RCR Announces Busch Plans for 2002

Two-Driver Teams for Both RCR Busch Programs in 2002

BROOKLYN, Mich. (Aug. 18, 2001) -- Four drivers, including two brothers, will handle the driving chores for Richard Childress Racing's two NASCAR Busch Series teams in 2002.

Kevin Harvick and Johnny Sauter will be behind the wheel of the No. 2 ACDelco Chevrolet Monte Carlo while Jeff Green and Jay Sauter will compete in the No. 21 Rockwell Automation/Brant Motorsports Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Harvick and Green will also pilot RCR's No. 29 GM Goodwrench Service Plus and No. 30 America Online NASCAR Winston Cup teams, respectively.

"The plan is for the Busch program to give us a bit of an advantage on the Winston Cup side," said Richard Childress, president and CEO of Richard Childress Racing Enterprises, Inc. "We felt that it helped us everywhere we did it this year. We also really appreciate both ACDelco and Rockwell Automation working with us on the program. The downside is that we won't be competing for the championship and Johnny won't be able to compete for rookie-of-the-year but the upside is that we should be strong contenders for a win every week."

Harvick and Green will compete in the Busch races that are run in conjunction with Winston Cup events. The Sauter brothers will compete in the races that conflict with the Winston Cup schedule as well as the stand-alone races. Final details of each driver's schedule will be released at a later date.

"ACDelco is very excited to welcome Johnny (Sauter) as our newest driver to our successful NASCAR racing program," said Scott Mackie, General Manager for ACDelco. "Our focus has always been to associate ACDelco with the best people-employees, race teams and drivers to represent our brand. We believe Johnny Sauter personifies ACDelco's promise of uncompromising standards and the highest degree of dependability."

Johnny Sauter has five wins this season in the American Speed Association. He is scheduled to compete in five Busch Series races toward the end of this season in the Rockwell Automation car. Debuting at Richmond International Raceway (Sept. 7), he will also race at Memphis Motorsports Park (Oct. 13), Phoenix International Raceway (Oct. 27), North Carolina Speedway (Nov. 3) and Homestead-Miami Speedway (Nov. 10).

"We are always on the lookout for young talent, like we were when we found Kevin (Harvick). Johnny Sauter is a talented young driver who has won a bunch of races this year in the ASA Series. We're also appreciative to Rockwell Automation for giving Johnny the chance to run five races in their car this season to get a head-start on next year."

When asked about racing against his brother, Johnny Sauter said, "We've talked about it a little bit. My main goal is to follow and learn from him and, when the time is right, make the move and do what I have to do."

This will be Jay Sauter's second stint with RCR. He drove the No. 3 GM Goodwrench Chevrolet Silverado for three seasons (1997-99) in the NASCAR Truck Series, earning four victories. In his second full season of Busch competition this year, he has one top-five and five top-10 finishes.

"We are very excited to have both Jeff and Jay sharing driving duties in the Rockwell Automation Chevrolet next year," said Ryan Kurek, NASCAR/Sports Marketing Manager for Rockwell Automation. "Richard presented us this option a few weeks ago and explained in detail his approach for 2002. Our company and Richard Childress Racing will certainly benefit from this unique two-driver format which may be the strongest pair of drivers in one car to ever make a run for the owner's championship. Both have proven themselves successful on the track and we are confident that they will represent Rockwell Automation to the highest degree."

"We're glad to have Jay back at RCR," said Childress. "He did a super job for us in the Truck Series a couple of years back. He's got a lot of talent and that's a big reason why we're bringing him back. We know that he can win races in the Rockwell Automation car."

"It's about getting yourself in a good position to do your job," said Jay Sauter on his return to RCR. "They have good equipment, good sponsors and good people. They've got a lot of resources and it's just a good place for me to go. I have a good relationship with Richard and I look forward to continuing it."