VAN NUYS, Calif., (December 26, 1996) -- Ray Claridge, owner of the 1996 Winston West Series Championship team, Golden West Motorsports, announced today that series championship driver Lance Hooper will be leaving the team. In an effort to further his career, Lance has decided to move to the Charlotte area, with hopes of securing a Busch or Truck Series ride.
Ray said, "All of us at Golden West wish him the best. He is a fierce competitor and a great champion. We know his desire is to reach the Winston Cup Series and we all hope that he reaches that goal.
"Golden West Motorsports was formed with the intention of trying to give young, talented drivers a chance to showcase their abilities, and to further their careers. We hope to continue that tradition, and look forward to helping other young racers on their way," Claridge said.
He went on to say, "Since we knew there was a good chance that Lance would move on, we were always keeping an eye out for new talent. We have found a future champion." Golden West Motorsports' new driver for the 1997 NASCAR Winston West #07 car will be Sean Woodside. Woodside, 26 years old and residing in Saugus, CA, is a Sportsman Series racer on the west coast, and a consistent winner in that series. In 1996 the team, with driver Hooper, became the first rookie-champions in the 43 year history of the NASCAR Winston West Series. Woodside has an opportunity to repeat that accomplishment in the 1997 season.
Look for Woodside behind the wheel of the Blue and Orange Golden West Motorsports #07 Pontiac at the Winter Heat event on Jan. 19, 1997.
