BAM Racing, currently in its sixth year of NASCAR Nextel Cup competition, is owned by Beth Ann and Tony Morgenthau, successful investors from Coral Gables, Fla. Ms. Morgenthau, whose initials make up the name of the team, is the only female car owner in NASCAR to become involved in the sport without prior family connections.
Ms. Morgenthau, born in Kansas City, Mo., has always been interested in fast cars and horsepower. Her interest in racing was sparked in the eighth grade when her family moved to Miami. Growing up near Hialeah Speedway, she made frequent trips to the track to watch drivers like Bobby and Davey Allison.
Her interest in motorsports became a passion after attending the Indianapolis 500 several times. The legendary A.J. Foyt became her racing hero, and she followed him and his career closely. Her racing heroes include not only Foyt, but Jackie Stewart and Phil Hill as well.
In 2000, a birthday present from her husband catapulted Ms. Morgenthau to the status of team owner in the ARCA Series. The couple quickly applied its business acumen to the operation.
In 2002, the team moved to the Nextel Cup Series and competed in a partial schedule with several different drivers behind the wheel.
The move proved to be a success, and by 2003, BAM Racing was running a full schedule in the Nextel Cup Series as one of a few single-car teams in the elite division.
With a technologically advanced race shop in Huntersville, N.C., the Morgenthaus have a fleet of Dodge-supported racecars backed by the horsepower of Evernham Engines.
After a challenging season in 2006, BAM Racing maintains an unwavering commitment to succeed. The team went through a period of restructuring and reorganization late in 2006 in preparation for the 2007 season.
In 2008, general manager Eddie Jones, who has been with the team since its inception, returns to guide BAM Racing through what promises to be the team’s most successful season to date. A veteran of the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series, Jones is enjoying a championship career as a crew chief, mechanic and team leader.
At a time when some of the sport’s most decorated teams are ceasing operations, BAM Racing continues to strive forward and reach its goals. Aware of the ever-increasing pressure facing single-car teams in the sport, the Morgenthau’s are not intimidated by the challenges that may lie ahead. They have assembled a top-notch team with competitive equipment and are confident that BAM Racing’s seventh season in NASCAR racing will be its most triumphant.