He's won in ARCA, raced in Busch and Nextel Cup and has a last name synonymous with NASCAR - now Kerry Earnhardt is ready for a new challenge.

The Florida Dodge Dealers 250 at Daytona International Speedway on the night of Feb. 18 will be Earnhardt's inaugural debut in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (Speed TV/MRN Radio, 8 p.m. ET). The 35-year old native of Kannapolis, NC will pilot the No. 15 Kraft Foods Chevrolet of Billy Ballew Motorsports.

On an interesting note, checking the record book reveals he'll be the first Earnhardt in the historical family lineage to have their name above the driver's door in a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race.

"It's going to be pretty awesome," Earnhardt said. "The fan support I have received about getting into this series is just incredible. When I first started racing in the Busch Series a few years ago, I think there was a lot of expectations because of my last name.

"After a few races, they realized I could only do with what I could do racing. I couldn't do what Dad (Dale Earnhardt) did on a race track.

"Dad was an incredible person and nobody can replace him. I think the fans have realized that every one of us is our own person. They've stuck behind me through the ups and downs, it's amazing what the amount of fan support is and what it means to me - especially now."

The deal with Ballew Motorsports marks Earnhardt's return to a full-time ride in the NASCAR ranks since 2003. Kraft will sponsor the No. 15 Chevrolet in two races this year (Daytona and California) and DEI will provide engines throughout the year.

Last year, Earnhardt drove in select Nextel Cup Series races for Richard Childress Racing and will do so again this year. But his attention will be 100% on being a contender in the Craftsman Truck Series ranks.

"I'm just looking forward to being partnered with the Billy Ballew Motorsports team with Dale Earnhardt, Inc. providing the engines," Earnhardt said. "We tested at Talladega before we went to Daytona and we were the fastest Chevrolet. Each manufacturer went to test there at a different time and we were fastest on the overall chart after everyone was done.

"Then, we went to Daytona and all the makes tested together at once. We basically ran by ourselves for awhile and got the feel of the truck, and that went pretty well for us.

"When it came time to draft, there was a pack of eight trucks half a straightaway ahead of me. I caught them in a about half a lap and passed all of them. It was pretty exciting as we ended up third, overall, on the speed chart."

Speaking of family, Earnhardt is well aware of the significance of the date for his Truck Series race in Daytona. It was four years ago on that fateful date the NASCAR community shed a collective tear after the 2001 Daytona 500. He's hoping to hear cheers when the checkered flag flies this Feb. 18 at Daytona.

"It would be awesome to win this race," Earnhardt said thoughtfully. "There has never been an Earnhardt in the Truck Series and we're looking to lead a lot and win a lot of races. Richie Walters (crew chief) has worked really hard and the whole team has been geared up for this race and starting the season off right.

"It would be pretty cool to win at Daytona - especially that night."