First order of business -- finding a sponsor. For the second year in a row, team owner Joe Falk is entering a (1998) season without the deep pockets that come with a major sponsor.
After losing ride in middle of 1996 season, he made every race
except Darlington in March en route to 21st-place points finish in 1997. Earnings
of $1,074,374 nearly doubled his career total. Won 11 Grand National races
and '93 title on that circuit, but his best career Winston Cup finishes
were a pair of fourths in '97 races at New Hampshire, two of his six top-10
finishes.
Steve Grissom steps into the seat of the No. 41 Kodiak Chevrolet owned by Larry and Sue Hedrick for the 1997 season.
Grissom, a former NASCAR Busch Series Grand National Division champion, begins his fourth season on the top series in stock car racing after a stint in the No. 29 Cartoon Network Chevrolet owned by Gary Bechtel. During that time, he scored two top-10s and one top-5 finish.
1995 started out looking hopeful but when crew chief Buddy Parrott bowed out after Darlinton the remaining season brought a best finish of 14th at Rockingham in October. With veteran crew chief Billy Ingle from Ricky Rudd's team joining the Diamond Ridge team, 1996 should prove to be a better year.
Began racing on Alabama short tracks around his hometown. Raced Winston All-Pro Series before moving to Busch Grand National in 1987, driving the cars owned by his father, Wayne. Scored eight BGN wins in 182 career starts. Won 1993 NASCAR Busch Grand National Series Championship.
Made Winston Cup debut at Atlanta in 1990, driving a Dick Moroso-owned car. Finished 28th in Winston Cup points in 1994, posting three top-10 finishes. Had 30 career Winston Cup starts and $313,975 in career Winston Cup earnings through 1994. Finished second to Jeff Burton in 1994 Rookie of the Year battle.
Began working on cars when his dad sponsored local Alabama drivers. Tremendous athlete. Was Gadsden High football team captain in 1981 and also played on basketball team. Nominated for Alabama Pro Athlete of the Year in 1986. In spare time enjoys golf, action movies and Aerosmith.
Sources: NASCAR Press Guides, Star and News staff reports.
