Kevin Schwarz to Replace Kevin Lepage in 1997-1998 NASCAR BGN Racing
9 October 1997
MOORESVILLE, NC - Kevin Schwantz will replace Kevin Lepage behind the wheel of the NASCAR Busch Series Grand National Division No. 88 Chevrolet effective immediately. Schwantz will drive the Ridling Motorsports Monte Carlo sponsored by Ryder Driver Recruiting for the remainder of 1997 and entire 1998 season. The former Grand Prix Motorcycle Champion competed in his first Busch Series event last Saturday at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Schwantz started the Ridling Motorsports #65 Boxberger Chevrolet ninth and finished the All Pro Bumper to Bumper 300 in 29th place, five laps behind winner Jimmy Spencer. Kevin Lepage will drive the LJ Racing No. 91 Ford this weekend at Talladega Superspeedway in an attempt to make the field for the NASCAR Winston Cup DieHard 500. He is also scheduled to pilot the James Finch-owned Chevrolet in then next event on the Busch Series schedule at California Speedway in two weeks. Lepage's plans for 1998 are still undetermined.