Catchfence

Jeff Fuller is one of the most accomplished drivers in NASCAR today. Jeff used to dominate the modified series before moving to Busch and Cup. He has 31 career wins, which is 3rd on the all time win list, and won the championship in 1992.

Most people do not know he is the ONLY NASCAR driver to win two events in one day on two different continents. (Martinsville (USA) and Australia). He was the 1995 NASCAR Busch series Rookie of the year. He finished in 10th place in the points that year making him only the fourth driver to finish in the top 10 in points his rookie season. He won his only Busch Series race at Bristol, after starting on the pole. As of June 29, 2005 he has 13 career cup starts with a best finish of 22nd at Atlanta in 2000. This season he is running the #7 car in the Busch Series and the #34 in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup series. Here is the Q&A with Jeff Fuller.

What was it like winning Bristol?

Cool, Liz had Tiffany the same weekend. It was a very busy and exciting weekend followed by a busy week at the shop. People were calling , faxing, and sending flowers to congratulate us on the Bristol Pole, Win, and the arrival of the latest addition to the Fuller family.

Why did you start and park for most of 2003 and 2004?

Bills had to be paid. We had to keep our game face on. Nemco Motorsports has good equipment but without sponsorship Joe said he wasn’t going to support my habit. The 88 didn’t have provisionals so the team had to make each race on speed. Each race we all hoped we would land sponsorship so we could be competitive every week.

How did you get into Busch?

Sunoco sponsored me in the modified series. Sunoco decided they wanted to go Busch racing in 1995 and take me with them. We went to ST Motorsports and finished in the top ten in points the first year. The next year we won Bristol from the Pole. Most people don’t realize that Sunoco and I had over a 14 year relationship.

Are you close to getting sponsor this season?

We are very hopeful. We are talking to a few people but nothing is done at this point.

What is the most difficult part of racing in the Busch series?

The financial part is the hardest. With everything you need to go racing it takes a top notch sponspor to fund the engine building, tires, crew, fleet of cars, and travel. It is impossible to stay in the series without a good sponsor.

Who was your favorite driver growing up?

I always followed Richie Evans

Are you going to run the rest of the races in the 7 car or part time in the 24 also?

The plan is to continue running the number 7 for the remainder of the season.

Is the 7 car with Joe Nemechek racing or the old 24 team?

Nemco Motorsports and GIC Motorsports have an agreement that allows me to run the #7.

Who got you started in racing?

I did. When I was about 12 I visited a local track and was hooked right away.

What is your favorite race track?

Bristol

Can you evaluate your season up to this point?

I recently agreed to drive the #7 car so we have really just gotten started. We have had some bumps along the way but are improving as a team. Our qualifying is getting alot better and we are working on our race setups. The key is to secure sponsorship

What is next for Jeff Fuller after he retires from racing?

I honestly haven’t thought that far ahead.

What is the greatest part about running in Busch?

Having the great talent of the Busch Series regulars on the track with the Cup guys. This series is full of talent. It’s very competitive.

How many more races are you going to run in cup?

The plan is for me to continue in the #34 car for the remainder of the season. The #7 deal came together first so we will not run Cup races that aren’t companion events with the Busch Series.

What is it like for you to run Cup again after the 27 team?

It isn’t really different after the #27 team. I really enjoy racing the Busch and Cup cars.

What exactly happened with the 27 Viagra team, why did you guys split?

Viagra was happy with the progress we were making but the team thought the #27 should win right away. The crew chief decided a change was needed early in the season and Mike Bliss was put in the car. The rest is history.