Germain Racing Team
Founded out of an interest by brothers Steve, Bob and Rick Germain to be a part of Toyota's entrance into NASCAR racing, the Germain's formed the race team in 2004 and fielded their first Toyota Tundra at Richmond International Raceway in September, 2004. The goal the brothers expressed to Toyota in pursuing the Tundra team franchise was that they would bring Toyota their first NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship.Germain's first Truck Series race was confirmation of the team's dedication to their founders' goal. Todd Bodine drove the #30 Germain Toyota Tundra, qualifying 3rd and finishing 4th. The Tundra they took to Richmond International Raceway was chassis number TRD-049, better known as "Sharon."
Bodine, driving "Sharon," went on to snag two victories in 2004, making the veteran NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series teams take note, that Germain Racing would be a force to reckon with in coming seasons. In eight races in 2004, the team scored two victories, four top-five and five top-ten finishes.
In 2005, Bodine and Germain Racing finished third in the Truck Series championship points battle and in 2006 after a record-setting 21-week lock on the points lead, the team won the series title. Heading into 2007, Germain Racing was the first Truck Series team to have the two most recent series champions on their roster. Germain Racing is led by general manager Mike Hillman Sr. Hillman is a seasoned NASCAR veteran, who one his first NASCAR championship while serving as crew chief for Tommy Ellis in the Busch Grand National Series. Hillman played a key role in Germain Racing's 2006 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship title and added another championship to his NASCAR tenure.
The race shop is located in Mooresville, N.C., on 3-acre campus which features 2 buildings, 52,000 sq. ft of shop and office space, paint and body shops, multiple surface plates in the fabrication shop, a four-post rig, an epoxy setup plate and a chassis dyno.
To keep all functions of Germain Racing working together in championship-form, Germain Racing starts each day with team meetings, and the pit crews practice daily, on the grounds of the race shop, and has full use of Germain Racing's workout room, located in the team's main building.Germain Racing has collected 12 victories in just over three years of NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series competition, and, in four NASCAR Busch Series races in 2007, the team has led laps and earned two top-ten finishes.
Mike Hillman, Sr.The Germain Racing Team is lead by General Manager, Mike Hillman, Sr. who helped create the team in 2004. Mike has been involved in NASCAR racing for over 17 years. Throughout his career he has worked as a crew chief and general manger in NASCAR’s Nextel Cup, Busch and Craftsman Truck Series. He has worked with such drivers as Dick Trickle, Kyle Petty, Joe Nemechek, Robby Gordon and Brett Bodine. In 1988 Mike earned a NASCAR Busch Grand National Championship for car owner John Jackson with driver Tommy Ellis. Mike’s ability to build winning teams and organizations has made him one of best in the business.
Mike Hillman, Jr.Mike Hillman, Jr., Crew Chief of No. 30 Germain Motor Company Toyota Tundra brings the Hillman family racing tradition with him to the team. Both Todd Bodine and Mike Hillman, Jr. have formed a winning combination over the past several months. Hillman Jr.’s experience as a car chief, working with such drivers as Greg Biffle, Larry Foyt and Brett Bodine along with the guidance of Mike Hillman, Sr. has helped mold him into one of the top crew chief’s in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. In 2005, Mike Hillman, Jr. took home the International Truck Crew Chief Award