High Sierra Photo

It was destiny once again for Todd Bodine, as he and teammate Ted Musgrave battled Mark Martin to another exciting green-white checkered finish for the second straight week. Bodines No. 30 Germain Motor Company Toyota Tundra was stout throughout the race, leading a total of 11-laps. Bodine and his team had to overcome an early penalty for jumping a restart during an early race caution, which sent him to the back of the field.

Bodine wasted no time working his way back to the front, as he took the lead from Mark Martin on lap-81. Martin then took the lead back from Bodine on lap-83, setting the stage for another exciting ending between Martin, Bodine, and Musgrave. On lap-100 the eighth caution of the race flew, setting the field for a green-white checkered finish. Unlike in Daytona last week, this time the race would not end under caution, as Martin had to fend off the hard charging No. 30 Gemain Motor Company Toyota Tundra of Todd Bodine along with Bodine's teammate Ted Musgrave, who was right behind him. On the final-lap Bodine did everything he could to take the lead and the win, but Martin was right there to counter his moves as he ran out of time at the end.

"I had to hit the brakes, Mark was stopping in the middle of the corner, doing what he had to do to protect the bottom unfortunately," said Bodine. "I couldn't pass him on the outside, because if I had moved up a grove I would have gotten a little too loose and I was already too loose. So I couldn't do it. It was just unfortunate the yellow came out when it did, because I had it figured out. I really feel like we could have beaten him."

For Bodine, a second place finish is great for him and his No. 30 Germain Racing Toyota Tundra Team as they look at the big picture.

"It's a big plus for us to have two second place finishes this early in the season. It's been a great start to the year and I can't complain. This makes two second place finishes in a row for us and two third place finishes for Ted. Now we have some down time to improve on some things and get ready for Atlanta."

Unlike a lot of other competitors in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, Bodine likes having Martin around and wishes that he could run more races this season in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.

"A lot of drivers say they will be glad to see Mark go, but I wish he was racing more with us. It is great racing against Mark. He helps bring you to another level. It was a great weekend and a great start for Germain Racing and this No. 30 Germain Motor Company Toyota Tundra Team. To have two trucks run that well shows the strength of this team and our Toyota Tundra's."

Bodine took home the Mobile 1 Oil Command Performance Driver of the Race award for the second straight week. He also won the WIX Filters Lap Leader Award of the race. Crew Chief Mike Hillman, Jr. took home the WypAll Wipers Crew Chief of the Race Award, presented by Fastenal. The next race for Bodine and his No. 30 Germain Motor Company Toyota Tundra Team will be Friday, March 17th at Atlanta Motor Speedway.