NASCAR-CTS: David Starr in familiar role at Phoenix

24 March 1999

Ft. Worth, Texas - David Starr started his first career NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race last March at Phoenix International Raceway with a new team. This year he finds himself in similar circumstances.

"My regular team is going through some changes right now with the loss of Buddy (Morrison, a co-owner), last December," Starr explained. "I tested for Joey Sonntag earlier this year at Texas Motor Speedway and as a couple of Texans we hit it off. He asked if I would be willing to run his truck at Phoenix and it worked out."

Starr will be racing the No. 73 Sonntag Redi-Mix Concrete Chevrolet on a very familiar track. He competed in both events last season on the 1.0-mile Phoenix International Raceway making this the only track that he has raced more than once during his truck career. The Chevy Trucks NASCAR 150 will be run on Saturday, March 27 with live coverage on ESPN and MRN radio.

"Though it is just a temporary deal until we get the No. 9 team sorted out, this is exciting," Starr said. "Joey is helping me get some more seat time and experience in a truck, and I am able to help him put his team together. While it is an overused saying, this really is a 'win-win' deal for both of us."

"We are excited to have David behind the wheel for our first Truck race," said Sonntag. "He knows a lot about the setup for this track. We are a new team with a new crew and the experience that David brings will help us with our learning curve."

This is expected to be a one-race deal, though Starr and Sonntag may pair together for additional events depending on the circumstances.

"Losing Buddy put my regular team behind schedule. There have been some changes and we are still looking for a sponsor. If it was not for Buddy I would not have had an opportunity to become involved in the Craftsman Truck Series," Starr added. "I won't forget what Buddy has done for me, and I am dedicating my season in his memory."

Starr, a resident of Ft. Worth, Texas, also races the #35 Chevrolet Monte Carlo in the NASCAR Winston West Series. For more information visit his web site at www.davidstarr.com.