NASCAR Trucks: Willy T. Ribbs looks forward to return to Indy

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

August 1, 2001

Past History: When Willy T. Ribbs arrives at Indianapolis, Indiana on Thursday of this week, he will be returning to the site of one of his greatest accomplishments in his career.

In 1991, Ribbs entered and qualified for his first Indianapolis 500, making him the first African-American driver to compete at Indianapolis. "Indy is one of my favorite towns," said Ribbs. "I've had some great things happen for me in this town, and I expect the Truck Series deal to just be another one of my achievements to add to my career in Indianapolis."

Ribbs and his No. 8 Dodge Motorsports Team will be on the other side of town from where Ribbs made history, but they will be looking for much of the same type of success.

Ribbs currently sits 18th in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series points standings after 14 events in his rookie year. He needs to gain 54 points on the No. 08 Team to move into 17th position in the points standings.

James is Back: Crew Chief, James Cox, will make his return to racing at Indianapolis Raceway Park. It will be Cox's first race back in the hot seat since Texas in June, shortly before he suffered a stroke. Kip McCord, Team Manager, will be assisting Cox at the track to make his transition back a smooth one.

"I'm just glad to be back," said Cox. "Everyone thinks that the stress of the sport of racing was why I had the problem, but it wasn't. Actually, going on the road is relaxing if you love what you do."

This Week's Truck: The No. 8 Bobby Hamilton Racing Dodge Motorsports Team will be racing "King" at Indianapolis Raceway Park. King was built over the winter and has only raced Memphis Motorsports Park.

"I'm really looking forward to going to Indy. I think we'll be good. The organization has had some really good trucks here in the past, so I'm sure the truck will be a good one." said Ribbs.

Text provided by David Pepper

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.