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NASCAR Trucks: Eric Norris says 'It's good to be back in Texas'

11 October 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

Good to be Back: For Eric Norris and his Jani-King Team, it is good to be back in Texas. Since early this year, when it was decided the team would run the Texas Motor Speedway NASCAR Truck Series race Norris has been very excited.

"Texas is always a big race for me and the team," said Norris. "This is one of the races we have looked forward to all year. It's nice to race in your hometown in front of your family, friends, and sponsors. I love the racetrack. It's really fast and smooth and makes for good racing for the drivers and fans."

Norris, who calls Dallas, Texas his home while shooting the CBS show "Walker Texas Ranger", would like nothing better than to get a solid finish in the O'Reilly 400. He has teamed with Ultra Motorsports to field the No. 5 Jani-King Ultra Wheels Ford. The truck is a Jim Smith-owned vehicle, but will be prepared jointly between Norris Racing, which prepares the No. 32 Fords Norris races in the Winston West Series, and the Ultra Motorsports Team which Mike Wallace drives for.

"This team needs a solid race with a good result," said Norris. "We know it's tough to come over to a really competitive series and expect to run with their top teams, but we like the challenge. We know we can run well here with the equipment and support from Ultra Motorsports. I can't thank Jim Smith enough for allowing me this opportunity. He's been incredibly good to me since I first raced one of his trucks in the Truck Series back in 1997."

Number eight: Norris will be making his eighth career start in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Texas will, however, be his first start in the 2000 season. Norris's last race in the Truck Series was at Texas in October of 1999.

Home Racetrack: Texas Motor Speedway is the home racetrack of both Norris and sponsor Jani-King International. In fact, Jani-King will have over 400 franchisees, employees, and customers in attendance at the O'Reilly 400.

"Between my family, friends, the Walker Crew, and Jani-King's guests, we'll have somewhere around 500 supporters at this race which makes it extra special," said Norris. "My dad (Chuck) will be coming out to the race on Friday after filming. He's really looking forward to the race because he hasn't been able to see many this year with his busy schedule. He loves the track too, and is friends with Bruton Smith and Eddie Gossage at the speedway."

Winston West Series Regular: Norris is in his third season on the NASCAR Winston West Series Tour. He currently sits in the eight place in the 2000 season points race with two top five and four top ten finishes.

Text Provided By David Pepper

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