Stable sponsorship is a big relief after having three different sponsors in three years. With Paychex agreeing to a second year, the 1999 season should prove more fruitful than Bodine's 1998 campaign. Bodine has also regained 100 percent ownership of this team after having Andy Evans as a partner last year. Bodine made every race in 1998 and wound up 25th in the final points standings, but he never managed a top-10 finish and never really threatened to be a factor in any race.
Career
Bodine followed up a disappointing 1997 with an equally disappointing 1998. Though he qualified for all 33 races, he managed an average starting position of 26th and an average finish of 25th. His highest finishes were a pair of 11ths, and his best start was an 11th at the NAPA 500. His 2,907 points put him in 25th place in the final Winston Cup standings.
His '98 results can be interpreted as a reaction to the upheaval that was going on around the team in '97, when his team lost its sponsorship. May, 1998 saw Bodine finding a bit of stability in the financial area. In July, Paychex, a payroll processor, agreed to extend its sponsorship deal through the 1999 season.
1997 was Brett's second season as owner/driver after purchasing his team from Junior Johnson in late 1995. Spent '95 diving for Johnson's stable after a five-year stint with Kenny Bernstein. Bodine's Fords will be powered by Roush Racing engines this year, which should improve his competitiveness considerably. Several new cars have been built as well.
Finished 1996 in 24th position in WC points standings. Bodine qualified for all but one race last year, and despite only one top-10 finish -- at Daytona International Speedway in the Pepsi 400. His best qualifying effort came at Michigan International Raceway and the Miller 400, where he started 10th in the field.
Started racing hobby cars at Chemung Speedrome in 1977. Drove modifieds in Northeast 1980-84. Ran Busch Grand National in 1985 with Robert Gee. Drove for Thomas Brothers in BGN in 1986-87. Runner-up for Busch Grand National Championship in 1986. Made Winston Cup debut in 1986 World Cup 600 in Rick Hendrick-owned car, finishing 17th (rookie of the race). Drove in relief for Terry Labonte in Junior Johnson-owned Budweiser Chevrolet twice in 1987 (Martinsville and North Wilkesboro). First start for Hoss Ellington in 1987 Winston Open, won pole, then qualified ninth for 1987 600.
First victory at spring 1990 North Wilkesboro in 80th start. First pole in 99th attempt at 1990 Mello Yellow 500 at Charlotte. Career-best 12th in Winston Cup standings in 1990. $791,444 in 1994 winnings, finished 19th in Winston Cup standings.
After struggling through the 1995 season, Brett Bodine purchased team from Junior and moved it to Mooresville, N.C. He ended the season 20th in the final point standings with two top ten finishes.
Graduated from Waverly (Pa.) High School in 1977, attended State University of New York at Alfred, majored in mechanical engineering. His favorite house pet is a Vietnamese pig bought three years ago by his wife, Diane.
Sources: NASCAR Press Guides, Star and News staff reports.
