Really time for Geoffrey to hang up the helmet...(along with the Labonte's and Bill Elliott).
Geoff Bodine, sponsor have big Sprint Cup plans for 2012: In an industry that relies heavily on sponsors, the tough economy has brought uncertainty among many NASCAR drivers and teams this off-season. That's not the case for veteran driver Geoff Bodine, who has developed a bond with emerging 2011 stock car sponsor Luke & Associates Inc., which is looking to broaden its exposure in Sprint Cup. At 62, the Chemung native made a comeback of sorts this past season, competing in four of his six Sprint Cup races with sponsorship from Luke & Associates. "I'm very thankful that they gave me this opportunity," Bodine said Wednesday from his Melbourne, FL home. The Florida-based health care provider to the U.S. military is stepping up its program in NASCAR in 2012 and beyond, with Bodine as its initial driver. "There's teams out there that want us and would like to work with us and we're happy about that," Bodine said. Bodine has sponsorship for a minimum of 15 Sprint Cup races next season. He said he and his sponsor are not just shopping this deal around to teams but instead want a partnership. "They are serious about it and they want some ownership with a team," Bodine said. "A little bit this year (2012), and next season a little bit more." Bodine has been working with Serena Brock of Charlotte, a marketing representative with Luke & Associates who has previous experience in NASCAR racing. "We've got a lot of data from different teams and we're looking through it so that we can try to make the best decision, business-wise and performance-wise," he said. Bodine said while it won't be a top-tier team, it will be a competitive team that already runs multiple cars. Bodine said a deal could be struck as early as the end of this week, but "for sure before New Year's." Depending on the team deal, Bodine could race fewer than 15 events himself or even a full season if more sponsors come aboard. Driving for Tommy Baldwin Racing this year, Bodine had a best finish of 30th in his four starts. "I had no problem as far as endurance," Bodine said. "I felt great. The only problem I had was I didn't go fast enough. That was strictly related to the vehicle." Baldwin is a small, relatively new team, and Bodine knows he can do better with the right equipment. "I'm thankful for what Tommy did for us last season, but I'm hoping next season we get in a better opportunity where I can show whether I can do a good job or can't do a good job," he said. "I think I can do well." Bodine said he would prefer to run a full season.(see full post at the Elmiria Star Gazette)(12-22-2011)
Geoff Bodine, sponsor have big Sprint Cup plans for 2012: In an industry that relies heavily on sponsors, the tough economy has brought uncertainty among many NASCAR drivers and teams this off-season. That's not the case for veteran driver Geoff Bodine, who has developed a bond with emerging 2011 stock car sponsor Luke & Associates Inc., which is looking to broaden its exposure in Sprint Cup. At 62, the Chemung native made a comeback of sorts this past season, competing in four of his six Sprint Cup races with sponsorship from Luke & Associates. "I'm very thankful that they gave me this opportunity," Bodine said Wednesday from his Melbourne, FL home. The Florida-based health care provider to the U.S. military is stepping up its program in NASCAR in 2012 and beyond, with Bodine as its initial driver. "There's teams out there that want us and would like to work with us and we're happy about that," Bodine said. Bodine has sponsorship for a minimum of 15 Sprint Cup races next season. He said he and his sponsor are not just shopping this deal around to teams but instead want a partnership. "They are serious about it and they want some ownership with a team," Bodine said. "A little bit this year (2012), and next season a little bit more." Bodine has been working with Serena Brock of Charlotte, a marketing representative with Luke & Associates who has previous experience in NASCAR racing. "We've got a lot of data from different teams and we're looking through it so that we can try to make the best decision, business-wise and performance-wise," he said. Bodine said while it won't be a top-tier team, it will be a competitive team that already runs multiple cars. Bodine said a deal could be struck as early as the end of this week, but "for sure before New Year's." Depending on the team deal, Bodine could race fewer than 15 events himself or even a full season if more sponsors come aboard. Driving for Tommy Baldwin Racing this year, Bodine had a best finish of 30th in his four starts. "I had no problem as far as endurance," Bodine said. "I felt great. The only problem I had was I didn't go fast enough. That was strictly related to the vehicle." Baldwin is a small, relatively new team, and Bodine knows he can do better with the right equipment. "I'm thankful for what Tommy did for us last season, but I'm hoping next season we get in a better opportunity where I can show whether I can do a good job or can't do a good job," he said. "I think I can do well." Bodine said he would prefer to run a full season.(see full post at the Elmiria Star Gazette)(12-22-2011)
