Bill Davis Trucking seeks bankruptcy protection

Bill Davis Trucking Inc., the Batesville, Ark.-based company owned by NASCAR team owner Bill Davis, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, the Arkansas Democrat reported Tuesday.

Bill Davis Racing, based in High Point, N.C., fields two Toyota Camrys in the Nextel Cup Series as well as four Toyota Tundras in the Craftsman Truck Series. Davis' driver roster in the Cup Series includes Dave Blaney and former Formula One champion Jacques Villeneuve, who has signed to drive for the team in 2008.

Mike Skinner and Johnny Benson are sharing driving duties in the second Davis Cup car for the final four races of the season, after the departure of Jeremy Mayfield to Haas CNC Racing.

Villeneuve and his business manager, Craig Pollock, reportedly have been negotiating with Davis for the purchase of all or part of Bill Davis Racing. Davis has not denied that the parties are negotiating but recently said that no agreement has been reached.

A meeting with creditors of Bill Davis Trucking is scheduled for Dec. 18, according to an Oct. 22 filing in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District Arkansas in Batesville, the paper reported.