Clint Bowyer will have a new ride in 2009.
Richard Childress Racing announced Saturday that Bowyer will be switching to the No. 33 Cheerios/Hamburger Helper Chevrolet next season. RCR is adding a fourth team and Casey Mears will drive Bowyer’s old Jack Daniels’ ride.
“A lot of things are in the works as far as personnel and points and a lot of different things that we’re working on right now,” Bowyer said. “That was the announcement that was made today. The biggest thing is getting the Jack Daniels Chevrolet in the chase for a championship. Obviously, that’s for next year and we’ve got a lot of racing to do this year.”
Bowyer was in Bristol over the weekend, where he finished second on Friday in the Nationwide Race to hold onto his top spot in the points standings. He finished seventh on Saturday night in the Sharpie 500 and is in 12th place in the points standings with two races left to remain in the top 12 to make the Chase for the Sprint Cup.
Bowyer took time Saturday from Bristol before the race to talk to The Gazette about his new race team and the rest of the 2008 season.
Q Will you keep your same pit crew?
A Right now we’re working on that, and trying to find personnel. Obviously, moving personnel up and then getting another team put together for the fourth team at RCR. I think we will have that answered soon.
Q How did you feel about the move?
A The General Mills people are great folks to work with. Looking forward to exploring the opportunities and possibilities of what’s ahead of us. Bringing another driver on board and a fourth team is definitely going to a positive, having that much more resources to pull from, that much more income to build our race team.
Q How do you like your chances to win the Nationwide championship this year?
A Obviously, that was my race to lose (on Friday). I made a mistake down there. Car kept getting looser and looser throughout the run, and I got loose and (Brad Keselowski) got up underneath of me down there and took a win away. You hate to do that, because those guys brought a car capable of wiinning. It’s a bummer. I feel bad for us, but you’re not going to get that one back, just going to have to make up for it. I’ve got the small trophy here in the spring and I want the big trophy. The big trophy’s the Cup race.
Q Do you like your chances of making it in the Chase?
A I do. I really think I’ve got just as good a shot as anybody. Going into this weekend I’m looking better than I did going into last weekend. Jeff Gordon, Denny Hamlin and Kasey Kahne all had trouble so that’s really opened the door for more opportunities to make the Chase. I’ve got to get out of here with a good finish. We’ve got to start racing. We’re not going be conservative and make this thing. We’ve got to get up on the wheel and make things happen.
Q Are you anxious to get to Kansas Speedway next month?
A Yeah, I am. It’s always fun to go back home and race in front of the hometown crowd. We’ve run well both times I’ve been there and looking forward to running good there. But I’m looking forward to working hard and doing what it takes to get better. We’ve been struggling on those mile and a half tracks and we’ve got to get the problem fixed before we get to Kansas. It’s an important race for me.
Q What is it you most look forward to when you come back to race at Kansas Speedway?
A The atmosphere and then the state of Kansas. I love seeing everybody. It’s a very busy week and there’s a lot going on, but I love being there. I love the racetrack. I grew up watching that place and construction and everything else of what it’s transformed into. It’s really neat to go and be able to race there.
Q What is it you miss most about Kansas and Emporia?
A Emporia is home. I love going back there every chance I get. I love seeing everybody I grew up with and seeing what the town’s all about. It’s still a great town and a great college to go to school at and the place I grew up in. I’m looking forward to getting back there as soon as possible.
Crazy4uB (anonymous) says...
I am a Clint Bowyer fan and try to read every article I can. It's upsetting to know that he will be switching cars. I just wish Mears had to take the new car. I feel that Bowyer has earned his name in this Jack Daniel's car, and deserves to keep it. He has come a long way in this car and I don't think that should be taken away from him. I know when he's asked how he feels he has to say positive things, I just wish all of his fans knew what he REALLY thinks?
October 13, 2008 at 3:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
neighbor (anonymous) says...
If you've read every article, you realize Mears cannot drive the #33 General Mills car due to contractual agreements with his present sponsor Kellogg's. Clint will come thru the change ok and should reap big financial rewards from additional merchandise sales to people who either could not or chose not to purchase items with the liquor label. I too would prefer that he stay in the black #07 car, keep his crew and owner points, but I'm a Clint Bowyer fan first and would support him no matter who he drives for.
October 13, 2008 at 3:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )