When the partnership of Canadian Randy MacDonald, the Country Music Award winning band Diamond Rio, the Hanes brand of apparel and Wilson & Inman Motorsports was formed in November 1995, the goal was to run a 10 race schedule for 1996. As a week ago, that goal has been modified.
When NASCAR Winston Cup introduced the two current competitors for Rookie of the Year Honors at the annual National Motorsports Press Association convention in Winston-Salem, NC., Randy MacDonald was a little astonished to find himself at the podium.
A Canadian, MacDonald was born in Oshawa, Ontario. He holds a B.S. degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Waterloo, but his life-long dream has been to be a race car driver.
"The team's primary objectives for this season were to qualify for 10 races and give me some seat time in a Winston Cup car," MacDonald said. "We wanted to see the team develop from an idea on a piece of paper into a rookie organization of people who had always had a dream of being in Winston Cup racing. Our aim was to be low key and build for a full season in 1997.
"Competing for Rookie of the Year means we've had to readjust our goals somewhat," MacDonald added. "Now we're commited to move forward and increase our schedule to 15 races for 1996. NASCAR has given us a tremendous opportunity and we certainly want to take advantage of it."
While the NASCAR circuit has seen its sponsor base increase over the years, MacDonald is involved in a unique partnership that includes the Country Music Association award-winning band Diamond Rio, and the Hanes brand of activewear and underware. The band announced the sponsorship of a car last year and the race team will be based at Billy Hagen's facilities in Thomasville NC. MacDonald will be driving a Ford Thunderbird with engines from Ernie Elliott.
"I know how competitive it is to qualify for a race," MacDonald said. "I also watched John Andretti try for Rookie of the Year. So I know the emotional side of that competition as well."
MacDonald may be running his first season on the Winston Cup circuit, but he's no newcomer to the sport. He's worked in all aspects of the racing business, ranging from building cars, engine work and serving as crew chief. He was 1991 Rookie of the Year on the ASA Circuit and his other driving experience includes ACT, GM National Stock Car Series, BGN and some Winston Cup races.
"While our team members are mostly rookies, we all share the same dream ... being in Winston Cup," MacDonald said. "We've got the experience of Billy Hagen to call upon and we'll be using some other experiences people probably on a contract basis to help us with the 1996 season. We're all competitive. We want to race and we want to make a good showing for our team and our sponsors. Of course, getting a win would be the ultimate thrill."
MacDonald and his wife Gail, have two children and they live in High Point NC.
MacDonald is the second Canadian to race for Rookie of the Year honors. Coincidentally, the first Canadian, who was Earl Ross, won his only race at the Martinsville Speedway, which is the home of the Hanes 500 - to be run on September 22nd.
The team's Thunderbird will be #78 -- they will make their first appearance at Rockingham on February 25th in the Goodwrench 400.
