TEAM REPORTS (DAYTONA, FLA.) - CUT TYRE RUINS DAY FOR AMBROSE

Marcos Ambrose has endured a less than ideal start to the 2008 NASCAR Nationwide Series with a cut tyre leading to a forgettable day in the Camping World 300 at Daytona International Speedway in Florida today.

Ambrose started the race from 33rd position and made steady improvement throughout the first half of the race in the #59 Kingsford Hickory Ford Fusion.

After a slight brush with the wall, Ambrose had his right rear tyre deflate, forcing the Australian to make an unscheduled pit stop for a new tyre.

Subsequent damage to the guard then resulted in some bodywork falling from the car and the damaged guard eventually rubbed the new tyre to result in a further puncture.

With a damaged car that was already many laps down due to two unscheduled pit stops, Ambrose and his JTG Racing team eventually pulled the car in to be classified in 39th position.

Ambrose and the team are now focussed on next weekend’s Stater Brothers 300 at California Speedway, the second race in the 2008 NASCAR Nationwide Series.

Tony Stewart won today’s Camping World 300 ahead of Kyle Busch and Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Marcos Ambrose – #59 Kingsford Hickory Ford Fusion

“It's been a bad day,” said Ambrose.

“It's not the way you want to start the season. We scrubbed the wall just a little bit, and then cut a tyre about seven or eight laps later.

“We came in and fixed it and went back out, and then we lost the sheet metal. We did everything but crash again, came in and fixed that. Then we cut another tyre. In the end we called it day.

“We'll go back to the shop, set a plan and see everyone in California next week.”

CLICK HERE to see Marcos’ special green Daytona livery on TheHotLap.com.