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NASCAR BGN: Jeff Green Celebrates 10th Anniversary of First Busch Series Start

2 September 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

(Mooresville, NC) On September 8, 1990, Jeff Green competed in his very first NASCAR Busch Series event which occurred at Richmond International Raceway. When the green flag drops for the Autolite Platinum 250 at Richmond International Raceway on September 8, 2000, it will mark his 10th anniversary to the day of his first NBS start.

Green was racing late models at Nashville Speedway USA in 1990 and he was crowned track champion there that same year. A gentleman named John Boatmen, who also was involved in the late model series at Nashville, was impressed with Green's talent and approached him about competing in a NBS event as soon as the season ended at Nashville. The first available date they could be ready to compete was the fall Richmond event.

"I was so excited about that opportunity," said Green. "Mr. Boatmen offered to foot the bill for our team to see what we could do in a Busch car. Since this was a one race deal, we built our own car including the chassis, body, motor, etc. We knew we were way under-budgeted compared to the other full-time teams, but you'll do anything to make your dream happen.

"Our goals were simple for that race. First, we just wanted to make the show and if that happened, then to finish the event. We made it into the race, qualifying 23rd, which was great considering this was our first attempt. We finished the day in 22nd and I was thrilled! I think we won like, $950, so that tells you how much this series has changed since then. But I also found out that day that I didn't know as much as I thought I did and had a lot to learn."

It seems that Green has become a good student, because he has obviously learned the lessons needed to be successful in the NASCAR Busch Series garage. Ten years later, he is contending for his first NBS championship.

"Ten years ago, I never dreamed I'd have this much success," said Green. "The first five years of my Busch career consisted of a few starts here and there and the past five have been spent between the Busch and the Cup garage.

"It has taken me awhile to be able to give 110% every lap and give complete information back to my team. I guess that experience is showing now that I'm performing well consitently and contending for my first championship. I've always considered NASCAR to be the pinnacle of racing and I feel very fortunate to have been a part of it for ten years now. I'm also grateful to Mr. Boatmen, who gave me that first opportunity in this series."

Green returns to Richmond seeking back-to back wins at the .75-mile oval. He won the pole and the race in the spring event this year.

Text provided by Marcy Scott

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