Busch Series Testing wraps up at Daytona

The NASCAR Busch Series prepares for the start of its twenty-second season as
testing concluded at the Daytona International Speedway.

In preparation for the Koolerz 300 on February 15, 2003, the testing, which
finished January 24th was divided into two sessions, fielded by even and odd
number positions in the 2002 owners points.

Former CART Series Champion Jimmy Vasser topped the speed charts (184.158
mph) as the fastest overall competitor in the two tests at the Speedway.

"They wanted to put some qualifying-type tricks to it to see how fast it
could go. Most of the guys probably haven’t done those things yet. That’s why it
appears to be a little bit faster than other cars." Said Vasser, who will
compete in ten Busch Series events for Braun Racing.

Defending race winner, Dale Earnhardt Jr was on top for his session. His No 8
Chevrolet was fastest with a lap of 183.520 mph around the famed 2.5-mile
tri-oval.

Earnhardt, who co-owns the team will mark his second start as a team owner.
His first outing was last fall at the Richmond International Speedway as he and
his team dominated and won the Hardees 250.

"This is a DEI based team owned by Teresa and myself. I’m pretty happy
about it. I’m real happy that we worked real good today. The guys that we’ve put
into place to work on that team have done a great job building the cars. They’re
real clean, real good. They’re no problem or bugs to work as of yet. Hopefully,
it’ll be fast on race day." Said Junior.

Others having impressive runs included Mike Bliss, who moved from the truck
series to team with Joe Gibbs Racing 184.030. Kevin Harvick in his Payday
sponsored machine 182.694 mph, Shane Hmiel, No. 48, Pontiac, 182.146, and two
time series Champion. Randy Lajoie, No. 7, Pontiac, 182.013.

Brewco Motorsports is gearing up for two new drivers as veteran and former
series Champion David Green will take over the rides as Jamie McMurray moves on
to the Cup series.

"This team is basically the 27 team from last year. Those guys won two
races (with Jamie McMurray). They know what’s going on. This is a very tough
place to come test. I don’t care if you’re an experienced team or a new team.
Our gelling period, the way we communicate, we’ve got that down. It’s just a
matter of getting our car where it needs to be now. It’s really going to be a
fun season. The guys have one goal and that’s to win races and win a
championship." Notes Green. (180.545 mph)

Teaming with Green is 19-year-old Chase Montgomery, the Tennessee native
finished fourth in the 2002 ARCA championship. Montgomery will drive the No. 27
Brewco Pontiac for seven events during the first half of the season.

"At Brewco Motorsports, we’ve had several very talented young men drive
our cars," team owner Clarence Brewer Jr. said. "Chase fits the same
mold that Casey Atwood, Kevin Grubb and Jamie McMurray did when they drove our
cars. Chase has shown he deserves this opportunity."

Montgomery is optimistic regarding his future; "I look forward to
working and continuing my learning experience with David Green and being part of
the team well into the future."

Brewco has indicated that they would like Montgomery to run a full season,
but they will need financial support beyond the first seven races.

2002 Series Champion Greg Biffle, with moving up to the Winston cup Series
turns his No.60 Roush Racing ford over to Stanton Barrett. Barrett who competed
in the first tests session was mid pack at 180.781 MPH.

Barrett and prospective teammate Hank Parker Jr, shared crews. Parker, who is
rumored to be joining Roush Racing worked with the team but was unable to
"officially" announce his 2003 plans, but the test sessions clearly
put the driver with the Ford Camp.

Parker was left without a ride, as his former team Jesel racing was unable to
secure sponsorship.

Forty drivers participated in four days of testing, with the slowest speeds
belonging to Donnie Neunenberger, No. 77, Ford, 179.454mph: C.W. Smith, No. 67,
Chevrolet, 179.412mph, mph Larry Gunselman, No. 16, Pontiac, 178.165mph &
Mike Harmon, No. 44, Chevrolet, 177.571mph