Foyt finally confirms Larry, Dodge, Harrah's etc.

After a trying off-season that saw behind the scenes shakeups at AJ Foyt Racing right up until last Monday, the racing legend formerly announced his 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup plans at Daytona on Tuesday.

The 2003 Raybestos Rookie of the Year title chase officially gained another contender on Tuesday when AJ Foyt finally confirmed his upcoming NASCAR Winston Cup plans.

Gone are driver Mike Wallace, former chassis Pontiac, crew chief Mike Hillman, Foyt's engine program and sponsors Conseco. In come Foyt's son Larry, a new Dodge Intrepid, former Busch Series crew chief Butch Lamoreux, engines from Ray Evernham and Harrah's Entertainment. Phew

Gone also were the plans to run two cars this year (Larry was originally intending to run his own team as a satellite squad using the #50 plate), a situation made academic when Conseco filed for bankruptcy recently but while the new driver, sponsor and chassis manufacturer were all expected, there were a couple of obligatory last minute hiccups for Foyt's embattled stock car arm.

Mike Hillman, who was the teams crew chief for the majority of 2002, announced his departure on the eve of the team's 2003 launch and Foyt was quick to snap up former crew-chief at the small but successful Lewis Motorsports Busch Series stable, Butch Lamoreux. The team also scored a major coup by getting an engine deal with Ray Evernham, who effectively runs Dodge's factory NWC outfit.

Larry, who has run his own Busch Series operation with Harrah's backing for the last two years, testing his new #14 Dodge Intrepid at Daytona on Tuesday, finishing 19th fastest of 26 drivers to turn laps. Harrah's have also been associated with Foyt's IRL IndyCar teams since 1997 when it first entered the sport as a sponsor.

"We're thrilled to return the Foyt name to the ranks of NASCAR Winston Cup drivers and, in so doing, introduce the Harrah's brand to the millions of enthusiastic racing fans who enjoy casino gaming," said Gary Loveman, Harrah's president and chief executive officer. "This sponsorship is the next step in a winning tradition that brings together two of the biggest names in racing and gaming: Foyt and Harrah's."

"Going from running my own team in Busch to driving for my father in Winston Cup is a huge step for me," said Larry Foyt. "There's no question this year will be a challenge, but the lessons I learned last year will be a huge help, as will the continuing support of Harrah's."

Last year, Foyt qualified in the top-10 three times, with two starts in the top-five. His career best finish of eighth came at Talladega Superspeedway in the spring. In his rookie Busch season, his best start was fifth at Michigan and his best finish was 12th at Talladega.

"Larry has grown up around racing, and he knows it can be a tough business, especially at this level," said A.J. Foyt. "He has all the skills he needs to succeed, and he'll gain more experience with every race. He's got a tremendous will to win, and I think he's going to surprise a lot of people with his consistency."