General Discussion » Can Tony Jr do for Brad what he couldn't do for Dale?
There weren't that many bad calls on timing and pitstops.
Setzer looking for 2007 truck ride
By Mark Ashenfelter
Sunday, October 29, 2006
HAMPTON, Ga. - Chevrolet's decision to reduce its manufacturer's support in the Craftsman Truck Series has Dennis Setzer on the job market. At least temporarily, that is, as team co-owner David Dollar still hopes Chevrolet's marketing arm can broker a deal to place an ethanol-related sponsor on the truck.
Dollar, though, can't offer Setzer a contract until sponsorship is secured. And Setzer said Oct. 28 that he realizes Dollar could also secure sponsorship attached to a specific driver, increasing his urgency to get a deal done.
"I need to race, I don't know [where that will be]," said Setzer, whose name has been tied to Roush Racing. "I don't have any offers."
Both Dollar and Setzer say the goal is to stay together, as they've been the last six years. But Chevrolet's marketing arm, which stepped up in light of Toyota's entrance in 2004 by sponsoring trucks for Xpress Motorsports, Kevin Harvick Inc. and Morgan/Dollar, is ending that plan.
Its deals with Xpress and KHI ended after last year, while Morgan/Dollar's ends after this season. Dollar says he's seen the proposal for an ethanol-related deal to replace GM's FlexFuel sponsorship, but Dayne Pierantoni, GM's program manager for the truck series, doesn't expect GM to sponsor any teams.
"What Chevrolet is trying to do is get back to what we consider a manufacturer's role in this series, more of a technical support side, helping teams," Pierantoni said. "We never intended to be a hood sponsor for an extended period of time."
A bigger concern to teams is that GM's main support in terms of engine programs may just be limited to Spears Motorsports, which has an alliance with Joe Gibbs Racing, and KHI, which has full sponsorship for next season. Xpress owner Dave Fuge Sr. also foresees a cutback in wind-tunnel time provided by GM.
"There's been some word in the garage area that we're pulling out of this series, that's not in any way true," Pierantoni said. "We're gonna be truck racing. We've been truck racing from day one. We've got a very comprehensive technical support program [and] we plan on carrying that forward very similar to what we're doing this year."
Mentioned Drivers: Dennis Setzer
Popular News
Recent Headlines
-
Nationwide qualifying under way at Chicagoland after rain delay
Post Comment -
Tony Stewart pleased with opening season of ownership; says championship possible
Comments (1) -
Daytona crash has Roush Fenway Racing's Greg Biffle concerned about safety
Comments (3) -
Joe Gibbs Racing's Denny Hamlin keeps it in gear on and off the track
Comments (3) -
Fun in the forecast this weekend for Roush Fenway Racing's Carl Edwards
Comments (1)
Poll PositionView All
Was anyone at fault for the mayhem at the finish of the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona International Speedway?
Promotions
-
Play "WIX Filters' Pick 3" stock car fantasy and win prizes. Season 2 is now in session!
-
Tweet your thoughts about each race and join the conversation with other fans.
-
Drive an authentic NASCAR Sprint Cup car at the Jeff Gordon Racing School.
-
Play our simulation racing fantasy game. Free with promo code "FREECRD".
No Comments
Be the first to comment on "Setzer looking for 2007 truck ride". Login or sign up for a free account to post your comment