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NASCAR WCUP: Moore Joins Melling Racing

27 May 1999

CONCORD, N.C. -- Newt Moore has joined Melling Racing as car chief of the No. 9 Ford, beginning with the May 30 Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway at Charlotte.

Moore's responsibilities will include car setup, shocks and chassis. He will work closely with crew chief Jeff Buice to prepare the cars and will serve as driver Jerry Nadeau's spotter on race day.

"Newt has a tremendous amount of experience in Winston Cup racing," said Buice. "I am really looking forward to having him as a member of our team. Everything we are doing at Melling Racing is part of the plan to improve our operation. Newt will be a very important part of that over the next few years."

Most recently, Moore was the crew chief for the No. 77 Ford driven by Robert Pressley.

"Jeff and I have been friends for a long time," said Moore, a Concord resident. "I really like Jerry and the guys on the team. I feel like the chemistry between us will be really good.

"I will be doing everything I can to help take the load off of Jeff, but I will primarily be working with the car setup. I'm basically a 'chassis geek.' Jeff has a great qualifying setup, and I think I've got a pretty good race setup. We're going to put those together and start looking for some more top-10 finishes."

Nadeau posted his career-best NASCAR finish -- eighth -- in the April 25 DieHard 500 at Talladega (Ala.) Superspeedway. His best qualifying position this year was fourth in the

April 18 Goody's Body Pain 500 at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway.

"Jerry will drive the wheels off a car, and that impresses me," said Moore. "I've looked at the team's shop and their equipment -- they're professionals. They have good engines and good race cars. I'm looking forward to helping them put that package together."

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