Multi-tasking Bodine last of a dying breed

JOLIET, Ill. -- Today's NASCAR, with its eight-digit budgets, multi-car powerhouses and infatuation with a growing youth movement, doesn't lend itself to folks like Brett Bodine.

Bodine, the last owner/driver left standing in a Winston Cup Series, fields his self-owned race car each week knowing he has virtually no chance to consistently compete. He hasn't even tested a car this year.

But no obstacle, regardless of its severity, deters him from firing up that No. 11 Ford.

"Just because you're not the biggest and the best doesn't mean you shouldn't keep doing it," Bodine matter-of-factly stated Saturday at Chicagoland Speedway. "That's the way I look at it, and this is what I like to do. Certainly, there's some days that I don't feel like going to that race shop.

"But, at the end of the day, it's what we do, and we have to continue to forge on. There's a place for everybody. You've just got to do the best with where you're at in the world."

Right now, Bodine looks like he's on top of the world. He said he's close to signing an extension with sponsor Hooter's Restaurants, giving him security for the coming year.

That's a stark contrast to the manner in which he entered the current season -- without financial backing.

Though quite content with his position, he gladly entertains the prospect of selling the team.

"I would actively look at somebody's offer, whether it's a partnership or whatever," Bodine said. "But again, if they don't come with sponsorship, then it's a waste of time to even look at it.

"It's just astronomical, what it costs. It's ridiculous what it costs to run these race cars. Without it, you can't do it."

Bodine said the most financially strapping aspect of NASCAR's popularity explosion has been the extended schedule.

"That is the biggest thing that has driven up the cost of our sport, the amount of races, amount of events," Bodine said. "When we went and continued to add to the schedule, cost per year has not been a straight line. It's been exponential."

Such strapping costs disallow Bodine to keep key personnel, who are lured away from his small outfit by well-funded, multi-car teams.

"I've lost a lot of people since we've been in business," Bodine said. "This February we had one of the best Ford superspeedway cars, in the tunnel and best speeds at testing. Then Robert Yates hires my body hanger. I can't do anything about it. That's the plight of the small race team."

Still, he trudges on, undaunted.

"Our goal is just to continue to increase the performance," Bodine said. "I'd (start my own team) again, if I thought I had sponsorship. I wouldn't second-guess myself at all -- if I thought I was going to be funded correctly. I think it's a very, very viable thing if you're the right person to do it."