Polly Reid
Oxford, CT:
A deal inked this afternoon, car owner Don Barker has announced that Chuck Hossfeld of Ransomville, NY will take over as the new driver of the 50 modified competing in the Whelen Modified, NASCAR Touring Series for 2005.

"He’s a young veteran," said Barker about Hossfeld. "That’s what we need, we have a very energetic team."

"I’ve been around the Series since 2002," said Hossfeld. "The same time the 50 started with Todd Szegedy and everything I’ve seen from top to bottom, they’re professionals and put in a 100 percent effort. Being aligned with this team for 2005 puts us in a great position for a run for the championship."

Hossfeld replaces Todd Szegedy of Ridegefield, CT who took the 50 modified to victory lane eight times in three seasons, captured the Rookie of the Year award in 2002 followed by a Series championship in 2003. Szegedy decided not to return to the Whelen Modified Series for 2005 as he continues to pursue a ride in the NASCAR Busch Series.

"We’re working on a sponsor program that’s not put to bed," said Barker, "but it’s a three year deal and as soon as it breaks, we will announce that. Our engine builder remains the same, CJM Engines -- Chris Moroch, he’s done an excellent job and he’s working hard to pick up our program next year."

"We want to congratulate Tony Hirschman and the Kehley brothers on their championship season," said Barker adding with a smile, "but with Chuck, crew chief Phil Moran, Chris on the motors, Chassis Dynamics and the rest of our team, we fully intend to come back and claim that title."

"I’m excited about this," said Hossfeld. "We finalized the deal today and feel we have all the pieces of the puzzle here to be a top notch competitor in the Series. With Don, Phil, Bob Cuneo, the team and Chris doing the motors, there is a great amount of depth and resources here along with determination to be winners."

"We will have the best effort we’ve ever had," concluded Barker. "We’ve got some super things going on here."