September 2007
Erase All Doubts
This issue focuses on three young drivers who are dropping the green flag on the next stage of their careers. If you thought any of these drivers weren’t ever going to live up to the hype that often surrounded them, erase those doubts.
For Martin Truex Jr., his first win at Dover International Speedway – which occurred a brief three weeks after Dale Earnhardt Jr. announced he was leaving DEI – lifted him to the level of Chase maker and potential champion. Not only did the two-time Busch Series champion earn a win, but he’s now scoring top fives regularly. Monte Dutton looks at Truex, the new face of DEI, in “Unrestricted.”
Jamie McMurray won his first Cup race in his second start – way back in 2002 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway when he was subbing for injured Sterling Marlin -- and he’s struggled through a five-year drought. His dramatic win at the Pepsi 400 in Daytona gave notice that he’s ready to run upfront and win once again. In “Rejuvenated”, Deb Williams presents an in-depth look at McMurray.
Kyle Busch, who has taken on the role of bad boy that older brother Kurt has outgrown, is embarking on a new stage of his career with a new owner soon. At press time, Busch had not announced his destination for 2008, but he’s a talent who will run well wherever he lands. Ken Willis reviews some of Busch’s more controversial words and deeds this spring and summer in a story that could only be titled “Lightning Rod.”
I’m sure you’ve noticed that Jeff Green has been doing very well lately in the Best Buy car. He, too, is in a new stage in his career, now that he’s paired again with crew chief Harold Holly. The two won the Busch Series championship together in 2000 and now that they’re working side by side again we’re going to see more good results. Don’t miss Rick Houston’s “Together Again.”
Busch Series driver Marcos Ambrose hails from Australia where he was a champion in the 2003 and 2004 V8 Supercar Series. Lewis Franck explores why his move to America to drive in the Craftsman Truck Series and now Busch wasn’t a risk in “No Worries.” Ambrose, like the other drivers in this issue, is on a new, exciting career path.
If you enjoy tobacco products, I hope you’ll take the time to read Thomas Pope’s story “Quitter,” which focuses on the triumph of Rocky Ryan, Jeff Burton’s spotter. Ryan smoked his first cigarette at age 9 and by last year was up to a pack-and-a-half on race days. With the help of the Nicorette patch and a Quit2Win support group, Ryan broke his habit. He’s so proud to be a quitter that he gives talks at the Nicorette tent at selected race tracks.
At Racing Milestones, we’re always looking for better ways to bring you all the action and personalities in the world’s fastest growing sport. Next month, look for a bigger, better magazine. For this launch, writer Box Zeller scored an exclusive interview with Richard Petty. You don’t want to miss this one – on Auto Trader racks nationwide the first week in September.
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