RACING VENUES(HAMPTON, GA.) - Craftsman Truck Series Drivers Participate in Day One of Testing at Atlanta Motor Speedway

On a brisk morning, 31 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series drivers and teams converged at Atlanta Motor Speedway to begin preparations for the upcoming 2008 season.

Testing began shortly after 9 a.m. when Andy Lally took to the track. The second day of testing is scheduled for Jan. 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Defending Series champion Ron Hornaday Jr. was the quickest truck to circle the 1.54-mile quad-oval with a time of 31.529 seconds, (171.271 mph). Hornaday was followed by former AMS winner Todd Bodine and Terry Cook.

The test allowed drivers the opportunity to test at a non-restrictor plate track for the first time in 2008 and gave new teams and drivers a chance to gain consistency for the upcoming season. Second-year Craftsman Truck Series driver Joey Clanton, who grew up racing Legends cars around Atlanta Motor Speedway’s frontstretch quarter-mile oval, is among those looking to today’s test to help build a solid foundation for the 2008 season.

“It’s great to be back at Atlanta Motor Speedway, since this is my home track,” said an optimistic Clanton, who is driving for Roush Racing in 2008. “I’ve got a great group of guys behind me who are committed to winning. There have always been great opportunities here at Atlanta, and I’m hoping to win one for the home crowd.”

Tickets to the American Commercial Lines 200 Craftsman Truck Series race, as well as the entire Kobalt Tools 500 event weekend are available by calling the AMS ticket office at (877) 9-AMS-TIX (877-926-7849), 770-946-4211 or by visiting www.atlantamotorspeedway.com.