NASCAR Nationwide Series
veteran Morgan Shepherd will drive a Dodge Challenger with horsepower from
Penske Racing in the season-opening Drive4COPD 300 at Daytona International
Speedway.
A statement on the 71-year
old driver’s website explained the decision, saying, “in a search for an engine
for Daytona, Dodge was the only one (we) could find at this point.” Dodge withdrew
its factory support from NASCAR at the end of last season, and Penske Racing
reportedly liquidated its inventory of used Sprint Cup and Nationwide cars and
engines after converting to Ford power for 2013.
Shepherd said his schedule
after Daytona is in serious doubt, due to the lack of sponsorship.
“Morgan Shepherd Racing
Ventures is actively seeking sponsorship for the February Daytona race, as well
as the rest of the 2013 season,” he said. “Without it, MSRV's future is dim. If
you would like to showcase your company, MSRV can do just that. At the age of
71, Morgan Shepherd can still wheel a car and race with the young guns.”
Morgan Shepherd is the classic example of staying to long in a sport. He hasn't been competitive since the early/mid 90's and only has 19 wins in 43 years of NASCAR racing. At age 71 I think it's time to hang up the Hans device for good.
ReplyDeleteRemember that when you get a few years in and someone walks up to kick you out of what you love doing.
DeleteShepherd is s fine example of what a true racer is. It doesn't matter how old you are, it's the fire that burns within you. He does it because he absolutely loves to race, not because he thinks he has a chance to win. If you have never been passionate about something, then you don't know what this man feels. God Bless Morgan. I pray he finds the sponsorship to keep going.
ReplyDeleteAs long as he can make the race who cares. Let him do his thing
ReplyDeleteMorgan Shepherd is a quality driver and can still hustle a car around if he has the funding. I am sure if he can get some support, he will be able to drive with the best.
ReplyDeleteAlso, the last few years, he got a lot of support from RCR, did that go away ?
I believe Dodge should sponsor him so us Dodge fans have SOMETHING to cheer about. Even if he does not drive every race, they can put someone else in the car. It is great to see Morgan still racing, and I will be just as interesting in the NW series as the SC and trucks this year because there will be a few Dodge's around. Moody, we should be able to log in on FB as wel. Waaa Waaa Waaa
ReplyDeleteJeepboy
It would sure be a shame if Morgan is sidelined due to lack of funding rather than just driving beyond his time. He's timeless.
ReplyDelete