Trip Bruce began his racing career at the age of 18 racing Late Models and Grand Stocks at Southside Speedway in Richmond, Va.  It was during this time that Bruce became acquainted with car owner Don Beverly.  In 1989, he joined Beverly’s team as a fabricator and mechanic.

Throughout the next few years, Bruce worked for several NASCAR teams, including Richard Childress Racing, Ultra Motorsports and Bill Davis Racing.  His first stint at BDR lasted from 1999 to 2003, during which time he served as car chief on the No. 22 car for fellow Virginian, Ward Burton.  Ultra Motorsports once chose Bruce to lead its NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series team in 2004.  Under Bruce’s leadership, the team posted one of its best seasons ever, earning one pole position and three victories with drivers Jamie McMurray and Kasey Kahne.

Bruce joined Evernham Motorsports in 2005 to serve as the organization’s team director.  He led Evernham’s NASCAR Busch Series efforts to one win, two poles, two top-five finishes and seven top-10 finishes with eight different drivers in 2005.  In 2006, Bruce led Kahne and Scott Riggs to two wins, a pole, two top-five finishes and five top-10 finishes in Busch Series competition.  Bruce also earned the Busch Series Crew Chief of the Year honors.

Bruce returned to Bill Davis Racing in 2007 to lead Johnny Benson’s Craftsman Truck Series entry.  Bruce and Benson clicked right from the start.  The two went to Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway and finished second in their first race together.  That was just a stepping stone to their incredible season.  The pair captured four wins, 12 top-five finishes and 19 top-10 finishes before finishing third in the championship standings.

Benson has been among the top three drivers in the Craftsman Truck Series for the past two seasons.  Now that he and Bruce have a year together under their belts, their efforts should produce the team to watch out for in 2008.

“I couldn’t be more excited to get the 2008 season underway,” Bruce said.  “With the help of the resources that TRD has provided for the upcoming season, Johnny Benson and our team should be one tough customer this year.  I want to get Johnny and Bill Davis Racing their first championship, and I am going to do everything in my power to make that happen.”