Lester, No. 22 Toyota Preview: Daytona

02-09-2006 | TruckSeries.com Report

NOTES:

  • This week's race truck for Daytona International Speedway is Chassis No. 22-79.  The No. 22 team is taking a brand-new truck to Daytona International Speedway.
  • Tested and approved …The No. 22 team tested chassis No. 22-17 in January at Daytona International Speedway.  The team was very happy with the performance of the truck.  Driver Bill Lester could maneuver through the draft and seemed to have the speed the team wanted.
  • Partnership Annoucement…  Bill Davis Racing will make an announcement regarding the sponsorship of the 22 Toyota Tundra and Bill Lester on Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 2:30 p.m. in the Daytona International Speedway Media Center.
  • Autographs anyone?  Lester will participate in Craftsman's annual Daytona autograph session Thursday, Feb. 16 at Volusia Mall in Daytona Beach.  The event is slated to start at 12:45 p.m.
  • Is this thing on?  Lester will join his Bill Davis Racing teammates on "MRN Live" Monday, Feb. 13 at 7:05 p.m. Lester will field questions about the 2006 season from veteran analyst Eli Gold.  The show will air live from Daytona USA and will broadcast nationally via MRN radio.
  • Listen and watch … The Truck Series 250 is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. EST Friday, Feb. 17.  It will broadcast live on Speed Channel (TV), MRN (radio) and XM Radio.

Bill Lester's NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Results at Daytona International Speedway

Date

Start

Finish

LC/TL

Status

$Won

2/18/2005

4

29

63/100

Accident

$12,440

2/13/2004

17

16

100/100

Running

$17,015

2/14/2003

8

18

97/100

Accident

$15,165

2/15/2002

19

18

98/100

Running

$15,165

Bill Lester on racing at Daytona International Speedway:
"I love going to Daytona.  It is one of the fastest tracks on the schedule.  The driver and crew have to be on their game the entire race in order to have a shot for the win.  We ran really well there in 2005 but were taken out in a wreck that ended our night.  I am hoping 2006 will be the year we have the finish that we deserve.

"The test in January proved to be really strong for the No. 22 team. We were fast in both single-truck runs as well as in the draft.  I think our truck with the Toyota horsepower will be one that contends for the lead all night.

"I am really excited about Checkers extending its relationship with the No. 22 team.  They are a great partner, and they really get how to market their products to the NASCAR community.  I am looking forward to giving them a strong finish under the lights Friday night."

Crew chief Doug Wolcott on racing at Daytona International Speedway:
"I want to go back to Daytona and try to get another top-10 starting spot with this No. 22 team, as well as a strong finish.  I really like Daytona.  You have to figure out how to make the truck fast in both in qualifying mode as well as in race mode, which is really a challenge at a 2.5-mile track.  I know Bill Lester will be up on the wheel, and after the test, I think we will be really good.  Bill was happy with the way the truck felt in the draft and in single truck runs.  My guys and I are looking for great things in 2006."