The 2008 NASCAR Nationwide Series season sets up to be a successful season for Bobby Hamilton, Jr. and Team Rensi Motorsports. This formidable combination finished in sixth position in the 2007 points championship and marked the return of Hamilton, Jr. to the organization. Earlier in his driving career, Hamilton recorded five Busch Series wins for Team Rensi Motorsports from 2002-2004. In 2003, Bobby dominated the competition over the second half of the season and came within 49 points of capturing the Busch Series Championship.
In 2008 Bobby will pilot the # 25 Smithfield Foods Ford Fusion with Crew Chief Chris Wright leading the charge. Smithfield owned companies; Eckrich Foods, Curly’s Foods and John Morrell will share sponsorship of the car this season.
The talented 30 year old Tennessee native brings a wealth of stock car experience and passion for the sport to Team Rensi Motorsports. Bobby has recorded 305 starts in the Sprint Cup Series, Nationwide Series and Craftsman Truck Series combined.
Bobby was born into the sport of NASCAR as the son of the late Bobby Hamilton, Sr, a racing legend and the 2004 Craftsman Truck Series Champion. At the age of 15 Bobby came home to find a gift from his father in driveway, a Ford Pinto. Together they turned the Pinto into a racecar and Bobby began to race on the weekends at local tracks.
From this point forward, Bobby began to climb the racing ladder. Despite having a successful racecar driver as a father, Bobby still had to work hard to find success.
Bobby made his NASCAR Nationwide Series debut in 1998 at North Carolina Motor Speedway in Rockingham, NC. After starting in the 27th position, he led three laps and finished in 37th position.
Over the next few years Bobby raced for various underfunded Busch Series Teams before landing with Team Rensi Motorsports in 2002. The opportunity to drive the No. 25 Team Marines Ford was just the break he had been looking for. At New Hampshire International Speedway, Bobby led 83 laps enroute to his first victory and the first win for Team Rensi Motorsports.
In 2003 Bobby recorded his best year ever, winning four races and coming within 49 points of the Busch Series Championship. Bobby recorded 13 top-five and 22 top-ten finishes.
Bobby competed in 23 Busch Series races in 2004 before moving to the Nextel Cup Series with PPI Motorsports. He remained with PPI Motorsports through the 2005 season. In 2006, Bobby raced for his late father’s team, Bobby Hamilton Racing in the Craftsman Truck Series.
A chance meeting in Bristol, TN with Team Rensi Motorsports Co-Owner Ed Rensi and Team President Ronnie Russell led to Bobby’s return home for the 2007Nationwide Series season.
“I am really excited about the 2008 season,” said Bobby. “My family and I feel very comfortable at Team Rensi Motorsports and together we want to build the race team back to the top. With the backing of Smithfield Foods, we are in position for a very exciting year.”
Count on Bobby Hamilton, Jr. and Team Rensi Motorsports giving each other 110% effort as they strive for success in the 2008 season. Bobby’s desire to succeed is unmatched in NASCAR and Team Rensi Motorsports is very excited to carry the colors of Smithfield Foods.
