TEAM REPORTS (DAYTONA, FLA.) - AMBROSE SET FOR NATIONWIDE OPENER

Marcos Ambrose has everything in place for the opening race of the 2008 NASCAR Nationwide Series after the completion of final practice at Daytona International Speedway in Florida today.

Ambrose completed 28 laps in the practice session, focusing on race set-up during the session after showing strong outright speed yesterday in opening practice when the Australian was sixth fastest in the #59 Kingsford Hickory Ford Fusion.

Ambrose’s quickest time in today’s practice was set on his second lap of the session and put him 28th fastest on the time sheets in final practice.

The team at JTG Racing is excited about their prospects in 2008, with new #59 crew chief Walter Giles and his team all working tirelessly to give Ambrose the package to have them at the front this season.

Ambrose will be 28th in the running order for tomorrow’s qualifying before the 120-lap Camping World 300 is held on Saturday afternoon (Sunday morning Australian time).

Michael McDowell was fastest in final practice today ahead of David Stremme and Eric McClure.

Marcos Ambrose – #59 Kingsford Hickory Ford Fusion

“We have a good package heading into the serious end of the weekend and I think things are looking pretty good for us,” said Ambrose.

“The times around a superspeedway like Daytona have a lot to do with drafting, so I don’t really look too hard at the timing screens.

“What is important is having a car capable of running well out there in the draft and being confident to put your car where you need it to be in the last half of the race when you make your run to the front.

“The crew continues to work well and I’m happy with where we are at. Let’s see how we go tomorrow but so far, so good.”

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