Cicci-Welliver Racing and McLaughlin to Part Ways at End of Season

HARRISBURG, NC - The longest running team owner-driver combination in the NASCAR Busch Series will come to an end following the 1999 racing season. Cicci-Welliver Racing and Mike McLaughlin, driver of the Goulds Pumps Chevrolet, will close out their six-year relationship at the Homestead Motorsports Complex on November 13th.

Frank Cicci, co-owner of Cicci-Welliver Racing, along with Scott Welliver, made the announcement this morning from his home in Elmira, NY.

"Scott and I think the world of Mike and wish him the best of luck in the future," Cicci said. "We accomplished a lot together, but the time has come for a change for the both of us. We will always consider Mike a special person and a great friend."

During his six years driving the #34 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, McLaughlin has started 159 NASCAR Busch Series races. Included in those 159 starts are 5 wins, 39 top-five finishes, 66 top-ten finishes and 5 pole positions. McLaughlin also recorded two third place finishes in the NASCAR Busch Series Point Standings in 1995 and 1998.

Cicci-Welliver Racing is the second oldest team in the NASCAR Busch Series having entered every NASCAR Busch Series race since 1988 under the same ownership.. The team, presently a 3-car operation with Todd Bodine, Tim Fedewa and McLaughlin, has entered every NASCAR Busch Series race since 1988.

Cicci-Welliver Racing will begin a search for McLaughlin's replacement immediately.

McLaughlin is presently exploring his options for the 2000 season.