2007 Dollar General Operation Big Chance Craftsman Truck Ride to Formosa

Nicholas Formosa (Steve Cavanah Photo)

Twenty-one year old Nicholas Formosa, the 2006 Music City Motorplex Super Truck Champion, will be given the opportunity to enter and qualify for the May 26th NASCAR Craftsman Truck event at Mansfield, Ohio, officials of the Music City Motorplex announced today. Kevin Harvick, Inc. will field the truck, with Dollar General providing title sponsorship. Day, by virtue of points earned at the Motorplex in 2006, was scheduled to drive the truck at this weekend's Craftsman Truck event in Martinsville, Virginia, however scheduling conflicts for that event and others potential events, have moved Formosa into the ride.

With the assistance of Kevin Harvick Inc. and Dollar General, the Motorplex was able to identify a number other potential events for Day to participate, but none of which fit Day's schedule as he defends his Late Model Track Championship at the Motorplex in the weekly NASCAR Whelen All American Late Model events. "We respect Mark for his decision and look forward to Nicholas Formosa taking advantage of this opportunity," Joe Mattioli, President of the Music City Motorplex concluded.

The driver earning the most track points at the Motorplex in 2006 in either the Late Model or Super Truck divisions was to be given the opportunity to attempt to enter and qualify for the March 31st Craftsman Truck event in Martinsville. In that point battle, Day scored the highest, followed by Willie Allen and Nicholas Formosa.

While Willie Allen was next in line, he has a full time Craftsman Truck Ride in No. 13 National Pork Board Chevy Silverado for ThorSport Racing. Given that opportunity and commitment, Formosa is next in line for the opportunity to drive the Kevin Harvick Inc. Dollar General Operation Big Chance Craftsman Truck, with the May 26th event at the ½ mile Mansfield Motorsports Park in Mansfield, OH, the target event.

Nicholas Formosa's Super Truck No. 81 (Steve Cavanah Photo)

"My Grandfather was always my biggest fan and I was so glad he was able to see me win the 2006 Super Truck Championship and was there when I was presented with my Champion's Copley Guitar at the Champions Banquet in January. We lost him a few weeks ago and I miss him a lot, but I know that he will be with me every step of the way for what has to be the greatest opportunity in my racing career," Formosa concluded.

"The driver approval process has been initiated with NASCAR," stated DeLana Harvick, owner of the No. 2 KHI Truck Series entry. "Once that process is complete and we have received confirmation of his approval, KHI will work with Nicholas to make sure he is prepared and ready to attempt to qualify for his first NASCAR Truck Series race," Harvick continued. In addition, Nicholas must get fitted for the Dollar General truck and get some test time to make sure he is well prepared for Mansfield.

"Mark Day is a class act and we respect him both as a great driver and a fan favorite here in Nashville," said Rick McNeely, Dollar General's Vice President of Merchandising. "While we know Mark would have represented us well, we also know that Nicholas has what it takes to step up to this, the biggest challenge and opportunity in his racing career to date," McNeely concluded.