Grissom to replace Kirby in Busch Series ride

MOORESVILLE, N.C. -- Steve Grissom has been named to replace Stuart Kirby as the driver for Spencer Motor Ventures in the NASCAR Busch Series.

Kirby had been piloting the No. 34 Chevrolet for owner Jimmy Spencer this year in a limited capacity. Spencer hired Grissom for the remainder of the season. His first race will be the Cabela's 250 at Michigan International Speedway on Aug. 17.

	Steve Grissom

Grissom most recently drove the No. 44 Dodge for Petty Enterprises in Winston Cup for nine races after Buckshot Jones was released. However, two weeks ago, PE hired Jerry Nadeau to drive for them for the remainder of the season.

Grissom finished eighth at Richmond on the Winston Cup circuit. He has 233 Busch series starts posting 11 wins, 42 top-fives and 74 top-10 finishes. He won the series championship in 1993.

Spencer likes the experience that Grissom will bring to the table.

"I'm confident that Steve Grissom can give us the track performance that this race team needs right now to elevate our program to the next level," Spencer said. "But, this is a tough business where track performance is so critical to our success, and that's why I had to make this change now.

"We are only running 16 races this season, and that makes it tough when you're trying to develop a young rookie driver who needs seat time. I wish Stuart the best of luck. He's a fine young man, and I know he'll be successful in this sport."

Grissom looks forward to helping with the sponsor's goals, as well.

"I want to thank Jimmy Spencer for giving me this opportunity," said Steve Grissom. "I've worked with their crew chief, Larry Carter, in the past when I drove for Travis Carter's Winston Cup team several years ago. That's always a plus when you start a new deal.

"It's also an honor to be part of the Air Force team, and I'm going do whatever it takes to help them with their recruiting program."