Charlotte, NC - Mike Shepard will be behind the wheel of the No. 399 The Outlaw Chevrolet this weekend at Texas Motor Speedway. In an effort to evaluate performance, Riney Enterprises has enlisted the help of one of Will Riney's Busch Series teammates.
"After reviewing the progress of our team through the first 33 races of the season, we felt like the assessment of a different driver could only help the development of our team," said Will Riney. "I've watched Mike's input have a very positive impact on Mike12 Racing in the Busch Series and I value and respect his opinion."
Mike is currently running in the Busch Series, where he has 1 win and 7 top 10's in 32 races. He currently sits in 13th place in the season standings. Mike was not available for a comment, but his website had this quote posted on it: "Thank you for this great opportunity to get into a quality ride!!"
Just last week Riney Enterprises received bad news from primary sponsor The Outlaw. The company reported lower than predicted earnings the last 2 quarters and is now eliminating its sponsorship in NASCAR for 2007. "With our progam in a state of flux for 2007, we thought this could only help us in our search for a primary sponsor." Said Riney
It is not clear whether Will Riney will be back in the car at Phoenix or if Mike Shepard will be behind the wheel, however Mike does bring with him associate sponsorship from Walt Disney Resorts and Hotels.
An awesome run by Mike this weekend earned him an 11th place finish in his Cup debut. Sadly though, a prior commitment to run in an ALMS (American Le Mans Series) race will keep him from behind the wheel this week at Phoenix.
Look for an announcement on Wednesday on this week's driver.
Charlotte, NC - Riney Enterprises will again call on one of their Busch Series teammates to get behind the wheel of the No. 399 The Outlaw Chevrolet. Tyler Bevering will make his Cup Series debut at Phoenix International Raceway this weekend. Tyler is currently running the Busch Series and sits 14th in Series points. He has 3 top 5's and 6 top 10's in 33 career Busch Races and finished 11th in the Busch race at Phoenix earlier this season.
Last week Mike Shepard drove the #399 The Outlaw/Disney Resorts and Hotels Chevrolet to an impressive 11th place finish in his Cup Series debut. It capped of a nice weekend which started with a 3rd place finish in the Busch Series race. Sadly, prior committments will keep Mike from returning behind the wheel of the #399 car this season.
Two potential primary sponsors for Riney Enterprises will be at the races this weekend. A good run this week could lead to one of them signing on.
Good luck!! Always nice to see new racers given an opportunity.
