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The Bi-Weekly Busch Review for Jan 3, 2000

© Liosliath Manner

Like Grandfather, Like Father, Like Son

Stedman Marlin, the 19 year old son of Sterling Marlin, will be making his BGN debut at Nashville Speedway on April 8. He's going to be in the driver's seat of the #42 BellSouth Mobility Chevy, owned by SABCO. Kenny Irwin is the regular driver for that team, who's running a full Winston Cup series and about half of the Busch races, but there's a conflict that weekend with the WC race at Martinsville. Stedman has won several features at Nashville in the Winston Racing Series Late Model Division, and his father and grandfather (Clifton "Coo-Coo" Marlin) were both track champions several times there. This is a huge milestone for the young driver, in front of his hometown fans no less, and I'd like to see him do well.

You can check out more on this story here: http://www.nascar.com/news/1999news/Dece...

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The Grass is Greener on Our Side

Ashton Lewis Jr. will compete in at least 15 events on the BGN schedule for the newly formed Lewis Motorsports. A former open wheel-racer, Lewis came over to stock car racing in 1993, racing at Langley Speedway. For his senior project in his mechanical engineering degree, he actually built a Late Model car! In that same car in 1997, Lewis won six races and five pole positions in the NASCAR Winston Racing Series at Langley Speedway and Southhampton Speedway in Virginia. I think this racer may have the talent and know-how to really succeed, if his sponsors stick with him. He knows what makes the car fast, and he's proven he can run up front. Busch is going to be a big step for him, and it'll be interesting to watch.

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At Least He's Got Plenty of Toys to Play With

Jimmie Johnson will be going after Rookie of the Year in 2000 in his new ride, the #92 Alltel Chevrolet. Johnson sure has a unique background, which includes the SCORE and Mickey Thompson Stadium Off-Road Series. Somebody must have confidence in this kid, because here's what he's got to work with:

• * Tony Liberati = crew chief, Johnny Benson = technical advice, John Wilson = head engine builder

• * $25,000 shock dynamometer on the transporter

• * $10,000 full pit cart and crash cart built by Jeff Fennig, brother of Jimmy Fennig (Mark Martin's crew chief)

• * 10 cars

Now Johnson's going to have to supply the talent in the driver's seat! Last year, he ran five races, but his top qualifying was 14th. With a steady sponsor, he might pull off a win or two.