MBI Publishing informed veteran motorsports writer John Close today that his upcoming book on the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series will be licensed by NASCAR as part of the NASCAR Library Collection series of books.

The Truck Series book, which is scheduled for release in conjunction with the 2007 season-opening events at Daytona International Speedway, will join the nearly 20 books already licensed by the NASCAR Library since its inception in May 2004.

"This has been a great project to work on and now to have it be licensed by NASCAR is more than I could have hoped for," said Close. "I've known the people at MBI and NASCAR have been working on this licensing agreement for awhile, but I was still really excited when I got the e-mail from Leah Noel at MBI saying this was going to happen."

Along with MBI's book distribution network and it's www.motorbooks.com web site, the new Truck Series book will be readily available at several other outlets when released next year.

"I'm pretty sure the book will be available on www.NASCAR.com," said Close. "All the other NASCAR Library Collection books are posted there for sale and I'm sure it will also be available at places like www.amazon.com. That's a great distribution mix and as a writer, you couldn't ask for a better situation."

Close has been a member of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series since 1996 when he joined Richard Petty Motorsports as the public relations manager and raceday spotter for the No. 43 NCTS entry. He has since provided publicity and marketing initiatives for a number of teams and spotted numerous drivers in the series.

A motorsports writer for more than 20 years, Close has covered all forms of racing for multiple publications. In 2004, Close teamed with MBI to write and publish his first book - Tony Stewart - From Indy Phenom To NASCAR Superstar.

In 2006, Close will spot select NCTS events and will handle special media projects for Automotive Service Excellence - ASE- and the No. 9 Team ASE Toyota driven by defending Truck Series champion Ted Musgrave.

"I have been very fortunate to be associated with the Truck Series for almost its entire history," said Close. "It's been a great place to race and work. Everyone associated with the series - from Brian France, Wayne Auton and Owen Kearns at NASCAR - to all the current and former drivers, team members, photographers and media people, have been very helpful in assisting the creative process of this new book. I'm really looking forward to seeing it in print early next year."

To see all the automotive books currently available from MBI Publishing, please log on to www.motorbooks.com.

The NASCAR Library Collection can be viewed and purchased by visiting www.nascar.com.

For more information about John Close, please log on to www.closefinishes.com.