Mihael Ritch to Run Five Winston Cup Races in 2000

Davis & Weight Motorsports fielder of the #55 Busch Grand National Florida Gators entry with driver Michael Ritch plans to bring back the #81 Ford Taurus for the upcoming 2000 season.

Concord, NC (December 2, 1999) Davis & Weight Motorsports has announced their plans to run the #81 Ford Taurus in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series for the year 2000. The team purchased the assets of the #81 Filmar Racing back in August. The addition of the five Cup races confirms the team's efforts to take their place in NASCAR for today and for the future. The team is still seeking sponsorship but has not cut back their plans for next season.

"I'm excited about driving the #55 Davis & Weight Busch car and bringing back the #81," said Ritch, a 2000 BGN Rookie candidate. "Davis & Weight Motorsports is building a first rate Busch and Winston Cup program and we will be competitive. This is a great opportunity to let our presence be known."

Ritch is one of the most successful Hooter's Pro Cup Series contenders who has ten top five finishes and three wins in that series this season. Michael also competed in the NASCAR Busch Series since 1992 on a very limited basis with one top ten finish and four top twenty finishes.

"We are excited to enter the Winston Cup ranks," said Jerry Davis, owner of Davis & Weight Motorsports.