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NASCAR WCUP/Trucks: Roush Racing names replacement drivers in Truck series

12 October 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

Roush Racing announced earlier this week the latest driver lineup to fill the Craftsman Truck seats that will vacated by Greg Biffle and Kurt Busch after the season finale in Fontana, California. Nathan Haseleu of Sun Prairie, Wis., and Chuck Hossfeld of Ransomville, N.Y., were the winners of the second annual "Gong Show" and will assume driving duties for the two trucks beginning in 2001, carrying the torch for the Craftsman Truck Series most successful team owner, Jack Roush. We asked all six Roush Racing drivers if they had any advice for the two 23-year-old drivers before they take to the track for the season opener in Daytona, Fla..

Kurt Busch, No. 97 John Deere Ford Taurus:

"I would tell them to look around the organization and see the kind of company they are in. When you get the opportunity from Jack Roush to drive one of his cars or trucks you're being given the chance of a lifetime. You've got Mark Martin, Jeff Burton, Matt Kenseth and Kevin Lepage on the Cup side and they are all at the top of their game. Learn from those guys because they are an asset to the company as well. And, any time they need advice on the trucks, they have Greg (Biffle) and myself to turn to. On the performance side, I would tell them to go out every week with the goal of finishing the most laps possible. Consistency wins races and the quicker you establish that trend, the better off you'll be."

Mark Martin, No. 6 Zerex/Cummins Ford Taurus:

"I'm not sure what advice I can give the new drivers. Obviously, they are already doing the right things so far or they would not have the opportunity they do. They just need to stay on the right track. They are with a good team that should give them the support they need to be successful in the truck series just like Greg Biffle and Kurt Busch have been."

Kevin Lepage, No. 16 FamilyClick.com Ford Taurus:

"I would have to say to those guys that Roush expects winners and they're are going to have big shoes to fill with Biffle and Busch leaving. Biffle and Busch came on early in their careers and proved they can win races. At Roush Racing they're going to give you what you need to win, it's just a matter of coming together as a team and making it happen."

Jeff Burton, No. 99 CITGO SUPERGARD Ford Taurus:

"I guess I would tell both of them to be patient. Even if they don't see results quickly, it will take some time and they will get comfortable with the series. It's tough because you get so anxious and want to see top finishes every race, but that takes time and experience. It's probably one of the most frustrating things because you want to start winning immediately, but just try and learn from the other veteran drivers out there. And it's helpful to have a teammate out on the track as well. You'll be able to work with each other, and it proved to be successful with Biffle and Busch this year, and it proves to be helpful almost every week with us Cup guys. You'll make rookie mistakes, but that's natural, just keep your head up and learn from those mistakes."

Matt Kenseth, No. 17 DEWALT Tools Ford Taurus:

"I would say to those guys try to learn as much as you possibly can and don't be afraid to go to the veteran guys for help. Mark Martin was instrumental in not only helping me break in to Roush Racing, he's helped me mature as a driver. They need to not hesitate to ask their Roush teammates or the other veteran guys in the series for help. Also, they're going to have to stay out of dangerous situations on the race track. Kurt Busch has done a great job of staying out on the race track for the length of the races and that translates into good finishes. And you can't learn under race conditions if you're out of the race."

Greg Biffle, No. 50 Grainger Ford F-150:

"I've been in their shoes before and there is so much I want to talk about with the new guys. The most important thing is to complete laps. Gaining experience is key and the more races that you finish, the better off you are. The good finishes and wins will come, so be patient and take advantage of the great opportunity that has been given to you. Good Luck!"

Text Provided By Kevin Radvany

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