The Money Team Racing only showed up to the track twice in 2023. Conor Daly made both starts for the team in the 50 BitNile entry. Starting off the season in Daytona, Daly backed his way into the Daytona 500 after Austin Hill was taken out during their Duel race. Fast forward to COTA, Daly struggled again in an underperforming car to finish 36th. After COTA in 2023, The Money Team went quiet. Heading into 2024, the question was whether the team would return. Well, turns out the team did return under new management. After two editions of Season in Review as The Money Team, this year it is time to look at Team AmeriVet.
#50 – Ty Dillon/Jeb Burton
2024 Stat Line:Â 2 Starts – 96.43% Laps Ran, Avg Fin: 37, 3 Laps in Top-15
Crew Chief: Chris Terry (Dillon)/Mike Hillman Jr (Burton)
After the 50 car failed to make an appearance for the Daytona 500, it seemed likely that The Money Team would cease to exist. Afterall, The Money Team held a perfect mark for making the Great American Race. However, the fate of the team turned out a bit more positive than expected. Prior to the Coca-Cola 600, it was announced that an ownership group comprised with backing from AmeriVet Securities bought The Money Team. Their debut race would be the Coca-Cola 600 with Ty Dillon driving.
In the 600, Dillon managed to finish the weather shortened race, albeit 2 laps down. However, the team performed admirably in their first start. The team’s next start would not occur until the final race of the 2024 season. This time, Jeb Burton would pilot the 50 car in the Cup Series finale. Although Dillon struggled in the 600, Burton experienced a much worse car in Phoenix. Over the radio, he called it the worst thing he had ever driven. Similar to Dillon, Burton did finish the race under power. However, it was 18 laps down.
2025 Outlook
With humble beginnings in 2024, Team AmeriVet plans to step up their part-time schedule for 2025. As of October, team co-owner Rebecca Auchmoody stated their plan was to run 15-17 races. Drivers still have yet to be determined, which is to be expected for a small team. The big question will be whether Team AmeriVet shows up to qualify for the Daytona 500. Right now, it feels that there will be more than 40 teams showing up. Could Team AmeriVet be willing to take the chance to go to Daytona and potentially miss the race?
As for which drivers could helm the 50 car next season, look toward Chevy. Last year, Team AmeriVet ran with Chevy as the manufacturer. It would be surprising to see them change. Jeb Burton could be tabbed again to driver for them. For others, perhaps Parker Retzlaff, Anthony Alfredo, and Brennan Poole could see time for the team. It would be surprising if one driver made each start for Team AmeriVet. As with many open teams, expectations are basement level. Finishing races under power are considered successful outings. Still, if they can last more than 2 seasons, Team AmeriVet accomplished more than The Money Team.
For other 2024 Season in Review articles, click the link(s) below:
Robert Cwick: Team Penske, JTG-Daugherty, Front Row Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing, Trackhouse Racing
Griffin Fuller: 23XI Racing, Hendrick Motorsports, RFK Racing, Stewart-Haas Racing, Wood Brothers Racing, Richard Childress Racing, Legacy Motor Club, Rick Ware Racing
Daniel Smith (statistical reviews): Team Penske/Wood Brothers, Hendrick Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing, Trackhouse Racing/Richard Childress Racing, RFK Racing/Front Row Motorsports, Stewart-Haas Racing, Spire Motorsports/JTG-Daughtery, Kaulig Racing/Rick Ware Racing, Cup Series Final Ranking
