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NASCAR Trucks: Liberty Racing Unveils New Race Package at Homestead Test Session

31 January 1999

HOMESTEAD, FL-- After making a number of significant changes during the off-season, Liberty Racing introduced its new 1999 race package during the Ford NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series test at Homestead Motorsports Complex. If the results of the test session are any indication, the team is definitely on track for a strong season, as they consistently posted some of the fastest times among the Ford teams.

The team, which returns with sponsorship from Porter-Cable Professional Power Tools, brought two brand new trucks to south Florida for talented new driver Kevin Harvick to shake down. Along with Harvick, the team has the added benefit of experience with new crew chief Roland Wlodyka calling the shots. The third major addition is a new engine program supplied by Irvan-Simo Racings Signature Racing Engines.

"It was a great test," Harvick said. "The Porter-Cable Racing team accomplished everything we set out to do during this test session. We tested two of our new trucks and got a good feel for our new engine program. I was very impressed with the Signature motor program. We certainly wont be short of any horsepower this season."

The test also offered the first opportunity for Harvick and Wlodyka to work together in a race setting. "The most important thing from the test was the chance to work with Roland and the crew guys at the track," Harvick said. "I really like our chemistry already and Rolands experience is really going to be an asset this year. I cant wait to get the season started."

In keeping with its theme of change, Liberty Racing also used the test session to announce its decision to change the teams number for 1999. The team will return to the number 98 that it took to prominence with Kenny Irwin, Jr. and Butch Miller from 1995 to 1997. The team ran the number 84 during the 1998 season.

"With all the changes during the off-season, Liberty Racing and Porter-Cable felt we should go ahead and really start fresh this season," said Liberty Racing team owner Jim Herrick. "Liberty Racing has had great results running the number 98 in the past and we hope to return to that level of performance in 1999 with the number 98. In fact, there are even more changes in store, as Porter-Cable will be unveiling its new 1999 truck design at Homestead."

The season opening Florida Dodge Dealers 400 will be on Saturday, March 20 at the Miami-Dade Homestead Motorsports Complex. ABC will televise the event live.