The first race of the 2009 season proved to be an exciting one for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. There were 15 lead changes among 12 drivers in the 100-lap race. Two drivers received penalties for crossing over the yellow line in the first 20 laps of the race and one of those drivers, Todd Bodine, ended up being the first driver to cross the finish line. Bodine's victory made him the first driver to win two races in a row at Daytona International Speedway in Truck Series history. The win also increased the Germain Racing streak to four superspeedway victories in a row with the No. 30 Toyota Tundra.
"I can't believe it. It's incredible. I'll tell you, it's this truck right here. This thing will fly. The whole race I'm following guys, I'm under them, behind them and they're all fighting their trucks -- just bouncing all over. This thing was rock solid all night. Never pushed, never got loose -- unbelievable. I've got to thank the fans for being in the grandstands and watching on TV. This is a great sport, we all love it and thank you very much," exclaimed a jubilant Bodine from his second trip to the most coveted victory lane in NASCAR. "We've got such a good team, it's a crying shame we don't have a sponsor on our quarter panels to share this win with."
Crew chief Mike Hillman Jr. has used the same chassis for all four of the team's superspeedway wins.
"We've got the best team when it comes to speedway racing, we've got the best driver and the best Tundra. I'm just proud to be part of it," said Hillman. "It's awesome to be the last winner for our long-time series sponsor, Craftsman, which remains the Official Tool of NASCAR, and to be the first-time winner for our Camping World. Our goal is to win every race we can and be the first Camping World Truck Series champions."
The two-time Daytona International Speedway winner Bodine said the No. 30 Tundra played a big role in the repeat win at the Truck Series season opener.
"That truck just does whatever you ask it to do. Junior made a few changes to it during practice, we didn't change a lot, just a few odds and ends. I was following those guys in practice and racing with them, watching them bounce all over the track and I was just back there riding smooth in our No. 30 Tundra," said Bodine. "This win is just a testament to how good this team and that Tundra really are."
Bodine hopes this win at Daytona will encourage a new sponsor to join the hardworking No. 30 Tundra team soon. He's confident the team can continue to deliver on their winning reputation and take a new sponsor on another run at the series championship.
"Germain Racing is a great opportunity for a new corporation to get involved in our sport and be involved with a great race team. It's not often you can come in and be involved with a race-winning team right off the bat. We took a sponsor to their very first race in 2006. In that race, we earned our first pole award, won the race and went on to win the championship for a first-time NASCAR sponsor. We did it before and we can do it again," said Bodine.
Bodine's win is the team's second win in a row at the Truck Series season opener, it's also the team's second consecutive win as the No. 30 Tundra closed out 2008 with a win at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Next on the schedule is California Speedway, a track where the team has one win and last year twice held the lead before finishing second.
Germain Racing is actively seeking primary and associate sponsorship on the No. 30 Toyota Tundra, and can combine these programs with the team's entries in NASCAR's Sprint Cup Series and NNS. For more information on adding your company to the competitive spirit at Germain Racing, visit www.germainracing.com today
