NASCAR Heat 5 2009: TRG Double Feature

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Today's 2009 team lookback features TRG Motorsports, a sports car racing team that ventured in NASCAR's top series in 2009.

Car No. 71
After two seasons competing in NASCAR'S Truck Series, TRG Motorsports decided to make the jump to Cup in 2009. Team owner Kevin Buckler hired Mike Wallace to try and get the 71 into the Daytona 500. Wallace struggled for speed and ultimately missed the field. David Gilliland was hired to run the majority of the season, putting up strong results, gaining sponsors and locking the team into the top 35 in points. By mid season though, sponsorship dollars became scarce, and the 71 was forced to begin starting and parking. Late in 2009, Bobby Labonte was hired following his departure from the Hall of Fame 96 team, with sponsorship from TaxSlayer. Labonte's performance earned him a full time contract in 2010. Again, funding issues appeared, and Labonte soon left for Phoenix Racing and brother Terry's Stavola-Labonte Racing. In 2011, TRG hired road racer Andy Lally to compete full-time and run for Rookie of the Year. Lally struggled, and left the team before season's end. After not making it into the top 35, Buckler shut his team down and sold it's points to the No. 30 Inception Motorsports team.

Car No. 70
TRG's second car, the No. 70, debuted at Watkins Glen in 2009 with David Gilliland driving. Gilliland would not qualify. The 70 would not make an appearance until Texas in the fall, with Mike Skinner starting and parking, finishing 43rd.