Daytona Duel: Brandon Whitt preview

BRANDON WHITT/ DUTCH QUALITY STONE RACING TEAM FAST FACTS:

* Brandon Whitt and CJM Racing have joined forces to run a limited NASCAR NEXTEL CUP (NNCS) schedule in the 2007 season; kicking it off with the season opening Daytona 500

* Whitt will run for Rookie of the Year honors this season in the NNCS

* CJM Racing made the switch from Dodge to Chevrolet this season and RCR engines will be the powerhouse under the hood

* In order to gain valuable track time, the No. 51 Brandon Whitt Racing (BWR) Toyota Camry will make its debut at the high banks of Daytona this weekend running in the ARCA 200

BRANDON WHITT ON THE RELATIONSHIP WITH CJM RACING:

"CJM Racing has made some great strides in the off-season to help boost our performance. We switched over to RCR engines and they have put some key people in place over there. We keep getting stronger every week."

"It's funny how things have worked out. A chance meeting at the Texas race last year turned into a great relationship for the 2007 season and hopefully beyond. This is a dream come true for me."

BRANDON WHITT'S THOUGHTS ON THE TRANSITION TO THE NNCS:

"I've learned a lot and feel a lot more at ease because of all the testing we've done. You need a lot more finesse with the Cup cars than with the trucks and that suits my driving style just fine."

BRANDON WHITT ON DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY:

"I still can't believe where I was sitting just last year to where I am at in 2007. To be able to go to Daytona and race (in any series) is an incredible feeling but to be able to go to Daytona and compete in the NNCS ... there are no words. I'm thankful for this opportunity. The team is ready to put what we've learned in the off-season to good use. We know what we need to do heading into Daytona and I think that realistically this team is capable of making a great showing."

-credit: cjm racing