Carl Edwards & #63 Team Have Successful Daytona Test
Carl
Edwards had seen Daytona International Speedway, but only dreamed about running
on the 2.5-mile high-banked track until Saturday, January 11, 2003. Carl and the
MB Motorsports #63 Ford Truck team participated in the “NASCAR Preseason
Thunder” test session in preparation for the Florida Dodge Dealers 250 on
February 14, 2003.
Carl
not only got to live his dream this past weekend, but made Sunday worthwhile by
running 50.027 seconds @ 179.903 mph to be the 6th fastest truck when
testing ended. Saturday was also successful as Carl piloted the #63 to a 50.426
second lap at 178.483 mph during his first encounter at Daytona. Mother nature
washed out Monday’s drafting session.
"This
was exciting," exclaimed Carl. "This is a dream come true for me. I came here in
2001 with this team as a crew helper. Last year I listened to the race on the
radio from my Bradenton, Florida hotel room, where we were running our Baby
Grand Stock Car. I kept thinking, I'm only one hour away. I'll never get there."
"Mike
Mittler and the #63 Ford Truck team have given me the greatest opportunity,"
continued Carl. "This track is so much fun. I like the high banking. I never
imagined how much the truck moves around in the draft. We drafted with 4 other
trucks late Sunday. I go a lot by what I feel in my butt and I'm telling you it
felt like the front wheels were not touching the ground at times when we were
drafting."
"I have
been running Daytona on my computer game as much as possible to prepare for the
race in February," Carl stated. " I also have increased my cardiovascular
workouts to help with my endurance. I've read a lot about getting around this
place. Rick Crawford has been great to me. He gave me a lot of very valuable
tips on how to handle the truck and how it would react. I plan to also talk with
Ken Schrader who has a zillion laps around Daytona."
"I'm
really looking forward to Speedweek," Carl commented. "When we come back in
February I want to run in the draft for long periods of time so I can learn as
much as possible. I want to win at Daytona!"
The
“Florida Dodge Dealers 250” will be run on Friday, February 14, 2003. SPEED
Channel will broadcast live each NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series practice session,
as well as the entire race during Speedweeks. MRN radio will also air the race
live.
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