The Buzz: June 22, 2001
June 22, 2001
5:31 PM EDT (2131 GMT)
The Buzz has learned that Frank Kimmel, current ARCA point leader and two-time champion, may venture into Winston Cup next season for three races. The only track that was mentioned for sure was Charlotte.
His current sponsor, Advance Auto Parts, may be the one backing the effort. The 38-year old native of Jeffersonville, Ind., was the series rookie of the year in 1992 and was a runner-up in championship points in 1994, '97 and '99.
He has one Winston Cup race, at Michigan in 1998, already to his credit. He competed in the Truck Series from 1996 -98, as well.
SHAWNA'S SECRET SPONSOR
Shawna Robinson, the first female to compete in Winston Cup since 1989, may be getting Victoria's Secret as a sponsor next year. Already sponsored by Aaron's for a four-race deal this year, she will have Tropicana orange juice on the car for her next event in Chicago.
Rumor has it that the sophisticated lingerie company, known for its eye-appealing catalogs and retail mall stores, has also entered into sponsor negotiations. A spokesperson for Aaron's said they are still in negotiations for next year's sponsorship.
Imagine what her pit crew could wear with Victoria's Secret as a sponsor!
DODGE DECIDES TO 'WALK THIS WAY'
Aerosmith has reportedly signed a multi-million dollar deal with Dodge. The hall of fame rock band will push the manufacturer's products through TV and radio ads. They will also push the products at NASCAR events.
The group's current tour, incidentally, is titled "Just Push Play."
No word on whether lead vocalist Steven Tyler will sing the national anthem at any NASCAR events.
AARON'S RENTS TWO TRUCKS
Aaron's Sales and Lease Ownership has stepped forward to sponsor Craftsman Truck Series drivers Jimmy Hensley and Mike Leffingwell for the Memphis 200 at Memphis Motorsports Park on Saturday. The deal is for one race only with some further sponsorship negotiations possible.
The Atlanta-based company currently has a four-race deal with Winston Cup competitor Shawna Robinson. They also sponsor the Michael Waltrip-owned No. 99 in the Busch series.
Hensley pilots the No. 72 and newcomer Leffingwell drives the No. 93 NCTS entries.
“Our involvement with these trucks, and especially Mike, is to make their dream of racing in the big-leagues of NASCAR come true," said Ken Butler, Aaron's president. "The truck series has taken off in popularity and provides an exciting platform for up and coming drivers.
"Mike and Jimmie have shown that they have the talent to perform and Aaron’s wants to help them prove that they can succeed at this level of racing."
BUCKSHOT'S BUSCH TEAM ADDS TWO DATES
The Buzz learned Friday that Buckshot Racing’s Busch Grand National Series team has added two more dates to its limited BGN schedule.
The Buckshot team will also race in the GNC Live Well 250 at Milwaukee on July 1 and the Kroger 200 at Indianapolis Raceway Park on Aug. 4.
At those two races, Jesel Valve Trains will be the primary sponsor for the Buckshot Racing cars.
Tim Fedewa, who was recently released as the driver of the Phillips 66 Chevrolet, will be behind the wheel of the Buckshot car at Milwaukee.
In addition to Milwaukee and IRP, the Buckshot Racing Team will field BGN cars at Watkins Glen on July 8, Chicago (July 14), St. Louis (July 21) and Fountain, Colo. (July 28).
Road-course veteran Tom Hubert will drive for Buckshot Racing at Watkins Glen, while Buckshot Jones will pilot the team’s BGN entry at Chicago.
Drivers for the St. Louis, Fountain and Indianapolis races have yet-to-be determined.
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