LALLY: Atlanta Race Preview
03-07-2008 1:50 pm

Andy Lally on Testing in Atlanta:  "We will have a slightly different approach to this weekend and it will be because of what we learned when we tested here.  I have been really fortunate to have a great group of guys on this crew, Butch, Josh, Tim, and Joel have been very helpful with my 500 questions a day as I try and learn as much as I can't about these trucks.  I can't wait for Atlanta to get started!"

Andy Lally on Racing in Atlanta:  "I don't like being out of the truck for too long.  It's only been two weeks since California but it seems like it has taken so long. It always seems to be like that when you come off of a race that was not to your liking, you want to get right back to it as soon as you can. This will be the first track that I race on other than Daytona that we will have tested at and although we did not have a really fast truck here over one lap, it seemed to be very strong over a fuel run."

Andy Lally Loves Atlanta!:  Andy Lally was a guest of Georgia Governor Sonny Purdue on Thursday, March 6th at Georgia's Motorsports Day.  The event was held at the State Capitol and drew attendance from fans and local media who came out to show their support for the handful of Georgia-resident NASCAR racer's who will be participating in events at Atlanta Motor Speedway this weekend. 

The Troops Rally for Their Fallen Tire Guy:  Andy Lally's No. 7 TRG Motorsports Chevrolet will carry a special decal in Atlanta in honor of 22-year-old Scott Nisbet, Tire Specialist on the No. 71 Chevrolet, who suffered cardiac related problems while at California Speedway on February 21st.  The Michigan native underwent open-heart surgery last week and is recovering well.

The Crew Chief's Call:  Chassis Selection:  Andy Lally's Crew Chief, Butch Hylton, has selected TRG Motorsports' Chassis No. 80 for the 130-lap American Commercial Lines 200.  This truck was purchased from Waltrip Motorsports and was last raced at California Speedway.

What They're Writing:  TRG Motorsports was highlighted in this week's edition of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series News & Notes.  Here is what they're writing.  - Experienced Newcomers:  TRG Motorsports may be new the new kid on the NASCAR block, but experience is something the team has.  Since its inception in 1993, TRG (The Racer's Group) has competed in and dominated the top level of sports car racing.  In the spring of 2007, owner and CEO Kevin Buckler made the decision to enter the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.  On the decision to enter the series, Buckler said, "The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series is extremely competitive. The guys are like gladiators out there."  With the rookie duo of Andy Lally (No. 7 TRG Chevrolet) and Donny Lia (No. 71 TRG Chevrolet, Buckler and crew feel they have put together two teams that will hold their own in the series.  The first three-time Grand Am Rolex Series champion, Lally is competing in his first full NASCAR season and is on a mission to win in the series.  Lia joins TRG following an impressive 2007 season in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour, which culminated with the series championship.  "I'm excited to be racing for TRG Motorsports. I know that we have good equipment and good people so I am confident heading into the season," he said. 

Andy Lally To Sign Autographs in Atlanta:  Andy Lally and his teammate, 2007 NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour Champion Donny Lia, will sign autographs for fans on Friday, March 7th at 2:15 p.m.  The duo will sign autographs at the Chevy display located outside of the front stretch at the 1.54-mile oval.  Weather permitting.