ARCA

Daytona test day one 2003-12-19

A Day of Firsts in ARCA RE/MAX Series Test Session Teams Use Sunoco Gas Pumps For First Time Kyle Busch Takes First Laps Around Daytona DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., (Dec. 19, 2003) -- The ARCA RE/MAX Series kicked off a three-day test session on Friday ...

Published: Dec 22, 2003, 6:42 PM

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Ryan Hemphill was the first driver to use the new Sunoco gas pumps at Daytona International Speedway

A Day of Firsts in ARCA RE/MAX Series Test Session
Teams Use Sunoco Gas Pumps For First Time
Kyle Busch Takes First Laps Around Daytona

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., (Dec. 19, 2003) -- The ARCA RE/MAX Series kicked off a three-day test session on Friday at historic Daytona International Speedway in preparation for the Advance Discount Auto Parts 200 on Saturday, Feb. 8.

Ryan Hemphill was the first driver to use the new Sunoco gas pumps at Daytona International Speedway.

Photo by Daytona International Speedway.

History was made before the test started on Friday morning. Ryan Hemphill, who wheels the No. 77 Dodge for Braun Racing, was the first driver to use the new Sunoco gas pumps located near the legendary pit road at the "World Center of Racing."

"That's pretty cool," Hemphill said. "We were sitting at the gate waiting to fill up and it dawned on us that we were going to be the first ones. It's pretty cool to have that privilege."

Kyle Busch, driving the No. 87 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports, was fast throughout the first day of testing, posting the fourth fastest lap with a speed of 182.497 mph. Dan Shaver was the fastest overall with a lap of 184.075.

Kyle Busch, the younger brother of NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series star Kurt Busch, will campaign a full season in the NASCAR Busch Series in 2004.

During Speedweeks 2004, he'll use the Advance Discount Auto Parts 200 ARCA RE/MAX Series race on Saturday, Feb. 8 as a tune-up for the season-opening Busch Series race - the Hershey's Kisses 300 - on Saturday, Saturday, Feb. 14.

"I get experience with the ARCA race the weekend before," Busch said. "I think it'll definitely help us out. Maybe we'll make our Busch car somewhat like this (ARCA) car if it runs good."

The move to the Busch Series won't be an easy task for Busch, who takes over the No. 5 GMAC Chevrolet that Brian Vickers drove to the 2003 Busch Series championship. Vickers moves up to the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series in 2004.

"All the (crew) guys have put all the expectations on the table and I guess I've got to beat them," Busch said. "They want a repeat. I guess the rookie driver is going to have to come through and do his best. That's what we're looking forward to."

Kyle Busch prepares to make a run on Friday during the ARCA RE/MAX Series test session at Daytona International Speedway.

Photo by Daytona International Speedway.

While Busch has visited Daytona International Speedway before, the test session is the first time he has turned laps around the 2.5-mile tri-oval.

"I've been here with Kurt and my mom. I was like seven," Busch said. "We just came through with the infield tour. To be back and be able to race at this facility is an amazing dream that has come true. Hopefully, we can have a good experience and make it worth while."

Tickets for all Speedweeks 2004 events are available online at www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com or by calling the Speedway ticket office at (386) 253-7223.

<pre> Day 1 ARCA RE/MAX Series test speeds (Top 10) 1. Dan Shaver 184.075 mph 2. Ron Cox 183.981 3. A.J. Henriksen 183.359 4. Kyle Busch 182.497 5. Paul Menard 182.419 6. Christi Passmore 181.712 7. Bobby Gerhart 181.112 8. Brent Sherman 180.825 9. Shane Hmeil 180.458 10. A.J. Fike 180.429

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