Hamilton replaces Craven
As expected, Bobby Hamilton Jr. will take over driving Cal Wells's No. 32 Tide car this weekend at California Speedway, getting a head start on his full season with Wells next year, the team said on Thursday. Hamilton replaces Ricky Craven, who was informed a month ago that his contract would end after this year
Craven will drive one more race in the No. 32, at New Hampshire in two weeks, the American is from Maine and is popular in New England. He's also got a good track record there having won two poles at the Loudon track.
Craven and Wells, in announcing their amicable split, both said they intended to stay together to the end of the season.
"We are grateful Ricky Craven chose to allow us the opportunity to get a head start on the 2005 season," Wells said. "This will give Bobby and the team a chance to work together for the remaining events to build a foundation for next season."
Mike Beam will finish the season as crew chief, Wells said, although Hamilton's Busch crew chief, Harold Holly, has been hired by the 32 team for 2005. Holly has been working with the team in an advisory capacity.
The 32 team, which entered Cup in 2000, has two victories, both with Craven. Hamilton has won six times in Busch.
F1 Australian GP: Verstappen leads Hamilton in twice red-flagged first practice
F1 Australian GP: Verstappen leads Hamilton in twice red-flagged first practice F1 Australian GP: Verstappen leads Hamilton in twice red-flagged first practice
FIA bans jacks touching F1 cars during pitstop penalties after Alonso review
FIA bans jacks touching F1 cars during pitstop penalties after Alonso review FIA bans jacks touching F1 cars during pitstop penalties after Alonso review
Live: F1 Australian GP commentary and updates – FP1 & FP2
Live: F1 Australian GP commentary and updates – FP1 & FP2 Live: F1 Australian GP commentary and updates – FP1 & FP2
Supercars backs tech boss amid Triple Eight allegations
Supercars backs tech boss amid Triple Eight allegations Supercars backs tech boss amid Triple Eight allegations
The ex-F1 driver taking on NASCAR with a new team
The ex-F1 driver taking on NASCAR with a new team The ex-F1 driver taking on NASCAR with a new team
The early benefits and challenges of NASCAR's Next Gen car
The early benefits and challenges of NASCAR's Next Gen car The early benefits and challenges of NASCAR's Next Gen car
How Penske's rookie sensation opened NASCAR's new era in style
How Penske's rookie sensation opened NASCAR's new era in style How Penske's rookie sensation opened NASCAR's new era in style
Six key themes to follow in the 2022 NASCAR Cup season
Six key themes to follow in the 2022 NASCAR Cup season Six key themes to follow in the 2022 NASCAR Cup season
How NASCAR had to learn a harsh lesson ahead of its Next Gen arrival
How NASCAR had to learn a harsh lesson ahead of its Next Gen arrival How NASCAR had to learn a harsh lesson ahead of its Next Gen arrival
How Larson took the long way round to NASCAR Cup glory
How Larson took the long way round to NASCAR Cup glory How Larson took the long way round to NASCAR Cup glory
How NASCAR is gearing up for its "biggest change" in 2022
How NASCAR is gearing up for its "biggest change" in 2022 How NASCAR is gearing up for its "biggest change" in 2022
Why Bubba Wallace’s Talladega win is such a big moment for NASCAR
Why Bubba Wallace’s Talladega win is such a big moment for NASCAR Why Bubba Wallace’s Talladega win is such a big moment for NASCAR
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.