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Saturday, January 31, 2009

NASCAR: Drivers pass drug tests: NASCAR does not anticipate suspending any drivers who took their preseason drug tests last week in North Carolina, sanctioning body spokesman Ramsey Poston said today. “We are proud of how the process worked so far,” Poston said in a statement. “All drivers, crew members and officials will have passed the substance-abuse test going into the season.” Drivers in NASCAR’s three national series must pass a drug test during the preseason, and most drivers took their test last week at the NASCAR Research and Development Center. This is the first season that NASCAR is requiring its drivers to pass a preseason drug test. Its previous policy allowed NASCAR to test at any time for reasonable suspicion – which is still the policy today – but did not require the passing of a preseason test. (SceneDaily.com)

Bodine in the No. 64 at Daytona: Geoff Bodine will drive the #64 Toyota entrant in an attempt to qualify for the 51st running of the Daytona 500 for Gunselman Motorsports. Bodine will be making his first Sprint Cup Series attempt since 2004. The 59-year young native of Chemung, NY will be making several attempts trading off with his brother, Todd, for the Gunselman team during the 2009 season. Bodine’s last attempt was for also for Gunselman when he ran Mach 1 Motorsports. “This is a pretty neat opportunity and something I’m looking forward to doing,” Bodine said. “I still feel I have the competitive spirit and ability to get out there and race. I have driven so many types of cars from Cup to Modifieds to Trucks that I’m looking forward to the learning curve here with the new Sprint Cup car. When Larry first approached me about this, I started to get excited about getting behind the wheel again. So, here I am, getting ready for Daytona and seeing what our Toyota Camry can do at Daytona.” In addition to the opportunity to race, Bodine and Gunselman are both hoping to draw attention to the US Bobsled efforts that Bodine has headed up through his annual Bodine Bobsled Challenge held in Lake Placid, NY each January. “To have someone like Geoff in our car is incredible,” Gunselman said. “He and I have been friends for many years and I can’t even begin to thank him enough for signing on with us. I’ve been to every Bobsled Challenge and I’m hoping we can draw awareness to that effort, as well. We’re unsponsored right now, but have some key individuals helping us get the funding we need to compete on a larger basis. To see Geoff in the shop working on the car, in the car and interacting with the guys has been great. He won’t let on, but I think he’s getting more and more excited as time draws near for Daytona.” Interested parties can inquire to info@larrygunselman.com regarding unique sponsorship opportunities available.(Packman PR)

Friday, January 30, 2009

Front Row Motorsports partners with Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing: Front Row Motorsports and driver John Andretti have formed a partnership with Earnhardt Ganassi Racing that will put Andretti behind the wheel of the No. 34 Sprint Cup car in the Daytona 500, Front Row Motorsports announced today. The team will be guaranteed a spot in the Daytona 500 because it will have top-35 owners points from last year, although it was unclear whose points it will have. The Dale Earnhardt Inc.-Chip Ganassi Racing merger had resulted in six full-time teams being folded into three full-time teams. “Anytime you get the opportunity to race in the Daytona 500, it’s a privilege," said Andretti, who has 358 career Sprint Cup starts. "I am honored to be able to do that this year through a relationship with Earnhardt Ganassi and Front Row Motorsports." The team will have sponsorship from Window World. Steve Lane, who was crew chief for Dario Franchitti until Ganassi parked the Franchitti car for financial reasons midway through last season, will be Andretti’s crew chief for the Daytona 500. (SceneDaily.com)

Newman questions timing of NASCAR's drug-testing: Ryan Newman supports NASCAR’s new drug-testing policy for 2009 but says he was surprised that the sanctioning body so clearly defined a designated time frame for the tests. “I might be opening up a can of worms when I say this, but why would you announce you’re going to have a drug-testing time?” Newman said during the Stewart-Haas Racing portion of the Sprint Media Tour hosted by Lowe’s Motor Speedway. “I mean the whole idea of announcing it kind of takes away from the people that know how to cheat the system. “Obviously, I know there’s probably going to be some follow-ups with certain people ... but it just seems to me that you’re only eliminating the really, really naïve people in the first testing or in the first screening like this.” (SceneDaily.com)

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Academy Sports to sponsor Labonte five races: Hall of Fame Racing announced that Academy Sports + Outdoors, a leader in the sports and outdoor industry, will sponsor Bobby Labonte and the No. 96 Ford for five races in the Sprint Cup Series in 2009. Academy Sports + Outdoor's will debut with the No. 96 Academy Sports + Outdoor Ford at Bristol Motor Speedway. The retail leader will again race at Darlington Raceway in the Southern 500, Daytona International Speedway in the Coke Zero 400, Atlanta Motor Speedway in the Pep Boys Auto 500 and Talladega Superspeedway in the Amp Energy 500. (Yates Racing PR)

Evernham announces future plans: Ray Evernham has been long known for his leadership atop the pit box of NASCAR stars like Jeff Gordon and Kasey Kahne, guidance of Dodge's return to NASCAR racing and technological innovation that changed the sport. Evernham announced that he officially is passing the torch on race team entrepreneurship to new team owners like Tony Stewart and Tommy Baldwin. He will now focus his attention on broadcasting, preserving racing venues for future generations, helping develop young drivers and setting new records. "I'm proud of the accomplishments I've achieved with my colleagues and partners over more than two decades in racing, from the early days in IROC to the championship years with Hendrick Motorsports and Jeff Gordon to leading Dodge's return to NASCAR as a team owner," said Evernham. "It has been an amazing journey, and I've been fortunate to work with some incredible people and gain invaluable experience throughout the years." Evernham is relinquishing his leadership role at Richard Petty Motorsports to pursue new Ray Evernham Enterprises Museumopportunities in motorsports, from grassroots racing to NASCAR and beyond. He is focusing his short-term efforts on establishing Ray Evernham Enterprises, broadcasting races for ESPN, managing East Lincoln Speedway, opening a new museum and entertainment facility in Mooresville, NC, (shown at right), helping develop young drivers and designing racecars for several key events. "I'm not retiring from racing or putting NASCAR on a back burner," he noted. "I'm committed to the growth and success of the sport overall, and to building championship teams and organizations in many different levels of racing in the future. I spent my first decade in racing driving and working on racecars. My next decade I went from a rookie crew chief to a NASCAR champion. My third decade I had the opportunity to lead a manufacturer back into the sport and own a team. Who knows what my fourth decade in the sport will hold?" Evernham will continue his duties in the booth for ESPN with co-hosts Rusty Wallace, Brad Daugherty and Alan Bestwick for a number of NASCAR races throughout the season. He also will be at the ESPN Studios on Mondays as a host of "NASCAR Now".(Victory MG)

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

NASCAR statement on aviation investigation: Late Wednesday NASCAR released the following statement from Ramsey Posten Managing Director, Corporate Communications for NASCAR. "The NTSB finalized its report of the tragic accident that occurred on July 10, 2007. This process was largely about finding ways to make aviation safer and we support that effort. We have worked closely with aviation industry experts to improve our safety management systems so as to prevent an accident like this from occurring in the future. Our thoughts continue to be with those whose lives were affected that day." (NASCAR Examiner)

NASCAR to blame for aviation crash: Investigators blamed NASCAR for a "tragic, unnecessary" plane crash in 2007, saying the racing organization let one of its aircraft take off without checking an electrical problem reported the day before. NASCAR violated federal aviation rules when it allowed the small corporate plane back in the air on July 10, 2007, the National Transportation Safety Board said Wednesday. The Cessna 310 was en route from Daytona Beach to Lakeland in Florida when it crashed outside Orlando. The plane hit two homes, killing a 24-year-old law student and her 6-month-old son as well as a 4-year-old neighbor. Also killed were the NASCAR pilot and the husband of a NASCAR executive, a pilot himself. (ESPN.com)

Richard Petty Motorsports Signs AJ Allmendinger: Richard Petty Motorsports announced today that AJ Allmendinger has agreed to a contract that calls for him to race in the 2009 season with the team retaining an option for 2010. Allmendinger, 27, will drive the team’s No. 44 Dodge in the Budweiser Shootout plus the first eight races of the 2009 Sprint Cup season as well as the Daytona race in July. The team is looking to put together a sponsorship package that would guarantee the No. 44’s participation in the remaining 2009 races and the 2010 season. “This is pretty awesome news for me,” said Allmendinger who posted two top-10 finishes in 2008 and a victory in the Sprint Showdown. “I just want to get behind the wheel of a race car and race. We have a lot of work to do on the track and need to sell some sponsorship, but this team has great equipment and I think there is a lot of chemistry here based on how we did at the end of last season.” I cannot put into words how excited I am to run the No. 44 in 2009. I raced with these guys five times last year and loved everything about it. The cars were great, the guys were great and we put up some pretty good results. I’m just very grateful to have this opportunity.” Allmendinger, a Los Gatos, Calif. native, is a five-time winner in the Champ Car World Series but is relatively new to the world of the heavier, full-bodied stock cars. “AJ has a ton of potential,” said team owner Richard Petty. “I went testing with him a few weeks ago. When he climbed out of the car I think he went to everyone working on the car asking them questions and wanting to know what was going on. That’s the kind of thing you want out of your driver. He’s a young guy and I think we can help him and he can help us.” Allmendinger joins Richard Petty Motorsports’ teammates No. 9-Kasey Kahne, No. 19-Elliott Sadler and No. 43-Reed Sorenson. Sammy Johns will serve as crew chief on the No. 44. An agreement in principle to merge Gillett Evernham Motorsports and Petty Holdings to form Richard Petty Motorsports was announced earlier this month.(RPM PR)

Get Well Robbie: NASCAR vice president for broadcasting Robbie Weiss remains hospitalized in Charlotte for treatment of a brain aneurysm suffered last Thursday. Weiss, 38, is in the intensive care unit at Presbyterian Hospital. (ThatsRacin.com)

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Gilliland still under contract with Yates: Yates Racing co-owner Doug Yates says that David Gilliland remains under contract with the organization this season, though he does not have a NASCAR Sprint Cup entry for Gilliland to drive. Gilliland, 32, drove full time for the team last season, finishing 27th in driver points and 28th in owners points. Those have been moved to the No. 96 team with Bobby Labonte, through an alliance with Hall of Fame Racing. The addition of Paul Menard and the third car have left Gilliland out of the driver lineup heading into the 2009 season. Travis Kvapil, who finished 23rd in the driver standings in 2009, is still driving the No. 28 but is not guaranteed a full schedule this season as the organization continues to seek sponsorship. His points have been moved to the No. 98 of Paul Menard. “David is still under contract with Yates Racing,” Yates said. “We’re looking for opportunities for David, but just with the way things came together at the end of the year with the Bobby Labonte program [at Hall of Fame Racing] and keeping Travis in the [No.] 28 car, David doesn’t have a ride right now." (SceneDaily.com)

Monday, January 26, 2009

NASCAR's sponsors making large cuts: The grim economic news isn't just affecting NASCAR's teams as they prepare for next month's season openers at Daytona International Speedway. Four of NASCAR's largest corporate sponsors -- including Sprint Nextel Corp. -- announced major layoffs and cutbacks Monday as a result of the worldwide economic slowdown. In an effort to reduce labor costs by more than $1 billion, Sprint Nextel officials announced the company will eliminate 8,000 jobs -- or 14 percent of its workforce -- by the end of the March, placing a freeze on salary increases and suspending its 401(k) match for the year. The nation's third-largest wireless phone carrier posted a net loss of $326 million in the third quarter of 2008 and nearly $1.2 billion for the first three quarters of 2008. (More at NASCAR.com)

Johnson suffers minor cut: Jimmie Johnson required repair of a tendon and nerve after cutting his left middle finger with a kitchen knife Sunday afternoon in Daytona Beach, Fla., while preparing to compete in the final segment of the Rolex 24 sports car series race. The injury occurred above the knuckle and happened while Johnson was attempting to cut a small hole in his firesuit in order to feed a tube from a cooling shirt through the pocket of his suit. Johnson flew from Daytona Beach to Charlotte for further evaluation and outpatient treatment with a hand specialist at Carolinas Medical Center. The injury will not keep Johnson from driving in the season’s first NASCAR Sprint Cup event Feb. 7 at Daytona International Speedway. “That certainly wasn’t the way I wanted to end the Rolex race,” said Johnson, who ran with the No. 99 GAINSCO/Bob Stallings Racing team. “I really appreciate all the hard work by the guys this weekend. I’m just sorry I wasn’t there at the end with them. The doctors did a great job in Daytona and Charlotte and I can’t thank them enough. Everything feels good and I’ll be ready to roll for Daytona.” Johnson is still scheduled to appear on “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” and will co-host his Super Skins charity golf tournament and party with Nick Lachey this weekend in Tampa, Fla.(GMR Marketings PR)

Sunday, January 25, 2009

More tire testing planned at Indy: NASCAR expects to have at least two more Goodyear tire tests at Indianapolis Motor Speedway before the Allstate 400 there in late July. Last year, NASCAR had to throw the caution every 12 to 13 laps during the race so teams could change tires and reduce the risk of tire failures. The tire rubber, instead of adhering to the track, turned into rubble and dust, causing a grating effect on the tires that eventually would cause them to blow. “Our tentative plan is [for] at least two more tire tests at Indianapolis,” NASCAR Vice President of Competition Robin Pemberton said Thursday during the Sprint Media Tour. “We’ve made some great strides. I think they’ve got the tire picked that they need. “We’re going to go back, and do, if not a development test, maybe start to do confirmation tests. There will be at least two of those.” (SceneDaily.com)

Roush Fenway pledges to "Go Green": With the country under new leadership and the start of a new race season upon us, Roush Fenway Racing announces their pledge to sustainability and environmental protection. Always a leader in the sport of NASCAR on and off track, Roush Fenway Racing will continue current environmental initiatives and look into new initiatives to “go green” in 2009. There are many aspects of the sport which will not change in the immediate future when it comes to environmental impact. However, the environment is a topic that’s important to many of our sponsor partners as well as the world, so in an effort to be good stewards of the planet, Roush Fenway Racing continues to seek ways to be environmentally conscious from materials in their daily operations, to the expansion and construction of facilities. Roush Fenway Racing currently recycles oil, solvent, steel, tires, aluminum, paper and plastic bottles and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Ian Prince, Roush Fenway’s LEED certified person on staff, oversees the operations of Roush Fenway’s 25-acre campus with three buildings totaling over 190,000 Sq. ft. All the building have innovated LEED building design features including (but not limited to) solar shades on southern exposure to reduce solar heat gain and glare, reducing the amount of artificial building cooling required; interior lighting controlled by individual occupancy and photoelectric sensors to reduce electrical usage; motion activated plumbing fixtures to reduce potable water use; and rain and storm water run off captured and contained for landscape irrigation reducing the need for potable water. As a point of interest, Roush Fenway uses no city water they have their own wells and storm water reclamation. In addition, Roush Fenway has proposed an emission reduction program to LED retrofit the shop Metal Halide lighting resulting in a 530 Megawatt savings of electricity each year. The use of Building Integrated Photovoltaic laminates that will produce 13,710kWh per year of electricity for 20 years to be sold back to the utilities companies is also being proposed. But that’s not where the effort ends. Roush Fenway Racing Sprint Cup standouts Carl Edwards and Greg Biffle are purchasing Renewable Energy Credits (REC’s) as part of their commitment to sustainability and environmental protection.(Roush Fenway Racing PR)

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Brian France has no plans to leave NASCAR soon: NASCAR chairman Brian France doesn't plan to leave the sport, which has been run by a member of his family since it began in 1949, anytime soon. France's intentions came under question after he said last month at a motorsports marketing forum in New York that he would not be in the sport for 30 years like his father, Bill France Jr. hat, along with speculation from a few years ago that the 46-year-old France might relocate an existing NFL franchise to Los Angeles, had some questioning his dedication and effectiveness. But France insisted on Thursday during the final stop of the NASCAR media tour that he plans to be around the sport founded by his grandfather, Bill France Sr., for a long time. "This gets misunderstood whenever I say something like that," France said. "It simply means that my father [spent] 32 years as CEO and president of NASCAR. All I said was that's not in the cards for me, I don't think it's a smart thing for the sport. "It doesn't mean I won't have a long run. I hope I do. I hope I'm doing what I'm doing. I really like what I'm doing and like working in the industry." (ESPN.com)

EGR to name fourth Cup driver: Earnhardt Ganassi Racing will field a fourth entry -- the No. 41 Chevrolet -- in the Feb. 15 Daytona 500 and expects to decide on a driver Monday, team president Steve Lauletta said Saturday before the start of the Rolex 24 Grand-Am race at Daytona International Speedway. The No. 41 entry will join Juan Montoya (No. 42 Chevy), Martin Truex Jr. (No. 1 Chevy) and Aric Almirola (No. 8 Chevy) to make a four-car contingent for the organization that was formed in an offseason merger of Dale Earnhardt Inc. and Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates. Lauletta said the choice had been narrowed to two drivers but declined to name them, though he did indicate that veteran Sterling Marlin was not among the finalists. (NASCAR.com)

Friday, January 23, 2009

NASCAR drivers participate in Rolex 24 hrs at Daytona: The Daytona 500 and the start of the 2009 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season is less than three weeks away but a number of drivers and owners will make an early visit to Daytona International Speedway for Saturday’s Rolex 24 at Daytona. Since 1962, NASCAR stars have been a part of the historic, twice-around-the-clock sports car race. A Sprint Cup competitor has shared the winning Grand-Am Daytona Prototype in each of the past three seasons: Casey Mears in 2006 and Juan Pablo Montoya in 2007-08. Both return for this year’s race along with 2006-08 NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion Jimmie Johnson, AJ Allmendinger, Colin Braun and Kyle Petty. A number of NASCAR national series owners also stand out among an expected entry of more than 50 Daytona Prototype and GT cars. Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates seeks a record fourth consecutive Rolex 24 at Daytona victory. Richard Childress, Roger Penske and NASCAR Camping World Truck Series owner Kevin Buckler also have submitted entries. The race is set for 3:30pm/et Saturday and ends at the same time on Sunday. FOX will broadcast the Rolex 24 at Daytona from 3-4:30pm/et Jan. 24. SPEED coverage continues from 4:30-10pm/et and continues live through post-race beginning at 7:00am/et Jan. 25.(NASCAR PR)

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Ford to introduce new "FR9" at Daytona: Ford and Roush Yates Engines latest NASCAR-approved engine will debut this season. Code-named "FR9," this new piece is the first purpose-built NASCAR racing engine to ever come out of Ford Motor Company. Its design has been spearheaded and developed by Ford Racing engineer David Simon, and famed engine builder Doug Yates, along with input from legendary Ford Racing engine engineer Mose Nowland. “This is an exciting time for us to say the least, especially with the way our two companies have worked so well together on this project,” said Yates. “I’ve never had the opportunity to work on a NASCAR engine with a clean sheet of paper, but that’s basically what we’ve done and I’ve enjoyed every second. We feel we’ve got a piece that will not only be better than what we’ve got now, but will give us room to grow. With the exception of a few cylinder head changes through the years, we’ve had the same engine since 1991 and have been able to squeeze out every ounce of power and speed possible. What’s got me so excited is we’ve won races and championships with an engine many consider old, and this new piece is definitely a notch above, so we’ve got a lot to look forward to for years to come.” There are three key differences between “FR9” and the current engine. First, the cooling system has been re-worked and will allow teams to optimize the amount of tape they can put on the front grille and improve downforce. Second, the valve train has been improved, and, third, the production and assembly of “FR9” will be much easier than today’s model. Just when “FR9” is ready for competition remains to be seen, but a tentative target date is the second-half of the 2009 season. “We’re not going to rush this engine into competition until we’re 100% sure it’s going to meet our strict standards,” said Yates. “We don’t feel a need to rush because our current engine is still strong and that gives us the luxury to take our time and make sure we do “FR9” right. I know we’ve got a winner here, and I can’t wait to see it on the track.”(Ford Racing)

NASCAR rejects local television blackout proposal: Speedway Motorsports Inc. chairman Bruton Smith might like the idea of local television blackouts for races that are not sold out, but NASCAR and at least one television partner do not. Paul Brooks, the NASCAR senior vice president who oversees its broadcasting efforts, said such blackout would create too many problems. "Event attendance is a priority for NASCAR and our television partners," Brooks said. "However, there are many significant issues, unique to NASCAR, that arise around the concept of local TV blackouts. "TV partners, advertisers, ratings, team and event sponsors would all be negatively impacted. However, the most significant issue is the negative effect this move would have for our fans. "We need to continue to find ways to bring our fans even more television, Internet, radio and new-media coverage and continue to remind fans that the ultimate NASCAR experience will always be sitting in the grandstands watching that race live." (ThatsRacin.com)

TRG Motorsports announces Mike Wallace in no. 71 at Daytona

Motorcraft to sponsor Wood Brothers nine races in '09

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Motorsports Authentics CEO resigns: Motorsports Authentics (MA) announced today that President & CEO Mark Dyer has left the company effective immediately. Don Hawk, a member of MA's Board of Managers, has been appointed on an interim basis to oversee the day-to-day operational and financial management of MA while a search for Dyer's replacement is conducted.(Motorsports Authentics PR)

Kvapil to get new crew chief: Despite several changes at Yates Racing, Travis Kvapil is set to return behind the wheel for the organization. The 2003 Craftsman Truck Series champion has been confirmed for at least five NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races in the No. 28 Yates Ford in 2009. Former Ford field manager Ben Leslie will serve as Kvapil's crew chief this season. (FoxSports.com)

More layoffs at EGR: Earnhardt Ganassi Racing laid off another 30 employees on Tuesday, bringing the total to more than 150 since the 2008 season ended. (ESPN.com)

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

EGR to field three cars in '09: Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates confirmed late Tuesday that it will campaign full-time Chevrolets for Juan Pablo Montoya, Martin Truex Jr. and Aric Almirola in 2009, with a fourth car entered for the Daytona 500. No sponsor has been announced for Almirola’s No. 8 car, nor has a driver been picked for the fourth car, according to EGR President Steve Lauletta, who gave an impromptu press briefing late Tuesday during the Sprint Cup Media Tour Presented by Lowe’s Motor Speedway. Target will sponsor Montoya in the No. 42, with former co-primary Wrigley’s taking on a role as associate sponsor, Lauletta said. Bass Pros Shops will sponsor the No. 1 of Truex. “We kind of get the best of both worlds putting our 20-year relationship with Target on Juan. He won the Indy 500 with them before and then Wrigley’s can still continue to do their NASCAR programming around Juan and remain with the team.” (Speedtv.com)

Petty-GEM now Richard Petty Motorsports: At the top of Richard Petty's list of deal-breakers when merger talks began between Petty Enterprises and Gillett Evernham Motorsports was to keep his name in the title of the company. Meet Richard Petty Motorsports. Or "RPM," as some might call it. The four-car Sprint Cup organization does not have any reference to majority owner George Gillett and keeps basically the same blue-and-red logo that symbolized Petty Enterprises for the past 60 years. "We come out to let the world know we're still in the racing business and we're going to be bigger and better than we've ever been," Petty said Monday during an unveiling of the new logo on the first day of NASCAR's Media Tour. Petty's list of demands also included keeping alive the famous No. 43 that he drove to seven Cup titles, as well as the No. 44 that was the second car at Petty Enterprises before Kyle Petty switched to the No. 45 in 2000 in memory of his son, Adam. The No. 44 will replace the No. 10 as the fourth car that belonged to GEM. AJ Allmendinger, who is close to finalizing a multiyear deal, will drive in the first five races and is slated to run at least seven in the 44. (ESPN.com)

New Dodge nose in '09: After a season where the Dodge cars clearly were the least competitive of the four manufacturers in the Sprint Cup Series, NASCAR has approved a new nose for the 2009 Dodge Chargers, which should help the cars perform better on the so-called intermediate tracks of 1.5 to 2 miles in length. Those tracks, which make up nearly half of the Cup schedule, were the clear weak points for Dodge teams last year. “It’s very subtle changes to the nose,” said Penske Racing’s Roy McCauley, crew chief of the No. 12 Dodge Charger driven by David Stremme. “In fact, if you just took a quick glance at it, you might even miss it — some changes in the line structure around the headlight doors and things like that.” (Speedtv.com)

Skinner to attempt Daytona in No. 23 R3 Motorsports: R3 Motorsports announced on Tuesday that Mike Skinner will attempt to qualify its No. 23 entry into the Daytona 500 this season. Veteran crew chief Slugger Labbe will oversee the team. The former Craftsman Truck Series (now Camping World Truck Series) champion drove the No. 5 Toyota Tundra for Bill Davis Racing last season. R3 team owner Rob Fuller says the team plans to run the first five races of the season and continue the schedule on a race-to-race basis depending on its success. "Skinner is a great guy to jump in the seat at Daytona given his past experience at the track," Fuller said. "Watching how well Skinner ran in the No. 84 Red Bull car for AJ Allmendinger last season, I know he'll do an equally good job for us. "I'm looking forward to seeing the reunion between Mike and Slugger. They've had a great relationship in the past and I believe they'll be able to be competitive when we get to Daytona." (FoxSports.com)