BUSCH: Kennon new McLaughlin crew chief

CONCORD, NC --- (November 28, 2000) - Innovative Motorsports Team Owner George deBidart announced the hiring of Gere Kennon as crew chief for the #48 Goulds Pumps Chevrolet driven by Mike McLaughlin in the NASCAR Busch Series today. Kennon, 43, joins the organization after leading Ron Hornaday to two wins and a 5th place NASCAR Busch Series Points Championship finish in 2000.

"I believe Gere is the missing ingredient for our race team," deBidart said. "Gere brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the team and will raise our competition level for 2001."

Kennon has worked with many of the top organizations and drivers in NASCAR, including, Dale Earnhardt Inc, Roush Racing, Junior Johnson, and Brett Bodine. Kennon also led Sam Ard to back-to-back Busch Series Championships in 1983 and 1984.

"I am looking forward to the challenge of helping to build the team to a winning level," Kennon said. "I have known Mike since his Modified racing days and I believe we can be a good combination and win some races next season."

McLaughlin is coming off a rollercoaster of a year that saw the Waterloo, NY native finish outside the top-ten in points (24th) for the first time since 1994. McLaughlin expressed his excitement over the hiring of Kennon.

"We are all looking forward to having Gere on board, he has won a lot of races in his career," McLaughlin said. "I believe Gere will provide the right direction for us and build a winning team here at Innovative Motorsports.

Kennon and the remainder of the Goulds Pumps Racing Team will be busy at work over the next three months preparing for the start of the 2001 NASCAR Busch Series Season on February 17th in Daytona Beach, Florida.