It didn’t seem as if it was going to be a gamble to place an experienced driver with Billy Ballew Motorsports, as much of their success has come from those with lots of laps under their belts. NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series veteran Jeremy Mayfield jumped behind the wheel of the No. 15 Convoy of Hope/Craig Morgan Chevrolet for his second career NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series start this past Saturday night at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Handling issues throughout the race plagued Mayfield’s chances for a victory and thus producing a 23rd place finish for the team that won the same event two years ago and has one victory in 2006.

“I was really excited to race out here this weekend for Billy (Ballew) and everyone on this No. 15 team,” commented Mayfield following the race. “This is a great race team, but our finish is definitely not indicative of how well this team can run. It just felt like we had a wheel loose, but I know that’s not what it was. The No. 15 Convoy of Hope/Craig Morgan Chevy would vibrate off the corners and there wasn’t much we could do for it. We made several adjustments throughout the race and the guys kept digging trying to get it better and there at the end was the best the truck had handled. We just ran out of time.” (more…)

Jeremy Mayfield (Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images)

Billy Ballew Motorsports continues to add to their impressive list of drivers for 2006. For this weekend’s NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, owner Billy Ballew has tabbed NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series veteran Jeremy Mayfield to pilot the No. 15 Convoy for Hope/Craig Morgan Chevrolet. Mayfield has only one previous start in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series coming in 2003 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway.

“I’m really excited to run with Billy Ballew Motorsports at Las Vegas,” Mayfield said. “I like Billy a lot and have a ton of respect for him and his race team. I can’t wait to work with (crew chief) Richie Wauters this weekend. I just can’t really say how pumped I am to be running with this team at Las Vegas. Hopefully, we’ll have a good run and be able to build on it for the future. I really like what Billy’s done and what they have going on over there and hopefully, we’ll be able to get them back in Victory Lane. The truck’s black; my favorite color is black and I’m looking forward to pulling the No. 15 Convoy of Hope/Craig Morgan Chevrolet into the Winner’s Circle on Saturday night.” (more…)

Although Kyle Busch is in the Chase for the NEXTEL Cup, he enjoys the time he is able to dabble in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series for Billy Ballew Motorsports. This past weekend at the New Hampshire International Speedway, Busch piloted the No. 15 Freedom Grill/Team Davis Dirt Racing Chevrolet to a third place finish after starting in the ninth position and leading 46 laps.

Each time Busch jumps behind the wheel of his Billy Ballew Motorsports-entry, the competition knows the No. 15 team will be a threat for the victory. This weekend was no different after Busch led the field atop the speed charts in the first practice session. The No. 15 Freedom Grill/Team Davis Dirt Racing Silverado was a bit loose during its qualifying effort producing a ninth place starting position for the 200-lap event on the “Magic Mile.” (more…)

Kyle Busch will once again pilot the No. 15 Team Davis Dirt Racing Chevrolet for this weekend’s NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at New Hampshire International Speedway. Busch drove for the team in 2005 at NHIS, producing a solid top-10 effort. Busch hopes his prior experience, including being the latest NEXTEL Cup winner at NHIS, will be beneficial and carry over to his No. 15 Silverado for the 200-lap event.

“This is the second year I have raced the No. 15 truck for Billy Ballew Motorsports at New Hampshire,” said Busch. “Last year, we got a top-10 and I’m hoping all my luck I’ve had in the cup car will translate over into the truck. It’s going to be good to log some more laps and have some fun at the same time. New Hampshire is a tough track to pass on, so we just hope for a good qualifying position and a chance to get up there and challenge for the win.” (more…)