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Morgan Shepherd to Drive the #77 NASCAR Winston Cup Racer

10 June 1997

MOORESVILLE, NC - Silly season in the Winston Cup Series rages on as Morgan Shepherd signs on with Jasper Motorsports. The 55-year old veteran replaces Bobby Hillin, Jr. behind the wheel of the #77 Jasper Engines/Federal-Mogul Ford Thunderbird.

"We are looking for great things from Morgan as we combine the horsepower of Jasper and the technical product support of Federal-Mogul's engine and chassis parts," said car owner Doug Bawel who has watched his team struggle all season and find themselves mired 44th in the season point standings. "Morgan had a very successful 1996 season finishing in the top 10 four times and placing 19th in the overall standings at the end of the season. (He) is one of the most respected drivers on the Winston Cup circuit (and) brings with him a wealth of racing experience."

Shepherd has recorded three top-10 finishes in twelve starts with the Precision Products Racing team owned by Richard Jackson which has experienced its own difficulties in 1997 procuring ample sponsorship dollars. "I'm anxious to become a part of Jasper Motorsports," the Conover, NC driver stated. "I've looked at the whole program. I was very impressed with their chassis and engine development. They have a great bunch of guys over there."

The new driver/team combination will make their debut for this weekend's Miller 400 at Michigan Speedway.

Lori Vizza -- The Auto Channel