Team Chevy, A Look Ahead to 2008 NASCAR Nationwide Series
The 2008 season for Team Chevy in the NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS) is shaping up to be more competitive than ever.
On the heels of winning the 2007 owners championship in the series, Richard Childress will defend his title with the No. 29 combo of Scott Wimmer and Jeff Burton. He will also field Clint Bowyer in a full-time bid for the championship as well as a third entry that will include veteran driver Bobby Labonte for 15 races. Additional driver announcements will be made prior to the start of the season.
Kevin Harvick will focus on the efforts of his own Kevin Harvick, Inc. (KHI) Nationwide Series team. Kevin Harvick will pilot the No. 33 KHI Chevy in 22 races with Ron Hornaday, defending NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion taking the wheel twice and Cale Gale in the cockpit for the remaining races. Kevin Harvick's goal is help Gale gain valuable experience while bringing the team to the winning form he knows his organization is capable of delivering.
Rusty Wallace Inc. has become the newest member of the Chevy Nationwide Series camp. Steven Wallace will campaign a full-time entry for the championship with drivers David Stremme, Chase Austin, and Max Papis piloting a second entry on a limited schedule.
"I am excited about the 2008 NNS," said Shane Martin, GM Racing’s Chevrolet program manager, NASCAR Nationwide Series. "Coming off their owner's championship, Richard Childress Racing will field entries that will be contenders for the victory every race.
"Our newest teammates, Rusty Wallace, Inc., will add strength to our roster. They have been great to work with and we are already helping get them ready for the 2008 season with wind tunnel time."
Also adding to the Chevy firepower in NNS competition is the merger of Dale Earnhardt, Jr.'s JR Motorsports and Hendrick Motorsports NNS operation.
"I am looking forward to the JR Motorsports / HMS merger," Martin continued. "I feel that Chad Walter and Tony Eury will work great together and field competitive race cars. It will be great to see Jimmie (Johnson), (Earnhardt) Junior, and Mark Martin in select races along with Landon Cassill who shows great potential. I have been excited about Brad Keselowski ever since I first met him when he was driving in the NCTS and Keith Coleman’s Busch Car. I am glad he has this opportunity to showcase the talent that he has!"
In conclusion, Mark Martin said: "It is going to be an exciting year for Chevrolet in the NNS. Even though we have just barely finished the '07 season, I can hardly wait to get to Daytona."
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