SPEED IS No. 1, IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE

Scott Speed may have had a rough start when returning to the states to race at the beginning of 2008, however it didn't take the talented rookie long to put that behind him. After a wreck in his Red Bull Toyota Camry at the season-opening Daytona race, the youngster buckled down and rallied towards the front each race thereafter.

With 13 races deep in the ARCA RE/MAX Series season, Speed takes over the points lead and is riding high heading into Nashville. With a 95 point lead over second place Matt Carter, Speed is taking it for what it's worth.

"I am here to learn and prepare myself for the Sprint Cup Series," said Speed. "The fact that I am in the ARCA lead just makes it that much better. I have a great group of people behind me and I am glad to show them what they have taught me has helped."

Not only does the diverse driver lead the ARCA RE/MAX Series Championship point standings, but Speed also leads the SunTrust Rookie of the Year standings, he leads the most laps lead (336) this sea- son, as well as the Superspeedway Challenge.

Even though Speed has never raced at the Nashville Superspeedway, he has run numerous laps on the track and he hopes that will help this weekend.

"Nashville should be a lot of fun," said Speed. "Over the last two weeks I have tested there twice, so

advantage."