Childress: Bowyer to No. 2; more changes coming

KANSAS CITY, Kan. -- Richard Childress said on Friday at Kansas Speedway that his organization would be undergoing major changes in the next few weeks.

Clint Bowyer

Childress, as expected, solidified part of his Busch program by naming Clint Bowyer to replace Ron Hornaday in the No. 2 Chevrolet for 2005.

Former series champion Kevin Harvick vacated the No. 2 Chevrolet after the 2001 season. Since then, the car has been driven by Johnny Sauter (2002) and Ron Hornaday (2003-2004), who have combined to win three times.

For Childress, that wasn't enough.

"We have not been as competitive this year as we would have liked," Childress said. "We want to be more competitive."

Bowyer nearly won at Nashville in April -- he crashed with two laps to go after leading 104 laps -- and he's scored three top-fives in 11 races while splitting time with Harvick in the No. 21 Chevy.

"You know, it's been tough having a 14-race schedule," Bowyer said. "About the time you get into a groove, it's your turn to get back out.

"I am just looking forward to a full-time deal. It's got a lot of history, and I look to keep going on."

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Childress said that he would be making more announcements soon, possibly by the end of October.

In the Nextel Cup Series, RCR has Kevin Harvick and Jeff Burton signed with multi-year deals, but Childress will have to make the decision whether to retain Robby Gordon.

Childress is also working to make sure AOL returns as Burton's sponsor in 2005.

"We're probably going to make those announcements around Atlanta or a little after," Childress said. "We pretty much have everything in place.

"You know, we are going to make adjustments all throughout or organization. We're going to make a few adjustments, everything from Cup to Busch."