Donnie Neuenberger
Encyclopedia
Donnie Neuenberger is a NASCAR
driver. Neuenberger is a cancer
survivor. During the 2004 season, he was diagnosed after nerves were pinched by the tumor during a race. He recovered and is currently driving part-time in both the NASCAR Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series.
in fall 2002. With his alma mater, the University of Maryland, College Park
on the #77 Moy Racing
Ford, he started in 41st and finished 26th.
Donnie was then able to run more races in 2003, as most of his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series schedule emptied out. Driving Moy Racing and Means Racing
(#52), he improved on his debut with a 20th place in the season opener at Daytona
. He was 21st at Talladega
, 42nd at Dover Downs and 30th at Daytona in the July race for Moy. In two races for Means Racing, he finished 41st at Texas
and 36th at Dover Downs.
Donnie planned to compete in a full season run in 2004. With sponsorship from BG Products, Donnie made and ran the first five races of 2004. However, it did not go too well. His best finish in that span was 33rd at Rockingham
and that race was the only one he finished. After not qualifying for two races with the team, Donnie made his final race of the season at Talladega, where he matched his best finish of the year, 33rd and had his best start, 30th. In 2005, Neuenberger flipped at Dover
, but was uninjured. Surprisingly, he became more popular among fans.
After Talladega, Donnie was diagnosed with cancer. The chemotherapy and the recovery forced Donnie out for the rest of the year.
However, Donnie was able to return to the track made in what many consider a feel-good story. MacDonald Motorsports
#72 team invited him back to Daytona to drive the P4OT.com Chevy. Donnie jumped at the chance and enjoyed brief media limelight for his jump back to the track. After qualifying 37th, Donnie was running mid-pack before engine problems showed and finished 38th. Means Racing wanted Donnie back as well. He would drive both races at Dover Downs for the team. He finished 39th in both races. Notably, in the fall, Donnie was involved in a 13-car pileup on lap 2. His #52 Plan B Technologies Ford flipped twice before landing on all four wheels, allowing Donnie to drive away. In 2009, he ran three more races for Means Racing
, earning a best finish of 28th.
For 2010, Donnie will drive part-time in both the #52 IHOP Chevrolet
for Means and the #41 Chevrolet
for Rick Ware Racing.
race at Daytona
in 2000. He started the race in 26th position in the #84 eBay
Ford. However, Donnie was able to avoid a large wreck and drove home in 9th position. In addition to the season opener, Nueunberger drove in the 2000 season finale. After starting 34th, Donnie took the #51 Line-X Chevy to a 30th place position.
His runs in 2000 earned him a part-time ride in 2001. He returned to Daytona, driving the #51 Baltimore Ravens
Chevy, finishing 15th. That would be his best finish in 2001. He ran 5 other races with sponsorship from IHOP. He was 28th at Darlington Speedway, 30th at Dover Downs
, 19th at Texas
, 26th at Richmond
and 36th in the fall race at Texas. His best qualifying effort came in the spring race at Texas, where he started 19th.
Donnie and IHOP would also return for two races in 2002. He was 25th at Daytona and 29th at Texas, where he had his best qualifying effort of 29th for 2002. He did not finish either race due to crashes.
Donnie drove two races in 2003 for Rodney Smith, owner of the #66 Dodge. At Charlotte
and at Texas, Donnie finished in the 25th position. His better qualifying effort came at Texas, where he started 23rd.
Donnie finished 14th position at Talladega sponsored by Royal Farms Gas Stations, his highest finishing Nationwide spot ever following a top 25 in Dover last fall with planbtech.net on board. In 2010, he finished 9th in the season opener at Daytona International Speedway
in the #6 EZ-Slider Chevrolet
for Rick Ware Racing. It was his first in 10 years at the same circuit along with the same finish. Neuenberger is scheduled to drive the #6 in select races throughout the season.
. His best finish was 20th in 2006.
NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
driver. Neuenberger is a cancer
Cancer
Cancer , known medically as a malignant neoplasm, is a large group of different diseases, all involving unregulated cell growth. In cancer, cells divide and grow uncontrollably, forming malignant tumors, and invade nearby parts of the body. The cancer may also spread to more distant parts of the...
survivor. During the 2004 season, he was diagnosed after nerves were pinched by the tumor during a race. He recovered and is currently driving part-time in both the NASCAR Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series.
NASCAR Busch Series
Donnie made his Busch Series debut at Lowe's Motor SpeedwayLowe's Motor Speedway
Charlotte Motor Speedway is a motorsports complex located in Concord, North Carolina, United States 13 miles from Charlotte, North Carolina. The complex features a quad oval track that hosts NASCAR racing including the prestigious Coca-Cola 600 on Memorial Day weekend and the Sprint All-Star Race...
in fall 2002. With his alma mater, the University of Maryland, College Park
University of Maryland, College Park
The University of Maryland, College Park is a top-ranked public research university located in the city of College Park in Prince George's County, Maryland, just outside Washington, D.C...
on the #77 Moy Racing
Moy Racing
Moy Racing was an auto racing team owned by former Ford Motor Company employee Joseph Reilly which fielded entries in the NASCAR Busch Series. Drivers who piloted the Moy Racing Ford included Jimmy Kitchens, Andy Kirby, Carl Long , Bruce Bechtel, Dana White, Brad Teague, Ed Berrier, Donnie...
Ford, he started in 41st and finished 26th.
Donnie was then able to run more races in 2003, as most of his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series schedule emptied out. Driving Moy Racing and Means Racing
Means Racing
Means Racing is a NASCAR Nationwide Series team. It is owned by former driver Jimmy Means. The team primarily runs without sponsorship, and fields the #52 Chevrolet Impala.-Busch/Nationwide Series:...
(#52), he improved on his debut with a 20th place in the season opener at Daytona
Daytona International Speedway
Daytona International Speedway is a race track in Daytona Beach, Florida, United States. Since opening in 1959, it has been the home of the Daytona 500, one of the most prestigious races in NASCAR. In addition to NASCAR, the track also hosts races of ARCA, AMA Superbike, Grand-Am and Motocross...
. He was 21st at Talladega
Talladega Superspeedway
Talladega Superspeedway is a motorsports complex located north of Talladega, Alabama, United States. It is located on the former Anniston Air Force Base just outside the small city of Lincoln. It was constructed by International Speedway Corporation, a business controlled by the France Family, in...
, 42nd at Dover Downs and 30th at Daytona in the July race for Moy. In two races for Means Racing, he finished 41st at Texas
Texas Motor Speedway
Texas Motor Speedway is a speedway located in the northernmost portion of the U.S. city of Fort Worth, Texas – the portion located in Denton County, Texas....
and 36th at Dover Downs.
Donnie planned to compete in a full season run in 2004. With sponsorship from BG Products, Donnie made and ran the first five races of 2004. However, it did not go too well. His best finish in that span was 33rd at Rockingham
North Carolina Speedway
Rockingham Speedway, formerly North Carolina Motor Speedway and later North Carolina Speedway is a racetrack located near Rockingham, North Carolina...
and that race was the only one he finished. After not qualifying for two races with the team, Donnie made his final race of the season at Talladega, where he matched his best finish of the year, 33rd and had his best start, 30th. In 2005, Neuenberger flipped at Dover
Dover
Dover is a town and major ferry port in the home county of Kent, in South East England. It faces France across the narrowest part of the English Channel, and lies south-east of Canterbury; east of Kent's administrative capital Maidstone; and north-east along the coastline from Dungeness and Hastings...
, but was uninjured. Surprisingly, he became more popular among fans.
After Talladega, Donnie was diagnosed with cancer. The chemotherapy and the recovery forced Donnie out for the rest of the year.
However, Donnie was able to return to the track made in what many consider a feel-good story. MacDonald Motorsports
MacDonald Motorsports
MacDonald Motorsports is a NASCAR team owned by former driver Randy MacDonald and his wife Pat. They field the #81 Eagle Convenience Stores/Heartland Harley Davidson Dodge Challenger for Donnie Neuenberger, Scott Wimmer and rookie Blake Koch in the NASCAR Nationwide Series...
#72 team invited him back to Daytona to drive the P4OT.com Chevy. Donnie jumped at the chance and enjoyed brief media limelight for his jump back to the track. After qualifying 37th, Donnie was running mid-pack before engine problems showed and finished 38th. Means Racing wanted Donnie back as well. He would drive both races at Dover Downs for the team. He finished 39th in both races. Notably, in the fall, Donnie was involved in a 13-car pileup on lap 2. His #52 Plan B Technologies Ford flipped twice before landing on all four wheels, allowing Donnie to drive away. In 2009, he ran three more races for Means Racing
Means Racing
Means Racing is a NASCAR Nationwide Series team. It is owned by former driver Jimmy Means. The team primarily runs without sponsorship, and fields the #52 Chevrolet Impala.-Busch/Nationwide Series:...
, earning a best finish of 28th.
For 2010, Donnie will drive part-time in both the #52 IHOP Chevrolet
Chevrolet
Chevrolet , also known as Chevy , is a brand of vehicle produced by General Motors Company . Founded by Louis Chevrolet and ousted GM founder William C. Durant on November 3, 1911, General Motors acquired Chevrolet in 1918...
for Means and the #41 Chevrolet
Chevrolet
Chevrolet , also known as Chevy , is a brand of vehicle produced by General Motors Company . Founded by Louis Chevrolet and ousted GM founder William C. Durant on November 3, 1911, General Motors acquired Chevrolet in 1918...
for Rick Ware Racing.
Camping World Truck Series
Donnie made his NASCAR debut in the inaugural Craftsman Truck SeriesCraftsman Truck Series
The NASCAR Camping World Truck Series is a pickup truck racing series owned and operated by the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing...
race at Daytona
Daytona International Speedway
Daytona International Speedway is a race track in Daytona Beach, Florida, United States. Since opening in 1959, it has been the home of the Daytona 500, one of the most prestigious races in NASCAR. In addition to NASCAR, the track also hosts races of ARCA, AMA Superbike, Grand-Am and Motocross...
in 2000. He started the race in 26th position in the #84 eBay
EBay
eBay Inc. is an American internet consumer-to-consumer corporation that manages eBay.com, an online auction and shopping website in which people and businesses buy and sell a broad variety of goods and services worldwide...
Ford. However, Donnie was able to avoid a large wreck and drove home in 9th position. In addition to the season opener, Nueunberger drove in the 2000 season finale. After starting 34th, Donnie took the #51 Line-X Chevy to a 30th place position.
His runs in 2000 earned him a part-time ride in 2001. He returned to Daytona, driving the #51 Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are a professional football franchise based in Baltimore, Maryland.The Baltimore Ravens are officially a quasi-expansion franchise, having originated in 1995 with the Cleveland Browns relocation controversy after Art Modell, then owner of the Cleveland Browns, announced his...
Chevy, finishing 15th. That would be his best finish in 2001. He ran 5 other races with sponsorship from IHOP. He was 28th at Darlington Speedway, 30th at Dover Downs
Dover Downs
Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment ownes Dover Downs Hotel & Casino a hotel and casino that has a racing facility that holds harness horse racing on a track and NASCAR events on a concrete surface. The Sprint Cup track is now known as Dover International Speedway, and the Dover Downs name is...
, 19th at Texas
Texas Motor Speedway
Texas Motor Speedway is a speedway located in the northernmost portion of the U.S. city of Fort Worth, Texas – the portion located in Denton County, Texas....
, 26th at Richmond
Richmond International Raceway
Richmond International Raceway is a 3/4-mile , D-shaped, asphalt race track located just outside Richmond, Virginia in Henrico County. It hosts the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series and Nationwide Series...
and 36th in the fall race at Texas. His best qualifying effort came in the spring race at Texas, where he started 19th.
Donnie and IHOP would also return for two races in 2002. He was 25th at Daytona and 29th at Texas, where he had his best qualifying effort of 29th for 2002. He did not finish either race due to crashes.
Donnie drove two races in 2003 for Rodney Smith, owner of the #66 Dodge. At Charlotte
Lowe's Motor Speedway
Charlotte Motor Speedway is a motorsports complex located in Concord, North Carolina, United States 13 miles from Charlotte, North Carolina. The complex features a quad oval track that hosts NASCAR racing including the prestigious Coca-Cola 600 on Memorial Day weekend and the Sprint All-Star Race...
and at Texas, Donnie finished in the 25th position. His better qualifying effort came at Texas, where he started 23rd.
Donnie finished 14th position at Talladega sponsored by Royal Farms Gas Stations, his highest finishing Nationwide spot ever following a top 25 in Dover last fall with planbtech.net on board. In 2010, he finished 9th in the season opener at Daytona International Speedway
Daytona International Speedway
Daytona International Speedway is a race track in Daytona Beach, Florida, United States. Since opening in 1959, it has been the home of the Daytona 500, one of the most prestigious races in NASCAR. In addition to NASCAR, the track also hosts races of ARCA, AMA Superbike, Grand-Am and Motocross...
in the #6 EZ-Slider Chevrolet
Chevrolet
Chevrolet , also known as Chevy , is a brand of vehicle produced by General Motors Company . Founded by Louis Chevrolet and ousted GM founder William C. Durant on November 3, 1911, General Motors acquired Chevrolet in 1918...
for Rick Ware Racing. It was his first in 10 years at the same circuit along with the same finish. Neuenberger is scheduled to drive the #6 in select races throughout the season.
Other series
Since 2001, Neuenberger has run four races in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, all at Dover International SpeedwayDover International Speedway
Dover International Speedway is a NASCAR-sanctioned race track located in Dover, Delaware, owned by, and serving as the corporate headquarters of, Dover Motorsports, Inc. It is co-located with a harness racing track, Dover Downs, and shares the complex with Dover Downs Hotel & Casino...
. His best finish was 20th in 2006.