02-12-2006 | TruckSeries.com Report
"I guess you could call me the backup quarterback," said Hamlin. "The No. 04 Hemi Dodge is Scott Lagasse's ride and I in no way want to take away from that. We are lucky that with the relationship between Chip Ganassi Racing and Bobby Hamilton Racing, I was able to have this awesome opportunity to work with Bobby Hamilton. I will go into this race with the same mindset I go into any race - I go out to win no matter if it is a one race deal or a full season. I learned a lot from Bobby about the draft during testing and how to make it work to your advantage. I look forward to surprising everyone on how good the Hemi Dodge is going to be." Daytona is the ultimate proving ground for all aspiring stock car racing drivers and Hamlin is no exception. The preseason test at the superspeedway enabled him to develop a good feel for both his BHR team and the track. "Racing this weekend in Daytona will be a dream come true for me," said Hamlin. "I have never set foot on the track before testing and really adjusted well to the draft. It is crazy out there, but a lot of fun. My guys worked really hard at the test. We worked on a variety of things during that weekend, and some will come in handy as we head back. I am confident Randy (Seals) and Bob (Bissinger) have put together a game plan. Daytona is really a chess match. So much can happen that is out of my control. I know going in we may not be that strong in qualifying, but I am not worried about the race. My plan is to not be too aggressive at the start and just ride around for awhile. It worked pretty good for Bobby (Hamilton) last year and I plan to make it work for BHR again this year." Event: GM FuelFlex 250 (100 laps) Chassis at Daytona: Hamlin will be running the Bobby Hamilton Racing chassis Angel. It is the seventh chassis built at BHR. It has been to victory lane several times with past BHR drivers Joe Ruttman and Chad Chaffin. Kevin Hamlin has one previous career NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series start, at Kansas Speedway on July 2, 2005. He started 24th and finished 23rd in the No. 07 Green Light Racing entry.
Chip Ganassi Racing NASCAR Busch Series development driver Kevin Hamlin will make his second career NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series start and his first start at Daytona International Speedway on Friday, February 17th, in the Bobby Hamilton Racing No. 04 Dodge Hemi Ram. Scott Lagasse Jr, also a Ganassi development driver, is slated to drive the No. 04 Dodge Hemi truck for BHR throughout the 2006 season, but as a result of not being approved for Daytona's famed 2.5 Mile Tri-Oval, Hamlin will step in for one race.
Location: Daytona International Speedway (2.5-Mile Tri-Oval)
Qualifying: February 16th 6:30 PM ET
Race Start: February 17th 8:15 PM ET Live on Speed