TODD BODINE MAKING HIMSELF AT HOME IN DAYTONA
Player Management International Media Release
Daytona Beach, FL (February 8, 2010) – Todd Bodine will be returning to Daytona International Speedway as the first ever driver to win back-to-back races at the 2.5-mile superspeedway after visiting Victory Lane in both 2008 and 2009. In fact, prior to Talladega in October 2009 where he finished 3rd, Bodine and his Germain Racing team netted victories in the previous four restrictor-plate races.
Aside from chasing history, Bodine will also be embarking on his 20th season of NASCAR competition and will soon reach the milestone of 800 career NASCAR starts. He currently sits at 795 starts and Daytona will move him one closer.
Bodine will be managing a busy week. A last-minute phone call from Kirk Shelmerdine has provided Bodine the opportunity to add another NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start to his resume. Just three hours after he completes NASCAR Camping World Truck Series practice, Bodine will be taking part in the opening Gatorade Duel 150, as he hops behind the wheel of Shelmerdine’s #27 Toyota Camry in an attempt to qualify for the Daytona 500 on Thursday afternoon.
When asked about the prospect of scoring a Truck Series trifecta at the legendary superspeedway, Bodine cracked a smile and said, “The main thing we’re focused on is returning to Daytona in the No. 30 GEICO Tundra to try to win again. We’re lucky to get one win there so to do it three times would be incredible. We appreciate GEICO stepping up and helping us out and we’re focused on getting them to Victory Lane.” He continued, “I’ve always loved Daytona International Speedway, ever since the first time I came here as a crew member changing tires on pit road – it’s a special place.”
In regard to the Gatorade Duel, Bodine is happy to have the opportunity, but understands the challenge.
“I’m thrilled that Kirk (Shelmerdine) called me and I’m going to do all I can put his car in the Daytona 500,” Bodine said. “It’s going to be tough, but I’m going to the best I can to take the #27 Camry to the front. Kirk is a great guy and I’m focused on doing a good job for him. This is Daytona and there are few things better than being on the starting grid for the Daytona 500.”
Bodine and the #30 GEICO Toyota Tundra will hit the track at Daytona International Speedway for the opening practice session on Wednesday, February 10th, at 6:00 PM (ET). Qualifying will be held on Thursday, February 11th, at 6:10 PM (ET).
The Gatorade Duel at Daytona is on Thursday, February 11th. The Gatorade Duel consists of two races, each of which consists of 60 laps/150-miles and affords teams the opportunity to race their way into the Daytona 500. The races will be televised live on SPEED beginning at 2:00 PM (ET), while the Motor Racing Network will carry the live radio broadcast.
The NextEra Energy Resources 250 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race is on Friday, February 12th, and it will be televised live on SPEED beginning at 7:30 PM (ET), while the Motor Racing Network (MRN) will carry the live radio broadcast.
To learn more about Todd Bodine, please visit www.TeamOnion.net
To learn more about Germain Racing, please visit www.GermainRacing.com