Time to Come Out Now


Well, I stayed a bit too long in hibernation, but that usually happens to racers over the winter. Too cold to work on car-related stuff = we do nothing.

Lots of changes recently in the Busch series. People losing sponsorships, driver changes, etc. ... Just the usual start of the Silly Season.

JOE GIBBS RACING makes a few changes

Jeff Purvis will be driving the #18 MBNA Pontiac owned by Joe Gibbs Racing next season. At least he won't have far to move in the garage, since he was driving Gibbs' #4 last year. The #4 will change numbers, becoming the #20 to correspond with the #20 Home Depot Winston Cup car. I suppose it could make things a lot easier, or it could lead to confusion, we'll have to wait and see.

Purvis will keep his crew chief from the #4 car, Doug Richert, in addition to all his team members. The current team members for the #18 will move to the new #20 car. Let the Musical Chairs Games begin!

The #20 doesn't have a sponsor yet, since Porter-Cable recently ended its involvement with Joe Gibbs Racing. (more on that a little later on.) It also doesn't have a driver as of Jan. 15. Ummm ... Daytona coming up very quickly now ... need to get a move on ...

Joe had this to say, "Jeff Purvis will do an outstanding job for MBNA, and I'm confident we will find a talented driver and sponsor to build around for the #20 car. We believe both of our teams will be contenders in the NASCAR Busch Series for years to come."

Purvis is also excited about the upcoming season, of course. "I am really looking forward to driving for MBNA this year, they have developed such a strong NASCAR presence. Last year they were a key part in Bobby Labonte's championship, hopefully we can bring them a Busch Series Championship this season."

One more quote about all the team members staying..."We are pleased that we were able to keep every Busch Series team employee working, several of whom were offered other opportunities during the off-season but elected to remain loyal to Joe Gibbs Racing," said Steve de Souza, vice president of Joe Gibbs Racing Busch and Truck Series Operations.

Well, of COURSE they're going to want to stay with Gibbs. Who wouldn't?

Glad I Didn't Buy a Porter-Cable Cordless Drill for Xmas

I have a policy of not buying from sponsors who either switch their sponsorship to someone I don't really care for: Tide going to Cal Wells, or when a sponsor leaves the series: Porter-Cable. Some may disagree with me, but I believe that the sponsor aren't in the series for goodwill purposes, they want to make money. There are enough choices out there so I can easily choose to take my business elsewhere if need be.
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