BK Racing has been embroiled in several financial disputes since the summer, but it finally got a little good news when it announced it has picked up two associate sponsors for Talladega.
"Joey Gase will join BK Racing for Talladega, along with associate sponsors Donate Life Alabama and Eternal Fan. Joey will drive the No. 23 Dr Pepper Toyota Camry. Teammate Gray Gaulding will be in the No. 83 Dustless Blasting Camry for Talladega," BK announced on its website.
While that's all well and good, BK also picked up a sponsor for Charlotte -- and almost didn't make it on the track.
BK Racing has been embroiled in a financial dispute with its engine builder, REP, for a while now, and that dispute reportedly boiled over before the race at Charlotte.
In short, the engine manufacturer took their toys and went home.
BK's two cars -- the Nos. 23 and 83 -- got through qualifying inspection but didn't take the track as the owners of the team and engine builder attempted to work out an ongoing financial dispute. A court ruled that BK had to pay REP $1.46 million for the engines, but could receive the engines.
This is on top of three IRS liens totaling more than $600,000.
It all makes for an unsettling experience for the drivers, as Corey LaJoie, the driver of the No. 23 for Charlotte, said.
"It is hard to compete with the best stock car teams in the world when you don't get to practice," he said. "We are already fighting with both hands tied behind our back anyways and now we are trying to tie both legs behind our back, as well."
All they can hope is a little more money keeps them on the track this weekend.