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NASCAR: Irvan-Simo Racing is ready to take the next step in its NASCAR motorsport program

29 November 1999

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

Irvan-Simo Racing is ready to take the next step in its NASCAR motorsport program. After five years of competition in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, plus selected Winston Cup Series and Busch Series Grand National Division races, Irvan-Simo Racing will focus exclusively on Winston Cup racing in 2000. The Mooresville, N.C.- based team plans to undertake a 12-race program, supported by extensive testing.

Team co-owners Ernie Irvan of Mooresville and Mark Simo of Carlsbad, Calif., are currently seeking a team sponsor. They hope to secure a partnership that will benefit from the team's engineering- based program and its marketing strength.

"We set a five-year goal to be in Winston Cup by the year 2000, using the truck series as a platform to develop the team, the knowledge, the capabilities and the equipment," Simo explained. "We've stuck to our plans, and we believe we have a lot to offer to a new sponsor."

Boris Said of Carlsbad will continue as the primary driver for Irvan- Simo Racing. He has an impressive background that spans major racing series worldwide. He scored a front-row start and led his first Winston Cup race earlier this year.

Irvan brings experience as a leading Winston Cup driver and team owner to the venture. He has been instrumental in guiding the team's in-house development program to build its own chassis and engines. He believes the engineering focus will give Irvan-Simo Racing a critical advantage in the ultra-competitive world of Winston Cup racing.

"After retiring in September, I have more time to spend with the Irvan- Simo program," Irvan said. "We have a great program and we are looking forward to meeting our goals."

Simo, co-owner of the No Fear sports brand and Spy Optic, offers a strong business base and expertise in creating the innovative, powerful marketing programs that are essential for a team's commercial success. Team sponsors will also have access to extensive merchandising opportunities through No Fear's international network.

"We understand the consumers in the racing world, how to reach them and how to influence them to become interested in the products and services that are marketed through motorsports," Simo said. "We hope to be the driving force of our sponsors' programs, generating consumer interest and employee, supplier and partner support, so that we become an integral part of their marketing future."

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