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NASCAR Trucks: Joe Ruttman to Drive for Bobby Hamilton and Dana Racing in 2000

30 October 1999

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

Fontana, California- Veteran racer Joe Ruttman has signed a one year contract to be the driver of the familiar blue and white #18 Bobby Hamilton Racing Dana Dodge on the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series through the 2000 race season. Ruttman who has been driving for the Lebanon, Tennessee based team since June is a veteran of 115 starts in the truck series since 1995.

During which time he has amassed five poles, eight wins, 46 Top 5, and 78 Top 10 finishes in his NASCAR Truck Series career. He has also earned over 1.8 million dollars.

"This is a big relief," said Ruttman. "This time last year I was outside looking in so to be locked into a deal with a team and owner like Bobby Hamilton is great. We've had some great runs this year but next year I think everyone had better be looking over their shoulder because this Dana team will be tough."

Joe Ruttman has started 15 events for Bobby Hamilton Racing. During which time he has recorded two top 5 finishes and eight top 10 finishes. "Joe has done us a good job since we signed him to drive for us in June," said Bobby Hamilton. "He came in and drove the Dana truck hard every week, and that's what myself and everyone on this team was looking for. It's just good to get him signed so we can get started on the 2000 season. Joe has been a championship contender every year and we are going to do everything we can to get him back to that position."

Entering the NAPA 200 at California Speedway the Bobby Hamilton Racing team had recorded 12 top 10 finishes in 24 races. Joe Ruttman has been behind the wheel of the Dana truck for eight of them.

"We're very happy about having Joe Ruttman drive the Dana truck in the 2000 season," said Armedee Nadeau, Manager of Dana Motorsports. "Joe joined us at about the middle of this year and he and the team have really shown improvement. We'll be looking for some big things from Bobby Hamilton Racing next year, but with Ruttman and the whole team coming back we're sure our first win in the truck series is just around the corner."

The 2000 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season will mark the fifth year that Dana Corporation has been a primary sponsor with one of the teams. It will also be the second year for Dana to be involved with Bobby Hamilton Racing.

Dana Corporation is one of the world's largest independent suppliers to vehicle manufacturers and the aftermarket. Founded in 1904 and based in Toledo, Ohio, the company operates some 330 major facilities in 32 countries and employs more than 86,000 people. The company reported sales of $12.5 billion in 1998. More information about Dana Corporation can be found at www.dana.com.

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