Kodak Racing Team Please with First Test Session

Mooresville, NC - If there were any questions as to why 28-year-old Las Vegas Native Brendan Gaughan was selected to drive the No. 77 Kodak Racing Dodge, those questions were answered during the Preseason Thunder test session at Daytona International Speedway. After three days at the world center of auto racing, Gaughan was third on the speed chart overall and posted the 12th fastest lap during the two-hour drafting session Thursday.

Gaughan who maintains an upbeat personality was excited about his lap times but realizes this is only the beginning.

"I knew I could turn some great laps in the No. 77 Kodak Racing Dodge," said Gaughan. "This is a great team I have lucked into. The No. 77 team already had a great structure in place and with the partnership formed by Roger Penske and Doug Bawel, we have great engineering support as well."

"I need to stay grounded though because this is only the first test session," he continued. "I have to admit, the standards have been set, I think. The team and I worked well together out there and Shane [Wilson-crew chief] wouldn't have it any other way."

Contributing to the successful test session was NASCAR legend Buddy Baker. Standing high atop the spotter's stand, Baker called out to Gaughan when he felt an adjustment was necessary. All in all, Baker was more than pleased with the 2004 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Rookie of the Year contender.

"That kid has real talent," Baker commented. "He not only listens to the advice he is given, he actually asks for guidance in other areas. This is a talent long time coming. Everyone will be very pleased with the season's outcome. I am sure of it."

The No. 77 Kodak Racing Team returns to Daytona International Speedway February 4, 2004 for Speedweeks where Gaughan will make his NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series debut in the Daytona 500.

From Kodak Racing site