Revival of Dodge
Founded in 1999, Evernham Motorsports was created to lead Dodge back into prominence in NASCAR’s elite racing series and field two competitive teams. With the backing of nearly 3,000 Dodge Dealers and the Chrysler Group’s performance brand Dodge, Evernham was fielding cars in the NEXTEL Cup Series, Busch Series, and Craftsman Truck Series, as well as in the ARCA, USAC and Dodge Weekly Racing series. Before the 2001 Winston Cup season, a Dodge had not raced in the series since Phil Good at the Pocono Raceway in June 1985. Evernham led Dodge's return to NASCAR by fielding two full-time cars in the 2001 season. Bill Elliott was named to drive the No. 9 Dodge Dealers/UAW Dodge on March 10, 2000. The driver of the No. 19 Dodge Dealers/UAW Dodge was announced to be Casey Atwood.
In 2002, Jeremy Mayfield was added to Evernham's program, taking over the No. 19 Dodge from Atwood. In 2002, Evernham found success with his new program by witnessing Mayfield win the Winston Open, as well as Bill Elliott winning the Pennsylvania 500. The following race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was also won by Bill Elliott.
In 2006, Jeremy Mayfield was fired for "lack of performance" and for comments deterimental to the team. In August 2006 Elliott Sadler was announced as the new driver of the 19 car.
Read more about this topic: Ray Evernham
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