Mike Garvey made nine starts in his first Cup season in '05. Credit: Autostock

Garvey to drive No. 51 for Competitive Edge

FINDLAY, Ohio -- Competitive Edge Motorsports on Monday announced veteran Mike Garvey will drive its No. 51 Chevrolet in the Nextel Cup Series, beginning at California Speedway on Feb. 26.

Garvey, of Lakeville, Minn., is well-known in motorsports circles with experience in a variety of racing series, including ASA, Craftsman Truck, Busch and Nextel Cup.

Mike Garvey 2005 Cup season Site Start Finish Atlanta 43 41 Martinsville 34 43 Richmond 37 43 Pocono 36 25 Michigan 35 36 Loudon 33 36 Pocono 32 34 Fontana 36 37 Richmond 43 32

He is regarded by many race experts as one of the best short-track drivers on any circuit. Through his career, Garvey has earned 36 victories, including 22 in the ASA Series, tying him with Mark Martin for fifth on the all-time list.

In 2005 Garvey qualified nine times in the Nextel Cup Series, with his best finish of 25th at Pocono.

Voted "most popular driver" in two different circuits, Garvey was inducted into the Michigan Motor Sports Hall of Fame in 2005.

The No. 51 Chevrolet will open the 2006 season at California Speedway with a fresh focus on elevating performance. Competitive Edge will follow the California race with races at Las Vegas, Atlanta, Bristol and Martinsville.

Excited about the new season, Garvey and the No. 51 team planned to test in Las Vegas this week.

"The team has done an outstanding job with the 2006 body and preparation is going as planned," Garvey said. "The cars are really good. It should get interesting this year."

"We're nearly ready for the new season, and we're looking forward to the test at Las Vegas," Competitive Edge owner Joe Auer said. "With refreshed bodies and engines for the cars, an experienced driver and a team with focused enthusiasm, we expect 2006 to be our best yet."