat now(12-25-2001) UPDATE 2: Flis Motorsports, which claimed 2001 AGT-class driver and car owner championships, will test two Corvettes entered for this year's race. A championship-winning NASCAR driver, whose name will be made public Jan. 2, has signed on to drive in the team's second car(Daytona Beach News Journal)(12-27-2001) UPDATE 3: Kevin Harvick will help kick off Speed Weeks 2002 by driving a Flis Motorsports Corvette during the Rolex 24 At Daytona on Feb. 2-3. Harvick will join the Daytona Beach-based team drivers Rick Carelli, John Metcalf and Dave Liniger, primary sponsor of the Flis Corvette. Carelli, a Truck Series driver [in Harvicks CTS truck] and longtime friend of Harvick, was instrumental in suggesting that the NASCAR star join the team. Harvick joins a growing list of NASCAR drivers who will suit up for this year's 24-hour event at Daytona International Speedway. Kyle Petty [#45 Cup car], whose team finished seventh overall in the 2001 endurance event, is returning for another run and will bring along Petty Enterprises teammate John Andretti [#43], also a sportscar racing veteran. They will drive a Porsche GT3R. Tony Stewart [#20] will drive a Judd-powered Crawford prototype racer. Wally Dallenbach Jr. will drive a Robinson Racing Riley & Scott MkIII, also a prototype. Robby Gordon [#31] is said to be joining Indy Racing League driver Scott Sharp, who announced Wednesday that he will drive for the Jim Matthews Racing team in an Elan-powered Riley & Scott. Sharp, a two-time SCCA Trans-Am champion and 1996 IRL inaugural season co-champion, teamed with Wayne Taylor and Jim Pace to win overall honors in the 1996 Rolex 24 At Daytona.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(12-28-2001) UPDATE 4: Robby Gordon will drive a Jim Matthews Racing R&S Mk III C for the 40th annual Rolex 24 At Daytona, according to Bill Riley, vice president of chassis manufacturer Riley & Scott, and Jim Matthews, owner of Jim Matthews Racing. Guy Smith, Jim Matthews and 1996 Rolex 24 At Daytona winner Scott Sharp will share driving duties with Gordon.(Daytona Beach News Journal)(12-29-2001)
Chocolate News: #29 RCR Gasman, Chocolatr Myers will have surgery on his left wrist during the off season. Danny "Chocolate" Myers injured his left wrist during a pitstop at Talladega in October. Seems that the gas can got stuck as Kevin Harvick was pulling out of the pits and Myers twisted his left wrist in the process, tearing tendons and ligaments. Doctors at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center will perform the surgery and after some rehab, he'll be good to go for Daytona. Chocolate helped raise Thousands when the Charity League of Lexington, NC hosted their annual Holiday House tour at Myers Manor - the home of Danny "Chocolate" and Caron Myers. Over 3000 people attended the event - at five dollars a pop - with Danny and Caron standing at the door shaking hands with each guest as they arrived. Race fans got to see how the famous Gas Man lives at home. There were Christmas trees in each of the 19 rooms.of their 5000 square foot Victorian home, each with a different theme. And, of course,.Chocolate's Victrola (crank phonograph) collection. All proceeds of the event went to benefit children and underprivileged families in Davidson County, NC. And Chocolate was seen at the Lexington KMart ringing a bell for the Salvation Army last Saturday. And he wasn't shy about intimidating people and making them dig deep into their pockets. Remember, this is the same guy who wrestled a bear once! Myers has recently been appointed to the board of the Salvation Army. And finally: Politics for Mrs. Chocolate?: Caron Myers, wife of Danny "Chocolate" Myers and writer for Racing Milestones Magazine, was elected to the Lexington Planning Board and the Board of Adjustments. She began serving her three year term of public office on Monday, December 17th.(12-18-2001)
Harvick named Rookie of the Year(ROTY): Kevin Harvick, driver of the #29 GM Goodwrench Chevrolet, claimed the 2001 NASCAR Winston Cup Series Raybestos Rookie of the Year Award. He finished the season with a total of 331 points, 66 points ahead of second-place Kurt Busch. A native of Bakersfield, Calif., Harvick took over the Richard Childress-owned ride after the death of seven-time NASCAR Winston Cup Series champion, Dale Earnhardt. During the 2001 NASCAR Winston Cup Series season, Harvick visited the winner.s circle twice (Atlanta - 3/11 and Chicago - 7/15) and collected six top-five finishes and 16 top 10s. He also topped the season off with a ninth-place finish in the final point standings (Harvick is the only driver to finish in the top-10 in points that only competed in 35 events)(NASCAR PR). See my ROTY Page for results, rules and breakdown(11-27-2001)
Special #29 Scheme: The Hershey Foods Corporation is putting its newest candy bar creation - Reese's FastBreak - on the fast track with Hershey's Racing driver Kevin Harvick. Reese's FastBreak candy bar will break into Winston Cup racing on the #29 GM Goodwrench Service Plus Monte Carlo, driven by Harvick and owned by Richard Childress Racing (RCR), on November 23, 2001, at the New Hampshire 300. Hershey is celebrating the November introduction of Reese's FastBreak with a one-time version of the #29 Chevrolet sporting the Reese's FastBreak logo and a special color scheme featuring the Reese's FastBreak design(RCR PR/Site)(11-19-2001)
Harvick, Waltrip and the NBA and the NHL: Kevin Harvick and Michael Waltrip will make a guest appearance on TNT's Inside The NBA on Thurs., Nov. 15, at approximately 11:30pm/et, with TNT host Ernie Johnson, and analysts Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley. Harvick is bringing his remote control cars to the studio so he and Waltrip can take on Johnson, Smith and Barkley in a race around the studio.. Both drivers are in town for the NAPA 500 at the Atlanta Motor Speedway. AND On Friday, Harvick will drop the puck at the Atlanta Thrashers hockey game against the Nashville Predators, which airs on Turner South at 7:30 p.m., with the pre-game show beginning at 7 p.m.(NBC PR)(11-15-2001)
Harvick Tests at Daytona: #29-Kevin Harvick tested at Daytona International Speedway on Monday, preparing for the season-opening 44th annual Daytona 500 on Feb. 17 with a pair of #29 GM Goodwrench Chevrolets in a two-day test. Crew chief Kevin
Hamlin and the rest of the team were trying to figure out the new superspeedway rules package for Harvick’s first Daytona 500 start. “We haven’t had time to use a lot of our tests this year,” said Harvick, who’ll also win Winston Cup Raybestos Rookie of the Year honors. “They changed the rules on the superspeedway cars so we wanted to get a head start. We’ve already finished our car for the Daytona
500 and decided to come down here and use one of our tests. ” Harvick tested the car he’ll run in next year’s Daytona 500 and the car he ran at Talladega in October. Also testing at the Speedway on Monday was the True Value/IROC Series and test drivers Dave Marcis and Jim Sauter. Harvick, whose Busch Series title earned him a spot in the exclusive All-Star field, plans on hopping in one of those cars before the end of his testing session. On Tuesday, True Value/IROC testing will continue with open-wheel drivers expected to arrive, including Indy Racing League champion Sam Hornish Jr., Helio Castroneves(CART) and Scott Sharp. Guests can watch both Harvick’s test session and True Value/IROC testing free of charge with access to the Oldfield Grandstand through the lobby of DAYTONA USA.(DIS PR)(11-12-2001)
Harvick in IROC: BGN champ and likely Winston Cup rookie of the year Kevin Harvick has accepted an invitation to compete in the four-race International Race of Champions (IROC) series in 2002. Harvick was extended the invitation that is traditionally given to the Grand National champion. Reigning series champion Jeff Green competed in the four-race series this season.(That's Racin')(11-10-2001)
Jr's thoughts on #3: If NASCAR ever retires Dale Earnhardt's No. 3, it will be against the wishes of his son and namesake. Dale Earnhardt Jr. said he doesn't think it would be fair to Richard Petty, the sport's other seven-time champion, if NASCAR were to retire Earnhardt's No. 3 and not Petty's No. 43. For the record, Petty has always opposed the retirement of the
number he made famous.(Gaston Gazette)(10-28-2001)
UPDATE - Why can Harvick drive in the Cup race since he is a rookie and 'supposedly' a rookie must practice and qualify the car they compete in? My understanding is that NASCAR may determine the rookie status of a driver based on experience at a race track or in the series. Since Harvick has ran 28 of the 29 previous Cup races, won two and is leading the BGN points, it was probably decided he could handle it. Plus he has already raced at Martinsville. ALSO it is my understanding that a rookie driver did not get rookie points for a race unless he also qualified the car. That means Harvick would not get points or money for winning or anything else rookie-wise, if this is the case.(10-13-2001) UPDATE: been informed that Harvick will NOT receive the customary 1 point for attempting to qualify for the Martinsville event, but he WILL still retain any rookie points for his finishing order.(10-15-2001)
Mast in the #31? UPDATE 2 in the #29 for practice/qualifyng: hearing Rick Mast will run the #31 Lowes Chevy at Martinsville in a one race deal(10-7-2001) UPDATE: Rick Mast, who lost his Winston Cup ride when his Eel River Racing team folded last week, is testing the No. 31 Chevrolet this week for Richard Childress Racing at South Carolina's Greenville-Pickens Speedway, team officials confirmed. It remains unclear whether Mast will drive the car at Martinsville, Va., next weekend. Robby Gordon has been driving the #31, but failed to qualify for Sunday's s race, the first time the #31 missed a race since 1998.(That's Racin') AND Two of Childress' cars missed the race this weekend, and it was the first time that the #31 car was not in the field since the Coca-Cola 600 in 1997. Childress says he has "a whole different plan that we're going to approach with Kevin (Harvick and his car) and the #31 car" but wouldn't expound on the details other than to say that Robby Gordon "would be in Martinsville on Friday."(Sporting News) ANDFSN's Totally NASCAR reported that the team went to Greenville-Pickens Speedway with both Robby Gordon and Rick Mast, Larry McReynold's said that at the end of the two day test, the team may consider having Mast qualify the #31 Chevy for the race. Would assume then that Gordon would run the race to gain experience(10-8-2001) UPDATE 2: Rick Mast will practice and qualify the #29 GM Goodwrench Chevy for regular driver Kevin Harvick at Martinsville. Harvick will be in Memphis for the BGN race on Saturday. Harvick will drive the #29 Chevy in the race, but will have to fall to the back of the field before the start of the race(ESPN2's PRM 2Night)(10-9-2001)
RCR Sues UPDATE: Richard Childress Racing, the owner of the late Dale Earnhardt's Winston Cup team, has filed suit in federal court accusing a Charlotte-based company of stealing the design of Earnhardt's former car number and profiting from his Feb. 18 death in a last-lap wreck at the Daytona 500. Barry Baker and Billi Jo McCall Baker and their Heavenly Designs of N.C. Inc. company are named in the lawsuit filed Sept. 13 and reported Friday by Bloomberg News. Earnhardt won six of his seven Winston cup titles while driving for Childress and since 1980 competed in cars bearing a slanted No. 3. The lawsuit accuses the Bakers of selling memorabilia with the number combined with wings and a halo to symbolize Earnhardt's death. "We're going to do what we have to do to protect our rights," Childress said Sunday. "We do have the trademark and the service marks on the stylized 3. We'll do what we have to do to protect that. We've had an unbelievable amount of illegal stuff being made. What we usually do is have a cease-and-desist (order) and that pretty much stops it. We're just trying to protect what Dale and I have built over the years." After being told to stop selling the items, the suit contends, the Bakers modified the design and then incorporated Heavenly Designs on July 11 to continue selling items. "As a result of these unlawful activities, defendants have received substantial profits to which they are not entitled, resulting in corresponding losses to RCR," the lawsuit contends. RCR is seeking a court order recalling infringing items from shelves and blocking future sales, along with any profits, damages and court fees. The racing group also asks that the Bakers be held personally liable for the infringements, saying they set up Heavenly Designs to protect themselves from a lawsuit. No court date has been set to hear the case.(That's Racin')(9-23-2001) UPDATE: Heavenly Designs of N.C. Inc., owned by Charlotte residents Barry and Billi Jo McCall Baker, claim a "winged" No. 3 decal the business produces and sells does not violate a federal trademark held by Richard Childress, owner of the Winston Cup team of the late Dale Earnhardt. The Bakers filed a response Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Greensboro, N.C., to a lawsuit originally filed Sept. 13 by attorneys for Richard Childress Racing. Company owner Barry Baker said there is no basis to "outlaw" his design, which he says does not use the "slanted" No. 3 trademarked by Childress. Baker said he has always told customers they weren't buying Dale Earnhardt products, Richard Childress products, or NASCAR products, but those of Heavenly Designs. He said he has operated as an independent souvenir vendor at Winston Cup tracks since 1995.(That's Racin')(10-6-2001)
#29 Stays, New Colors, #3 Retired? UPDATE 2: Richard Childress Racing will unveil the 2002 paint scheme for the #29 Chevrolets driven by rookie Kevin Harvick, but there will be no change in the team's number. The news conference is scheduled for 10:00am/et on Sunday at Kansas Speedway, site of Sunday's inaugural Protection One 400. Sources said the car's general design will remain the same, but there will be some color changes. Also, owner Richard Childress is expected to reveal his intentions to seek the retirement of the #3 - the number used by that team when Dale Earnhardt was its driver. Earnhardt, who won six of his seven Winston Cup championships with Childress, was killed in a last-lap wreck at the season opening Daytona 500. Harvick has driven for Earnhardt's former team with the #29 and a predominantly white color scheme on the car since the February race at Rockingham(That's Racin'). JAYSKI NOTE: hearing the car will feature a red scheme(9-29-2001) UPDATE: In a pre-race press conference from the Fan Walk inside Kansas Speedway, Richard Childress announced this morning the #29 of Kevin Harvick will carry some familiar colors for 2002. The Monte Carlo unveiled combined the familiar black with a new gray scheme giving the car a touch of the old, with a dash of the new. The announcement was greeted by applause from the fans in attendance. Richard Childress Racing will field the #’s 29, 30, and 31 Winston Cup cars for Kevin Harvick, Jeff Green, and supposedly Robby Gordon.(Frontstretch). So much for the red rumor(9-30-2001) UPDATE 2: Richard Childress, owner of the No. 29 Chevrolets driven by Kevin Harvick, said Sunday he is trying to persuade NASCAR to retire the No. 3 made famous by the late Dale Earnhardt. "The numbers belong to NASCAR and it's not their policy to retire numbers," Childress said. "But we're talking to them heavily about retiring the number 3. If not, we have some plans for the No. 3 that we have registered and stylized that Dale Earnhardt made so famous." Childress said he expects NASCAR's decision by the end of the season.(That's Racin'). See images of the car at my Paint Schemes Gallery for more images (and the new 2002 Cup page there)(10-1-2001)
#29 Crew Chief News: Todd Berrier, Kevin Harvick's BGN crew chief, will crew chief the #29 Goodwrench Chevy at Kansas. Regular crew chief Kevin Hamilin is in Michigan as his Mother-in-Law passed away, thoughts and condelences go out to Hamilin and his family(9-29-2001)
#3 to return in 2002? UPDATE: NASCAR.com's The Buzz is reporting that Richard Childress Racing could be bringing back the #3 Chevrolet. Formerly driven by and made famous by the late Dale Earnhardt, it has not been driven in competition since the seven-time champion's death in the Daytona 500. Allegedly, the design has already been finished but the #3 will have a different look and design to it than what Earnhardt drove. The design has been rumored to already have been approved by Dale Earnhardt Inc., Chevrolet and Richard Childress Racing. Since the season's second race at Rockingham, Kevin Harvick has competed in a white No. 29 Chevrolet with Goodwrench Plus on board. If the #3 came back, it wouldn't be until next year in time for the Daytona 500.(NASCAR.com Buzz)(8-16-2001) UPDATE: Richard Childress did not directly deny plans to revive the #3 at some point for his Winston Cup racing operation. "We'll be making announcements on the 3 sometime in the near future," Childress said before Saturday's Sharpie 500 at Bristol. "I can't go there right now, but it will be an issue we'll handle by the end of the year." The #3 has been inactive since Dale Earnhardt was killed in a crash in the Daytona 500 on Feb. 18. Rumors have circulated about the future of the #3 for the past few months. Childress will field three teams next season and the car number for only one of them, the #30 to be driven by Jeff Green and sponsored by America Online. Kevin Harvick will continue to drive for Earnhardt's former team in the GM Goodwrench sponsored car now carrying the #29. The third Childress team will be sponsored by Cingular Wireless. No driver or car number has been announced, although Robby Gordon is considered a leading candidate for that ride(That's Racin')(8-26-2001)
Harvick in New York: on Tuesday, Aug 28th, Kevin Harvick will visit Yankee Stadium to throw out the "first pitch" for
Tuesday's night's game as the New York Yankee's play the Toronto Blue Jay's. Along with Harvick "taking the mound" at the legendary ball park, one of his #29 GM Goodwrench Service Plus Chevrolet Monte Carlo's will be on display outside the main gates for the baseball fans to take a view of a NASCAR Winston Cup race car. While in New York, Harvick will be making some other stops including FOX Networks Studio's where he will appear on the FOX morning program "FOX and Friends".(Champions Sports Group PR)(8-28-2001)
RCR at 99 UPDATE make it 100: Kevin Harvick's victory in the BGN race at Indianapolis Raceway Park on Saturday night was the 99th in a NASCAR points race for Richard Childress Racing. It also marked the fourth weekend in a row that an RCR car has won a NASCAR race. In July, Harvick won the inaugural Winston Cup race at Chicagoland Speedway and followed that up with a victory in the Grand National race at St. Louis. Last weekend, Jeff Purvis won the Grand National race at Pikes Peak(Alabama Live)(8-7-2001) UPDATE win #100: with Kevin Harvick's BGN Win at Bristol, it was the 100th win in a NASCAR points race for Richard Childress Racing(8-25-2001)
Little E to get Dad's Number? Too good to be true? Picture this: Dale Earnhardt Jr. reviving the #3 car next season with a split-sponsored deal between GM Goodwrench and Budweiser(Sporting News), No Other Details mentioned, this is a rumor(8-6-2001)
RCR at 99: Kevin Harvick's victory in the BGN race at Indianapolis Raceway Park on Saturday night was the 99th in a NASCAR points race for Richard Childress Racing. It also marked the fourth weekend in a row that an RCR car has won a NASCAR race. In July, Harvick won the inaugural Winston Cup race at Chicagoland Speedway and followed that up with a victory in the Grand National race at St. Louis. Last weekend, Jeff Purvis won the Grand National race at Pikes Peak(Alabama Live)(8-7-2001)
Dallas Cowboys and RCR? UPDATE 3: Cowboys owner Jerry Jones may not be able to get his team to the Super Bowl, but he could have a car in Daytona. Officials confirmed Thursday that Jones is negotiating to invest up to $10 million in the Richard Childress Winston Cup racing team. Jones has said the goal is to have an agreement in place by February of 2002 when the NASCAR season starts with the Daytona 500. These discussions are the latest example of the Cowboys thrust to market the club beyond the football field. The club attempted to strike a deal to have their colors and logo placed on a car in the Direct TV 500 at the Texas Motor Speedway last year, but the deal fell through(FoxSports)(7-27-2001) UPDATE: Jerry Jones, owner of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys, has been in discussions with Richard Childress Racing to either invest in or sponsor a Winston Cup team next season(That's Racin')(7-28-2001) UPDATE 2: Jones has talked with Richard Childress, president of Richard Childress Racing, on issues of NASCAR ownership and the business of securing sponsors to pay the bills. "We're just in the preliminary discussion stage right now," Jones said. "We recognize that NASCAR is an outstanding sport and has a great number of fans who have a lot of synergy with Dallas Cowboys fans." Jones has been told by NASCAR officials that "upwards of $9 million to $12 million a year" can be brought in by sponsors vying for advertising space on the car. "As owners -- again, if we're involved -- we will use the credibility and the visibility of the Dallas Cowboys to promote the racing team during its season and have a [marketing] tie-in during our season," Jones said. "We are going to be sponsored by other companies. That's the business of racing ... to cover your expenses of owning a car. If you do it right, that could mean upwards of $9 million to $12 million a year covered by sponsors. Certainly, we would anticipate that." Jones wouldn't hint at possible sponsors. But he has had business associations with Pepsi-Cola, Miller beer and Dr. Pepper, to name a few. "It would be obvious to everybody that this was the Dallas Cowboys' car out there," Jones said. "It will done -- if we do it -- strictly on a business basis." Jones' sons, Stephen and Jerry Jones Jr., are involved in the day-to-day operation of the Cowboys, and they also have significant roles in projects such as Dallas' new Arena Football League team, which begins play in 2002. "Right now, this is the Dallas Cowboys teaming up with people who are in the [NASCAR] business," Jones said. "But no matter what we might do here, my focus will remain on football. I am the owner and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys. The car, the visibility, the success of [racing] would be done just like I run the Dallas Cowboys -- just not by me." Jones' family members will handle all corporate decisions, even the hiring of the driver(Star Telegram)(7-29-2001) UPDATE 3: Might we see the silver background and blue star of the Dallas Cowboys on a Richard Childress car in the future? It's a distinct possibility. "We'd be crazy not to listen to the Cowboys," says Childress, whose stable includes five cars -- three in Winston Cup and two in the Busch Series(Sporting News) and a story at NASCAR.com Childress: On Purvis, Harvick, Cowboys(7-30-2001)
Harvick wins at Chicago: #29-Kevin Harvick won the Tropicana 400 at Chicagoland Speedway, his 2nd win of the 2001 season and the 2nd in his 17th Winston Cup start. #77-Robert Pressley had a great run and finished a career best 2nd, his previous best finish of third came in 1998 at Texas and Pressley's first top five since Michigan on June 2000 when he finished 5th. The Winston Cup points lead really tightened up with #24-Jeff Gordon and #88-Dale Jarrett tied with the lead at 2,515 points with #28-Ricky Rudd just 18 behind. Gordon is technically still the points leader - based on more second-place finishes that Jarrett so far this year. See That's Racin' for Tropicana 400 results, Winston Cup points (after Chicago), and Winston Cup race points for Chicago (7-15-2001)
Harvick and Hornaday Double Duty: Ron Hornaday will join Kevin Harvick in double duty this weekend. Hornaday will drive the #11 Chevy, usually driven by rookie Marty Houston, for the second consecutive week in the BGN. Hornaday will ride on the same plane as Harvick to Watkins Glen following Pepsi 400 practice Friday night. After BGN qualifying Saturday, they will fly back to Daytona on Saturday afternoon and then back to Watkins Glen either late Saturday night or early Sunday morning. The adjustment in the Winston Cup schedule today because of rain had no impact on their double-duty plans(Daytona Beach News Journal)(7-6-2001)
#3 Will Not be Retired: Despite overwhelming public sentiment, it is unlikely NASCAR Winston Cup series car number ``3'' ever will be retired. The number synonymous with the late Dale Earnhardt currently belongs to Richard Childress, whose team included Earnhardt's trademark black Chevrolet. As long as No. 3 remains in Childress' possession, it almost certainly will be directly associated only with the Earnhardt name. NASCAR owns all of the numbers and determines on a yearly basis which teams will use them. The only imaginable scenario involving the appearance of No. 3 on a Winston Cup car would be if Dale Earnhardt Jr. some day drove for Childress. Undoubtedly, if NASCAR wanted to retire the number as a tribute, Childress would be open to the idea. But it is doubtful NASCAR will make such a decision; the famous No. 43 of Richard Petty, for example, remains active and owned by Petty. NASCAR's policy is to not retire numbers. For now, ``3'' safely is in Childress' possession and, with NASCAR's approval, was placed in moratorium for a year. ``We will never run a No. 3 black Goodwrench [car] again,'' Childress said. ``We may run a No. 3 car again some day.''(Tampa Tribune)(7-3-2001)
Harvick Talked to? UPDATE NO: Hear Kevin Harvick got an earful from NASCAR and from Richard Childress Monday. Someone from NASCAR called him, told him the bumping of Robby Gordon was unnecessary, and also talked about his "no mercy" comments after the race. Apparently, a few drivers besides Gordon talked with Childress, telling him to calm Harvick down in the future. So, hearing Childress sat Harvick down too, explained why the bumping wasn't smart and told him to make peace with Gordon. Two reasons: (1) it is too early in his career to make enemies and (2) Gordon might be his team mate next season BUT another RCR source disputes the other RCR source: Kevin Harvick was not talked to by NASCAR following the Sears Point race on Sunday. Robbie Gordon did not talk to Childress either. Childress was not unhappy with Harvick's actions. Harvick was racing hard to get his lap back and he's very comfortable about how things played out. He gained 19 spots by finishing on the lead lap. And that helped him remain 9th in the Winston Cup points standings.(6-26-2001) UPDATE: from a NASCAR.com Interview with Kevin Harvick - Is the rumor true that Richard Childress sat you down and talked to you after that? Harvick: "Richard left with 10 laps to go and has been on vacation all week, so I haven't talked to him at all since Saturday. I read all that, too. Richard pays me to drive his racecar as hard as I can drive it. NASCAR never said anything. Richard never said anything. I don't think Richard would expect anything less out of me."(6-30-2001)
Childress to help out DEI? Richard Childress has been asked to take an advisory role at Dale Earnhardt Inc., helping Teresa Earnhardt with the three-car Winston Cup operation, according to sources close to the team(Winston Salem Journal)(6-12-2001)
NASCAR says No to driver switch? UPDATE: hearing that Richard Childress Racing(RCR) tried to put Jeff Green(who was scheduled to drive the #30 AOL car but missed the race when qualifying got rained out) into the #29 and Kevin Harvick(who is the full time driver of the #29 Goodwrench Chevy) into the #30 to get it in the race. Harvick would had gotten the 36th position as a 2001 winner not already in the field and Green would had started 10th/11th where the #29 is in Owners Points. This would had put #27 Kenny Walace out the race. Buthear NASCAR squashed the move(6-2-2001) UPDATE: Richard Childress nearly got Jeff Green into the MBNA 400 via an interesting rules technicality. He wanted to put Green into the (#29) car that Kevin Harvick has been running, and using those car-owner points to make the field; and by then putting Harvick into the part-time car Green had been planning to run, and using driver points to make the field(as a past winner this year). NASCAR vetoed the plan. Green, who didn't make the 400 field when qualifying was rained out Friday, may try again at Michigan.(Winston Salem Journal)(6-3-2001)
Harvick to own CTS team: Kevin Harvick is building a shop in Kernersville, N.C., and if everything works out, will run a full-time team for Rick Carelli in 2002. He also plans to make a few appearances on the truck tour himself next year. John Monsam will reportedly serve as the team's crew chief, with ReMax a possible sponsor. ReMax backed Carelli for several years in various divisions.(in part from theWinston Cup Scene - sub needed)(5-31-2001)
Harvick to Test at Indy: hearing #29-Kevin Harvick will at the Brickyard for a practice session in mid-June(5-29-2001)
Sad News: Kevin Harvik's grandfather had been battling a serious illness for the past several weeks. Unfortunately, Joe "Papa" Walker passed away on the morning May 22nd.(Harvick Online) Condolences go out to family and friends(5-23-2001)
Bliss to Stand by for Harvick: Mike Bliss will serve as Kevin Harvick's stand-in in the seven weekends this season in which Harvick has conflicts with Winston Cup events. Bliss is Richard Childress Racing's driver of choice to spell Harvick in the seven conflicting weekends he will have this season(NASCAR.com Buzz)(5-19-2001)
Harvick takes NMPA honor: Kevin Harvick, who stepped to drive for Dale Earnhardt's former Winston Cup team after Earnhardt's death in a crash during the Daytona 500, has been named the recipient of the National Motorsports Press Association/Pocono Spirit Award for the first quarter. The award recognizes character and achievement in the face of adversity, sportsmanship and contributions to motorsports. NMPA members select a winner for each quarter and then vote on the winner of the annual award at season's end(That's Racin')(5-19-2001)
Harvick/Wallace double duty UPDATE add Hamilton Jr and...: Kevin Harvick and Kenny Wallace plan to fly back and forth between Charlotte and Nazareth, Pa., next week, allowing them to compete in both The Winston (or the Winston Open, in Wallace’s case) and the BGN race at Nazareth. Wallace has not competed in the annual BGN stop at Nazareth in seven years(Gaston Gazette)(5-14-2001) UPDATE: Kevin Harvick and Kenny Wallace, and Bobby Hamilton Jr., subbing for the injured Joe Nemechek, plan to use driver Mike Skinner's private jet this weekend to compete in both the BGN race at Nazareth and in The Winston(or Open) in Charlotte. All three drivers participated in practice and qualifying Friday at Charlotte - Wallace and Hamilton Jr. for The Winston Open and Harvick for The Winston. On Saturday, all three will fly from Charlotte to Nazareth, landing in Allentown, Pa., approximately 9:45 a.m. They will attend practice (11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.) and qualifying (3 p.m.) at Nazareth before returning to Charlotte for The Winston Open and The Winston. On Sunday, all three will return to Nazareth, arriving at 9:45 a.m. The drivers' meeting starts at 11 a.m. and the race at 1 p.m. (That's Racin')(5-19-2001)
Childress changes belts: Richard Childress Racing has removed Simpson seat belts from its Cup and Busch cars except Mike Skinner's #31. The team says the move was made because of driver preference(Sporting News)(5-7-2001)
Foyt and Childress Team Up at Indy UPDATE: A.J. Foyt has taken on a partner for this year's Indianapolis 500. NASCAR Winston Cup championship team owner Richard Childress is now the co-owner of the No. 41 Dallara/Oldsmobile Aurora Indy car to be driven by Robby Gordon in this year's Indy 500. A.J. Foyt filed an entry change listing RCR Racing as the co-entrant (along with A.J. Foyt Racing) of Gordon's car last Saturday. .I was talking to Richard at Talladega,. said Indy's first four-time winning driver, .and asked him if he wanted to be my partner in the second car at Indy this year. Richard and I have been friends for many, many years and I know he has enjoyed coming to Indy in the past so I figured I.d give him a reason to come again. The difference is he.ll be a team owner this year. "Being involved in some way in the Indy 500 is something I've always wanted to do," said Childress. "A.J. and I have been friends for a long time and there isn't anyone else I'd rather be a co-owner with for that race. We have both been fortunate enough to get to Victory Lane at Indianapolis Motor Speedway and I think we have a real shot at getting there together this year with Robby, who is a very talented driver."
Childress was a frequent visitor to the Speedway in May during practice and Pole Day qualifying in the 1980's. Childress won the Brickyard 400 in 1995 with the late Dale Earnhardt, who led the race's final 28 laps. Foyt last visited Victory Lane at the Speedway in 1999 when Kenny Brack won the 500 in Foyt's No. 14. Foyt's last victory as a driver came in 1977 when he became the first man to win the race four times. Eliseo Salazar is driving Foyt's famed No. 14 Harrah's entry in this year's 500. Salazar is currently second in the Indy Racing Northern Light Series standings(Foyt PR)(5-3-2001) UPDATE: A.J. Foyt announced that he will team up with his NASCAR marketing partner Conseco for the Indianapolis 500. Robby Gordon will pilot the #41 Conseco/Dallara-Aurora which is co-owned by Foyt and Richard Childress.(Foyt PR)(5-4-2001)
Kenseth to RCR? it was reported on ESPN2's RPM 2Day on Sunday that #17 DeWalt driver, Matt Kenseth could be headed to Richard Childress Racing in 2002. Didn't say which car, the #30 AOL Chevy or the #31 Lowes Chevy if Skinner leaves(4-29-2001)
Harvick to go for it: A spokesperson for Watkins Glen International said Wednesday that Kevin Harvick, who drives Richard Childress's cars (#2 AC Delco in BGN and #29 GM Goodwrench in Cup) will fly from Daytona to New York on Friday night, July 6, after Winston Cup qualifying for the Pepsi 400 to qualify his BGN car at Watkins Glen on Saturday morning, July 7. After his BGN qualifying run, he will fly back to Daytona, run the Pepsi 400. Then he'll fly back up to Watkins Glen to run the BGN race on Sunday, July 8.(NASCAR.com Buzz). Harvick is going for both the BGN and Cup drivers title, somthing that has never happened in the history of NASCAR(4-26-2001)
Three RCR Teams in 2002: Richard Childress Racing will run three Winston Cup teams next season, regardless of what has been heard about sponsor Lowe's and driver Mike Skinner. First of all, both have contracts through 2002, Childress representatives said Friday. Second, Lowe's, which threatened to pull out of the game last September after a very odd sequence of events, has demonstrated renewed enthusiasm, posting its lumber products brand in primary positions on the #31 car. The driver situation remains unclear for 2002, despite the contracts, with many "speculating" that Skinner will be given other work in the RCR organzation. That may or may not be. Regardless, Childress will have the #31 next season, it appears now, and Skinner very well could remain as driver(in part from SpeedVision)(4-21-2001)
Harvick to test 'Dega UPDATE: #29-Kevin Harvick will test at Talladega next Tuesday and Wednesday. The April 22nd 500 will be his first (Cup) restrictor plate race for car owner Richard Childress and crew chief Kevin Hamlin(Winston Salem Journal)(4-7/10-2001) UPDATE: Close to a dozen teams continued testing at Talladega Superspeedway on Wednesday for the upcoming NASCAR Winston Cup Series Talladega 500, on April 22. On Tuesday at Talladega, 17 NASCAR Winston Cup Series and Busch Series teams turned 900 laps – nearly 2,400 miles – on Alabama's 2.66-mile tri-oval testing for "Track Attack Weekend." Testing were #1-Steve Park, #29-Kevin Harvick, #40-Sterling Marlin, #4-Kevin Lepage, #71-Dave Marcis and #22-Tom Hubert, who was substituting for Ward Burton. "Track Attack Weekend" begins on April 19 with John Deere Qualifying Day for the Busch Series 300 and IROC practice. Advance Auto Parts Qualifying Day for the Talladega 500 is set for April 20. Fans can purchase a commemorative Jeff Gordon Pole Day ticket for $10 good for Friday's activities. On Saturday, April 21, fans can watch the NASCAR Winston Cup Series extended Happy Hour, the True Value IROC XXV and the NASCAR Busch Series 300. The Talladega 500 is Sunday, April 21. Tower seats remain for both days. (tix info at the Talladega Site). No speeds reported.(4-11-2001)
Harvick Scheme: #29-Kevin Harvick will run an AOL/Goodwrench painr scheme at the Winston. See a diecast image on my Paint Scheme Gallery(4-6-2001)
RCR Doctor: Dr. Jay Golding has worked with Richard Childress Racing since the fall of 1999 and his role continues to evolve. In addition to seeing team members and their families at his practice in Lexington, N.C., he tries to provide some continuity at the track as well. When RCR BGN driver Mike Dillon was involved in a wreck at Bristol, Dr. Golding was there to help when he reached the infield medical center. Golding was able to order the tests he felt Dillon should undergo, allowing him to get in and out of the hospital correctly. And while accidents would seem to be the biggest reason to have a team physician, owner Richard Childress says Golding is invaluable for a number of reasons. "It's good to have someone in an organization like ours who can help you with everything from the flu shots to whatever," Childress said. "He's been a tremendous help. He's been in Daytona with us (when Dale Earnhardt was killed) and I think he helped us all (deal with that). And he can head off a lot of stuff that would cause (crew members) to be out of work." NASCAR does not have a physician that travels the circuit, preferring that local physicians work with the hospitals in that area. Golding says everyone he's encountered has been receptive to his presence and he sees pros and cons to NASCAR having its own doctor.(Winston Cup Scene - need subscription to view online)(4-5-2001)
Childress Helps Out: The inaugural Forsyth Tech Race Car Challenge, a unique pit-stop competition scheduled for May 20, 2001, is pleased to announce the addition of several corporate partners that are supporting the Forsyth Tech Community College program. WTQR 104.1 FM based in Winston-Salem will be broadcasting throughout the day from the competition site, which will be in the Hecht Co. parking lot at Hanes Mall in Winston-Salem, NC. The Richard Petty Driving Experience will provide prize packages for challenge winners. Richard Childress Racing will supply the race car, transporter and pit equipment used in the competition. Hauser Rentals of Winston-Salem will provide tents and equipment. By committing to the program, these companies will also be eligible to compete in the Forsyth Tech Race Car Challenge. The challenge will run from 1:00 - 5:00pm/et as each team competes against the others to complete a two-tire pit stop in the fastest time. Winning teams will be awarded prizes donated by challenge partners. In addition to the competition, festivities will include appearances by Winston Cup, Busch, Local and Touring Series show cars; exhibitions by the 2000 NASCAR Winston Cup Racing All-Star Pit Crew members; displays by Forsyth Tech criminal justice, emergency medical technician (EMT) and heavy equipment and transport vehicle departments and other exhibits and giveaways. The event, sponsored by Forsyth Tech Foundation, is being held to increase awareness of Forsyth Tech Community College and its five program areas: arts and sciences; business information, engineering, and health technologies; and corporate and continuing education. For more information on how to get involved with this exciting event, please contact Beth Westmoreland at The Motorsports Decisions Group at (704) 547-1998 or Dr. Sharon "Shari" Covitz at Forsyth Tech Community College at (336) 734-7520.(4-5-2001)
#3 to Return? NASCAR.com Buzz for today reports that Richard Childress said Tuesday that he was unsure about the future of the black No. 3 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, as driven by the late Dale Earnhardt. The car, arguably the most beloved number and paint scheme in NASCAR history, won't be run the rest of this year, but Childress hasn't ruled out running it in the future(NASCAR.com)(3-20-2001)
Harvick to be Honored: The Coleman Company, Inc., will present a commemorative gold lantern to first-year Cup driver Kevin Harvick, acknowledging his first career Winston Cup win. The presentation will take place in the Darlington Raceway infield, behind the #29 transporter at noon on Friday, March 16th. Coleman created the Coleman(r)Gold Lantern award to recognize NASCAR Winston Cup teams and drivers involved with the Coleman family of licensed products for extraordinary accomplishments throughout their careers. This
Gold Lantern recognizes Harvick’s thrilling victory at Atlanta Motor Speedway on March 11. Harvick is the fifth Gold Lantern recipient since Coleman began the recognition program in March 2000. Past recipients include:
Dale Earnhardt Sr. 1st NASCAR Winston Cup Victory as a member of the Coleman family of licensed drivers - Atlanta Motor Speedway, March 2000
Rusty Wallace 50th Career NASCAR Winston Cup Victory - Bristol Motor Speedway, March 2000
Dale Earnhardt Jr. 1st Career NASCAR Winston Cup Victory - Texas Motor Speedway, April 2000
Jeff Gordon 1st NASCAR Winston Cup Victory as a member of the Coleman family of licensed drivers - Talladega Superspeedway, April 2000(GMR Marketing)(3-16-2001)
Harvick Tests at Nashville: Kevin Harvick, who won Sunday at Atlanta spent Tuesday at Nashville Superspeedway, practicing for the April 14 Pepsi 300 BGN race. Harvick will continue to run the full BGN schedule as planned, in addition to his recently-acquired Winston Cup duties. Harvick is the first NASCAR driver to test the new 1.3-mile concrete track and.turned straightaway speeds of around 165 mph. ARCA drivers testing at the track last week tested at around 150 mph.(Tennessean)(3-14-2001)
Number Game: when was the last time car #29 was in victory lane for a Winston Cup race before Kevin Harvick won at Atlanta on Sunday? 1967, when Dick Hutcherson won at Maryville, TN on July 27, 1967. It was also the 18th time #29 has been to victory lane. See my Win by Numbers page, which includes First Win by a car#, last win by a car # and number of wins by a car#(3-12-2001)
The car, the same?? NO Update: many folks are saying the car Harvick won in is not the same one Dale Earnhardt won in last March at Atlanta, some say it was mentioned during the Fox coverage of the race, but I failed to hear it. All I know is what I have been told and seen: on PRN's broadcast of the race, they mentioned it was the same car; on NASCAR.com it says: "Driving the same car that Earnhardt drove to Victory Lane here in a photo finish last year, Harvick fended off a furious last lap charge by Jeff Gordon to win by a mere six thousandths of a second". Other news sites report the same. Other sources say the car was the same one Earnhardt finished 2nd last fall in Atlanta and the car Earnhardt won with at Atlanta last March was raced at Rockingham by Harvick UPDATE: I have confirmed thru team sources, that the car that Kevin Harvick won in at Atlanta was NOT the same one Dale Earnhardt won with in March 2000, but the car that Earnhardt ran 2nd with at Atlanta in Nov 2000(3-12-2001)
70th for Childress: Kevin Harvick's win in Atlanta marks Richard Childress’ 70th as a car owner(NASCAR.com)(3-12-2001)
Hamilin Helps out Harvick: Kevin Hamlin, crew chief for the Winston Cup team(was #3 now #29) of the late Dale Earnhardt, will serve as race-day crew chief for Kevin Harvick during Harvick's Grand National series races this weekend at Atlanta and next weekend at Darlington. Harvick's crew chief in the BGN series, Todd Berrier, was suspended for two races by NASCAR for an oversized fuel cell found in Harvick's #2 AC Delco Chevy last weekend at Las Vegas. Greg Burkhart, who works in engine shop for Harvick's team, and car chief Darin Nestlerode will work on car setup. Harvick took over driving duties for Earnhardt's Winston Cup team two weeks ago at Rockingham, and worked with Hamlin last season during some test sessions with Earnhardt's team(That's Racin')(3-10-2001)
Earnhardt #6 on Forbes: Dale Earnhardt, killed two weeks ago in the Daytona 500, came in sixth on the Forbes Magazine's list of the highest paid athletes for the year 2000 with $24.5 million. First was Formula One driving champion Michael Schumacher with $59 million in earnings. the other top five: Tiger Woods(golf), Mike Tyson(boxing), Michael Jordan(retired-NBA) and Grant Hill(NBA)(Richmond Times Dispatch)(3-2-2001)
Lap Belt Broken UPDATE 5 another driver hurt?: The lap belt in Dale Earnhardt's #3 Chevy was broken when examined after the Daytona 500 crash that took the seven-time champion's life, NASCAR officials said Friday. NASCAR president Mike Helton said threads on the left side of Earnhardt's lap belt were separated. "We don't know how, when or where, yet. We will continue our investigation," he said. Dr. Steve Bohannon, one of the doctors examining Earnhardt on Sunday, said the broken belt could have caused Earnhardt's body to be thrown forward and to the right, sending him flying into the steering wheel. Bohannon said Earnhardt might have hit his face on the steering wheel, causing the major head injury that killed him. The doctor said he was not sure if the HANS restraint device would have helped prevent the injuries. But, he said, a full-face helmet might have been beneficial. Earnhardt wore an open-face model(That's Racin' and from the AP) UPDATE: an updated story at CNN/SI - According to Earnhardt's car owner Richard Childress, who was also present Friday morning, both the car and the seat belt were virtually brand new, built last November. According to Helton and Nelson, as well as officials at the belt company, last Sunday's failure was the first example of any such event in the 52-year history of NASCAR. Both Helton and Nelson refused to offer any ideas whatsoever as to what could possibly cause such an event(can also watch the Press Conferences there via your PC)(CNN/SI)(2-23-2001) UPDATE 2: The New York Daily News reports: Dale Earnhardt altered the seat belt in his #3 Chevy during last week's Daytona 500, possibly playing a hand in his death on the final lap of the race. NASCAR officials said yesterday that Earnhardt was found with a broken seat belt after the wreck in which he was killed instantly. However, one source who saw the car after the wreck told the Daily News the seat belt failure was because of alterations to the safety harness ordered by Earnhardt, not because of a design flaw or failure of the mechanism(NY Daily News). Other stories about the belt: Statement from Bill Simpson on Earnhardt's seat belt and Belt theory has some detractors from That's Racin' and from CNN/SI: Defending their belt - Belt manufacturer: NASCAR shifting blame(2-24-2001) UPDATE 3: Mike Helton said there was no additional conclusive information about the "separated" seat belt found in Earnhardt's car after the wreck at Daytona. But the issue continues to create speculation around the garage area. Rusty Wallace, one of the drivers who has seen the separated belt and Earnhardt's wrecked car, told reporters that he believes the problem was not in the belt itself but in how it was installed(That's Racin')(2-25-2001) UPDATE 4 Lap Belt Inspection: NASCAR officials confirmed Monday they sent Dale Earnhardt's seat belt out for expert analysis to figure out why the belt separated during the Feb 18th Daytona 500. NASCAR will announce the results of the analysis perhaps by week's end, officials said.(That's Racin')(2-27-2001) UPDATE 5 David Hutchins, 29, is still recovering from an accident he was in at the Seekonk Speedway on June 17. He believes he was hurt so badly in the accident because his seat belt, made by the same manufacturer(Simpson) as the one Earnhardt used, broke. Hutchins said the seat belt gave way over his left leg, the same place NASCAR officials said Earnhardt’s seat belt came apart. As a result, he said, the force from the accident caused him to move forward, trapping him beneath the dash and throwing some of his body into the steering wheel. Brian Cunha and Associates have filed a lawsuit against Simpson Performance Products Inc., the Texas company that makes the seat belts, on Hutchins’ behalf. The suit was mailed to the U.S. District Court in Boston on Tuesday. See the full story at the Herald News: Race tragedy might have been avoidedAND from the Providence Journal: A safety harness nearly identical to the one that Dale Earnhardt was wearing when he was killed in the Daytona 500 allegedly failed during a collision at Seekonk Speedway last June. The driver in the Seekonk crash, Dave Hutchins, filed a suit Tuesday against the harness manufacturer, claiming that he suffered fractures in both legs because the waist belt's nylon webbing snapped when his car hit the wall at Seekonk Speedway(in Massachusetts a 1/3 mile asphalt track)(3-1-2001)
Donation: Van Camp's Beans, which became an associate sponsor of Dale Earnhardt this year, has contributed $10,000 to the Foundation For the Carolinas - Earnhardt Family Fund.(Winston Cup Scene - Need Subscription to see)(3-1-2001)
Rookie of the Year: Richard Childress Racing has decided to enter Kevin Harvick in this season's Raybestos rookie of the year program in the Winston Cup series. Harvick, 25, missed the season-opening Daytona 500, but since the program doesn't count a rookie's worst 15 performances, it should not affect his overall result. Harvick becomes the sixth member of the 2001 rookie class. He joines #14-Ron Hornaday, #01-Jason Leffler, #19-Casey Atwood, #96-Andy Houston and #97-Kurt Busch(That's Racin'). See my Rookie of the Year(ROTY) page for info on how the award is calculated and a break down of the standings(2-27-2001)
Harvick to get Married: Kevin Harvick is getting married in Las Vegas (not at the track) on Wednesday to DeLana Linville, congrats!(2-27-2001)
Retire #3? UPDATE 2: Fox Sports Net National Sports Night reported that NASCAR is considering retiring the #3 of Dale Earnhardt(2-19-2001) UPDATE: #3 Team Owner, Richard Childress announced that, with NASCAR's cooperation, the #3 that he owns would be placed on a "one year moratorium" but that a black #3 GM Goodwrench car would never again appear in competition. A NASCAR official said the #3's car owner points from the 2000 season, which are used in the first four races this year to determine provisional starting positions, would transfer to the #29 car. The points Earnhardt earned for RCR in the Daytona 500, where he finished 11th would transfer to the 29 as well(NOL)(2-23-2001) UPDATE 2: Richard Childress Racing will not run a #3 race car for the remainder of the 2001 NASCAR Winston Cup Series and will never again run a #3 black race car. "We're going to put the number "3" under a one-year moratorium and not run the number "3" on anything," said Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing Enterprises, Inc. "We will never run a black #3 car again. We may run another "3" car again some day because we have 28 years invested in it at RCR but we will never run a black #3 car again. "Junior Johnson made the number "3" famous in his day and Ray Fox made the number famous before that. NASCAR does not retire numbers. They would like to see us keep the number and will work with us to make that happen."(RCR PR)(2-24-2001)
Harvick: Richard Childress Racing (RCR) and GM Goodwrench Service named BGN driver and 2000 Rookie of the Year, Kevin Harvick, as the fulltime driver for the #29 GM Goodwrench Service Plus Chevrolet Winston Cup team. Harvick will compete in this weekend's Dura Lube/Kmart 400 at North Carolina Speedway in Rockingham. He will also enter Saturday's Alltel 200 Busch Series race, as he will continue to drive the #2 AC Delco Chevrolet in 2001 at all Winston Cup/Busch Series companion events. "Obviously, we did not plan on moving Kevin into the Winston Cup Series so soon," said Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing Enterprises, Inc. "Kevin was looking forward to running for the Busch Series championship this year but he told me he would do whatever this team needed. Wanting to keep the GM Goodwrench team at the strength that Dale would have wanted, we felt Kevin was our number one choice. Dale had told me that he respected Kevin's driving style. Nobody at RCR feels like racing this weekend but we want to honor Dale's wishes," Childress continued. "Dale and I made a pact years ago that, if something ever happened to the other, we would race the next weekend. I'm dealing with the death of my best friend but I know we have to race this weekend." Although a full-time Winston Cup ride was not in his plans for 2001, Harvick feels he is up to the task. "I never thought I'd move into the Winston Cup Series so soon, much less with the GM Goodwrench team," Harvick said. "The black No. 3 was and always will be Dale's car. I'll never be able to fill Dale's shoes and won't even pretend to try. But Richard told me that he needed me to step up and help the team out and I'm willing to do whatever I can." "From GM Goodwrench Service Plus, we would like to extend our sympathies and condolences to the Earnhardt family, the RCR racing family and the DEI racing family," said Bill Fitzgerald, event marketing manager - GM Service Parts Operations. "Dale was a friend and a family member of the GM Goodwrench Service Plus employees and dealers. He will be sadly missed. But, as we move forward, we are happy to have a person of the quality of Kevin Harvick, who was already a member of our GM family as well as the RCR family, to fill the tragic void. Kevin is an excellent racer and young man with a strong personality who will represent us well." The NASCAR Winston Cup debut of the RCR #30 America Online (AOL) Chevy, originally scheduled for next month at Atlanta Motor Speedway, has been postponed. With Harvick now the fulltime driver of the #29 car in 2001, options are being explored for the debut of the AOL/RCR program. "The plan was for Kevin Harvick to run seven Winston Cup races for AOL this season and then fulltime in 2002," said Childress. "AOL has been wonderful to work with through these trying times and has agreed to let us move Kevin to the GM Goodwrench team. Atlanta was originally scheduled to be our first race with AOL but they have agreed to let us move that date back in order to give us some time to best determine how to move this program forward."(RCR PR)(2-24-2001)
Childress to take a lap? UPDATE 2 No: Rumor has it in the garage that Cup team owners (#3 and #'s 29,30,31) Richard Childress could take a lap in the black #3 Chevy at some point this weekend(NASCAR Online Buzz)(2-23-2001) UPDATE: Dale Earnhardt's black #3 Chevrolet will make its final lap around the race track before being retired. According to Earnhardt team sponsor and "Realtree Outdoors" owner Bill Jordan, the trademark black car driven by "The Intimidator" will make its final appearance at Rockingham, NC, this weekend. The car will be driven for one final tribute lap around the track prior to Sunday's DuraLube 400. Childress would like to drive the car himself. But if the emotion of driving it becomes too much, he'll have driver Dave Marcis of the Realtree team handle it. Earnhardt's black car color scheme is to be retired after the tribute lap(Charleston Gazette) UPDATE 2: it was decided not to run the #3 car on a parade lap around Rockingham as the Earnhardt family didn't feel they were ready to see it on the track so soon(ESPN2's RPM 2Day)(2-25-2001)
What happens to the #3 car/team? UPDATE 5 It's #29: RPM 2Night mentioned tonight that there have been reports that #3 Richard Childress Racing team would return to action this weekend at Rockingham with RCR BGN driver Kevin Harvick behind the wheel, but RPM 2Night host John Kernan said he spoke to a RCR Spokesperson who said their plans for this weekend have not been put firm as of yet. Other reports have Harvick in a white #3 and others say they'll retire the #3 and run the #30 with GM Goodwrench as the sponsor. All reports are too soon since the accident and when I hear or see something concrete from RCR, I will report it then(2-20-2001) UPDATE: General Motors sources told Autoweek, an industry weekly, that the Chevrolet formerly driven by Dale Earnhardt will be entered in the Dura-Lube 400 at Rockingham as #30, carrying a new paint scheme. According to Chevrolet motorsports officials, Richard Childress has contacted Wally Dallenbach Jr. and Rick Mast about driving the car, which will be painted in a scheme that is almost the reverse of Earnhardt's traditional black-and-silver look. Further speculation holds that Childress will offer the #3 made famous by Earnhardt to Dale Earnhardt Jr. who will decline the offer, and that NASCAR will then retire the number. In other news related to the Earnhardt tragedy, a racing web site, frontstretch.com, is compiling and circulating a petition that calls for NASCAR to allow only 42 cars in the Rockingham race, leaving the pole position vacant in Earnhardt's honor. Winston Cup fields normally consist of 43 cars.(Gaston Gazette) also hearing that General Motors will be the sponsor (not GoodWrench) with Harvick driving, but only temporary while another driver is being searched for. Also hearing all 3 DEI cars will be painted black at Rockingham. UPDATE 2: ESPN2 and RPM 2Night report that Kevin Harvick will drive the 2nd Richard Childress Racing car at Rockingham and the rest of 2001 season, if so, I would assume that Harvick would run for the Rabestos Winston Cup Rookie of the Year in 2001. Richard Childress Racing will not make an official announcement until after Thursday's memorial service. The AP is reporting: Richard Childress Racing was planning to enter Earnhardt's car in Sunday's Dura-Lube 400 at North Carolina Speedway in Rockingham. Kevin Harvick, a Busch Grand National driver for RCR, will take over Earnhardt's car for the rest of the season, a team source said, speaking on condition of anonymity. The 25-year-old Harvick, the Busch Series' Rookie of the Year last season, will drive Earnhardt's Chevrolet and use his crew. Kevin Hamlin, Earnhardt's crew chief, will head Harvick's team. The car will not use the #3 or the black-and-silver scheme that was Earnhardt's trademark. Details of the number and colors Harvick will use were still being worked out, the team source said. Harvick was scheduled to move up to Winston Cup racing next season as the third car in Childress' garage. Mike Skinner also drives a Cup car for RCR(Yahoo/AP) and From NOL's Buzz: The car will be white instead of black, and will be #29 instead of #3. It will, however, still carry the GM Goodwrench sponsorship(2-21-2001) UPDATE 3: Contrary to rumors, the Dale Earnhardt, Inc., cars will not be painted black for the Rockingham race. A team spokesman said DEI drivers Michael Waltrip, Steve Park and Earnhardt Jr. plan to race with their usual look. Childress plans to put Kevin Harvick with the former #3 team. The team plans to run a mainly white car with the #30, if it is released from its current license holder, AOL. Harvick, who originally planned to run a few Winston Cup races this season, will run the rest of the Cup schedule in the GM Goodwrench-sponsored car. He will run in the Busch Grand National Series when it is paired with a Winston Cup event(Richmond Times Dispacth) AND Harvick will run the remainder of the Winston Cup season with Earnhardt's team. The car number, paint scheme and crew member uniforms will all change. Details of the changes will be announced Friday at a news conference at North Carolina Speedway(That's Racin')(2-22-2001) UPDATE 4: from a popup at the GM Goodwrench site: Whether race fans loved Dale Earnhardt or not, all of them ultimately respected him and his driving talent. NASCAR Winston Cup races will continue as scheduled. The #3, licensed by Richard Childress, will be retired for the remainder of the year in Dale's memory. A #29 white Chevrolet Monte Carlo will compete in its place under the GM Goodwrench Service Plus banner. That's the way Dale Earnhardt would have wanted it.(GM Goodwrench Site) UPDATE 5: it'll be #29 and White, see an image of the car at NASCAR Online. Harvick will drive in both CUP and BGN unless there is a conflict in the schedule, another driver yet to be decided on. The #30 AOL sponsored Chevy that Harvick was to drive in seven Cup races will be filled by a driver to be named. Also see two images of the car on my Paint Scheme Gallery, thanks to TachZone for the images(2-23-2001)
Earnahrdt Killed UPDATE 2 - AUTOPSY: Seven-time Winston Cup champion Dale Earnhardt, 49, was killed in a last-lap wreck involving Ken Schrader on the backstretch while a car that he owned, driven by Michael Waltrip, won the race. He was pronounced dead at Halaifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach. See my Dale Earnhardt Tribute page with the news, some images, and many story/column links UPDATE AUTOPSY: An autopsy on race car legend Dale Earnhardt conducted Monday morning revealed he died of blunt force trauma to the head, county officials said. Dave Byron of the Volusia County Communication Division said Earnhardt's death was being treated as a "motor vehicle accident." Byron said toxicology was not expected to be involved.(CNN/SI)(2-19-2001) UPDATE 2: more results from the Autopsy - Monday, Earnhardt's body was taken to the medical examiner's office for a routine autopsy after he was pronounced dead at the hospital. His personal belongings - a pair of black socks, a racing suit, black gloves, his helmet, underwear and racing boots - were returned to his wife, Teresa. The report showed that when his race car smashed into a concrete wall at an estimated 180 mph, it broke eight ribs, his left ankle and his breastbone. There were several scrapes on his body. He had blood in his ears and chest and partially collapsed lungs(That's Racin') and Earnhardt had a skull fracture that ran from the front to the back of his head, according to the autopsy. The impact also fractured his sternum, eight ribs on the left side and his left ankle. The report said there was a blow to the back of the head, but did not indicate any broken neck vertebrae. The final autopsy report will not be available for several weeks, pending the completion of routine blood and toxicology tests. Earnhardt's body was released to the family on Monday afternoon after going to a local funeral home(AJC)(2-20-2001)
SAD NEWS - Dale Earnhardt Dies at Daytona: from the AP/MSNBC - Seven-time Winston Cup champion Dale Earnhardt died from injuries suffered in a crash on the final lap of Daytona 500 on Sunday. He was 49.
from That's Racin': Seven-time Winston Cup champion Dale Earnhardt, 49, was killed in a last-lap wreck involving Ken Schrader on the backstretch while a car that he owned, driven by Michael Waltrip, won the race. He was pronounced dead at Halaifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach, Fla. Waltrip's win was his first in 463 Winston Cup starts. Dale Earnhardt Jr.finished second. And see a story at: NASCAR Online - The announcement was made at 7:00pm/et by NASCAR President Mike Helton.
full stories at That's Racin' and SpeedVision. Earnhardt is survived by his wife, Teresa; two sons, Dale Jr. and Kerry, and two daughters, Kelly and Taylor Nicole. Condolences go out to Earnhardt's family, friends and fans(2-18-2001)
The initial Reports of the accident: from NASCAR Online - Dale Earnhardt reportedly was unconscious when he was cut from his #3 Chevy after an accident in the Daytona 500 with less than two laps remaining. He was immediately transported to Halifax, less than one-mile from the speedway. There was no official update on Earnhardt’s condition at 5:15pm/et, otherwise, no word on Dale Earnahrdt's condition, will post if/when I hear something(2-18-2001 - 5:50pm/et) UPDATE: Dale Earnhardt was taken to the hospital after a crash Sunday on the final lap of Daytona 500 and believed to be badly hurt. "It's serious," said NASCAR spokeswoman Danielle Humphrey, who had no further details on the condition of the 49-year-old driver.(That's Racin'/AP)(2-18-2001 - 6:35pm/et)
New Sponsor for the #3: Earnhardt, team owner Richard Childress and representatives from Sonic made
it official today when they affixed the Sonic logo to the lower rear quarter panel of the #3 GM Goodwrench Service Plus Chevy. The three-year agreement will position Sonic as a major associate sponsor of the team and
marks the company's most significant sponsorship in its 48-year history. Sonic, which specializes in made-to-order fast food, is known for its specialty menu items and quality customer service. One of Sonic's unique characteristics is the Carhop, a member of the Sonic crew who delivers food directly to customers' cars.(RCR PR)(2-15-2001)
Earnhardt back to the Rolex 24? Dale Earnhardt expects to compete in the Rolex 24 at Daytona again in 2002. He also thinks many more of Winston Cup colleagues to be present. Earnhardt teamed with three other drivers(including his son, Dale Jr) to bring a Chevrolet Corvette home fourth in the Feb. 3-4 race(Gaston Gazette)(2-15-2001)
RCR Crewman Ill: Mike Hawkins, an engine man with Richard Childress Racing, will be flown home today to be treated for kidney stones. The team hopes Hawkins can return for Sunday's Daytona 500(Speed Magazine)(2-12-2001)
#3 Sponsor: Nabisco's Oreo brand is now an associate sponsor of Dale Earnhardt's #3 Richard Childress Racing Chevy. The Oreo logo will be featured in a special paint scheme Earnhardt will run in the Budweiser Shootout and the Oreo logo will be featured on team uniforms and the team's transporter throughout the season(Winston Cup Scene - sub needed), see images of the car on my Paint Scheme Gallery(2-8-2001)
Petty and RCR Settle: Petty Enterprises has reached agreement with Richard Childress Racing to buy out the contract of a former RCR employee. The fabricator, Ricky Johnson, had been an RCR employee since May 1999. He signed a contract in February 2000 and resigned Oct. 6, 2000.(That's Racin')(2-9-2001)
Former World Champ Visits: Phil Hill, the 1961 Formula One World Champion, got a first-hand look at NASCAR racing when toured the Richard Childress Racing complex on Monday. Hill, the first American to win the F1 World Championship (the second being Mario Andretti in 1978), is North Carolina on assignment for Road & Track. He will be climbing behind the wheel of a #3 GM Goodwrench Service Plus Chevy on Tuesday at North
Wilkesboro (N.C.) Speedway(bring it back....) to do a then-and-now track comparison with Junior Johnson and his 1963 #3 Chevy Impala(RCR Racing PR)(2-6-2001)
Not a Joke: a few days ago it was reported in many stories about Dale Earnhardt Jr saying he dreamed he would win the 2001 Daytona 500 that his father Dale, recently had a piece of metal removed from his head, ya know, the Ironhead nickname, many took it as a joke(me included), but from a story in today's Tennessean: During a recent checkup, Earnhardt’s doctor discovered a piece of iron lodged in his head. "I wasn’t even aware of it until a lump came up," Earnhardt said. "The doctor cut it out and I’m fine now."(Tennessean)(1-12-2001)
Earnhardt/Park News: Dale Earnhardt, scheduled to attend Chevrolet's mid-afternoon news conference Friday at Daytona International Speedway, instead stayed away with a virus that has been dogging him all week. Dale Earnhardt Jr. said his father was seeking help from local sports physician Michael Fulton. AND: Steve Park has joined his car owner, Dale Earnhardt, and the other NASCAR stars here for the sportscar testing at DIS, possibly looking to compete in a Rolex 24 support race. Park is testing in a Corvette, this one entered by MTI Racing, which is vying for Motorola Cup honors awarded on the Friday before the Rolex 24 at Daytona(Speed Magazine)(1-6-2001)
Earnharts to test at Daytona - for the 24 hours: Grand American Road Racing Association competitors will begin an extensive three-day test session today at Daytona International Speedway in preparation for the Rolex 24. Grand Am officials expect at least 60 sports cars for this last shakedown run before the twice-around-the-clock endurance race begins Feb. 3. The grandstand area behind Daytona USA will be open for spectators. There's no admission to watch the test session. Among those expected to shake off some of the winter racing rust are Grand Am rookies Dale Earnhardt and his son Dale Jr., who will be wheeling a front line Corvette C5-R with teammate Andy Pilgrim, a veteran road racer. The three-day session includes a unique night driving session from 6:00 - 8:00pm/et Friday. (Speed Magazine)(1-4-2001)
2000 News
Oreo Car? hearing that Dale Earnhardt will run an Oreo(cookie) scheme in the Daytona BGN race(10-16-2000) UPDATE: hearing now it will be for the Bud Shootout, or actually the qualifying race since Earnhardt has not qualified for the Bud Shootout....yet, but has qualified for the Bud Shootout Qualifier, the race for fastest 2nd round qualifiers(10-22-2000) UPDATE 2: well that all changed with the new Budweiser Shootout format and Earnhardt is in the race as a past winner and see an image of the Oreo scheme in my Paint Scheme Gallery(12-14-2000)
Earnhardt a baseball team owner: In honor of #3 driver Dale Earnhardt joining its ownership group, the Piedmont Boll Weevils minor league baseball team has changed its name to the Kannapolis Intimidators. Team officials announced Tuesday that Earnhardt, current Piedmont owner and chairman Larry Hedrick, and Speedway Motorsports Bruton Smith will join to form Carolina Baseball Inc., pending approval of baseball regulators(AP/Total Sports)(11-22-2000)
Hershey and Earnhardt: Hershey Food Corporation has joined RCR and driver Dale Earnhardt as an associate sponsor on the #3 GM Goodwrench Chevy in 2001. The Hershey's Racing program entitled "A Sweet Deal from Dale," which allows fans to collect proofs-of-purchase from select Hershey's products and redeem them for popular Earnhardt merchandise throughout 2001(NOL)(11-18-2000)
Oreo Car? hearing that Dale Earnhardt will run an Oreo(cookie) scheme in the Daytona BGN race(10-16-2000) UPDATE: hearing now it will be for the Bud Shootout, or actually the qualifying race since Earnhardt has not qualified for the Bud Shootout....yet, but has qualified for the Bud Shootout Qualifier, the race for fastest 2nd round qualifiers(10-22-2000)
DEI Announcement UPDATE 2: there will be a 'special' announcement at Dale Earnhardt Inc(DEI) on Tuesday, Oct 17th at 9:30am/et(RP), have not heard what it is for sure, two rumor's I have heard: the third DEI team running one or two races this year(see Waltrip story below), the other is Dale Sr running an Oreo scheme in the Daytona BGN race, but it seems kind of early for an announcement concerning Daytona(10-16-2000) UPDATE: have heard noting official yet, but am hearing the announcement was that Dale 'Sr' and Dale Jr are going to run the 24 Hours of Daytona together and they unveiled the car, a Corvette that they are racing there UPDATE 2: Road racing veteran Andy Pilgrim has a couple of new teammates for the 2001 version of the Rolex 24 at Daytona – Dale Earnhardt and Dale Earnhardt Jr. The announcement was made today at DEI's shop on the Earnhardt farm south of Mooresville, N.C.(SpeedVision), see an image of the car at the Chevy Site(10-17-2000)
Monster Truck Race UPDATE 3 Hamlin Status: Tony Stewart and Kevin Hamlin will race in the Monster Truck race at Talladega Superspeedway Saturday night along with Jimmy Spencer and Elliott Sadler(Talladega Superspeedway site)(10-11-2000) UPDATE: see how the Cup drivers did in their match races and some comments at the TSS Site: Bigfoot Wins, Tonka Takes Championship in ProMT Series At Talladega - NASCAR Winston Cup Drivers Mix It Up In Monster Trucks; and from the Anniston Star: Cup stars, Monster trucks put on good show(10-15-2000) UPDATE 2: Kevin Hamlin planned on running a Monster Truck in the Talladega infield Saturday night. What he didn’t plan on was having a wreck. Hamlin, Dale Earnhardt’s crew chief, suffered a compression fracture of the fifth vertebra in an incident. He was, however, on hand in a somewhat handicapped state to direct Earnhardt’s efforts from pit road Sunday(Gaston Gazette) UPDATE 3: After celebrating in a come from behind victory on Sunday, crew chief of the #3 GM Goodwrench Service Plus team and driver Dale Earnhardt, Kevin Hamlin made his gingerly way home Sunday night. Hamlin as
reported on Sunday, suffered injuries while competing in a Monster Truck event at Talladega on Saturday night. Although experience discomforting he was still able to make the calls from the pits in Sunday's victory. On Monday, Hamlin visited Dr. Charles Branch, M.D., Associate Professor of Neurosurgery at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. Dr. Branch diagnosed Hamlin with two compressed fractured vertebras, the 5th and 7th, and one fractured rib. Dr. Branch ordered Hamlin to get plenty of rest for the next 48 hours and to wear a brace to support his injuries. Hamlin will be at Rockingham this weekend and is expected to have a full recovery. Dr. Charles Branch is the same Doctor who performed surgery on Dale Earnhardt over the winter to repair a ruptured disc in the seven-time champion's spine(Champion Sports Group PR)(10-16-2000)
Richard Childress Venture: Richard Childress has formed a partnership with machine tool maker Okuma. They are building a racing parts manufacturing facility at the Childress complex in Welcome. The building is under construction. Childress said the first parts produced by the facility should be available for use in the Daytona 500(High Point Enterprise)(10-6-2000)
Huh? Dale Earnhardt Jr. denied speculation that he will let his father drive his car at Lowe's Motor Speedway near Charlotte in the next race as a last-ditch effort to win the Winston Cup championship. At Charlotte last May, Dale Jr. had a dominant Chevrolet --- winning The Winston all-star exhibition and dominating the Coca-Cola 600 before mechanical problems late in the race. "That's just rumors. . . . That would be a big slap in the face to the guys who work on his car, so he surely wouldn't want to do that," Dale Jr. said. "He has got a lot of confidence in his (team). There is no reason for him to throw everything away on some foolish move like that."(by switching cars, it is meant that Dale Sr would use a DEI car painted up in GM Goodwrench colors and have the #3 on it)(Atlanta Journal Constitution)(10-2-2000)
Father and two sons REPOST and History: if Kerry Earnhardt makes the starting field for the Pepsi 400 at Michigan it would be the 2nd time a father raced against his two sons in NASCAR's premier series. On August 3rd, 1960 at Birmingham, AL, #42-Lee Petty raced his sons #43-Richard and #44-Maurice. Richard was 2nd, Lee was 3rd and Maurice was 8th in a 50 mile event with 16 cars starting(Forty Years of Stock Car Racing by Greg Fielden and some research by...)(7-28/8-16-2000)
TV and Earnhardts: Earnhardts Sr. and Jr. Featured on ESPN's "Outside the Lines". Dale Earnhardts Sr. and Jr. will be featured on the Emmy-winning show, "Outside the Lines", on Tuesday, July 18, at 7:00pm/et on ESPN.(yep same time as RPM 2Night on ESPN2). The theme of the show is "All in the Family: Conflicts and Competition."(7-18-2000)
Chocolate Snake Bit: Danny "Chocolate" Myers, famous gas man for the #3 GM Goodwrench Chevrolet, celebrated July 4th with a big bang. Or should that be a big fang? While enjoying a rare off-day from racing, Myers, 51, was working in the back yard of his home building a flower garden for his wife Caron, when he reached down into a weeded area where a small Copperhead bit into his hand. "I pulled my hand back and there were these two marks, fang marks, with blood dripping out of the wounds," Myers recalled. "I didn't think much about it. Just wiped the blood off my hand and kept on working." His frantic wife pleaded with him to go to the local hospital, but Myers, a "strong, pig-headed tough-guy", according to his wife, refused treatment. "That day he got sicker and sicker," said Caron Myers, "and by that evening, he was really sick - vomiting, having bad headaches and his throat was tight and closing." Finally, the following morning, he sought medical attention, visiting the local Lexington hospital. However, after sitting for three hours without being treated, he left. "As I always say, 'Life is a Pitstop', and those people at the hospital were apparently not going fast enough to suit him," Caron said. She insisted he go on to their family physician, which was by all counts a good thing he did. "By the time he got there he was having such a hard time breathing that the doctor wanted to hospitalize him. Of course, Choc said he couldn't be put in the hospital. He'd miss the race this weekend," said Caron, rolling her eyes. Myers, indeed had suffered the ill-effects of Copperhead venom. "He was just lucky he was a big man," said his physician, Terry Arnold. "It'll take him a several days to get this out of his system, but he should be okay." "I guess my 'honey do' list will be shorter from now on," Myers laughed(Lazarus Productions)(7-9-2000)
Celebrity Deathmatch Results: Just in case you missed it, Dale Earnhardt and Jeff Gordon were paired up in Thursday night’s episode of MTV’s Celebrity Deathmatch, in which Claymation® caricatures of famous people are pitted against each other in what are normally very gory wrestling matches(SpeedVision)(7-7-2000)
Hamlin to race: Kevin Hamlin, Dale Earnhardt's crew chief, started his racing career on a drag strip rather than a NASCAR oval. The Michigan native will return to the quartermile Thursday(July 6th) at Bristol(TN) Dragway when he slides behind the wheel of an NHRA Pro Stock Truck entry for three exhibition runs. It’s part of the Fan Appreciation program which kicks off the Winston Showdown weekend(Kingsport Times News)(7-1-2000)
Earnhardt Fan Retires from Navy: Arnold Bush, Electronics Technician First Class, United States Navy is retiring after 20 years of service in the United States Navy. Mr. Bush will be presented with a US Flag signifying the end of his Naval career. Typically, retirement flags are flown at a location of the retiree's choice such as the Capitol Building or the White House, but Mr. Bush has requested his retirement flag be flown from the top of the GM Goodwrench Service Plus transporter at Daytona International Speedway. This weekend Mr. Bush's request will be honored during the Independence Day celebration as his retirement flag will wave proudly atop the RCR teams transporter in the garage area of Daytona International Speedway(PR)(6-28-2000)
75 win #3 Platinum car: many diecast sites are listing a #3 GM Goodwrench Chevy diecast made of platinum celebrating Dale Earnhardt's 75th win at Atlanta this past March. No idea if the car will be run in a race or if it's just a diecast. See these sites on my Collectible/Racing Apparel Links Page(6-22-2000) UPDATE: being told the scheme will not run on the track, just a diecast special(6-23-2000)
Another Earnhardt Wins: Kerry Earnhardt, Dale's oldest sone, and Dale Jr's half brother(see Augusta Chronicle Story), won the ARCA race at Pocono. The #2 DEI Chevy was pitted by the #1 Pennzoil Winston Cup crew. See the results on the ARCA Racing site(6-17-2000)
Earnhardt Tops at 10's: #3-Dale Earnhardt scored his 11th top-10 finish in 14 Cup races this season, the only driver to do so(6-11-2000)
#3 Fined: #3 RCR crew chief Kevin Hamlin was fined $2,000 by NASCAR officials Thursday for rules violations discovered in inspection prior to last Sunday's Cup race at the California Speedway. Hamlin was penalized under Section 12-4-Q in the 2000 NASCAR Winston Cup Series rule book: "Any determination by NASCAR Officials that parts and/or equipment used in the Event do not conform ... or have not been approved by NASCAR ..." Apparently, for the second straight race, the #3 Chevy's rear bodywork around the bumper area was not dimensionally correct according to NASCAR's body templates(SpeedVision and
(NOL and That's Racin')(5-4-2000)
Slow Down at 'Dega UPDATE 2: Richard Childress and Jack Roush have prepared cars for a special test here Monday in an effort to slow Winston Cup cars down enough so they won't need a carburetor restrictor plate. Nelson said teams came to him with some ideas, and he decided to try them out on the race track. One of the ideas is a bigger "greenhouse," the size and shape of the rear window area(Total Sports). Ned Jarrett's idea is to stand the windshield up, like the trucks, that'll slow them down(4-15-2000) UPDATE: NASCAR has closed the test to the media except for long-distance photography, and there are indications that NASCAR officials aren't very enthusiastic about the test(PitNow) UPDATE 2: On RPM2Nite the two cars being tested were shown. The #6 Ford was driven by Matt Kanseth and had some sheet metal modifications done around the nose and hood. The #3 Chevy was driven by Dave Marcis and supposedly had a raised roof(by one inch) and widened by 2 inches. Also it was speculated on the show the the windshield was being tested at different angles. The cars with present restrictor plates and modifications were slowed down by 3 seconds. Using a larger restrictor plate (unknown size) the 3 seconds were regained. More testing will be done on Tuesday(RPM2Nite)(4-17-2000)
Earnhardt to give Tickets: Dale Earnhardt will join Alabama State Troopers in issuing tickets to law-abiding drivers during a Thursday freeway patrol. Earnhardt will not be handing out speeding citations, but rather tickets to the April 16 DieHard 500 NASCAR Winston Cup series race at Talladega Superspeedway. In addition to promoting the upcoming races at Talladega Superspeedway, the freeway ticket giveaway is also designed to help the Alabama State Troopers bring awareness to highway safety. By rewarding responsible drivers, the Troopers hope motorists will see the benefits that come with obeying traffic regulations(Talladega Super Speedway Site)(3-30-2000)
Earnhardt's 75th win: Dale Earnhardt's win at Atlanta was his 9th, which ties Atlanta for most wins at a track for Earnhardt along with 9 wins at Bristol and Darlington(3-13-2000)
new race record: when #3-Dale Earnhardt won the race from 35th starting spot, he broke his own record for the track. In the spring of 1980, Earnhardt started 31st and won. The overall record was 37th by Bobby Labonte in the Nov. 1999 race(3-12-2000)
Earnhardts CORRECTION: Dale Earnhardt and Dale Earnhardt Jr. with their respective eighth- and 10th-place finishes last weekend at Las Vegas, became the first father and son to post top-10 finishes in the same race since Bobby and Davey Allison finished in the top-10 at Dover in June 1988(That's Racin')(3-11-2000)
CORRECTION: actually a few readers pointed out that the Earnhardt's did this last September at Richmond, with Earnhardt finishing 6th and 'Little E' finishing 10th(3-12-2000)
Earnhardt/Gordon on Forbes: Forbes Magazine (3-20-00) issue has listed Dale Earnhardt on its Power 100 list of the top 100 most powerful celebrities and athletes. For its second annual ranking of 100 highly paid celebrities, FORBES quantifies stardom by adding up a year's worth of earnings, media glare and, of course, Internet attention. Earnhardt ranked 36th on the FORBES Power list with an estimated 26.5 million in earnings, 29,754 web hits, 11,537 press clippings. He is ranked 39th on the money ranking. Earnhardt has made the POWER list in both years of its existences(Champion PR). Something I overlooked was that Jeff Gordon is also on the list, ranked 47th on the FORBES Power list with an estimated 17.0 million in earnings, 29,364 web hits, 13,649 press clippings. He is ranked 54th on the money ranking(3-9-2000)
Earnhardt Paint UPDATE 3 the real car: General Motors, Richard Childress Racing, Action Performance Companies Inc., and renowned pop artist Peter Max will hold a special press conference and race car unveiling event to be held during the Grand Opening festivities of the new NASCAR Cafe in Las Vegas on March 2nd at 7:15pm/pt. Max has designed a special paint scheme for the #3 Chevrolet Monte Carlo driven by legendary seven-time NASCAR Winston Cup champion Dale Earnhardt(Yahoo Biz) -- UPDATE: the car will be run at The Winston and be called the Millenium Car(2-28-2000) -- UPDATE 2: the official announcement is not until tonight but a reader sent a diecast image of the car, supposedly the one, it's pretty colorful, see my Paint Schemes Gallery for the image(3-2-2000) -- UPDATE 3: Earnhardt will run the scheme in The Winston and the Coca-Cola 600 at Lowes Motor Speedway. Also got a 'real' image of the car in my Paint Schemes Gallery(3-3-2000)
Sat AM Practice wreck: During practice, Dale Earnhardt and Jeff Gordon, tangled on the track, causing slight damage to both cars. Earnhardt's car had some damage to the nose. Gordon scratched the wall. Both cars were to be repaired(SpeedVision)(3-4-2000)
ESPY's: Dale Earnhardt won the ESPY decade award for Auto Racing and Dale Jarrett won the ESPY for best performance in the 1999 Auto Racing season(2-15-2000)
RCR/Earnhardt/Bass Reup: Richard Childress Racing picked up some additional financial support Friday, renewing their associate sponsorship with Bass Pro Shops and Tracker Boats. Company and team officials announced the renewal Friday, extending their backing of RCR and Dale Earnhardt for a third year.(goRacing)(2-11-2000)
RCR/Earnhardt Re-Up: GM Goodwrench Service Plus, Richard Childress and Dale Earnhardt have been one of the most successful combinations in NASCAR over the last decade and today they announced the extension of their relationship through the 2003 NASCAR season. Dale Earnhardt and Richard Childress started their relationship in 1981 with a brief stint of 11 races. They rejoined in 1984 and never looked back. Together the two have achieved legendary success as car owner and driver winning six NASCAR Winston Cup championships and 67 Winston Cup races. This newest contract extension puts the championship duo together for a 20-year period dating back to the 1984 season. GM Goodwrench Service Plus began its relationship as an associate sponsor in 1985 winning two championships in 1986 and '87. In 1988 the colors changed to that of the now infamous black #3 GM Goodwrench Service Plus Chevrolet. As the relationship blossomed so did the success winning four out of five championships from 1990 to 1994, and putting GM Goodwrench in the record books as Earnhardt accomplished a record tying seven championships. Earnhardt does NOT plan on retiring in 2003 and would like to drive for maybe five or six years(Champion Sports Group)(2-10-2000)
Earnhardt's Up Close Interview UPDATE 2: ESPN'S UpClose interview with the Dale Earnhardt and Dale Jr was aired on Wednesday, Feb 2nd, if you missed it, you can see it via Real Audio online at The ESPN NASCAR section(2-3-2000)
Earnhardt, miss the 500? the Ledger from Lakeland, FL reports: "Although he believes his driver "should be OK," Richard Childress said Tuesday he isn't absolutely certain Dale Earnhardt will be able to compete in the Daytona 500. And that Childress said Earnhardt is improving and is about 80%(The Ledger). My bet is that DE Sr will run the Daytona 500. And a PitNow story says Earnhardt expects to test at Las Vegas on Feb 1st(1-20-2000)
Sauter to test the #3: Jim Sauter(Jay's Dad) will test the #3 Chevy next week at Daytona when the teams that will race the new 2000 Monte Carlos test(That's Racin')(1-14-2000)
Snap-On News: I hear Snap-On Tools announced at their annual kick-off that they will be associate sponsors for Rusty Wallace, Jeremy Mayfield, Mike Skinner, Bill Elliot, and current teams of Dale Earnhardt Sr & Jr and Steve Park(1-11-2000)
Earnhardt Signs Stolen: Saw this in the Saturday Press of Atlantic City and thought it was interesting: Father-and-son racing legends Dale Earnhardt and Dale Earnhardt Jr. are held in such high esteem in Randolph County that signs along a road bearing their name disappear with maddening regularity. The funny part is that Earnhardt Road in this Randolph County hamlet isn't named for the racing Earnhardts, but for a local builder, Lawrence Earnhardt, who still lives on Earnhardt Road. The green and white signs along Earnhardt Road are the most frequently stolen road signs in the county. It is estimated that in 10 years, about 25 signs have been taken. It is estimated that it costs $100 to replace each sign, including labor. If sign-swipers also take the post, costs can run up to $150(also found it online at Total Sports)(1-9-2000)
Earnhardt Surgery: Dale Earnhardt's back surgery apparently was not as serious as Mark Martin's and Associates say Earnhardt is up and about and was on his way to the BGN banquet in Hollywood as of Wednesday morning. See full story at:(SpeedVision)(1-5-2000)
RCR News: Richard Childress Racing Enterprises, Inc. (RCR), has hired David Hart to the newly created position of director of communications(PR)(12-29-1999)
Earnhardt Surgery UPDATE: The John Boy and Billy radio show reported this AM that Dale Earnhardt had back surgery this AM and will be out of action for six week but will be ready for Speedweeks. From what I hear is there will be a six week recoup and the doctor said that things couldn't have gone any better. They are also taking cards at the DEI shop(address on my Team Address page) Earnhardt had the surgery at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, in Winston-Salem, N.C., to repair a ruptured disc in his spinal column. The operation came as a surprise to many, even within the Earnhardt organization. See the stories at NOL: Earnhardt's back surgery a success and Racer Magazine: Earnhardt Undergoes Back Surgery(12-17-1999) -- UPDATE: Earnhardt was released from the hospital Friday evening and went home to begin his recovery process(That's Racin')(12-18-1999)
Earnhardt/Childress: #3(and #31) Car owner Richard Childress said he and driver Dale Earnhardt should be ready to announce a contract extension within the
next month. The deal will keep Earnhardt with Childress through 2003(News and Observer)(12-3-1999)
Earnhardt and Food: Famous Fixins, Inc., a leading producer of athlete and celebrity-licensed food, candy and promotional products, today announced that it has reached an agreement with all-time NASCAR racing great Dale Earnhardt and The Henry Licensing Group, to produce a new beef jerky product bearing his name(Business Wire/Catchfence)(11-17-1999)
Earnhardt/Childress: Dale Earnhardt and Richard Childress said once again after Sunday's victory in the Winston 500 that they are close to signing an extension of their contract that now runs through the end of the 2000 season. Childress said he and Earnhardt want to retire together. Earnhardt said he wishes that Childress wouldn't even talk about retirement. Nor, for that matter, does he want to hear it from anybody else(That's Racin')(10-19-1999)
Winston 500 Earnhardt Stuff: Dale Earnhardt's win was the farthest any driver has ever started at Talladega(27th) an won. It is the 5th time a driver has won both Talladega races in the same season and Earnhardt is the only driver to do it twice(also in 1990). Others: 1982-Darrell Waltrip; 1975-Buddy Baker; and 1970-Pete Hamilton(10-17-1999)
Worst to First: Dale Earnhardt's win at Bristol was the lowest starting position(26th) to win at Bristol in it's history(8-29-1999)
Earnhardt Close: Dale Earnhardt, the seven-time Winston Cup champion who makes his 600th consecutive start Sunday on the road course at Watkins Glen, N.Y., has no plans to retire anytime soon. Earnhardt says he and owner Richard Childress are working out the details of a three-year contract that would keep him in the familiar No. 3 car at least through 2003(USA Today)(8-13-1999)
Earnhardt UPDATE an image: not 'real' news but considering all the email I got when Terry Labonte saved his.....Dale Earnhardt shaved his moustache --- first time he's been without since 1982 --- he did it because it was interfering with his snorkeling and face mask down in the Bahama's during vacation. I cannot even imagine what he looks like without it -- UPDATE: at the ESPN site an AP story and an image: New-look Earnhardt prepares for historic IROC sweep(8-4-1999)
The 'stache: Dale Earnhardt immediately began growing back the mustache
he shaved last week, and with good reason. The last year Earnhardt ran without a mustache, 1982, he recorded 18 DNFs and blew 15 engines(many sources and stories)(8-6-1999)
#600: Dale Earnhardt is scheduled to make history at Watkins Glen on August 15th when he is scheduled to make his 600th consecutive career start(Watkins Glen PR)(8-6-1999)
Earnhardt Paint Scheme UPDATE have Images:Motorsports Direct is listing a diecast car called the "GM Sign Car" in which it says Earnhardt will begin running his new paint scheme at the Brickyard 400 -- UPDATE: NOL has a story posted on this: the hood of the No. 3 Chevrolet will be a replica of the GM Goodwrench Service Plus sign that appears as it does at the local dealerships across the United States. See full stoy at: Earnhardt to sport new look at Indy(8-1-1999) -- IMAGES: added three images of the car to the Paint Scheme Gallery(need Java enabled to view)(8-4-1999)
Earnhardt Paint Scheme UPDATE:Motorsports Direct is listing a diecast car called the "GM Sign Car" in which it says Earnhardt will begin running his new paint scheme at the Brickyard 400 -- UPDATE: NOL has a story posted on this: the hood of the No. 3 Chevrolet will be a replica of the GM Goodwrench Service Plus sign that appears as it does at the local dealerships across the United States. See full stoy at: Earnhardt to sport new look at Indy(8-1-1999)
RCR/Earnhardt: #3 team owner Richard Childress says he continues to talk to Dale Earnhardt about extending the driver's contract through 2003. Earnhardt's contract ends after the 2000 season. Childress says he will announce his plans in regards to a BGN team later this season(News and Record)(7-24-1999)
Earnhardt UPDATE: If Dale Earnhardt qualifies in the the top 10 at Daytona, it would be the 12th straight Daytona race in which he has started 10th or better, a streak that dates back to 1994(That's Racin'/Random Thoughts)(6-30-1999) -- UPDATE: Earnhardt did it, qualified 10th(7-2-1999)
RAD News: Only days after NASCAR approved the Winston Cup version of the 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, the #1 Pennzoil Monte Carlo team at Dale Earnhardt Inc along with two other RAD teams are working on a test car. RAD - the
aerodynamics alliance of Richard Childress Racing, Andy Petree Racing and DEI - plan to model the cars it builds based on the information gathered by the test car(Pennzoil PR)(6-14-1999)
Childress 3rd Cup Team? If Richard Childress, owner of the #3 and #31 Cup teams, adds a third Cup team, Wally Dallenbach is one of the drivers under consideration(PitNow), Dallenbach's contract with Hendrick is up at the end of 1999 as is Budweiser, the sponsor of the #25 Chevy Dallenbach drives.(PitNow)(6-7-1999)
More Childress BGN stuff: #98 Porter Cable Truck driver, Kevin Harvick, is among the list of drivers for Childress' new BGN Team. Supposedly AC Delco is one possible sponsor(PitNow)(6-7-1999)
Earnhardt/Childress: as reported a few times in recent weeks: Dale Earnhardt appears to be close to agreement on a new contract with and Richard Childress Racing that would keep him driving for the team(#3) through 2003(6-4-1999)
Childress: in part from PitNow, in a story linked below - Richard Childress is trying to decide what to do with his Truck team. It may a Busch or Cup team. The travel of the Truck series is making it very expensive to run a CTS team. The sponsorship for a possible third Winston Cup team isn't an issue and has offers on the table(6-4-1999)
RAD: The aerodynamic alliance of Richard Childress Racing(#'s 3 and 31), Andy Petree Racing(#'s 33 and 55) and Dale Earnhardt Inc.(#'s 1 and 8) - (RAD) placed all six of its Winston Cup teams in the top 15 in qualifying at Charlotte on Wednesday. Four cars occupied the top eight spots. Since its inception in December, RAD has concentrated on the 1999 Monte Carlo, but when its introduction was delayed until 2000, RAD turned its attention to the current Monte Carlos seeking improvement at high downforce tracks like Charlotte. RAD Aero Engineer Louis Duncan said Charlotte is the first test of the technology developed through computer simulations, wind tunnel work, track testing and a great deal of tweaking. Duncan has a long history in racing. His most recent assignment was providing aerodynamic support to the Ford Motor Company stock car programs. Duncan and his son Brad now work exclusively with RAD(Pennzoil PR)(5-28-1999)
Earnhardt NO Retirement: Dale Earnhardt and team owner Richard Childress already has begun discussions about keeping the team together, including primary sponsor GM Goodwrench Service, through the 2003 Winston Cup season, their current contract expires after next season(2000)(AP/WRAL)(5-22-1999)
Crew Chief: An honorary crew position on Dale Earnhardt's team brought in more than $4,600 in the annual Race Fever auction, which benefits the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind in Talladega. That was the top bid in the auction, which this year raised more than $200,000(Alabama Online)(4-28-1999)
Earnhardt, new car and movie UPDATE 1: Dale Earnhardt will have a new Monte Carlo(no not the 2000 model, a recently built new present model). The car is the first car Richard Childress Racing has built with RAD engineer Louis Duncan. RAD stands for Richard (Childress), Andy (Petree) & Dale (Earnhardt). The project is a union between the three-team owners joining their engineering and aerodynamic programs. Earnhardt flew to California after the Talladega race to prepare for his cameo role in an upcoming Warner Brothers movie. See the TNN site for more info -- The movie is the next Flintstones movie(4-27-1999)
Earnhardt Paint UPDATE 2: Dale Earnhardt was supposed to run a "Taz" paint scheme for the Winston Select... That Car has been canceled......Due to the postponement of the introduction of the 2000 Chevrolet Monte Carlo..(The "Taz" Devil is a licensed trademark of Chevrolet) apparently Chevrolet had a big promotion planned with the "Taz" Devil & the New 2000 Monte Carlo .... A new paint scheme will be announced on 4/11/99(StockCarFans Newsletter) -- UPDATE: I hear it will be a Wrangler Paint Scheme(4-2-1999) -- UPDATE 2: Dale Earnhardt's #3 Chevrolet will be painted in the blue and yellow colors he used from 1981 to 1987 when Wrangler was his primary sponsor. Wrangler is now the associate sponsor for the Dale Earnhardt Inc.-owned #1 Pennzoil Chevy driven by Steve Park(That's Racin')(4-24-1999)
Long/Childress? UPDATE: Jim Long, the crew chief for the Geoff Bodine-Joe Bessey #60 Power Team Chevy team, is under consideration for a job with Richard Childress Racing, according to sources close to the situation(PitNow)(3-29-1999) -- Jim Long is not leaving the #60 Team. He stated today that he is "very happy at Bessey Motorsports."(Geoffrey Bodine Fanclub Site/Forum)(3-30-1999)
No New Monte: According to Richard Childress, owner of the #3 Goodwrench car driven by Dale Earnhardt and the #31 driven by Mike Skinner, the possibility of running a new Chevrolet is now a dead issue(SpeedVisoin/iRace)(3-27-1999)
Earnhardt Honors: Dale Earnhardt will honor Garry Sanders, a Sansom Park firefighter who was killed recently when trying to rescue people from a burning church. Sanders' brother, Steve, is a member of the Texas Motor Speedway rescue crew and prior to his death, Garry had been trying to earn enough hours to be permitted to work race events. His goal had been to work in Earnhardt's pit area during a Winston Cup event at the track. To honor Garry Sanders, Earnhardt will carry decals on his car Sunday that say, "In memory of Garry Sanders." In addition, Steve Sanders will work in Earnhardt's pit in the Primestar 500(Dallas Morning News)(3-27-1999)
Childress Third Team? Now that Richard Childress has locked up Lowe's and Mike Skinner for another three years, he can start work on that long-rumored third Winston Cup team. One possible driver is Casey Atwood, but is the 18-year-old sensation rough and tough enough for Childress? Another possibility is Mike Dillon. Certainly Childress should have no trouble finding a promising young driver interested in the job, if he is indeed interested in a third team(PitNow)(3-15-1999)
Did ya know? Dale Earnhardt's early crash left him with his first DNF (did not finish) at Atlanta Motor Speedway since 1983. Earnhardt's eight Atlanta victories are the most of any driver(Tennessean/Larry Woody) Jayski Note: Earnhardt's crew got the car fixed up so he could go out and pick up a few more spots and Earnhardt retired the car when it was impossible to pick up any more spots(3-15-1999)
Atwood? Childress? Casey Atwood in a Richard Childress Chevy? That's a distinct possibility, according to GM sources. Atwood, though just 18, has impressed a lot of veterans in his few Busch tour runs. Both Childress drivers on the Cup tour this season are in their 40s. Childress just said that they are exploring several options(PitNow)(3-8-1999)
Earnhardt paint: Also as rumored, Dale Earnhardt is going to run a "Taz" paint scheme at the Winston(2-25-1999)
Earnhardt News: NASCAR Online mentions in their notebook that Dale Earnhardt and #3 owner are looking to extent their contract and that Earnhardt does not not plan to ever race his own cars in the future(2-6-1999)
Earnhardt Paint UPDATE: I hear there will be an announcement soon that Dale Earnhardt will run a 25th anniversary in NASCAR paint scheme. No idea when it will be run(probably the Winston?). I hear the car will be silver(1-17-1999) -- I hear the Dale Earnhardt, Sr./25th Silver Anniversary chevy and will be raced at the Daytona 500(not the shootout, he isn't in it)(1-18/19-1999)
New Associates for Childress: Dale Earnhardt announced two associate sponsors for the #3 Richard Childress Winston Cup car -- camouflage maker Realtree and chicken products producer Perdue Farms. Earnhardt is a chicken farmer, raising over 4.5 million chickens a year, exclusively for Perdue Farms(GoRacing)(1-14-1999)
ESPY's: Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt and, Mark Martin, have been nominated to receive 1999 ESPY Awards. The winners of the 1999 ESPY Awards -- given by ESPN for a variety of sports-related categories -- will be announced at 8pm/et Feb. 15 on ESPN. Gordon, has been nominated for three separate awards: Male Athlete of the Year, Showstopper of the Year and Auto Racing Performer of the Year. In the first category, Gordon will go up against baseball sluggers Mark McGuire and Sammy Sosa and NBA star Michael Jordan. Gordon and Martin, both received nominations for Auto Racing Performer of the Year. Earnhardt received an ESPY nomination for Dramatic Individual Performance of the Year by winning his first Daytona 500 in February. Earnhardt will go up against baseball stars David Wells and Kerry Wood and college running back Ricky Williams, this year's Heisman Trophy winner(That's Racin')(12-19-98)
