Lori Hamilton (L) joined with longtime Dodge engine builder Joey Arrington to form Bobby Hamilton Racing Virginia. (Ronda Greer Photo)

As the new year gets under way and the season ushered in, 2008 also brings significant change for one of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series' veteran organizations.

In December, Bobby Hamilton Racing announced that the organization would enter into a partnership with Arrington Manufacturing for the 2008 season and beyond. With that partnership also came the decision for the team to relocate from its home in Tennessee to Martinsville, Va., all in an effort to bring the team closer to the hub of NASCAR.

The newly reconstituted Bobby Hamilton Racing Virginia (BHR VA), with the full support of manufacturer Dodge, expects the year to be fruitful. Dodge, a three-time NASCAR Craftsman Truck Manufacturers' champion with 64 victories, hasn't seen Victory Lane since the late Hamilton won at Mansfield Motorsports Park in May 2005.

Former teammates and veteran drivers Stacy Compton (No. 4 BHR VA Dodge) and Dennis Setzer (No. 18 BHR VA Dodge) join BHR VA's roster for the upcoming season and are making a homecoming of sorts to the manufacturer. Each of Compton's two victories were recorded in a Dodge. Setzer also has driven a Ram truck to Victory Lane.

During a visit to Daytona's infield media center as part of NASCAR Preseason Thunder, Setzer said, "Joey (Arrington) has a facility second to none. There is young talent in the shop, a group of people that can get all aspects of this pulled together and that means to get Dodge back on track. It's very exciting."

The No. 18 BHR VA Dodge at Daytona Preseason Thunder. (Ronda Greer Photo)

Equally optimistic, Compton echoed Setzer's appraisal. "We've made the first right step at getting Dodge back on track with the people they've got working in the program. When we unloaded here in Daytona, I was surprised at the amount of support they are putting into the truck program and how well it's all been going."

Clay Campbell, president of Martinsville Speedway and co-owner of BHR, sees this as nothing but a move in the right direction and his decision to get involved with BHR he calls a "no brainer".

A racer himself, the partnership provides for him a unique opportunity to see the other side of the fence in racing. "I had the utmost respect for Bobby Hamilton, what he built, and think it's neat to be able to carry his vision forward. Everyone is incredibly motivated, I know it will translate to success on the track," Campbell said.

Compton recorded a best speed of 176.828 in single-truck laps, making him fifth quickest during Saturday's test session.

As newly minted team co-owner, Arrington had the final words. "As Bobby would say, it's just time to kick their butt," he said.