"This is an opportunity of a lifetime. I truly feel blessed."

After being a dominant driver in the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series Late Model Stock Car Division for the past three seasons, Timothy Peters of Providence, N.C. has received the opportunity he has longed for.

Bobby Hamilton announced this past weekend in Daytona, Fla. that Peters, who claimed the NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series Late Model Stock Car crown last season at South Boston Speedway, will run a limited schedule this season in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.

Peters, who will run the Bailey's-sponsored #04 truck, will operate out of the Bobby Hamilton Racing stable in Nashville, TN. The truck, much like Peters' former Late Model Stock Car Division ride, will carry the familiar blue and fluorescent yellow Bailey's colors.

Hamilton is the defending champion of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.

Peters will make his debut in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in the April 9 event at Martinsville.

Reached Monday morning during a test session, Peters spoke of his excitement and enthusiasm at gaining the opportunity this season.

"I really appreciate this opportunity," Peters said. "You know, I have to thank Bobby Hamilton and Mac Bailey. Without their support of me and their belief in me, none of this would have been possible."

Peters said the team will showcase his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series ride Tuesday during a ceremony in Keysville, Va., the home city of Bailey's tobacco products.

Marcus Richmond, the longtime crew chief for Peters' #77 Bailey's Late Model Stock Car Division ride, and Chad Kendrick, himself a Late Model Stock Car Division competitor, will join Peters' race team in Nashville this season.

In addition to winning the track title at the four-tenths mile asphalt oval in South Boston Speedway last season, Peters also claimed Late Model track titles at neighboring Orange County Speedway, a three-eighths mile asphalt oval, in 2002 and 2003.

"We had a good run these last few years," Peters said. "We worked hard and now it has paid off for us with this great opportunity."

Peters said Monday that he still plans to compete in the Late Model Stock Car Division race slated at Martinsville Speedway later this year.