Buzz Motorsports Team Bio

Buzz Motorsports
Jamie Neville of Mackinaw, IL and Brian Zeigler of Pendelton, IN combined forces to create the Buzz Motorsports team in December 2005 for the purpose of competing in the ASA Late Model Series. Teaming up with Crew Chief Bobby Hutton led to early success for the team as Derek won the 2006 ASA LMS Rookie of the year award by a slim margin of only 14 points over his brother and teammate Nick.

The 2007 season saw Buzz Motorsports take on a new look as co-founder Brian Zeigler left the team in order to devote his full energy towards his own driving career. Dixie Chopper Lawn Mowers signed on as primary sponsors of the #55 car of Nick Neville. Veterans Kevin Tunks and Chad Stevens came on board in the team manager/crew chief role and immediately had a positive impact on the young team. Nick opened the season by winning the fast qualifier award at Nashville. Later in the season he led for the first time in his career, had his first podium finish and finished a close second in the season long ASA LMS North Division point standings. Derek, in the #95 car started the season strong as well. He was positioned among the top 5 in points for almost the entire season and even briefly led the standings until a late season crash dropped him from contention. Derek also raced his way into the front of several events in 2007 for the first time in his career.

2008 has brought even more positive change to the team. Legendary Crew Chief Mike Butz has signed on to lead the #95 team of Derek. Buzz Motorsports plans to continue compete full-time for the championship in the ASA LMS North Division.

Team Owners: Jamie & Beverly Neville
Jamie & Beverly Neville of Mackinaw, IL have been involved in motorsports for over 35 years. First as a volunteer crew members, and Jamie as a driver in the early days of ARTGO and the ASA National Tour. After hanging up his helmet in 1986, he focused his attention on helping up and coming drivers get their starts. This led him to become a full time Crew Chief in 1991. Over the next several seasons, Jamie could be found working with many future stars of the ASA series such as Brad Loney, Rick Beebe, Bill Baird and Tony Raines. In 1997 he made his return as a team owner, purchasing Quarter Midgets for his sons Derek and Nick to drive. This eventually led to his ownership of several UMP dirt modifieds. With Jamie and Beverly's leadership, Buzz Motorsports was formed in 2006 and began competing in the ultra competitive ASA Late Model Series.

Team Manager/Crew Chief #55 - Kevin Tunks, Edgerton, WI
Kevin is an expert in race set-up, chassis design and fabrication, specializing in crate motor late models. As the owner of Tunks Motorsports, he has built and fielded cars for many winning drivers throughout the Midwest. Kevin has one goal in mind and that is to lead our team to victory lane. His meticulous car preparation proves his philosophy "that races are won or lost at the race shop." His vast experience and great work ethic makes him a perfect fit for our up and coming team.

Crew Chief #95- Mike Butz, Green Bay, WI
Legendary crew chief and car builder Mike Butz will bring over two decades of experience to the Buzz Motorsports team in 2008. Cars owned and wrenched by Mike have been a dominate force in Late Model racing throughout the mid west since his famous #08 team burst on the scene. Mike's set-up skills and leadership abilities have made him one of the most sought after crew chiefs in the nation. His confidence and easy going personality will set an excellent example for our young drivers!

Mechanic/Tire Specialist: Brian "Lincoln" Link
Mackinaw,IL
Former dirt track crew member handles race day tire management and various mechanical duties.

Graphics/Spotter: Beverly Neville
Mackinaw,IL
Responsible for appearance related items and serves as race day spotter for Derek.

Records/Bookkeeping/Tire Data: Mary Schmidgall
Mackinaw, IL
Collects and analyzes tire data for both cars.

Chief Mechanic Car 55: Randy Tunks
Edgerton, WI

Chief Mechanic Car 95: Johnny Baumeister
Lake Geneva, WI

Mechanic: Todd Witkowski
Clinton, WI

Mechanic: Matt Butz
Green Bay, WI

Mechanic: Homer Hilpert, Jr
Stanford, IL

Jackman/Timing & Scoring: Brian Foley
Minier, IL

Team Chef: Carol Hilpert
Stanford, IL

Crew Support: Tres Neville
Minier, IL

Crew Support: Danielle Neville & Trevor Neville
Mackinaw, IL

Paint/Bodywork: Jeff Clark & Frank Smith
Morton,IL