JR Motorsports will begin the 2006 race season with three teams, a new shop and a
charge to establish itself as an up-and-coming force in stock car
racing. "Veteran" JR Motorsports driver, Mark McFarland, will be behind
the wheel of the No. 88 NAVY Chevrolet in his quest for the 2006 NASCAR
Busch Series title and Rookie of the Year award.
"The NAVY has given us a great opportunity to show that we are serious
with what we want to do at JR Motorsports," said McFarland. "I am proud
to represent the integrity and fortitude that the NAVY stands for."
Shane Huffman, the 2003 USAR Hooters Pro Cup Series champion, comes over after a one year stint with Knight's Racing where he finished second in the Championship Series. Wes Ward brings lots of experience, most recently from his tenure as the crew chief of the No. 22 Busch Series ride of Kenny Wallace, and he will be on top of the box. Huffman and Ward will take over the reins of the No. 32 Hooters Pro Cup program that is coming off of a top-ten Championship Series finish with McFarland.
Richard Boswell and Scott Young will pilot the R&B late model stock cars. The JR Motorsports' late model has become a well-known fixture around the short tracks of the Southeast.
What began as a way for team owner, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., and friends to have fun has turned into a burgeoning stock car stable.
Actually the first foray into racing for JR Motorsports came in the form of a "street stock" car that was driven at Concord Motorsports Park in Concord, NC during the summer of 2002. T.J. Majors gave JR Motorsports their first win in this car.
McFarland was hired in late 2004 and quickly picked up three big wins, against stiff competition, in the black-and-orange No. 17. After a full season in the Hooters Pro Cup ride, he is ready to take on some of the world's best stock car drivers who fill the starting grid at any NASCAR Busch Series event.
The NAVY brings an excited and enthusiastic sponsorship on board and the two should be poised to make waves in 2006.
"We are very excited about further increasing our awareness through NASCAR in 2006 by an association with JR Motorsports and Dale Earnhardt Jr., one of the most recognized names in NASCAR," said Rear Adm. Jeffrey Fowler, commander, Navy Recruiting Command.
"When you consider the history and the accomplishment the Navy has it's overwhelming," said Earnhardt, Jr.
"The opportunities the Navy can provide for people are virtually limitless. They’ve given us an opportunity with this sponsorship and I'm proud to represent them. They’re giving Mark an opportunity as well and I’m confident he will make the most of it."
Official website: www.jrmotorsport.com
