OFFICIAL TEAM/DRIVER LINKS
BK Racing
Gray Gaulding
Ryan Sieg Racing
Brett Moffitt
Joey Gase
PRIMARY SPONSORS LINKS
Dustless Blasting
JAS Expedited Trucking
E.J. Wade Construction
Bubba Burger
RMC Events
Champion Machinery
Hikvision USA
Eternal Fan (Homestead)
ASSOCIATE SPONSORS LINKS
ZAK Products
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS
BK Racing - Twitter
BK Racing - Facebook
Gray Gaulding - Twitter
Gray Gaulding - Facebook
Gray Gaulding - Instagram
Ryan Sieg Racing - Twitter
Ryan Sieg Racing - Facebook
Ryan Sieg Racing - Instagram
Brett Moffitt - Twitter
Brett Moffitt Racing - Facebook
Joey Gase - Twitter
Joey Gase - Facebook
Dustless Blasting - Facebook
STATISTICS
Gray Gaulding - ESPN.com
Gray Gaulding - RacingReference.info
Ryan Sieg - ESPN
Ryan Sieg - racing-reference.info
Brett Moffitt - ESPN
Brett Moffitt - RacingReference.info
Joey Gase - ESPN
Joey Gase - RacingReference.info
MORE INFO
2017 #83 Paint Schemes
2016 #83 Paint Schemes
2016 #93 Paint Schemes
2015 #83 Paint Schemes
Paint Scheme Gallery
Driver Appearances
Team Address/Contact
Races that Dustless Blasting was the primary sponsor in 2017:
Daytona - 2/26
Atlanta - 3/5
Texas - 4/9
Talladega - 5/7
Kansas - 5/13
Daytona - 7/1, Ryan Seig
Pocono - 7/31, Stephen Leich
Talladega - 10/15, LaJoie
Races that JAS Expedited Trucking was the primary sponsor in 2017:
Las Vegas - 3/12, Corey LaJoie
Bristol - 4/19, LaJoie
Dover - 6/4, Ryan Sieg
Michigan - 6/18, LaJoie
Kentucky, 7/8, Sieg
Watkins Glen - 8/6, Moffitt
Michigan - 8/13, Moffitt, Northwestern Technical Institute
Chicago - 9/16, Moffitt
Races that Bubba Burger was the primary sponsor in 2017:
Auto Club - 3/26
Races that RMC Events was the primary sponsor in 2017:
Martinsville - 4/2
Races that sweetFrog / Safeway was the primary sponsor in 2017:
Richmond - 9/9, Gaulding
Races that HMS Motorsport was the primary sponsor in 2017:
Bristol - 8/19
Races that Brett Moffitt is scheduled to be the driver of the #83 in 2017:
Watkins Glen - 8/6
Michigan - 8/13, Northwestern Technical Institute
Chicago - 9/17
New Hampshire - 9/23, Super Donut
Dover - 10/1, HIKvision
Charlotte - 10/8, Champion Machinery
Kansas - 10/22, Earthwater
Races that Super Donut was the primary sponsor in 2017:
New Hampshire - 9/23
Races that EarthWater/The Country Network was the primary sponsor in 2017:
Texas - 11/5, LaJoie
Contract Status: Drivers: race-to-race; Primary Sponsors: race-to-race
#83 Team / Drivers News
BK Racing to be operated by trustee after team owner loses financial control: BK Racing will be operated by a trustee as team owner Ron Devine lost financial control of the NASCAR Cup Series team in bankruptcy court Wednesday morning. U.S. District Court Judge J. Craig Whitley appointed Matthew Smith of The Finley Group as the trustee.[More](3-28-2018)
BK Racing allowed to continue operating through West Coast swing: BK Racing can continue to compete through the three-race West Coast swing as long as it shows proof of workers compensation and commercial liability of insurance, a U.S. Bankruptcy Court judge ruled Tuesday. The team earned $450,000 for finishing 20th at Daytona and $92,000 for finishing 36th at Atlanta. Among the March financial estimates of according to attorney statements in court: Assuming a finish of 30th, $385,000 in purse for four races; potential overall revenues of $500,000-$900,000; and payroll expenses and taxes of at least $92,000. A wreck would cost the team $5,000 to $25,000 in extra weekend costs.[More](2-27-2018)
BK Racing asking court to allow for payment of employees and vendors: BK Racing is asking the bankruptcy court this morning to be allowed to use cash coming in to pay employees and vendors or else it might have to cease operations. According to its request, BK Racing earned $450,000 for Gray Gaulding's 20th-place finish in the Daytona 500. The filing states that it also owes 12 employees nearly $21,000 in wages from prior to the Daytona 500. It also states that the value of its charter "may have a value in excess of $5 million," and it could lose the charter if it doesn't race.[More](2-23-2018)
Owner Ron Devine says BK Racing will run full schedule BK Racing owner Ron Devine said he hoped his Chapter 11 bankruptcy is a quick reorganization process and that his plan is to race the entire 2018 season. "I'll see you in Homestead," he said, referring to the final race of year.[More](2-16-2018)
BK Racing files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, may still compete in Daytona 500 BK Racing has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which likely would allow it to compete in the Daytona 500 this weekend and potentially operate while coming up with a plan to repay debtors. The filing Thursday came less than an hour before a hearing on a request from Union Bank & Trust to appoint a receiver to take over the BK Racing assets, which includes a charter, NASCAR's version of a franchise that guarantees a spot in every race. The bankruptcy filing halts all other court proceedings.[More](2-15-2018)
Uncertain future for BK Racing: 017 was a year of transition for BK Racing. While still competing full-time in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, the team had seven different drivers compete in at least one race for the organization. Producing just one top-10 finish between them, BK hopes for a better outcome entering the 2018 season. However, up until the night before the first practice to kick off the 2018 NASCAR season, BK Racing had no driver for the Daytona 500. Ron Devine, owner of the race team confirmed to Frontstretch that Gray Gaulding would be piloting the No. 23 car in the Great American Race. Add this dilemma to the list of problems Devine had to encounter over the past 12 weeks.[More](2-10-2018)
BK Racing court hearing postponed: The hearing over whether a receiver should be appointed to take over BK Racing was postponed to February 15 at the request of Union Bank & Trust. The temporary restraining order remains in effect that keeps owner Ron Devine from selling assets or his charter. A bank spokesman and its attorney declined to comment as did executives from BK minority owner Sport Venture Group.[More](2-5-2018)
Court hearing to be held on BK Racing: A North Carolina judge will conduct a hearing next Monday to determine whether to appoint a receiver selected by Union Bank to operate BK Racing and either sell or lease out the team's charter, which would guarantee a spot for all 2018 races including the Feb. 18 Daytona 500. Having determined the bank has established that BK Racing owes it more than $8M in unpaid loans and fees, the court issued a temporary restraining order Friday that prohibits BK Racing from selling or leasing the charter or any assets until the hearing[More](1-29-2018)
Bank asks court to allow receiver to take over BK Racing's assets: Union Bank & Trust, which filed a lawsuit in North Carolina court in November claiming ownership of two NASCAR charters originally controlled by BK Racing (with one now controlled by Front Row Motorsports), has asked a federal court in Virginia for injunctive relief and to immediately appoint a receiver take over all the team's assets and property. The bank alleges BK Racing owes it more than $7 million in unpaid loans and fees, and already has had $210K worth of assets seized by the N.C. Department of Revenue for unpaid taxes. Classic Auctions, a North Carolina auction house, is advertising that it will auction off three BK Racing haulers and a passenger car. BK Racing also owes more than $1.59M to its engine supplier and more than $667K in federal tax liens, according to N.C. court records.[More](1-20-2018)
Doug Richert leaves BK Racing: After seven years, crew chief Doug Richert has parted ways with BK Racing. Richert led Dale Earnhardt to rookie-of-the-year honors in 1979 and his first championship 1980, but now is looking to move in a new direction.[More](1-4-2018)
The Lynch Racing Co. acquires Iowa City Capital Partners' position in BK Racing: The Lynch Racing Co., a division of Sport Venture Group, today acquired Iowa City Capital Partners' stake in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Team BK Racing which was owned and controlled by Anthony Marlowe."After four seasons as a minority owner in NASCAR's Premier Series, I have decided to harvest my investment. It has been a wild ride; I wouldn't change a minute. I am thankful to Ron and Brenda Devine. Regardless of whether BK Racing ever wins a Cup race one day, they are worthy of my appreciation. It takes great courage to make the investment the Devine's have made regarding time and money. Not to mention saving my backside from a sudden change in the direction of Swan Racing early in the 2014 season." said Anthony Marlowe.[More](12-1-2017)
Bank suing Front Row Motorsports for ownership of team charter: A lawsuit filed earlier this month could play a role in determining the 2018 Daytona 500 field as a North Carolina court determines who owns the charter that Front Row Motorsports bought from BK Racing for $2 million prior to the 2017 season. Union Bank & Trust in Virginia filed a lawsuit Nov. 17 in North Carolina Superior Court, asking for the court to declare it has rights to what was originally BK Racing's #83 car charter, alleging that BK Racing owes it $9.1 million on a loan that included its two charters as collateral. After Front Row Motorsports bought the #83 charter, it leased the charter to TriStar Motorsports (the #72 car driven by Cole Whitt) for the 2017 season. Teams can lease a charter for only one year, so the charter would be the property of Front Row unless the court intervenes. In addition to its asking the court to determine who owns the #83 charter, the bank also states that it has the right to sell the one charter used in 2017 by BK Racing to field the #23 car that finished 35th in the owner standings.[More](11-28-2017)
Gase Returns to BK Racing with Eternal Fan On Board at Homestead Joey Gase returns to BK Racing for the final race in the 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Homestead-Miami Speedway, to pilot the #83 Toyota Camry. Eternal Fan will be the primary sponsor on board, alongside Premier Millwright, as an associate sponsor. Eternal Fan is a new alternative for fans to celebrate in the passion that they have for their positive shared memories. Homestead-Miami Speedway marks their fourth race as a primary sponsor with Gase in 2017.(BK Racing)[Read More Here](11-17-2017)
The Country Network and EarthWater sponsoring Gaulding: Gray Gaulding and BK Racing are proud to announce a partnership with The Country Network for the AAA Texas 500 at Texas Motor Speedway on November 5. The Country Network (TCN) will join EarthWater on the #83 Toyota driven by Gray Gaulding. The Country Network (TCN) headquartered in the greater Dallas-Fort Worth area with offices in Nashville, TN and New York, NY. TCN is an innovative music video TV network dedicated to providing today's Country music enthusiasts with more choices in televised and digital programming.[More](11-1-2017)
Chief Marketing Officer for BK Racing leaves the team Doug Fritz, Chief Marketing Officer for BK Racing, has left the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race team to pursue other opportunities.
Fritz has held numerous roles in the industry, including Richmond International Raceway president, Chief Executive Officer of Iowa Speedway and Senior Director of Marketing and Business Development for NASCAR.(NASCAR.com)(11-1-2017)
Gaulding Raising Awareness for Autism Speaks at Martinsville Gray Gaulding returns to the #83 Proud Supporter of Autism Speaks Toyota for BK Racing at Martinsville Speedway. Gaulding and the #83 BK Racing team will race to raise awareness for Autism this weekend at Martinsville. Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. They do this through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of autism spectrum disorder; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions. (GGR Enterprises)[Read More Here](10-27-2017)
Gaulding returning to BK Racing: Gray Gaulding returns to BK Racing for multiple races beginning this weekend with the Alabama 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. Gaulding will also race the #83 Toyota in the AAA Texas 500 on November 5 at Texas Motor Speedway.[More](10-11-2017)
BK Racing cars do not get on track Friday: Only 38 cars took the track for NASCAR Cup Series first practice at Charlotte Motor Speedway - two short because the #83 and #23 of BK Racing didn't get on the track. BK Racing later presented the two cars for qualifying inspection but, again, did not take to the track for qualifying. Per the NASCAR rulebook, a qualifying attempt consists of passing initial inspection, participating in practice and passing qualifying inspection. At some point, unless the series director rules otherwise, the cars would have to, at least, make a practice attempt.[More](10-6-2017)
Hikvision joins BK Racing for Dover Hikvision USA, Inc., a North American leader in award-winning video surveillance products and solutions, and leading integrator Vector Security, will be the primary sponsors for Brett Moffit's #83 Camry this weekend for the Apache Warrior 400 at Dover International Speedway. Hikvision is the world's leading supplier of video surveillance solutions.(BK Racing)[Read More Here](9-29-2017)
Moffitt expected to remain with BK Racing for the rest of the season: This past weekend at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Moffitt finished - in the #83 machine, but he an Ron Devine, owner of BK Racing have come to an agreement that they plan on finishing 2017 together. "Yeah, that's the plan as of now as far as I know," Moffitt told Frontstretch regarding his status. "We're going to keep going at it and we'll see. It's good. It keeps me kind of relevant. It gets me to the track and stay in front of people. That's the best part of it." [More](9-24-2017)
Super Donut joins BK Racing in Loudon: Super Donut, "The Leader in Bakery Nutrition," will join BK Racing as the primary sponsor on the the #83 Toyota, driven by Brett Moffitt, this weekend at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.[More](9-20-2017)
Safeway sponsoring LaJoie at Richmond: Safeway, a nationwide grocery store chain, will be on board the #83 Toyota Camry with Corey LaJoie for the Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond Raceway.[More](9-5-2017)
Champion Machinery on board with BK Racing as a multi race sponsor; Gaulding back: Champion Machinery will be on board as the primary sponsor for the #83 Toyota Camry this weekend at Darlington Raceway for the Southern 500, and will return as primary sponsor again on October 8th for the Bank of America 500 in Charlotte. Champion Machinery will also join BK Racing as an associate sponsor on both the #23 and #83 for the remainder of the 2017 season. Gray Gaulding will drive the #83 Toyota Camry at Darlington Raceway. Champion Machinery buys and sells name brand late model CNC lathes and mills. Headquartered in Charlotte for over 15 years, Champion Machinery has long been recognized as an expert in Haas, DMG Mori, Mazak, Doosan, Okuma and most other brands of CNC equipment. This is our third year as a proud full season sponsor in NASCAR's Monster Energy Cup Series.(BK Racing)[Read More Here](8-29-2017)
HMS Motorsport sponsoring LaJoie at Bristol: HMS Motorsport, an industry leader in racing safety equipment, will be joining BK Racing for the Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway. Having been a long-time supporter of Corey LaJoie, HMS Motorsport will be on board the #83 Toyota Camry for Saturday night's race.[More](8-17-2017)
Tax lien issued against BK Racing: The IRS issued a tax lien against BK Racing this week, the third tax lien against the organization since in less than a year. The tax lien issued Tuesday to the North Carolina Secretary of State's office against BK Racing is for$180,794.97. The lien is for the tax period ending March 31.[More](8-4-2017)
Brett Moffitt driving for BK Racing at Watkins Glen and Michigan: BK Racing announced today that Brett Moffitt will take over as driver of the #83 Toyota Camry this weekend for the I Love New York 355 at Watkins Glen International and in next week's Pure Michigan 400 at Michigan International Speedway. JAS Expedited Trucking will be the primary sponsor on board the #83 for Watkins Glen.[More](8-2-2017)
BK Racing will not enter #83 team at Sonoma: The #23 team will still be at the track with Alon Day making his Cup debut.[More](6-18-2017)
Gaulding to get new crew chief UPDATE: Patrick Donahue will part ways with BK Racing after this weekend's events at Pocono Raceway.(6-10-2017)
UPDATE: Randy Cox will move from the #83 team and take over duties as the #23 crew chief. Doug George has been named as crew chief for the #83 Toyota.[More](6-14-2017)
Ryan Sieg joins BK Racing at Dover, LaJoie to Return at Pocono Ron Devine, owner of BK Racing's #23 & #83 Toyota teams, announced that Ryan Sieg will make his Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series debut in the #83 JAS Expedited Trucking / AntlerGrow Toyota at Dover. Sieg has been competing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series since 2013. Last season, Sieg was one of the 12 drivers to advance to the Xfinity Series play-offs, where he finished ninth in driver points. "I have been watching Ryan race for a number of years and have been really impressed by his driving skills," said Devine. "I believe that this is the right time to put Ryan in one of our cars to see what he can do. Corey [LaJoie] will be back in the car beginning next week at Pocono, and he is a very important part of BK Racing's bright future."(BK Racing)[Read More Here](5-31-2017)
LaJoie gets a new crew chief: There will be a familiar face atop the pit box for the #83 Toyota Camry. Randy Cox will be the crew chief for Corey LaJoie for the remainder of the 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season. Previously, Cox was crew chief for the BK Racing #26 Toyota in 2014.[More](4-6-2017)
EarthWater joins BK Racing at Texas: EarthWater, a producer of all-natural mineral waters, has joined forces with BK Racing for the April 9th race at Texas Motor Speedway. EarthWater will be on board the #83 as an associate sponsor, and the team's coolers will be stocked with their unique water products.[More](4-5-2017)
Cautions by LaJoie and Gaulding impact Auto Club race: BK Racing is hitting the wall for a high average so far in 2017. After #23-Gray Gaulding and #83-Corey LaJoie each caused caution flags in Sunday's race at Auto Club Speedway, the team kept up its proficiency at slowing down Cup Series races.[More](3-27-2017)
BK Racing Hires New Manager of Partnership Sales: BK Racing announced that Ryan Tuttle has joined the team as Manager of Partnership Sales.
Tuttle brings over eight years of sales, client services, and business development experience to the team. Assuming a wide scope of responsibilities at BK Racing, Tuttle will be responsible for new sponsorship business development and growing existing sponsorships. He will also assist BK Racing CMO, Doug Fritz, with on-boarding new sponsors, sponsorship renewals, and new sponsors' at-track and in-market activation.
"I'm excited to join BK Racing as their Manager of Partnership Sales," said Tuttle. "To be able to help build onto the success that everyone at BK Racing has already achieved is a tremendous opportunity. I look forward to working with our existing sponsors as well as help new companies grow their brands with BK Racing in 2017."
"Ryan is going to make an excellent addition to our team," said Doug Fritz, Chief Marketing Officer at BK Racing. "Together we will work to build on the momentum from our very successful 2016 season. BK Racing has a very talented group of young drivers this year, and we believe these drivers will represent our sponsors very well. We are all looking forward to showcasing what we can do starting at Daytona in a couple weeks."(BK Racing)(2-11-2017)
JAS Expedited Trucking returning to BK Racing: The partnership between BK Racing and JAS will keep trucking into the 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Season. After making their NASCAR debut as a sponsor last year with BK Racing, JAS Expedited Trucking will be on board the #83 Toyota Camry of Corey LaJoie as the primary sponsor at both Michigan International Speedway races in 2017. JAS will kick-off the season as an associate sponsor on LaJoie's #83 for the Daytona 500. JAS Expedited Trucking LLC. is a small family-owned expedited trucking company, located in Imlay City, Michigan. JAS is currently looking for qualified I.C. professional drivers to join and expand their team.(BK Racing)(2-5-2017)
Front Row buys charter from BK Racing, leases it to TriStar: Front Row Motorsports completed the purchase of a Charter Member Agreement from BK Racing to give the team three guaranteed entries in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. NASCAR transferred ownership of the charter, which was used by BK Racing's #83 team in 2016, on December 6. Front Row Motorsports will lease the newly acquired charter to TriStar Motorsports for the 2017 season as FRM prepares to expand to three chartered cars in 2018. The Bob Jenkins-owned team currently fields two entries with NASCAR charters, the #34 driven by Landon Cassill and the #38 of David Ragan. The organization has steadily grown since its full-time entry into the series in 2009, earning its second win and first playoff berth in 2016. The team will focus on building on those accomplishments with its two existing cars in 2017 as it prepares its infrastructure for expansion in 2018.(Front Row Motorsports)(2-3-2017)
Gaulding to BK Racing UPDATE: 18 year-old Gray Gaulding will pilot the #23 Toyota Camry in the 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. The team made the announcement at Richmond International Raceway, home track to BK Racing and Gaulding. Gaulding has been competing in some form of racing since the age of three. Gaulding's rookie season in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series in 2013 started with a bang with a 2nd place finish in the inaugural Battle at the Beach on the Daytona International Speedway's back straightaway. Gaulding's impressive three year stint in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East and West included 13 top-five finishes, 25 top-tens, and three pole awards. His first pole award was here at RIR in 2013, making Gaulding the youngest driver to do so at 15 years, 2 months, and 15 days. That same year, Gaulding picked up a win at Phoenix International Raceway making him the youngest driver to win in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West at 15 years, 8 months, and 30 days. In 2014-2015, Gaulding moved up to the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series where he made 13 starts with one top-five and two top ten finishes. In 2016, Gaulding furthered his career by making starts in both the NASCAR Xfinity Series and the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. Gaulding's first race in the #23 will be the Folds of Honor QuikTrip 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway on March 5, 2017. The team will announce sponsorship for Gaulding at a later date.(BK Racing) Gaulding's first race will be Atlanta because he has not been approved by NASCAR to run at Daytona.(1-24-2017)
UPDATE: At only 18 years of age, Gaulding has achieved a lifetime goal of competing full-time in NASCAR's premier Cup Series. His first season begins this March at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Gaulding will drive BK Racing's #23 Toyota for 33 of the 36 points races on the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series schedule. Although sponsorship is slated to be announced at a later date, it is expected that Gaulding's main primary sponsor on the #23 will be Dr. Pepper. Although Gaulding's teammate Joey Gase will have the #23 and Best Home Furnishings as his primary sponsor in three races this season - Daytona in February, Kentucky in July and Bristol in August - the two drivers are really only sharing the same car number. Gaulding is expected to have the #83 at Kentucky in July and Bristol in August, and he is slated to retain his crew and points for those two races. The only race that Gaulding will miss in 2017 is the season-opening Daytona 500, as he has not received approval from NASCAR to run the race due to the requirement that he has to race a Cup race at a track that is 1.5-plus miles in length before he can compete at the 2.5-mile superspeedways of Daytona and Talladega. His two starts last season in Cup were at the half-mile short track of Martinsville and the one-mile raceway of Phoenix.(Progress-Index)(2-1-2017)
LaJoie to drive some races for BK Racing UPDATES: Corey LaJoie has signed on for a partial season with BK Racing in the Monster Energy Cup Series. LaJoie, 25, will drive #83 Toyota for a partial season. A sponsor and crew chief remains to be determined. LaJoie ran a limited schedule in the Camping World Truck and Xfinity Series over the next four seasons. His best results were 10th at Bristol Motor Speedway and sixth at Dover International Speedway while driving the #24 Toyota for James Whitener last year. LaJoie's only Cup starts came for Randy Humphrey in the HP Racing Ford in 2014.(Motorsport)(1-24-2017)
UPDATE: BK Racing announced that Corey LaJoie will compete in the #83 Toyota Camry for multiple races in the 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season. LaJoie will run his first career Daytona 500 February 26th with sponsorship from Dustless Blasting. Corey LaJoie is a third generation racer and a very well-known name in the racing world. His father, Randy LaJoie, brought home Xfinity Series Championships in 1996 and 1997. BK Racing and Dustless Blasting announced that they will be extending their association into the 2017 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season. Dustless Blasting will once again be on board the #83 Toyota for multiple races, beginning with the season-opening Daytona 500 on February 26th. This will mark the fourth consecutive year that Dustless Blasting has sponsored BK Racing.(BK Racing)(1-25-2017)
UPDATE 2:Corey LaJoie confirmed to Race Chaser Online during the Gambler's Classic at Atlantic City's Boardwalk Hall that he will drive in 14 races for BK Racing as part of his limited NASCAR schedule in 2017. "We have a 14-race schedule put together with BK Racing," LaJoie said. "I am looking forward to it. I'm excited to get to Daytona for my first Daytona 500. I appreciate those guys giving me this opportunity. We will have Dustless Blasting on the hood and hopefully we can do them a good job." LaJoie also expects to return to JGL Racing in the NASCAR XFINITY Series for a limited slate of starts this season. "I'm pretty sure we are going to have Youtheory come back on the XFINITY side this season with JGL Racing," LaJoie said. "Nothing is confirmed, as for right now, but it will probably be five to eight races. I'm looking forward to that. [JGL] has some great people over there working."(Race Chaser Online)(1-31-2017)
BK Racing unsure of plans for #83 team charter: BK Racing is still determining the fate of one of its charters a month away from the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season. Granted two charters under the business model NASCAR implemented going into 2016, a spokesperson for the team told RACER that the # 23 Toyota will use its charter "for sure" in 2017. Joey Gase will drive the car in the season-opening Daytona 500 on Feb. 26, as well as in two other races this season with backing from Best Home Furnishings. Gray Gaulding was announced Tuesday as the primary driver. Dr. Pepper will remain with the team as the sponsor. However, the charter for the #83 Toyota is still to be determined. On Wednesday, Corey LaJoie was announced to run multiple races in the #83 this season.(Racer)(1-26-2017)
BK Racing hit with $1.46 million judgement: Five days after a $1.46 million binding arbitration award was levied in a Mecklenburg County, NC case involving Ron Devine and BK Racing, Kickin' the Tires has confirmed through public documents that Devine encumbered the company's equipment, supplies and racecars in a UCC filing for a $15 million line of credit from Virginia Racer's Group, a company managed by his wife. The binding arbitration award involved Race Engines Plus (REP) and money proven to be owed by BK Racing for engines and parts provided from 2013 forward. Additionally, the award required REP to return equipment and engines to Devine's BK Racing. That arbitration ruling came on December 12, 2016. An order to that affect was signed by the Honorable Judge Richard Doughton of Cabarrus County on January 3, 2017, after the Mecklenburg County records were filed in Cabarrus County to secure the money owed.(See full article and links to documents at Kickin' the Tires)(1-10-2017)
Michael Waltrip says he will run 2017 Daytona 500: two-time Daytona 500 winner Michael Waltrip was asked if he would be racing in the Daytona 500 this year (2017) and tweeted back: "Yes! In the @AaronsInc @ToyotaRacing #Camry". No word on the team or car number but assumptions would be BK Racing as Waltrip ran their #83 Toyota in the 2016 Daytona 500, Premium Motorsports or TMG Motorsports who supposedly is changing to Toyota.(12-24-2016)
DiBenedetto to drive for Go Fas: Go Fas Racing announced that Matt DiBenedetto will pilot the #32 Go Fas Racing Ford for all 36 scheduled events in NASCAR's Premier Series during the 2017 season. DiBenedetto comes to GFR after completing two full seasons in NASCAR's Premier Series where he tallied 68 starts and a season-best finish of sixth place at Bristol Motor Speedway in Spring of 2016. "I am very excited to join Go Fas Racing for the 2017 season! We have a great group of people that I am very excited to work with this season! I am thankful for the opportunity and I look forward to representing the team and sponsors to the best of my ability!" said DiBenedetto Go Fas Racing is looking forward to the opportunity to focus on having one driver in the seat for all 36 scheduled races since its inception into the series in 2014. Can-Am/Kappa, Keen Parts, Visone RV, Really Cheap Floors and many more familiar faces will yet again don the #32 Go Fas Racing Ford.(Go Fas Racing)(12-15-2016)
DiBenedetto leaves BK Racing UPDATE: Matt DiBenedetto tweeted Thursday evening, "I've decided to go in a different direction next year. Exciting announcements coming soon. It's been a great ride @BKRacing_2383 Thank you!".(12-8-2016)
UPDATE: "I can only say so much at this time," DiBenedetto said Thursday night on SiriusXM Radio. "I've been in talks with BK, and no hard feelings. I'm appreciative of everything they've given me. ... Just kind of evaluating the team situation for next year. From my end there's a little too much unknown, so I just had to make that decision. I'm excited about what the future has to hold here still, and obviously everyone will have to stay tuned."(NASCAR.com)
AND: BK Racing confirmed DiBenedetto's departure in a statement, "Our 33rd and 34th place finishes this year did not produce the results we were hoping to achieve. I am, however, very proud of Matt DiBenedetto and his many accomplishments over the past two years. He is a wonderful driver and a special person. I am confident that Matt will go on to be a very successful NASCAR driver, and I believe it is the right time to release him so that he can pursue other opportunities. Myself and everyone at BK Racing wishes Matt all the best in his future endeavors. I am looking forward to much success for both Matt and BK Racing."(BK Racing)(12-10-2016)
BK Racing briefly locked out of race shop: Concerns over BK Racing losing their lease at their current shop location appear to be a misunderstanding and, in fact, the race team is negotiating and extended lease with BAM Property Holdings, Kickin' the Tires has confirmed. A sign posted, Wednesday evening, on the chained door of the building where BK's shop is housed read, "The Owner BAM Property Holdings has retaken possession of this property." A call to the number listed was answered by a man named "Chuck," who confirmed that BAM had taken possession of the building Wednesday evening but had returned it to the principles of BK Racing by Thursday - less than 24 hours later. "They have possession now," said Chuck. "And they are working on negotiating their lease for a longer term. So, they should be good." Reaching out to team owner Ron Devine, he did not address the sign when asked via text but stated, "We are fine and headed to Daytona."(Kickin the Tires)(12-10-2016)
Doug Fritz Named Chief Marketing Officer at BK Racing: BK Racing announced that industry veteran Doug Fritz has joined the team as Chief Marketing Officer.
Fritz assumes a wide scope of responsibilities as he spearheads and manages all aspects of the team's marketing, business development and digital content strategies. Fritz arrives at BK Racing with over 25 years of experience in the motorsports industry, including a decade of service as Sr. Director of Marketing and Business Development for NASCAR, as well as Chief Executive Officer of Iowa Speedway and President of the Richmond International Raceway. "I am very excited to join Ron Devine and BK Racing. With the recent announcements of Matt DiBenedetto returning and the signing of David Ragan, this team is positioning itself to accomplish great things in 2016 and beyond."
Fritz has also served as the Director of Corporate Administration at International Speedway Corporation (ISC). ISC is recognized as one of the leaders in the motorsports entertainment industry and parent company of 12 speedways; including Daytona International Speedway, home of the Daytona 500. Most recently, Fritz was Managing Director, Business Development and Event Operations for SP+ Gameday. Fritz is a visionary in the motorsports industry and his leadership abilities have been recognized with several prestigious awards. He was named Henrico County VA Business Leader of the Year in April 2005, one of Richmond Times-Dispatch's "Most Influential Sports People" in 2007, as well as USAC Silver Crown Promoter of the Year in 2008. He is also the author of "A Moment with a Legend" story in the 2009 Chicken Soup for the NASCAR Soul book.
"Doug has been an influential figure on the business of NASCAR for many years," said team owner Ron Devine. "He has a very broad perspective of the sport and I am confident that he'll have a positive impact as we continue on our path of forward progress." Fritz graduated from Virginia Tech in 1981 with a bachelor's degree in marketing management. He is the proud father of two and currently resides in Cornelius, NC. Fritz begins his position with BK Racing on February 1st.(BK Racing)(1-28-2016)