The Buzz: Jan. 2, 2002

January 2, 2002
9:52 PM EST (0252 GMT)

Word is that Robert Yates Racing will have a Busch Series team in 2002. Rumor has it that it will be a Ford, just like the team's two cars in Winston Cup.

Word is that Ford will have a major role in the development of the team. As far as a driver goes, talk has USAC driver Kasey Kahne behind the wheel. Kahne was supposed to go IRL racing, but will instead concentrate his efforts in NASCAR.

He will join Casey Mears, another open-wheel racer, who has made the move to the full-bodied cars for 2002 in the Busch Series. Mears will be driving the No. 66 for Welliver-Jesel Motorsports.

EXTRA COLLECTABLE

Just as the 2002 NASCAR season gets ready to roll, so does the collectible business with new or special paint schemes.

Look for Dale Earnhardt Jr. to get the jump on everyone with his cars that will be used for testing at Daytona in January. The all primer-red Chevrolets will have no decals or sponsorship on them. The only decal will be his No. 8 with a letter to differentiate one car from the other one.

The die-cast collectible will be released with the less-than-shiny red color on it just like the test cars.

MORE INCENTIVE

If being the reigning Winston Cup champion isn't enough incentive to come out of the box and do well in the Daytona 500, how about having the CEO of your sponsor as the grand marshal?

That's what Jeff Gordon will have on his plate when Chad Holliday, the CEO of Dupont, waves the green flag for the Daytona 500 in February.

Dupont Automotive Finishes has been with Gordon since his rookie year in 1993 and is celebrating its 200th year in business.