BUENA PARK, CA -- Eric Norris today announced his intention to compete in the entire NASCAR Winston West Series and at least two NASCAR Craftsman Truck races in 1999. Norris will return to the Winston West Series with sponsorship from long-time supporter Prolong Super Lubricants, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), Ultra Wheels ad two other corporations to be announced prior to the March 5 Winston West race.

The 33 year old son of martial arts legend Chuck Norris finished 14th in the NWWS final point standings despite missing two races. He believes 1999 will be a breakout year for the team he formed last year with hopes of competing in the Busch Grand National or Truck Series in 2000.

Said Norris, "Last year, we learned a lot and I think that experience will pay dividends this year...We were a new team in a new series and we were visiting many tracks I'd never raced at so we knew 1998 was a development year. This year we are confident, with support from Prolong, ASE, and two other companies we will announce prior to Vegas (March 5), that we will win races and contend for the Winston West championship. Anything less would be disappointing."

In between his work as a director and stunt coordinator on the CBS TV show Walker, Texas Ranger, Norris was busy in the short "off" season assembling the corporate backing, team personnel and equipment necessary to win races at the NASCAR level. The team will continue to compete under the Ford nameplate and will be powered by engines from San Diego based CPR Engine Development.

As for Norris' plans to run the two NASCAR Truck races held at Texas Motor Speedway on June 11 and October 15, Norris states, "I've been wanting to get back into a truck since we ran 5 races in 1997 as a 2nd team to Mike Bliss. We film Walker in Dallas so it's like a home track to me and I really like the large ovals. We ran really good there at the ARCA race and are fortunate to know some good companies in the Dallas-Fort Worth area that are interested in backing us for those two races. It should be a lot of fun."

The 1999 NASCAR Winston West Series season opener is in Tucson on January 17th. The race will be broadcast live on espn2 at 12:00 pm PST.

Source: Norris Racing
Posted: 1/8/99