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2004 Busch Series Champion Truex Inspects DIS Renovation
Truex Jr., who drives the No. 8 Chevrolet for Chance 2 Motorsports, participated in the monthly infield renovation update with Speedway President Robin Braig, who reported that the multi-faceted project remains on schedule and will be ready in time for the Dec. 26-30 Daytona KartWeek.
Truex Jr., who sat on the pole and finished 28th in first career Daytona start in February's Busch Series season opener, says the multi-million dollar renovation will make trips to historic Daytona International Speedway even more special for both competitors and race fans.
"Everybody knows this is our biggest race," Truex Jr. said. "Every young racer growing up dreams about racing at Daytona someday. I remember walking in here three or four years ago to come here to watch a race and being blown away by how big it was and how big this race was. I walked in here this year to race and it was multiplied times 10.
"It's just an incredible place to come to as a race fan or a race driver. It's probably one of the coolest places we get to compete. And now, obviously, it's going to be even better."
New amenities being added to the historic facility include:
Truex Jr. says the improvements from the infield renovation will be well received by the fans.
"This sport would be nowhere without the fans," Truex Jr. said. "They are probably one of the most important parts of our sport. They are what make everything happen. I think it's going to be great. They are going to get closer to the garages, closer to the drivers, and closer to what's going on and they will learn more."
Truex Jr., whose Busch Series owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. captured the 2004 Daytona 500, will take his first crack at winning the Daytona 500 in next year's "Great American Race" on Sunday, Feb. 20. In addition, he'll also compete in the Busch Series season opener - the Hershey's Take 5 300 - on Saturday, Feb. 19.
He calls his first start in the NASCAR's signature event - the Daytona 500 - a "huge day in his life."
"That's the biggest race in our sport," Truex Jr. said. "I can't believe I'm going to be a part of it. Obviously, it's going to be real exciting to get out there and hopefully help Dale Jr. try to win the race again. DEI has probably the best restrictor-plate program out here and that's real exciting for us drivers. We know when we come here that we have a shot to win the race."
Truex Jr. has exploded onto the NASCAR scene. After making 15 Busch Series starts in the past three years, Truex Jr. captured seven poles and six victories on his way to his first NASCAR championship in 2004.
The Mayetta, N.J., driver never envisioned things moving so fast in his racing career.
"A year and a half ago, I never thought I would be a champion in the NASCAR Busch Series," Truex Jr. said. "Things are happening really fast. I can't thank everybody at Dale Earnhardt Inc. enough all the opportunities and all things they've done for me. It's been a lot fun. It's been a great road and hopefully it'll continue for a long time."
Race fans hoping to catch a glimpse of the massive construction project can visit DAYTONA USA and take the Speedway Tour, which costs $7.50 plus tax. The Oldfield Grandstand is also open and free to the public.
The Speedway's Web site, www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com, will also have weekly updates on the infield renovation project.
Tickets for Speedweeks 2005 events, including the 47th annual Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 20, are available online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling 1-800-PITSHOP.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., (Nov. 17, 2004) -- Martin Truex Jr. clinched the 2004 NASCAR Busch Series championship last weekend at Darlington Raceway. On Wednesday, Truex Jr. visited a transforming Daytona International Speedway where he'll begin his defense of his Busch Series championship and make his first Daytona 500 start during Speedweeks 2005.
Martin Truex Jr.