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How Ricky Rudd’s Tide NASCAR Hauler Ended Up Working the Tobacco Fields

Get The Drive’s daily newsletter The latest car news, reviews, and features. All dogs go to heaven, but not all retired workhorses see green pastures. I’ve stumbled on far too many semi-trucks parked for good and left to rot, even though they looked to be in great shape when the driver hung up the keys. […]

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All dogs go to heaven, but not all retired workhorses see green pastures. I’ve stumbled on far too many semi-trucks parked for good and left to rot, even though they looked to be in great shape when the driver hung up the keys. Fortunately, that hasn’t happened with 1997 Brickyard 400 winner Ricky Rudd’s iconic Tide-liveried NASCAR hauler. It’s been in the care of Earl Brooks for more than two decades, and after locating it on Google Maps following years of searching, I got the chance to sit down and talk with Mr. Brooks. As you’re about to see, he has some great memories with this old Ford.

“This story of how I acquired the Tide truck starts with my mentor in the trucking industry, Mr. G.C. Fleig, president of Fleig Leasing, Inc,” Brooks told me. “Mr. Fleig was a longtime supporter of NASCAR, and one of the original supporters of Mark Martin and Jeff Gordon. He was also close friends with Bill Davis Racing.

“Mr. Fleig introduced me to Buddy Stafford, owner of Piedmont Ford Trucks of Greensboro, North Carolina. Mr. Stafford was known to have flown many people to the races on his private plane. It was in knowing these two exceptional businessmen that my opportunity arose to buy the NASCAR transport trucks after they were turned in by the teams to get new ones.”

Billy Marsh

Already, you can tell that Brooks had quite the arrangement. He explained that he was visiting the Piedmont Ford service shop when he was approached by “a professional-looking gentleman” who turned out to be the truck’s former driver. When he learned that Brooks had purchased the rig, affectionately dubbed the “Tide Ride,” he instructed him to have the truck fully checked out.

When Brooks asked what the problem was, the man replied with something along the lines of, “No problem, but the cruise control was set at 120 mph because we’d all race each other to the next track.” He followed that up with a tale about being pulled over by an Arkansas state trooper, who clocked him at 103 mph after he’d slowed down some. When Brooks asked what that cost him, he responded: “Every souvenir I had in the truck.” Good ol’ boys, indeed.

You can see the vibrant orange paint job still holding up after all these years. Earl Brooks

The Tide Ride lives in Roxboro, North Carolina, and has for quite some time. Brooks owned a small trucking business and farmed tobacco when he purchased the Blue Oval, so it was used alongside his others to transport harvested crop to the market in Danville, Virginia. He told me that these race trucks helped his drivers take pride in their work, and because of that, they were more satisfied at the end of every long haul.

The truck itself is a 1993 Ford Aeromax with an N14 Cummins engine, a 13-speed transmission, and 706,733 miles on the clock. A company named Spevco out of Pfafftown, North Carolina, applied the paint—seven layers, not counting the clear coat—and it’s still holding up magnificently after years of sunlight, rain, and everything in between. Brooks notes that only a small portion of the clear coat shows any wear, adding that it was finished “before there was such a thing as wraps.”

If all this has you excited, Brooks asked me to mention that he’d potentially sell the Tide Ride—but only if you’re going to treat it well. He already turned down one offer from a fellow trucker who planned to use it for hauling logs. “I could not stand to sell it for that,” Brooks lamented. “If there is someone who wants to preserve NASCAR history, I would entertain an offer for the truck.”

Too bad I already have a classic Ford to keep me busy. Otherwise, this thing might be headed to the Ozarks to live with me.

Got a tip or question for the author? Contact them directly: caleb@thedrive.com. Or, if you’d like to make an offer on the Tide Ride, please reach out to Mr. Earl Brooks: piedmonthemp@gmail.com

From running point on new car launch coverage to editing long-form features and reviews, Caleb does some of everything at The Drive. And he really, really loves trucks.



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Could NASCAR move its Chicago Street Race to San Diego?

After two years of rain-soaked July Fourth weekend events, could the NASCAR Chicago Street Race be heading west to eternally sunny San Diego? The Athletic reported Wednesday that NASCAR and the Southern California city’s sports tourism commission are in negotiations to hold a race on the streets of San Diego in 2026. A NASCAR spokesperson […]

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June 19, 2025

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After two years of rain-soaked July Fourth weekend events, could the NASCAR Chicago Street Race be heading west to eternally sunny San Diego?

The Athletic reported Wednesday that NASCAR and the Southern California city’s sports tourism commission are in negotiations to hold a race on the streets of San Diego in 2026.

A NASCAR spokesperson declined to comment on the unconfirmed report, while the San Diego Sports Commission did not respond to a request for comment Thursday.

Chicago is set to host the third annual street race July 5-6 on a pop-up course in and around Grant Park, completing an inaugural three-year agreement with NASCAR. The deal, struck during former Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s administration, includes a two-year renewal option.

“We continue to have positive conversations with the city of Chicago, and right now, we’re focused on making 2025 the best event yet,” a NASCAR spokesperson said Thursday.

A spokesperson for Mayor Brandon Johnson’s office did not respond to a request for comment Thursday. The city, which had an annual 180-day exit clause after the first two races, committed to this year’s event in August.

Adding a San Diego street race next year does not necessarily affect the future of the Chicago Street Race.

Most NASCAR tracks range from a quarter-mile to 2 ½-mile banked ovals, but the Florida-based sanctioning body for stock car racing holds several events at road courses, including Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, in Sonoma, California, and at Watkins Glen in New York. NASCAR might similarly be building its portfolio of urban street races, with Chicago paving the way.

The Chicago Street Race has nonetheless had its challenges in the first two years, including pushback over the disruption and street closures to set up the 12-turn, 2.2-mile course through Grant Park, down DuSable Lake Shore Drive and up Michigan Avenue.

This year, NASCAR has streamlined the buildout and reduced major street closings to 18 days, starting with the shutdown Thursday of Balbo Drive from Columbus Drive to DuSable Lake Shore Drive. All streets are scheduled to be reopened by July 14.

But the biggest issue facing the first two street races was inclement weather.

In 2023, the inaugural Fourth of July weekend event navigated record rainfall that curtailed races, canceled concerts and left fans soaked. The first Cup Series street race also garnered a huge national TV audience with Chicago as a rainy backdrop, averaging nearly 4.8 million viewers during a four-hour broadcast on NBC.



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Frankie Muniz hopes to light up Pocono with Black Cat sponsorship

Reaume Brothers Racing has announced Black Cat Fireworks is joining as primary sponsor for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Pocono Raceway Friday, June 20th. This will be Black Cat Fireworks debut as primary sponsor for the first time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, riding on the No. 33 F-150 driven by Frankie […]

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June 19, 2025

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Reaume Brothers Racing has announced Black Cat Fireworks is joining as primary sponsor for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Pocono Raceway Friday, June 20th.

This will be Black Cat Fireworks debut as primary sponsor for the first time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, riding on the No. 33 F-150 driven by Frankie Muniz.

Founded in 1952, Black Cat Fireworks is a leading brand in consumer fireworks, known for its commitment to quality, safety, and innovation. Distributed by Winco Fireworks, Black Cat offers a wide range of products designed to enhance celebrations across the United States.

“We’re excited to bring the explosive energy of Black Cat Fireworks to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series,” said Chris Noland, VP of Marketing and Brand Development at Black Cat Fireworks. “Partnering with Frankie Muniz and Reaume Brothers Racing at Pocono Raceway allows us to connect with fans who appreciate high-octane excitement, both on and off the track.” Noland added.

“I’m honored to have Black Cat Fireworks on board for the Pocono race,” said Muniz. “Their commitment to delivering thrilling experiences aligns perfectly with the excitement we aim to bring to the track. I look forward to putting on a great show for the fans.” Muniz added.

Fans can expect a dynamic Black Cat-themed paint scheme on the No. 33 truck, celebrating the synergy between the adrenaline of racing and the spectacle of fireworks.

Black Cat’s only other NASCAR Sponsorship was with driver Tony Raines, who was the full-time spotter for the No. 33 RBR F-150 in 2024 before stepping back to part-time in 2025.

Through this partnership Black Cat and RBR look to deliver on the shared core audience of adrenaline seekers aiming to combine fireworks and NASCAR. Fans can watch Frankie Muniz in the No. 33 Black Cat Fireworks truck take on Pocono Raceway Friday June 20th, 2025, at 5:00 PM ET. The race will be broadcast live on FS1.



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Gearing up for a busy NASCAR weekend in the Poconos

Thousands of people are starting to make their way to the Poconos for the big NASCAR weekend. Pocono Raceway started welcoming fans to the infield this afternoon. MONROE COUNTY, Pa. — The RVs are rolling into Pocono Raceway near Long Pond for another weekend of NASCAR races.  Judy Murech of Tunkhannock says this is the […]

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June 19, 2025

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Thousands of people are starting to make their way to the Poconos for the big NASCAR weekend. Pocono Raceway started welcoming fans to the infield this afternoon.

MONROE COUNTY, Pa. — The RVs are rolling into Pocono Raceway near Long Pond for another weekend of NASCAR races. 

Judy Murech of Tunkhannock says this is the third year her family has camped out here. When Newswatch 16 stopped by, the family was putting the final touches on their site with an American flag.

Murech says a lot of planning goes into the weekend. 

“It’s taken a couple weeks at home getting things set up and packed, and the last minutes this morning before pulling out the door, ‘Do you have this?, do you have that?,’ so it’s been a couple week process and a couple hours here,” said Murech. 

With all of the rain we’ve had in the weeks leading up to NASCAR weekend, fans say they didn’t know what to expect when they got to their campsites. 

“We were expecting a swamp, and that is what it looked like when we checked in, but I think we got two of the best sites here, because it is pretty solid,” said Murech. 

“It was actually not bad, it was muddy out front, but that’s about it. We came in here and it wasn’t a puddle, and thankfully our neighbors next door lent us a lawn mower,” said Jack Hollar of East Stroudsburg. 

These fans are here to see the drivers take to the tricky triangle for three races. 

Officials with Pocono Raceway say all 3,400 campsites in the infield are sold out. For fans, once the sites are set up, it’s time to have some fun. 

“Bring the camper, we bring a lot of stuff with us, it’s a lot, but it’s not terrible work. It’s fun to set up then play cornhole out here,” said Hollar. 

Tickets for Friday and Saturday are still available. Pocono Raceway officials say tickets for Sunday’s Great American Getaway 400 are limited. 



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Garage 66 Brings Back 57-Year-Old Ex-NASCAR Driver for Unexpected Cup Series Start at EchoPark Speedway

NASCAR fans are in for a surprise this June. Garage 66 has announced they’re bringing back 57-year-old David Starr for the Quaker State 400 at EchoPark Speedway on June 28. The veteran Texan driver will be behind the wheel of the No. 66 Ford, decked out with sponsorship from WNB Factory Wings N Burgers, Roofing […]

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June 19, 2025

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NASCAR fans are in for a surprise this June. Garage 66 has announced they’re bringing back 57-year-old David Starr for the Quaker State 400 at EchoPark Speedway on June 28. The veteran Texan driver will be behind the wheel of the No. 66 Ford, decked out with sponsorship from WNB Factory Wings N Burgers, Roofing Georgia/NGE Decks, and several other partners.

David Starr Making 2025 Cup Debut at EchoPark Speedway

Starr isn’t exactly a newcomer to NASCAR’s big leagues. He’s been racing since the late 1990s and has four Truck Series race wins under his belt, a top-five Xfinity Series race finish, and 18 career Cup Series races.

In April 2024, he was at Martinsville with the same Garage 66 team, showing his strong connection with team owner Carl Long.

Most drivers his age have hung up their helmets, but not Starr. He’s still out there grinding in the Xfinity Series with Joey Gase Motorsports. Over the last two seasons, he’s made eight starts. His 26th-place finish at Darlington proves he’s still got what it takes to compete with drivers half his age, and he had an eighth-place finish at Talladega Superspeedway at the 2024 United Rentals 250 last season.

If you follow NASCAR, you know Garage 66 isn’t exactly rolling in cash like the big teams. Carl Long runs the scrappy operation under MBM Motorsports, and they’re the definition of doing more with less. They run the No. 66 part-time, bouncing between different drivers and piecing together sponsorship deals to keep the lights on.

What makes them special is that they give guys like Starr a shot when nobody else will. The team recently rebranded to Garage 66 and keeps finding ways to stay relevant, whether it’s through veteran drivers or unique sponsor partnerships that bigger teams might overlook.

EchoPark Speedway is going to be the perfect stage for this David vs. Goliath story. The track’s got that high-speed, high-banked action that makes for great racing, and the Quaker State 400 draws serious attention. In 2021’s Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 500, Starr started at 38th and finished 23rd. Let’s hope this year brings in better opportunities for him.

Starr clearly can’t contain his excitement about getting back in a Cup car. “EchoPark Speedway is one of the most exciting tracks on the schedule, and I’m thrilled to compete here with such an incredible group of partners,” he said. “The No. 66 looks amazing, and we’re ready to go full throttle on race day.”

The folks at WNB Factory are pretty pumped, too. Company President and COO Robert Bales said, “We’re proud to join forces with Garage 66 to showcase our brand on one of racing’s biggest stages. This is a great opportunity to connect with race fans and represent Georgia with pride.”

At 57, most people are thinking about retirement, not strapping into a 200 mph stock car. But Starr’s story shows what NASCAR is really about: never giving up, finding opportunities where others see dead ends, and proving that sometimes experience beats youth. Whether he finishes first or last, just seeing him out there competing is pretty inspiring.





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Racers Unchained with Paul Tracy: Jimmie Johnson – Chasing Greatness

Paul Tracy sits down with one of the most decorated drivers in motorsports history: Jimmie Johnson. A seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and IndyCar competitor, Johnson’s relentless drive and quiet determination have made him a modern legend. Tracy dives deep with Johnson on his incredible NASCAR dynasty with Hendrick Motorsports, what it took to dominate […]

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June 19, 2025

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Paul Tracy sits down with one of the most decorated drivers in motorsports history: Jimmie Johnson. A seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and IndyCar competitor, Johnson’s relentless drive and quiet determination have made him a modern legend.

Tracy dives deep with Johnson on his incredible NASCAR dynasty with Hendrick Motorsports, what it took to dominate an entire era, and how he made the bold leap to open-wheel racing in the latter stages of his career. From the pressure of the Daytona 500 to the challenge of the Indianapolis 500, Johnson reflects on the risks, the rewards, and what still fuels him today.

They discuss the differences between stock cars and IndyCars, how racing culture has evolved, and Johnson’s rare ability to transition across disciplines while staying true to the craft. Expect a candid conversation about legacy, reinvention, and what it means to chase greatness – no matter the arena.

With Paul Tracy’s signature unfiltered style, this episode delivers the rare perspective of a racer who conquered it all, and then started over.



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57-year-old David Starr to run NASCAR Cup race at Atlanta

Garage 66 (formerly known as MBM Motorsports) will run the NASCAR Cup race at Atlanta Motor Speedway next weekend, making their sixth start of the year. The non-charted team has used a variety of drivers including Josh Bilicki, Chad Finchum, and Casey Mears. Their best finish of the year came in the Coca-Cola 600 where Bilicki […]

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June 19, 2025

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Garage 66 (formerly known as MBM Motorsports) will run the NASCAR Cup race at Atlanta Motor Speedway next weekend, making their sixth start of the year.

The non-charted team has used a variety of drivers including Josh Bilicki, Chad Finchum, and Casey Mears. Their best finish of the year came in the Coca-Cola 600 where Bilicki placed 33rd in the 40-car field.

But at Atlanta, David Starr will make a surprise appearance in the Cup Series, driving the No. 66 Ford. The 57-year-old has 18 starts in the Cup Series and none so far this year. However, Starr’s career also includes 268 NASCAR Xfinity Series starts, and 317 Truck Series starts.

David Starr, Chevrolet

David Starr, Chevrolet

Photo by: James Gilbert / Getty Images

He’s a proven winner with four victories in Trucks, placing as high as fourth in the championship in 2006. Starr has one Cup start at Atlanta back in 2011, but that was on the old configuration. But the veteran driver’s best finish in the Cup Series came in 2021 at Texas where he finished 23rd.

“EchoPark Speedway is one of the most exciting tracks on the schedule, and I’m thrilled to compete here with such an incredible group of partners,” said Starr in a release from the team. “The No. 66 looks amazing, and we’re ready to go full throttle on race day.”

The effort will be backed by WNB Factory Wings N Burgers, Roofing Georgia/NGE Decks, Coble Enterprises, and Carter’s Royal Dispos-all.

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