August 9, 2008 - - - Tucker Motorsports Attends Friendship Speedway in Elkin, NC
This weekend, Noel Tucker and the Tucker Motorsports team competed in the Fastrak Crate Late Models at Friendship Speedway.
A disappointing qualifying effort would put the team starting the feature event in the 11th spot. After qualifying, the crew worked on the South Main Service Center #00 Rocket Chassis and their hard work paid off. During the 30 lap feature event they were able to make a charge through the field all the way to the 2nd spot as the checkered flag flew.
Complete results can be found at www.friendshipracing.com.
August 2, 2008 - - - Team Travels to Wythe Raceway for Carolina Clash and Fastrak Events
Wythe Raceway hosted the Carolina Clash this weekend paying $4,000 to the winner of the Super Late Models. The Tucker Motorsports Team attended the event running both the Super and Crate Late Model divisions.
In the Fastrak Crate Late Model event the Noel Tucker and the #00 team qualified to start the race in the 7th position. During the feature event they were only able to gain one position and finished in the 6th spot.
The Carolina Clash race began and completed two laps before the rain came causing the event to be cancelled for the night.
July 19, 2008 - - - #00 Team Earns 7th Feature Win Of 2008 Season
Friendship Speedway held a special event for the Crate Late Models paying $1,500 to win and a $100 bonus for the top qualifier.
The #00 team put up a qualifying time of 17.411 seconds earning them the pole position and the $100 bonus. After jumping to an early lead in the feature, Tucker led all 30 laps to bring home his 6th win in 8 starts at Friendship Speedway and his 7th win of the 2008 season.
The team will not be racing next weekend as they take some much needed time off. They plan to return to action on August 2nd.
July 12, 2008 - - - Tucker Motorsports - Back On Track
After struggling for the past couple of weeks, the Tucker Motorsports Team returned to their winning ways in the Crate Late Model division. Noel Tucker and team put the #00 J&J Rocket on the pole where they then led every lap to post their 5th win of the season at Friendship Speedway in Elkin, NC.
This weekend also featured the return of the Carolina Clash racing series where 39 Super Late Model teams attempted to make the 24-car field. Noel Tucker and the team made a strong qualifying effort and locked their South Main Service Center #00 car into the 2nd starting position for the main event.
After falling victim to a flat tire early in the race, Tucker would have to restart in the back of the field where he would then work his way back to a 12th place finish.
July 4th, 2008 - - - Thursday Night Racing To Celebrate July 4th Holiday
The special Thursday night event held at Friendship Speedway to celebrate the 4th of July resulted in a better night for the Tucker Motorsports Team.
Qualifying for the Fastrak Crate Late Model event would put the #00 Aunt Bea's BBQ machine in the 4th starting spot. After trying to run the high-side for several laps in an attempt to go to the front, Tucker realized that was not the place to be and moved down to run the bottom of the track. He would then make a charge from the 6th position to come back and post a strong top 3 finish at the checkered flag.
June 29, 2008 - - - Night Goes From Bad To Worse
This weekend the track conditions at Friendship Speedway were anything but racey as car after car struggled on this night, due to excessively wet track conditions.
The #00 team fought an ill handling racecar in qualifying resulting in a 7th place starting spot for the feature event. Things went from bad to worse for the team when, on lap 6, the car broke a yoke on the transmission ending their effort for the night.
Congratulations to Robbie Stevens on his first Friendship win of the 2008 season.
June 22, 2008 - - - Tucker Motorsports Makes It Five Wins In Their Last Five Starts In Crate Late Model Action
Noel Tucker and the Tucker Motorsports Team found their way to victory lane in the Fastrak Crate Late Model Division at Friendship Speedway in Elkin, NC. Qualifying would put the Aunt Bea's BBQ, Stevens Maintenance, South Main Service Center #00 Rocket in the 2nd starting spot alongside polesitter Chris Cheek. Tucker took the lead early in the race battling a hard charging Robbie Stevens lap after lap. In the end, the team would take down their fourth victory in as many starts at Friendship.
"That was a lot of fun!" said Tucker after the race. "I really enjoyed all of the close racing with Robbie (Stevens). He pulled up on the inside of me for several laps. My car just wouldn't stay on the bottom, so I had to run the highside and he was running real good on the bottom. It was just hard, clean racing. That's what I like."
The team planned to run the Super Late Model event and qualified their car in the 5th starting position for the feature event. However on the start, the car developed a problem with the oil pressure gauge and they collectively decided not to take any chances and pulled in to avoid any damage to the engine.
"I've got a great team." commented Tucker. "I just can't thank them enough. It's just a big group effort with Josh Collins, Craig Hawks, Alan Hicks, Arvil Stanley and Mike Holder. These guys work really hard on the cars all week putting in lots of hours and I can always count on them at the track. I couldn't do it without them."
Full race results are available at www.friendshipracing.com
June 9, 2008 - - - Another Successful Week for Tucker Motorsports
This week the team traveled to 311 Speedway in Pine Hall, NC to, once again, pull double duty running both the Crate Late Model and Twin 25 Super Late Model races.
In qualifying for the first 25 lap Super Late Model feature event, Noel Tucker would put the car in the 6th starting position. From there, he would charge toward the front and make it up to the 2nd position at the checkered flag. After a re-draw for starting position, Tucker would start 3rd in the second 25 lap main event. At the drop of the green, he would bolt into the 2nd position riding there until, late in the race, his car jumped the cushion causing him to fall back one position. He would remain there and come home with a 3rd place finish.
In the Crate Late Model event, the team would once again, come out in full force. After finishing second in his heat race he would be put in the 4th starting spot for the feature. A hard charging Tucker would make his way to the front where, on lap 12, he would move to the high side to take the lead and never look back, capturing his fourth consecutive Fastrak victory.
June 2, 2008 - - - Tucker Takes Another Win At Friendship
In the GM Direct Automotive Crate Late Model event, Noel Tucker was back on the throttle early once again as he would claim quick time in Fastrak Pole Qualifying. Tucker in his Granite City Auto, Aunt Bea's BBQ, Stevens Maintance, South Main Service Center, J&J Race Cars Rocket would roll into the Neighbors/100.9 WIFM Victory Lane to make his runs at Friendship Motor Speedway now three wins out of three starts.
For complete results, visit www.friendshipracing.com
May 26, 2008 - - - Tucker Motorsports Takes 1st and 2nd Competing in Memorial Day Weekend Events
During this Memorial Day weekend, Noel Tucker and the #00 team prepared for a busy race weekend.
They traveled to The Dirt Track at Lowes Motor Speedway in Concord, NC on Friday, for their Fastrak Series event paying $2,000 to win. Forty cars were in attendance competing for one of the 24 starting spots to make it into the feature event. Drawing put the team starting in the 10th and final spot in their heat race and they were unable to make it up to 5th in order to advance to the main.
On Saturday, however, their luck turned around as they traveled to Elkin, NC for Friendship Motor Speedway's Fastrak Crate Late Model race and special Super Late Model event.
Qualifying in the crate late model with a 17.930 would put Tucker and the Stevens Maintenance, South Main Service Center, Aunt Bea's BBQ machine starting in the top spot for the Fastrak feature event. Tucker led each of the 20 laps to claim his second win in as many tries at Friendship.
During super late model qualifying, Tucker went a 16.074 in his Granite City Auto, J&J Rocket. This would put him on the outside pole alongside Chris Meadows of Beckley, WV who qualified a 15.953 for the 35 lap event paying $2,000 to the winner. Due to excessive cautions and time restraints during the super late model feature event, the race was cut from the originally scheduled 35 laps to only 20 laps where, at that point, Tucker would finish in the 2nd spot.
"It seemed like we'd go 2 laps and there would be another caution. It's tough to get into a rhythm when it's like that. Chris (Meadows) is a great racer and I always enjoy running with him. I would've liked to run the whole 35 laps to see if we could've given him a run for the money and made it a little more exciting for the fans." Tucker said. "But, I know Phil Hall and Denny Wood are giving it all they've got and one of their main objectives it to get the fans out at a decent hour. Tonight, that just worked to our disadvantage but I understand their reason for doing it. I've been real happy with both cars tonight. They were both nearly perfect and, all in all, we had a great night."
As of now, the team is still undecided on their plans for next weekend. Check out the "Tour" page of www.noeltucker.com later in the week for updated information.
May 12, 2008 - - - The Tucker Motorsports Team traveled to 311 Speedway in Pine Hall, NC to pull double duty in their Twin 25 Carolina Super Series and Fastrak Crate Late Model races.
After winning the first heat in the crate car the #00 started on the pole for the feature race, finally settling for a strong 2nd place finish.
Qualifying for the Twin 25's put the team starting 8th for the first feature where they would only gain one position overall to come in 7th. After starting 7th in the second of the Twin 25's Tucker battled inside the top five for the entire race.
At the end of the night Tucker commented, "It's a lot of work running three features in one night even if everything goes smooth with the cars. Tonight though, we experienced some battery issues that caused problems with the super car and we struggled with that in both features. But, thanks to my great crew, they kept me going and never gave up. The crate car ran good and we are happy with its performance. I just can't say enough about the crews effort keeping two cars prepared throughout the night. Taking both cars creates a whole lot of work on their part and driving both keeps me pretty busy too, but we really have a lot of fun doing it whenever we get the chance."
Next weekend, the team will attend the Carolina Clash event scheduled for Wythe Raceway in Rural Retreat, Virginia. More information can be found by visiting www.carolinaclash.com as well as www.wytheraceway.com.
May 4, 2008 - - - Noel Tucker Wins Opening Night at Friendship Motor Speedway
In front of a standing room only crowd, Noel Tucker sat on pole with quick time. Tucker took the lead on the opening lap and led all 35 laps to win the first "Direct Automotive Crate Late Model Feature" since going back to dirt.
After the race, Tucker commented that he wanted to thank all his sponsors, J&J Race Cars, Aunt Bea's BBQ, South Main Service Center, Steven's Maintenance, Granite City Auto, his crew, and all his devoted fans for coming out to support him on opening night. He also dedicated this win to his crew chief, Josh Collins, wife Bethany and their new son, Hudson.
April 30, 2008 - - - Noel Tucker Motorsports is pleased to announce the arrival of our newest crew member!
Hudson Ray was born to Josh & Beth Collins on April 29th, 2008. He weighed in at 7 pounds and 9 ounces and measured 19 3/4 inches long. Both Mom and Hudson are doing well and Dad was there to support them every step of the way!
Congratulations to the new parents!!! We look forward to having Hudson's input and expertise at many races in the future.
April 27, 2008 - - - Once again, rain in the area caused yet another round of race cancellations in the Carolina's. The Fastrak Crate Late Models at Friendship Speedway in Elkin, NC were able to get in their practice session. Then, half-way through qualifying, rain set in and the event was postponed.
April 25, 2008 - - - On Tuesday, April 22nd, the Tucker Motorsports team attended the open practice held at Friendship Speedway in Elkin, NC. This Saturday they will travel back to Friendship as the track, which only recently returned to a dirt surface, holds their season opener with the Fastrak Crate Late Models paying $2,000 to win.
"Well, it looks like we've got another Saturday with rain in the forecast. We just really hope to sneak this one in before Mother Nature strikes again," said Noel Tucker, driver of the #00 J&J Rocket. "Friendship's got some of the best facilities of all the tracks we run. It's a great place for fans to see lots of action and I've got a feeling there will be plenty of action for them this weekend. Those double-file restarts in the Crate division are going to add a lot to the excitement and I know the fans and racers are already excited just to see the racing surface returned to dirt. Our team is really glad to have Phil Hall & Denny Wood doing this and we wish them the best of luck."
If you need any additional information, you may visit the tracks website at www.friendshipmotorspeedway.net.
April 10, 2008 - - - So far during the 2008 season, Mother Nature has not been very cooperative on race days. With several rain outs, the #00 team hopes the rain holds off this upcoming weekend as they plan on two night of racing action. Friday night, Carolina Speedway located in Gastonia, NC will be holding Round 1 of their "Six Pack Series," paying $2,000 to win. Then, on Saturday the team plans on pulling double-duty and entering their Super and Crate cars in the night's action at 311 Speedway in Pine Hall, NC. The Super Late Model event will be Twin 25's each paying $2,500 to win.
To get more info, visit www.carolinaspeedway.net and www.new311speedway.com
March 30, 2008 - - - This weekend, Noel Tucker and the #00 team attended both the Carolina Super Series and the Fastrack Racing Series events held at 311 Speedway in Pine Hall, NC.
Qualifying in the Carolina Super Series resulted in the team starting in the 7th position for the first of two Twin 25 events, each paying $2,500 to win. They finished 6th in both 25 lap segments of the Super Late Model feature events.
Their Fastrack Series qualifying attempt was a bit disappointing for the team. However, after starting 4th in the last of three heat races, Tucker quickly found his way to the front and lead the field to the white flag. With one lap to go the driveshaft in the #00 car broke, ending their effort to make the field for the feature event.
Tucker commented on the night saying, "Well, it's just going to take a few races to learn this new Rocket we got over the winter to run in Supers. The steering is a lot quicker than I'm used to and it's going to take us some time to learn how to adjust on it to make the car work for us. All in all, I'm pleased with this weekend's effort. I'd especially like to thank my team for working so hard this weekend keeping two cars prepared at the track. Without all of their help, it wouldn't be possible."
For more information on the weekend's events, you can visit www.fastrakracing.com and www.new311speedway.com.
March 25, 2008 - - - Round one of the 2008 season for the Noel Tucker Motorsports Team did not start out in the way they had hoped. At Fayetteville Motor Speedway in Fayetteville, NC they qualified 10th out of the 30 cars in attendance for the NAPA Auto Parts Crazy 8 Series. However, the first lap of the feature event saw several cars attempting to go four wide coming off of turn two. Slight contact with another car sent the #00 J&J Rocket into a spin causing heavy left side damage which, unfortunately, eliminated them from the event.
Noel Tucker Motorsports would like to thank South Main Service Center, Aunt Bea's BBQ, Granite City Auto, Stevens Maintenance and J&J Race Cars for their continued support in the 2008 season.
March 19, 2008 - - - With the postponement of the Carolina Clash event previously scheduled for Lancaster Speedway on March 22nd, the Tucker Motorsports team will attend Fayetteville Motor Speedway for their seasons first NAPA Auto Parts Crazy 8 Series race in Fayetteville, NC. To learn more about Fayetteville Motor Speedway and their Crazy 8 Series, visit www.fayettevillemotorspeedway.net.
March 18, 2008 - - - Due to the Easter holiday and conflicting schedules, the Carolina Clash Super Late Model Series has decided to postpone this weekends season opener, scheduled to be at Lancaster Speedway, until June 7th. The #00 team will be making a decision on their weekend race plans in the near future. Check back soon for updated information!
March 17, 2008 - - - After much anticipation, it was finally confirmed that Friendship Speedway, located in Elkin, NC, will return to operations as a dirt track. Noel and the team are looking forward to going back to Friendship and running there as much as they can. Friendship Speedway is the place they've always considered their "home track" since it is where Noel first began his racing career by running in the Late Model division back in 1999.
Tucker commented on the news by saying, "We are really excited about having the choice to run locally. It was a bad deal for us when they paved Friendship and now we'll, once again, have the opportunity to run at a great facility right here close to home. I know Phil Hall and Dennis Wood will do their best to make this deal work and I'm going to support them any way that I can."
To read more about Friendship Speedway, you can visit their website at www.friendshipmotorspeedway.net.
March 15, 2008 - - - For the second consecutive week the Carolina Clash Super Late Model Series season opener has been won by Mother Nature. With severe thunderstorms predicted on top of the already wet ground, the show will be moved to next Saturday night, March 22nd.
March 7, 2008 - - - Noel Tucker and the entire #00 team have worked diligently during the off-season and were anxious to start out the 2008 season running both their Super Late Model and Crate Late Model cars at Carolina Speedway in Gastonia, NC. Unfortunately, the race was cancelled due to heavy rains and cold temperatures forcasted for the weekend. The Carolina Clash Super Late Model Series season will now kick-off at Lancaster Speeday in Lancaster, SC on March 15, 2008. You can get more information on the upcoming race by visiting www.carolinaclash.com.
March 3, 2008 - - - Carolina Clash Series Director, Clint Elkins and North Carolina driver, Noel Tucker joined "DIRT NATION Live!" to talk about the uncoming 2008 season.
Elkins discussed the Series format change, the competition and about the stellar rookie crop of drivers. The 2008 season gets under way March 8th with a $5,000 to win event at Carolina Speedway in Gastonia, NC.
Noel Tucker of Pilot Mountain, NC joined the show to talk about his career and racing with the Carolina Clash as well as weighing in on driver safety. "The Franklin Flash", 2002 Clash Rookie of the Year, picked up two Clash victories during the 2006 season and hopes to compete for the 2008 championship. Tucker pilots the #00 J&J Rocket with sponsorship from Granite City Auto, Aunt Bea's BBQ, South Main Service Center & Stevens Maintenance.
Go to www.dirtnation.net to hear the interview in its entirety.
This weekend, Noel Tucker and the Tucker Motorsports team competed in the Fastrak Crate Late Models at Friendship Speedway.
A disappointing qualifying effort would put the team starting the feature event in the 11th spot. After qualifying, the crew worked on the South Main Service Center #00 Rocket Chassis and their hard work paid off. During the 30 lap feature event they were able to make a charge through the field all the way to the 2nd spot as the checkered flag flew.
Complete results can be found at www.friendshipracing.com.
August 2, 2008 - - - Team Travels to Wythe Raceway for Carolina Clash and Fastrak Events
Wythe Raceway hosted the Carolina Clash this weekend paying $4,000 to the winner of the Super Late Models. The Tucker Motorsports Team attended the event running both the Super and Crate Late Model divisions.
In the Fastrak Crate Late Model event the Noel Tucker and the #00 team qualified to start the race in the 7th position. During the feature event they were only able to gain one position and finished in the 6th spot.
The Carolina Clash race began and completed two laps before the rain came causing the event to be cancelled for the night.
July 19, 2008 - - - #00 Team Earns 7th Feature Win Of 2008 Season
Friendship Speedway held a special event for the Crate Late Models paying $1,500 to win and a $100 bonus for the top qualifier.
The #00 team put up a qualifying time of 17.411 seconds earning them the pole position and the $100 bonus. After jumping to an early lead in the feature, Tucker led all 30 laps to bring home his 6th win in 8 starts at Friendship Speedway and his 7th win of the 2008 season.
The team will not be racing next weekend as they take some much needed time off. They plan to return to action on August 2nd.
July 12, 2008 - - - Tucker Motorsports - Back On Track
After struggling for the past couple of weeks, the Tucker Motorsports Team returned to their winning ways in the Crate Late Model division. Noel Tucker and team put the #00 J&J Rocket on the pole where they then led every lap to post their 5th win of the season at Friendship Speedway in Elkin, NC.
This weekend also featured the return of the Carolina Clash racing series where 39 Super Late Model teams attempted to make the 24-car field. Noel Tucker and the team made a strong qualifying effort and locked their South Main Service Center #00 car into the 2nd starting position for the main event.
After falling victim to a flat tire early in the race, Tucker would have to restart in the back of the field where he would then work his way back to a 12th place finish.
July 4th, 2008 - - - Thursday Night Racing To Celebrate July 4th Holiday
The special Thursday night event held at Friendship Speedway to celebrate the 4th of July resulted in a better night for the Tucker Motorsports Team.
Qualifying for the Fastrak Crate Late Model event would put the #00 Aunt Bea's BBQ machine in the 4th starting spot. After trying to run the high-side for several laps in an attempt to go to the front, Tucker realized that was not the place to be and moved down to run the bottom of the track. He would then make a charge from the 6th position to come back and post a strong top 3 finish at the checkered flag.
June 29, 2008 - - - Night Goes From Bad To Worse
This weekend the track conditions at Friendship Speedway were anything but racey as car after car struggled on this night, due to excessively wet track conditions.
The #00 team fought an ill handling racecar in qualifying resulting in a 7th place starting spot for the feature event. Things went from bad to worse for the team when, on lap 6, the car broke a yoke on the transmission ending their effort for the night.
Congratulations to Robbie Stevens on his first Friendship win of the 2008 season.
June 22, 2008 - - - Tucker Motorsports Makes It Five Wins In Their Last Five Starts In Crate Late Model Action
Noel Tucker and the Tucker Motorsports Team found their way to victory lane in the Fastrak Crate Late Model Division at Friendship Speedway in Elkin, NC. Qualifying would put the Aunt Bea's BBQ, Stevens Maintenance, South Main Service Center #00 Rocket in the 2nd starting spot alongside polesitter Chris Cheek. Tucker took the lead early in the race battling a hard charging Robbie Stevens lap after lap. In the end, the team would take down their fourth victory in as many starts at Friendship.
"That was a lot of fun!" said Tucker after the race. "I really enjoyed all of the close racing with Robbie (Stevens). He pulled up on the inside of me for several laps. My car just wouldn't stay on the bottom, so I had to run the highside and he was running real good on the bottom. It was just hard, clean racing. That's what I like."
The team planned to run the Super Late Model event and qualified their car in the 5th starting position for the feature event. However on the start, the car developed a problem with the oil pressure gauge and they collectively decided not to take any chances and pulled in to avoid any damage to the engine.
"I've got a great team." commented Tucker. "I just can't thank them enough. It's just a big group effort with Josh Collins, Craig Hawks, Alan Hicks, Arvil Stanley and Mike Holder. These guys work really hard on the cars all week putting in lots of hours and I can always count on them at the track. I couldn't do it without them."
Full race results are available at www.friendshipracing.com
June 9, 2008 - - - Another Successful Week for Tucker Motorsports
This week the team traveled to 311 Speedway in Pine Hall, NC to, once again, pull double duty running both the Crate Late Model and Twin 25 Super Late Model races.
In qualifying for the first 25 lap Super Late Model feature event, Noel Tucker would put the car in the 6th starting position. From there, he would charge toward the front and make it up to the 2nd position at the checkered flag. After a re-draw for starting position, Tucker would start 3rd in the second 25 lap main event. At the drop of the green, he would bolt into the 2nd position riding there until, late in the race, his car jumped the cushion causing him to fall back one position. He would remain there and come home with a 3rd place finish.
In the Crate Late Model event, the team would once again, come out in full force. After finishing second in his heat race he would be put in the 4th starting spot for the feature. A hard charging Tucker would make his way to the front where, on lap 12, he would move to the high side to take the lead and never look back, capturing his fourth consecutive Fastrak victory.
June 2, 2008 - - - Tucker Takes Another Win At Friendship
In the GM Direct Automotive Crate Late Model event, Noel Tucker was back on the throttle early once again as he would claim quick time in Fastrak Pole Qualifying. Tucker in his Granite City Auto, Aunt Bea's BBQ, Stevens Maintance, South Main Service Center, J&J Race Cars Rocket would roll into the Neighbors/100.9 WIFM Victory Lane to make his runs at Friendship Motor Speedway now three wins out of three starts.
For complete results, visit www.friendshipracing.com
May 26, 2008 - - - Tucker Motorsports Takes 1st and 2nd Competing in Memorial Day Weekend Events
During this Memorial Day weekend, Noel Tucker and the #00 team prepared for a busy race weekend.
They traveled to The Dirt Track at Lowes Motor Speedway in Concord, NC on Friday, for their Fastrak Series event paying $2,000 to win. Forty cars were in attendance competing for one of the 24 starting spots to make it into the feature event. Drawing put the team starting in the 10th and final spot in their heat race and they were unable to make it up to 5th in order to advance to the main.
On Saturday, however, their luck turned around as they traveled to Elkin, NC for Friendship Motor Speedway's Fastrak Crate Late Model race and special Super Late Model event.
Qualifying in the crate late model with a 17.930 would put Tucker and the Stevens Maintenance, South Main Service Center, Aunt Bea's BBQ machine starting in the top spot for the Fastrak feature event. Tucker led each of the 20 laps to claim his second win in as many tries at Friendship.
During super late model qualifying, Tucker went a 16.074 in his Granite City Auto, J&J Rocket. This would put him on the outside pole alongside Chris Meadows of Beckley, WV who qualified a 15.953 for the 35 lap event paying $2,000 to the winner. Due to excessive cautions and time restraints during the super late model feature event, the race was cut from the originally scheduled 35 laps to only 20 laps where, at that point, Tucker would finish in the 2nd spot.
"It seemed like we'd go 2 laps and there would be another caution. It's tough to get into a rhythm when it's like that. Chris (Meadows) is a great racer and I always enjoy running with him. I would've liked to run the whole 35 laps to see if we could've given him a run for the money and made it a little more exciting for the fans." Tucker said. "But, I know Phil Hall and Denny Wood are giving it all they've got and one of their main objectives it to get the fans out at a decent hour. Tonight, that just worked to our disadvantage but I understand their reason for doing it. I've been real happy with both cars tonight. They were both nearly perfect and, all in all, we had a great night."
As of now, the team is still undecided on their plans for next weekend. Check out the "Tour" page of www.noeltucker.com later in the week for updated information.
May 12, 2008 - - - The Tucker Motorsports Team traveled to 311 Speedway in Pine Hall, NC to pull double duty in their Twin 25 Carolina Super Series and Fastrak Crate Late Model races.
After winning the first heat in the crate car the #00 started on the pole for the feature race, finally settling for a strong 2nd place finish.
Qualifying for the Twin 25's put the team starting 8th for the first feature where they would only gain one position overall to come in 7th. After starting 7th in the second of the Twin 25's Tucker battled inside the top five for the entire race.
At the end of the night Tucker commented, "It's a lot of work running three features in one night even if everything goes smooth with the cars. Tonight though, we experienced some battery issues that caused problems with the super car and we struggled with that in both features. But, thanks to my great crew, they kept me going and never gave up. The crate car ran good and we are happy with its performance. I just can't say enough about the crews effort keeping two cars prepared throughout the night. Taking both cars creates a whole lot of work on their part and driving both keeps me pretty busy too, but we really have a lot of fun doing it whenever we get the chance."
Next weekend, the team will attend the Carolina Clash event scheduled for Wythe Raceway in Rural Retreat, Virginia. More information can be found by visiting www.carolinaclash.com as well as www.wytheraceway.com.
May 4, 2008 - - - Noel Tucker Wins Opening Night at Friendship Motor Speedway
In front of a standing room only crowd, Noel Tucker sat on pole with quick time. Tucker took the lead on the opening lap and led all 35 laps to win the first "Direct Automotive Crate Late Model Feature" since going back to dirt.
After the race, Tucker commented that he wanted to thank all his sponsors, J&J Race Cars, Aunt Bea's BBQ, South Main Service Center, Steven's Maintenance, Granite City Auto, his crew, and all his devoted fans for coming out to support him on opening night. He also dedicated this win to his crew chief, Josh Collins, wife Bethany and their new son, Hudson.
April 30, 2008 - - - Noel Tucker Motorsports is pleased to announce the arrival of our newest crew member!
Hudson Ray was born to Josh & Beth Collins on April 29th, 2008. He weighed in at 7 pounds and 9 ounces and measured 19 3/4 inches long. Both Mom and Hudson are doing well and Dad was there to support them every step of the way!
Congratulations to the new parents!!! We look forward to having Hudson's input and expertise at many races in the future.
April 27, 2008 - - - Once again, rain in the area caused yet another round of race cancellations in the Carolina's. The Fastrak Crate Late Models at Friendship Speedway in Elkin, NC were able to get in their practice session. Then, half-way through qualifying, rain set in and the event was postponed.
April 25, 2008 - - - On Tuesday, April 22nd, the Tucker Motorsports team attended the open practice held at Friendship Speedway in Elkin, NC. This Saturday they will travel back to Friendship as the track, which only recently returned to a dirt surface, holds their season opener with the Fastrak Crate Late Models paying $2,000 to win.
"Well, it looks like we've got another Saturday with rain in the forecast. We just really hope to sneak this one in before Mother Nature strikes again," said Noel Tucker, driver of the #00 J&J Rocket. "Friendship's got some of the best facilities of all the tracks we run. It's a great place for fans to see lots of action and I've got a feeling there will be plenty of action for them this weekend. Those double-file restarts in the Crate division are going to add a lot to the excitement and I know the fans and racers are already excited just to see the racing surface returned to dirt. Our team is really glad to have Phil Hall & Denny Wood doing this and we wish them the best of luck."
If you need any additional information, you may visit the tracks website at www.friendshipmotorspeedway.net.
April 10, 2008 - - - So far during the 2008 season, Mother Nature has not been very cooperative on race days. With several rain outs, the #00 team hopes the rain holds off this upcoming weekend as they plan on two night of racing action. Friday night, Carolina Speedway located in Gastonia, NC will be holding Round 1 of their "Six Pack Series," paying $2,000 to win. Then, on Saturday the team plans on pulling double-duty and entering their Super and Crate cars in the night's action at 311 Speedway in Pine Hall, NC. The Super Late Model event will be Twin 25's each paying $2,500 to win.
To get more info, visit www.carolinaspeedway.net and www.new311speedway.com
March 30, 2008 - - - This weekend, Noel Tucker and the #00 team attended both the Carolina Super Series and the Fastrack Racing Series events held at 311 Speedway in Pine Hall, NC.
Qualifying in the Carolina Super Series resulted in the team starting in the 7th position for the first of two Twin 25 events, each paying $2,500 to win. They finished 6th in both 25 lap segments of the Super Late Model feature events.
Their Fastrack Series qualifying attempt was a bit disappointing for the team. However, after starting 4th in the last of three heat races, Tucker quickly found his way to the front and lead the field to the white flag. With one lap to go the driveshaft in the #00 car broke, ending their effort to make the field for the feature event.
Tucker commented on the night saying, "Well, it's just going to take a few races to learn this new Rocket we got over the winter to run in Supers. The steering is a lot quicker than I'm used to and it's going to take us some time to learn how to adjust on it to make the car work for us. All in all, I'm pleased with this weekend's effort. I'd especially like to thank my team for working so hard this weekend keeping two cars prepared at the track. Without all of their help, it wouldn't be possible."
For more information on the weekend's events, you can visit www.fastrakracing.com and www.new311speedway.com.
March 25, 2008 - - - Round one of the 2008 season for the Noel Tucker Motorsports Team did not start out in the way they had hoped. At Fayetteville Motor Speedway in Fayetteville, NC they qualified 10th out of the 30 cars in attendance for the NAPA Auto Parts Crazy 8 Series. However, the first lap of the feature event saw several cars attempting to go four wide coming off of turn two. Slight contact with another car sent the #00 J&J Rocket into a spin causing heavy left side damage which, unfortunately, eliminated them from the event.
Noel Tucker Motorsports would like to thank South Main Service Center, Aunt Bea's BBQ, Granite City Auto, Stevens Maintenance and J&J Race Cars for their continued support in the 2008 season.
March 19, 2008 - - - With the postponement of the Carolina Clash event previously scheduled for Lancaster Speedway on March 22nd, the Tucker Motorsports team will attend Fayetteville Motor Speedway for their seasons first NAPA Auto Parts Crazy 8 Series race in Fayetteville, NC. To learn more about Fayetteville Motor Speedway and their Crazy 8 Series, visit www.fayettevillemotorspeedway.net.
March 18, 2008 - - - Due to the Easter holiday and conflicting schedules, the Carolina Clash Super Late Model Series has decided to postpone this weekends season opener, scheduled to be at Lancaster Speedway, until June 7th. The #00 team will be making a decision on their weekend race plans in the near future. Check back soon for updated information!
March 17, 2008 - - - After much anticipation, it was finally confirmed that Friendship Speedway, located in Elkin, NC, will return to operations as a dirt track. Noel and the team are looking forward to going back to Friendship and running there as much as they can. Friendship Speedway is the place they've always considered their "home track" since it is where Noel first began his racing career by running in the Late Model division back in 1999.
Tucker commented on the news by saying, "We are really excited about having the choice to run locally. It was a bad deal for us when they paved Friendship and now we'll, once again, have the opportunity to run at a great facility right here close to home. I know Phil Hall and Dennis Wood will do their best to make this deal work and I'm going to support them any way that I can."
To read more about Friendship Speedway, you can visit their website at www.friendshipmotorspeedway.net.
March 15, 2008 - - - For the second consecutive week the Carolina Clash Super Late Model Series season opener has been won by Mother Nature. With severe thunderstorms predicted on top of the already wet ground, the show will be moved to next Saturday night, March 22nd.
March 7, 2008 - - - Noel Tucker and the entire #00 team have worked diligently during the off-season and were anxious to start out the 2008 season running both their Super Late Model and Crate Late Model cars at Carolina Speedway in Gastonia, NC. Unfortunately, the race was cancelled due to heavy rains and cold temperatures forcasted for the weekend. The Carolina Clash Super Late Model Series season will now kick-off at Lancaster Speeday in Lancaster, SC on March 15, 2008. You can get more information on the upcoming race by visiting www.carolinaclash.com.
March 3, 2008 - - - Carolina Clash Series Director, Clint Elkins and North Carolina driver, Noel Tucker joined "DIRT NATION Live!" to talk about the uncoming 2008 season.
Elkins discussed the Series format change, the competition and about the stellar rookie crop of drivers. The 2008 season gets under way March 8th with a $5,000 to win event at Carolina Speedway in Gastonia, NC.
Noel Tucker of Pilot Mountain, NC joined the show to talk about his career and racing with the Carolina Clash as well as weighing in on driver safety. "The Franklin Flash", 2002 Clash Rookie of the Year, picked up two Clash victories during the 2006 season and hopes to compete for the 2008 championship. Tucker pilots the #00 J&J Rocket with sponsorship from Granite City Auto, Aunt Bea's BBQ, South Main Service Center & Stevens Maintenance.
Go to www.dirtnation.net to hear the interview in its entirety.