Bayne to Make Nationwide Series Debut at Bristol Motor Speedway

MOORESVILLE, NC., March 19, 2009: Dale Earnhardt Inc. driver Trevor Bayne will make his Nationwide Series debut in Saturday’s Scotts Turf Builder 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway. The Knoxville, Tennessee native will be piloting a Dale Earnhardt Inc. Chevrolet race car fielded by Jimmy Means Racing and bearing the No. 52. The entry is being sponsored by Taco Bell, with support from Front Row Motorsports.

Bayne considers Bristol Motor Speedway his home track, and was quick to mention his family’s history with the legendary oval.

“My dad has been bringing me to races at Bristol since I was nine years old,” Bayne said. “We would always get here a couple of nights early so we could attend all the festivities downtown for the fans. I can remember standing in line, waiting to get autographs from all the drivers. Races at Bristol are such a big deal, not just for the drivers but for the fans, too.

“For me to be making my Nationwide Series debut there is something I’ll never forget. It’s not too far from my hometown of Knoxville, so I’m going to have a lot of family and friends at the race cheering me on.”

Although the eighteen-year-old has never competed in the Nationwide Series before, this will not be Bayne’s first time racing at Bristol. From 2006 to 2008, Bayne competed in three USARacing Pro Cup Series races at the track, bringing home two top-five finishes.

“A lot of people have asked me why I wanted to make my Nationwide Series debut at Bristol,” Bayne continued. “Even though Bristol is a tough place to race, I’ve always felt comfortable there. The key is to keep your cool during the race. There is going to be a lot of side-by-side and nose-to-tail racing, so be prepared to get knocked around some.

“The goal is to just keep your car in one piece and be around at the finish. Of course, at a place like Bristol, that’s a lot easier said than done.”

Bayne’s opportunity to race Saturday was the result of the efforts of a number of people, most of whom worked on a volunteer basis.

“This deal came together pretty quickly and a lot of guys really stepped up to help me out,” Bayne said. “We had guys from Dale Earnhardt Inc., Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates and other race teams help out, as well as other volunteers from the industry. They would come to our shop at DEI after they got off work and start working on my car.

“I can’t thank them enough. Hopefully, I’ll make everybody proud on Saturday.”