TEAM REPORTS (DAYTONA, FLA.) - LAGASSE GETS ACQUAINTED WITH NEW TEAM, OUTLOOK FOR 2008 SEASON

For Scott Lagasse, Jr., a family connection provided the vital link to his new home at JTG Racing. That would be his father, Scott Lagasse, Sr. JTG Racing team owner Tad Geschickter had Scott, Sr. run a 1998 Busch Series event at Myrtle Beach Speedway and the two have remained in touch ever since.

For the past two years, Scott Lagasse has made several starts in both the NASCAR Busch Series and Craftsman Truck Series—a total of 18 in all. But the 2008 season will bring him a component that has been lacking thus far in his career—some stability. Lagasse is slated to pilot the No. 20 JTG Racing Ford F-150 for the entire season, with backing from the Nicholson Group.

The No. 20 JTG Craftsman Truck team is led by veteran crew chief Gary Cogswell, who last season, oversaw Joey Clanton’s rookie campaign in the truck series. Cogswell has a knack for working with rookies and should mesh well with his new understudy.

The team had a successful test at Daytona International Speedway last month, managing to avoid the trouble that swept up several other teams in the two-day session. They focused primarily on communication and drivability and are prepared to forego overall speed for consistency in their quest to get the year started off in the right direction.

WHAT THE TEAM HAS TO SAY: Scott Lagasse, Driver of the No. 20 JTG Racing Ford: “This has been a long time coming, it feels like. The Geschickters and I have been trying to work together for quite a few years now and finally we are able to make it happen. I am also extremely excited about running the full season with Gary and all of the guys. To be a part of the Ford Family is a great opportunity and to have the support of the Nicholson Group is very reassuring. We are planning on a cautious approach through the first part of the season but don't get me wrong, it's every driver's goal to win races.”

Our test at Daytona was a great exercise for all of us to work together, get to know one another and find a good setup for the race. I don’t think we’re going to set any land speed records next week, but we should race well and that’s what we need right now."

Gary Cogswell, Crew Chief of the No. 20 JTG Racing Ford: “Scott has had limited experience and a consistent program in the past and we’re hoping to change all of that this year. We just want to build a solid foundation and get some comfortable setups underneath him so he can drive to the best of his ability. Our goal for the first third of the season is to run every lap of every race and in the final 2/3 of the season, see what we can accomplish by going after it.”

Tad Geschickter, Owner of the No. 20 JTG Racing Ford: “I’m very hopeful that Scott and Gary are going to have success this year and keep our truck program moving in the right direction. I’m very happy that we were able to bring this group together this year and give Scott a consistent chance to do well on the race track.”

FAST & FUN FACTS: -Scott Lagasse, Jr. will pilot the No. 20 JTG Racing Ford F-150 as part of the 2008 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series lineup. His primary truck at Daytona will be chassis T3 and the backup is T5. -Scott Lagasse’s father once drove for JTG Racing team owner Tad Geschickter. -The No. 20 JTG Racing Ford F-150 will have Gary Cogswell on board as the crew chief.