CHEWIN_DIRT
one six MAFIA
Schrader to drive No. 55 Chevy, pending sponsor
MOORESVILLE, N.C. -- Andy Petree has confirmed that Ken Schrader will drive the No. 55 Chevrolet next year, if the owner can secure sponsorship for the team.
Petree says his sponsorship woes aren't solved just yet, but he feels confident they will be within the week.
Petree told NASCAR.com on Thursday that his search for monetary backing is "going pretty good," although he would not specify with whom he is negotiating.
"We just don't have it done yet. It looks good. I need probably another week and we'll know for sure," Petree said. "I just wish we'd have done this deal about a month ago."
Earlier this week, Petree laid off an unspecified number of workers, but added that he hopes most of the layoffs are only temporary.
The No. 55 team struggled mightily in 2002 with Bobby Hamilton as its driver, garnering just three top-10 finishes in 31 Winston Cup starts. In 2001, Hamilton had seven top-10 efforts, including a win at Talladega in April.
Petree said the No. 55 team has two 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlos built -- one for speedways and another for tracks requiring more downforce. A second speedway car, which was taken to the wind tunnel last week, is nearly done.
"We're close to getting the whole deal done and our whole fleet ready," Petree said.
MOORESVILLE, N.C. -- Andy Petree has confirmed that Ken Schrader will drive the No. 55 Chevrolet next year, if the owner can secure sponsorship for the team.
Petree says his sponsorship woes aren't solved just yet, but he feels confident they will be within the week.
Petree told NASCAR.com on Thursday that his search for monetary backing is "going pretty good," although he would not specify with whom he is negotiating.
"We just don't have it done yet. It looks good. I need probably another week and we'll know for sure," Petree said. "I just wish we'd have done this deal about a month ago."
Earlier this week, Petree laid off an unspecified number of workers, but added that he hopes most of the layoffs are only temporary.
The No. 55 team struggled mightily in 2002 with Bobby Hamilton as its driver, garnering just three top-10 finishes in 31 Winston Cup starts. In 2001, Hamilton had seven top-10 efforts, including a win at Talladega in April.
Petree said the No. 55 team has two 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlos built -- one for speedways and another for tracks requiring more downforce. A second speedway car, which was taken to the wind tunnel last week, is nearly done.
"We're close to getting the whole deal done and our whole fleet ready," Petree said.
