Ted Musgrave moves in to replace Rick Mast on a team that failed to make the field in three of the final five races last year. Musgrave hopped around replacing various drivers after losing the No. 16 ride, but hopes he can find a home -- and a first career victory -- here. The team will get its engines from Robert Yates.
Career
Musgrave came agonizingly close, once again, to first career win 1997 in
runner-up finish at Darlington in March. Up to 216 career starts without
that first win. Still, finished 12th in points and earned career-best
$1,256,680 with five top-five finishes.
Spent most of 1996 in or near the top 10 in Winston Cup standings before slipping to finish 16th. He scored seven top-10 and twwo top-5 finishes, including a season-best third in Richmond in March.
His name will forever be in the North Wilkesboro Speedway history books for winning the pole for its final Winston Cup event.
Started racing Wisconsin short tracks, ARTGO, Winston All-Pro and ASA. 1987 ASA
Rookie of the Year. Break for Winston Cup ride came in 1990. Rich Vogler was
set to run some Winston Cup events, but he was killed in an accident at Salem
Speedway before he was able to compete. Musgrave was called to take the ride.
First Winston Cup race, Michigan International, 1990, qualified 24th and blew
up after 64 laps. Earned three poles in 1994. Has 122 Winston Cup starts.
$1,782,023 career winnings through 1994. Runner-up for 1991 Winston Cup Rookie of the Year. Finished 13th in '94 Winston Cup standings.
1995 started out strong with a six-race run of top-10 finishes including third
at Delaware and second at Pocono. Season ended with 13 top-10 finishes placing
seventh in the final standings. Winning first one-million-dollar season which was nearly double his previous best.
Wants to be Winston Cup crew chief after driving career is over. Enjoys oldies
music, "tough-guy" movies and weekends off. Inspired by his father, who "always
wanted to see his boys make it big." Spouse: Debi. Children: Ted, Jr.,
Justin, and Brittany.
Sources: NASCAR Press Guides, Star and News staff reports.
