CONCORD, N.C. (July 19, 2016) – Circle Sport – Leavine Family Racing is excited to unveil its throwback paint scheme for the upcoming Bojangles’ Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway. The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series (NSCS) team will honor Richard Childress by running a special No. 95 Thrivent Financial Chevrolet SS paint scheme saluting Childress’ 1973 No. 3 Kansas Jack car.
Childress may be a legendary car owner in NASCAR today, but the Winston-Salem, N.C. native started his career in the drivers’ seat and collected six Top-5 and 76 Top-10 finishes between 1969-81. He went on to finish fifth in the NASCAR premier series standings in 1975 before retiring as a driver in 1981.
“Back in those days, the ‘independents’ like us all worked on our own cars and drove the trucks,” recalled Childress of his driving career. “I loved it! I loved the driving part of it. We’d work 60-70 hours a week just to get to drive. I loved Darlington, it was one of my favorite tracks. It was really narrow back then had guard rails around it. I’ll never forget being there as a rookie and taking it all in.”
CSLFR is a modern-day independent team, running a single-car entry in the NSCS. The team entered a technical alliance with Richard Childress Racing at the start of the 2016 season and is thrilled to represent the newly inducted NASCAR Hall of Fame member with this historical paint scheme at Darlington Raceway.
“Darlington was one of the races that I attended years ago that spurred my passion for NASCAR,” said Bob Leavine, partner in Circle Sport – Leavine Family Racing. “For our team to participate in the Throwback weekend for the first time is going to be really special. We’re proud to pay tribute to Richard Childress, a true NASCAR Hall of Famer, and honor his driving career with this special scheme.”
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series veteran driver Michael McDowell will be behind the wheel of the No. 95 Thrivent Financial Chevrolet SS for the Bojangles’ Southern 500. This will be McDowell and CSLFR’s first time participating in the Darlington Raceway throwback weekend, and both driver and team are excited about the opportunity.
“The Darlington Throwback weekend is really cool,” said McDowell. “I love how we can all look back at our sport and remember the great stories and people who made it what it is today. Everyone goes all out for this weekend and we’re excited to have the No. 95 Thrivent Financial team participate.”
Fans can catch the special edition No. 95 Thrivent Financial Chevrolet SS in the Bojangles’ Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway on Sunday, September 4, 2016.
To learn more about the team, please visit www.CSLFR95.com or follow along on Twitter for up-to-date news at @CSLFR95.
About Circle Sport – Leavine Family Racing
Formed in 2016, Joe Falk, owner of Circle Sport Racing and Bob and Sharon Leavine, owners of Leavine Family Racing teamed up to compete in the 2016 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season as Circle Sport-Leavine Family Racing. The team will field the No. 95 Chevrolet SS, which will be driven by Michael McDowell as well as Ty Dillon in select races. The team operates out of their Concord, N.C.-based race shop with a veteran group of racing personnel and is driven by several core principals including Value, Integrity, Flexibility, Opportunity, Access and Experience. For more information, please visit www.CSLFR95.com.
