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NASCAR Trucks: Gaughan and Orleans Motorsports sign four race deal

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

June 6, 2001

Las Vegas…Brendan Gaughan and Orleans Motorsports are pleased to announce that they have inked a contract with TKO Motorsports to run four of the upcoming NASCAR Craftsman Truck Races.

Flying the Orleans Hotel Casino/NAPA/Martin-Senour banner, Gaughan will pilot the No. 41 Dodge Ram at the O'Reilly 400 at Texas Motor Speedway, the Kansas 300 at Kansas Speedway, the Chicago 175 at Chicago Motor Speedway and the Fort Worth 400 at Texas Motor Speedway.

"I'm really looking forward to contesting these upcoming rounds," says Gaughan, the reigning NASCAR Winston West Champion. "TKO Motorsports has an excellent reputation and Mike Ferris and Todd Myers run a first class operation. We ran with them at Gateway earlier this season and were extremely pleased with the entire team. We tested with them last week and the Dodge is definitely strong."

This weekend's race at Texas Motor Speedway will mark Gaughan's third appearance in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series this season and his eighth career start. "Our best finish to date was a third at Mesa Marin in Bakersfield, Calif., in March of this year," says Gaughan. "With the help of TKO, I think we'll be able to score some good top finishes."

Neither Dodge trucks nor the ability of TKO team manager Todd Myers are new to Gaughan. "Far from it," he says. Dodge was my vehicle during my off road days and we earned numerous victories, plus we took the 1995 Class 13 SODA title. Todd and I also go back a long time. In fact, he was my crew chief for my very first pavement race." Page 2

Putting together the best of all worlds, the Orleans Hotel Casino/NAPA/Martin-Senour No. 41 Dodge will boast a Kroyer Racing Engine. "Kevin's experience building winning engines is phenomenal," says Gaughan. "He has numerous off-road championships to his credit and he was honored as the 2000 NASCAR Clevite Engine builder of the Year. We also go way back to my off-road days and I have the utmost faith in his ability. In addition, my Winston West crew chief Shane Wilson, my spotter Billy Holbrook and long time friend and truck chief Martie Moore will be working with TKO. All combined, we will have an incredible team and I'm really looking forward to getting behind the wheel."

Text provided by Penny Nicolai

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