Rusty Wallace, Jeremy Mayfield and Jamie McMurray made the announcement Friday morning at Phoenix. Credit: Autostock

Wallace to field second Busch Series team

Rusty taps Mayfield, McMurray as drivers

AVONDALE, Ariz. -- Rusty Wallace Incorporated will field a second Busch Series team in 2005, with three Nextel Cup drivers -- and two sponsors -- splitting a full schedule.

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Chase for the Nextel Cup driver Jeremy Mayfield will drive 17 races in a No. 64 Miller High Life Dodge, Jamie McMurray will drive 17 races in a No. 64 Top-Flite Dodge and Wallace himself will drive the Busch Series event in Mexico City in February.

"You've got racing, beer and golf," Wallace said. "How can you screw a deal like that up?

"We have two great drivers here and we're gonna put the best equipment that money can buy underneath 'em and we're really excited and hoping we can get these new cars into Victory Lane."

For Mayfield, it's a chance for him to be reunited with his former Penske Racing teammate.

Credit: Autostock

"The Rusty Wallace organization is a first-class team and I'm looking forward to bringing home my first NBS win in 2005."

The move means Miller will not sponsor the No. 22 ppc racing car in 2005. Jason Keller has six top-five and 12 top-10 finishes so far this season in that car and he sits sixth in the championship standings.

McMurray has three wins across the past two Busch Series seasons, including a victory earlier this season at Rockingham.

"Rusty has given us great equipment to be successful and win races, and it's pretty cool to get to drive for him," he said.

McMurray said the association with a golf company makes the opportunity even better.

"I used to work at a driving range back when I was a teen-ager, so it's pretty neat to have Top-Flite come on board as a sponsor. It's cool to get to be the one to wheel this car and help (them) make a name for themselves with the NASCAR fans."