Amalgamation keeps Todd on track.

A collaboration between Travis Carter and Sam Belnavis has resulted in the formation of BelCar Racing and a full-season of Winston Cup action for New York's Todd Bodine.

Belnavis recently disbanded his BH Motorsports partnership with Tinsley Hughes and took his Army National Guard sponsorship package to sponsorless team owner Travis Carter.

Although Carter's team will prepare the cars and his previous driver will drive it appears as though the team will use the #54 plate brought from BH Motorsports and not Carter's #26. This puts the pressure on Bodine right from the start as the #54 finished much lower than the #26 in the 2002 Owner's standings and correspondingly, has no Provisionals available to it.

With Belnavis as the team's majority shareholder, BelCar Racing becomes the first Minority Owned Winston Cup team to attempt a full schedule in the series' 55-year history

"Our involvement in racing is focused on enhancing the diversity effort in NASCAR as well as increasing the recruitment efforts and retention rates of our primary advertiser, the Army National Guard," said Belnavis, chairman of BelCar Racing. "The Army National Guard, along with our driver, Todd Bodine and the resources that Travis Carter brings with him, are helping us lay the groundwork for a successful future in Winston Cup racing.

"I'm committed," he added. "My background in sports marketing and motorsports has given me an understanding of what it takes to be a championship caliber organization. It takes a lot of hard work, the proper resources and dedication. That's what BelCar Racing is all about."

"Sam and I have a lot in common as we are both eager for success," remarked Carter. "With our combined resources, I know we'll achieve the goals set for BelCar Racing in 2003."

In preparations for the upcoming season, the No. 54 Army National Guard team will conduct test sessions at the Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway and North Carolina Speedway. The track time has Bodine excited to get back to work.

"I couldn't have asked for a better opportunity," said Bodine. "I have driven for Travis for the last two years and know he has the equipment already in place to be competitive. Sam brings a new and valuable perspective to this team and I am looking forward to driving for BelCar Racing. The timing of this announcement is perfect. It gives us every opportunity to test and prepare for this season which will get us in better position to win."

BelCar Racing will operate out of the Travis Carter Enterprises complex.