NEMCO Motorsports says it is seeking a 2004 sponsor for a car to be driven by David Reutimann.
By GREG AUMAN
Published July 1, 2003
Zephyrhills' David Reutimann matched his best NASCAR Busch Series finish Sunday with a fifth-place showing at the GNC 250 in Milwaukee, and that wasn't even his best news of the weekend.
Reutimann, 33, who will run in seven Busch races this year, has taken a major step toward earning a full-time ride on NASCAR's second-biggest circuit in 2004. Driver Joe Nemechek's NEMCO Motorsports confirmed Monday it is actively pursuing a primary sponsor for a new car to be driven by Reutimann next season.
"We're doing everything we can for him," NEMCO spokesman Pete Roe said. "We want to run him for rookie of the year next year. This would be a separate new team, started distinctly for him, an extension of what he's been doing for us this season."
Reutimann earned $18,150 on Sunday while driving a Hills Bros. Coffee Chevrolet as part of a five-race contract. He has earned $94,130 in five races, including two top-five finishes. But most important, he has impressed Nemechek enough to merit a ride of his own next spring.
"Things are looking really good right now," said Reutimann, back at his shop in Zephyrhills in preparation for a NASCAR All-Pro Series race Wednesday in Ocala. "They're really trying to get things going with a sponsor and have some good people working on that."
The commitment to Nemechek also means Reutimann will be leaving his hometown and moving to North Carolina to be closer to the team's base of operations. Reutimann Racing still will be in Zephyrhills, run by David's father, longtime local racer Buzzie, who is recovering well from a wreck in May.
"My dad will stay here and still race the cars. I don't think he's in any hurry to move," Reutimann said. "He's doing well, back around the shop and doing all the things he did before, things he probably shouldn't be doing."
Finishing fifth in Milwaukee was another step for Reutimann, who said he still goes into races with one goal but can appreciate the progress he's making. "You go in to win the race. But at this point in my career, finishing in the top five is a big benefit," he said. "I feel like we struggled a little in the middle of the race, but I'm pretty satisfied."
Wednesday's race in Ocala gives him a rare opportunity to get more family and friends to see him compete. With the exception of one race in Lakeland, it's as close to home as he has raced on the NASCAR regional circuit.
And while landing a sponsor for next year's Busch campaign still is an obstacle, Reutimann said he is thrilled to see his success in limited action during the past two seasons working out as he once only dreamed.
"I've worked since Day 1 trying to do this, and as far away as it seemed at times, it's nice to get to this point where we can do this," he said. "It's been something they've been working on for a while.
"But you can see the focus becoming more on putting a full-time deal together for next year."
