GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas -- Versatile racing driver P.J. Abbott has made the leap to NASCAR. Eshelman Racing Enterprises and TTS Motorsport have combined efforts to support entries in the 2005-2008 NASCAR Busch Series campaigns. The journey will begin with several qualifying races in NASCAR's Winston West Series this year. P.J.'s first orientation will be at Texas Motor Speedway in May, followed by a Memorial day race in Stockton, California. He will be driving the # 6 Eshelmann car.
P.J. Abbott, who has been competing in the Formula Atlantic National events and premier Pro-Formula SCCA series, and has been testing with Sam Schmidt Motorsports in the Sam Schmidt #20 IRL car, and Indy Racing League's Infinity Pro-Series, will begin his exciting venture with testing at the Texas Motor Speedway May 23, 2004.
Team manager for Eshelman racing, owned by Real Estate Investor, and former Mayor of Fontana, California Dave Eshelman, stated that the team was extremely excited about this latest arrangement, and the potential long term commitment. P.J.'s primary sponsors will be making the move to the newly formed team.
"We are very excited about this opportunity. The equipment is top notch and the right funding is in place to run a solid program. The crew is very professional and the response from the sponsors has been extremely positive" states primary driver and co-owner P.J. Abbott.
P.J. begins his quest for NASCAR qualification at the upcoming Stockton, California race May 29th. Following completion of NASCAR's required qualification program, P.J. will be cleared to race the 2005 NASCAR Busch Series and Craftsman Truck Series schedule.
"We need to thank the right people for making this possible. I would like to personally thank Sam Schmidt, Charlie Strickland, Dave Eshelmann, NASCAR and each of the sponsors who believed in this team and their potential" P.J. Abbott stated at a recent press conference.
P.J.'s goal in 2005 is to drive with the Busch series schedule and the IRL's Infinity Pro-Series' 12 events. Photos and more information on P.J. Abbott may be found at www.RaceINDY.com and the new www.RaceNASCAR.com sites.
