Benson Gets New Ride

Tim Beverly, owner of the Tyler Jet Motorsports team in NASCAR's Winston Cup series, announced Monday that Johnny Benson has agreed to drive for him next season.

Benson, the 1996 Rookie of the Year, has spent the last two seasons behind the wheel of a Jack Roush Ford. Benson's association with Tyler Jet will return the 1995 NASCAR Busch Series champion to the seat of a Pontiac, something the 36-year-old driver said he is excited about.

"Getting on board with Tyler Jet Motorsports is a great opportunity," Benson said. "They have a solid program in place with good cars and a great engine program. There's opportunity for a lot of people there and I'm looking forward to that."

"I'm also looking forward to getting back in a Pontiac. I had a lot of success in a Pontiac when I was at Bahari Racing (in 1996 and 1997). We missed the Top 10 in points by just one point in 1997 and I think a return to Pontiac will give me a great shot in getting into the Top 10 in 2000."

Rich Bickle started the 1999 season with Tyler Jet Motorsports and ran in 24 races with a top finish of 10th. David Green finished out the year, driving the last nine races with a best of 12th and the team's first-ever pole.

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