NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver Andy Lally and Team Owner Kevin Buckler kicked off the 2008 season on Saturday by competing in the 46th running of the Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway. Lally raced one of seven cars fielded by Buckler and his TRG team at the historic high banks of Daytona, producing a podium finish for the GT Porsche team and historic success for the team.

Lally, who will compete for Raybestos Rookie of the Year honors in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series this year, helped drive the No. 66 Marquis Jet/Resorts International/Mitchell Rubber/Total Lubricants/IPC Porsche GT3 to second-place honors in the exhausting 24-hour event. Lally co-drove with Bryce Miller, Ted Ballou, and Porsche factory driver Richard Westbrook during the 24-hour race.

"We knew this was going to be a big deal and a competitive deal this year, and the guys really prepared back at the shop," said Buckler. "I've got a great group of guys, and they've been with me over 10 years. We put together this all-star driver lineup mixed throughout all the cars, friends of mine driving, buddies driving together, a bunch of different dynamics, and it seemed like except for one car, nearly everybody accomplished what they were after. The one poor car had an engine failure, which I felt terrible about. All my friends were in that car."

Buckler's cars finished second, third, and fourth; with Lally's group taking top honors within the TRG camp. "We finished second, third and fourth, which was unbelievable. We had three cars in the top-four, I'm sure that's never been done. We were one cooling system away from finishing 1-2-3, but I've got to say that I don't feel bad, because the Mazda performed flawlessly," explained Buckler. "The team did a good job and they deserved to win. We're in this for the championship hunt. We got our points, we were careful and we're going to go to Homestead, the next race. I just can't be prouder of the performance from everyone. I'm honored to be the leader of the ship, but I'm really just a cog in the wheel this weekend." TRG's remaining entries finished 18th, 25th, 28th, and 41st.

Lally led several times throughout the 24 hours in a mixture of weather conditions, leading as late as the 18th hour. Unfortunately for the team, persistent radiator problems forced the drivers to drive conservatively over the remaining laps and the No. 66 Porsche simply could not challenge for the win at the end.

Lally will have his next shot to win as the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series descends on Daytona's 2.5-mile tri-oval for the Chevy Silverado 250 on Friday, February 15th at 8 p.m. ET. Live television coverage will be provided by the SPEED Channel with radio coverage coming to you live from MRN Radio.