NASCAR WCUP: Eel River Racing Elects to Invest in 2001 While Campaigning for Sponsorship
9 November 2000
Posted By Terry CallahanMotorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
MOORESVILLE, N.C. - The ballots have been cast, the votes are being counted and millions of Americans anxiously await the outcome of the closest presidential election in U.S. history. Entrenched in their own campaign for primary sponsorship, Eel River Racing is electing to stay on course with preparations for the 2001 season.
In approximately 37 days, the Eel River Racing team is scheduled to relocate to its state-of-the-art 78,000 square foot facility in Mooresville, N.C. In 64 days, the No. 27 Pontiac will roll into the famed Daytona International Speedway for the first General Motors testing session in preparation for America's premier stock car race. What may appear to be as intimidating as the many off-season countdowns is the fact that primary sponsorship for the 2001 season has yet to be secured. Seemingly undaunted by the challenge, the Eel River Racing team is hard at work preparing for the 2001 season.
"We're going about our business preparing for 2001 as if we have signed an agreement with a primary sponsor," said Eel River Racing Owner Jack Birmingham. "(Crew Chief) Barry Dodson has one new car almost complete and is expecting to have four or five more ready by Daytona. That will bring our fleet to a total of 20 Pontiacs. In December, we are moving to what will be the best facility in Winston Cup racing. We're giving our team the resources they need for 2001, and in turn, that makes us even more attractive to potential sponsors. We're making the commitment to do things right - we're investing in our future.
"The pressure is on," admits Birmingham, "but we're not abandoning our efforts in the shop. I have no doubt that Eel River Racing is the best team available for primary sponsorship for 2001, and I'm confident that we'll have a corporate partner when we head to Daytona in February.
"From the mechanics to the front office, we have the best people in the business of racing," continues Birmingham. "We have the best facility, the best crew chief in Barry Dodson, and the excitement of Kenny Wallace. Kenny brings a lot to the table for a sponsor - he can run with anybody in Winston Cup racing, he's a dedicated family man, and he's certainly a great personality. His ability to captivate an audience is something that you have to see to believe. He's an ideal spokesperson for any product or service, and certainly for our race team. Teaming with Kenny Wallace and Eel River Racing will be a great investment for our new sponsor."
Wallace, who recently signed a three-year contract to drive the No. 27 Pontiacs, is equally committed to the 2001 season with Eel River Racing: "I think a lot of people are wondering about my decision to move to Eel River Racing, but I have no doubts. I'm a risk taker - you don't just sit back and hope for the best, you have to make it happen. That is what Jack Birmingham, Barry Dodson, and I are doing. That's why everything will fall into place come February."
Eel River Racing currently fields the No. 27 Pontiac for rookie driver Mike Bliss. The team is headquartered in Mooresville, N.C., located just 30 miles north of Charlotte. The race team's operations and administration will relocate in December to a state-of-the-art 78,000 square foot facility in Mooresville.
Text provided by Mike Arning
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