BAM Racing News

Mike Bliss Racing News

May 12, 2006:

Sherman leaves BAM officially, starts own team: Brent Sherman's first lap around the NASCAR Nextel Cup circuit has been a bumpy ride. But he thinks he knows how to fix his problems behind the wheel: by forming his own team. Sherman, 31, a St. Paul native living in Chicago, told the Pioneer Press on Wednesday that he has left BAM Racing's Nextel Cup team to form his own team, Sherman Racing. Sherman's team will spend the rest of the 2006 season on the ARCA RE/MAX Series circuit, with plans to try to qualify for Nextel Cup races July 9 in suburban Chicago and Nov. 12 near Phoenix. He hopes his new team can run a full Nextel Cup season in 2007. (St. Paul Pioneer Press)

March 28, 2006:

Spencer to race BAM Racing ride:  BAM Racing announced today that NASCAR Nextel Cup veteran Jimmy Spencer will drive the No. 49 Dodge Charger at Martinsville Speedway this weekend. Spencer will join BAM Racing as an advisor for the team and mentor for rookie driver Brent Sherman. Spencer may run several additional races with BAM Racing this season, either in the No. 49 Dodge or another car. “I enjoy working with young drivers as they progress through the ranks of NASCAR,” said Spencer. “Brent has the determination and support it takes to compete at this level. I hope to be able to help him make a successful transition to the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series.” “The team has made this decision due to the fact that NASCAR will not allow rookie drivers any test sessions at Martinsville,” commented team general manager Eddie Jones. “Brent has never been to Martinsville before and our hope is that Jimmy will be able to provide him with the guidance it takes to compete at short tracks.” Sherman will return to driving duties for the No. 49 Dodge Charger for the upcoming race at Texas Motor Speedway. (BAM Racing)

March 22, 2006:

Congrats Sherman Family: Congratulations to Brent and Kathleen Sherman who welcomed their son, Brent Cooper Sherman, on March 21, 2006. Baby Cooper weighs eight pounds, five ounces and is 20.5 inches long. Both mom and baby are doing well.  (BAM Racing PR)

Dec. 7, 2005:

Otto to Crew Chief 49: Ron Otto has been named crew chief for the #49 BAM Racing Dodge of rookie driver Brent Sherman. Otto was promoted from car chief. "We are very excited that Ron Otto will be leading our race team in 2006, and working with Brent Sherman," said Beth Ann Morgenthau, who owns BAM Racing along with her husband, Tony. "Brent's potential as a driver and Ron's experience in working with rookie drivers, not to mention his talents and skills mechanically and as an organizational leader, will lead to a great year for our race team," Ms. Morgenthau said. The 41-year-old Otto is a native of Gahanna, Ohio, just outside of Columbus, but has been working in NASCAR racing since he began has a fabricator for Bobby Dotter. Otto is a former car chief for Richard Childress Racing, where he worked with Dale Earnhardt, and has worked with Terry Labonte and Mike Skinner in the past. As crew chief for the startup of Tommy Baldwin Racing in the 2004 Busch Series, Otto began a team with just four people, competed with seven different drivers - including two rookies who had never been in a Busch car - in a single season. "Yeah, that was an experience," Otto laughed, "but one that could help in working with Brent this year. If nothing else, I have an idea of what to expect and areas where I can be the most help. All indications are he has a tremendous amount of potential, and I like the fact he wants to race hard. This is a great opportunity for me and I really appreciate Beth Ann, Tony and (General Manager) Eddie Jones having the faith in me to do this," he continued. "I've watched this team grow and improve over the years, and I know they are solid and headed in the right direction. I know I am not the only one here looking forward to a really bright future." Otto is engaged to Renee Sanders, and has two sons, R.J. and Kacey. (Williams Company)

Nov. 16, 2005:

Sherman to #49 BAM: Brent Sherman, the talented rookie driver from the Chicago metro area, will drive the #49 Dodge for BAM Racing beginning with the 2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series season. Car owner Beth Ann Morgenthau made the announcement today. Runnerup only to the legendary Frank Kimmel for the 2004 ARCA championship, Sherman exhibited the consistency necessary for success in the major leagues of stock car racing. That came after his first full season in ARCA, when Sherman finished fourth in the final national standings. This past season, he has competed in 25 NASCAR Busch Series events with a pair of different teams. The 31-year-old Sherman is a native of North Barrington, Ill., on the northwest side of Chicago. Unlike many of those who will be running for Rookie of the Year in NASCAR's Nextel Cup Series next season, Sherman has never started a race in the series. BAM Racing, completing just its fourth year of operation, is owned by the Morgenthaus, investors from Coral Gables, Fla. Ms. Morgenthau, whose initials make up the name of the team - BAM Racing - is the only female car owner in motorsports to become involved without prior family connections. General manager Eddie Jones is a veteran of the NASCAR Nextel Cup wars, enjoying a championship career as a crew chief, mechanic and team leader. Crew chief David Hyder has over 20 years of racing experience both driving and as a chief mechanic. Car chief Ron Otto is a former crew chief with years of successful experience in major league stock car racing. (Williams Company)

Oct. 31, 2005:

Blaney to BAM? In other driver moves, Blaney is also under consideration for the ride with Beth Ann Morgenthau, replacing Ken Schrader, who is headed to the Wood brothers. Blaney and the Morgenthaus have been talking since July, according to sources. Blaney current runs for Richard Childress. (Salem-Journal)

Oct. 26, 2005:

Man arrested for defrauding NASCAR team: Franklin Ray, who opened Marlin Transport Inc. and MNR Productions, was named in a six-count felony indictment Friday. He's accused of defrauding Florida businessman Anthony Morgenthau and several charter companies of at least $285,000. Morgenthau co-owns BAM Racing, sponsor of a Nextel Cup team. Ray faces charges of bank fraud and interstate transportation of stolen property and four counts of wire fraud. Among accusations is that Ray posed as an agent for NASCAR and several country music performers in 2002, agreeing to co-sponsor NASCAR races and to schedule music concerts for race weekends. The grand jury indictment alleges that Ray entered agreements with various companies to charter flights, helicopter and limousine services for purported clients and received money and free travel from the companies. Among other accusations is that Ray defrauded Morgenthau by offering to co-sponsor six races in exchange for $750,000 and that he paid for charter flights with invalid credit card numbers. (Detroit Free Press)

Oct. 12, 2005:

Schrader's plans: Ken Schrader will run one more full NEXTEL Cup season in 2006 for BAM Motorsports. Schrader will shift to the Craftsman Truck Series in 2007 joining Mark Martin as two more former NEXTEL Cup regulars finding homes on the truck circuit. (Racing One)

Oct. 7, 2005:

Schrader is a busy man: The busiest driver in major league motorsports, Schrader, a native of Fenton, Mo., has raced and continues to race on virtually every type of speedway in virtually every type of race car. In 2005, Schrader plans to once again race over 100 races and throughout his career has raced at over 310 different racetracks around the nation. Schrader continues a winning career with BAM Racing, which fields the Schwan's Home Service team. (BAM Weekly PR)

Sep. 13, 2005:

Schrader and Edwards racing: The third annual American Short Track Nationals, with special appearances by NASCAR Nextel Cup Drivers Carl Edwards and Ken Schrader, is Tuesday at Lee County Speedway. Special guests include Kenny Edwards, who will be competing in the 4-cylinder Wild Things and Ramo Stott, the 1976 Daytona 500 pole sitter. Hospitality tickets are available. The price of the hospitality ticket includes a meet and greet with Edwards and Scrader, dinner, drinks, race ticket, pit tour, autographs and photo session and more. Racing includes Late Models, Hobby Stocks and Wild Things. Tickets are $15 general admission and $13 for seniors and students. Children 10-and-under get in free. VIP tickets are $55, and a pit pass is $25. (Daily Gate)

Aug 22, 2005

Schrader too low: NASCAR officials announced after the race that a post-race inspection revealed the roof on the No. 49 Dodge driven by Ken Schrader was too low. A penalty may be forthcoming this week. (Atlanta Journal Constitution)

July 27, 2005

Schrader, Earnhardt, Jr. among NASCAR stars at Shootout: M&M’S Chocolate Candies announced today it will return as the title sponsor for NASCAR NEXTEL Cup driver Ken Schrader’s charity event, “M&M’S Night of Stars.” After a year hiatus, the All-Star event is scheduled for Wednesday, August 3 at I-55 Raceway in Pevely, Missouri in benefit of the Victory Junction Gang Camp. “We’re proud that our association at M&M’S has continued with Kenny Schrader through our participation in his ‘Night of Stars,’” said William Clements, Director of Sponsorships and Sports Marketing for Masterfoods USA. “Kenny hosts an amazing event where the focus is on fun, not only for the fans who come out to see a great dirt race but for the drivers as well. Again this year, Kenny has an outstanding lineup of racers joining him. We’re glad to be back supporting him as well as the Victory Junction Gang Camp.” Joining Schrader for the event are several NASCAR Series competitors including fan-favorite Dale Earnhardt, Jr, who will serve as the flag man for the celebrity shootout. Kyle Petty, the co-founder of the Victory Junction Gang Camp will be on-hand along with NEXTEL Cup regulars Carl Edwards, Casey Mears and Dave Blaney. Additionally reigning Busch Series champion Martin Truex, Jr., will be in attendance joined by Kenny Wallace, reigning Craftsman Truck Series champion Bobby Hamilton, Sr., and Jimmy Spencer. All drivers are scheduled to participate in an autograph session at the track on Wednesday afternoon from 5 – 7 p.m. before the green flag falls at 7:30 p.m. on the celebrity filled 10 lap dirt Modified shootout. The shootout race is the opening act to the night’s feature races, winged Sprint cars and UMP Late Models. Schrader and Wallace will again suit up for the UMP Late Model event. Reserved tickets for the ‘Night of Stars’ event on Aug. 3 are $30, and are on sale now. Fans can purchase the tickets by calling 636-479-3219. For more information on the ‘Night of Stars’ night, visit www.i55raceway.com.

July 18, 2005

Schrader wins at New England track: The big winners on the track were Ken Schrader and Mike Moody, but the fans were winners as well as they packed the house in nearly perfect weather for a wonderful night of racing and a visit from a NASCAR Nextel Cup star.Schrader, a veteran racer from Fenton, Mo. took time from his busy NASCAR schedule at New Hampshire International Speedway to drive up the coast to the track for a night of fun. The program at Wiscasset, sponsored by Shelly's Flowers of Waldoboro, included a twin main event with Schrader joining the Late Models for their regular heats and a 30-lap feature. The track also had a special 75-lap Strictly Street feature. The show also included the first appearance of the year of the Quirk Chevrolet Super Mini Cup Tour. (Village Soup)

July 13, 2005

NASCAR Fines for Chicagoland: NASCAR announced today that Larry Hyder, crew chief for the #49 Dodge driven by Ken Schrader in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series, has been fined $1,000 for an infraction last weekend at Chicagoland Speedway. Hyder was fined for unapproved body modifications after inspection, a violation of Section 12-4-1 (Actions detrimental to stock car racing) and Section 12-4-Q (car, car parts, components and/or equipment used in the event do not conform to NASCAR Rules) of the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series rulebook. (NASCAR PR)

June 11 2005

Schrader & BAM After '06: Eddie Jones, general manager of BAM Racing's No. 49, says the team intends to begin discussions for 2006 shortly with sponsor Schwan's and that he expects a positive outcome. He is not as positive about current driver Ken Schrader, 50, who likely will take his act elsewhere next year. (SPEEDTV)

May 30 2005

Schrader Birthday Boy: Ken Schrader had quite a 50th birthday.  First, his crew surprised him with a homemade "wheelchair" after the drivers' meeting, fastening two pieces of a used tire around a plastic chair. Schrader walked up just as truck driver Jeff Miles lowered the back liftgate to unveil the present, and he momentarily stopped and stared.  A fan yelled for Schrader to sit down in it, but that was going to happen.  "No!" he shouted with a big smile.  Car owner Beth Ann Morgenthau gave Schrader a big hug, and balloons and a sign wishing him a happy birthday adorned the chair. (ABC News)

March 31, 2005

Schrader Racing DIRT in Texas: NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series veteran Ken Schrader will return to the Texas Motor Speedway Dirt Track Saturday night, April 16 for the NGK Spark Plugs Shootout featuring the O'Reilly Southern United Professional Racing (SUPR) late models.  Schrader will be seeking the $10,000 winner's prize at the end of the 50-lap feature around the 4/10-mile clay oval.  The event is the richest in the 16-year history of the O'Reilly SUPR Late Model Series and is the first time the organization has competed at the Dirt Track during the Samsung/RadioShack 500 weekend.  Schrader battled 61 other late model drivers during his first 2005 visit to the Dirt Track March 4-5 for the Pro-Cuts Texas World Dirt Track Championship.  The frequent dirt track competitor and owner of Missouri's I-55 Raceway sustained front suspension damage when forced into the infield in the opening night program.  Schrader returned to finish sixth in the March 5 feature. http://www.texasmotorspeedway.com (Texas Motor Speedway PR)

March 3, 2005

NASCAR Schrader Crew Chief Fined: David Hyder, crew chief of the No. 49 Dodge driven by Ken Schrader, was fined $5,000 in violation of Sections 12-4-A and 12-4-CC (unapproved final drive gear ratio).

Feb. 26, 2005

Illegal Parts Seized in CA: NASCAR inspectors found their first violator of the Nextel Cup Series' near gear ratio rule on non restrictor-plate tracks.  Officials confiscated the rear gear of Ken Schrader's No. 49 Dodge during inspection at California Speedway on Friday.

Feb. 16, 2005

BAM Giving Free Diecast to first 30,000: One of NASCAR’s top sponsors and most fan-friendly teams are offering free die-cast cars to fans. The die-cast of the #49 Schwan’s Home Service Dodge of driver Ken Schrader is being offered by BAM Racing and Schwan’s Home Service to fans calling 1-877-3RACE49. “This was just a way of saying ‘Thank you’ to all of the fans who have supported us,” said Beth Ann Morgenthau, BAM Racing’s namesake who owns the team with her husband, Tony. “BAM Racing and Schwan’s Home Service really appreciate the support we’ve received from so many people throughout the country,” she said. “We’re hoping these cars will be a way of showing that appreciation.”  Fans call 1-877-3RACE49 to ask for the cars, and will also receive a Schwan’s Home Service catalog. The first 30,000 addresses to call will receive the die-casts. Only one car per shipping address will be allowed. (BAM PR)

Featured Pages
NEXT Race Checkout the next upcoming NASCAR Nextel races.  Including race, stats, track information and much more! NASCAR Stats Who won?  Who has the most top 5's?  Checkout the NASCAR stats. Includes results, points and more!   for past NASCAR news...[click here]