Team press release:
Harry Scott, Jr. has come to a definitive agreement with James Finch to
purchase Phoenix Racing. Scott will formally take over control of the team as
its owner on September 10, 2013 with Justin Allgaier behind the wheel of the No.
51 Chevrolet in time for the Geico 400 at Chicagoland Speedway.
"This is a very proud day for me as I will have the opportunity to compete
against the best teams in motorsports in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series as the
owner of Phoenix Racing," said Scott. "I am going to build a championship
contender with hard work, the right people and the right partners. This team has
a great foundation thanks to the efforts of James Finch. There is a lot to build
upon and I am looking forward to getting started."
Scott's role as a co-owner in Turner Scott Motorsports (TSM) is unchanged
and he will continue to take an active role in that team on and off the track.
"I owe a lot of gratitude to Steve Turner for bringing me into the sport as an
owner. My experience at TSM will continue to serve me well in this next step,"
said Scott.
Driver Justin Allgaier is making the move with Scott from TSM to Phoenix
Racing and will be the team's driver in the No. 51 Chevrolet for its debut at
Chicagoland Speedway on September 15 and two additional races this year.
Allgaier, who is currently 5th in points in the NASCAR Nationwide Series (NNS),
will continue his pursuit of a championship in that series for TSM.
"I'm thrilled for the opportunity and grateful to Mr. Scott that he's asked
me to drive for him in the No. 51. Chevrolet. I love competing in the NASCAR
Nationwide Series but I must admit that making my debut in the NASCAR Sprint Cup
Series will be a special day for me," said Allgaier.
Scott has signed a deal with BRANDT to be the primary sponsor of the No. 51
for three NSCS races this season. BRANDT, which also sponsors Allgaier in the
NNS for Turner Scott Motorsports, will be the primary sponsor of the No. 51 at
Chicagoland, Charlotte Motor Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway. Allgaier will
be the driver for each of those races.
"We are celebrating the company's 60th Anniversary and so this move to the
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series is made even more special because we are debuting at
our home track at Chicagoland," said Brandt CEO Rick Brandt.
Phoenix Racing, which was established in 1989, has one win, four Top Fives
and 15 Top 20 finishes. The one win was the memorable 2009 victory at
Talladega's Aaron's 499 with Brad Keselowski behind the wheel.
Scott has committed to keeping the Phoenix Racing team intact for the
remainder of the season. Allgaier's crew chief will be Nick Harrison. Harrison
is a third year crew chief and has worked with several drivers including Kurt
Busch, Landon Cassill and A.J. Allmendinger. Phoenix Racing's general manager,
Steve Barkdoll, will continue in his role after Scott takes over.
The team will continue its relationships and alliances with Chevrolet,
Hendrick Motorsports and Earnhardt Ganassi Racing.
Scott is working with NASCAR for final approval.
