Arciero-Wells Racing has hired Richard Buck, chief mechanic for Al Unser Jr.’s Marlboro Team Penske since 1994, to fill the position of Team Manager. Effective Nov. 1, Buck will be responsible for all facets of Arciero-Wells Racing’s IndyCar program.

"I am pleasantly surprised that someone of Richard’s talent and background is available to join Arciero-Wells Racing," said team co-owner Cal Wells III. "With a long-term commitment from MCI and Toyota, we are fortunate, as a young an growing team, to be able to offer challenging new opportunities to individuals like Richard. We continually strive to surround ourselves with winners and Richard is a winner."

"This has given me the opportunity to further my career in the motorsports arena," said Richard Buck, who joins Arciero-Wells after 11 years with Marlboro Team Penske. "I am extremely enthusiastic about the future of Arciero-Wells Racing. The standards and goals Cal Wells has set, coupled with the depths of my Indy Car experience should prove to be the combination to beat well into the 21st century."

At age 34, Buck will become one of the youngest team managers in the PPG Indy Car World Series. This mirrors his accomplishment of being the youngest Indy Car chief mechanic in 1983 with driver Tony Bettenhausen. Since joining Team Penske in 1985, Buck has built a tremendous record as a chief mechanic including 25 Indy Car pole positions, 24 Indy Car victories, and two PPG Cup championships, and two Chief Mechanic of the Year awards.

Arciero-Wells Racing recently announced an extensive partnership with MCI and Toyota that will last into the 21st century. Max Papis, who joined the team at Mid-Ohio this year, is slated to drive the No. 25 MCI Toyota in 1997.

Frank Arciero Sr. and Cal Wells II formed Arciero-Wells Racing in 1995. Prior to this partnership, Frank Arciero enjoyed much success in racing, helping to launch the careers of many notable drivers, among them Phil Hill, Dan Gurney, Bobby and Al Unser and Michael Andretti. Co-owner Cal Wells III has worked with Toyota since 1980 in the off-road racing arena, winning 23 championship titles since 1979.

Arciero-Wells Racing along with the Team Toyota off-road racing program is based out of the Precision Preparation Inc. (PPI) facility in Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif., which is owned by Cal Wells III.