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RANDY MOSS ENJOYS FIRST SEASON AS NASCAR TRUCK SERIES OWNER

Mike Irwin — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 15:10:31 +0000

NFL Superstar Looks Forward to More Success in 2009
STATESVILLE, NC (December 4, 2008) – When the 2008 Truck Series season started in Daytona Beach, Florida back in February the No. 81 Randy Moss Motorsports (RMM) team, then known as Morgan-Dollar Motorsports was not sure what the future held. Now that the 2008 season has come to a close, RMM can take a moment to reflect back on what has been an interesting year with a few twists and turns for the veteran team with a new image.

It was in early July when co-owner David Dollar sat down with NFL All-Pro superstar Randy Moss at Daytona International Speedway to announce the formation of Randy Moss Motorsports. Moss, a wide receiver for the New England Patriots had come off a record-setting season and was looking to enjoy the same successes in his other passion, NASCAR. The decision to partner with an already established team led him to Morgan-Dollar Motorsports. With three runner-up finishes in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series points championship, Dollar had the team with the success and statistics that Moss was looking for.

“We entered the 2008 season not knowing exactly what our future held,” commented RMM co-owner David Dollar. “I was approached early in the season about the possibility of a partner and over several months everything fell into place. I was excited when I found out that Randy Moss was the one wanting to partner and could not be happier about having him join our team. He is not only 100 percent dedicated to our team but brings a lot of enthusiasm and encouragement also.”

Once things were made official with the July announcement, the wheels were set in motion and the team was ready to make their debut as RMM at Kentucky Speedway on July 16. With youngster Willie Allen behind the wheel they scored a 15th-place finish at the 1.5-mile track in their debut. The next 12 races saw five different drivers handling the driving duties. Hendrick Motorsports development driver Landon Cassill scored a sixth-place finish for RMM at Talladega Superspeedway in October and Rookie of the Year contender Donny Lia scored a 10th-place run at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in September.

Considering the multitude of drivers, Moss feels his first season as a NASCAR team owner has been a success.

“I’ve been a NASCAR fan for a long time and now to be involved first-hand has been a great experience,” said Moss. “I took my time researching and did my homework before jumping into ownership and feel like I have found the perfect home with David Dollar and the RMM team. I’m real pleased with how things have turned out. The team has performed extremely well with a number of different drivers and showed each week they were a top-10 team, but in 2009 we’re looking to compete for a championship.”

In addition to Allen, Cassill and Lia, NASCAR diversity driver Marc Davis had a strong Truck Series debut for the team at Gateway International Raceway in September. Three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson also made his Truck Series debut when he took a turn driving the No. 81 Chevrolet Silverado at Bristol Motor Speedway in August. Johnson led for a total of 29 laps before losing control of the truck and hitting the wall causing too much damage to continue.

However, the Sprint Cup champion was pleased with his Truck Series debut. “I just want to thank everyone of these guys from Randy Moss Motorsports for working as hard as they did on this truck, I feel terrible I tore up their truck,” commented Johnson. “It was a lot of fun. Great truck and strong performance.”

Moss is no stranger to success and demands it in everything he does. Prior to the 2008 NFL season, the wide receiver had tallied a total of 12,193 receiving yards, 124 career receiving touchdowns in his 10-year career.

The 31-year-old knows how to be part of a team with a win together-lose together attitude. Coming into what was sure to be a record-setting NFL season, Moss’ world was turned upside down when Patriots quarterback Tom Brady suffered a season-ending injury in the first game. With Brady out of the picture, Moss faced uncertainly as the weeks went by.

“I remember telling Randy now was the time for him to step up and become the team leader for those guys,” commented Dollar. “He was so used to giving us pep talks and now the tables were turned. He always has such a positive outlook on everything. It’s infectious and it’s good.”

Moss did step up and with that positive attitude has been able to record some pretty impressive stats thus far in his season. To date in 2008 he has added 785 yards with 58 receptions resulting in eight touchdowns. It’s that same attitude that he brings to the table for the RMM race team.

“I’m behind these guys 100 percent,” commented Moss. “I’ve been so impressed with how much preparation and work goes into each week they are on track. NASCAR and the NFL are really a lot alike in many ways. You have to be as prepared mentally and physically to make each week a success. These guys have done a tremendous job with arriving at the track each week ready to win.”

Just as the NFL season comes to a close, the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will be gearing up for their 2009 debut returning to the place where it all began for Moss – Daytona International Speedway.

“I’m really looking forward to the 2009 season,” continued Moss. “We have some exciting things coming together and I really feel we are going to be a championship caliber team next year. I’m also excited to get back to the race track and cheer the RMM guys on to Victory Lane.”

The 2009 season brings nothing but great opportunities to the No. 81 RMM team. With the NFL season behind him, Randy Moss is sure to be right there with his other teammates as they strive for their first trip to Victory Lane as Randy Moss Motorsports.

About Randy Moss Motorsports:

Randy Moss Motorsports ownership consists of Randy Moss, New England Patriots All-Pro Wide Receiver; and David Dollar, a long time participant in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. The team fields the No. 81 Chevrolet Silverado full time in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. www.randymossmotorsports.com

The team continues to seek additional Marketing partners for the 2009 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series season. For sponsorship inquiries please contact Randy Moss Motorsports at 704-871-2260 or info@randymossmotorsports.com.

NO NASCAR TESTING IN 2009? Maybe… (CONFIRMED)

Mike Irwin — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 13:32:24 +0000

NASCAR is expected to announce a “no testing” policy for Sprint Cup, Nationwide Series, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series or NASCAR Camping World East or West Series for the 2009 season.

Teams will also not be able to test at tracks at which any of those series compete.

Thanks to friend Chris Knight from www.Catchfence.com for this information.

… an update from www.Jayski.com

NASCAR has banned all testing at its sanctioned tracks next season in an effort to help teams save several million dollars in their 2009 budgets. The moratorium, which includes the traditional “preseason” Daytona 500 testing, is for all three of NASCAR’s top divisions. Teams will not be permitted to test at any track where a Sprint Cup, Nationwide Series or Truck Series event is held. NASCAR informed teams of its decision Friday morning at Homestead-Miami Speedway. The decision is an about-face from just a few months ago, when NASCAR was considering widening the testing schedule to as many as 24 days at any track.(Associated Press)(11-14-2008)

… some responses from crew chiefs

PAT TRYSON (Crew Chief, No. 2 Miller Dodge Charger) WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE NASCAR TESTING POLICY FOR 2009? “It’s got pluses and minuses. Times are tough right now, so it’s probably not that bad a thing for most people. Obviously, we’d like to be testing but at the same time, it (testing policy) is the same for everybody. I think it will be fair. It may make the racing better with nobody having the opportunity to test.”

RODNEY CHILDERS (Crew Chief, No 19 Hellmann’s Dodge Charger) WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE 2009 TESTING POLICY? “I think it’s the right thing for NASCAR right now. There are a lot of teams and people struggling with the economy the way it is and sponsors not wanting to spend the money like they did. It’s going to be the right thing to keep the sport healthy. It’s going to be tough on the teams trying to figure out what to do with their cars to make them better and stuff like that. That’s one thing that we’re going to have to do to keep the sport healthy.”

…some responses from drivers

JEFF BURTON, NO. 31 AT&T IMPALA SS
CAN WE GET YOUR REACTION TO NASCAR’S TESTING BAN? “I haven’t seen any official word from NASCAR. I’ve been kind of out of the loop. I was kind of out of the loop yesterday so you’re telling me something that I don’t know anything about. Feel free to give me any information. I would love to have it.”

WHAT THEY SAID IS YOU WON’T BE ABLE TO TEST AT TRACKS WHERE SPRINT CUP, NATIONWIDE OR TRUCK RACES ARE HELD. “You want me to comment on something that’s not official? What is this politics? (laughter) My crew chief hasn’t told me. What I will say about it without knowing all the details, here comes Mr. (Jim) Hunter (laughter). …. I hate when Jim comes to see me in the middle of a press conference.

“I do believe that we are at time in our sport where we’ve got to look at ways to cut some costs. There’s no doubt about it. We’ve been in conversation with NASCAR about what it is they can do, more importantly we as teams ultimately have the responsibility to pay attention to what we’re spending. Jack Roush is a master at that. Richard Childress is a master at that, of trying to figure out where to spend the dollars without wasting it. A testing ban, there’s a lot of unknowns. I’ve never been part of a sport where testing was banned. So I’m not sure of the consequences of that. I do believe that testing is a way for a struggling team to improve but I also believe that we’re in severe times and we need to have severe actions. I’m assuming that a testing ban will include the inability to obtain tires from Goodyear because if you can obtain tires from Goodyear then there are places to go test. So it’s a complicated matter and without having all the details it’s very difficult for me to comment on. I’m more than willing to comment on it after I have all the details but for me to go into deep complex conversations about it without having every bit of the information, because that’s what’s going to make the thing work or not work is all of the small things that are within the rule. Without having those it’s really hard for me to comment on. But I am a proponent of severe action because I think that our sport has got to have severe action right now.”

Wood Brothers Racing Visits “The Boneyard”

Mike Irwin — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 19:38:41 +0000

Phoenix, AZ (November 6, 2008)-The Phoenix area has much to offer outside of Phoenix International Raceway with its vast desert landscape and presence of the U.S. Air Force. Jon and Keven Wood, drivers of the no. 21 Wood Brothers Racing U.S. Air Force F-150 and team visited the air plane Boneyard in Tucson and had an eye opening experience.

The team arrived at the Davis Monthan Air Force Base AMARC (Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Center) just outside Tucson, AZ in the Sonora desert to see, for the most part, the final resting place of some of the most admired and respected aircraft the United Stated has used in military history. Driving out, looking over the flat desert land surrounded by red rock mountains, acres upon acres of airplanes were in view including C-5’s, Fighters and B-52 Bombers, amongst many others.

Tour guide, TSGT Scott Fredrick reported that not all of the aircraft were there just for scrap metal and parts. The storage area has an inventory of over 42,000 and was split in half by a public road that runs through the center. One side is where planes were regenerated, cleaned up and sent back out to be flown again. They may be sold to U.S allies around the world or go back into commission in our own services including the U.S. Air Force, Navy and Marines. None of the aircraft are sold to the public, however, some are donated to museums for display.

The base was chosen in 1964 for the storage area due to its climate, meager rainfall and low humidity. This climate would allow for the planes to be stored there indefinitely with little corrosion. There is also a thick layer of hard clay, known as caliche, that allows the heavy planes to be stored on the desert without a concrete pad or steel for parking.

This unique experience of this trip is to hear the history behind the planes, Keven Wood described his observation. “You hear some of the history behind some of the planes, it’s really interesting. I mean, it’s not a plane just sitting there. The plane has history behind it.” He commented on the acres of B-52’s that sat in the field, “The thing that stuck out the most was the way that they leave the planes [B-52’s] out for the spy satellites to see. Just knowing that Russia is watching us and they know that we know. That was just really wild having those chopped up planes sitting there and they can’t even throw them away, I mean, they have to leave them sitting there.”

The bus stopped at a sleek F-15C jet that was sitting among other jets. It didn’t seem any more special than any other; but this one had a story that is engrained in modern American history. Tour guide, Teresa Vanden-Heuvel, explained this particular plane was one that was first to respond and attempt to intercept the commercial airplane that flew into the World Trade Center on 9/11. However, it was too late; once it arrived, the second plane had already hit the New York City landmark.

The next stop was at the number of C-5’s that were out of commission and used for parts. The huge fuselages stood in the desert like dinosaurs. Some with noses missing, wings cut off and tails dislodged, the team was able to climb into one that had been retired. One could only imagine the airman who once flew on a mission to Vietnam or Korea. Truck chief Dwight DuBois spoke about his thoughts on climbing into the massive plane, “I had been in a C-17 before but, going in that C-5, the thought I had when I went up the ladder was I wanted to know where it had been, what kind of combat it had been in, just the history of it. It was exciting to go up in there and look out, just imagining what those guys went through pushing stuff out and getting it to the war and the whole deal. I was really wrapped up in it and just really excited. I don’t know how to explain it but,it was just an awesome opportunity to get to do that,” said DuBois.

The value of airplanes that currently sits on the base is worth 35 billion dollars but nothing is wasted. Parts and pieces are reused and recycled. Vanden-Heuvel explained the landscape constantly changes with old moving out and new aircraft moving in. Planes that are currently used in Iraq and Afghanistan may also meet their fate and retire at this serene place in the future.

Dwight spoke for the entire 21 crew, “Coming from a military background, it was an opportunity of a lifetime to do that. The whole experience of getting out there and being able to see the different kind of planes and the history the plans have being in the war and doing different combats; I’m just thankful for those guys to take their time and do all of that for us,” DuBois spoke of Frederick and Vanden-Heuvel. As far as a crew member we don’t really get to do things like that. I know everybody on the team really appreciated it and wanted to thank everyone once again.”

Watch Jon Wood and the Wood Brothers Racing no. 21 U.S. Air Force F-150 will compete in the Lucas Oil 150 on Friday, November 7th at Phoenix International Raceway live on SPEED at 7:30PM ET.

CTS Points Race Right Down To The Wire

Steve Langley — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 13:00:35 +0000

Photo by Steve Langley

Craftsman should be happy to end its sponsorship of the NASCAR Truck Series with the tight points race down to the wire at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Year after year, the trucks produce the most exciting points race of all the NASCAR series.

And leading the points again this week is Johnny Benson, but only by a mere six points over Ron Hornaday Jr. These two have been trading the lead back and forth all season. With only two races to go, it’s just too close to call.

This week’s race in Phoenix will either show who will go to Homestead-Miami as the one to beat or will come right down to the last lap to determine the 2008 champion. Ron Hornaday Jr. is a fighter and a true veteran driver of the series with three championships under his belt. His current year has him credited with six wins, fourteen top fives, and seventeen top ten finishes compared to Bensons five wins, fourteen top fives, and seventeen top tens.

These two veteran drivers have stayed neck and neck all year, but both have had their troubles at various tracks. Hornaday has run six races where he finished twenty-third or worst where Benson had four at twenty-fifth or worse. Trouble can show its ugly head at any time… that, and having the Cup drivers coming over to this series. Hopefully the Cup drivers’ finishes will not have an impact on the final tally.

The last time these drivers were at Phoenix Benson started seventh and finished seventh where Hornaday started ninth and finished in the second place. If history was to repeat itself Hornaday would go into Homestead-Miami with the lead where Benson won the race last year and Hornaday finishing in the seventh position. That scenario would give the championship to Benson for the 2008 season.

“If” is a very big word and history doesn’t always repeat itself. That’s what makes this sport so much fun, you just never know until the ‘fat lady sings’ to know for sure. This championship will not be determined until the last lap has ended, along with the Craftsman Truck Series sponsorship.

Thanks, Craftsman.

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series losing Dodge?

Chuck Abrams — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 16:23:13 +0000

It was a sad day when Dodge and then Ford announced their decision to pull out of the Craftsman Truck Series in 2009. While Dodge is out entirely, Ford remains committed to supplying at least technical support and engineering, just no financial support.

That leaves just GM and Toyota as the two fully funded factory teams left in what has become a shining star in the NASCAR series family.

Since 1995, Dodge has been in the truck series and Dodge used the CTS to build their race program for their return to the Cup series in 2001. Dodge’s historic ties go back to the early days of NASCAR and was made infamous by the pairing of the Dodge and Petty names. Dodge created the Hemi engine, the first to be banned by NASCAR. We were treated to the radical Dodge Charger Daytona and the Plymouth Super Bird back in the late 60s and early 70s. Buddy Baker set the NASCAR speed record in a Daytona Charger on March 24, 1970, a record that sat untouched for 13 years.

After Pontiac left the sport in 2004, Dodge provided another strong alternative to Ford and GM. But Dodge has slipped in recent years, winning fewer races — whether from engine development of the more boxy front end. Toyota had a disappointing Cup debut in 2007, but has certainly stepped up its game more than Dodge has.

Plus, Toyota is a brute to contend with in the CTS. If the economy does not pick up in the next year, it is possible that even Ford may pull out of the CTS. In fact, a Ford and/or GM departure form the CTS could doom the series entirely, leaving us without the one series that consistently has the tightest points title battle in all of NASCAR.

Dodge has given us the best mini van in the world, the return of the Hemi and the Charger and Challenger, as well as boosting muscle car sales with it vaunted Viper. Dodge trucks started a design revolution from the boxy GM and Ford pickups. The Dodge Neon was a welcome breath of fresh air in the small car category. They helped create the SUV category with the Durango and heralded in the new wagon era with the much maligned but breakthrough Magnum.

But as gas prices soared, sales of the powerful but inefficient Dodge SUVs and trucks fell. Dodge was built on the backs of these titans of the road and a lack of smaller, more efficient car choices has put them on the brink.

Meanwhile, rumors swirl around Wall Street and Gasoline Alley about a possible GM-Chrysler merger. Where that leaves Dodge is up in the air. Will Dodge follow Chrysler or will they be spun off for Ford to gobble up?

Whatever the case, we will miss seeing those powerful, sexy Dodge trucks battling for supremacy in the asphalt and concrete arenas. Hail to the gladiators and their chariots.

Drive fast, turn left and keep the shiny side up.

Let me know your thoughts at www.chucka@turnleftracing.com.

Camping World To Be Title Sponsor For NASCAR Truck Series For Next Seven Years

Mike Irwin — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 18:00:28 +0000

DAYTONA BEACH (Oct. 23, 2008) – The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) announced today that Camping World will be the title sponsor for the NASCAR Truck Series beginning in 2009. Camping World replaces longtime series sponsor Craftsman, which had been the sole title sponsor since the inception of the NASCAR Truck Series in 1995.

The seven-year agreement gives Camping World the exclusive rights to sponsor the series, which has built its reputation on very competitive and tough racing. Camping World will enjoy the support of the most brand-loyal fans in all of sports, including millions who annually attend races of the series, which features 25 points events at 23 tracks across North America. All NASCAR Camping World Truck Series races will be broadcast live on SPEED or FOX which will result in over $100 million worth of exposure for the new title sponsor.

“Camping World has a unique connection to the sport and to the NASCAR fans,” said NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France. “Camping and tailgating is an essential part of the NASCAR race experience. Thousands of RVs pack the campgrounds at every NASCAR event, often for three or four days at a time. This makes Camping World the perfect match for the NASCAR Truck Series.”

“I can’t say enough about the commitment and leadership that Craftsman has provided for the Truck Series over the past thirteen years. We thank Craftsman for all it’s done with the series and the fans,” said France.

“Camping World has a strong affinity with NASCAR fans and we’re thrilled to be the primary sponsor in NASCAR’s Truck Series,” said Camping World Chairman and CEO Marcus Lemonis. “With the state of the current economy, Camping World’s main objective is to communicate our brand in the most cost-effective manner and to promote affordable, family fun. Additionally, we feel strongly that this sponsorship will dramatically increase our customer base in experiencing our entire product offering. We expect this relationship to not only benefit the teams and fans, but we will put a special emphasis on supporting the four auto manufacturers in selling more trucks and the Truck Series sponsors to yield the same return on investment that we’ve enjoyed. Camping World will work diligently to promote the four manufacturers and team sponsors by positioning them as preferred product providers to the four million RV enthusiasts we currently serve,” said Lemonis.

The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will launch its inaugural season Feb. 13 at Daytona International Speedway. Camping World will continue its successful relationship with Kevin Harvick Inc., RCR, ISC, SMI, Dover Motorsports, ESPN, SPEED and its title sponsorship of the NASCAR Camping World East and West Series through 2009.

The NASCAR Truck Series is invariably competitive year in and year out. Along with a 19% increase in television ratings this year, the series is host to another heated battle for the championship as the points lead has changed nine times. Johnny Benson and Ron Hornaday have traded the lead several times this year; Benson currently leads Hornaday by only 65 points with four races to go. Along with crafty veterans such as Rick Crawford, Dennis Setzer and Todd Bodine, the series also features up-and-coming rookies like Colin Braun and Erik Darnell. Drivers for each manufacturer have won races this year and are represented in the series standings’ top 10.

Founded in 1966, Camping World is America’s largest direct marketer and specialty retailer of recreational vehicles and outdoor camping accessories and services. The company grew from a single point location in Bowling Green, Ky., to operating successful nationwide Supercenters.

Over the last five years, Camping World has progressively expanded their products and services providing consumers with a vast selection, convenience and value. Camping World now operates under the department store model as a one-stop shopping destination providing services to enhance and protect the RV lifestyle including: Recreational Vehicle Sales; RV Rentals; RV Service & Collision; over 8,000 RV & outdoor accessories; Performance & Tow centers; Detail & Refurbishment centers known as RV Spa; President’s Club customer loyalty program; Campground reservations & directories; RV Finance and Insurance; RV Tours & Travel and a nationally distributed magazine called RV View.

The dynamic Camping World retail network headquartered in Lincolnshire, Ill., currently operates in 33 states and serves over four million RV enthusiasts.