Travis Kvapil.

Tina Gordon

Personal info

Date of Birth:	June 11, 1976
Hometown:	Tulare, CA
Residence:	Kernersville, NC
Weight:	170 lbs.
Height:	5' 11"
Spouse:	Jocelyn
Pet(s)	Solo (Bull Mastiff)

GM Goodwrench, a division of General Motors Service Parts Operations (GMSPO), announced today its return to the NASCAR Truck Series through 2005. As the primary sponsor of a Kevin Harvick, Inc. owned #6 Chevrolet Silverado driven by NASCAR Touring Champion Matt Crafton. When it came to picking a driver to compete full time on the circuit, Harvick didn't have to look far. He competed against Matt Crafton on the West Coast and knew of the Tulare, Calif., native's potential. Crafton has been following the same path of his new truck owner, with a 2000 Featherlite Southwest Tour Series championship already under his belt. His first appearance on the Truck Series circuit came in 2000, and since then he's posted 29 top-10 finishes in 71 starts with two teams, including a career-best 12th place finish in the points standings in 2001. "This is the most excited I've been about anything," exclaims Crafton, currently 11th in the 2003 Truck Series standings with the No. 88 Menards Chevrolet Silverado owned by Duke Thorson. "I can tell you right now this is the biggest and best step I've taken in my racing career. I know we can go out and win races. GM Goodwrench as a sponsor is unreal. They've been so successful with all they've done in racing. I just hope I can continue that trend."
"We looked long and hard to find a person that would most benefit the opportunity and our operation" adds Harvick. "Matt was the most ambitious. He wanted the job more than anyone else did. We didn't feel he was showing his full potential where he was. Matt's got a ton of talent and I've been impressed with how he handles himself. I think he'll be a great addition to our program and will bring a lot to the table."

Ohio-based #88/#98 ThorSport Racing, formerly Sealmaster Racing, intends on running two full-time NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series teams in 2004. Tina Gordon will drive a ThorSport Racing Chevrolet with sponsor support from Microtel, 3M, Sticks 'n' Stuff along with a women's apparel company. Gordon will team up with veteran Crew Chief Jerry Cook. All of Gordon's 11 truck series starts were in 2003, with a career-high finish of 13th at Nashville Superspeedway

NASCAR veteran Steve Park has joined Orleans Racing as the full-time driver of the #62 Dodge in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, team officials announced Jan. 9. Park replaces Brendan Gaughan, who will drive full time in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series for Penske-Jasper Racing. “The success of this team is dependent upon the success of each individual from mechanics to drivers,” said team owner Michael Gaughan. “We have assembled a talented group over the years, and we think Steve is a perfect fit for this championship-level team. He has proven he can win races, and we expect he will win races for us this year.” Park, a native of East Northport, N.Y., most recently competed for Richard Childress Racing in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series. In 2003, he earned three top-10 finishes, one top-five finish and two pole positions. In his seven-year career in NASCAR's premier series, Park started 181 races, earning two wins (Watkins Glen 2000; Rockingham 2001) and four poles. He also scored 12 top-five and 35 top-10 finishes. “It is my privilege to drive for Orleans Racing and Dodge,” Park said. “I enjoy the Craftsman Truck Series. It is one of the most competitive forms of racing. This team is certainly one of the most competitive in the sport, and I look forward to challenging for the championship this year.” Park, 36, has three starts in the Craftsman Truck Series. He earned the pole at Watkins Glen in 1996 and competed at Indianapolis Raceway Park that year and Phoenix the following year. He will test Jan. 10-12 at Daytona International Speedway and will make his racing debut with the team Feb. 13 in the Florida Dodge Dealers 250 at Daytona.
Orleans Racing also will run a limited schedule with the #61 Dodge in the Craftsman Truck Series. A driver announcement will be made in the near future. The team will continue to field the #08 Dodge in the NASCAR Grand National Division, West Series with reigning series champion Scott Lynch behind the wheel.
Team founder Gaughan, who also is the chairman of the board for Coast Resorts in Las Vegas, remains the primary owner of the Las Vegas-based team but has restructured much of the management. “We also are pleased to announce new additions which will make the team even stronger as they race for the championship,” Gaughan said. “Agnes Ferretti is now the managing general partner for Orleans Racing. She has a great deal of experience and enthusiasm. As I spend more time focusing on Coast Casinos, Agnes will take an active role in running the team. David Pepper is the new team manager. He brings extensive motorsports experience and will manage the day-to-day operations of the team. The only missing component is a crew chief, and we are actively searching for someone who will reach the standard set in the past.” Born in the Philippines, Ferretti becomes the first minority female owner in NASCAR’s 55-year existence. Pepper joins Orleans Racing after five years as director of marking for Bobby Hamilton Racing. He also has experience in the NASCAR Busch Series handling public relations for Brewco Motorsports. A native of Owensboro, Ky., Pepper is a graduate of Western Kentucky University and recently relocated to Las Vegas