TEAM REPORTS (DAYTONA, FLA.) - BDR Truck Stable Completes Daytona Testing

The Bill Davis Racing NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series trio completed their first testing session of the 2008 season. The vigorous three-day test at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway was extremely helpful to all parties involved.

The trio was led each day by Daytona Beach resident and runner-up in the 2007 NCTS points standings, Mike Skinner. Skinner, who is bound and determined to pursue his second series Championship, finished the test session in great spirits.

“We definitely had a few good days testing,” said the 1995 Series Champion. “We’ve had a lot of things go on with our race team during the off season, but it all came back together and everything seems to have fallen in place. We made a lot of changes over the last few days to our truck, and I am more than ready to get to the first race and get this 2008 season underway.”

Johnny Benson, Skinner’s veteran teammate and third place finisher in the 2007 NCTS points standings, was not near the top of the charts as much as he would have liked, but he was satisfied with the test overall.

“We ran pretty well,” Benson said. “We feel like we need to be a little bit better, but we’re not horrible. We’re decent in single truck runs, but we need to be a little bit better in the draft. I have total confidence in Trip [Bruce, crew chief] and the guys at the shop. By the time Daytona rolls around, we will be ready to run for this championship, no doubt.”

BDR’s newest truck driver and Raybestos Rookie of the Year candidate Phillip McGilton hit the track running strong. McGilton and crew chief Doug Wolcott made many necessary changes to the No. 22 Toyota Tundra throughout the weekend and wrapped up the third day among the top-10 on the speed charts.

“I think we are going to be stout for the race in February,” McGilton stated. “I felt great out there. The truck allowed me to move around quite a bit, and I can’t wait to get this season started. The guys really did a nice job of getting this truck ready for Daytona. I know they have some work to do to get this Tundra back where it needs to be after I got loose and into the wall a bit, but I know they can do it.”

The BDR truck stable had a very successful test and once again appears to be the team to beat in 2008. The truck trio will test again next week at Atlanta Motor Speedway before the season kicks off at Daytona in February.